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Browse our complete A-Z directory of healthcare terms and entities.
Showing 200 entries starting with "C" of type "Conditions"
Discusses C-peptide test, used to tell the difference between type 1 or type 2 diabetes, find the cause of hypoglycemia, or check whether a pancreas tumor (insulinoma) was completely removed. Discusses how the test is done and how to prepare for it.
It's important that you know how to treat your COPD. This is true for everyday care and for when your symptoms get worse. It's also very important that your family, friends, and caregivers know what to do. If you can't care for yourself in an emergency, others need to know how they can help you....
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein normally found in the lungs and the bloodstream. It helps protect the lungs from the damage caused by inflammation that can lead to emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People whose bodies do not produce enough of this protein (AAT deficiency) are more likely...
Helping or caring for a loved one with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can feel like a lot to take on. There's the challenge of caregiving, because what seems best for someone isn't always what the person wants to do. There's also the stress of learning how to manage COPD and often other health problems...
Learn how to use a nebulizer correctly.
Find motivation to quit by comparing what you tell yourself about smoking and what the facts are.
Hear how one man with COPD finally quit after many years of smoking.
Covers ways to exercise and stay active with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Explains that exercise makes muscles and heart stronger and may improve shortness of breath. Includes warning to talk to your doctor before starting exercise.
Commit to taking small steps to stay active with COPD.
If the baby is not breathing normally, find the compression landmark. Kneel or stand next to the baby after putting him or her on a flat surface. Picture a line connecting the nipples, and place two fingers on the baby's breastbone just below that line. Use just your two fingers to press the chest at...
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. During the test, you lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine. The CT scanner sends X-ray pulses through the body. Each pulse lasts less than a second and...
A test for calcium in urine is a 24-hour test that checks the amount of calcium that is passed from the body in the urine. Calcium is the most common mineral in the body and one of the most important. The body needs it to build and fix bones and teeth, help nerves work, make...
Calcium channel blockers can lower blood pressure or slow the heart rate. They might be used to treat high blood pressure, angina caused by coronary artery disease, and fast or irregular heart rhythms. They are also used to treat cluster headaches.
Calcium supplements are used by people to increase their intake of calcium, a mineral the body needs to make bones and teeth. When you are choosing a calcium supplement, it is important to know the amount of elemental calcium in the recommended dose. Elemental calcium is the amount of calcium that is actually used by...
What are calluses and corns? Calluses and corns are areas of thick skin caused by pressure or friction. They may cause pain when you walk or wear shoes. Calluses usually form on your hands or feet. They usually don't need treatment. Corns have an inner core that can be soft or hard. Soft corns are...
A pumice stone can be used to remove the dead skin from a callus or corn. Reducing the size of the callus or corn may result in less pressure or friction and less pain. Soak your foot or other affected area in warm, soapy water for 5 minutes or until the skin softens. Wet the...
Calluses are areas of thick, hardened, dead skin. They form to protect the skin and structures under the skin from pressure, friction, and injury. They may look grayish or yellowish, be less sensitive to the touch than surrounding skin, and feel rough. Calluses on the foot generally form on the ball of the foot, the...
NOTE: The information in this summary is no longer being updated and is provided for reference purposes only. Cancell is a trademarked name of a liquid mixture long promoted as a treatment for people with cancer and other diseases (see Question 1). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed the ingredients...
On rare occasions, cancer coincides with pregnancy. Because the medicines and radiation used for treating cancer can be dangerous to a fetus, a pregnant woman and her doctors must weigh a number of factors when planning her care, including: The fetus's gestational age. The type and location of the cancer. How advanced...
Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. In 2019, more than 1.7 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. In addition to the physical problems and emotional distress caused by cancer, the high costs of care are also a burden to patients, their families, and to...
Purpose of Summary The purpose of this summary is to present an explicit evidence-based approach used in the development of the screening summaries. In reaching conclusions, evidence on the balance of risks and benefits is weighed. Cost and cost-effectiveness, however, is not taken into account. Assignment of levels of...
Dealing with cancer can feel overwhelming. There's so much information to take in and so much to decide. It might seem easier to let your doctors make the decisions for you. It's true that doctors are experts on medical care. But you are the expert on yourself and your life. That's why it's important to...
A cancer diagnosis changes your life, but it also affects the people who care about you. You're already dealing with your own distress about having cancer. And it can be hard to talk about it when you know people who care about you will be upset by the news. You may wonder: "How can I...
"When I heard the word 'cancer,' I couldn't believe it. Part of me was terrified, but another part was in denial. How could this happen to me? I just didn't want to deal with having cancer, didn't want to put my family through all of it. It took a while to accept what was happening....
Fatigue is a sense of tiredness that doesn't seem to go away, even with rest or sleep. It often happens along with other symptoms, such as pain or poor sleep. You may feel fatigued during cancer treatments, right after treatments, or even for months after treatment. Even as your cancer treatments are working and you...
Discusses sleep problems caused by cancer or side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Offers tips like get daily exercise and use a sleep mask and earplugs to improve sleep. Warns to check with your doctor before taking sleep medicine.
Get tips on how to adjust to life after finishing cancer treatment.
What is a canker sore? A canker sore is a shallow sore shaped like a crater (ulcer) on your tongue or on the inside of your lip or cheek. Canker sores have a red border and a white or yellow center. They may be painful and can make it hard to talk and eat. You...
Capsaicin is a substance found in hot chili peppers. When applied to the skin over the affected area, medicines containing capsaicin may be used as pain relievers for rheumatoid arthritis, postherpetic neuralgia, and other conditions. When applied to the skin, capsaicin affects the skin's nerve impulses, blocking the...
Capsaicin (Zostrix), available without a prescription, is a pain reliever that comes in a cream that you apply directly to your skin (topical analgesic). It has been found to relieve joint pain from osteoarthritis in some people when rubbed into the skin over affected joints. 1 To be beneficial, the cream must be...
The body uses three main nutrients to function— carbohydrate, protein, and fat. These nutrients are digested into simpler compounds. Carbohydrates are used for energy (glucose). Fats are used for energy after they are broken into fatty acids. Protein can also be used for energy, but the first job is to help with making...
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gaseous waste product from metabolism. The blood carries carbon dioxide to your lungs, where it is exhaled. More than 90% of it in your blood exists in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3). The rest of it is either dissolved carbon dioxide gas (CO2) or carbonic acid (H2CO3). Your kidneys and...
Cardiac cachexia is unintentional severe weight loss caused by heart disease. The weight loss might be life-threatening. It can happen to people who have severe heart failure. Even with a very good appetite and high calorie intake, some people lose muscle mass. Cardiac cachexia can require supplemental nutrition. How...
Cardiac electrophysiologists are cardiology doctors (cardiologists) who have specialized training in the heart's electrical system. They specialize in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation. Cardiac electrophysiologists can be board-certified through the Board of Internal...
Learn how cardiac rehab works and how it can help you get stronger and feel better.
Discusses cardiac rehabilitation (rehab), which helps you feel better and reduce risk of future heart problems with exercise and lifestyle changes. Looks at rehab for people who have heart conditions such as heart attack, heart surgery, or heart failure.
Your cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) might include an exercise program that you do at home. You might start this program after you go home from the hospital. The home program is one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. The goals of a home program are to: Make a smooth transition from hospital to home. Take...
If you are in a cardiac rehab program, you are probably taking medicines for your heart and for other health reasons. Some prescribed medicines can change your heart rate, blood pressure, and overall ability to exercise. It's important for your rehab team to know what medicines you take. Give your rehab team a list of...
There are several ways to measure your body's responses to exercise and other lifestyle changes. You may want to keep track of the following measurements during your exercise sessions at cardiac rehab and at home. Target heart rate Your target heart rate can guide you to how hard you need to exercise so you can...
Resistance training with weights, elastic bands, or your own body weight may help you regain the physical strength and confidence to do the daily tasks you performed before your heart problem or surgery. Resistance training can help you get the most benefit from your cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program. Do not start...
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved. Cardiac catheterization is done in the cardiac catheterization laboratory ("cath lab") by a cardiologist. Some of the tests and procedures that are done in a cath lab include: Testing for heart disease with an angiogram. Treating heart disease...
Cardiogenic shock is a condition caused when the blood flow in the body suddenly and severely decreases. Blood flow becomes so low that adequate blood is not able to return to the heart so that it can function normally. When oxygen cannot be delivered to organs and tissue, symptoms that may develop include pale or...
Learn how to treat minor burns and prevent infection, and when to see a doctor.
Skin wounds, including animal or human bites, need thorough cleaning to reduce the risk of infection and scarring and to promote healing. You may be able to do this yourself for minor wounds. You'll have to stop any bleeding, clean the wound, and perhaps bandage the wound. Stop the bleeding Before you clean the wound...
People with diabetes have a greater risk for gum (periodontal) disease when blood sugar is high. And gum disease can cause higher blood sugar levels, which makes it hard to fight infection, including infections in the mouth. To help prevent dental problems, each day: Keep your blood sugar levels within your target...
A shower helps the person you're caring for feel clean and fresh. It's also a good time to check the skin for sores or rashes. It's a good idea for the person to have a shower at least once a week, if possible. On other days, he or she may just want a bath at...
A sink bath, or basin bath, helps the person you're caring for to stay clean and fresh in between showers. It can be a good choice when your loved one is too tired for a shower or can't move around or walk much. The person may want a sink bath every day or a few...
Learn a little about what to expect and how to prepare yourself and your home for caregiving.
Lying in one position for a long time can cause pressure injuries. You can help avoid pressure injuries by helping your loved one turn and change position in bed. This is also helpful when you need to do things like change sheets, help with a bedpan, give a back rub, or change a bandage. When...
You can help protect the person in your care by making the home safe. Pad sharp corners on furniture and countertops. Keep objects that are often used within easy reach. Install handrails around the toilet and in the shower. Use a tub mat to prevent slipping. Use a shower chair or bath bench when the...
Helping someone with personal care involves a lot of daily tasks. If it's been a while since you did day-to-day caregiving—or you've never done it—you might not know all the things you need to do and how to do them. This information gives an overview of the daily or weekly care a person needs. Bathing...
The groin area needs careful cleaning to prevent rashes and infections. Rashes are most likely to form in moist areas where skin touches skin, such as the folds of the groin, under the breasts, and on the stomach. For a larger-sized person, other areas of concern are the folds on the neck, arms, inner elbows,...
As we get older, our skin gets more thin and dry , so it is easier to damage. The chance of skin damage is higher for people who can't move much and who spend most of their time in bed or in a wheelchair. The skin can develop rashes and sores, especially pressure injuries. These...
Having clean hair that is styled in a way that your loved one likes can help your loved one feel fresh and well-groomed. It may help the person feel good about how he or she looks and feel ready to see visitors. If the person you care for is able to leave the home, ask...
Learn how to care for a feeding tube at home.
Learn what to expect in the first few days when changing your baby's diapers.
Learn how often your baby needs breast milk or formula.
Learn about stomas and ostomy bags and how to take care of them.
Learn how to clean and care for your trach.
Learn how to live with a urinary catheter and how to take care of it to prevent infection.
Dr. Caroline Rhoads reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Rhoads is an associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle and is actively involved in teaching residents.
Carotene is an orange pigment found in foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, egg yolks, broccoli, and spinach. After they are in the body, some forms of carotene are turned into vitamin A.
During carotid angioplasty (also called carotid artery stenting), a small, expandable tube called a stent is permanently inserted into the carotid artery. To insert the stent, the doctor uses another tube called a catheter. The doctor inserts the catheter into a large artery-most often the femoral artery in the...
Learn what carotid artery stenting is and how it is done.
During carotid endarterectomy, your surgeon: Makes a cut in your neck just below the jaw. Opens the carotid artery and carefully removes the plaque. May sew (graft) a man-made patch onto the carotid artery to widen or repair the artery. Closes the artery and skin incisions with stitches.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that is made of bones on three sides and a ligament (transverse carpal ligament) across the wrist where the palm and forearm meet. Inside the tunnel are: Tendons, which are strong and flexible (but not stretchable) bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone. The...
Discusses carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve. Covers causes and symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the hand, forearm, or wrist. Discusses what increases your risk. Covers nonsurgical and surgical treatment.
Learn what to expect during cataract surgery and how it can improve your vision.
A cataract is a painless, cloudy area in the lens of your eye. A cataract blocks light from reaching the retina (the nerve layer at the back of the eye) and may cause vision problems. Cataracts are common in older adults and are linked to aging. Smoking and exposure to too much sunlight are other...
A cataract is a painless, cloudy area in the lens of the eye that blocks the passage of light to the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye, usually causing vision problems. Cataracts are rare in babies and children. But a child may be born with them because of genetics, infection during...
Dr. Catherine Devany Serio reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Serio is the behavioral health consultant for Healthwise. She joined Healthwise in 2006 to consult on product development for multimedia patient education materials...
Ms. Catherine O'Malley reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Ms. O'Malley is a cystic fibrosis specialist at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.
Covers procedure to destroy (ablate) tiny areas of heart muscle causing fast heart rate. Includes radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation. Covers use for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, and ventricular tachycardia.
Cardiac catheterization is done using a thin, soft tube called a catheter. A doctor inserts the catheter into a blood vessel, typically in the groin area, using a special needle. The doctor then slowly guides the catheter through blood vessels toward the heart. The catheter tip is moved into various positions in the...
For angiography, a thin, soft tube (catheter) is placed in a blood vessel in the groin (such as in the femoral vein). First, a doctor numbs the area with a local anesthetic. Then, a needle is placed into the blood vessel. A guide wire is put through the needle into the blood vessel and the...
This is one position that can be used for intermittent catheterization. You may also hold the penis up. A caregiver may have you lie on your back.
Medicines and medical treatments can cause hair loss. Medicines Many medicines that can cause hair loss include: Medicines used to treat cancer ( chemotherapy ). Birth control pills. Women who lose hair while taking birth control pills usually have an inherited tendency toward hair thinning. If hair thinning occurs, a...
Hyperventilation symptoms can be similar to symptoms that are caused by another problem. Hyperventilation can also be directly caused by: A medical condition or disease. Examples include: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A blood clot, such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus...
Celiac disease is an abnormal immune system reaction to gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a wheat-rye cross). It damages the small intestine so that it can't do a good job of absorbing nutrients from your food. If you have celiac disease, you need to avoid foods that contain...
Celiac disease is a problem some people have with foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a type of protein found in the grains wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a wheat-rye cross). When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, it triggers an immune response that is not normal. This damages the small intestine. Symptoms...
These are general guidelines. Your nurse will teach you how to take care of your catheter. Be sure to follow the specific instructions he or she gives you. Call your doctor if you have questions or concerns. To keep your catheter working right, you will need to flush it with a heparin solution. A heparin...
What is a central venous catheter? A central venous catheter, also called a central line, is a long, thin, flexible tube used to give medicines, fluids, nutrients, or blood products over a long period of time, usually several weeks or more. A catheter is often inserted in the arm or chest through the skin into...
The cerebral cortex is the wrinkled gray covering of the uppermost and largest part of the brain, the cerebrum. The functions of the cerebral cortex include the perception of sensations, learning, reasoning, memory, making decisions and judgments, and controlling emotion.
Diabetes educators are health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, and social workers, who specialize in the treatment of people who have diabetes. Diabetes educators teach about nutrition, exercise, medicine, blood sugar monitoring, and emotional adjustment to diabetes...
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are health professionals who work under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or doctor. CNAs, who are also sometimes referred to as nurse's aides or hospital assistants, assist in the care of hospital, clinic, or nursing home patients. Certified nursing...
A cervical biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of the cervix so the tissue can be examined under a microscope. A cervical biopsy is usually done to investigate areas of abnormal tissue found during a Pap test or colposcopy. The amount of cervical tissue removed depends on the method used. A simple cervical...
Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer in a group or population is lowered. Hopefully, this will lower the number of deaths caused by cancer. To prevent new cancers from starting, scientists look at risk factors and protective...
Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). The cervix leads from the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Anatomy of the female reproductive system. The organs in...
The cervical cap is a barrier method of birth control. A cervical cap, which is made of rubber, fits tightly over the opening to the uterus (the cervix). It is used with a spermicide. You can insert the cap ahead of time or just before sex. To work best, the cap should be left in...
Cervical (neck) collars are sometimes used to support the neck. Hard collars are rigid and are usually made from plastic. They hold the head and neck very still. They are usually only used after major surgery or a serious injury, such as a broken neck. Soft collars may be made from felt, foam, or rubber....
As labor nears, the fetus's head drops down into the pelvis and pushes against the cervix. The cervix begins to thin (efface) and open (dilate), sometimes over a few weeks.
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved. The side view of the spine (figure 1) shows the normal position of the spinal bones. The spinal cord (not visible in this image) follows the path of the long white arrow. Figure 2 shows shifted spinal bones (short thick arrow) from a fracture...
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that leads to the vagina.
A cesarean section (C-section) is the delivery of a baby through an incision in the mother's belly and uterus.
Is this topic for you? If you have had a C-section and would like information about how a cesarean affects future deliveries, see the topic Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). What is a cesarean section? A cesarean section is the delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) in the mother's belly and uterus. It...
To do a cesarean section, the doctor makes an incision. Usually it is a horizontal incision, made low across the belly, just above the pubic hair line. This may be called a "bikini cut." Sometimes the incision is vertical, from the navel down to the pubic area.
The heart has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The right atrium receives oxygen-poor blood from the body and pumps it to the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. The left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle. The left...
Looks at chamomile, an herb used as an alternative medicine treatment for upset stomach, sleep problems, or skin problems. Covers German (Matricaria retutica) and Roman (or English) chamomile. Looks at safety and side effects.
Learn how to train your brain to work for you, not against you.
Charcot (say "shar-ko") foot is a foot deformity that results from nerve damage in the foot or ankle. The nerve damage may cause minor pain and then a loss of sensation that increases the risk of injury to the feet. When the foot is repeatedly injured, the weight-bearing joints start breaking down. This condition most...
A chemical peel is a treatment to improve the look of the skin. A chemical is applied to the skin and allowed to soak in. Over the next 1 to 14 days, depending on how deep the chemical soaks into the skin, the skin peels off. This process destroys parts of the skin in a...
A chemistry screen is a blood test that measures the levels of several substances in the blood (such as electrolytes ). A chemistry screen tells your doctor about your general health, helps look for certain problems, and finds out whether treatment for a specific problem is working. Some chemistry screens look at more...
What is chemo brain? Chemo brain is a problem with thinking and memory that can happen during and especially after chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Thinking and memory problems are called cognitive problems. Chemo brain can make it hard for you to think, concentrate, and do tasks. You may have trouble remembering...
Cherry angiomas (ruby spots) are harmless clusters of dilated tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that become more common after age 30. The cause is unknown. Bright, cherry red, smooth spots appear most often on the trunk and upper legs but may also be found on the face, neck, scalp, and arms. The size of the spots...
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved. Front view of a child's chest X-ray shows a swallowed coin.
Sitting or standing tall, slowly tuck your chin as you glide your head backward over your body (dorsal glide). Raise both arms so that your hands are next to your ears. Take a deep breath, and as you breathe out, lower your elbows down and behind your back. You will feel your shoulder blades slide...
Source: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Differences between chickenpox and smallpox Chickenpox Smallpox How initial symptoms differ 0 to 2 days of mild illness pass before the rash develops. 2 to 3 days of severe illness pass before the rash develops. Lesions first appear on the face or trunk...
Chickenpox (varicella) is a contagious illness that causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters (pox) all over the body. It takes about 1 or 2 days for a chickenpox red spot (macule) to go through all of its stages. This includes blistering, bursting, drying, and crusting over. New red spots appear every day...
Scratching chickenpox blisters can lead to skin infections, not to mention scarring. In rare cases, infected chickenpox lesions can lead to toxic shock syndrome. To keep children from scratching chickenpox blisters: Clean and closely trim your child's fingernails. Have a small child wear mittens or clean cotton socks on...
Chilblains (perniosis, also known as pernio) is a reaction to cold, nonfreezing temperatures. It is seen most often in young people who have Raynaud's phenomenon and people who are exposed to damp, cold weather. Symptoms develop 2 to 14 hours after exposure to cold and usually affect the hands, ears, lower legs, or...
Infant and child car seats save lives. By law, children must be buckled up in a car seat that is made for their weight, height, and age. Check your state's laws at www.iihs.org/laws/default.aspx. A child who is not in a car seat can be seriously injured or killed during a crash or an abrupt stop,...
Small children, even some 1-year-olds, are able to pull the trigger on a gun. Also, older children or adults can mishandle guns or firearms and injure others. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to avoid keeping guns and firearms in the home or car. If this is not possible, guns and firearms should be...
Burns are a potential hazard in any home. There are four kinds of burning hazards that may hurt your child: Heat burns Electrical burns Friction burns Chemical burns Heat burns Heat burns, also called thermal burns, are caused by contact with fire, steam, hot objects, or hot liquids. Tap water is a leading cause of...
Briefly discusses drowning hazards and teaching swimming safety. Offers tips on keeping children safe around indoor water sources, including water in bathtubs, toilets, and containers, and outdoor water hazards like pools, ditches, and wells.
Taking your child out of the house allows him or her to have new experiences and interactions. You may start using a stroller as soon as your baby is born and continue to do so well into early childhood. You may also want your child to ride in a shopping cart when you go to...
When a doctor asks questions about your child's eating and activity habits, the information helps identify patterns that may lead to extra weight. Nutrition history You may be asked: To describe your family's meals and snacks during a typical day. What your child eats at school. Who is responsible for meals. Is it the...
If your child has been diagnosed by a doctor as being overweight or at risk of becoming overweight, a thorough medical exam is important to identify and treat any related health problems. History Your doctor will ask about: Your child's weight history, to see if your child has had an unusual change in rate of...
Afterpains are sharp pains in the belly that occur in the first few days after childbirth. They may cause some discomfort. But afterpains help reduce uterine bleeding. They also help shrink the uterus back to the size it was before you were pregnant. You are most likely to notice these pains when you breastfeed...
You and your partner can learn a lot by taking a childbirth education class. This is especially true if it's your first pregnancy. A good time to start the class is in your sixth or seventh month. If a friend is going to be your labor support (labor coach), he or she can come too....
Epidural anesthesia is an effective form of childbirth pain relief. Epidural anesthesia is the injection of a numbing medicine into the space around the spinal nerves in the lower back. It numbs the area above and below the point of injection and allows you to remain awake during the delivery. It can be used for...
In the past 40 years, the rate of cesarean (C-section) deliveries has jumped from about 1 out of 20 births to about 1 out of 3 births. 1 This trend has caused experts to worry that C-sections are being done more often than needed. Because of the risks of C-section, the American College of Obstetricians...
Laboring in water Some hospitals and birthing centers offer tubs or whirlpools for labor. If yours does, talk to your doctor or midwife about laboring in water. The warm water supports your body. It also helps you to relax. For many women, laboring in water has been proved to: 1, 2 Reduce labor pain. Reduce...
Pudendal block To relieve pain associated with the second (pushing) stage of labor, an injection called a pudendal block can be given through the vaginal wall and into the pudendal nerve in the pelvis, numbing the area between the vagina and anus (perineum). Pudendal blocks do not relieve the pain of contractions. A...
Childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells. Childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. AML is also called acute myelogenous leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and...
Childhood astrocytoma is a disease in which benign (noncancer) or malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the brain. Astrocytomas are tumors that start in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes. An astrocyte is a type of glial cell. Glial cells hold nerve cells in place, bring food and oxygen to them, and...
Primary brain tumors, including atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors, are a diverse group of diseases that together constitute the most common solid tumor of childhood. The PDQ childhood brain tumor treatment summaries are primarily organized according to the World Health Organization classification of nervous system...
Primary brain tumors, including germ cell tumors (GCTs), are a diverse group of diseases that together constitute the most common solid tumor of childhood. The most recent classification of CNS tumors implements molecular parameters for the first time, in addition to histology, to define brain tumor entities. This led...
Childhood craniopharyngiomas are benign brain tumors found near the pituitary gland. Childhood craniopharyngiomas are rare tumors usually found near the pituitary gland (a pea-sized organ at the bottom of the brain that controls other glands) and the hypothalamus (a small cone-shaped organ connected to the pituitary...
Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a developmental disorder characterized by a loss of thinking, communication, and language skills that occurs sometime between 2 and 4 years of age. Normal development is seen until then. The cause of childhood disintegrative disorder is not known. Symptoms include poor social...
Esthesioneuroblastoma (also termed olfactory neuroblastoma) is a small round cell tumor arising from the nasal neuroepithelium that is distinct from primitive neuroectodermal tumors. In children, esthesioneuroblastoma is a very rare malignancy, with an estimated incidence of 0.1 cases per 100,000 per year...
Esthesioneuroblastoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulbs are found in the top part of the nasal cavity near the bone that separates the nasal cavity from the brain. The olfactory bulbs connect to the olfactory nerves (nerves that control smell)...
Childhood extracranial germ cell tumors form from germ cells in parts of the body other than the brain. A germ cell is a type of cell that forms as a fetus (unborn baby) develops. These cells later become sperm in the testicles or eggs in the ovaries. This summary is about germ cell tumors that...
Fears of school-age children Your child may seem anxious about everyday occurrences. School-age children usually are still dealing with a number of fears that first developed during their early childhood, such as fear of ghosts, of the dark, or even of dying. Every child's fears are different. Parents may not even...
Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system. Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system. The lymph system is part of the immune system. It helps protect the body from infection and disease. The lymph system is made up of...
After getting approval from several expert groups, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following immunization schedule for children. You can view it online at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html.
After getting approval from several expert groups, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following immunization schedule for children. You can view it online at: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html
Histology Tumors of the larynx are rare. The most common benign tumor is subglottic hemangioma. Malignant tumors, which are especially rare, may be associated with benign tumors such as polyps and papillomas. Clinical Presentation These tumors may present with the following: Hoarseness. Difficulty swallowing...
Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx. The larynx is a part of the throat, between the base of the tongue and the trachea (windpipe). The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make sound when air is directed against them. The sound echoes...
Learn what acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is and what to expect for care and treatment.
Childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system. Childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lymph system, which is part of the body's immune system. It helps protect the body from infection and disease. The lymph system is made up of...
A growth chart is a graph used to track a child's growth and development over time. At each of your child's well-child visits, the doctor will measure: Length (height). A baby's length is measured while lying down, from the top of the head to the bottom of the foot. Older children are measured standing up...
A chip or break in a tooth may occur suddenly with an injury or develop slowly over time because of wear and tear. A chip, crack, or break in the tooth enamel is less serious than one to a deeper layer of your tooth . A chip may result from grinding the teeth at night....
Chiropractic is an approach to health care that tries to relieve pain through spinal manipulation. It is most often used for back or neck pain, and sometimes it is used for headaches or for pain in the arms or legs. Spinal manipulation involves working on the head, shoulders, neck, back, or hips to help relieve...
Doctors of chiropractic (chiropractors) use spinal manipulation, which is a treatment that uses pressure on a joint of the spine. It is used to improve pain and function. Manipulation can be done with the hands or a special device. The careful, controlled force used on the joint can range from gentle to strong, and from...
What is chlamydia? Chlamydia (say "kluh-MID-ee-uh") is an infection spread through sexual contact. This infection infects the urethra in men. In women, it infects the urethra and the cervix and can spread to the reproductive organs . It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Chlamydia does not...
Choking is usually caused by food or an object stuck in the windpipe. For tips to avoid choking, see preventing choking. A person who is choking cannot talk, cough, or breathe, and may turn gray or blue. The Heimlich maneuver can help get the food or object out. WARNING: Do not try the Heimlich maneuver...
Cholera is a disease that can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. If it isn't treated quickly, it can lead to dehydration and even death. About 100,000-130,000 people are thought to die from cholera each year, almost all of them in countries where the disease is common. Cholera is caused by bacteria, and spread through…
Learn what your cholesterol numbers mean for your health.
The goal in treating cholesterol is to lower your chance of having a heart attack or a stroke. The goal is not to lower your cholesterol numbers alone. The following guidelines are from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. 1 The two types of treatment are: Lifestyle changes. Medicines...
Covers cholesterol and triglyceride blood tests to measure fatty substances in the blood. Explains why tests are done and how to prepare. Includes possible results and what they may mean. Looks at what may affect test results.
A child may have a higher chance of having high cholesterol if he or she: Is overweight. Does not exercise much. Does not eat healthy foods. Has a family history of high cholesterol. Cholesterol tests for children and teens Your child's doctor may suggest a cholesterol test based on your child's age, family history, or...
Learn how high cholesterol raises your risk for heart attack and stroke.
What is child care? Child care is short-term care by someone other than a parent. There are two basic types of child care: individual and group. Individual providers care for only your child or children. The provider may be a family member or friend, a nanny, an au pair, or a babysitter. Group providers care...
When considering moving into a nursing home, also called a resident care facility, you can take steps to make sure you select the place that best meets your needs. Visit several nursing homes with your family. Most nursing homes have an admissions coordinator who is able to answer your questions and show you the...
Dr. Christine Goertz reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Goertz is Vice Chancellor for Research and Health Policy at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. She serves as a scientific adviser for the American...
Covers pelvic pain that has lasted longer than 6 months. Discusses common causes such as endometriosis. Covers what increases your risk and offers prevention tips. Covers treatment with lifestyle changes, medicines, and surgery.
Chronic lung disease, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), is a condition that causes breathing problems in newborns. It is most common in babies who are premature. It causes symptoms such as wheezing, grunting, and fast breathing. Treatment helps the baby breathe more easily while the lungs mature and heal on their own.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that causes the body to produce large numbers of white blood cells (lymphocytes). These lymphocytes, called leukemia cells, cannot fight infection very well. When leukemia cells build up in the blood and bone marrow, there is less room for healthy blood cells. This...
Incidence and Mortality Estimated new cases and deaths from CML in the United States in 2019: New cases: 8,990. Deaths: 1,140. CML is one of a group of diseases called the myeloproliferative disorders. Other related entities include the following: Polycythemia vera. Myelofibrosis. Essential thrombocythemia.(Refer to...
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are a group of diseases in which the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Normally, the bone marrow makes blood stem cells (immature cells) that become mature blood cells over time. Anatomy of the bone. The bone is made up of compact bone, spongy bone...
What is chronic myofascial pain? Most people have muscle pain from time to time. But chronic myofascial pain is a kind of ongoing or longer-lasting pain that can affect the connective tissue (fascia) of a muscle or group of muscles. With myofascial pain, there are areas called trigger points. Trigger points are usually...
Pain is a frustrating, sometimes debilitating aspect of ongoing (chronic) pancreatitis. Many people have pain for many years. Pain may decrease as the damaged pancreas loses its ability to produce enzymes. But it may take years for the pancreas to stop producing enzymes. In many people, this process never occurs. If you...
Note: A separate PDQ summary on Levels of Evidence for Cancer Screening and Prevention Studies is also available. The cancer prevention summaries in PDQ refer to cancer prevention, defined as a reduction in the incidence of cancer. The PDQ includes summaries generally classified by histological type of cancer...
Guides through decision to have your son circumcised. Describes the circumcision process and what to expect after surgery. Lists common reasons for and against circumcision. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you decide.
Discusses serious condition in which scarring damages the liver. Looks at causes, including heavy alcohol use, autoimmune chronic hepatitis, and chronic viral hepatitis. Covers symptoms like fluid buildup in the belly called ascites. Discusses transplant.
Shunt surgeries are designed to redirect the flow of blood or abdominal fluid through other areas of the body. Shunts are rarely used because of the complications they may cause. They are done only in medical centers where the surgeon is experienced in doing the procedures. Peritoneovenous shunts. These shunts may...
Medicines that constrict small blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the portal vein are used to treat sudden (acute) bleeding from enlarged veins (varices) in the digestive tract ( variceal bleeding ). Octreotide is the main medicine used in the United States to treat variceal bleeding. These medicines also may be...
It's important to keep your son's penis clean whether he has been circumcised or not. Keeping your young son's penis clean may help prevent infections and other problems. As your son gets older, teach him how to wash and care for his penis. Cleaning a natural penis Do not force the foreskin back over the...
Cleft lip is a birth defect that occurs when the tissues of the upper jaw and nose do not join as expected during fetal development, resulting in a split (cleft) in the lip. An incomplete cleft lip can range from a slight indentation to a notch in the upper lip on one or both sides....
Discusses C. difficile bacteria that cause swelling and irritation of the large intestine, or colon. Looks at how you may get Clostridium difficile colitis if you take antibiotics. Covers treatment with medicine such as metronidazole.
Clotting factors are substances in the blood that help stop bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. People who have clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, have clotting factors that do not function properly. When the blood doesn't clot normally, even minor injuries can cause serious bleeding. This can lead to blood...
Describes clubfoot and what causes it. Covers symptoms and diagnosis. Also covers treatment, including surgery and nonsurgical methods. Offers info on when clubfoot might point to a more serious problem.
Cognitive development is the process by which the brain develops the abilities to learn and remember. Cognitive development follows a typical pattern in the first 12 months of life. Between 1 and 2 months of age, infants become interested in new objects and will turn their gaze toward them. They also gaze longer at more...
The brain grows dramatically through the second year of life. Around 12 months, toddlers develop a new ability to remember experiences that occurred a few hours or even a day earlier. Toddlers often demonstrate this new ability by repeating a recalled experience, such as throwing a ball or stacking blocks, at a later...
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on changing certain thoughts and behavior patterns to control the symptoms of a condition. It's used to treat a variety of problems, such as stress, depression, anxiety and panic disorders, eating disorders, and ongoing (chronic) pain.
A cold agglutinins blood test is done to check for conditions that cause the body to make certain types of antibodies called cold agglutinins. Cold agglutinins are normally made by the immune system in response to infection. They cause red blood cells to clump together (agglutinate) at low temperatures. Healthy people...
Dr. Colleen O'Connor reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Her scholarly interests and research have been in prevention and nutritional management of type 2 diabetes, management of type 2 diabetes in the elderly, and the role of...
Learn what tests are used to check for colon cancer (colorectal cancer) and what the results may mean.
Discusses colon polyps. Covers causes and symptoms. Covers screening tests such as fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy. Looks at treatment choices. Covers risks. Offers prevention tips like staying at a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking.
Colon and rectal surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgery of the colon and rectum. Colon and rectal surgeons can diagnose and treat diseases such as colon cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases including colitis and regional enteritis (Crohn's disease), and hemorrhoids. They may also perform diagnostic...
The colon is also known as the large intestine. It starts with the cecum, which attaches to the small intestine, and ends with the anus. Other parts of the colon include the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, and the rectum.
Learn how to prepare for your colonoscopy and what to expect during the procedure.
Color blindness results from an absence of color-sensitive pigment in the cone cells of the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye that converts light into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. A person with color blindness has trouble seeing red, green, blue, or mixtures of these colors. Most color...
Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread. Scientists are trying to better understand which people are more...
Guides you through choosing a test to check for colorectal cancer. Looks at symptoms of colorectal cancer. Covers stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Learn how a colostomy is done and what to expect after surgery.
Colostomy irrigation gives people who have a colostomy more control over eliminating waste. This method lets you eliminate waste at a planned time. Irrigation is usually done at the same time every day or every other day. An irrigation cone and catheter are connected to the stoma. (The stoma is the exposed end of the...
You may choose to breastfeed and give infant formula for some of your baby's feedings. Supplementing breast milk with formula may decrease your supply of breast milk. But it will not stop your breast milk production. It is best to wait until your baby has been breastfeeding well for at least 6 weeks before offering...
The common bile duct is the tube that connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. The liver produces bile that is stored in the gallbladder and released into the intestine to help digest fat.
We all find ways of coping with stress. Some coping strategies are not as helpful as others. For example, negative coping responses often make your stress worse, because they wear you down over time or are temporary distractions. On the other hand, positive coping responses keep you in the present moment and give you...
Many people believe things that aren't true about gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Here are some questions people sometimes have. Question: Can gay, lesbian, and bisexual people change their sexual orientation? Can they get some kind of treatment? Answer: Like heterosexuals, gay, lesbian, and bisexual people don't...
The three most common sites of swollen lymph nodes are the neck, armpit, and groin.
Communication between clinicians and patients is a multidimensional concept and involves the content of dialogue, the affective component (i.e., what happens emotionally to the physician and patient during the encounter), and nonverbal behaviors. In oncology, communication skills are a key to achieving the important...
What are artificial sweeteners? Artificial sweeteners can be used instead of sugar to sweeten foods and drinks. You can add them to drinks like coffee or iced tea. They are also found in many foods sold in grocery stores. These sweeteners, also called sugar substitutes, are made from chemicals and natural substances...
You can choose from several eating plans to help keep your heart healthy. These plans usually include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and nuts. And each one is flexible enough to adjust to your lifestyle and what you like. Be sure to talk with your doctor before you choose an eating plan. If your doctor...
It is normal for your growing child to be moody or somewhat irritable as he or she moves through adolescence. But symptoms of prolonged sadness or irritability and a loss of pleasure in activities the child enjoyed before can point to depression. Depression is not a normal part of growing up. Deciding whether your...
A complement test uses a blood sample to detect a group of proteins that help the body attack foreign substances. When there are a lot of foreign substances in the body, such as bacteria or viruses, a low level of complement means the body is trying to get rid of the foreign substances. If the...
Complementary medicine is treatment and medicine that you use in addition to your doctor's standard care. (The word "complementary" means "in addition to.") It includes mind and body practices like acupuncture, natural health products like dietary supplements, and alternative health approaches like traditional Chinese...
Learn what happens during a complete blood count test and why you would need one.
Complex regional pain syndrome is an unusual neurological disease in which the nervous system malfunctions after a traumatic event, such as an accident, a fall, surgery, or even after a minor injury such as a sprain. This malfunction causes pain that may seem severe compared to the original injury and may remain long...