Loading...
Loading...
Browse our complete A-Z directory of healthcare terms and entities.
Showing 200 entries starting with "S" of type "Conditions"
Electrical pulses in the heart are controlled by special groups of cells called nodes. The SA (sinoatrial) node generates an electrical signal that causes the upper heart chambers (atria) to contract. The signal then passes through the AV (atrioventricular) node to the lower heart chambers (ventricles), causing them to...
What is SAM-e? SAM-e is short for S-adenosylmethionine, a substance that occurs naturally in the cells of plants, animals, and humans. SAM-e is not an herb. Because the body produces less SAM-e with age, some people think that SAM-e may be a helpful supplement for certain diseases. In the United States, it is sold as...
Guides through the decision to be screened for sexually transmitted infections. Explains STIs and discusses causes and lifestyles that put you at higher risk for getting infected. Covers benefits and risks of testing. Includes an interactive tool to help you decide.
The sacroiliac joints form the junctions between the spine and each side of the pelvis. Like the vertebrae in the lower back (lumbosacral region), the sacroiliac joints bear the weight and stress of the torso, which makes them susceptible to injury.
The sacrum is a large triangular bone at the bottom of the spine. It is inserted like a wedge between the two hipbones. The sacrum is shorter and wider in women than in men.
Try to avoid hand and wrist movements that can cause pain and other symptoms. Keep your wrists straight or only slightly bent. Avoid activities that bend or twist the wrists for long periods of time. Take frequent breaks from typing or other repetitive activities to stretch your hands and wrists. Avoid doing repetitive...
Learn how to make sure your new baby sleeps as safely as possible.
Learn how to be safe when taking a blood thinner other than warfarin.
Salivary gland cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the salivary glands. The salivary glands make saliva and release it into the mouth. Saliva has enzymes that help digest food and antibodies that help protect against infections of the mouth and throat. There are 3 pairs of...
A salivary gland scan uses a special camera and a tracer (radioactive chemical) to take pictures of the salivary glands . This can help your doctor find the cause of dry mouth ( xerostomia ) or swelling in the salivary glands. During a salivary gland scan, the tracer liquid is put into a vein (...
Salivary glands produce saliva, which moistens the mouth to help a person chew and swallow food. Saliva also contains substances (enzymes) that begin the breakdown of food. There are four pairs of salivary glands: The parotid glands are located between the ear and the jaw. The submandibular glands are located under the...
Sally never had to worry about her weight. She had always been active, enjoying her daily walks in the park. But things changed when Sally's mom had a heart attack. Sally took care of her mom night and day. But Sally got so busy taking care of her mom that she forgot to take care...
You may help cut down on your salt (sodium) intake by using a salt substitute. To make your own salt substitute, mix the following ingredients together and put them in a shaker: 0.5 tsp ( 2.5 g ) cayenne pepper 0.5 tsp ( 2.5 g ) garlic powder 1 tsp ( 5 g ) each:...
Saltwater washes (saline lavage or irrigation) help keep the nasal passages open by washing out thick or dried mucus. They can also help improve the function of cilia that help clear the sinuses . This can help prevent the spread of infection to the other sinuses and reduce postnasal drip . It also can make...
What is saw palmetto? Saw palmetto is a type of palm tree that grows in the southeastern United States. The berry of the saw palmetto plant contains a compound that may reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) , which is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate...
Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the outer layers of the skin. The scabies mites are spread through close contact with an infested person, such as by touching or by sleeping in the same bed. Severe itching that is usually worse at night and a rash with tiny...
Scabies mites burrow into the outer layers of human skin, causing itching, a rash, and sometimes skin sores. The scabies mites are spread through close contact with an infested person, such as by touching or by sleeping in the same bed.
Scabies mites cause a rash and sometimes skin sores in a line or curved track. These often appear after a period of intense itching. Symptoms usually occur on the wrist, between the fingers, in the creases of the elbows or in the armpits, around the waistline, on the genitals, or around the anus. In children,...
Lie flat on your back. This exercise is a very slight motion that starts with your arms raised (elbows straight, arms straight). From this position, reach higher toward the sky or ceiling, keeping your elbows straight. All motion should be from your shoulder blade only. Relax back to the starting position. Repeat 8 to...
Social skills training helps you get along better with other people in daily life, at work, and in social situations. These classes also help you develop skills for your personal relationships. Class topics may include: What is right and wrong behavior in public places. What skills you need to talk successfully with...
Scleral buckling surgery is a common way to treat retinal detachment. It is a method of closing breaks and flattening the retina. A scleral buckle is a piece of silicone sponge, rubber, or semi-hard plastic that your eye doctor ( ophthalmologist ) places on the outside of the eye (the sclera, or the white of...
Scorpions , found mostly in the western and especially the southwestern United States, are up to 3 in. (7.6 cm) in length. They have eight legs and a pair of pincers like a crab has. The stinger, which injects venom, is located at the end of a narrow tail that curves around and over the...
Scrapes (abrasions) are skin wounds that rub or tear off skin. Most scrapes are shallow and do not extend far into the skin, but some may remove several layers of skin. Usually there is little bleeding from a scrape, but it may ooze pinkish fluid.
Children Some hearing problems can delay your child's speech and language development. Early screening for hearing loss can help prevent many learning, social, and emotional problems that can be related to speech and language development. 1 Call your doctor if at any time you suspect your child has a hearing problem...
Children Doctors weigh children at routine checkups. They plot measurements on a growth chart to see how your child compares physically to other children of the same age. Doctors update the chart at each routine exam to document your child's growth pattern. "Overweight" and "obese" are terms sometimes used when...
What is seabather's eruption? Seabather's eruption is a rash that occurs when a swimmer is stung by marine life larvae. The condition has many names, including sea lice, pika-pika, sea poisoning, sea critters, and ocean itch. What causes seabather's eruption? Two types of marine life that generally cause this rash are...
Second sight is a temporary improvement in near vision (such as that needed for reading) in farsighted people that may occur during the early stages of forming a cataract. It occurs as a result of changes in the shape of the lens as the cataract starts to develop. This improved vision does not last as...
Second-degree burns are injuries to the skin caused by heat, radiation, electricity, chemicals, or friction. These burns are also called partial-thickness burns. There are two types of second-degree burns, defined by their depth: Superficial partial-thickness burns injure the first and second layers of skin and are...
A secondary infection is a bacterial or viral illness that develops following a first illness. The second infection may develop because a person's immune system is stressed or weakened. The secondary infection may prolong the first infection or make it more severe.
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) is a form of MS in which symptoms are constant, do not improve, and may get increasingly worse. This is a result of steady damage to the nerves in the brain and the spinal cord. The secondary progressive form of MS follows a phase known as relapsing-remitting MS, in which...
Secondhand smoke is tobacco smoke that affects a nonsmoker. Secondhand smoke can come directly from a cigarette or other lit tobacco; it may also be exhaled by a person smoking. Secondhand smoke is sometimes referred to as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), involuntary smoking, or passive smoking. Secondhand smoke...
The sedimentation rate (sed rate) blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube in one hour. The more red cells that fall to the bottom of the test tube in one hour, the higher the sed rate. When inflammation is present in the body, certain proteins cause red blood...
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved. Top views of the brain show normal tissue (see figure 1) and abnormal tissue (from an injury) that causes seizures (see figure 2).
A medicine blood level test measures how much of your medicine is in your blood. Your doctor checks it to make sure that you are taking a safe and effective dose. This testing is also called therapeutic drug monitoring.
If your cough is weak and if it is difficult to bring up mucus or you know you have lots of mucus, you need an assisted cough. In an assisted cough, another person pushes on your chest to help you cough. An assisted cough is done while you are sitting up in a bed or...
More of your health care takes place in your home than anywhere else. Having the right tools, medicines, supplies, and information on hand is important for your self-care. Most of the items below don't cost a lot. They are easy to use and can be bought at most drugstores and grocery stores. These are helpful...
Every day, children ages 6 to 10 may face new challenges at home with their families and at school with their friends and teachers. At the end of one day, they may feel good about themselves. They have fun with their friends, have done well at school, and are happy at home. The next day,...
Semen is a thick, cloudy, white substance that contains sperm and other fluids. Semen is released, or ejaculated, from the penis during a man's sexual climax (orgasm). The amount of semen ejaculated varies from between a few drops to about 1 tsp (4.9 mL) and usually contains between 40 million and 600 million sperm.
What is sensory processing disorder? Children with sensory processing disorder have difficulty processing information from the senses (touch, movement, smell, taste, vision, and hearing) and responding appropriately to that information. These children typically have one or more senses that either over- or under react to...
Children between ages 6 and 10 years make major gains in muscle strength and coordination. Boys and girls are able to compete quite evenly at sports, because muscle development and coordination occur at about the same times for both sexes. Team sports are a good way for children to build both motor skills and...
Sensory and motor development is the gradual process by which a child gains use and coordination of the large muscles of the legs, trunk, and arms, and the smaller muscles of the hands. A baby begins to experience new awareness through sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing. Babies' sensory and motor development...
Learning to walk is the defining athletic accomplishment for children between 12 and 24 months of age. Those first steps are possible because of changes taking place within the brain and the spinal cord. Coordination and muscle control advance as the brain grows and matures. Most children start walking by 13 months of...
What is sepsis? Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It causes inflammation across large areas of the body and can damage tissue and organs. Sepsis requires immediate care in a hospital. Septic shock is sepsis that causes extremely low blood pressure, which limits blood flow to the body. It can cause...
Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection in a joint. The joint is often red, hot, swollen, and tender. The joint may become infected with bacteria after an injury or surgery. Also, an infection from somewhere else in the body may travel through the bloodstream to the joint. Early treatment with antibiotics is important...
A serious head injury occurs when the brain hits against the inside of the skull with enough force to cause brain damage. A serious head injury may result from a hard blow to the head, from severe jarring or shaking of the head, or when an object pierces the head. With this type of injury,...
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and infections of the blood. Meningococcal disease often occurs without warning – even among people who are otherwise healthy…
Discusses serum osmolality test used to check for dehydration, certain poisons, cause of seizures, and other problems. Covers how it is done and how to prepare for it. Also covers what test results may mean.
Severe vomiting can mean that: You vomit more than 10 times in 24 hours. For at least 24 hours, you vomit every time you try to drink something. The vomit shoots out in large amounts and with great force.
Sex therapy may be helpful for some men who have erection problems (erectile dysfunction). Sex therapy doesn't involve having sex with or in front of the sex therapist. Also, isn't long-term or open-ended therapy. It usually involves working with a therapist who recommends gradual steps to change sexual behavior. Sex...
Sex is part of a healthy life. And it can be safe for people who have heart problems. But some of these people may worry about having sex. Or they may have problems having sex or enjoying sex. If you are having sexual problems, talk with your doctor. Your doctor or another health professional can...
What are sexual problems? A sexual problem is something that keeps sex from being satisfying or positive. Most women have symptoms of a sexual problem at one time or another. For some women, the symptoms are ongoing. But your symptoms are only a sexual problem if they bother you or cause problems in your relationship...
Childbirth and breastfeeding may affect your sexual desire. Exhaustion, breast soreness, your baby's demands, and recovery from childbirth may reduce your interest in intimacy with your partner. But you may feel more comfortable having sex after the baby is born. Each woman's experience is different. You can help...
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are some of the most widespread infections both in the United States and the world. STIs affect both men and women, and two-thirds of all STIs occur in people younger than 25. Exposure to an STI can occur any time you have sexual contact that involves the genitals, the mouth...
Lists common sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, HIV, HPV (genital warts), syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Includes interactive tool to help you decide when to call a doctor. Covers safer sex. Offers prevention tips.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—are those spread by sexual contact. They may also be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus before or during delivery. Exposure to an STI can occur anytime a person has sex or close contact that involves the genitals, the...
Shaken baby syndrome is brain damage that occurs when a baby is shaken, slammed, or thrown against an object. It is a form of child abuse. It can cause serious long-term problems or even death. It is also called intentional head injury or abusive head trauma.
Sharing memories (sometimes called life review or reminiscence) helps older adults relive past events in their lives. By sharing memories, older adults can explore their thoughts and feelings about the past. They can put their past experiences in perspective with what is happening to them in the present or what is...
Shin splints are a condition that causes pain and sometimes swelling in the front part of the lower leg (shin).
Discusses shingles, a condition caused by the virus that causes chickenpox (herpes zoster). Discusses who is most likely to get it. Describes how shingles rash causes pain and the treatment for it. Includes info on the shingles vaccine.
The shingles rash can appear anywhere on the body but will only be on one side of the body, the left or right. It will be in a band, a strip, or a small area. Before the rash occurs, there is usually itching, tingling, or pain in that area. The rash turns into blisters after...
Looks at bronchodilator medicines for asthma. Lists generic and brand names, such as albuterol (Proventil), levalbuterol (Xopenex), and terbutaline. Info on how well beta-2 agonists work, side effects, and warning not to overuse.
The shoulder is made up of three bones: the scapula (shoulder blade), the humerus (upper arm bone), and the clavicle (collarbone). Muscles, tendons, and ligaments hold it together. The outer end of the collarbone is connected to the end (acromion) of the shoulder blade. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions and...
Avoid any movement that is straight to your side, and be careful not to arch your back. Your arm should stay about 30 degrees to the front of your side. Stand with your side to a wall so that your fingers can just touch it at an angle about 30 degrees toward the front of...
These are isometric exercises. That means you contract your muscles without actually moving. Push forward (flex): Stand facing a wall or doorjamb, about 6 in. (15.2 cm) or less back. Hold your affected arm against your body. Make a closed fist with your thumb on top and gently push your hand forward into the wall...
Learn about shoulder replacement surgery.
A shoulder separation (acromioclavicular joint injury) occurs when the outer end of the collarbone (clavicle) separates from the end (acromion) of the shoulder blade because of torn ligaments. This injury occurs most often from a blow to the top of the shoulder or a fall onto the shoulder. Signs and symptoms of a...
A shoulder separation is the partial or complete separation of two parts of the shoulder: the collarbone (clavicle) and the end (acromion) of the shoulder blade (scapula). A shoulder separation can be type I, in which the acromioclavicular (AC) ligament is partially torn, but the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament is not...
Preparing for a newborn Be prepared for a variety of reactions from your older child when a newborn joins your family. It is normal for an older child to feel jealous and displaced when you have another baby. The older sibling may go back to thumb-sucking, abandon potty training, or display other similar behaviors...
Home treatment for sickle cell disease includes steps you can take not only to control pain symptoms but also to prevent some of the complications caused by the disease. These complications include painful sickle cell crises . Have a pain management plan If you and your doctor have developed a pain management plan for...
What is splenic sequestration? Splenic sequestration is a problem with the spleen that can happen in people who have sickle cell disease. Splenic sequestration happens when a lot of sickled red blood cells become trapped in the spleen. The spleen can enlarge, get damaged, and not work as it should. When the spleen...
A sickle cell test is a blood test done to check for sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease that causes red blood cells to be deformed ( sickle-shaped ). The red blood cells deform because they contain an abnormal type of hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S, instead...
What is sickle cell trait? Sickle cell trait occurs when a person inherits a sickle cell gene from just one parent. It's not the same as sickle cell disease, in which a person inherits two sickle cell genes, one from each parent. People with sickle cell disease have just one kind of hemoglobin (hemoglobin S),...
People with sickle cell disease, an inherited condition, have red blood cells that can change form. The red blood cells can change from round into a "sickle" or crescent shape.
Lie on your side with your knees bent, and prop your upper body up on your elbow. Raise your hips off the floor, and hold for 6 seconds. Rest for 10 seconds. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
Anoscopy, proctoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy tests allow your doctor to look at the inner lining of your anus, your rectum, and the lower part of the large intestine (colon). These tests are used to look for abnormal growths (such as tumors or polyps ), inflammation, bleeding, hemorrhoids, and other conditions (such as...
You can be reassured that your baby is eating enough and is well nourished when he or she: Shows an eager desire and wakes up frequently to breastfeed. Rhythmically sucks and swallows milk. The fronts of your baby's ears will move slightly, and you usually will hear swallows. Breastfeeds on each breast at each feeding...
If you take a medicine that might cause bleeding as a side effect, watch for signs of internal or abnormal bleeding. This medicine might be a blood thinner. Call or other emergency services right away if you have: A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches. (It may be a sign of bleeding...
A silent heart attack is one in which a person does not feel typical symptoms of a heart attack, such as: Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest. Sweating. Shortness of breath. Nausea or vomiting. Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or one...
Discusses sinusitis, which is infection or inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities. Covers acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. Looks at causes and symptoms. Covers treatment with medicines and surgery.
Skier's (or gamekeeper's) thumb results from a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. This injury can happen when your thumb is pulled back or to the side, away from your fingers. It often happens when a skier falls on an outstretched hand that is holding a ski pole. The tear can be...
Skin adhesives are clear gels that may be used to hold the edges of a small cut together. Your doctor may apply a skin adhesive instead of stitching your cut. A liquid will be applied to your skin and allowed to dry. As it dries, it creates a film that will hold together the edges...
There are three main types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma. BCC and SCC are the most common forms of skin cancer and together are referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancers. This summary addresses the treatment of BCC and SCC of the skin and the related noninvasive lesion...
Skin changes are a common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription medicines. Common side effects include: Rash. Any medicine can cause a rash. Two examples are aspirin and antibiotics. Color changes in the skin. A few examples of medicines that can cause this are: Birth control pills. Medicines for heart...
The median nerve supplies feeling to the skin of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.
Areas affected by the nerves in the hand Numbness is an inability to feel anything when you touch your skin. Tingling is a pins-and-needles sensation, like when your foot "falls asleep." Numbness or tingling may mean that nerves have been injured or pinched, swelling is putting pressure on nerves, or blood vessels have...
Cuts are open wounds through the skin. Normally the skin is under slight, constant tension as it covers the body. A cut is a forceful injury to the skin.
Home treatment often can relieve discomfort and itching until a rash clears up. If you have come in contact with a substance that causes contact dermatitis (such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac), immediately wash the area with large amounts of water. Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve itching. Be sure to follow...
Skin tags are small, soft pieces of skin that stick out on a thin stem. They most often appear on the neck, armpits, upper trunk, and body folds. The cause of skin tags is not known. They commonly appear after middle age. Skin tags do not require treatment. But if they are bothersome, a doctor...
A skin or wound culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus ) that can cause an infection. A sample of skin, tissue, or fluid is added to a substance that promotes the growth of germs. If no germs grow, the culture is negative. If germs that can cause an...
Oral devices (also called oral appliances) are sometimes used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They push the tongue and jaw forward, which makes the airway larger and improves airflow. This also reduces the chance that tissue will collapse and narrow the airway when you breathe in. Examples include a mandibular...
Guides through decision to have sleep study to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Includes pros such as diagnosis that can lead to treatment. Also offers cons such as cost. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
Sleeping can be hard when your back aches. You toss and turn, and it hurts. Try to sleep with your back in a neutral position-not arched a lot, but not flat either. This takes pressure off your spine. These two positions can help: When sleeping on your side, place a pillow between your knees. Try...
The esophagus connects to the stomach at an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is normally at the same level as the diaphragm, keeps stomach contents (food, acid, and other digestive juices) from backing up (or refluxing) into the esophagus. But when a sliding hiatal...
A slipped capital femoral epiphysis occurs when the upper end of the thighbone (femur) slips at the area where the bone is growing (growth plate or physis) and does not fit in the hip socket correctly. The condition is most common in teenagers. Rapid growth and a hormone imbalance during adolescence may cause the femur...
The slit lamp exam uses a tool that provides a magnified, three-dimensional (3-D) view of the parts of the eye . During the exam, your doctor can look at the front parts of the eye. These parts include the clear, outer covering (cornea), the lens, and the colored part (iris). The doctor can also see...
A small bowel prolapse (enterocele) occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the small bowel in place are stretched or weakened. This can cause the small bowel to move from its natural position and press against the wall of the vagina.
The small intestine is a winding, tightly folded tube about 20 ft (6 m) long in adults. It connects to the stomach on the top end and to the large intestine (colon) on the bottom end. Most of the food a person consumes is digested and absorbed in the small intestine. The lining of the...
Discusses smallpox, a contagious infection caused by the variola virus. Covers symptoms and how it's diagnosed. Discusses how it's spread. Discusses smallpox vaccine, including who should have it and who should not. Covers smallpox as a biological weapon.
Smoke inhalation occurs when a person breathes in hot air, smoke, or chemical fumes, which can cause burns or swelling in the air passages. Life-threatening carbon monoxide poisoning can occur with smoke inhalation. The person may be restless, confused, or violent from the smoke and toxic gases inhaled. A changed mental...
Learn what many people tell themselves about a cough that won't go away.
Smoking can gradually and permanently damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those that carry blood to the penis. This can make it difficult to get or maintain an erection (impotence). Quitting smoking may help prevent new damage from occurring inside the blood vessels. Smoking can also affect a man's...
Poisonous snake or lizard bite A bite from a poisonous (venomous) snake or lizard requires emergency care. If you have been bitten by a snake or lizard that you know or think might be poisonous, call or other emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. If you are not sure what type...
Pit vipers, such as the rattlesnake , copperhead , and cottonmouth (also called water moccasin), are poisonous (venomous) snakes. They leave one, two, or three puncture marks on the skin, but you won't always see any marks. Symptoms of a pit viper snakebite usually appear within a few minutes to a few hours after a...
What are social connections? Social connections are the relationships you have with the people around you. They may be close, like family, friends, and coworkers, or more distant, like people you know casually. They can be as close as next door or so far away that you only connect with them by telephone or through...
Social workers are health professionals who use counseling to help people function in their environment, improve their relationships with others, and solve personal and family problems. They also help people locate and access appropriate resources for their particular needs. A social worker may work in a hospital...
Sodium is a naturally occurring mineral that the body needs to function properly. But too much sodium can cause problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), or make problems worse. Salt is the most familiar source of sodium. Sodium is often hidden in foods that don't taste salty, such as cheddar cheese and...
Take a minute to learn about a sore throat and what you can do to feel better.
South African tick-bite fever is a disease passed to humans by ticks that are infected with an organism called Rickettsia africae. These ticks, known as buffalo ticks, usually live on cattle in southern Africa. Symptoms usually begin within 8 days after the tick bite and may last for 1 to 15 days. Symptoms may include...
© Healthwise, Incorporated A spacer is a chamber that can be attached to a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). The spacer chamber may have a one-way valve that allows the medicine to be held in the chamber before it is inhaled. This way you can inhale the medicine in one or many breaths, depending on your ability....
Spastic cerebral palsy results in a condition in which a person has muscle tightness and problems with moving the body. People with spastic cerebral palsy have poor balance and poor coordination, especially in the arms and legs. This condition results from some type of disruption during early brain development, such as...
Normal disfluency is stuttering that begins during a child's intensive language-learning years and resolves on its own sometime before puberty. It is considered a normal phase of language development. About 75 out of 100 children who stutter get better without treatment. 1 The most common normal disfluency in children...
Speech and language development milestones relate to receptive language (the ability to understand words and sounds) and expressive language (the ability to use speech and gestures to communicate meaning). Most 1-year-olds begin to understand the meanings of words. Their receptive language grows from understanding names...
A spermatic cord is connected to each testicle to help keep the testicle in position and supply the penis with semen. The cord contains veins, arteries, nerves, lymph vessels, and part of the tube that carries sperm called the vas deferens. The spermatic cord extends upward from the epididymis, a small sac-shaped...
A spermicide is a substance that kills sperm. Spermicides are available as jelly, foam, cream, suppositories, and film. The active ingredient of most spermicides is a chemical called nonoxynol-9. Most spermicides come with an applicator. The applicator is filled with spermicide and inserted into the vagina right before...
Spinal cord injury specialists are rehabilitation doctors (physiatrists) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of people who have spinal cord injuries. A person is referred to a spinal cord injury specialist because of spinal cord disease or a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injury specialists can be...
When you leave a rehabilitation (rehab) center for your home after a spinal cord injury (SCI), you need to have your home ready for your special needs. Following are some of the adaptations and adaptive equipment you may need. Talk with your rehab team about what you will need specifically and the best way to...
Autonomic dysreflexia is a syndrome in which there is a sudden onset of excessively high blood pressure. It is more common in people with spinal cord injuries that involve the thoracic nerves of the spine or above (T6 or above). Be prepared to call your spinal cord injury therapist, , or other emergency services if...
Lung and breathing problems are common in a spinal cord injury (SCI). This is because you may not be able to use some of the muscles necessary for breathing, or they may be very weak. This makes it difficult to breath, cough, and bring up mucus from the lungs, which leads to a greater risk...
Talking with your partner may help your sexual function, whether it be erection problems for men or lack of arousal for women. Couples often wrongly assume that they each know what the other person likes when it comes to sex, but likes and dislikes may change after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Talk about how...
Spinal decompression surgery reduces pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots and may reduce neck pain. To relieve the pressure, your doctor may remove: Bony growths (bone spurs or osteophytes) and fibrous tissue that are narrowing the spinal canal and pressing on spinal nerve roots. Parts of the vertebrae...
Spinal fusion is a surgery that joins (fuses) two or more vertebrae together. Vertebrae are the 33 interlocking bones of the spinal column that are stacked on top of each other. Methods of doing spinal fusion may include: Using bone that is harvested from elsewhere in the body or is obtained from a bone bank...
In spinal fusion for scoliosis, rods, hooks, wires, or screws are attached to the curved part of the backbone and the spine is straightened. Small pieces of bone, called grafts, are then put over the spine. Bone for grafts is often taken from the person's pelvic bone. The grafts will grow together with the spinal...
A spinal injury is damage to the bones, ligaments, or nerves of the spinal column. This may include damage to the spinal cord, which is the nerve that extends from the base of the brain through the spinal canal to the lower back, or to the bones. A spinal injury can make a person unable...
Spinal manipulation, also called spinal adjustment, 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 slow to...
Hear what others thought about when deciding whether to have back surgery.
The spine (backbone) is a column of bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of one another. Each vertebra has an opening near its center. The spinal canal is made up of openings in the vertebrae through which the spinal cord runs.
The spinal cord is a soft bundle of nerves that extends from the base of the brain to the lower back. It runs through the spinal canal, which is protected by the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Messages between the brain and the nerve roots travel up and down the spinal cord. This makes it...
Religious and spiritual values are important to patients coping with cancer. Studies have shown that religious and spiritual values are important to Americans. Most American adults say that they believe in God and that their religious beliefs affect how they live their lives. However, people have different ideas about...
Spitting up is when a baby spits out breast milk, formula, or other food during or shortly after feeding. It is different from vomiting, which is forceful. Spitting up is effortless and does not seem to cause the baby any discomfort. Some babies spit up for no reason. Other babies spit up because the valve...
Most people lose as much as 1 qt (1 L) to 2 qt (2 L) of fluid during 1 hour of exercise. When you are not drinking enough fluids, your muscles get tired quickly, and you may have leg cramps while walking or running. If you are an athlete, you can lose as much as...
Ankle sprains are common injuries that can result in lifelong problems. Some people with repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness. Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems. If an ankle sprain does not heal correctly, the joint may become unstable, resulting in a...
Sprue is a disorder in which the intestines are unable to absorb nutrients from food. It can cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, muscle cramps, pale skin, and bone pain. Sprue occurs in two forms: tropical and nontropical. Tropical sprue affects people who live in tropical areas. Its exact cause is not clear...
Sputum is a thick fluid made in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs. A sputum culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus ) that can cause an infection. A sample of sputum is added to a substance that promotes the growth of germs. If no...
St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) is a plant with yellow flowers that has been used to treat depression in European countries for centuries. It is sold in liquid and powder (pill) form and can be found at health food stores and pharmacies. A person who wants to try St. John's wort should first...
The stage and grade of a cancer are ways to measure the cancer. When cancer is diagnosed, the stage and grade of a person's cancer helps doctors know what treatment to use. They also help predict how long the person will survive or whether there is a good chance for a cure. The stage describes...
Pressure injuries (bed sores) are an injury to the skin and underlying tissue. They can range from mild reddening of the skin to severe tissue damage-and sometimes infection-that extends into muscle and bone. Pressure injuries are described in four stages: Stage 1 sores are not open wounds. The skin may be painful, but...
Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a type of bacteria that can cause infections. Staph bacteria normally live on the skin. They don't usually cause problems. They only become a problem when they cause infection. In most cases, you can treat this infection with antibiotics. For some people, especially those who are weak or...
Learn why taking a statin pill is such an important part of your treatment.
Learn how to find what is getting in the way of taking your statin pill every day.
Compare the pros and cons of taking a statin to lower your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Status asthmaticus is a long-lasting and severe asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatment. It occurs when asthma symptoms—difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing—fail to improve with emergency medicine treatment. Status asthmaticus is an emergency situation that can lead to death. A person with this...
When you spend time around an animal—whether it's a pet, a farm animal, or a wild animal—there's a chance you can pick up an infection. An infection you get from an animal is called a zoonosis (say "zoh-uh-NOH-sus"). Some infections can seem mild, but others can be quite serious. So it's a good idea to...
After you leave a violent relationship, you may have to take extra steps to stay safe. For example, if you printed out this information, it may be better off in the hands of a trusted friend than at home. Here are some tips that may increase your safety. Keep in mind that this information is...
Stem cell transplant is the replacement of damaged bone marrow cells with healthy cells (stem cells). Stem cells are immature cells produced in the bone marrow that make more stem cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Stem cells used for transplants can be taken from bone marrow, from the...
Rolling the bottle gently Follow these steps when preparing an insulin shot with one type of insulin. Step 1. Roll the insulin bottle (vial) gently between your hands. Roll a bottle of cloudy insulin until the white powder has dissolved. Rolling the bottle will warm the insulin if you have been keeping the bottle in...
During a stereotactic breast biopsy, you may lie on your stomach on a special table. Or you may sit in a chair. Your doctor will use X-ray to guide a needle to the biopsy site to remove samples of breast tissue. The samples are examined under a microscope.
After being away from sports since his college days, Steve decided it was time to get back in shape and back into the game. Squash (an indoor racquet sport) and weight training topped his list of activities to enjoy again. And he did for a while—until arthritis turned his enjoyment into pain. First signs of...
When you cuddle, talk to, and play with your baby, you build an emotional bond. You also help stimulate his or her learning and cognitive development. Show your baby new and interesting things. For instance, carry your baby around the room and show him or her pictures on the wall. Tell your baby what the...
Your stomach is where the food you eat is broken down into smaller pieces. This action is called digestion. Stomach (gastric) juice is the term used to describe the chemicals that break down food in the stomach. These include hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin. Gastric juice is sometimes referred to as...
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...
Discusses stool analysis, a test used to look for bacteria, parasites, or blood in the digestive tract. Covers why and how it is done. Looks at risks. Covers normal and abnormal results.
Discusses accurate, rational thinking to stay well or cope with a health problem. Covers cognitive-behavioral therapy, also called CBT. Provides links to info on healthy thinking and weight, stress management, anxiety, and depression.
Unwanted thoughts can make you feel anxious or depressed. They may keep you from enjoying your life. A technique called thought-stopping can help you stop unwanted thoughts. What you think can affect how you feel. Thought-stopping helps you change how you think so that you feel better. Changing your thinking will take...
You can make it through your depression. Hear from people who have recovered from depression.
Hear from others who have repeated bouts of depression.
These straight-leg raises help you strengthen the muscles around your hip. Do 8 to 12 repetitions. Lie on your side, with your injured leg on top. Tighten the muscles on the front of the thigh of your injured leg to keep your knee straight. Keep your hip and your leg straight in line with the...
This exercise will get you started on building strength after an Achilles tendon injury. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you move on to more challenging exercises as you heal and get stronger. Stand on a step with your heel off the edge of the step. Hold on to a handrail or wall for...
Talk with your doctor or physical therapist if you have questions about how to do these or any other exercises for ankle sprains. Ankle eversion exercise Start by sitting with your foot flat on the floor and pushing it outward against an immovable object such as the wall or heavy furniture. Hold for about 6...
Complications of strep throat are rare but can occur, especially if strep throat is not properly treated with antibiotics. Complications can be related either to the strep infection or to the body's immune response to the infection. Complications related to the strep infection Although rare, complications can result...
A stress fracture is a hairline crack in a bone. In some cases, the crack may be so small that it is not visible on an X-ray. Stress fractures are usually caused by repeated stress on a bone rather than by a specific injury. They can occur in any bone that repeatedly bears weight. For...
Stress incontinence is the inability to control the release of urine when pressure on the abdominal muscles increases. This can occur when a person laughs, coughs, sneezes, lifts a heavy object, or jogs. Increased pressure on the top of the bladder created by one of these actions forces urine past the valve that...
Looks at how breathing exercises can help with stress relief. Includes step-by-step instructions for exercises like belly breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, and morning breathing. Offers links to more info on managing stress with guided imagery and meditation.
Looks at how guided imagery can help to manage stress. Explains what guided imagery is and its uses in healing, creativity, and reducing stress. Lists step-by-step instructions for guided imagery.
Explains what progressive muscle relaxation is and how it can help reduce stress and anxiety. Walks you through doing relaxation exercises on various muscle groups. Links to info on other relaxation methods, including meditation, guided imagery, and yoga.
Childhood isn't all fun and games. Even young children can feel worried and stressed. Stress can come from outside, such as family, friends, and school. It can also come from children themselves. Just like adults, children may expect too much of themselves and then feel stressed when they feel that they have failed.
Discusses using time management to help reduce stress. Covers prioritizing tasks, controlling procrastination, and managing commitments. Offers interactive tool to help test what you've learned. Provides links to more info on stress management.
Learn how to reduce stress by tensing and relaxing your muscles.
Guides you through ways to relieve stress. Covers tips to relax your muscle groups such as hands, arms, head, neck, and upper and lower body. Looks at roll breathing to relieve stress. Includes slideshow of roll breathing.
Stress is what you feel when you have too much to handle. You may have too much work to do, or you may be having trouble with children or a spouse. If stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can affect your health. Where do you hold your stress? We all "hold" stress...
A stress fracture is a hairline crack in a bone. In some cases, the crack may be so small that it is not visible on an X-ray. A stress fracture can occur in any bone that repeatedly bears weight.
Children and teens notice and react to stress in their family and also experience their own stress. It is important to recognize stress in children and teens and help them with healthy coping strategies. The strategies they learn often stay with them into adulthood. Generally, anything that may cause children fear and...
To do effective stretching exercises, hold each stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Don't bounce while you stretch. Just relax and breathe freely. It's a good idea to do these stretches on both legs, even if you only have problems with one of your Achilles tendons. Stretch one leg first, and then the...
Wrist flexor stretch Extend your arm in front of you with your palm up. Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor. With your other hand, gently bend your wrist further until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4...
These are general stretches for the wrists and arms. Stretching may help prevent arm problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Do not do any stretch or movement that is uncomfortable or painful. Warm-up stretches Rotate your wrist up, down, and from side to side. Repeat 4 times. Stretch your fingers far apart, relax...
Discusses ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and TIA (transient ischemic attack). Describes stroke symptoms and importance of acting fast if symptoms develop. Covers stroke treatment and prevention.
Getting better after a stroke takes patience and effort. See how others found inspiration to keep going.
Is this topic for you? This topic covers rehabilitation after a stroke. For information on stroke itself, see the topic Stroke. What is stroke rehabilitation? The best way to get better after a stroke is to start stroke rehabilitation ("rehab"). In stroke rehab, a team of health professionals works with you to regain...
Learn the symptoms of stroke and why it's important to call emergency services right away.
Depending on what part of the brain was affected by a stroke, the way a person acts may be different from how he or she acted before the stroke. A person who was very concerned about details before a stroke may become sloppy and care little about personal appearance after a stroke. Because these problems...
It is common for a person who has had a stroke to feel sad and become depressed about the disabilities caused by the stroke. Sometimes the injury to the brain from the stroke can cause depression. Depression is a serious condition that needs treatment. People who are depressed may: Feel negative, hopeless, or "down in...
Learn an easy way to recognize stroke symptoms and know when to call 911.
After a stroke, you may not feel temperature, touch, pain, or sharpness on your affected side. You may have: Feelings of heaviness, numbness, tingling, or prickling or greater sensitivity on the affected side. No sense of how your muscles and joints are operating together, which may affect your balance. In stroke rehab...
Learn how stroke rehab works and how it can help you get stronger and feel better.
A stye is an infection that causes a tender red lump on the eyelid. Most styes occur along the edge of the eyelid.
You may have a very mild form of hyperthyroidism called subclinical hyperthyroidism if your thyroid tests show that: Your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are low. Your thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are normal. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is different from hyperthyroidism. Your TSH...
A subdural hematoma is an increase in pressure within the skull that happens when blood collects in the space between the skull and the brain. The bleeding is usually caused by torn veins in the brain following a head injury. Symptoms of a subdural hematoma, which can develop rapidly or slowly, include: Severe headache...
Is this topic for you? This topic is about substance use disorder in adults. For information about drug use in teens or children, see the topic Teen Alcohol and Drug Use. What is substance use disorder? Substance use disorder is using drugs in a way that harms you or that leads you to harm others....
Discusses teen use of alcohol and other harmful or illegal substances. Covers the effects and consequences substance use has on a teen's life, including physical and emotional health. Includes info on how to recognize and deal with teen substance use.
Many people think substance use disorder happen only to teens and younger adults. But all ages can have problems with drugs and alcohol, including older adults. Older adults may use illegal drugs, misuse prescription or over-the-counter medicines, drink too much alcohol, or mix alcohol and medicines. Doing any of these...
Vision changes may indicate a serious problem with the tissue that lines the back of the eyeball (retina), optic nerve, or blood vessels in the eye . Evaluation by a health professional is needed right away for sudden vision changes, such as: Flashes of light (photopsia). Photopsia is brief but recurrent streaks...
Sudden heart failure causes rapid fluid buildup, or congestion, in the lungs and other parts of the body. It occurs when the heart does not pump as much blood as the body needs. Symptoms develop suddenly and include: Severe shortness of breath. An irregular or rapid heartbeat. Coughing up foamy, pink mucus. Sudden heart...
Dr. Sue Barton reviews behavioral health content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Barton is a Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine-Emerita at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine in Sacramento, California.
Suicide occurs almost twice as often as murder. Each year, about 36,000 people in the United States die by suicide. In the U.S.: 1 Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24 and the second leading cause for people ages 25...
Your skin type affects how easily you sunburn. But sun protection measures should be used for babies, small children, and older adults no matter what their skin type. Their skin is very sensitive to sunburn. Skin types and sunburn Type I Red hair, freckles (extremely sensitive) You sunburn easily and are not likely to...
A superficial venous thrombosis is a blood clot in a vein that is close to the surface of the skin. A superficial thrombosis usually forms a firm lump, sometimes like a rope, under the skin. Often the skin is red and tender. The skin may look infected, but an actual infection is not common. If...
Print this form and fill in the information if your doctor recommends that you have a surgical procedure. General questions What is the name of the surgical procedure? Why do I need surgery? How soon should surgery take place? What might happen if I delay or avoid the surgery? What results should I expect from...
A person who is susceptible (or has susceptibility) is easily affected by a disease, is more likely to get a disease, or lacks resistance to a disease.
Swallowing air may cause bloating, burping, gas, and abdominal pain. Swallowed air that is not released by burping passes through the digestive tract and is released as gas (flatus). Babies often swallow air during feeding. It is important to burp your baby during and after feeding. Swallowed air may cause a baby to be...
Button disc batteries Button disc batteries are found in watches, cameras, calculators, hearing aids, and computer games. They are easily swallowed by children. These batteries, which contain corrosive fluids, can come apart when swallowed and quickly damage tissue. Some batteries contain potentially life-threatening...
When you swallow food, liquid, or an object, what is swallowed passes from your mouth through your throat and esophagus into your stomach. A swallowed object will usually pass through the rest of your digestive tract without problems and show up in your stool in a few days. If food or a nonfood item gets...