General

Problems with passing stool are called constipation. This condition is often diagnosed when you pass stool fewer than 3 times per week. It is a common condition that usually occurs due to a lack of dietary fiber, fluids, and physical exercise. Sometimes, certain medicines and health conditions can also cause constipation. Commonly, treatment involves dietary […]

A rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it is called contact dermatitis. This condition is not contagious but can be very uncomfortable because one of the primary symptoms is intense itching. There are a lot of substances that may cause this reaction. These include fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, plants, […]

An autoimmune disease that negatively affects the thyroid gland is called Hashimoto’s disease. An organ that is located at the base of the neck, below the Adam’s apple, is called the thyroid. It produces essential hormones that help the body to function properly. This condition occurs due to an immune system response, in which antibodies […]

A condition that causes reduced blood flow to a part of the large bowel (colon) is called ischemic colitis. Reduced blood flow to the colon leads to decreased oxygen to the intestinal cells, which results in damage and swelling of the bowel tissues. Moreover, decreased blood flow may also cause narrowing of the blood vessels, […]

This is a colon (large intestine) condition that causes swelling (inflammation) and irritation of the intestine. The most common symptom of microscopic colitis is watery diarrhea. The name of the condition comes from the colon tissue seen under the microscope. However, large intestine tissue usually appears typical on examinations with a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. […]

A condition of the bile ducts in which inflammation causes scars within the bile ducts is called primary sclerosing cholangitis. These ducts carry the digestive liquid (bile) from the liver to the small bowel. Scars that appear due to inflammation may narrow the ducts and make it difficult for bile to flow. Over time, this […]

An inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have decreased hemoglobin is called thalassemia. The chemical that helps red blood cells carry oxygen is called hemoglobin. People with thalassemia usually experience extreme tiredness (fatigue) and anemia (low red blood cell count). Those who have a mild form of thalassemia may not need treatment. In […]

A health condition in which the lower part of the aorta (the body’s main artery) becomes enlarged is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The primary artery of the body starts from the heart and moves through the center of the chest and the abdominal (belly) region. Moreover, it is the largest blood vessel in the […]

This is a condition in which brief and sudden lapses of consciousness happen. It is called an absence seizure and mostly occurs in children rather than adults. Children with this seizure type may stare blankly into space for several seconds. Thereafter, he/she returns quickly to be alert. Usually, this condition does not cause physical injuries, […]

A swallowing health condition that negatively affects the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach) is called achalasia. It often happens due to damage to the nerves that control the esophagus muscles. They help squeeze food and liquid into the stomach. In people with achalasia, food may begin to collect in the […]