Search Results

What Are Red Blood Cells? Red blood cells carry fresh oxygen all over the body. This is important to your health. Red blood cells are round with a flattish, indented center, like doughnuts without a hole. Your healthcare provider can check on the size, shape, and health of your

Polycystic Kidney Disease What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a rare genetic disorder. It causes many cysts filled with fluid to grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts can impair how the kidneys work. It can lead to kidney failure. PKD is the

Overview of Kidney Disorders How do the kidneys work? The body takes nutrients from food and converts them to energy. After the body has used all the food components that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood. The kidneys and urinary system help

Glomerulonephritis What is glomerulonephritis? When the kidneys' filters (glomeruli) become inflamed and scarred, it is called glomerulonephritis. The kidneys slowly lose their ability to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood to make urine. How to say it gloh-MAYR-yoo-loh

Breast Cancer: Diagnosis How is breast cancer diagnosed? If your health care provider thinks you might have breast cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to make sure. Diagnosing breast cancer starts with your provider asking you questions. They will ask about your health

Mastitis What is mastitis? Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue. Infections may or may not occur with mastitis. It often affects people who are breastfeeding. What causes mastitis? Mastitis may occur because of sore or cracked nipples, latch problems, plugged ducts

Peanut Allergy Diet for Children General guidelines for peanut allergy When your child has a food allergy, they must follow an allergy-free diet. This means your child can't have the food they're allergic to or any products that contain it. The items that your child is allergic

Hydrops Fetalis What is hydrops fetalis? Hydrops fetalis is severe swelling (edema) in an unborn baby or a newborn baby. It is a life-threatening problem. There are two types: immune and nonimmune. What causes hydrops fetalis? There are two types of hydrops fetalis. The type that

Smoking and Heart Disease The American Heart Association (AHA) says diseases caused by smoking kill more than 440,000 people in the U.S. each year. Most new smokers are children and teens. Smokers have a higher risk for lung disease and other respiratory problems, such as

Smoking and Respiratory Diseases Fast facts According to the CDC: More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. Across the world, tobacco causes more than 7 million deaths per year. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases