Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque (fatty deposits) builds up inside your arteries, causing them to become stiff and narrow. This can slow or block blood flow to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Symptoms of atherosclerosis may vary from person to person, depending on which artery is affected and how narrow…
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a long-term condition where the veins in your legs have trouble sending blood back to your heart. Unlike arteries, which have muscular walls to help move blood, veins rely on tiny, one-way valves that help push blood upward. When these valves become damaged or weakened, blood can pool in your…
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic (long-term) conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both known for causing lasting and recurring symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea,…
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It affects your nerves and muscle tissue and worsens over time, eventually becoming fatal. There are two main types of ALS: sporadic and familial ASL. The symptoms are the same, but the underlying cause is different. Sporadic ALS: A majority of ALS cases…
The follicular phase is the part of your menstrual cycle that happens right after your period starts and up until you ovulate. During your follicular phase, your body gets ready to release an egg, and hormones like estrogen increase. Several physical changes happen in your body during the follicular phase. Here’s what to know about…
Horse flies live all across North America and are active in wooded areas and near bodies of water during warm weather months. They will bite any mammal, including humans. Their bite is usually pretty painful, making them an unwelcome addition to summer activities. Horse fly bites look and feel similar to bites from other flies…
Guttate psoriasis causes small, round bumps. It’s typically triggered by a Streptococcus (strep) bacteria infection. Guttate psoriasis most commonly affects children and adolescents. This condition is relatively common, affecting about 8% of people with psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis on the back. Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023. Guttate psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. That…
Caffeine is a substance that raises alertness and boosts energy. Most adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily, equivalent to about four 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee. For people with a caffeine allergy, even small amounts can trigger symptoms that range from mild to severe. Caffeine helps you feel more awake by…
Exercise-induced asthma (known medically as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction) is a condition in which physical activity triggers symptoms similar to asthma. This condition affects approximately 90% of people with asthma and up to 20% of the general population. It commonly affects children, high-performance athletes, and people living in more polluted areas. Although it can cause breathing difficulties…
Hypersexual behavior, also called hypersexuality, involves an increased sex drive and compulsive sexual behavior characterized by intense sexual feelings, thoughts, and actions. While it is not formally recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), early research suggests a connection between hypersexuality and addiction. About 2% of people have symptoms of hypersexuality,…
