General

An immune system condition in which the thyroid gland is affected is called Graves’ disease. This condition causes the thyroid to produce an increased amount of hormones (also called hyperthyroidism). Thyroid hormones are essential for the body to function properly. In people with Graves’ disease, multiple organs and body structures are negatively affected by the […]

A mood disorder that causes a prolonged feeling of sadness and loss of interest is called depression (also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression). It negatively affects your feelings, thoughts, and behavior and may cause multiple physical and emotional issues. Depression may interact with your daily activities and you may feel that life […]

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 […]