What is portal hypertension? Portal hypertension occurs when blood flow through the liver is obstructed. The liver serves many purposes within the body from making carbohydrates, proteins and fats to synthesizing bile to help digest food. Because of this, the liver requires a significant blood supply. As opposed to other organs in the body, the …

Plantar fasciitis facts Plantar fasciitis, or foot ligament inflammation, can be painful. Plantar fasciitis (inflammation to the plantar fascia ligament) is most commonly caused by strain injury causing micro tears to the ligament as it attaches to the heel bone or other areas of tightness on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia is the largest ligament in the …

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) definition and facts Readers Comments 49 Share Your Story Peripheral artery disease occurs when blood vessels in the limbs get clogged. The term peripheral vascular disease is commonly used to refer to peripheral artery disease or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), meaning narrowing or occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques of arteries outside of the heart and brain. Peripheral …

What is Mohs surgery? Picture of Mohs surgery scar Mohs surgery, also referred to as Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), is a special technique that utilizes both pathology and surgery to remove skin cancers in a physician's office. Tissue containing the tumor is frozen on a cryostat, and very thin horizontal slices of tissue are cut from the bottom-most layers of …

What should I know about menstruation (monthly period)? What is the medical definition it?* Picture of the female reproductive system *Medical section written by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Everyone (adolescent boys and girls) who is about to enter puberty (the process of body changes that cause a child’s body to become an adult body capable of reproduction) should be …

Sun-sensitizing drugs (photosensitivity) definition and facts Many common medications cause photosensitivity in some people when exposed to sunlight. Sun-sensitive or photosensitive drugs are drugs that cause a moderate to severe skin reaction that is similar to a bad sunburn when exposed to the sun (UV rays), usually the forehead, nose, hands, arms, and lips. Many common medications cause this reaction …

Sunburn and sun poisoning definition and facts Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story Picture of acute sunburn Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation damages the skin the eyes. Immediate symptoms of a sunburn are hot, red, tender skin; pain when the skin is touched or rubbed; and dehydration. …

Prostate problems definition and facts* Common prostate problems are prostatitis, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer. *Prostate problems facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD The prostate is a gland that is a part of the male reproductive system that wraps around the male urethra near the bladder. The gland is about the size of a walnut and grows larger …

Sore throat definition and facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Picture of a Girl with Sore Throat Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home. Sore throat symptoms include pain, burning, or scratching sensations at the back of the throat, pain when swallowing, and tenderness in …

Tuberculosis skin test facts Readers Comments 13 Share Your Story Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) Procedure for Detecting Tuberculosis by McGraw Hill The tuberculosis skin test is another name for the tuberculin test or PPD test. The PPD test determines if someone has developed an immune response to the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Blood tests for TB are also available, …