General

An eye condition in which damage to the optic nerve occurs is called glaucoma. Thus, damage to the optic nerve may lead to partial or complete vision loss (blindness). In normal circumstances, this nerve sends visual information from the eye to the brain and it is essential for good vision. In most cases, damage to […]

Inflammation of the small filters in the kidneys (glomeruli) is called glomerulonephritis. Waster and excess fluid that glomeruli remove from the bloodstream goes away from the body through the urine. Moreover, this condition may occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic) and may happen on its own or due to other health problems (including lupus or […]

Irregular growth of the thyroid gland is called goiter. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ located at the neck base below the Adam’s apple. While goiter may be an overall enlargement of the thyroid gland, it may result or irregular cell growth that often forms either one or more nodules (lumps). The goiter can […]

A common bacteria that is usually carried in the intestines or lower genital tract is called Group B strep (streptococcus). Commonly, it is harmless, especially in healthy adults. In any case, it may cause a serious condition called group B strep disease. Moreover, it also may cause serious infections in adults with chronic health conditions […]

A health condition in which the immune system (body’s defense) attacks the nerves is called Guillain-Barre syndrome. It usually causes numbness, paralysis, or weakness. The primary symptoms of this syndrome are tingling and weakness in the hands and feet and sometimes these symptoms spread fast and cause paralysis. The advanced form of this condition is […]

A burning pain that occurs in the chest (behind the breastbone) is called heartburn. Commonly, the pain worsens after a meal, in the evening, when lying down or bending over. In some cases, this condition may appear without any obvious reason or symptoms. People usually manage heartburn discomfort on their own with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines […]

This is a condition in which blood appears in the urine and it is called hematuria. While sometimes the cause is harmless, it may indicate serious diseases. Sometimes, it is not possible to see blood in the urine (gross hematuria). If the blood cannot be seen with the naked eye it is known as microscopic […]

Repeated or sudden diaphragm movements that cannot be controlled are called hiccups. The muscle that separates the chest from the stomach region is called the diaphragm and it plays an essential role in breathing. Diaphragm spasms may cause vocal cords to suddenly close and make a “hic” sound. Hiccups often happen when you drink alcohol […]

A type of heart valve disease that negatively affects the valve between the left chambers of the heart is called mitral valve prolapse. In people with this condition, the leaflets (flaps) of the mitral valve are floppy and they bulge (prolapse) such as a parachute into the left upper chambers of the heart each time […]

A common fungal infection of the nail that causes brown, white, or yellow spots under the tip of the fingernail or toenail is called nail fungus. Discoloration and thickening of the nail may happen when the condition advances. This infection may negatively affect either one or more nails. Commonly, treatment is not needed if you […]