Health and Fitness

Anaphylaxis Overview Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It can happen seconds or minutes after you’ve been exposed to something you’re allergic to. Peanuts or bee stings are examples. In anaphylaxis, the immune system releases a flood of chemicals that can cause the body to go into shock. Blood pressure drops suddenly, and the airways narrow, blocking your breathing. The pulse may be fast and weak, and you may have a skin rash. You may also get nauseous and vomit. Anaphylaxis needs to be treated right away with an injection of epinephrine. If it isn’t treated right away, it can be deadly. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you're allergic to, such as peanuts or bee stings. Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. Signs...

Adenomyosis Overview Adenomyosis (ad-uh-no-my-O-sis) occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The displaced tissue continues to act normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle. An enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods can result. Doctors aren't sure what causes adenomyosis, but the disease usually resolves after menopause. For women who have severe discomfort from adenomyosis, hormonal treatments can help. Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) cures adenomyosis Symptoms Sometimes, adenomyosis causes no signs or symptoms or only mild discomfort. However, adenomyosis can cause: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding Severe cramping or sharp, knifelike pelvic pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) Chronic pelvic pain Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) Your uterus might get bigger. Although you might not know if your uterus is bigger, you may notice tenderness or pressur...

Addison's disease Overview Addison's disease, also called adrenal insufficiency, is an uncommon illness that occurs when the body doesn't make enough of certain hormones. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands make too little cortisol and, often, too little of another hormone, aldosterone. Addison's disease can affect anyone and can be life-threatening. Treatment involves taking hormones to replace those that are missing. Symptoms Addison's disease symptoms usually happen slowly, often over months. The disease can move so slowly that people who have it may ignore the symptoms at first. Then a stress, such as illness or injury, makes symptoms worse. Symptoms may include: Extreme fatigue Weight loss and loss of appetite Areas of darkened skin Low blood pressure, even fainting Salt craving Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting Abdominal pain Muscle and joint pain Irritability Depression Body hair loss or sexual issues in some peop...

 Acute Pancreatitis Overview Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Inflammation is immune system activity that can cause swelling, pain, and changes in how an organ or tissues work. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that's tucked behind the stomach. The pancreas helps the body digest food and regulates blood sugars. Pancreatitis can be an acute condition. This means it appears suddenly and generally lasts a short time. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition. The damage to the pancreas can get worse over time. Acute pancreatitis may improve on its own. More-serious disease requires treatment in a hospital and can cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms Symptoms of pancreatitis may vary. Acute pancreatitis symptoms may include: Pain in the upper belly. Pain in the upper belly that radiates to the back. Tenderness when touching the belly. Fever. Rapid pulse. Upset stomach. Vomiting. Chronic pancreatitis signs and symptoms include: Pain in the upper belly. Belly ...

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Overview Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare cancer that affects your bone marrow and blood. It typically happens when certain genes or chromosomes mutate (change). AML usually affects people age 60 and older, but it can also affect younger adults and children. Acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive cancer that can be life-threatening. Newer treatments are helping people to live longer with AML. Type of Acute Myeloid Leukemia There are several AML subtypes. They all affect your blood cell levels, but different types of AML cause different symptoms and respond to treatment in different ways. Medical pathologists determine AML subtypes by examining cancerous cells under a microscope. They also look for changes in your chromosomes and mutations in certain genes that help manage how cells grow and function. AML subtypes include: Myeloid leukemia: Cancer in cells that produce neutrophils, a white blood cell. Most people with AML have the myeloid leukemia su...

Acute Cholecystitis Overview Cholecystitis (ko-luh-sis-TIE-tis) is swelling and irritation, called inflammation, of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the belly under the liver. The gallbladder holds fluid that digests food. This fluid is called bile. The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine. Most often, gallstones that block the tube leading out of the gallbladder cause cholecystitis. This results in a bile buildup that can cause inflammation. Other causes of cholecystitis include bile duct changes, tumors, serious illness and certain infections. If not treated, cholecystitis can lead to serious complications, such as gallbladder rupture. These can be life-threatening. Treatment for cholecystitis often involves surgery to remove the gallbladder. Symptoms Symptoms of cholecystitis may include: Severe pain in the upper right or center belly area. Pain that spreads to the right shoulder or back. Tenderness over the belly area...

Achilles tendinitis Overview Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles (uh-KILL-eez) tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends. Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor's supervision. Self-care strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. More-serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair. Symptoms The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more-severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinti...