Mercury poisoning definition and facts* Readers Comments 7 Share Your Story *Mercury poisoning facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP The severity of mercury poisoning depends on the level of exposure, usually determined by a blood test. Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water and soil. A highly toxic form (methylmercury) builds …

What is pantoprazole (Protonix)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Pantoprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec) and rabeprazole (Aciphex). Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of stomach conditions such as duodenal …

Got a cold and need something for a nagging cough? Some over-the-counter treatments may give you relief. Three types of medicines can ease a cough caused by a cold or bronchitis; suppressants, expectorants, and ointments you apply to your skin called topicals. What cough medicine stops a hacking cough fast? Suppressants do their job by blocking your cough reflex. Dextromethorphan …

What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth refer to any of the four third molars that grow in after puberty. Wisdom tooth is another name for any one of four third molars found in the permanent dentition (adult teeth). These teeth are the last or most posterior teeth in the dental arch. Although most people have wisdom teeth, it is possible …

What is a balance disorder? SThe bony labyrinth inside the ear is how you sense balance. Disorders of this organ lead to dizziness and vertigo, among other symptoms. A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy, as if you are moving, spinning, or floating, even though you are standing still or lying down. Balance disorders …

Subconjunctival hemorrhage facts A red patch on the white of the eye is a sign of a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The conjunctiva is the thin tissue that covers the sclera. It is the outermost protective coating of the eyeball. The wall of a small blood vessel within the conjunctiva may break spontaneously or from injury, causing a red area on the …

Keloid facts Keloids are firm, pink to red, itchy, irritated bumps that tend to gradually enlarge and appear at the site of previous skin damage. Keloids develop as a consequence of abnormal scar formation. People with darker skin are typically more predisposed to develop keloids. Simply cutting out a keloid is likely to result in an even larger keloid developing …

What is high blood pressure (hypertension)? Readers Comments 36 Share Your Story Regular blood pressure monitoring is a necessary part of treating hypertension. High blood pressure or hypertension, means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean …

Leprosy (Hansen's disease) facts The progression of leprosy includes skin ulcers and lesions accompanied by loss of sensation and eventual loss of digits and other extremities. Leprosy is a slowly developing, progressive disease that damages the skin and nervous system. An infection with Mycobacterium leprae or M. lepromatosis bacteria causes leprosy. Early symptoms begin in cooler areas of the body …

What is motion sickness (sea sickness, car sickness, altitude sickness)? Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Motion sickness symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats. Motion sickness is the feeling you get when the motion you sense with your inner ear is different from the motion you visualize. It is a common condition that occurs in some people …