Health A-Z Medical Reference

WebMD explains smallpox, a virus that has largely been eradicated worldwide.

WebMD explains yellow fever, a disease that is carried by mosquitos and can lead to liver failure and death.

WebMD describes hypothermia, including its causes, symptoms, and emergency treatment.

WebMD explains how creatinine and creatinine clearance tests are used to measure kidney function.

WebMD describes the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of cholera.

WebMD explains the causes of swelling in the ankles and feet - and when to see a doctor.

Learn about rhabdomyolysis from WebMD. Get facts on symptoms, causes, and treatments.

WebMD explains some common inherited metabolic disorders and their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

WebMD weighs the pros and cons of donating an organ.

WebMD explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hearing loss.

WebMD discusses the symptom of Cushing's syndrome known as moon facies (moon face) and its causes and treatment.

If you deal with severe or significant hearing loss, your doctor can help you understand your condition and treatment options. This handy guide provides you with questions to ask and information to share.

Does loud noise cause severe hearing loss? What about medical conditions? What you should know about the causes and symptoms of severe hearing loss.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness causing high fever, severe pain, and potential complications. Learn about symptoms, treatment, prevention, and risk areas.

What are the treatment options for Dupuytren’s contracture? Information and facts to help you understand the treatment process.

If you've been diagnosed with Dupuytren’s contracture, WebMD helps you with these questions to ask your doctor.

Heatstroke (sunstroke) is a medical emergency. Continual exposure to the sun's heat can lead to exhaustion and illness. Know more on how to prevent and alleviate heatstroke.

WebMD explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.

Urine specific gravity measures the electrolytes and osmolality of your urine. Learn about what causes it, symptoms, and treatment options today.

WebMD explains the different types of side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications, and the role of the FDA in approving and regulating them.

Participating in a cancer treatment trial can benefit you and other people with the same condition. Find out more to see whether it might be right for you.

What should you expect when you go for an annual physical exam? WebMD explains the routine tests men and women can expect.

Before filling a new prescription, there are questions you should ask your doctor and pharmacist.

The hormone DHEA is made by the body but declines as we age. Does that mean we should take supplements? Find out more.

WebMD explains the uses and side effects of flaxseed oil, which may help with symptoms of menopause and lower cholesterol.

Many people throughout the world use valerian to treat insomnia and anxiety. However, it's important to use this herb with caution. WebMD explains.

Vitamin A is key for good vision, a healthy immune system, and cell growth. Learn about the active form of vitamin A -- retinoids -- that come from animals.

Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal treatment. WebMD explains the scientific evidence for its effectiveness against everything from athlete's foot to MRSA.

Selenium is a trace mineral essential for thyroid and immune health. Learn the benefits, food sources, deficiency, recommended intake, and risks of too much selenium.

Learn more from WebMD about typhoid fever, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Anesthesia is fairly safe, but "going under" can pose risks. WebMD tells you how to minimize them.

Reduce your risk of bleeding after surgery with these suggestions from WebMD.

Hospital-acquired infections are common. WebMD provides tips for avoiding staph and other infections after surgery.

If you've just been told you need an organ transplant, WebMD's overview of organ transplantation can help you make the decisions you need to make.

WebMD explains the physical, psychological, and financial preparations to consider as you prepare for an organ transplant.

You feel great after your organ transplant. WebMD tells you what you need to do to maintain your health.

Find out who is part of a typical transplant team, how long surgery might take, and how much time you could spend recovering in the hospital.

Learn more about a broken wrist -- also called a Colles' fracture or distal radius fracture -- from the experts at WebMD.

Starfish, crown of thorns, and sea stars are bottom dwellers that live in the subtropics and tropics; human injury occurs from the spine and the venom injected from the spine.

WebMD explains hand fractures, including how they are diagnosed and treated.

An adhesion is a band of scar tissue that binds 2 parts of your tissue together.

WebMD explains broken bones in the foot and how such fractures are diagnosed and treated.

Elbow injuries are common in both adults and children. WebMD provides an overview of elbow injuries and how they are treated.

Skier's thumb describes an injury of the soft tissue that connects the bones of your thumb together.

WebMD provides a comprehensive look at oral herpes, or cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that may result in death if not treated quickly. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the trachea, or windpipe, during swallowing.

WebMD explains the symptoms and treatment of a ganglion cyst, a tumor or swelling on top of a joint, usually the wrist.

WebMD explains shark bites and how they are treated.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that lives in the large intestine of humans. WebMD explains why some people contract this common infection, how it is diagnosed, its symptoms, and its treatment.

A broken or fractured arm means that one or more of the bones of the arm have been cracked.