General

A bacterial infection that spreads from animals to people and causes fever, joint pain, and extreme tiredness (fatigue) is called brucellosis. People often become infected with this infection by eating raw or unpasteurized dairy products. In some cases, a person may become infected from inhaling air droplets that contain the bacteria or direct contact with […]

A lung infection that usually happens in young children and infants and causes swelling and irritation in the small airways of the lung is called bronchiolitis. This is a common lung infection that may also cause a buildup of mucus in the airways. Small airways of the lungs are called bronchioles. In most cases, this […]

A fracture of one of 3 arm bones (including the ulna, radius, and humerus) is called a broken arm. Falling onto an outstretched hand is one of the most common causes of a broken arm. Seek emergency care if you think you or your child has a broken arm. Immediate treatment is important to ensure […]

A fractured or broken ankle is an injury or trauma to the bone that is often caused by a simple misstep, fall, or direct trauma during a car crash. The severity of a broken ankle is often different among people. It ranges from small cracks in the bones to breaks that pierce the skin. Physicians […]

A tangle of blood vessels that leads to an irregular connection between the brain’s veins and arteries is called a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM). In normal circumstances, the arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain, and the veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the lungs and heart. When this condition occurs, the […]

A group of nerves that send signals between the spinal cord and the shoulder, arm, and hand is called the brachial plexus. Injury to these nerves usually occurs when the nerves are stretched, squeezed together, or ripped apart from the spinal cord (the most severe case). Mild brachial plexus injuries (also known as stingers or […]

This is a rare but very serious health condition that occurs due to a toxin that damages the body’s nerves. It is called botulism, and sometimes it may cause life-threatening symptoms. One of the bacteria that produces this toxin is called Clostridium botulinum. Some people may experience this condition due to a wound or food […]

A mental disorder that causes continuous thoughts about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance is called body dysmorphic disorder. A flaw is a body part that is usually a minor problem or cannot be seen by others. People with this condition typically feel ashamed, embarrassed, and anxious. Moreover, they try to […]

A type of anxiety disorders that cause fear and avoidance of places or situations that cause panic or feelings of being trapped, helpless, or embarrassed is called agoraphobia. People with this anxiety disorder usually experience fear due to an actual or upcoming event or situation. For example, some people experience fear when using public transport, […]

Small and dark areas on the skin are called age spots (also known as liver spots). These spots usually vary in size and mostly appear in areas that are continuously exposed to the sun. For example, the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Sometimes, age spots are called sunspots or solar lentigines. These spots are very […]