What is oximetry? Oximetry is a procedure for measuring the concentration of oxygen in the blood. The test is used in the evaluation of various medical conditions that affect the function of the heart and lungs. How is oximetry done? This is done using an oximeter, a photoelectric device specially designed for this purpose. A reusable probe can be placed...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Definition, Symptoms, Treatment, Transmission
Facts you should know about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection Respiratory Viral Infections RSV is a highly contagious virus infection that is most prevalent during the winter season. Most children who develop an RSV infection have mild symptoms of fever, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and cough. High-risk groups are more likely to have a more severe disease process, including wheezing...
Pulmonary Hypertension Symptoms, Classes, Medications & Life-Expectancy
Pulmonary hypertension definition and facts Pulmonary hypertension is elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries that carry blood from the lungs to the heart. Pulmonary hypertension is abnormally elevated pressure in the pulmonary circulation. The classification of primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension has been reclassified, and now is based on the main underlying disease or condition, symptoms, and treatment options for...
How Do You Fix Anemia? Causes, Signs & Treamtent
What is anemia? Anemia describes a condition in which you have a low red blood cell count and low hemoglobin levels. This is a serious condition as red blood cells and hemoglobin carry oxygen to all your cells, allowing them to burn energy. If you’re anemic, you’ll likely feel fatigued and short of breath, lacking physical stamina. You may develop...
Sciatica: Causes, Treatment, and Symptoms
What are the symptoms of sciatica? Sciatica is a symptom itself rather than a specific diagnosis. It is the term used to describe any type of shooting pain that begins at the spine and radiates through the buttocks and down the back of the leg and as far as the foot. Sciatica symptoms can range from a mild nuisance to...
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Incisional Hernia Surgery?
What is an incisional hernia? An incisional hernia is a type of hernia caused by an incompletely healed surgical wound. A hernia is a bulge or protrusion of body tissue or an organ through the structure that normally contains it. A hernia usually occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes itself through a weak spot in a surrounding area. In an incisional hernia, the intestine pushes...
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms, Treatment, Causes
Facts you should know about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD as men. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an emotional illness that doctors first formally diagnosed in soldiers and war veterans and is usually caused by terribly frightening, life-threatening, or otherwise highly unsafe experiences but can also be caused by devastating life events like...
Pilonidal Cyst: Treatment, Drainage, Home Remedies & Causes
Pilonidal cyst facts Treatment for pilonidal cysts involves draining the infection (abscess), usually by lancing open the wound. A procedure called an "incision and drainage" (I&D) is performed either using local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Pilonidal cysts are sacs filled with hair and skin debris that form at the top of the crease of the buttocks above the sacrum. A painful abscess...
What Are Stretch Marks? Treatment, Causes & Risk Factors
Stretch marks are linear streaks that appear on the skin due to the skin being overstretched. The lines at first are red and turn white over time. Stretch marks appear as linear streaks on the skin that has been overstretched, and they run perpendicular to maximum lines of tension in the skin. Stretch marks begin as flat red lines, and...
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Breast Cancer?
What is breast cancer? Breast cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells within the breast. The risk factors for developing breast cancer include age, genetics, family history, personal history, menstrual history, breast density, previous radiation therapy, ethnicity, body weight, physical activity level, reproductive history, alcohol consumption and hormone pill use. Breast cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells...