Aspirin vs. Xarelto: What’s the difference? Aspirin and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are anticoagulants used to prevent blood clots (antithrombotics). Aspirin is also used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Xarelto is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Brand names for aspirin include Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, and E.C. …
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Typhus facts Typhus is a vector-borne bacterial disease; there are two types termed endemic and epidemic. Typhus has a long and deadly history, especially epidemic typhus. Bacteria causes typhus. Rickettsia prowazekii causes epidemic typhus. Rickettsia typhi and, occasionally, R. felis cause endemic typhus and are transmitted to humans by vectors such as lice (mainly epidemic) and fleas (mainly endemic). Risk …
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What should you know about factitious disorders (Munchausen syndrome)? What is the medical definition of factitious disorder? Facticious disorder (previously called "Munchausen syndrome") is characterized by feigning or intentionally producing physical or emotional symptoms in another person in order to place that person in the sick role. What are the symptoms of factitious disorders? Symptoms a victim of factitious disorders …
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What should you know about jaundice in newborns and babies? Jaundice is the yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and the whites of the eyes (sclerae) caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). The term jaundice is derived from the French word jaune, which means yellow. Jaundice is not technically a disease, but rather it is …
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What should you know about phlebitis and thrombophlebitis? Phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein and it can be caused by any insult to the blood vessel wall, impaired venous flow, or coagulation abnormality. Thrombophlebitis refers to the formation of a blood clot associated with phlebitis. Thrombophlebitis can be superficial (skin level) or deep (in deeper veins). Phlembitis usually affects …
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What should I know about pelvic pain? Share Your Story The medical definition of pelvic pain is perceived pain in the pelvic area and the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones. Usually, the term pelvic pain is used to refer to pain in the reproductive organs (uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina) in women. What causes pelvic …
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Facts you should know about pregnancy tests Home pregnancy tests are a cheap and effective way of learning when you should see the doctor about your pregnancy. *Facts you should know about pregnancy tests medically edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone in a woman's blood or urine: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is …
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What is the thyroid gland? What are thyroid diseases? Share Your Story Thyroid diseases are treated depending on the type of disorder you have. The thyroid gland makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate at which food is converted into energy. Thyroid hormones are essential for the function of every …
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Corticosteroids vs. NSAIDs facts Corticosteroids are a type of hormone, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) are non-narcotic pain relievers. Both medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation in the body. NSAIDs are also used to treat pain and reduce fever. Common corticosteroids include prednisone, cortisone, and methylprednisolone. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), indomethacin …
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Aspirin vs. Tylenol (acetaminophen): What’s the difference? Aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are used to treat fever, and pain in the body. Aspirin is also used to prevent blood clots (antithrombotic). Aspirin and Tylenol belong to different drug classes. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). Brand names for aspirin …
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