Highlights
Acid Reflux (GER/GERD) Treatment
How do you control GER and GERD? You may be able to control gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by not eating or drinking items that may cause GER, such as greasy or spicy foods and alcoholic drinks...
Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Athlete’s foot, formalled called "tinea pedis", is a fungal infection of the skin and feet. It can be caused by a variety of different fungi. Symptoms include red and itchy skin that may be cracked or flaking. Although tinea pedis...
Bone Mineral Scan
What is a bone density scan? A bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, is a type of low-dose x-ray test that measures calcium and other minerals in your bones. The measurement helps show the strength and thickness...
Botulinum Toxin for Focal Dystonia
Botulinum injections often are the most effective treatment for the focal dystonias. Injections of small amounts of this chemical into affected muscles prevent muscle contractions and can provide temporary improvement in the abnormal postures and movements that characterize dystonia. First used...
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to look inside the airways of the lungs. The bronchoscope is a thin tube with a light and mini-camera at the end. It is flexibe and can be guided around the different branches of the...
Bunions
A bunion is a foot disorder, also referred to as “hallux valgus”. It occurs when the first toe (big toe) points toward the second toe. This causes a bump to appear on the inside edge (medial side) of the big...
Cancer Staging
Stage refers to the extent of your cancer, such as how large the tumor is, and if it has spread. Knowing the stage of your cancer helps your doctor: Understand how serious your cancer is and your chances of survival...
Cancer Treatments
There are many types of cancer treatment. The types of treatment that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Some people with cancer will have only one treatment. But most people...
Caregiving a Parent with Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects a person's ability to remember things and think clearly. People with AD become forgetful and easily confused. They may...
Chemotherapy for Cancer
Chemotherapy (also called chemo) is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. How chemotherapy works against cancer Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. Chemotherapy is...
Contact Lenses
What are contact lenses? Contact lenses are thin lenses that sit on top of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye). They correct refractive errors to make your vision clearer — just like eyeglasses. About 45 million Americans...
Crohn's Disease Medictions
Many people with Crohn’s disease need medicines. Which medicines your doctor prescribes will depend on your symptoms. Although no medicine cures Crohn’s disease, many can reduce symptoms. Aminosalicylates These medicines contain 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), which helps control inflammation. Doctors use...
Dealing with Conflict
Conflict — or disagreement — is a part of life. We know facing conflict can be scary. But if you avoid conflict, you may feel sad or frustrated. It can also stop you from being treated well or getting things...
Diabetic Eye Disease
What is diabetic eye disease? Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Over time, diabetes can cause damage to your eyes...
Disease-Modifying Treatments for MS
Current therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for MS are designed to modulate or suppress the inflammatory reactions of the disease. They are most effective for relapsing-remitting MS at early stages of the disease. Injectable medications...
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)
An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, is a simple, painless test that records the heart's electrical activity. The illustration shows the standard setup for an EKG. In figure A, a normal heart rhythm recording shows the electrical pattern...
Electromyogram (EMG)
What are electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies? Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are tests that measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. Nerves send out electrical signals to make your muscles react in certain ways. As your...
Epilepsy - Driving and Recreation
Epilepsy and Driving Most states and the District of Columbia will not issue a driver's license to someone with epilepsy unless the person can document that she/he has been seizure-free for a specific amount of time (the waiting period varies...
Eye Drops - How To Use
If your doctor prescribes eye drops to treat glaucoma or another eye condition, it’s important to use them correctly. Follow these steps to put in your eye drops: Tilt your head back and look up With one hand, pull your...
Eyeglasses for Refractive Errors
Eyeglasses are the safest and simplest way to correct refractive errors. What are the different types of eyeglasses? People with different refractive errors need different types of eyeglass lenses to see clearly. Reading glasses can help people with presbyopia read...
Fibromyalgia Treatment
There is presently no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are several treatments available that can help to reduce the pain and fatigue and bring other symptoms under control, leading to a more active life. Medications for Fibromyalgia There are several...
First Aid for Seizures
What should I do if I see someone having a seizure? If you see someone having a seizure with convulsions and/or loss of consciousness, here's how you can help: Roll the person on his or her side to prevent choking...
Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis)
Fungal nail infections, also known as “onychomycosis,” are very common. They may affect up to 14% of the general population. Fungal toenail infections are more common than fungal fingernail infections. Symptoms Most fungal nail infections are not serious. However, some...
Glaucoma Medications
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve. The most common treatment for glaucoma is prescription eye drops. They work by lowering the pressure...
Gluten Free Diet
How will I need to change my diet if I have celiac disease? If you have celiac disease, you will need to remove foods and drinks that contain gluten from your diet. Following a gluten-free diet can relieve celiac disease symptoms...
Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in your joints, usually as flares that last for a week or two, and then resolve. Gout flares often begin in your big toe or a lower limb....
Headache Diary
Keeping a headache diary can help a physician better diagnose your type of headache and determine the best treatment. Download the HEADACHE DIARY (PDF). After each headache, note the time of day when it occurred; its intensity and duration; any...
Hypertension - Living With
It is important to have regular blood pressure readings taken and to know your numbers, because high blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms until it has caused serious problems. Watch this video from the NHLBI to learn more about...
Immunotherapy for Cancer
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. The immune system helps your body fight infections and other diseases. It is made up of white blood cells and organs and tissues of the lymph system....
Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis)
A small kidney stone may pass through your urinary tract on its own, causing little or no pain. A larger kidney stone may get stuck along the way. Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in one...
LASIK - Surgery for Refractive Errors
Some types of surgery can change the shape of your cornea (the clear front layer of your eye) to fix refractive errors. What types of surgery can fix refractive errors? The most common type of refractive surgery is called LASIK...
Loss and Grieving
You may find yourself coping with the death of a friend, spouse, parent, child, or beloved pet. As you and the people around you grow older, loss will become more common. Whether a death follows a long illness or is...
Lung Function Tests
What are lung function tests? Lung function tests, also known as pulmonary function tests, or PFTs, are a group of tests that check to see if your lungs are working right. The tests look for: How much air your lungs...
Medications for Mental Health: Types
Some people are afraid that taking a medication will change their personality, but most find that medication allows them to take charge of their lives. Medications for mental health conditions fall into the following major categories: Antipsychotics Antipsychotics developed in...
Mental Health Therapies
Mental health professionals use a variety of approaches to give people tools to deal with ingrained, troublesome patterns of behavior and to help them manage symptoms of mental illness. The therapist will work with you to design a treatment plan...
Pathology Reports
What is a pathology report? A pathology report (sometimes called a surgical pathology report) is a medical report that describes the characteristics of a tissue specimen that is taken from a patient. The pathology report is written by a pathologist,...
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel. The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that stretches from the heel to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch of...
Polysomnogram - Sleep Study
A polysomnogram (PSG) measures brain and body activity during sleep. It is performed to help diagnose: Sleep-related breathing disorders (such as sleep apnea) Narcolepsy Sleep-related seizure disorders A polysomnogram is usually performed while you stay overnight at a sleep center....
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic events—such as an accident, assault, military combat or natural disaster—can have lasting effects on a person’s mental health. While many people will have short term responses to life-threatening events, some will develop longer term symptoms that can lead to...
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
What is the PSA test? Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by normal, as well as malignant, cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. For this test, a blood...
Shoes - Getting a Good Fit
Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can prevent many foot problems. Here are some tips for making sure your shoes fit: Shoe size may change as you age, so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The best time...
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common condition in which your breathing stops and restarts many times while you sleep. This can prevent your body from getting enough oxygen. You may want to talk to your healthcare provider about sleep apnea if...
Statins for High Cholesterol
Statins are a class of medication that lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Many medical studies have shown that statins are effective in lowering "bad cholesterol" levels (LDL). If you have had a heart attack or if you have...
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common, treatable condition in which sudden movements put stress on the bladder, causing urine to leak out involuntarily (incontinence). Involuntary urine leakage may occur when laughing, sneezing, jumping, lifting a heavy object, or exercising....
Stress and Your Health
What is stress? Stress is a feeling you get when faced with a challenge. In small doses, stress can be good for you because it makes you more alert and gives you a burst of energy. For instance, if you...
Tumor Grade
Tumor grade describes how normal or abnormal cancer cells look under a microscope. The more normal the cells look, the less aggressive the cancer and the more slowly it grows and spreads. On the other hand, the more abnormal the...
Urodynamic Testing
Urodynamic testing is any procedure that looks at how well parts of the lower urinary tract—the bladder, sphincters, and urethra—work to store and release urine. Most urodynamic tests focus on how well your bladder can hold and empty urine. Urodynamic tests can also show...