Health Article description.A chemistry screen is a blood test that measures the levels of several substances in the blood (such as electrolytes). A chemistry screen tells your doctor about your general health, helps look for certain problems, and finds out whether treatment for a specific problem is working. Some chemistry screens look at more...

Health Article description.There is no medical test that can diagnose PTSD. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, how long you've had them, and how much they affect your daily activities. Your doctor may also ask about: The event or events that led to your symptoms.

Health Article description.Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gaseous waste product from metabolism. The blood carries carbon dioxide to your lungs, where it is exhaled. More than 90% of it in your blood exists in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3). The rest of it is either dissolved carbon dioxide gas (CO2) or carbonic acid (H2CO3). Your kidneys and lungs...

Health Article description.Catecholamines (say "kat-uh-KOH-luh-meens") are hormones made mostly by your adrenal glands as a reaction to stress. When you feel stressed, these hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, muscle strength, and mental alertness. They also lower the amount of blood that goes to the skin and intestines...

Health Article description.An immunoglobulins test is done to measure the level of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, in your blood. Antibodies are substances made by the body's immune system in response to bacteria, viruses, fungus, animal dander, or cancer cells. Antibodies attach to the foreign substances so the immune system can...

Health Article description.Fetal fibronectin is a protein that helps keep the amniotic sac attached to the wall of the uterus during pregnancy. If there is a problem with the amniotic sac staying attached to the uterus, high amounts of fetal fibronectin can end up in the vaginal fluid. This can mean there is an increased chance of having a...

Health Article description.Cardiac enzyme studies measure the levels of enzymes and proteins that are linked with injury of the heart muscle. The test checks for the proteins troponin I (TnI) and troponin T (TnT). If your heart muscle is injured, such as from a heart attack,

Health Article description.Provides links that give tips, like making the most of your appointment and getting better care at lower costs. Also includes links on understanding lab results and deciding whether to get a flu vaccine.

Health Article description.Discusses how to work with your doctor, how to prepare for different types of appointments, and what to do after appointments. Includes questions to ask about recommended tests and treatments.

Health Article description.Medical errors are mistakes in health care that could have been prevented. They can occur in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctors' offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and your home. Errors can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, home treatment, equipment, or lab reports. Medical errors may result in injury or...

Health Article description.Starting at age 10 or at the start of puberty, children who have a body mass index (BMI) in the 85th percentile or higher for their age—or whose weight is more than 120% of ideal—and who have one of the following risk factors need to be tested for...

Health Article description.Discusses chronic pain caused by problems other than cancer. Covers symptoms and how chronic pain is diagnosed. Covers conditions that can be treated, like neck pain, low back pain, and arthritis. Info on treatment with medicine and lifestyle changes.

Health Article description.Has info on finger, hand, and wrist problems as well as shoulder injuries. Also has info on osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia with links to low back pain exercises and info on tennis elbow surgery.

Health Article description.Information on fibromyalgia, a syndrome that causes people to feel pain even when there is no injury. Covers symptoms and how it is diagnosed. Includes info on treatments such as medicines, exercise therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Health Article description.You have erection problems if you can't get or keep an erection that is firm enough for you to have sex. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction or impotence. They are more common as you get older. There are treatments that can help.

Health Article description.Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common genetic disease that causes mucus in the body to become thick and sticky. The mucus builds up and causes problems in many of the body's organs, especially the lungs and the pancreas. People who have CF can have...