What is ankylosing spondylitis? The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known. A combination of age, sex, and genetic and environmental factors may increase the risk of ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also called Bechterew disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease. Ankylosing spondylitis affects the joints of the body, especially the small joints of …
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What is sleep apnea? The most common warning signs of sleep apnea include recurrent awakenings or insomnia, loud snoring, and others. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which an individual’s breathing frequently stops during sleep. The inadequate breathing causes oxygen levels in the blood to drop and disturb sleep. In severe cases, sleep disturbances may happen hundreds of …
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What is an open appendectomy? An open appendectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix. An appendix is a small, finger-like structure at the junction of the small and large intestine. The function of the appendix is largely unknown and its removal seems to not cause any observable problems. However, its infection can be painful. An …
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What is depression? Antidepressants are drugs used to treat depression. Depression is a type of mood disorder and serious medical illness. It negatively affects the thought and the behavioral process of life. If an individual is suffering from depression for more than two weeks, it is called a major depressive disorder or clinical depression. Depression often leads to sadness and …
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What is throat cancer? The early symptoms of throat cancer may be similar to a cold in the early stages (e.g., a persistent sore throat). Sore throat and hoarseness that persists for more than two weeks. The early symptoms of throat cancer may be similar to a cold in the early stages (e.g., a persistent sore throat). Sore throat and …
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Facts you should know about X-rays Share Your Story X-ray of herniated disc between L4 and L5 X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through solid objects, including the body. X-rays penetrate different objects more or less according to their density. In medicine, X-rays are used to view images of the bones and other structures in the …
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What is trisomy 18? Trisomy 18 or Edwards syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes a raft of life-threatening birth defects. Only a small minority of infants born with Edwards syndrome live more than a year. Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, is the second most common trisomy behind trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). It occurs in 1 in 5,000 …
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What is a migraine? The exact cause of migraines is still unknown. A combination of certain triggers, such as bright light, and weather changes. A migraine is a type of severe headache that is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting. External influences and changes in the brain are thought to trigger a migraine, however, the exact cause is still unknown. …
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What is congestive heart failure? The four stages of congestive heart failure depending on the functional capabilities of the heart. Congestive heart failure is a severe progressive condition that affects the pumping power of heart muscles. Because of decreased cardiac output, the organs get inadequate blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Congestive heart failure usually affects the lungs, heart, and kidneys. A …
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What is prednisone? Prednisone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids, which are a type of steroids. Prednisone reduces inflammation and allergy symptoms. For example, prednisone is commonly used to treat the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and allergic asthma. How does prednisone affect my body? Prednisone regulates various chemicals produced by your body that are involved in inflammatory swelling …
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