What is osteoarthritis? What is osteoporosis? Share Your Story Picture of a doctor showing an X-ray to a woman. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic joint pain, and affects over 23 million Americans. The definition of osteoarthritis is degeneration of joint cartilage tissue and the underlying bone.  The definition of osteoporosis is a …

Mastoiditis in children and adults definition and facts Readers Comments 8 Share Your Story Mastoiditis in adults and children is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Mastoiditis (acute and chronic) is a bacterial infection of the mastoid cells in the mastoid bone, which is located just behind the ear. Mastoiditis can become serious if the infection spreads outside the …

What’s the difference between skin tags and moles? Though skin cancer can look like a mole, true moles are harmless skin irregularities. Skin tags and moles are both types of skin growths. A skin tag is a small, soft balloon-shaped benign skin growth connected to the skin by a thin stalk. Skin tags are extremely common and harmless. They tend …

Facts on sciatica exercises and stretches Share Your Story Certain exercises and stretches may provide some relief from sciatica pain. Sciatica describes the symptoms associated with inflammation of the sciatic nerve. These include pain in the low back radiating to the buttock or hip and then down the leg to the foot and toes. There may also be associated numbness …

Piriformis syndrome facts Piriformis syndrome causes pain that radiates down the back of the leg along the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome is an uncommon cause of pain and other symptoms in the buttocks and/or lower back that can radiate down the leg to the foot. Piriformis syndrome is usually due to compression or contraction of the piriformis muscle on certain …

What is the difference between hemoglobin and hematocrit? Hemoglobin is the iron-based molecule type that gives blood its red color and ferries oxygen to the rest of the body. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells and hematocrit is a measurement of the amount of red blood cells as related to total blood cell count. Both hemoglobin and hematocrit …

What should you know about heartburn? A Woman with Heartburn Symptoms Heartburn is a symptom that feels like a burning in your chest, and is a symptom of acid reflux (GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease). Do most people get heartburn? Heartburn is more common during pregnancy. Most people get heartburn after meals, but can also awaken people while they are sleeping. …

Cipro vs. Flagyl Differences Flagyl (metronidazole) and Cipro (ciprofloxacin) are both types of antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Flagyl also is used to treat some parasitic infections. The drugs are in different antibiotic drug classes. Flagyl is in the nitroimidazole antibiotic drug class, and Cipro is in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Common side effects of both Flagyl and …

What are yeast infections and diaper rash in infants, babies, toddlers, and children? Share Your Story A yeast diaper rash infection can be caused by many things. Yeast infections are infections by fungi (yeast) predominantly of the genus Candida, species albicans that may, depending on the health of an individual's immune system, cause superficial infections of mucocutaneous disease like thrush, to life-threatening …

Septic shock facts Share Your Story Septic shock is a potentially life-threatening condition. Septic shock describes a catastrophic situation where infection overwhelms the body's immune system and potentially causes organ failure and death. By definition, blood pressure is low, organs like the heart, lung, kidney, and liver fail to work properly, and medications are required to support and maintain blood …