Health A-Z Medical Reference

How much do you know about mononucleosis? Get the facts on "mono" from the experts at WebMD.

Your doctor may suggest an ACTH test to find out if you have too much or too little cortisol. Learn what to expect and what you can learn from this blood test.

A ferritin blood test shows how much iron is stored in your body. Find out why you might need this test and how it’s done.

Too much or too little of growth hormone may cause metabolism or development issues. Here’s what you should know about GH testing.

It can be hard to tell if an injured toe is broken or just badly hurt. Learn the symptoms of a broken toe, when to call your doctor, and how to best care for it.

Hemochromatosis is a condition where your body absorbs too much iron. Find out what causes it and what treatments are available.

Malaria can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. Learn more about the disease and its new vaccine.

Von Willebrand disease is a lifelong bleeding disorder. Learn about the different types of this condition, as well as its causes and treatments.

Malaria pills lower your chance of getting sick with the tropical disease. Although they aren’t 100% effective, they are an important way to reduce your chances of getting malaria while traveling.

So, you think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Should you take a UTI home test, or wait to see your doctor? Find out whether these home tests are effective and what your next steps should be.

Mononucleosis is sometimes called “the kissing disease,” but kissing isn’t the only way you can get it. Learn how to spot the signs of mono and get the right treatment.

Learn more about the tests and treatment options for mononucleosis, aka "mono."

Thalassemia is a blood disorder that affects the ability of the blood to get oxygen to the body’s organs. Learn more about this genetic condition, and how it’s diagnosed and treated.

If you’re having a lot of pain, stiffness, and trouble moving your shoulder, you may have a condition called frozen shoulder. Learn how to spot the signs and get treatment.

Anemia isn’t always caused by a lack of iron. Not getting enough folate can harm your health, too.

If you hurt your hand in a sports game or fall, you may be noticing pain or swelling in one of your fingers. But is the injury a sprain? Learn how to spot the signs of a finger sprain and treat your symptoms.

Lymphedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid under your skin. It affects your arms or legs. Find out why it happens and what the treatment is.

You might need general anesthesia if you have surgery. It makes you go into a deep sleep, and you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Find out how it works and what the possible risks are.

You may break a rib if you’re hit hard in the chest. Learn how your doctor may treat a broken rib and what problems may arise from such a break.

You may not be able to tell the difference between an ankle sprain and an ankle fracture by their symptoms alone. To get the right treatment, it’s important to know which injury you have.

Acute chest syndrome is one of the most serious problems that people with sickle cell disease (SCD) can have. If it happens to you, you’ll need medical attention right away, before it becomes life-threatening.

Your blood holds secrets about your health. Find out about what a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) blood test can reveal.

Cortisol -- your “fight-or-flight” hormone -- is designed to let you know when you’re danger. But too much or too of it can throw your whole body out of whack. Learn why.

Blood, saliva, and urine tests for cortisol: WebMD tells you what they do.

If you have a loved one with chronic kidney disease, the doctor may suggest a kidney transplant. Learn who can get one, why they’re preferred over dialysis, and what the risks are.

If your doctor thinks you have the symptoms of a serious infection, they may order a blood culture test. Learn why you might need this test and what to expect.

Your doctor will probably order a complete blood count (CBC) as part of your yearly physical exam. Learn what this common test is and what your results mean.

Can you be too young or too old to donate a kidney?

What happens if your remaining kidney fails after you become a kidney donor?

Your blood is made up of different components, and plasma is an important one. Learn what plasma is, what it does, and how donating it can help people who need it.

Watch your blood pressure, manage your diabetes, don't smoke, and follow this other advice to take good care of your kidneys.

If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), choosing the right foods can slow it down and help you stay healthy as possible. Learn which foods to choose and which you may want to avoid.

Find out what a collapsed nostril or nasal valve collapse is and how it's treated.

Arm pain could be caused by a strain, sprain, or something more serious. Learn about common health conditions that could help explain why your arm hurts.

Traveling to a place at a higher elevation than you're used to can make you sick. Learn the symptoms of altitude sickness and what to do if you get it.

Is adrenal fatigue a real condition or not? We look at the pros and cons.

Are you a good fit for a kidney transplant? Here’s how to tell.

If your kidneys stop working like they should, dialysis can help save your life. Learn how it works and what you can expect during your treatment.

Acute kidney failure happens when your kidneys suddenly stop working. Learn the symptoms, causes, and treatments for this serious medical condition.

Learn about the causes and symptoms of kidney disease from the experts at WebMD.

Kidney disease is managed best when it’s caught early. These warning signs will give you a heads up.

There’s a lot involved in donating a kidney. Are you ready to start this process?

Learn about kidney disease prevention from the experts at WebMD.

Calcium is one of the most important minerals in your body. Learn why your doctor might order a test to check your blood calcium levels.

WebMD explains the symptoms of kidney disease.

Maintaining chloride levels in your blood is critical to health. Learn more about how chloride levels in your blood are determined and what the results mean.

Need a nuclear bone scan? Find out how to prepare and what to expect.

Proper cleaning and care of your indwelling urinary catheter helps keep it working and lowers your risk for infection. Learn how to take care of your catheter and drain bags, along with useful tips you can use every day.

Do you have a chance of getting kidney stones or parathyroid disease? A calcium urine test can help your doctor diagnose the problem.

Your doctor may order a blood urea nitrogen test, also known as BUN test, to see how well your kidneys are working.