Causes
What is Common Cold?
A common cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It is one of the most frequently experienced acute illnesses in the United States and throughout the industrialized world. Adults will develop roughly two…
What is Alcohol Intoxication?
Alcohol intoxication also referred to as drunkenness, ethanol intoxication, or alcohol poisoning in severe cases is a temporary condition caused by drinking too much alcohol. The amount of alcohol needed for intoxication varies from person to person. Due to the…
What is Iron Deficiency (Anemia)?
Iron deficiency refers to inadequate levels of mineral iron in the body. The term is commonly used interchangeably with anemia: a condition often caused by iron deficiency, where the body either cannot produce a sufficient number of healthy red blood…
What is Bacterial Meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is a bacterial infection of the meninges, the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It is a serious condition and requires urgent medical treatment. Many different bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis. Typical symptoms are headache, neck stiffness,…
What is Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer, also known as a malignant neoplasm of the gallbladder, is rare cancer with just over 12,000 new cases expected to be confirmed in the U.S. in 2018.[1] The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits under the…
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which primarily affects the lungs and pancreas, but which can also affect other parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys and intestines. The disease is caused by a defect in the CFTR…
What is Candida Vulvovaginitis?
Candida vulvovaginitis, also known as vaginal thrush, vaginal yeast infection, and vaginal candidiasis, is a common infection of the vulva and vagina. The condition occurs when Candida, a naturally occurring fungus, overgrows and causes symptoms such as vaginal itchiness and…
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a painful inflammation of one or more joints. By far the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The key arthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling. Arthritis can be localized to one joint or…
What is Menopause?
The menopause transition period, which is also known as perimenopause, is the period of time during which a woman moves beyond her childbearing years and enters menopause. Menopause itself is when a woman has not had a menstrual period for…
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation of the joints, most commonly causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. The most common symptom of RA is fatigue, while other symptoms may include joint aches, poor circulation and stiffness, particularly in the morning. RA also often affects the skin, eyes, and/or lungs, and it can be accompanied by other conditions such as anemia and fatigue. There are a variety of treatments available to those diagnosed with RA, including lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery. With proper treatment, those suffering from RA can often lead fairly normal lives.
What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a chronic condition that causes strong, unpleasant feelings in the legs, resulting in an overwhelming need to move them. Moving the legs relieves the unpleasant sensations.[1][2][3] RLS is considered a…
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, which inflames them and causes them to fill with fluid or pus. This interferes with the lungs’ ability to breathe and properly supply oxygen to the body, causing…