Discusses transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke. Covers causes, including blood clot as a result of atherosclerosis. Looks at treatment with medicines, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Discusses prevention steps.

An internist is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of adults. People might choose an internist as their primary doctor for regular checkups and for treating illness. Internists can further specialize in areas such as: Adolescent medicine (conditions and diseases common to teenagers). Cardiology (diseases and...

What is gastroesophageal reflux in babies and children? Gastroesophageal reflux is a backflow (reflux or regurgitation) of food and stomach acid into the esophagus. This is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. When reflux irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes burning pain, difficulty eating...

Discusses procedure (also called EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy) used to check the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine for problems. Covers why it is done, how it is done, and how it feels. Discusses what results could mean. Looks at risks.

An advance directive is a form. It describes the kinds of medical care you want to have if you're badly hurt or have a serious illness and can't speak for yourself. A living will (declaration) and a medical power of attorney (durable power of...

A pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is a buildup of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall. This pressure keeps the lung from expanding fully when you inhale. This can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. A pneumothorax can be caused by an injury to the chest, such as a broken rib or a puncture wound. It...

The sedimentation rate (sed rate) blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube in one hour. The more red cells that fall to the bottom of the test tube in one hour, the higher the sed rate. When inflammation is present in the body, certain proteins cause red blood cells to stick...

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive type of opioid. It is a white or brown powder or a black, sticky substance (black tar heroin). It can be sniffed, snorted, smoked, or injected into a muscle or vein. Other names for heroin are smack, junk, H, dope, and ska. Heroin is often used along with other drugs, especially...

In a stem cell transplant, healthy stem cells are placed in your body through an I.V. to help your bone marrow start to work as it should. The transplant can use stem cells that come from your own blood or bone marrow. Or they can come from another...

A stem cell transplant can use stem cells that come from your own blood or bone marrow. Or the stem cells can come from another person. When they come from you, it's called an autologous stem cell transplant. Most stem cells are in your bone marrow.

Learn the difference between symptoms of the flu and COVID-19.

Blood normally doesn't have any bacteria or fungi in it. A blood culture is a test of a blood sample to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that can cause an infection. A bacterial infection in the blood, called bacteremia, can be serious.

Crying is a child's first way of communicating. Along with crying, a child may not act normally when something is wrong. Infection, illness, injury, pain, or a medical problem may cause a child to cry and not act normally. If your baby has colic, you may be concerned that a health condition is causing your baby to cry a...

What is bird flu? Bird flu is an infection caused by a certain kind of avian influenza virus. Although there are many kinds of bird flu, the most common kinds that concern health workers are H5N1 and H7N9 bird flu viruses. These viruses are found in wild birds. Most of the time, wild birds don't get sick from the virus...

Sputum is a thick fluid made in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs. A sputum culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that can cause an infection. A sample of sputum is added to a substance that promotes the growth of germs. If no germs grow, the culture is negative. If germs that...

Most people know that smoking is not good for their health. But smoke from your cigarettes ( secondhand smoke) also puts people around you at risk. Because of secondhand smoke, people who spend time with those who smoke have an increased risk of cancer and heart disease. Children of people who smoke are more likely to...

Sputum cytology examines a sample of sputum (mucus) under a microscope to determine whether abnormal cells are present. Sputum is not the same as saliva. Sputum is produced in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs. Sputum has some normal lung cells in it. Sputum cytology may be done to help detect certain...

Learn how to know when you need to take a COVID-19 viral test.

What is West Nile virus? West Nile virus is a type of virus that is spread by mosquitoes. The infection it causes may be so mild that people don't even know they have it. But in rare cases, West Nile leads to severe illness that affects the brain or spinal cord. People older than 50 are at the highest risk for serious...

Learn how to overcome barriers to wearing a mask.

What is a pseudomonas infection? A pseudomonas infection is caused by a very common type of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa (say "soo-duh-MOH-nuss ay-roo-jee-NOH-suh"). Healthy people often carry these bacteria around without knowing it and without having any problems. Sometimes these germs cause minor problems...

It's never too late to quit smoking. No matter when you quit, your health will improve. People who quit smoking reduce their risks for cancer, lung diseases, heart attacks, strokes, blood vessel diseases, and blindness from macular degeneration. They get sick less often, heal faster, and have fewer colds and flu...

Looks at causes and symptoms of group B streptococcal infections in newborns. Explains what group B strep is. Covers how and why it is treated. Includes treatment for mothers and newborns.

Learn what effects COVID-19 may have on the body long after recovery.

In open gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy), the surgeon removes the gallbladder through a single, large cut (incision) in the belly. The surgery usually lasts 1 to 2 hours. You will need general anesthesia. The surgeon will make the incision either under the border of the right rib cage or in the middle of the upper...