Itching, also called pruritus, commonly occurs due to skin disorders, and may affect sleep or quality of life if the condition is severe. Rooted in the nerve endings, itching all over the body is called generalized pruritus. This condition may...
The mineral zinc helps with the formation of blood, the growth of the body and immune system function, according to Ohio State University. The mineral is naturally found in meat and beans, but can also be obtained from zinc vitamins. Several...
People use the yellow roots and rhizomes of Rumex crispus, more commonly known as yellow dock, as herbal remedies for treating skin inflammation and rashes as well as for constipation. Yellow dock also has traditional uses for enhancing the body's...
The body uses zinc in enzyme activities that produce DNA and RNA, regulate immune system functions and repair cells. Reproduction and growth and the senses of smell and taste depend on this trace mineral. The recommended dietary allowances (RDA)...
In the Pacific islands, the root of the kava kava plant, commonly referred to as kava, is grated, pounded, mixed with water and consumed as a drink at social functions. It is a medicinal and ceremonial drink that has been sipped for hundreds of...
Darvocet is the trade name for the combination drug of propoxyphene and acetaminophen, which belongs to a class of medications called narcotic analgesics. It acts on the central nervous system to relieve mild to moderate pain. Patients may take...
Fructose is one of the most commonly used sugars in a wide array of foods. Fructose naturally occurs in fruits, honey and syrup, but is also man-made and added to sweets, beverages and baked goods. If you develop digestive symptoms after eating...
Vitamin A belongs to a group of nutrients called fat-soluble vitamins. Excess amounts of these vitamins, which require dietary fat to be absorbed properly, can be stored in your body. Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A can lead to toxic...
Magnesium is a mineral essential for more than 300 different reactions in the human body. Besides working with calcium to maintain strong bones, magnesium regulates blood sugar, blood pressure, muscle contraction, energy metabolism and protein...
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that most frequently attacks a person's lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's spread from one person to another when an infected person releases minute droplets of saliva into the air by coughing or...
The treatments for active mycobacterium tuberculosis, referred to as M. TB, consist of four drug therapy regimens given over six to nine months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the Food and Drug Administration has approved...
Approximately 10 to 15 percent of American adults have gallstone disease, according to Gallstones.com. Each year a million new cases are diagnosed, and 800,000 operations are performed to treat the disease. The stones range from pebble-like to the...
The essential oil of the Origanum species of herbs native to the Mediterannean region -- commonly known as oregano -- has been used medicinally for thousands of years to treat digestive upsets and other ailments. Clinical research suggests oil of...
Cefuroxime, also known as Ceftin, is a member of the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. Ceftin is prescribed for mild or moderate bacterial infections, and it can also be used to treat gonorrhea and early stage Lyme disease. However, if you are...
Zocor, also known as simvastatin, is a drug used to lower cholesterol, namely high levels of LDL (low-density lipoproteins). It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body produces, thus reducing the amount of LDL in your blood. While...
Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a medication used in the treatment of epileptic seizures in adults and children over 10 years of age. Depakote may also be used to treat bipolar disorder and migraine headaches. This medication is available in both...
Actos, the brand name for pioglitazone, is a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. The medicine is available with a prescription and comes in a tablet form. Actos, used by itself or in addition to insulin, helps control blood sugar levels. The...
An upset stomach related to acid, also called acid indigestion, can affect any child, no matter the age or gender. Symptoms can be extreme and make it difficult for your child to eat, gain weight and thrive. Although a doctor's intervention is...
Vomiting, in itself, is not a sickness--it is a symptom of an underlying condition. Vomiting occurs when the contents of the child's stomach are forced upwards through the esophagus and out of the mouth. There are different causes of excessive...
While it's common for babies to experience acid reflux, including spitting up after meals, it's not so common for toddlers. In fact, most infants get over reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) by their first birthday. If it starts or...
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen that stores and concentrates bile, a fluid that digests fat. When the gallbladder is working normally, it releases bile into the upper small intestine in response to...
Anticoagulant medications are used to prevent the blood from clotting or coagulating, states the American Heart Association. It is important to understand that anticoagulant medications do not dissolve blood clots that already exist. Rather, they...
Ezetimibe is a drug given to reduce LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Unlike statin drugs which work in the liver, ezetimibe works in the intestines to prevent the absorption of cholesterol. Ezetimibe is also used in combination with simvistatin to...
Chronic alcohol abuse, commonly known as alcoholism, refers to a disease in which the body becomes very dependent upon alcohol. The Mayo Clinic says that symptoms of chronic alcohol abuse include drinking in secret or alone, feeling a strong need...
There is no single homeopathic cure for stomach pain since tummy troubles can be caused by a host of different things. Before choosing a remedy, a homeopath will try to determine the cause of the pain--for example, menstrual cramps, indigestion or...
When the digestive system doesn't work properly, discomfort develops, creating indigestion, heartburn and gas. Large meals, improper diet, eating foods you're allergic to and eating too quickly may cause problems. The typical dose of homeopathic...
Alli is an over-the-counter diet supplement that contains orlistat, a drug also sold in prescription strength. It assists weight loss by blocking fat absorption. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration added a warning to the Alli label...
Vitamin and mineral supplements used in moderate amounts can offer health benefits, such as strengthening the eyes, nails, skin, bones and brain. However, overusing vitamins may cause problems in these areas and more within the body. Vitamin...
Feeling sick from eating sugar is not a common symptom for a healthy adult. If you notice that you feel sick from consuming sugar, you may have a chronic condition called hereditary fructose intolerance. This condition causes adverse reactions...
