Health and Fitness

Down syndrome Overview Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused when an unusual cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. The term "syndrome" refers to a set of symptoms that tend to happen together. With a syndrome, there is a pattern of differences or problems. The condition is named after an English physician, John Langdon Down, who first described it. Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals. The condition causes lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. It's the most common genetic chromosomal cause of intellectual disabilities in children. It also commonly causes other medical conditions, including heart and digestive system problems. Better understanding of Down syndrome and early interventions can greatly improve the quality of life for children and adults with this condition and help them live fulfilling...

Nosebleed Overview Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. A nosebleed — meaning a loss of blood from the tissue that lines the inside of your nose — can occur in one or both nostrils. Usually, it only affects one nostril. Your nose has many tiny blood vessels in it. These vessels help warm and moisten the air you breathe. But they lie close to the inner surface of your nose. When air moves through your nose, it can dry and irritate your blood vessels. This makes them very easy to injure or break, causing a nosebleed. About 6 in 10 people will have at least one nosebleed at some point in life. Most nosebleeds are minor and go away with at-home care. But if bleeding is severe or you have other symptoms (like vomiting or trouble breathing), you should go to the emergency room. Types of nosebleeds There are two main types of nosebleeds. Healthcare providers describe them by the site of the bleeding. Anterior nosebleed An anterior nosebleed starts in the front of your nose on the lo...

Neuroendocrine tumors Overview Neuroendocrine tumors are cancers that begin in specialized cells called neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells have traits similar to those of nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. Neuroendocrine tumors are rare and can occur anywhere in the body. Most neuroendocrine tumors occur in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, rectum and pancreas. There are many types of neuroendocrine tumors. Some grow slowly and some grow very quickly. Some neuroendocrine tumors produce excess hormones (functional neuroendocrine tumors). Others don't release hormones or don't release enough to cause symptoms (nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumors). Diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors depend on the type of tumor, its location, whether it produces excess hormones, how aggressive it is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Types of neuroendocrine tumors Researchers classify NETs based on whether they release hormones: Functional NETs rel...

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Overview Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made up of organs, glands, tubelike vessels and clusters of cells called lymph nodes. It's part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma happens when germ-fighting cells in the lymphatic system grow out of control. The cells can form growths, called tumors, throughout the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a broad group of lymphomas. There are many subtypes in this group. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma are among the most common subtypes. The other broad group of lymphoma is Hodgkin lymphoma. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma have helped improve the prognosis for people with this condition. Types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma There are more than 70 subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Healthcare providers classify them based on the type of lymphocyte affected: B-cell lymphoma. These cancers ari...

Neuroblastoma - Children Overview Neuroblastoma is a cancer that starts in cells called neuroblasts. Neuroblasts are immature nerve cells. They are found in several areas of the body. Neuroblastoma most often starts in the neuroblasts in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. The glands make hormones that control important functions in the body. Other parts of the body that have neuroblasts and can get neuroblastoma include the spine, belly, chest and neck. Neuroblastoma usually affects children age 5 or younger. Symptoms vary, depending on where it occurs in the body. Some forms of neuroblastoma may go away on their own. Other forms of neuroblastoma need treatment. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant. Your child's healthcare team will select the neuroblastoma treatments that are best for your child. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma may vary depending on what part of the body is affect...

Neck pain Overview Neck pain is common. Poor posture — whether from leaning over a computer or hunching over a workbench — strains neck muscles. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause of neck pain. Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Seek medical care for neck pain with numbness or loss of strength in the arms or hands or for pain that shoots into a shoulder or down an arm. Symptoms Symptoms include: Pain that's often worsened by holding the head in one place for long periods, such as when driving or working at a computer Muscle tightness and spasms Decreased ability to move the head Headache Causes Because the neck supports the weight of the head, it can be at risk of injuries and conditions that cause pain and restrict motion. Neck pain causes include: Muscle strains. Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over a computer or a smartphone, often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things, such as reading in bed, can strain neck muscles. Worn joints . As ...