The danger that carbon monoxide, which is a tasteless, colorless and odorless gas, poses is real, because this gas replaces oxygen in the blood, and the consequences can be fatal.
Appliances and other devices that burn gas, wood, petroleum products and other fuels produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can accumulate to dangerous levels sometimes in the car, home or other areas that are poorly ventilated. ... more
When someone’s liver doesn't properly process a substance called bilirubin, it means that they have a condition called Gilbert syndrome, also known as familial nonhemolytic jaundice and uconjugated benign bilirubinemia, which is a common and mild liver disorder. The breakdown of red blood cells produces billirubin. Most of the time, Gilbert syndrome does not pose serious complications and doesn't need ... more
Tetanus is a potentially life threatening bacterial disease. It is initiated by a toxin that causes stiffness of the muscles, especially the muscles of the jaw; it may also lead to sever muscle cramps and difficulty breathing.
Clostridium tetani, which are the spores of the tetanus, may be found in soil, but they can also be found almost about anywhere. If the bacteria come into contact with an open wound, they may produce the ... more
The chronic headaches that can cause significant pain for hours or even days are called migraines. Sometimes all the patient can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down when the symptoms are so severe.
Tingling in the arm or leg, blind spots or flashes of light are some of the sensory warning signs or symptoms (auras) that some migraines are preceded or accompanied by. Extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and ... more
In a common inherited genetic disorder called factor V Leiden, the blood has an increased tendency to form clots (thrombophilia), usually in the veins.
Blood clots could form at any age, but usually, the risk of clotting in most people does not begin until adulthood. Usually, people with factor V Leiden do not develop abnormal clots, but they do develop clots that cause long-term health problems or clots that are ... more
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is an indicator that someone has a higher chance of developing breast cancer in the future. LCIS is an area of abnormal tissue growth that occurs and stays within the lobules or milk glands that are located at the end of the breast ducts.
Mammograms don't show LCIS. Usually, a biopsy that is done for another reason, such as a suspicious breast lump or an abnormal mammogram, is how this condition is ... more
