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Browse our complete A-Z directory of healthcare terms and entities.
Showing 74 entries starting with "R" of type "Conditions"
What is rabies? Rabies is an infection caused by a virus. It affects the brain and spinal cord ( central nervous system ) of mammals, including humans. It is nearly always deadly if not treated before symptoms begin. Animals that are infected with rabies—rabid animals—can spread the disease through their saliva or...
Rabies is a serious disease. It is caused by a virus. Rabies is mainly a disease of animals. Humans get rabies when they are bitten by infected animals. At first there might not be any symptoms. But weeks, or even months after a bite, rabies can cause pain, fatigue, headaches, fever, and irritability. These are…
Radiation therapy is the use of high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used for the treatment of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin lymphoma, and all types of leukemia. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatment options, such as chemotherapy...
Discusses radiation therapy, including external, internal, and systemic forms. Covers how it works. Also covers risks of radiation and side effects that may occur right away or later.
Radioactive iodine, given in a capsule or liquid form, is absorbed and concentrated by the thyroid gland. The treatment destroys thyroid tissue but does not harm other tissue in the body. See a picture of the thyroid gland . While radiation can cause thyroid cancer, treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine...
Radioactive iodine therapy is used to destroy thyroid cells. Radioactive iodine therapy can be used for thyroid cancer to kill cancer cells that remain after surgery has been done to remove the thyroid gland. It may also be used to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Radioactive iodine is usually given...
Discusses radon, a tasteless and odorless cancer-causing gas. Covers how to prevent exposure to radon gas. Covers health risks. Discusses radon test kits and what results mean. Offers telephone and website contact info for EPA radon help.
Dr. Rakesh K. Pai reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions.
Rashes often form on certain parts of the body that are moist and in spots where skin touches skin. For example, they are common in the armpits, groin, back, feet, and toes. They are also common under the breasts and belly, inside the elbows, and behind the knees.
Rasmussen syndrome is a form of childhood epilepsy that causes frequent, severe seizures. The seizures damage one side (hemisphere) of the brain, often resulting in gradual loss of movement and sensation on one side of the body, problems with mental development, partial loss of vision in one eye, and speech and language...
Rebound congestion is a constant nasal stuffiness (congestion) that develops from the overuse of nasal sprays (or drops or gels) that contain a decongestant medicine. This type of congestion occurs even when a person is not experiencing allergies or other coldlike symptoms. Some examples of nasal spray decongestants are...
Rebound headache is a type of chronic headache that can result from overuse of pain medicines. This is often a problem for people who have frequent, severe headaches. A rebound headache occurs once pain medicine has worn off, prompting a person to take another dose. This can lead to a cycle of more frequent headaches...
In a study of people who had 6 to 12 weeks of severe sciatica related to a herniated disc, one group was assigned to have surgery soon (the surgery group). The other group (the nonsurgical group) was assigned to try nonsurgical treatments for 6 months, followed by surgery if their symptoms didn't improve. When asked...
Incidence and Mortality It is difficult to separate epidemiological considerations of rectal cancer from those of colon cancer because epidemiological studies often consider colon and rectal cancer (i.e., colorectal cancer) together. Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer. In 2012, there...
Rectal endoscopic ultrasound is a test that allows your doctor to look at the walls of your lower gastrointestinal tract. A rectal ultrasound does not use X-rays or other radiation. The doctor uses a thin, lighted tube that bends. It's called an endoscope, or scope. The scope has an ultrasound probe and camera at the...
Rectal prolapse is a condition in which loose tissue near the end of the large intestine (rectum) slides downward. The tissue may partially or completely stick out of (protrude from) the anus. There are three types of rectal prolapse: Partial prolapse (also called mucosal prolapse). Only the lining (mucous membrane) of...
A rectocele occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the end of the large intestine (rectum) in place are stretched or weakened. This can allow the rectum to move from its natural position and press against the back wall of the vagina. Sometimes the tissues separating the two are so weak that the rectum...
A rectovaginal exam is done to examine the vaginal and rectal areas for abnormalities. During a rectovaginal exam, your doctor inserts one lubricated, gloved finger into the vagina and a second finger of the same hand into the rectum while pressing on the lower abdomen with the other hand. This allows your doctor to...
The rectum is a muscular tube about 5 in. (12.7 cm) long that is at the end of the large intestine (colon). The rectum connects the colon to the anus, which is the opening where stool exits the body. The internal and external anal sphincters are rings of muscle at the opening of the anus....
Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) with no cause is defined as at least 3 separate episodes of abdominal pain that occur in a 3-month period. These episodes are often severe, and the child is not able to do his or her normal activities. It may affect up to 30% of children between the ages of 4...
If you've found out that you have a BRCA gene change, you may be feeling pretty overwhelmed. But when it comes to cancer, knowledge is power. Now that you know you are BRCA-positive, you can take steps to reduce your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Thinking about cancer risk Experts know that women who...
Refractive error is a condition that causes blurred vision when light rays entering the eye meet in front of or behind the retina rather than directly on it. Normally, light rays are bent (refracted) by the cornea and lens and focus directly on the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye, which...
Print this page and fill in the information if you are bringing your child in for an appointment. What questions or concerns do I have about my child that I want addressed during this appointment? Are there any recent stresses in the family that may be affecting my child, such as death of a loved...
Print this form and fill in the following information if this is a regularly scheduled appointment with your health professional. What questions or concerns do I want addressed during this appointment? Do I have any new symptoms? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, include how long I have had them and what helps relieve them....
Relapse is the reappearance of or increase in symptoms in a person with an illness or disease after a period of improvement.
A relapse can happen when you have schizophrenia. In a relapse, your symptoms return and may be so severe that they cause a psychotic episode. This means you can't tell the difference between what is real and what isn't real. A relapse or a psychotic episode can be very intense and scary. Preventing a relapse...
Relapsing fever is an infectious disease that can be passed to humans by ticks. Relapsing fever is most common in the western United States. Symptoms usually start 3 to 11 days (average 6 days) after the tick bite. They may last for several days, go away, and then return (relapse) several days later. Symptoms of...
Do not try to remove a fishhook (seek medical care instead) if any of the following are true: The fishhook is in or near an eye. See first aid measures. The fishhook is in a joint, in a bone, or deep in a muscle. You are concerned that removing the fishhook may damage nearby blood...
Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick. Grab the tick as close to its mouth (the part that is stuck in your skin) as you can. Slowly pull the tick straight out (don't twist or yank) until its mouth is released from your skin. Avoid pushing on or squeezing the tick's swollen abdomen. Squeezing it...
Incidence and Mortality Estimated new cases and deaths from renal cell (kidney and renal pelvis) cancer in the United States in 2019: New cases: 73,820. Deaths: 14,770. Follow-up and Survivorship Renal cell cancer, also called renal adenocarcinoma, or hypernephroma, can often be cured if it is diagnosed and treated...
Two common forms of pelvic organ prolapse are bladder prolapse (cystocele) and urethral prolapse (urethrocele). A cystocele occurs when the wall of the bladder presses against and moves the wall of the vagina. A urethrocele occurs when the tissues surrounding the urethra sag downward into the vagina. Both conditions are...
The nasal septum is the structure between the nostrils that separates the nasal passages. The septum, composed of cartilage and thin bone, can develop a hole (perforation) in the cartilage as a complication of previous nasal surgery, from cocaine use, excessive nose picking, trauma, cancer, or diseases such as...
In residential treatment, you live in an alcohol-free and drug-free setting while recovering from substance use disorder. How long you stay varies. You may stay for a number of months or more. Residential treatment may be a good option if you have a long history of alcohol or drug use or crime, have a bad...
Residual volume is the amount of air that remains in a person's lungs after fully exhaling. Doctors use tests to measure a person's residual air volume to help check how well the lungs are functioning. It is normal to have some air remain after exhaling to keep the lungs from collapsing. Residual volume is measured...
To do these exercises, you will need a 24 in. (60 cm) length of rubber tubing with knots tied at each end. Check the rubber tubing each time you use it to be sure there are no holes or frayed areas. This will help you avoid having the tubing break during exercises. As you begin...
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of infants, sometimes called hyaline membrane disease, is a serious condition that most commonly occurs in babies who are born before their lungs are fully developed. The lungs do not fully inflate or function normally, making breathing difficult or impossible without medical...
The upper respiratory tract (upper airway) consists of the nose, mouth, sinuses, pharynx (upper section of the throat), and voice box (larynx). The lower respiratory tract consists of the windpipe (trachea), bronchial tubes, and lungs. The bronchial tubes carry air into the lungs and branch into smaller and smaller...
Retainers are removable devices you wear in your mouth to hold teeth in place after your braces are taken off. Retainers are made of molded plastic and wire.
Retinoblastoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the retina. The retina is the nerve tissue that lines the inside of the back of the eye. The retina senses light and sends images to the brain by way of the optic nerve. Anatomy of the eye, showing the outside...
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a problem affecting the eyes of premature babies, especially those born at or before 30 weeks' gestation or weighing less than 1500 g (3.3 lb). As the immature retina continues to develop after premature birth, abnormal blood vessels can grow around its edges; in severe cases, the...
Retrocalcaneal bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) between the back of the heel bone and the Achilles tendon, just above the point where the tendon connects to the bone. The inflammation causes swelling, tenderness, and pain on the back of the foot. Retrocalcaneal bursitis develops gradually...
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is surgery often used to treat testicular cancer. It is done to remove lymph nodes that may be cancerous from the lower back and pelvis. During the early phases of stage I nonseminoma testicular cancer, it can be very difficult to tell whether these lymph nodes are cancerous...
Anyone who has a head injury during a sporting event needs to immediately stop all activity and not return to play that day. Being active again before the brain returns to normal functioning increases the person's risk of having a more serious brain injury. Every person involved in a sporting event (every coach, player...
What is Reye syndrome? Reye syndrome is a rare but serious disease that most often affects children ages 6 to 12 years old. It can cause brain swelling and liver damage. It may be related to using aspirin to treat viral infections. Reye syndrome can lead to brain damage, liver damage, and death. But if...
People without Rh factor on the surface of their blood cells are Rh-negative and have Rh incompatibility with blood that is Rh-positive. This incompatibility means that when exposed to Rh-positive blood more than once, the immune systems of people with Rh-negative blood produce antibodies to destroy the Rh-positive...
Rheumatic fever results from an infection caused by certain strains of streptococcal bacteria and may be triggered by a strep infection (most often strep throat) that has not been treated. Proper treatment of strep infection can prevent rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever affects the joints and heart, causing symptoms...
Rheumatic fever is a bacterial infection that can cause problems with the heart's aortic and mitral valves. Rheumatic fever is caused by certain strains of streptococcal bacteria. A strep throat infection that isn't properly treated can trigger rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can damage heart muscle and heart valves...
Rheumatic heart disease is inflammation and damage to the heart muscle and heart valves that develop as a result of rheumatic fever. A strep throat infection that is not properly treated can trigger rheumatic fever. Not all people who have rheumatic fever develop rheumatic heart disease. But any heart damage that occurs...
Covers causes and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Looks at treatment with medicine, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Discusses things you can do at home to relieve your symptoms and help control the disease. Includes importance of regular checkups.
Rheumatoid arthritis often affects small and large joints on both sides of the body (symmetry), such as both hands, both wrists or elbows, or the balls of both feet.
Rheumatoid arthritis may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in foot joints. If the disease progresses, joints may become distorted and disabled. Pain and tenderness is common under the ball of the foot. The joints between the foot and the toes (metatarsophalangeal joints) swell and move, causing the toes to...
There are several surgeries to correct joint problems in the hand caused by rheumatoid arthritis, including: Carpal tunnel release, which involves releasing or cutting a ligament in the wrist to relieve pressure on a nerve that runs through the middle of the wrist and supplies feeling to the hand (median nerve). Tendon...
Right-sided heart failure means that the right side of the heart is not pumping blood to the lungs as well as normal. It is also called cor pulmonale or pulmonary heart disease. What happens to the heart? Most people develop heart failure because of a problem with the left ventricle. But reduced function of the...
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. It usually causes a round rash on the skin that may itch. It grows well in warm, moist areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools, and in skin folds. You can get ringworm by touching someone who has it or by sharing towels, clothing, or...
Some risk factors—things that increase your risk—for coronary artery disease (CAD), such as your gender, age, and family history, cannot be changed. Other risk factors for CAD are related to lifestyle and often can be changed. Your chance of developing coronary artery disease increases with the number of risk factors...
The information shown here is based on the best available evidence.
Cigars and pipe tobacco are not as addictive or as harmful as cigarettes. But they still carry their own health risks. Consider that: People who smoke cigars daily are up to 4 times more likely to develop lung cancer than people who do not smoke. The risks of cancer of the mouth, tongue, gums, and...
Like most surgeries, back surgery has some risks. The more serious risks include: Wound problems, including infection and hematoma (bad bruise): Less than 1 to 2 out of 100 people who had surgery had an infection or some other wound problem. Nerve damage: About 1 to 3 out of 100 people who had surgery had...
Dr. Robert L. Cowie reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Cowie is a specialist in respiratory medicine. His interests include asthma, tuberculosis, and occupational lung epidemiology. He is a member of the Division of Respiratory...
Dr. Roger Chou reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Chou is the Director of the Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center in Portland, Oregon.
Dr. Katial reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. He specializes in adult allergic and immunologic conditions, asthma, and pulmonary and lung conditions His research interests include asthma airway inflammation and biomarkers. Dr...
Stand with a chair in front of you and a wall behind you. If you begin to fall, you may use them for support. Put your feet together and your arms to your side. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Do this exercise twice a day. Try to progress to doing it with your eyes...
What is roseola? Roseola (roseola infantum) is a mild illness caused by a virus. It is generally harmless and is most common in children 6 months to 2 years of age. It is rare after age 4. What causes roseola? Roseola is caused by two common viruses. The viruses belong to the family of herpes...
What are rotator cuff disorders? The rotator cuff is a group of tough, flexible fibers ( tendons ) and muscles in the shoulder . Rotator cuff disorders occur when tissues in the shoulder get irritated or damaged. Rotator cuff disorders include: Inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) or of a bursa ( bursitis ). In the...
Exercises are a very important part of treatment for a rotator cuff disorder. If you have pain, weakness, and stiffness in your shoulder from a rotator cuff problem, your doctor will likely suggest that you try exercises and other at-home treatments. These treatments may include rest, ice, heat, and NSAIDs such as...
Surgery may be used to treat a torn rotator cuff if the injury is very severe or if nonsurgical treatment has failed to improve shoulder strength and movement sufficiently. Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff tendon usually involves: Removing loose fragments of tendon, bursa, and other debris from the space in the...
Get tips on how to take care of yourself at home after rotator cuff surgery.
Rotavirus infection affects the digestive tract and is the most common cause of vomiting and severe diarrhea in babies and young children. Other symptoms include fever and stomach pain. Rotavirus spreads when a child has oral contact with stool (feces) containing the virus. The infection can also spread if a child...
Learn how Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is done and what to expect after surgery.
Rubella usually causes a rash that is mild, starts on the face, and spreads to the neck, the chest, and the rest of the body. It may first appear as a mild blush before it develops into a more pinpoint rash. Rubella is also called German measles or 3-day measles.
The size of a burn can be quickly estimated by using the "rule of nines." This method divides the body's surface area into percentages. The front and back of the head and neck equal 9% of the body's surface area. The front and back of each arm and hand equal 9% of the body's surface...
The size of a burn for a baby or young child can be quickly estimated by using the "rule of nines." This method divides a baby's body surface area into percentages. The front and back of the head and neck are 21% of the body's surface area. The front and back of each arm and...
A ruptured eardrum is a tear or hole in the membrane of the middle ear, usually as a result of injury (trauma). The eardrum may also rupture from fluid buildup in the middle ear. A person with fluid buildup in the ear may have severe pain that gets better or goes away when the eardrum...
When you are pregnant, a fluid-filled bag called the amniotic sac surrounds and protects the fetus. When a hole or tear forms in the sac, it's called a rupture of the membranes. Most women describe this by saying their "water broke." Your membranes can break by themselves. This is called a spontaneous rupture of the...