Having a limb fall asleep and then feeling pins and needles is more common if you have poor circulation.
Allergies are problems of the immune system. Normally the immune system attacks harmful things such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes it overreacts and responds to things that are normally harmless. These may include dust, mold, pollen, or food.
When wetting happens in a child who is old enough to control their bladder, it’s known as enuresis. Here's what you need to know.
Detailed information on whooping cough, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Detailed information on the differences between cold symptoms and symptoms of allergies
Keep these guidelines in mind when looking for allergy relief.
Several kinds of medicine are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Here are some of the main types.
Insomnia is trouble falling to sleep or staying asleep. One in three adults has bouts of insomnia.
Most headaches in kids are caused by tension, not disease. Your pediatrician can determine what kind of headache your child has.
This Q&A will help you understand OCD, and the obsessions, compulsions, and rituals that are part of it.
Muscle cramps -- involuntary muscle contractions -- are common. But even though they can be quite painful, they don't cause damage.
Detailed information on kidney conditions, including kidney function, nephrology, kidney problem causes, kidney disease symptoms, and a labeled, full-color anatomical illustration
Cluster headaches -- called cluster because of their pattern of striking in groups or clusters -- hit at the same time of day for a period of weeks or months, then vanish as suddenly and as mysteriously as they appeared.
Most cosmetics have long shelf lives. But since they can be contaminated with bacteria after only 1 use, it is a good idea to keep track of how long you have been using products, such as mascara and eyeliners.
Millions of people diagnosed with heart disease enjoy active, satisfying lives. Instead of looking at their diagnoses as sentences to be invalids, they have used them as catalysts to make positive changes in their lives.
When your immune system doesn't work the way it should, it is called an immune system disorder.
You can prevent the flu this season by taking 1 simple step: Get a flu shot.
When you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin. Or it can't use the insulin that it makes. Read on to learn more about this condition.
With today's world filled with so much stimulation, quick news reports, and fast-food restaurants on every corner, are we capable of concentrating as well as we used to?
Depression is not a natural part of growing old. It's a health condition that should be treated aggressively. Read on to learn more.
Here are some common terms that may help you describe your skin condition to your healthcare provider.
Brushing and flossing your teeth isn't hard to do. And doing both correctly can help prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
You can’t fully prevent osteoarthritis. But you can help lessen daily stress on your joints. This can make it less likely that osteoarthritis will happen, or get worse.
Concussions affect many athletes, but these sports injuries are the least understood.
Women suffer more frequent and severe symptoms from STDs. Some STDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to both infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
When cataracts affect your ability to function, it's time to think about surgery. Here's what you need to know.
Taking arthritis medicine is important, but what you do for yourself, including exercising, doing relaxation exercises and managing your emotions and attitudes, is just as crucial to your ability to lead an active, productive life.
A tonsillectomy may be recommended if your child has throat infections that keep coming back. Adenoidectomy is recommended if your child has a lot of trouble breathing through the nose. Often the tonsils and adenoids are removed at the same time.
A middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum. It is most often caused by a virus or bacteria. Most kids have at least 1 middle ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. But adults can also get them.
Measles (rubeola) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It causes a red, blotchy rash. It’s a very contagious illness.
Uterine fibroids are tumors in a uterus. They are usually not cancer.
Detailed information on the use of antibiotics and children
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old. SIDS is sometimes called crib death because the death may happen when a baby is sleeping in a crib. It’s one of the leading causes of death in babies from ages 1 month to 1 year. Read on to learn more.
Claudication is pain in your thigh, calf, or buttocks that happens when you walk. It may be a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This is when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce the blood flow to your legs.
Millions of us struggle with pain and loss of motion because of joint damage caused by arthritis. If other treatments fail to offer relief, you may wonder about turning in your worn-out joints for new ones.
Bursitis can make simple movements of your shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee seem monumental.
The tissue that lines the uterus is called the endometrium. Normally, if a woman doesn’t get pregnant, this tissue is shed each month during her period. In endometriosis, tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue implants outside the uterus.This can cause pain, heavy periods, and infertility.
Scientists believe bone spurs happen because of osteoarthritis or when the body tries to heal itself after a trauma by replacing bone.
Detailed information on varicose veins, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and full-color anatomical illustrations
In adults, a screening blood sugar test is generally used to see if your blood sugar is too high. Often adults with raised blood sugar don't have obvious symptoms of diabetes or prediabetes.
When your life seems to be spinning out of control, it's OK to seek professional mental health help.
Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target.
Healthcare providers who specialize in children's eye care say children usually become nearsighted or farsighted between ages 6 and 12. But even infants can wear glasses if they need help to see well.
Detailed information on diagnosing and evaluating heart disease in children
In the past, a woman who miscarried several times might never know why it happened. Today, more and more women are finding out the causes of their recurrent miscarriages.
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of urine control. You may not be able to hold your urine until you can reach a restroom. It may be a short-term problem caused by another health issue. Or it may be a long-term problem that you’ll have to manage.
Detailed information on dust mite allergens.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may affect women who are able to get pregnant. It’s a severe and chronic medical condition that needs attention and treatment. Lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can help manage symptoms.
Read on to learn all about fever and children--from symptoms and treatment to how to take your child's temperature.
Detailed information on lactose intolerance, including a list of foods that contain lactose.
Over the long-term, your quality of life is tied to how severe your heart attack was and how it was treated. Beyond that, any change will depend largely on you.
Head lice are tiny parasitic bugs that can infest the skin. They live on people’s heads and feed on their blood. Head lice can cause intense itching.
Don't think you're safe just because you're inside. The air in homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.
About 50 million Americans have tinnitus. For nearly 25% of them, the noise they hear is distracting enough that they get medical advice. Here's what you should know.
Technology has given us the automated external defibrillator (AED), which is turning up far from hospitals. Some schools and public buildings already have AEDs.
Major depression goes beyond the day's normal ups and downs. It involves a teen's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns.
Everyone has experienced low back pain at one time or another. Most people can recover from low back pain with home treatment, such as changes in activity, weight loss, quitting smoking, and other steps. Sometimes medicine or surgery is needed.
Low-vision devices are categorized as either optical or nonoptical. Optical devices are magnifying lenses or closed circuit TV. Nonoptical devices are large-print books and talking computers.
Eye allergies often affect both eyes. Read on to learn some tips for self-care, and when to seek help from your healthcare provider.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disorder. It is also called eczema. It often affects infants and may last until adulthood. It causes itchy, scaly patches on the skin.
People who feel they can't regain control of their lives because of their responses to trauma may have posttraumatic stress disorder.
Physical therapists focus on restoring a person's movement (mobility) and function, and preventing further disability.
As medical progress prolongs our lives, the end can linger. So, more and more people are turning to hospice care.
Most Americans survive a first heart attack. By taking action, however, they can significantly reduce their chances for a second heart attack.
Rosacea is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. It can cause facial redness, bumps, pimples, and thick skin.
The symptoms of OCD vary widely from person to person. Without treatment, OCD can last for a lifetime.
Millions of Americans are affected by sinusitis every year. But it's often misdiagnosed and misunderstood by people with the condition. Here's what you need to know.
Having a child with diabetes can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a team of experts can guide you now and in the years to come.
Today there are alternatives to 12-step programs. Some treatment programs teach problem drinkers to reduce their drinking. This approach appeals to people who otherwise might not seek treatment.
Many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until they have advanced symptoms, which may include a broken hip or wrist, low back pain, or a hunched back.
High blood pressure, isn't limited to those 18 and older. Here's what you need to know about high blood pressure and your child.
For some people, taking medicine every day can help prevent migraines and make them less painful when they occur.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of emotional and physical symptoms many women have in the days before their period starts. Lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can help manage symptoms.
Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin when a child gets their first tooth or no later than the child's first birthday. Here's what you need to know.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. The symptoms of gestational diabetes usually go away after delivery. But sometimes they do not, or you may develop type 2 diabetes later.
You and your loved ones will benefit if they understand your condition and how best to help.
Caring for someone you love who is sick or disabled is never easy. When the illness affects your loved one's state of mind, the demands placed on you can be especially hard.
For some people, frightening memories of a terrible event can come back months or even years after the ordeal. In reliving the event, people become fearful and unable to cope with daily life. Read on to learn more about PTSD.
The way you respond to a heart attack can make a profound difference in what happens to you in the future.
Even if you already have atherosclerosis or have had a heart attack, there's a lot you can do to prevent future heart problems.
How do you know when your emotions are the everyday kind that are likely to get better with time? Or when it's time to get help? Read on to find out.
Some children grow more slowly than others. Height in the low normal range is still normal, healthcare providers say.
Putting babies to sleep on their backs has dramatically reduced the incidence of SIDS. One unexpected side effect: Many infants now have a flattened head.
There are 7 main types of cholesterol-lowering medicines.
If you're pregnant with twins, you'll want to carefully consider this advice. It can help increase your chances for a full-term pregnancy.
Children's mental health is as important as their physical health. Read on for helpful answers to common questions that can help you protect your child's mental health.
In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people have as they grow older.
People with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise without damaging their joints.
Without enough shut-eye, children are more likely to struggle with their school studies, do poorly on the playing field, and suffer depression.
A medicated nasal decongestant spray may offer fast relief when your nose is congested and running. But using them for too long can cause problems. Learn about some other options, as well as how to treat young children.
Tonsillitis means that your tonsils are inflamed. Your tonsils are large, fleshy glands at the back of your throat. These glands make antibodies that help fight infection.
Detailed information on air pollution and air pollution prevention
Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome greatly raises the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or all three.
Nausea and vomiting can make you feel miserable. But it's important to remember that these are not diseases. Rather, they are symptoms of many illnesses.
Infectious mononucleosis causes swollen lymph glands, fever, sore throat, and chronic fatigue.
Healthcare providers often consider chronically low blood pressure too low only if it drops suddenly or causes noticeable symptoms.
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. Most of your body's fat is stored as triglycerides.
Detailed information on the most common types of ringworm, including diagnosis and treatment
Hereditary hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in the U.S. It causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat. Read on to learn more.
Heart attacks and their aftermath tend to be more deadly in women. Yet for many women, the warning signs of a heart attack are very subtle and easy to ignore. Read on to learn about the signs you need to pay attention to.
Well-informed people who play a significant role in deciding how they're going to treat their health conditions are likely to feel better about the decision process. Here are tips to get you started.
Learning symptoms of mental illness can help you recognize when you or a loved one need help.
Spirometry is an easy test that tells your healthcare provider how well your lungs are working.
Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren't easy to talk about with your healthcare provider.
The stress of illness or injury can cause blood sugar to rise and make insulin less effective. This can lead to serious problems, including diabetic coma. That's why it's important to know what to do when illness strikes.
Too often, diabetes leads to kidney disease. But it doesn't have to. When kidney problems are caught early, you can take steps to prevent more serious kidney disease.
There are some extra challenges when traveling with asthma. The tips here can help you prevent asthma symptoms. And they will make your travel easier.
The Asthma Action Plan includes information about your child's symptoms and medicines. It also includes directions about managing your child’s symptoms and when to call their healthcare provider.
Having asthma isn't easy, and for most kids, neither is being a teen. Here are some common teen issues and suggestions for easing your child's concerns.
Many people with diabetes need to change their treatment plan at some point. There are benefits to this. For instance, taking insulin can make it easier to manage your blood sugar. Read on to learn more.
About 30 out of 100 people with diabetes get a skin problem sooner or later. Fortunately, most problems can be prevented or easily treated. Read on to learn more.
Use this worksheet to help manage your condition. Record your test dates and results, and list your goals for your next visit with your healthcare provider.
Atherosclerosis can start as early as childhood and can lead to many health conditions, including heart disease and stroke.
A key way to reduce the effects of metabolic syndrome is to lower high blood pressure. Reducing the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet is a great start.
Cardiac asthma can the same symptoms as true asthma. But the symptoms are caused by heart failure, which leads to fluid buildup in the lungs.
If you think that you can't begin a strength-training program because you have heart disease, think again.
Heart failure makes it hard for oxygen to get into the blood, causing shortness of breath. Here are some tips to help you breathe more easily.
Colds and the flu can be serious for people with heart disease.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a ministroke or warning stroke, causes symptoms similar to those of a stroke.
As a patient, understanding the basics of the guidelines can help you take a more active role in your treatment.
If you are like most people with heart disease, you have several healthcare providers who each treat you for a different health issue.
Research shows that informed, supportive teachers and staff can play a big role in helping students manage their asthma.
About 1 out of 3 migraine sufferers also have auras. Read on to understand more about this link.
There are many benefits to regular, moderate physical activity--especially for people with heart failure. Here's what you need to know.
College can pose challenges for the student with asthma. New and unfamiliar living quarters, school and social stresses, and other factors can set off a flare-up. Here are some helpful tips.
Asthma can be unpredictable. But it's important to recognize the difference between a minor flare-up and an attack that could be life-threatening. Read on to learn more.
If you have heart failure, knowing your body can help you manage your condition.
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves. This results in back and leg pain.
Smoking damages your arteries, and it’s thought that the damaged arteries in the discs and joints in your back may lead to pain and injury.
A look at some of the major air pollutants and how they can affect you.
The condition called dry eyes may feel a sand-like grittiness that can range from mild to severe.
Detailed information on the thyroid gland, including anatomy and function.
Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes nausea and diarrhea. It is the leading cause of severe infectious diarrhea in children.
Many people think of asthma as a childhood disease, but it often occurs as a new condition in older adults.
Children who have ADHD are often given medicine as part of their treatment plan. The type of medicine most often chosen is a psychostimulant. Read on to learn more.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition. It can affect your neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms and legs.
It's not high blood sugar, heart disease, or stroke that most often puts people with diabetes in the hospital. It's their feet.
Hepatitis C is a liver disease. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Over time, HCV can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. Most people who have hepatitis C don't have any symptoms for years. Many don't know that they are infected until their liver is already damaged.
When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, she has reached the stage of life called menopause. This stage signals the end of a woman's ability to have children.
Detailed information on dental implants, including types and possible risks.
Three kinds of prescription medicines are potentially addictive: opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants. Here's what you should know.
If you’re interested in joining an online support group, read on to learn more about finding one that's right for you.
Symptoms of eye problems in children include crossed eyes, redness in the eyes, squinting, and excessive tearing.
What kind of care would you want if you were no longer able to speak for yourself? Read on to learn how to prepare.
People with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease than people with healthy gums.
Not everyone who has had a heart attack needs open-heart surgery, such as a bypass operation. Read on to learn about other treatment options.
Participating in a disease management program gives you the chance to ask questions about exercise, medicine, diet, and other treatment options.
If you think you may have allergies, talk with your healthcare provider about getting tested.
Read on for helpful answers to some common questions about asthma medicines.
Did you know that smoking cigarettes can make your asthma worse?
Metabolic syndrome is marked by higher levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. That's also a sign of prediabetes.
You may be wondering what questions the healthcare provider will ask, or what tests and exams your child will need. Read on to learn what you and your child can expect.
Do you want to gain better control over your asthma? Put it in writing!
Tips for keeping your heart healthy, from controlling your blood pressure to keeping your cholesterol in check.
Information on the link between soft drinks and metabolic syndrome.
A look at the link between metabolic syndrome and depression--and how to get help.
These medicines are life-giving and powerful. It's important to take them just as your healthcare provider has prescribed.
Many young people take prescription medicines because they believe they are safer than street drugs. But they can be just as dangerous if taken improperly. Read on to learn more.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common infection of the nerves that is caused by a virus. It causes a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin.
Warm weather may have an impact on your MS symptoms. These tips can help.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a frustrating condition to deal with because it doesn’t have an easily identifiable cause. It’s an autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system literally attacks your body—in this case, your joints.
Drug addiction and alcohol addiction are chronic diseases that can be treated as successfully as many other chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes.
You may think of heart disease as a problem for adults, not your young children. But diet and exercise habits started in childhood can begin a lifetime of heart health, or a lifetime of heart damage.
Ascites is a condition that occurs when fluid collects in spaces in your belly. It can be painful and keep you from moving around comfortably. Ascites can set the stage for an infection in your belly. Fluid may also move into your chest and surround your lungs. This makes it hard to breathe.
Where can you as a parent turn to for the facts about vaccine safety? The first place to go is your child's healthcare provider.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. Here's what you need to know.
Cancer of the endometrium is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the lining of the uterus. It is highly curable when found early.
Heart disease is a killer, but you can do plenty to reduce your risk and prolong your life. Research shows that making lifestyle changes can decrease your risk of heart disease and help you control it if you already have it.
Color blindness is when you can't see colors in a normal way. It does not mean you can't see any colors at all.
At least 8 million people in the U.S. are living with an eating disorder. Read on for a helpful overview of the three main types of eating disorders.
Recent studies have found that people who take proton pump inhibitors are significantly more likely to break their hipbone or any other bone.
You have a number of tools at your disposal for better managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and living a healthy, enjoyable life.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with brushing and flossing often, are important for a healthy mouth and a healthy pregnancy.
People who are gay, lesbian, or transgender may be at greater risk for health problems because they don't always see a healthcare provider when they need to. This may be because they feel embarrassed, have had a bad experience, fear judgment, or have a healthcare provider who is uninformed.
When you're faced with a highly stressful event in your life, the strategies outlined here will help you cope.
The bite of a deer tick can pass on several diseases, including Lyme disease and Borrelia miyamotoi disease.
Diabetes is nothing to smile about. The disease can cause serious damage to your body. It can even harm your teeth.
Celiac disease is a digestive disease. It damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. Here's what you need to know.
A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in the kidney out of substances normally dissolved in the urine.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic illness. It begins with inflammation in the rectum and can progress to involve much or all of the large intestine.
Even though you know death is a part of life, losing a loved one is one of the most difficult events you can experience. Understanding grief and learning how to cope can help you heal and move forward with your life as you honor the person you miss.
Ovarian cancer is cancer that starts in the cells in your ovaries or at the end of the fallopian tubes next to an ovary. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.