Search Results

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a group of physical and emotional symptoms many people may have in the days before their period starts. Symptoms usually stop when the period starts or shortly after. It’s thought to

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) What is a ventricular septal defect? A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect. This means that your baby is born with it. A VSD is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the 2 lower chambers of the heart (right and left

Chickenpox What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It causes an itchy, blistering rash and is easily spread to others. Until the varicella vaccine for chickenpox became available in 1995, chickenpox infection was very common. Almost everyone had been

The Thyroid Gland Anatomy of the thyroid gland The thyroid gland is found in the front of the neck. It sits below the voice box (larynx) and on top of the trachea (windpipe). It has a butterfly-like shape. The small, 2-inch gland consists of 2 lobes, 1 on each side of the

Neurological Exam What is a neurological exam? A neurological exam is also called a neuro exam. It is an evaluation of a person's nervous system that can be done in the healthcare provider's office. It may be done with instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers. It usually

Maintaining Weight Loss Benefits of maintaining weight loss Losing weight is hard for many people. But it's even more challenging to keep the weight off. Many people who lose a large amount of weight have problems keeping it off over time. One theory is that people who eat fewer

The Third Trimester Prenatal visits during the third trimester During the second and third trimester prenatal visits, your healthcare provider may check the following things. Exactly what they check depends on your current health condition and the health of the fetus: Any current

Breast Pain (Mastalgia) What is mastalgia? Mastalgia is breast pain. There are 2 main types of mastalgia: Cyclical breast pain. The pain is linked to menstrual periods. Noncyclic breast pain. The pain may come from the breast. Or it may come from somewhere else, such as nearby

Hemifacial Microsomia (HFM) in Children What is hemifacial microsomia in children? Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital problem. This means that your child is born with it. In this condition, one side of your baby’s face is underdeveloped. (Hemi means half). HFM usually

Asthma and Exercise Asthma is a long-term (chronic) condition causing swelling and narrowing of the airways. The muscles around the airways tighten, the lining of the airways swells, and extra mucus is produced. These changes make it harder to breathe. Triggers are things that