Health and Fitness

Hodgkin lymphoma  Overview Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's germ-fighting and disease-fighting immune system. Hodgkin lymphoma begins when healthy cells in the lymphatic system change and grow out of control. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes. They are found throughout the body. Most lymph nodes are in the abdomen, groin, pelvis, chest, underarms and neck. The lymphatic system also includes the spleen, thymus, tonsils and bone marrow. Hodgkin lymphoma can affect all these areas and other organs in the body. Hodgkin lymphoma, which used to be called Hodgkin disease, is one of two broad types of lymphoma. The other is non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma have helped give people with this disease the chance for a full recovery. Types of Hodgkin lymphoma There are four classic Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes: Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma. This is the most ...

 Hives Overview Hives are raised red bumps (welts) or splotches on the skin. They’re a type of swelling on the surface of your skin and happen when your body has an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions happen when your immune system comes in contact with an allergen. Allergens are proteins that are harmless to many people but cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people. Hives are often very itchy, but you might also feel burning or stinging. They can be as small as a fingertip or as big as a dinner plate. The medical name for hives is urticaria. Sometimes, the welts from hives join together to form larger areas called plaques. Hives tend to fade within 24 hours, although they may be noticeable for several days or longer. Types of hives Acute urticaria refers to hives that don’t last very long (less than six weeks). Chronic urticaria refers to hives that happen at least twice a week for more than six weeks. Chronic, spontaneous urticaria is the name for chronic hives that don’t ...

Hepatitis C Overview Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver swelling, called inflammation. Hepatitis C can lead to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contact with blood that has the virus in it. Newer antiviral medicines are the treatment of choice for most people with the ongoing, called chronic, hepatitis C infection. These medicines often can cure chronic hepatitis C. But many people with hepatitis C don't know they have it. That's mainly because symptoms can take decades to appear. So, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults ages 18 to 79 years be screened for hepatitis C. Screening is for everyone, even those who don't have symptoms or known liver disease. Symptoms Every long-term hepatitis C infection starts with what's called an acute phase. Acute hepatitis C usually isn't diagnosed because it rarely causes symptoms. When there are symptoms in this phase, they may include jaundice, fatigue,...

Hiatus hernia Overview A hiatal hernia happens when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the large muscle that separates the abdomen and the chest. The muscle is called the diaphragm. The diaphragm has a small opening called a hiatus. The tube used for swallowing food, called the esophagus, passes through the hiatus before connecting to the stomach. In a hiatal hernia, the stomach pushes up through that opening and into the chest. A small hiatal hernia usually doesn't cause problems. You may never know you have one unless your healthcare team discovers it when checking for another condition. But a large hiatal hernia can allow food and acid to back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn. Self-care measures or medicines can usually relieve these symptoms. A very large hiatal hernia might need surgery. Symptoms Most small hiatal hernias cause no symptoms. But larger hiatal hernias can cause: Heartburn. Backward flow of swallowed food or liquids into the mouth, calle...

Gum disease Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but can usually be prevented. It's often the result of not taking care of your mouth and teeth. To help prevent periodontitis or improve your chance of successful treatment, brush at least twice a day, floss daily and get regular dental checkups Symptoms Healthy gums are firm and fit snugly around teeth. The color of healthy gums can vary. They may range from light pink in some people to dark pink and brown in others. Symptoms of periodontitis can include: Swollen or puffy gums. Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums. Gums that feel tender when touched. Gums that bleed easily. A toothbrush that looks pink after brushing your teeth. Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your te...

Hearing loss Overview Hearing loss that comes on little by little as you age, also known as presbycusis, is common. More than half the people in the United States older than age 75 have some age-related hearing loss. There are three types of hearing loss: Conductive, which involves the outer or middle ear. Sensorineural, which involves the inner ear. Mixed, which is a mix of the two. Aging and being around loud noises both can cause hearing loss. Other factors, such as too much earwax, can lower how well ears work for a time. You usually can't get hearing back. But there are ways to improve what you hear. Types of hearing loss There are three types of hearing loss: Conductive hearing loss : In this hearing loss, something keeps sound from passing through your outer ear (ear canal) or your middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss: This hearing loss happens when something damages your inner ear over time. Rarely, sensorineural hearing loss happens very quickly. This is sudden sensorin...

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome Overview This information is useful for those who have been diagnosed with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). People who are experiencing new or ongoing symptoms should contact a healthcare professional for assessment and diagnosis. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), also known as lateral hip pain or trochanteric bursitis, is a common and painful condition which affects the outer side of the hip and thigh. It occurs when the tissues which lie over the outside of the hip bone (greater trochanter) become irritated. The soft tissues that attach to the outside of the hip include tendons and bursa. When these become overloaded they are the primary sources of pain caused by GTPS. It’s more common in females and in those aged between 40 and 60 years old but can affect any age. Symptoms These can vary from person to person. People may experience some or all of these symptoms including: Pain in the hip/thigh/buttock area. Worse pain when lying ...