Health A-Z Medical Reference

Find out what you need to know about the aldolase test: how it is performed, normal values, and what it means if your aldolase level is high.

Find out what you need to know about antidiuretic hormone and discover the pros, cons, and how it may affect your health.

Learn about fat embolism syndrome, a life-threatening condition that doctors might overlook.

Blood crossmatching is a test that helps your doctor know your blood type and which you’re compatible with before a blood transfusion. Here’s what you need to know.

Factor VII deficiency is a rare hereditary bleeding disorder. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this condition today.

Enterococcus faecalis is the most common type of Enterococcal bacteria. Learn more about the infections it can cause and how they’re treated.

Fluid overload is when you have too much fluid in your body. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition today.

Researchers have discovered a new view of the interstitium, a series of fluid-filled spaces in the body. They’re suggesting that it may qualify as a full-fledged organ.

You've just been diagnosed, and now your health care team is assembled. Doctors, nurses, specialists, technicians, and more may all take part in your treatment.

It’s common for people with sickle cell disease to have pain. Here’s how you find relief.

The procedure is the only cure for sickle cell disease, but it’s a long, complex process.

Sickle cell disease can cause other health problems. Learn how to treat and prevent these complications.

Splenic sequestration is a dangerous complication of sickle cell disease. Learn about signs, diagnosis, and treatment.

"Sweating blood" is a rare -- but real -- medical condition. Learn why hematidrosis happens and what doctors can do about it.

Klebsiella pneumoniae can cause serious infections -- and not just pneumonia. Learn what it is and how to treat it.

If your potassium is high, you'll need to adjust your diet. Get tips on what to eat and what to avoid.

Does your face, cheek, jaw, or eyes feel numb? Here are some possible possible causes of facial numbness and tips on what to do next.

Your hair says a lot about you, and not just because of how you style it. Tests on your hair can reveal your DNA, drugs you’ve taken, and toxins you’ve been exposed to.

An Allen test is a simple way to check how well blood flows through your hands. Find out why you may need the test, how it’s done, and what the results mean.

Your genetic blueprint can help solve crimes or cure disease. It is created using a method called DNA fingerprinting. Learn more about this procedure and how it's used.

Measuring carbon dioxide in your blood with a bicarbonate test can give doctors a clue to what ails you. Learn more about the purpose, procedure, risks, and results of this medical procedure.

Bubonic plague isn’t history – it’s still around and still dangerous. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of the "black death."

Heavy metals like lead and mercury can make you sick. Learn about the symptoms and treatment.

This is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. An estimated GFR test (eGFR) can give your doctor some important information about those organs.

Uremia, or uremic syndrome, happens if your kidneys don't filter your blood the way they should. Read about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

A simple blood test can show if you've had rubella (German measles) recently or if you're immune to it. Find out more about this test and their results.

The Coombs test checks your blood for antibodies that attack red blood cells. It can help prevent and diagnose problems. Find out how it's used and what it means.

Trying to make sense of your lab test results? Learn more about what they mean -- and what you need to do next.

Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition. It's the result of a rapid loss of blood or body fluids. Find out what can cause it and what you can do about it.

Find out what you need to know about iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis, and discover the pros, cons, risks, and benefits, and how it may affect health.

What causes fibular fractures? Because of the possibility of broken bones, fibular fractures may require emergency medical care and treatment.

Postoperative fever is when you run a fever after surgery. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition today.

Staying hydrated involves more than just drinking enough water. Find out about ways to prevent dehydration in people of all ages.

You can become dehydrated for many different reasons. Find out what you can do at home and when to see a doctor if you become dehydrated.

People of all ages can get dehydrated, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Find out more about the signs and causes and who’s more likely to need help.

Learn about stage 3 kidney disease mortality, how to prevent further kidney damage, and much more.

Find out what medical journals are, who reads them, who publishes them, and how they are used by the scientific and medical fields.

A teratoma is a type of tumor. Learn more about what causes it, what to expect, and more.

Find out what you need to know about rumbling in your ear, and discover how it may affect health.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. Learn more about lymphocytes and what a normal lymphocyte count is.

The Hypogastric Artery is the artery that delivers blood and oxygen to your pelvis. Learn about how it works and how it impacts your health.

If you’ve got a sprained ankle, follow these treatments to help you get back on your feet again.

A medical study is a trial to test out new medicines, types of surgery, and medical devices. The aim is to find out if these treatments are safe, and if they work.

The extensor carpi radialis longus is a muscle in the forearm that helps control wrist movements. Learn more about this muscle, how it works, and how to improve its function.

Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause problems with your nervous system and blood cell production. A simple blood test can tell you whether your levels are low.

A PET scan is a type of imaging that can show what’s happening in your body. Learn why you might need one, what makes it different from other types of imaging, how to get ready, and what to expect.

The ELISA test is a medical test that measures your blood’s antibodies. Learn about how it can help you get better medical treatment, what to expect, and more.

Brachydactyly is when someone is born with fingers significantly shorter than they should be. Learn more about what causes it, symptoms of brachydactyly, and more.

Many people have dyslexia but don’t know it until they're adults. Learn the symptoms of dyslexia in adults and how you can manage it.

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria carried by animals and found in soil and water. Here’s what you need to know about this disease.