Hdkino Health and Medical Information

Steroid drug withdrawal facts Discontinuing steroidal drug use can produce withdrawal symptoms like fatigue. Synthetic cortisone medications (corticosteroids) simulate cortisol, a naturally occurring, anti-inflammatory hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Such drugs (for example, prednisone) have since benefited many, but are not without potential side effects. The two major problems related to continuous steroid treatment …

What is a stroke? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story FAST is an acronym to help you quickly recognize the warning signs and symptoms of stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is cut off. The symptoms depend upon the region of the brain that is affected by the loss of blood supply …

Facts you should know about postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) PHN is a painful complication that occurs after a shingles infection. PHN is caused by viral damage to nerve cells. PHN is diagnosed by the patient's history and physical exam. Treatment often requires more than one agent to reduce pain. PHN may last one to two months, but some patients have PHN …

Hemoglobin A1c definition and facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Hemoglobin A1c Levels and Ranges Hemoglobin is the molecule within red blood cells.that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. A small percentage of the hemoglobin has sugar attached to it, and this type of hemoglobin is known as hemoglobin A1c.. The amount of hemoglobin A1c depends on the level …

What are the differences between Lexapro and Prozac? Lexapro (escitalopram) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants used to treat depression. Lexapro is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Prozac is also used to treat bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Prozac is also prescribed in combination with Zyprexa (olanzapine) to …

What are the differences between indapamide and thiazide diuretics? Indapamide and thiazides are diuretics (water pills) used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and accumulation of excess fluid (edema), which may result from congestive heart failure. Side effects of indapamide and thiazide diuretics that are similar include low blood potassium (hypokalemia), muscle weakness, low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia), increased uric acid …

What facts should I know about pancreatic cancer? Picture of a Man with Pancreatic Cancer by iStock The pancreas, located in the abdomen, has cells with endocrine (hormonal) and exocrine (digestive) functions; cancer cells can develop from both types of functional cells. Most pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas. Few patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have identifiable risk factors. Pancreatic cancer is …

Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever (legionellosis) facts X-ray image of lungs of patient with Legionnaires’; disease Legionellosis is an infection that is caused by a bacterium. The bacterium thrives in droplets of water and moist conditions usually associated with water systems. The bacterium can infest an entire building. The illness takes two distinct forms: Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires' …

Knee injury facts Picture of Knee Joint The knee is one of the most common body parts to be injured. Types of common knee injuries include sprains, strains, bursitis, dislocations, fractures, meniscus tears, and overuse injuries. Knee injuries are generally caused by twisting or bending force applied to the knee, or a direct blow, such as from sports, falls, or …

What is prednisone? How does it work? Prednisone is a drug that belongs to the corticosteroid drug class, and is an anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressant. It's used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions, for example: inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), lupus, asthma, cancers, and several types of arthritis. Common side effects are weight gain, …