breast cancer

What is potassium? What is low potassium? Why do we need it? The effects of low potassium include may cause heart palpitations, muscle cramps, muscle aches, and muscle weakness. Potassium enters the body through diet and is one of the primary electrolytes (crucial chemicals for cell function), and is concentrated within the cells of the …

Facts you should know about pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) Streptococcal infections can cause PANDAS. PANDAS is an acronym for "pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections." It is a fairly recently described disorder (1990s). An autoimmune response to a streptococcal infection is the leading theory as to the cause of PANDAS. It is diagnosed …

Facts you should know about thoracic outlet syndrome Picture of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) showing symptom areas Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition whereby symptoms are produced from compression of nerves or blood vessels, or both, because of an inadequate passageway through an area (thoracic outlet) between the base of the neck and the armpit. Thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms include …

High blood pressure occurs due to the tightening or stiffness of very small arteries High blood pressure or hypertension affects around 80 million Americans. Hypertension is also known as “the silent killer” because it often goes unnoticed and may cause serious complications such as kidney diseases, heart diseases, heart failure, and stroke. As many as 16 million Americans are unaware …

What are the symptoms of hypertension? Many people do not experience any symptoms with high blood pressure. Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. In some patients, the following symptoms may be seen Severe headaches Fatigue   Confusion Dizziness Sweating Chest pain Vision problems Apart from the common symptoms above, …

What are thyroid problems? Thyroid problems manifest with different symptoms depending on the underlying cause. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the anterior (front) aspect of the neck. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, body temperature, heartbeat and the digestive system. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism occurs when …

What does gastritis feel like? Gastritis causes abdominal pain, nausea and other symptoms. Usually, individuals with gastritis complain of episodes of gnawing, piercing pain in the stomach. This pain may either worsen or get better when eating or vomiting. People with gastritis may have uncomfortable feelings in their upper stomach just below the breastbone and above the belly button. Apart …

What is a sore throat? Strep throat is caused by a bacteria. A sore throat is irritation and scratchiness in the throat accompanied by pain that often worsens with swallowing. A sore throat is often the first warning sign of an infection. The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection. Rarely, a bacterial infection can cause …

What are the triggers for rosacea flare-ups? Sun exposure and emotional stress are the most common triggers Anything that causes your rosacea to flare up is called a trigger. Sun exposure and emotional stress are the most common triggers for rosacea flare-ups in most patients. Other triggers include the following: Hot weather Smoking Wind Heavy exercise Alcohol consumption Hot baths …

What is the body mass index (BMI)? Body mass index (BMI) is an approximate measure of obesity. Body mass index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of the body’s height in meters. It indicates whether the weight is appropriate for the person’s height. Another way to calculate BMI is to multiply the person’s weight in …