Jaundice, or yellowing of tissues, is a symptom of an underlying disease process. Due to the elevations of bilirubin, a breakdown product of red blood cells, jaundice is often associated with liver disease, red blood cell disorders and gallbladder...
Acne is a condition caused by a combination of clogged oil ducts, inflammation and overgrowth of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes. While it is not a physically debilitating condition, it does tend to cause a lot of psychological...
White blood cells function to protect the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. For the immune system to function properly, the body needs a sufficient number of white blood cells. Normally, stem cells in the...
Diet can play an important role in the treatment of red blood cell, or RBC, disorders. The most common of these disorders is anemia, which is caused by an insufficient number of healthy red blood cells in the body. Another RBC disorder is...
Echinacea and goldenseal are two of the most effective herbs you can use to fight a sinus infection, according to Sinus Infection Help. Both herbs are known for their ability to fight off infections and reduce inflammation, according to Drugs.com....
Goldenseal and echinacea are commonly used for chronic sinus infections because of their strong antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. The two herbs are available over-the-counter at health food or vitamin stores. It is important that you...
Seniors often experience declines in food intake as they increase in age. This can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, which may develop into health problems. Supplementation of vitamins and minerals along with some herbs can help...
Coconut oil comes from coconuts, which come from the Cocos nucifer plant known as coconut palm and sometimes called the "tree of life." The tree originated in the area around the Indian Ocean and now grows in tropical climates around the world....
Virtually anyone who works out or competes athletically has experienced painful cramps in the thighs, hips, hams or calves -- a condition that can also be caused by pregnancy. Making sure you complete a thorough warmup and stretching routine...
Acanthamoeba is a free-living protozoa that is found in soil and water. It is commonly found in drinking water, sewage, soil, and ventilation systems. It enters the body by inhalation or through the nostrils from swimming. In rare cases, the...
Echinacea purpurea is the most commonly used form of echinacea for supplements, and also the strongest. It is used either orally or topically, depending on the reason you are taking the supplement. Before you begin taking echinacea, you should...
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a frightful condition for those who are asleep and unable to seek help. Upon waking, signs that the blood sugar dropped throughout the night include headaches, sweaty pj's and sheets and frequent nightmares,...
Turmeric is an Indian spice that's a member of the ginger family. It has been used for centuries to flavor and preserve food. It's also known for its medicinal properties and is still used today for skin care, as an anti-inflammatory, and for...
Exercise is essential to good health. Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain a proper metabolism and supports proper immune function, but some people suffer from muscle spasms and bruising during or after exercise. There are several possible...
White blood cells, or WBCs, are the body's main mechanisms for fighting off sickness. A low white blood cell count means very few of these cells, also called leukocytes, are circulating through the blood. When a child's immune system is...
Your body produces an astonishing array of proteins, which perform a wide variety of tasks. Structural proteins, carrier proteins, storage proteins, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, hemoglobin and myoglobin are a few examples of the innumerable...
Gout is a medical condition that is characterized by recurrent attacks of arthritis due to the deposits of uric acid in the joints, tendons and surrounding areas. While acute attacks are painful, chronic attacks often lead to irreversible joint,...
Red blood cells are the most abundant cell in the blood stream and are mostly responsible for transporting oxygen to the tissues. The cells propagate a series of chemical reactions to survive -- in other words, they have a metabolism....
The International Classification of Diseases or ICD-10 (the 10th revision of the codes) is the list of codes doctors use in their diagnosis of all ailments. These codes cover every disease and condition already classified. The new code, ICD-10,...
Muscle cramps can bring your daily activity to a halt -- the constant contractions cause pain and soreness. Also known as a charley horse, muscle cramping may be eased by careful stretching or muscle relaxants, although you can make changes to...
Iron is found inside hemoglobin, a pigment inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Low levels of iron in your blood can lead to anemia, a condition that occurs when you do not consume enough iron in your daily...
WBC is an acronym for white blood cell. Low WBC refers to a decreased concentration of white blood cells in the body. White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are essential in fighting off invasive microorganisms that can circulate in the...
Blood consists of red blood cells that carry nutrients and oxygen, white blood cells that provide immunity and platelets that induce blood to clot. The bone marrow, a spongy material found in some bones, contains stem cells that develop into new...
Psoriasis is a general term used to describe a group of chronic skin cell disorders triggered by underlying immune system malfunctions. Potential treatments for these disorders vary with the severity of their related symptoms. If you have mild or...
Blood consists of protein-rich liquid and platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells, collectively known as formed blood elements. A complete blood count, or CBC, includes counts of the formed blood elements along with other measurements...
White blood cells, which function within the immune system to protect the body from foreign invaders, consist of five types of cells including lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, neutrophils and eosinophils. The bone marrow continually produces new...
Every person has four sets of air-filled cavities that lie behind his cheeks, eyes and nose. These cavities are sinuses. Chronic respiratory illnesses or exposure to allergens and irritants can cause pressure, inflammation and pain. Sinus...
A muscle cramp is a brief, uncontrolled muscle contraction. Muscle cramps in your legs have been linked to low levels of minerals that conduct electricity--electrolytes. Consuming electrolytes may reduce leg cramping. However, consult your doctor...
Uric acid is a chemical compound that is produced when your body breaks down substances called purines. Normally, uric acid dissolves in your blood and travels to the kidneys where it is removed from your body via your urine. Some people do not...
Sickle cell anemia or sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that causes some of the red bloods to assume a sickle or elongated shape, resulting in poor blood flow and improper oxygen delivery. Get expert tips and advice on preventing,...
Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that results in decreased blood and oxygen flow. Learn about the different causes, symptoms, and treatments for Sickle Cell Anemia in this video.
Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects nerve cells in the part of the brain controlling muscle movement. Learn about Parkinson's disease symptoms, treatments, and diagnosis in this video on health and diseases.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a disease wherein the body does not produce adequate, or any, insulin to control blood sugar, which can result in coma or death if insulin is not delivered into the body regularly. Learn more about diabetes type 1...
