Health and Fitness

Overview A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) that sit between the bones (vertebrae) that stack to make your spine. A spinal disk has a soft, jellylike center (nucleus) encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior (annulus). Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus. A herniated disk, which can occur in any part of the spine, most often occurs in the lower back. Depending on where the herniated disk is, it can result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. Many people have no symptoms from a herniated disk. For people who do have symptoms, the symptoms tend to improve over time. Surgery is usually not necessary to relieve the problem. Symptoms Most herniated disks occur in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck. Signs and symptoms depend on where the disk is situated and whether the disk is pressing on a nerve. Herniated disks usua...

Overview Mucus fishing syndrome is condition in which you repeatedly “fish” or pull strands of mucus from your eye. A number of eye problems can cause mucus to form. When the sticky substance starts to irritate your eye, it might seem like a good idea to pull at the strands to remove the mucus. But the act of pulling out the mucus irritates the eye even more. This causes your eye to produce more mucus. As you repeat this behavior, it creates an ongoing cycle of mucus production and removal. Read more to learn more about the conditions that can cause eye mucus, plus how to break the cycle of mucus fishing syndrome. Symptoms The primary symptom of mucus fishing syndrome is the frequent removal of strands of mucus from the surface of the eye. Constant repetition of this action makes it more likely that eye irritation and infection will occur. A person with an eye infection may have the following symptoms: redness in or around the eye watering eyes pain, such as a burning or stinging sensa...

Overview Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus — a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks — occurs in many but not all cases of lupus. Some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain drugs or even sunlight. While there's no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms. Symptoms No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have mild disease characterized by episodes — called flar...

Overview Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Scratching the skin can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more. Symptoms The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary depending on a person’s age and the condition’s severity and can vary by individual. People with the condition will often experience periods of time when their symptoms worsen Trusted Source, followed by periods of time when their symptoms will improve or clear up. The following sections will outline some of the potential differences in symptoms in more detail. General eczema symptoms In most cases eczema symptoms are mild. The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include: dry, scaly skin skin flushing itching open, crusted, or weeping sores People with severe eczema may need more intensive treatment to relieve their symptoms....

Overview Bladder stones are crystallized minerals that form when concentrated urine hardens in the bladder after urination. Over 90 percent Trusted Source of your urine is water. The rest contains minerals, such as salt, and waste products, such as protein. Concentrated urine can vary in color from dark amber to brown depending on the types of waste and minerals it contains. Concentrated urine is often the result of dehydration or the inability to completely empty your bladder. This may be due to an enlarged prostate, bladder problems, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). If left untreated, bladder stones can lead to infections and other complications. Symptoms Some bladder stones don’t cause any problems. But most of the time, they’ll bother the walls of your bladder or block urine from getting out. When that happens, you might: Have blood in your urine Feel burning or pain when you pee Find it hard to pee, or that you’re going in stops and starts Have pain in your lower belly -- and f...

Overview Hydronephrosis is the swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine. It happens when urine cannot drain out from the kidney to the bladder from a blockage or obstruction. Hydronephrosis can occur in one or both kidneys. The main function of the urinary tract is to remove wastes and fluid from the body. Symptoms Urinary tract infections commonly occur in people with vesicoureteral reflux. A urinary tract infection (UTI) doesn't always cause noticeable signs and symptoms, though most people have some. These signs and symptoms can include: A strong, persistent urge to urinate A burning sensation when urinating The need to pass small amounts of urine frequently Cloudy urine Fever Pain in your side (flank) or abdomen As your child gets older, untreated vesicoureteral reflux can lead to: Bed-wetting Constipation or loss of control over bowel movements High blood pressure Protein in urine Treatment Treatment for hydronephrosis depends on the underlying cause. Although surgery i...

Overview Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that's usually drained through the body's lymphatic system. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck and genitals. Lymph nodes are an important part of your lymphatic system. Lymphedema can be caused by cancer treatments that remove or damage your lymph nodes. Any type of problem that blocks the drainage of lymph fluid can cause lymphedema. Severe cases of lymphedema can affect the ability to move the affected limb, increase the risks of skin infections and sepsis, and can lead to skin changes and breakdown. Treatment may include compression bandages, massage, compression stockings, sequential pneumatic pumping, careful skin care and, rarely, surgery to remove swollen tissue or to create new drainage routes. Symptoms Lymphedema signs and symptoms include: Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes A feeling...