Category: Health Problems

Hybrid Capture-Based Human Papillomavirus Detection

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major cause of cervical cancer. Hybrid capture based human papillomavirus detection is a test that can detect different types of human papillomavirus, which is used to detect high-grade cervical lesions. Human Papillomavirus. Image Credit: Liya Graphics / Shutterstock Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common

Remyelination Strategies for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system which is among the biggest causes of physical disability in young adulthood. It is characterized by demyelinating changes to nerves and inflammation around blood vessels. Though inflammation is often found in patients with MS, anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants, like low-dose corticosteroids, have not

Bleeding Gums: When to be Concerned?

Bleeding gums not only indicate dental diseases but could also suggest serious medical concerns. Though it is one of the most common dental conditions, professional treatment should be sought if it is noticed. Skip to Why are bleeding gums important? Which medical conditions may cause bleeding gums? Bleeding gums due to HIV infection Anemia-related bleeding

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor vs. Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are antihypertensive medicines used to treat high blood pressure. While the enzyme inhibitors work by reducing the level of angiotensin II in the body, the receptor blockers inhibit the function of angiotensin II by directly blocking the specific receptor. Image Credit: Shidlovski/Shutterstock.com How do angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and

What is Wavefront Aberrometry?

Diagnosing the degree of vision impairment is a difficult task for even experienced optometrists, since it depends on the subjective response of the person tested. Normally, it is based on reading out or describing letters or shapes on an eye chart. In many cases the person may not actually be reading out the letter seen,

First Aid for Cuts and Wounds

Cuts and wounds are injuries involving an external or internal break in body tissue, which can be caused by an external action and include bruising, cuts and hematomas. Wounds are extremely common, and most individuals will experience having one over their lifetime. Some of the wounds can be minor, requiring home treatment, while others, may

Body Posture and Migraines

Migraines are a common type of headache disorder affecting approximately 20% of women and 7% of men. Due to the potentially debilitating symptoms experienced, research continues to investigate etiology, including the impact of body posture. Image Credit: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock.com What are migraines? Migraines are often described as intense headaches experienced as a thudding pain

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Skip to: Benefits of HRT Forms of HRT Cardiovascular risks with HRT Risk of increased breast cancer with HRT Menopause is a transition in women which can occur any time between the age of 45 and 55. It begins 12 months after a woman´s last menstrual bleeding and lasts 4 years on average. During the

What is Factor V Leiden?

Factor V Leiden is not a disease, but a genetic mutation that results in thrombophilia, a blood clotting condition that increases a person’s risk of developing abnormal blood clots in their blood vessels. People with factor V Leiden are at an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or a pulmonary embolism (PE), but some

Dietary Guidelines for Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas is referred to as pancreatitis. The pancreas is a flat tadpole-shaped gland located at the back of the stomach in the upper abdomen; it releases certain enzymes and hormones which help in digestion and aids in regulating sugar metabolism in the body. Pancreatitis may manifest in both severe and acute forms.

Positive Effects of Exercise on the Brain

Exercise can promote good heart and lung health, and strengthen just about every aspect of the body — keeping joints working for longer, strengthening bones and reducing the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and strokes. Physical activity can have a positive effect on mental health, as well, boosting mood and positive thoughts.

Cardiovascular Benefits of Blueberries

Berries are generally considered to be beneficial for a number of human body systems, including the cardiovascular system. Blueberries have been shown to reduce type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk, both in the short-term and the long-term for normal and at-risk populations. Image Credit: sarsmis / Shutterstock.com The mechanisms by which berries cause these

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a psychological condition characterized by depressive symptoms that occur during certain months of the year. Research has highlighted several potential causes of SAD, all of which tend to stem from a biological condition. Susilyn | Shutterstock What is SAD? Seasonal affective disorder is a type of recurring major depressive disorder

Functions of Tonsils

Tonsils are tiny organs located at the back of our throat. They are part of the lymphatic system and play a key role in our overall health. Tonsils were earlier thought to have no function and were considered an obsolete part of the human body. When they get infected, they are usually removed by surgery.

Biomarkers for Prediction of Stroke

Skip to: Stroke and its Pathways Biomarkers and Risk Scores What are the Benefits of Using Biomarkers? Stroke, a complication of atrial fibrillation, can be fatal. Identification of biomarkers to predict stroke may help treat those at highest risk. Given the association between atrial fibrillation and other poor disease outcomes, biomarker identification has applications for

Fifth Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Clinical Diagnosis Fifth disease is often diagnosed by the clinical signs and symptoms, most commonly the slapped cheek appearance due to the facial rash, and acute polyarthropathy, especially in adults. If necessary, laboratory testing is performed to distinguish recent from past infection, as well as to test the immune status. The rash from fifth disease

Unapproved Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance

Prescription medicines such as antibiotics require regulatory approval in the countries in which they are sold, but recent evidence indicates unapproved antibiotics are being distributed and are associated with increasing antibiotic resistance. Credit: Fahroni/Shutterstock.com The central issue Antibiotic resistance is on the rise globally, and can be of serious health concern. Since antibiotic introduction in

Cluster Headaches: Treatment and Prevention

A cluster headache is a rare type of headache that occurs suddenly and causes pain in one side of the head, often in the eye area. The name cluster headache comes from the tendency of these headaches to come in clusters lasting for weeks or even months. Image Credit: jaojormami / Shutterstock.com Cluster headache is

The Naming System Behind SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It is a virus that causes respiratory illness in humans. It passed from animals to humans in a mutated form and was first reported in December 2019 in an outbreak occurring in Wuhan, China. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock.com This virus has since rapidly spread throughout the