Overview Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual cramps) are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen. Many women suffer from menstrual cramps just before and during menstrual periods. For some women, the discomfort is merely annoying. For others, menstrual cramps may be serious enough to interfere with the daily activities every month for a few days. Menstrual cramps […]

Overview Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, close to varicose veins, which are sometimes called piles. Hemorrhoids can grow within the rectum (inner hemorrhoids) or around the anus (external hemorrhoids) under the skin. Close to three out of four adults will occasionally have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids have multiple causes but the cause […]

Chronic constipation is rare bowel movements or difficult passage that persists for several weeks or longer. Constipation is usually described as having less than three movements in the intestine per week. While sometimes constipation is very common, some people have chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to perform their daily tasks. Chronic constipation […]

What is cerebral edema? Cerebral edema is also known as brain swelling. It’s a life-threatening condition that causes fluid to develop in the brain. Such fluid raises the pressure inside the skull — more commonly called intracranial pressure (ICP). Increased ICP will reduce the flow of brain blood and reduce the oxygen your brain gets. […]

Overview Vaginitis is a vaginal inflammation which can lead to discharge, itching and pain. The cause is typically a change in the vaginal bacteria’s natural balance or an infection. After menopause decreased levels of estrogen and certain skin conditions can also cause vaginitis. The most common types of vaginitis are: Bacterial vaginosis caused by changing […]

Overview Pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that sits tucked in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas contains enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate how the body processes sugar (glucose). Pancreatitis can occur as acute pancreatitis, which means it happens abruptly and lasts […]

Overview Arsenic is as a gray-appearing chemical element (atomic number 33, symbol as in the periodic table) also called a metalloid. Arsenic may exist in three forms (yellow, black, and gray; predominating gray) and ionic forms in a metallic state. Arsenic is considered a heavy metal, and other heavy metals share some of the characteristics […]

Overview An arrhythmia is a problem with heartbeat rates or rhythms. The heart can beat too quickly, too slowly or at an abnormal rhythm during an arrhythmia. The condition is called tachycardia when a heart beats too fast. The condition is called bradycardia when a heart beats too slowly. Arrhythmia is caused by changes in […]

Jet lag can happen when the patterns of sleep-wake are disrupted. A person may feel somnolent, tired, irritable, lethargic and somewhat disoriented. This may be the result of going across time zones or performing shift work. The more time zones a person crosses in a short period, the more serious the symptoms can be. Jet […]