This topic discusses scarlet fever, a term used for strep throat with a rash. Covers the symptoms, the cause, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.

Sometimes your symptoms may get worse over a short time and stay bad. This is called a COPD exacerbation (say "ig-ZAS-ur-BAY-shun") or flare-up. A flare-up can be dangerous, so it's important to know what to do and take action. Your doctor can help you make a plan to manage flare-ups. Symptoms of a flare-up include...

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your symptoms may get worse over a short time and stay bad. This is called an exacerbation (say "egg-ZASS-er-BAY-shun") or flare-up. Your shortness of breath, cough, or mucus may get worse.

A ventilator is a machine that helps a person breathe or breathes for the person. It controls and monitors the amounts of air and oxygen that flows into the person's lungs. Ventilators may be used for people who have serious breathing conditions. These include conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome...

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing device called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy, your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airways. This procedure may be...

When you have diabetes, you are at risk for getting other health problems, called complications. This is especially true if your blood sugar levels stay high. Over time, high blood sugar can damage many parts of your body. It can lead to a variety of problems, including problems with your: Eyes. High blood sugar levels...

You may be thinking about donating an organ to a family member or friend. Or you may want to donate an organ to help someone in need. Donating an organ while you're alive is called a "living donation." Some people who are critically ill need an organ transplant to live. But there are a lot more organs needed than are...

Blood and urine are often tested to find the cause of health problems. But other body fluids also can be tested. Most of these fluids help organs and joints—and the membranes around them—move smoothly. Sometimes a health problem can cause too much fluid to build up in part of the body. The fluid can be tested to look...

What is postpartum? The days and weeks after your baby is born are called the postpartum period. After childbirth, your body will start to heal and go through many changes as it recovers. Some of these changes happen over several weeks. So rest whenever you can, ask for help from friends and family, and eat well. What...

Learn the basics of renal artery stenosis, including what it is, what causes it, and how it is treated.

After a stroke, people feel lots of different emotions. Some people are worried that they could have another stroke. Or they may feel overwhelmed by how much there is to learn and do. Some people feel sad or depressed. No matter what emotions you...

What are vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)? Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a type of bacteria called enterococci that have developed resistance to many antibiotics, especially vancomycin. Enterococci bacteria live in our intestines and on our skin, usually without causing problems. But if they become...

Endoscopic therapy is the method most commonly used to treat active variceal bleeding in the esophagus. Variceal bleeding occurs when pressure increases in the portal vein system and the veins in the esophagus enlarge to help blood flow through the liver. It also may be used to prevent recurrent episodes of variceal...

Chronic lung disease in an infant means that damaged tissue in the newborn's lungs is causing breathing and health problems. The lungs trap air or collapse, fill with fluid, and produce extra mucus. Most babies who have chronic lung disease survive.

What is pleurisy? Pleurisy is swelling (inflammation) of the thin layers of tissue (pleura) covering the lungs and the chest wall. The outer layer of the pleura lines the inside of the chest wall, and the inner layer covers the lungs. The tiny space between the two layers is called the pleural cavity. This cavity...

An incentive spirometer is a handheld device that exercises your lungs and measures how much air you can breathe in. It tells you and your doctor how well your lungs are working. The spirometer can help you practice taking deep breaths. Deep breaths can help open your airways and prevent fluid or mucus from building up...

What is carotid artery disease? A carotid artery on each side of the neck supplies blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in either or both arteries. The buildup may narrow the artery and limit blood flow to the brain. If this plaque breaks open, it may form a blood...

A kidney transplant can save a person's life after the person develops kidney failure. In the past, kidneys were only taken from living close relatives or from people who had recently died. Transplants from living donors have a better chance of...

Discusses surgical treatment to control irregular heartbeat and restore normal rhythm of heart. Looks at what to expect after surgery, like taking medicine such as Coumadin. Covers risks.

Thoracentesis (say "thor-uh-sen-TEE-sis") is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This is called the pleural space. The procedure may also be called a "chest tap." It is normal to have a small amount of fluid in the pleural space. But too much fluid can build up because of...

Sudden heart failure occurs when heart failure gets worse very quickly. Your heart suddenly cannot pump as much blood as your body needs. Sudden heart failure causes rapid fluid buildup, or congestion, in the lungs and other parts of the body. Sudden heart failure is an emergency. You need care right away. Sudden heart...

Hyperventilation symptoms can be similar to symptoms that are caused by another problem. Hyperventilation can also be directly caused by: A medical condition or disease. Examples include: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A...

What is mitral valve prolapse? Your mitral valve controls blood flow on the left side of your heart. The valve opens and closes with each heartbeat. It works like a one-way gate, letting blood flow from your upper heart chamber to your lower chamber. When you have mitral valve prolapse (MVP), the valve closes after...

Describes early heartbeats that happen when the ventricles beat too soon. Describes symptoms and when to call a doctor. Explains that in most cases the early heartbeats are not serious and go away on their own.

Learn about ways to show care and compassion to yourself.