What is acid reflux? Silent reflux is a lesser-known form of acid reflux that can bring on various symptoms not typical of acid reflux. The difference between acid reflux and silent acid reflux is that acid reflux results in acid traveling back up the esophagus whereas with silent reflux acid moves into the pharynx, larynx, …

The five-year survival rate of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has more than doubled in recent years with 70 percent of patients surviving for more than 5 years. Previously, the typical survival rate of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was three to five years. With advancements in diagnostic and treatment strategies, survival rates increased beyond five years, following CML diagnosis. Since then, …

Learn about cystogram vs. cystoscopy in terms of procedure, uses, and risks A cystogram is similar to a cystoscopy in terms of the conditions both are used to diagnose. However, there is a key difference in the procedure: Cystography is an imaging test that uses X-rays to diagnose problems in the bladder.  Cystoscopy is a procedure that uses a hollow …

Iron’s role in the body Low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. If you are anemic, you do not have enough healthy red blood cells. Being low on iron is one cause of anemia. If you are anemic, you do not have enough healthy red blood cells. You also may be low on hemoglobin, a protein …

What is Lou Gehrig’s disease? Lou Gehrig's disease is a progressive and degenerative neurological disease. The cause of Lou Gehrig's disease may be genetics, environmental factors, autoimmunity, or other unknown reasons. Lou Gehrig’s disease is a progressive and degenerative neurological disease. It attacks nerve cells in your spine and brain, and your symptoms steadily worsen as your nerve cells die. …

Generic Name: clozapine Brand Names: Clozaril, Versacloz Drug Class: Antipsychotics, 2nd Generation What is clozapine, and what is it used for? Clozapine is a second generation atypical antipsychotic medication used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications are essential for treating delusion and hallucination, the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Clozapine …

Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, physicians have gotten a better grasp of what occurs when migraines become chronic. Constant migraines are known as chronic migraines. These are migraine headaches that last for 15 days or more for three consecutive months. It is unknown what causes constant migraines. However, researchers believe that there are certain possibilities that cause …

Learn the most common causes and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not a single disorder; instead, it is an umbrella word used to represent a variety of heart and blood vessel-related disorders. The terms heart and blood vessel disease or heart disease and CVD are used interchangeably. In the United States, about 659,000 individuals die …

Generic Name: dextroamphetamine Brand Names: Dexedrine, ProCentra, Zenzedi Drug Class: Stimulants; ADHD Agents What is dextroamphetamine, and what is it used for? Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant drug used to treat a chronic sleep disorder (narcolepsy) that causes daytime drowsiness, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children. Dextroamphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine drug that mimics the action of …

Transurethral resection of the prostate involves removing excess prostate tissue that may be blocking urine flow Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia). TURP is safe (no external incisions needed), effective (most men experience significantly stronger urine flow within a few days), and fast …