Search Results

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

High Blood Pressure: Hypertension What is high blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. The force is made with each heartbeat as blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels. This is called systolic blood pressure. Blood

Shingles What is shingles? Shingles (herpes zoster) is a common infection of the nerves. It's caused by a virus. Shingles set off a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, but it typically appears on only one side of the face or body

Inguinal Hernia What is an inguinal hernia? An inguinal hernia occurs when part of your intestine pushes through a weak spot in your lower belly (abdominal) wall. This area is called the groin. The hernia creates a lump in your groin. Over time, the hernia may get bigger. Most

Calculating a Due Date A typical pregnancy lasts, on average, 280 days, or 40 weeks—starting with the first day of the last normal menstrual period as day 1. An estimated due date can be calculated by following steps 1 through 3: First, determine the first day of your last

Eye Care Specialists What is an ophthalmologist? An ophthalmologist is either a medical doctor (MD) or an osteopathic doctor (DO). They provide complete eye care. This includes exams, diagnosis, and treatment for many eye disorders. They are skilled in all types of eye care. They

Mood Disorders in Teens What are mood disorders in teens? Mood disorders are a group of mental health problems. They are sometimes called affective disorders. These are the most common types: Major depression. A teen with this type has a depressed or irritable mood, along with

Viral Hepatitis Overview What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The liver is located in the upper right part of the belly (abdomen). Hepatitis can be caused by a virus that leads to damage of liver cells. Hepatitis has 2 types: Acute hepatitis. This type

Allergens: Animals What is an animal allergen? Allergens found in animals are a common cause of allergic reactions. They are caused by the proteins found in an animal's: Skin (dander). Saliva. Urine. Household pets such as cats and dogs are the most common sources of animal