breast cancer

How long is a cold or flu contagious? Discover how long a common cold and the flu are contagious. Both colds and the flu are contagious and are caused by viruses. However, the viruses that cause colds (for example, rhinoviruses) are not the same as those that cause the flu (influenza viruses). Although the typical …

Heat stroke facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Heat stroke can be fatal. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated. The cause of heat stroke is an elevation in body temperature, often accompanied by dehydration. …

Postsurgical fatigue introduction When you are tired after surgery, your body is telling you to rest. Patients often question why they are so tired after surgery. Many patients think that because they have been “put to sleep with anesthesia” that they should be refreshed and have more energy as they recover from their surgery. However, the tired feeling (fatigue) after …

What is Cipro? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It stops the multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). The FDA approved ciprofloxacin in October 1987. Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Examples of other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class …

What are uterine growths? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Illustration of the female reproductive system Uterine growths are tissue enlargements of the female womb (uterus). Uterine growths can be caused by either harmless or dangerous conditions. Growths are sometimes referred to medically as masses or tumors. An example of a harmless (benign or non-cancerous) growth, which does not pose …

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 up in fish, shellfish and …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …