Constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, however it can vary slightly between patient to patient as to what they define as their normal (MayoClinic). The signs and symptoms of constipation include straining during a bowel movement, passing fewer stools than normal, having lumpy or hard stools or feeling as if…
The common flu is a viral illness caused by the virus influenza types A, B, or C. The flu is a contagious illness, which means that it can be spread from person to person if a sick person causes droplets to get onto another from coughing, sneezing, or physical contact like kissing. The flu is…
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm muscle is a large muscle in your abdomen that plays a large role in breathing. With each contraction of the diaphragm, the vocal cords close causing the “hic” sound. Hiccups can be caused by alcoholic or carbonated beverages, sudden excitement, or large meals. Rarely, hiccups…
RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial virus, which is a viral infection affecting the lungs and respiratory tract. RSV is a very common viral illness that infects most children by the time they turn two years old. RSV can also occur in adults and older children. The symptoms in older children and adults may be less…
Kidney stones are deposits of hard minerals and salts that form in the kidney. They can form because of diet, obesity, and certain medical conditions. A kidney stone may form in any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the ureter. A stone will typically form when urine gets concentrated, which allows the…
HPV stands for Human papillomavirus and is the most common sexually transmitted infection. The virus is transmitted through physical or sexual contact with someone who has the virus, even if that person does not have any signs of the virus. Signs and symptoms of HPV may not be seen for many years after initial infection,…
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common infection that affects your urinary system. The urinary system includes the urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidneys. A UTI may affect any part of the urinary system. Symptoms of a UTI include urinating frequently, pain with urination, urine leakage, and pain your side or lower back, and…
High cholesterol is correlated with increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Cholesterol can be reduced with the use of medications or lifestyle changes. It is preferred that cholesterol is lowered with lifestyle changes first to help reduce the amount of medications used and precent any adverse side effects that medication may cause. If…
Green tea has been consumed in China and Japan for thousands of years, and is starting to become a popular research topic for its discovered health benefits. Green tea contains flavonoids which are substances found in plants and flowers and studies have shown that the flavonoids in green tea can help in heart health, lowering…
Lupus is a generalized term for an autoimmune disease that has many different manifestations throughout the body. These include Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous Lupus, and Drug-Induced Lupus. The most common, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a systemic multi-organ autoimmune disease caused by the creation of antibodies against one’s self. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus more commonly occurs in…
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder that causes memory impairment, and is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s is most commonly diagnosed after age 65, however, there is a type called “early-onset Alzheimer’s disease” that is diagnosed prior to age 65. There are two classifications of Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s…
Rashes can occur for a variety of reasons, here are some of the most common rashes and what you need to know about them! Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that waxes and wanes. The exact cause is unknown, however it is known that soaps, detergents, and certain foods can cause flare ups….
As you age, your body starts to become more susceptible to various health problems. Listed below are a few of the most common problems you may run into as you age. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and is caused by the wear and tear of daily life on the cartilage. Over time, the…
Chronic kidney disease is the continuous decline in the kidneys’ abilities to filter blood from toxins, and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States (CDC.gov). In order to be classified as chronic kidney disease, the GFR needs to be less than 60 mL/minute/1.73m2 or structural or functional kidney damage, for…
