If your child has fever, a sore throat and a pesky cough, it could be any number of illnesses, or it could be the flu, a respiratory infection caused by the contagious influenza virus. Other illnesses, such as the common cold, might have similar...
Thalidomide belongs to a class of drugs known as immunomodulator agents, according to Medline Plus. It is used to treat multiple myeloma (cancer of blood cells in the bone marrow) and the skin problems caused by erythema nodosum leprosum, a skin...
Dextrose, more commonly known as glucose, is a sugar that supplies energy to all living cells in the body via fat, protein and carbohydrates. This supplementation of energy to all living cells in the body is achieved with the help of a hormone...
Community acquired pneumonia is a disease that affects the lungs. It is usually caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It can be spread from person to person and is acquired through the inhalation of...
Fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex I virus, which is transmitted through contact with saliva or blood. About 80 percent of Americans carry the herpes simplex I virus, although only about half experience fever blister outbreaks,...
Chemotherapy refers to a group of medications used to treat cancer. Sometimes, chemotherapy is given along with radiation treatment. Typically, chemotherapy medication slows the growth of the rapidly growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy is typically...
The National Cancer Institute reports that in 2009 approximately 22,070 cases of brain tumors were diagnosed in the United States. Brain tumors may originate in the brain, or they may start somewhere else in the body, such as in the lungs, and...
When struck with the common cold, you might be tempted to reach for a combination Echinacea/ Goldenseal complex herbal preparation. There are many people who are stanch believers in this method for reducing the impact of the cold, but it is still...
The common cold and flu are nagging upper respiratory infections that can affect most people any time of the year, but especially during winter. These viral infections are spread through respiratory droplets released by sneezing, coughing and...
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that involves repeated and unpredictable seizures. Medical conditions such as stroke, dementia, tumors or brain injury may increase the risk of epilepsy which is characterized by abnormal brain activity leading to...
Many plants used traditionally in natural and folk medicine grew wild long before they were cultivated for medicinal use. Still today, many do not realize the plants and flowers growing along roadsides or used in landscaping have value beyond...
Salmonella is a general term for a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. However, if you eat food that is contaminated with this bacteria, you may develop an infection in your small intestine. While in many...
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia characterized by memory, judgment and decision-making problems. Emotional problems, trouble swallowing, the inability to recognize family members or understand speech and incontinence are other Alzheimer's...
NyQuil is an over-the-counter cold, flu, cough and sinus medication manufactured by Vicks, a division of Procter & Gamble. NyQuil is typically taken at night, as drowsiness is a common side effect. Originally available in liquid form, it's also...
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend the prescription medication carvedilol to lower your numbers. Carvedilol is a beta-blocking medication that helps the heart beat at a steadier pace. In some cases, carvedilol may cause...
A urinary tract infection refers to a condition in which bacteria infiltrate the kidneys, ureters or urethra and lead to such symptoms as painful urination, bloody urine and the sudden urge to urinate. Some risk factors for developing a UTI...
Savella is the brand name for the generic medicine milnacipran. It's used in the treatment of fibromyalgia, a condition in which you experience stiffness and pain in the muscles. Savella, a prescription medication, is an SNRI or selective...
Phenobarbital, sold under the brand names of Solfoton and Luminal, is a medication used to treat anxiety, insomnia and seizures. It is available in liquid or tablet form and should be taken within 4 to 5 hours of sleeping, according to Drugs.com....
Fever blisters are an unpleasant and embarrassing symptom of infection with the herpes simplex virus, a condition that affects between 50 and 80 percent of the adult population, according to the American Social Health Association. Symptoms of a...
Qigong, which is pronounced "chee kung," is one of the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine along with acupuncture, acupressure and herbal medicine. It includes various energy-based practices, including tai chi. Qigong "combines slow graceful...
Norvir (ritonavir) is a medication used to manage the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It belongs to a group of drugs called protease inhibitors, and works by reducing the growth of the HIV virus in the body. Typically, Norvir is given in...
Hookworm is a type of intestinal infection caused by two different parasites--Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale--that are present in soil. Infection with this pathogen affects over 1.3 billion people throughout the world, reports the...
Females may need to have a surgical procedure on the vagina, called vaginoplasty, for several different reasons. Vaginoplasty can correct birth defects to the vagina and urinary system. A cosmetic vaginoplasty to tighten vaginal muscles--marketed...
Most times, the body is able to fight off the bacteria naturally using white blood cells and antibodies. Sometimes, however, there are too many bacteria for the body to handle. If bacteria make their way into a wound on the body, serious infection...
When diet and exercise are not enough to control blood pressure, several types of prescription drugs can be used to reduce blood pressure levels. Although these drugs are usually effective and can prevent serious consequences, it is possible to...
Bactrim is one of the brand names for the medication sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Bactrim is an antibiotic commonly used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, traveler's diarrhea, bronchitis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia....
Cordarone (amiodarone) is a medication used to treat ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, both potentially fatal heart rhythm disorders. According to MedlinePlus, this medication belongs to a category of medicines called...
Catapres is known generically as clonidine hydrochloride. It is available in tablets and transdermal patches. Catapres is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and as an adjunct to...
Children can have two kinds of heart disease: congenital heart disease (usually a heart defect the child is born with) and acquired heart disease (as a result of infection or inflammation). According to the American Heart Association, about 36,000...
