CMP, or comprehensive metabolic panel, is a series of tests doctors use to evaluate kidney and liver function, to determine if you are in fluid and acid-base balance and to measure blood glucose and blood protein. A CMP typically involves a series...
The adrenal glands are thumb-sized glands atop the kidneys. They produce hormones, such as norepinephrine and cortisol, that affect energy production, metabolism and the way the body responds to stress. As the University of Maryland Medical Center...
Nerve pain is caused by injury or damage to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which is the nervous system located outside of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system has two types of nerves: sensory nerves and motor...
Zinc belongs to the category of essential trace elements, meaning your body needs minute quantities of zinc to stay healthy. Zinc is found in many health supplements and also in many industrial compounds, such as paint, wood preservatives, dyes...
Fastpitch softball bats come in various lengths, sizes and materials. Choosing one means finding a bat that feels "right" to you based on your swing style, size and strength. This is a highly personal process that can even be affected by personal...
Arterial Blood Gases, or ABGs, measure the amounts of oxygen, carbon dioxide and acid/base level in the blood, according to Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. ABGs are ordered if the patient has difficulty breathing,...
Vegemite is a spread made from brewer's yeast extract and fortified with vitamins and minerals. The spread is particularly popular in Australia, where it's served on toast as a breakfast dish. However, the spread may cause allergic reactions or...
Numerous conditions can cause severe pain in the body. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, pain is a sensation triggered by the nervous system. The NIH states that pain can be sharp or...
Protein deficiency is the No. 1 cause of malnutrition in third-world countries, according to the World Hunger Education Service. Protein-energy malnutrition or PEM affects about 925 million people in the world, although these numbers are...
Advanced technology may indicate an evolved society, but some technical advances have caused a devolution of human postural alignments. This postural distortion is a source of humor for cartoonists. One cartoon parodies the evolutionary sequence....
Calcified tendinitis is a buildup of calcium in the tendons, more often in those that surround the rotator cuff in the shoulder. When calcium builds, it causes pressure in the tendon, leading to chemical irritation and pain. The deposits also...
Most Americans consume more than the recommended levels of protein each day by eating large portions of meat, eggs and other high-protein foods. However, some groups of people struggle to eat enough protein. Vegetarians, young children, elderly...
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 7.8 percent of Americans were diagnosed with diabetes in 2007. An incurable disease, diabetes impacts the endocrine system which is responsible for regulating blood sugars and hormone...
Iron is an integral part of red blood cells that help carry oxygen to the tissues in your body. An iron deficiency occurs when your body does not get enough iron to carry out with normal body functions. Iron deficiency is a leading cause of...
Grains such as wheat, barley and rye commonly come into contact with various species of fungi. Fungi grow on grains within fields, although fungal proliferation is much more common when grain is stored in silos for long periods of time. Exposure...
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that can typically be found on the nose and skin. This bacteria is usually harmless and does not cause any infection unless it invades the blood stream. According to KidsHealth.org of the Nemours Foundation that...
Numerous conditions can cause a stabbing pain in the body. According to the MedlinePlus website, pain is a sensation triggered by the nervous system. Pain can be constant or intermittent, and the quality of pain can vary from person to person....
The breakdown of foods high in protein into chemicals known as purines are responsible for the production of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is ordinarily excreted in the kidneys, but if there is too much uric acid in the blood or the kidneys are...
Muscle knots in your back can be painful, especially if they are big and aren't going away. Some knots may cause mild discomfort, while others may affect your ability to sleep, work and move. According to a 2002 article published in the journal...
Ischemic bowel disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the intestines becomes blocked or narrowed. Ischemic bowel disease has many possible causes and several risk factors that influence its development. The extent of ischemic bowel...
Whenever you consume excess calories, your body converts the excess into triglycerides, a type of fat found in your bloodstream. Your body often uses triglycerides for energy between meals. If you regularly take in more calories than you need --...
Bilirubin is the principal breakdown product of red blood cells. The liver processes bilirubin into bile, which is transported by the biliary network of tubes within the liver to the gallbladder. The gallbladder releases bile into the small...
Citric acid is considered a versatile organic acid by the food and pharmaceutical industries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies it as generally Recognized as Safe. Citric acid also occurs naturally in foods such as lemons. Citric...
Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your trigeminal neuralgia. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition in which you experience sporadic bouts of...
Running has been a competitive sport since ancient times. The original Olympic Games in 776 BC included a stadium race of 600 feet, according to the Athletic Scholarships website. Over time, running surfaces for organized track events have...
Rightly nicknamed the "silent killer," hypertension, or high blood pressure, may go undetected for years. Still, the "Primary Care" journal associates it with progressive or sudden damage of such target organs as the brain, kidney or heart. The...
Cardiogenic shock is the result of inadequate circulation of blood due to ventricle failure; learn about cardiogenic shock in this heart healthy video.
We all don't like certain foods for a variety of reasons. A food allergy, however, is a reaction triggered by your immune system in response to certain foods. A food allergy, also called a food hypersensitivity, can cause serious problems and even...
