What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is caused by the two upper chambers of the heart beating irregularly. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when the two smaller, upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly instead of rhythmically. This abnormal condition can allow blood clots to form inside the heart and later travel to …
Read More »What Are the Three Types of Asthma?
What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic medical condition that causes breathing difficulties. Asthma is a long-term medical condition that causes breathing difficulties due to airway narrowing, airway swelling, and excessive mucus production in the airway. An asthma attack is a reversible condition, but it may be severe. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways may tighten, and …
Read More »What Are the Four Stages of HIV?
What is HIV? The four stages of HIV are categorized by a blood count test of a certain type of immune cells called CD4+. The lower these levels fall, the worse your infection. Ultimately, the count may drop so low it's classified as AIDS, stage 4 of HIV. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the cells of the immune system. The …
Read More »What Are the Five Types of Crohn’s Disease?
What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease with five types, classified based in symptoms and the general location of the inflammation in the intestine. Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It belongs to a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect any part of …
Read More »What Are Some Common Eye Infections?
What is an eye infection? Eye infections can be bacterial or viral. They typically cause redness, swelling, discharge, watery eyes or general discomfort in the eyes. An eye infection is a condition in which viruses, bacteria or other microbial agents may attack the eye. This can cause itching around the eyes or the eyes may turn pink. The infection can …
Read More »How Long Does It Take to Recover From Wrist Arthroscopy?
What is an arthroscopy of the wrist? Arthroscopy of the wrist involves surgical visualization to diagnose and treat disorders of the wrist joints. The use of a fiber-optic instrument, known as an arthroscope, helps the surgeon to visualize the inner parts of the joints. The wrist is a complex joint that consists of eight bones and various connecting ligaments. When …
Read More »How Do You Shrink Rectal Prolapse?
What is rectal prolapse? Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the last part of your large bowel (rectum) comes out of your anus. This can happen in any of the following three ways: The entire rectum comes out of the anus Only a portion of the rectum is pushed through the anus The rectum has moved out of its …
Read More »How Do You Feel When You Have HIV?
What is HIV? Initial symptoms of HIV are flu-like, but you may not have any symptoms at all, at first. That's why you should base your decision to get an HIV/AIDS test on your potential exposure history, not the appearance of symptoms. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the cells of the immune system (CD4 cells). CD4+ …
Read More »How Do I Know If I Have Endometriosis?
What is endometriosis? Endometriosis may have no symptoms, or it may be characterized by intense pain and heavy periods, among other signs. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) grows at extrauterine sites. It is seen in the ovaries, uterine tubes, vagina, cervix or intestine. It is an extremely painful condition that affects approximately 6% …
Read More »How Can You Detect Breast Cancer Early?
What is breast cancer? Detecting breast cancer early can drastically improve treatment success. Regular checkups, self exams and mammograms as recommended by your doctor can help detect breast cancer early. Breast cancer develops from the cells of the breasts and can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). It is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women …
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