What causes Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism may be caused by several reasons. Hypothyroidism may be caused by several reasons. The causes are broadly divided into primary and secondary causes. Primary causes of hypothyroidism: They refer to the conditions directly affecting the thyroid gland and causing it to make low levels of thyroid hormones. Primary causes of hypothyroidism are far more common than...
Echocardiogram Definition, Procedure Prep, Test Results
What is an echocardiogram? What is the definition of echocardiogram? An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart’s structures. The heart is a two-stage electrical pump that circulates blood throughout the body. The anatomy includes four chambers and four valves. For the heart to function normally these structures need to be intact and the heart muscle needs to beat in...
Bunion Treatment Surgery, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Facts you should know about bunions Picture of a bunion. Image Source: Photo courtesy of Evelyn Taylor A bunion is a bony prominence from realignment of the joint at the base of the big toes. Bunions most commonly affect the inner foot at the base of the big toe but also can affect the outside of the foot at the...
Side Effects of Xenical (orlistat): Interactions & Warnings
Does Xenical (orlistat) cause side effects? Xenical (orlistat) is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor used combined with a reduced-calorie diet to promote weight loss. Xenical also may be used to prevent weight gain after weight has been lost. Candidates for treatment with Xenical are patients who are obese with a body mass index (a measure of obesity) of more than 30...
What Does a Shingles Rash Look Like at First?
If patients have had a history of chickenpox, the risk of reactivation of the chickenpox virus as shingles includes physical or emotional stress, age over 50 years, and others. The typical shingles red rash or blisters occur after pain, itching, and tingling. They are usually limited to one side of the face and body. Shingles on the face, scalp, mouth,...
Emphysema First Signs, Symptoms, Life Expectancy & Treatment
Emphysema definition and facts Emphysema does not affect the quantity of life, but rather quality of life. There are no studies that can predict life expectancy in individuals with emphysema. The BODE score can help measure the quality of life and prognosis for future functions. Emphysema is a destructive disease of the lung in which the alveoli (small sacs) that promote...
Echocardiogram Definition, Procedure Prep, Test Results
What is an echocardiogram? What is the definition of echocardiogram? An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart’s structures. The heart is a two-stage electrical pump that circulates blood throughout the body. The anatomy includes four chambers and four valves. For the heart to function normally these structures need to be intact and the heart muscle needs to beat in...
Bunion Treatment Surgery, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Facts you should know about bunions Picture of a bunion. Image Source: Photo courtesy of Evelyn Taylor A bunion is a bony prominence from realignment of the joint at the base of the big toes. Bunions most commonly affect the inner foot at the base of the big toe but also can affect the outside of the foot at the...
What Are the Side Effects of Stereotactic Radiosurgery?
What is stereotactic radiosurgery? Stereotactic radiosurgery is a way to deliver radiation to tumors or other abnormalities deep in the brain or other hard-to-reach areas of the body. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a radiation treatment that uses focused delivery of radiation in high doses to precise locations in the body. It is used to treat certain tumors and other abnormalities...
How to Get Rid of Acne (Pimples) Causes, Symptoms & Home Remedies
What is acne? Readers Comments 14 Share Your Story Illustration of Comedones: Blackheads and Whitehead by MedicalRF.com Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is a disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back that affects almost all teenagers during puberty — the only exception being members of a few primitive Neolithic tribes living in isolation. It is not...