General

When a person requires and cannot stop using nicotine, it is called nicotine dependence. A specific chemical in tobacco that makes it difficult to stop taking it is called nicotine. It also produces temporary pleasing effects in the brain that usually cause it to want another cigarette. Furthermore, the more you smoke, the more nicotine […]

A highly contagious infection that usually occurs in childhood and causes a rash on the face is called parvovirus infection or slapped cheek disease. It happens quite commonly and is also known as the fifth disease because it is the fifth disease in the common childhood diseases that cause rash. This infection is commonly mild […]

A hormonal disorder in which the pituitary gland produces high amounts of growth hormone in adulthood is called acromegaly. People with high growth hormone levels usually notice an increase in bone size. While increased height in childhood is known as gigantism, height changes do not happen in adulthood. However, in adults with acromegaly bone size […]

An irregular connection between a vein and an artery is called an arteriovenous (AV) fistula. In normal circumstances, the blood flows from arteries to capillaries (small blood vessels) and after that to the veins. Therefore, the nutrients and oxygen in the blood go from capillaries to the body’s organs and tissues. Commonly, arteriovenous fistulas occur […]

A health condition that causes sudden muscle weakness on one side of the face is called Bell’s palsy. In most cases, weakness is temporary and improves over a few weeks. However, when it occurs it causes half of the face to droop and the eye of the affected part of the face is hard to […]

A health condition caused by influenza type A virus infections found in different bird species is called bird flu or avian influenza. Sometimes, birds may not have symptoms but certain strains may cause serious illness, which may even lead to the bird’s death. This virus rarely affects humans. However, healthcare providers are worried about these […]

A burning feeling in the mouth without any reason that occurs frequently is called burning mouth syndrome. People usually feel this burning on the gums, lips, tongue, inside the cheeks, roof of the mouth, or in the whole mouth. Severe burning may happen if you injure the mouth with a very hot drink. While burning […]

A health condition that causes small fluid-filled blisters on and near the lips is called cold sores (also known as fever blisters). The blisters caused by this condition usually are grouped together in patches. Thereafter, the blisters break and scabs form that last a few days. In most cases, cold sores heal within 2-3 weeks […]

One of the most common bacteria that normally live in the intestine of healthy people and animals is called Escherichia coli (E. coli). While most E. coli types are harmless, some of them may cause diarrhea. However, there are some E. coli strains (such as O157:H7) that may cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and bloody […]

A serious mental health condition that usually is difficult to diagnose and treat is called a Factitious disorder. It causes a person to deceive others by appearing sick, by intentionally getting sick, or by self-injury. This condition usually appears when family members or caregivers falsely present other people including children as being ill, impaired, or […]