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Browse our complete A-Z directory of healthcare terms and entities.
Showing 68 entries starting with "F" of type "Conditions"
A face-lift is the most extensive way to remove or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of the face caused by age. In a traditional face-lift, the skin is literally lifted off the face so that the skin and the tissues beneath can be tightened and the skin can be repositioned smoothly over the...
At one time or another, everyone has had a minor facial injury that caused pain, swelling, or bruising. Home treatment is usually all that is needed for mild bumps or bruises. Causes of facial injuries Facial injuries most commonly occur during: Sports or recreational activities, such as ice hockey, basketball, rugby...
A facial X-ray is a series of pictures of the bones in the face . One type of facial X-ray (called a paranasal sinus X-ray series) looks at the air-filled cavities (sinuses) around the nose and eyes. X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, that are focused into a beam, much...
What is failure to thrive? Failure to thrive is a term used to describe a child who seems to be gaining weight or height more slowly than other children of his or her age and sex. A baby who has failed to thrive may seem slow to develop physical skills, such as rolling over, standing,...
Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a rare inherited genetic disease caused by abnormal development of the nervous system. People with FD have problems feeling pain and heat, may have problems with balance and swallowing, and are unable to regulate their body temperature and blood pressure. Symptoms of FD include severe eye...
A familial lipid disorder is a condition that runs in families. It causes very high levels of cholesterol. This condition can cause a person to get coronary artery disease (CAD) while still young. Because familial lipid disorders are rare, your doctor may only suspect one if you have: Very high cholesterol levels. For...
Family meetings are regularly scheduled times when family members get together to share feelings, discuss concerns, and solve problems. Since all members participate, these meetings help build cooperation and responsibility. Family meetings help members to work together and: Make decisions that affect the family as a...
Fanconi anemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes a decreased number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (pancytopenia) and that can also result in birth defects and an increased risk of cancer. The disease may also cause problems with the heart or kidneys and abnormalities of the arms and legs...
Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, means that the eye can't focus on nearby objects. This is because the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat. In some cases of hyperopia, the eye can't focus on distant objects either. A person has hyperopia when light entering the eye is focused (called the focal point)...
Fat is an essential nutrient that gives you energy. Fats help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Unhealthy fats: Saturated fat is solid at room temperature, which is why it is also known as "solid fat." It is mostly in animal foods, such as milk, cheese, and meat. Trans fat...
Fat replacers are nonfat substances that act like fat in a food. An ideal fat replacer would be a substance that has no health risks and tastes and looks like natural fat but has fewer calories. Fat replacers can be found in foods such as baked goods, cheeses, sour cream, yogurt, margarine, salad dressing, sauces,...
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a test used to screen for colorectal cancer. Cancer in the colon or polyps in the colon are more likely to bleed than normal colon tissue is. This test uses antibodies to check for very small amounts of blood in the stool. If signs of blood are found in...
The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a test that is used to screen for colorectal cancer. Cancer in the colon or polyps in the colon are more likely to bleed than normal colon tissue is. This test uses a chemical to check for very small amounts of blood in the stool. If signs of...
The division of responsibility is a way of feeding your child that takes the battle out of meal times. From birth until your child is between 6 months and 1 year old, you are responsible for what your child eats, and your child is responsible for how much and how often he or she eats....
Most women experience minor vaginal problems from time to time. These problems can be related to menstrual cycles, sex, infection, birth control methods, aging, medicines, or changes after pregnancy. A change in your normal vaginal discharge may be the first sign of a vaginal problem. Changes in urination, such as...
Top of the pageFemale Pelvic OrgansCurrent as ofFebruary 19, 2019Author: Healthwise StaffE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal MedicineMartin J. Gabica, MD - Family MedicineKathleen Romito, MD - Family MedicineCurrent as of: February 19, 2019Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD...
Increased pressure on the bladder caused by sneezing, coughing, laughing, or straining can force urine past the neck of the bladder and out through the urethra.
A femoral-tibial bypass is used to bypass a narrowed or blocked artery in the leg. The bypass restores blood flow to the lower leg and foot. To bypass a narrowed or blocked artery, blood is redirected through a graft. The graft is either a healthy blood vessel that has been transplanted or a man-made material....
Femoropopliteal (fem-pop) bypass surgery is used to bypass narrowed or blocked arteries above or below the knee. The bypass restores blood flow to the leg. To bypass a narrowed or blocked artery, blood is redirected through a graft. The graft is either a healthy blood vessel that has been transplanted or a man-made...
Iron is partly stored in the body in a form called ferritin. The amount of ferritin in a person's body is frequently measured when evaluating anemia.
Fertility awareness is a type of natural family planning based on a woman's physical signs of ovulation, such as changes in cervical mucus consistency and basal (resting) body temperature. Keeping track of these symptoms may be helpful if a couple is trying to become pregnant or trying to avoid pregnancy. If a woman is...
Looks at infertility. Includes info on various tests used for women and men to find out why a woman can't get pregnant. Covers treatments for men and women, including medicine to help a woman ovulate and procedures to increase a man's sperm count.
Fetal ultrasound is a test done during pregnancy that uses reflected sound waves. It produces a picture of the baby (fetus), the organ that supports the fetus ( placenta ), and the liquid that surrounds the fetus ( amniotic fluid ). The picture is displayed on a TV screen. It may be in black and...
Fetal and pregnancy dates are not the same—when a woman is 24 weeks pregnant, her growing baby (fetus) is about 22 weeks old. This is because the start of the pregnancy is counted from the first day of her last menstrual period (LMP), but the embryo doesn't start growing until about 2 weeks later.
Top of the pageFetal development at 12 weeks of pregnancyCurrent as ofMay 29, 2019Author: Healthwise StaffAdam Husney, MD - Family MedicineKathleen Romito, MD - Family MedicineWilliam M. Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal MedicineCurrent as of: May 29, 2019Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review:Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine &...
Top of the pageFetal development at 20 weeks of pregnancyCurrent as ofMay 29, 2019Author: Healthwise StaffAdam Husney, MD - Family MedicineKathleen Romito, MD - Family MedicineWilliam M. Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal MedicineCurrent as of: May 29, 2019Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review:Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine &...
Top of the pageFetal development at 32 weeks of pregnancyCurrent as ofMay 29, 2019Author: Healthwise StaffAdam Husney, MD - Family MedicineKathleen Romito, MD - Family MedicineWilliam M. Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal MedicineCurrent as of: May 29, 2019Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review:Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine &...
Fever seizures (febrile seizures) are uncontrolled muscle spasms and unresponsiveness in a child. They usually last 1 to 3 minutes and are seldom serious. Fever seizures are not a form of epilepsy. A seizure is likely to be fever-related if: There is one seizure in a 24-hour period. The seizure lasted less than 15...
Feverfew ( Tanacetum parthenium ) is an herb that has been studied a lot for migraine prevention. Some small studies show that it may help prevent migraines in some people. 1 Feverfew is available as dried leaf powder, tablet, capsule, and tea. You might find it under the name MIG-99. If you would like to...
What are fibrocystic breast changes? Many women have breasts that feel lumpy, thick, and tender, especially right before their periods. These symptoms are called fibrocystic breast changes. They may also be called cyclic breast changes, because they come and go with your menstrual cycle. Fibrocystic breast changes are...
Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) is sometimes called "slapped-cheek disease" because of the rash that some people get on the face. If a rash appears, usually it has two or three distinct stages: A bright red rash occurs on the sides of the face and sometimes on the forehead and chin. This rash usually is gone...
A filling is a material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after he or she removes any tooth decay. To fill a tooth, your dentist will: Numb your teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding skin. Your dentist will first put a substance that feels like jelly directly on the area to start the numbing...
You can most accurately pinpoint your ovulation day by monitoring your cervical mucus, your basal body temperature (BBT), and your luteinizing hormone (LH) changes with an ovulation test. During the 5 to 6 days before and on the day of ovulation, the cervix produces a type of mucus that is stretchy, slippery, thin, and...
Covers finger, hand, and wrist problems caused by medical conditions and overuse. Offers symptom check list. Includes worksheet to help you decide when to call a doctor. Offers home treatment and prevention tips.
Immediately run cold water over the hot tar or hot plastic to cool the tar or plastic and stop the burning. Do not attempt to peel the tar or plastic off after it has cooled. This may remove skin that is stuck to the tar or plastic. To remove tar or plastic, loosen it with...
Fishhook injuries to the eye are rare. When they occur, they can cause a serious injury, including blindness. Prompt emergency room or ophthalmology care is needed to remove the fishhook, prevent complications, and minimize damage from the fishhook. Do the following, and then seek emergency care : Do not try to remove a...
The possibility of a spinal injury must be considered anytime an accident involves the head, face, neck, or back. Permanent paralysis may be avoided if the injured person is kept from moving (immobilized) and is transported correctly. Do not move the person if you think he or she may have a spinal injury unless there...
Learn how often, how long, and how hard you should exercise for good health.
Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome occurs when pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) causes inflammation of the capsule covering the liver and the area around it. It causes pain in the upper right belly. This syndrome happens when bacteria enter the abdominal cavity through the fallopian tubes. They then follow the flow of...
Learn how to improve your diet with a few simple changes.
Flashes of light are "sparks" that you may see when you move your head. They can happen when the vitreous gel in your eye pulls or tugs (causes traction) on the retina. This creates nerve impulses that appear as flashes of light. The flashes are easier to see when your eyes are closed or you...
Fleas are small, wingless parasitic insects that have a hard, shiny surface and travel by jumping. Flea bites usually cause only mild symptoms in humans that can be relieved by home treatment measures, such as nonprescription cortisone cream. Signs and symptoms of flea bites may include: Zigzag lines, especially on the...
A bacterial infection may develop following infection with viral influenza. Signs of a bacterial infection include: Feeling short of breath. A fever that doesn't go away. A cough that lingers more than 7 to 10 days after other symptoms have cleared, especially if it is bringing up mucus (productive). Yellow, green...
Folic acid, one of the B vitamins, is important for the normal development of an unborn child (fetus). Folic acid and its closely related compounds, folates, are needed for the production of red and white blood cells and platelets, the formation of genetic material (DNA) in cells, and growth. Only a small amount of...
Discusses folic acid deficiency anemia. Discusses role that folic acid (folate) plays in making red blood cells. Covers symptoms and complications of anemia. Covers treatment with diet and daily supplement. Offers list of foods that provide folic acid.
Discusses causes and symptoms of food allergies. Covers what increases risk. Discusses treatment options, including medicine choices. Offers home care and prevention tips. Covers when to call a doctor.
Food intolerance refers to a physical response to a food or food additive that is not an allergic reaction. It differs from a food allergy in that it does not involve the immune system and it is much more common. Food intolerances are often mistaken as food allergies. Some common food intolerances include sulfites...
People often think that following a diet for diabetes means giving up foods they like and having to eat foods they don't like. If you think a diet for diabetes means you can't eat any of the foods you like, try this: Write down what foods are good for you, which are bad for you,...
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating foods that have harmful germs in them, like bacteria, parasites, and viruses. These germs are mostly found in raw meat, chicken, fish, and eggs, but they can spread to any type of food. They can also grow on food that is left out on counters or outdoors...
What is C. perfringens food poisoning? C. perfringens food poisoning is caused by infection with the Clostridium perfringens ( C. perfringens ) bacterium. C. perfringens is found frequently in the intestines of humans and many animals and is present in soil and areas contaminated by human or animal feces. What causes C...
What is Vibrio vulnificus food poisoning? Vibrio vulnificus food poisoning is caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium that lives in warm seawater. The condition is rare. What causes Vibrio vulnificus food poisoning? Vibrio vulnificus food poisoning occurs when you eat seafood infected with the bacteria or you have an...
Take a copy of this checklist with you when you visit your doctor or foot specialist (podiatrist). Because you have diabetes, your doctor needs to do a thorough foot exam once a year. Ask your doctor to look at your feet more often if you have blisters, sores, redness or swelling in your feet. Also...
Footwear plays a large role in the development of foot and toe problems such as bunions , calluses and corns , and hammer, claw, and mallet toes . Shoes that don't fit properly make these conditions worse and more painful. But wearing the right shoes may help keep foot problems from becoming worse. A comfortable...
Foot-and-mouth disease (sometimes called hoof-and-mouth disease) is a viral disease that can occur in animals such as cattle, sheep, and swine (cloven-hoofed animals). It is not related in any way to hand-foot-and-mouth disease found in humans. The two diseases are caused by entirely different viruses. The virus that...
Forced expiratory volume (FEV) measures how much air a person can exhale during a forced breath. The amount of air exhaled may be measured during the first (FEV1), second (FEV2), and/or third seconds (FEV3) of the forced breath. Forced vital capacity (FVC) is the total amount of air exhaled during the FEV test. Forced...
If changing your alcohol use is a goal, then knowing what you'll gain by cutting back on or not drinking can help keep you motivated. Take a moment to fill out the form. Be honest. You may find that you have good reasons to cut back or quit-whatever your goal is. Put a check next...
Dr. Fred Volkmar reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Volkmar is a Professor of Child Psychiatry and a Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. He is also the Irving B. Harris Professor...
Dr. Freddie Fu reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Fu is an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. In January of 1998, he was named David Silver Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at...
Frontotemporal dementia is a group of diseases in which parts of the brain (the frontal and temporal lobes) shrink, or atrophy, causing changes in personality and behavior. People with frontotemporal dementia may display unusual behavior, such as a lack of caring and lack of inhibition. In one type of frontotemporal...
What is frozen shoulder? Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is stiffness, pain, and limited range of movement in your shoulder . It may happen after an injury or overuse or from a disease such as diabetes or a stroke. The tissues around the joint stiffen, scar tissue forms, and shoulder movements become difficult and...
If you touch a frozen metal surface with a wet body part such as your tongue, lip, or wet hand, it could stick. To free a tongue or other body part that's frozen or stuck Don't pull or tug. This can cause an injury. Have someone pour warm water on the metal and on the...
Fructose and sorbitol are two sugars that often are added to processed foods and medicines to make them taste sweet. Fructose can be found in soda pop and many fruit juice drinks. Sorbitol is found in diet products, chewing gum, candy, frozen ice treats, and some medicines (such as syrups for fevers and colds)...
A functional ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac on your ovary. Most of these cysts are harmless and will go away on their own. But some may rupture, twist, or bleed, which can be very painful.
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac (follicle) that contains a maturing egg. The cyst forms on the ovary's surface, then disappears not long after an egg is released to travel down the fallopian tube. If a mature egg is not released or if the sac reseals after releasing the egg, the sac can swell...
During fundoplication surgery, the upper curve of the stomach (the fundus) is wrapped around the esophagus and sewn into place so that the lower portion of the esophagus passes through a small tunnel of stomach muscle. This surgery strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach ( lower esophageal sphincter )...
A fungal infection is an infection caused by a fungus. Fungal infections may affect the skin (for example, athlete's foot or jock itch), nails (for example, fungal nail infections), or hair (for example, ringworm of the scalp and beard). Fungal infections are usually treated by putting medicine directly on the skin...
A fungal nail infection is a fungus gets into your fingernail, toenail, or the skin under your nail, usually through a small cut. The infected toenail usually turns white or yellow. Sometimes it's painful. Toenails that are exposed to moisture and warmth a lot are more likely to get infected by a fungus. This can...
A fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus invades a fingernail, a toenail, or the skin under the nail (nail bed). The infected nail usually turns yellow or white, and it may crumble and split. Bits of skin and nail may build up under the nail. The nail may also get thick, and it may...