What are antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA)? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Between 95 and 98% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) have autoantibodies (antibodies to self) in their blood that react with the inner lining of mitochondria. These autoantibodies are called antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA). Mitochondria are the energy factories present inside all of our cells, not just the cells...
Are Bananas Bad for Kidneys?
Bananas are not bad for the kidneys unless the kidneys are damaged. Bananas are not bad for the kidneys unless the kidneys are damaged. Damaged kidneys build up potassium in the blood, resulting in serious heart problems. Potassium is present in bananas, other fruits and vegetables (such as potatoes, avocados and melons). People with advanced kidney disease are usually advised...
Contact Lenses: Get Facts About Different Types
Contact lenses have come a long way lately, and offer some exciting options for the consumer. You can bat a pair of baby blues one day, then flash golden tiger eyes the next. You can toss your disposable lenses in the trash each night. Or you can leave in your extended wear lenses for an entire month. For people with...
Are Cold Sores the Same as Herpes?
What are cold sores vs. herpes? Cold sores are small blisters that appear on the lips and face. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Genital herpes is caused by the HSV-2 virus and it is spread by sexual contact. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause sores on the mouth and genitals. Cold sores Cold sores are small...
COPD vs. Asthma Symptoms: 6 Differences and 6 Similarities
Facts you should know about COPD vs. asthma Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Asthma and COPD are both chronic lung diseases. COPD is mainly due to damage caused by smoking, while asthma is due to an inflammatory reaction. COPD is a progressive disease, while allergic reactions of asthma can be reversible. Initial symptoms can be similar in both diseases,...
Dislocated Ankle: Treatment, Recovery, Surgery, vs. Sprain & Symptoms
Facts you should know about a dislocated ankle A dislocated ankle means that the tibia and talus no longer maintain their normal anatomic relationship. An isolated dislocated ankle is a rare injury. Usually, there is an associated fracture of the bones that make up the ankle. The ankle usually dislocates as a result of a fall, motor vehicle crash, or...
14 Tonsillitis Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Cure
Tonsillitis and adenoid infection facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Illustration of inflamed tonsils. Tonsils and adenoids are composed of tissues similar to the lymph nodes or glands. Acute tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils caused by one of several types of bacteria or viruses. Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection of the tonsils and can cause tonsil...
Keratoplasty Eye Surgery (ALK): Read About Side Effects
What is keratoplasty eye surgery? Automated lamellar keratoplasty eye surgery, or ALK, is a surgical procedure used to correct vision in people with severe nearsightedness and mild degrees of farsightedness. What Happens During Keratoplasty Eye Surgery? Keratoplasty eye surgery, performed under local anesthesia, usually takes less than an hour to complete. A cutting device is used to make a small...
Is Tonsillitis Contagious? Infection Transmission & Symptoms
What is tonsillitis? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story The viruses or bacteria that cause tonsillitis may be contracted via person-to-person contact. The large tonsils are two oval-shaped areas of lymphoid tissue that occur on the left and the right side of the throat. These tonsils are also referred to as the palatine tonsils. In addition, there are two lingual...
Fundoplication Surgery Types, Recovery & Complications
What is fundoplication? Readers Comments 47 Share Your Story Fundoplication is a surgery used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by strengthening the barrier to acid reflux when the sphincter does not function normally. Fundoplication is the standard surgical method for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD causes inflammation, pain (heartburn), and other serious complications (such as scarring and stricture)...