What is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)? Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood cells. It's a type of leukemia in which the bone marrow makes too many young white blood cells called lymphocytes. In CLL, some of these lymphocytes grow abnormally and don't mature or die off as they should. Instead...

What is sepsis? Sepsis is a serious reaction to an infection. It causes inflammation across large areas of the body and can damage tissue and organs. Sepsis requires immediate care in a hospital. Septic shock is sepsis that causes extremely low blood pressure, which limits blood flow to the body. It can cause death...

You can help reduce flare-ups of your COPD by learning what the triggers are and avoiding them. Pay attention to symptoms that may warn you of a flare-up. While some triggers may be out of your control, there are others that may be easier to avoid.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV) is a lot like a bad cold. It causes the same symptoms. And like a cold, it's very common and spreads easily. Most children have it at least once by age 2. It may take older adults longer to recover from...

Discusses serious condition in which scarring damages the liver. Looks at causes, including heavy alcohol use, autoimmune chronic hepatitis, and chronic viral hepatitis. Covers symptoms like fluid buildup in the belly called ascites. Discusses transplant.

Gives info on heart problem that leads to heart failure. Includes symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment with medicines, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Also info on causes like amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, and sarcoidosis. Includes info on tests.

Measles, also called rubeola, is a contagious viral illness. It usually causes a red rash over most of the body. Other symptoms are a high fever, sneezing, a sore throat, coughing, swollen glands, red and irritated eyes, tiredness, and a loss of appetite. Although measles is much less common today, it still infects...

What is severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS)? Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness that first infected people in parts of Asia, North America, and Europe in late 2002 and early 2003. SARS is caused by a type of coronavirus, which sometimes causes mild to moderate upper...

What is whooping cough? Whooping cough (pertussis) is a disease that causes very severe coughing that may last for months. During bursts of violent coughing, you may make a noise that sounds like a "whoop" when you try to take a breath. You can cough so hard that you hurt a rib. Whooping cough spreads easily from one...

Briefly discusses the common causes of nausea and vomiting in children, including stomach illnesses and infections. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Covers causes and symptoms of asthma in teens and adults. Includes info on avoiding triggers and treating attacks. Looks at treatment with controller medicine. Covers delivery systems that include metered-dose and dry powder inhalers and nebulizers.

Discusses causes and symptoms of asthma in children. Looks at treatment with medicine such as inhaled corticosteroid and albuterol. Discusses avoiding triggers and treating attacks. Covers using nebulizers, metered-dose with spacer and dry powder inhalers.

Briefly discusses respiratory problems that older children and adults can have. Covers viral and bacterial infections, allergies, and asthma. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Discusses causes and symptoms of COPD. Looks at chronic bronchitis and emphysema, two diseases that are usually a part of COPD. Covers quitting smoking. Includes treatment with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids. Offers home treatment tips.

What is a spinal cord injury? A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a soft bundle of nerves that goes from the base of the brain to the lower back. It runs through the spinal canal, a tunnel formed by holes in the bones of the spine. The bony spine helps protect the spinal cord. The...

What is an environmental illness? An environmental illness can occur when you are exposed to toxins or substances in the environment that make you sick. These health hazards may be found where you live, work, or play. Maybe you have headaches that only occur on weekends. Or maybe you began to feel sick and got a rash...

Discusses causes of lung cancer, including smoking and exposure to asbestos or radon. Covers symptoms and how lung cancer is diagnosed. Covers treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Includes info on palliative care.

Provides questions to help you learn why you use tobacco. Discusses the benefits of quitting and offers strategies for quitting. Explains nicotine dependence and offers link to info on nicotine replacement therapy.

Briefly discusses fevers in those age 12 and older. Includes info on temperatures considered normal, mild fever, and high fever. Covers causes of fever. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Briefly discusses possible causes of chest pain, which include angina, heart attack, pneumothorax, and chest wall pain. Covers heart attack symptoms. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Guides you through decision to have allergy-shot immunotherapy to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma. Explains how allergy shots work. Covers who should not have them. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.