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Ascites What is ascites? Ascites is a condition that happens when fluid collects in spaces in your belly (abdomen). If severe, it may be painful. The problem may keep you from moving around comfortably. It can set the stage for an infection in your abdomen. Fluid may also move

Osteoporosis What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, thinning bones. This puts the bones at greater risk of breaking. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. What causes osteoporosis? Researchers don't know the exact cause for

Type 2 Diabetes in Children What is type 2 diabetes in children? Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin. Or can't use insulin normally. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder. Insulin is a hormone. It helps sugar (glucose) in the blood get into cells

Anorexia Nervosa What is anorexia nervosa? Anorexia nervosa is also called anorexia. It is a serious medical illness It's not a lifestyle choice. This eating disorder makes you obsess about your weight and food. If you have this problem, you may have a distorted body image. You

Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease What is alcohol-induced liver disease? Alcohol-induced liver disease is common. But it can be prevented. There are three types. Many heavy drinkers progress through these three types over time: Fatty liver. Fatty liver is the build-up of fat inside

Introduction to Menopause What is menopause? When a person permanently stops having menstrual periods, this is called menopause. This means they can no longer get pregnant. Many doctors use the term menopause to refer to the period of time when hormone levels start to change

Risks of Pregnancy Over Age 30 Many women wait until later in life to have children. In the U.S., birth rates for women in their 30s are at the highest levels in four decades. But an older mother may be at increased risk for things such as: Miscarriage Birth defects Twins High

HIV/AIDS What is HIV/AIDS? The term AIDS refers to the most advanced stages of an infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The current definition of AIDS includes: All HIV-infected people who have fewer than 200 CD4+ T cells (also called T4 cells or just T

Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. MS is unpredictable. The symptoms of MS can range from mild to disabling, such as losing the

Gestational Diabetes What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. Unlike type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by having too little insulin. Instead, hormones made by your placenta keep your body from using