Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Is a Procedure to Examine Your GI Tract

EGDs are used by specialists known asgastroenterologiststo diagnose and/or treat disorders of theupper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It also explains how to prepare for an EGD and what to expect on the day of the procedure. Both children and adults can undergo this procedure. Verywell / Emily Roberts An EGD uses an endoscope that is advanced from the mouth down to the GI tract. The endoscope is thin and flexible, and it has a camera and microsurgical tools attached....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 650 words · Brandon Lynch

Essential Foods to Eat and Avoid on a Gallbladder Diet, According to a Dietitian

Some foods may improve the health of your gallbladder, while other foods may cause harm. A healthcare provider may recommend following a gallbladder diet if you’ve been diagnosed with gallbladder disease. Your gallbladder is a small organ attached to your liver. Anchiy / Getty Images Its primary function is to storebile, a throw in of digestive fluid. During digestion, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to break down fat....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 253 words · Jason Richardson

Esthetician: What They Do, How to Become One, and Salaries

Their work focuses on enhancing the health and appearance of the skin through tailored approaches. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health What Is an Esthetician? An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who provides non-medical treatments to enhanceskin healthand appearance. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health Their services include facials, exfoliation, hydration, and targeted treatments for concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation. While they do not diagnose or treat medical skin conditions, estheticians specialize in cosmetic and preventative skincare....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 480 words · Diana George

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Test

The lab may also be including in your yearly general wellness labs that look at general kidney function. A family history of kidney disease could also necessitate this test. The main function of your kidneys is to clean your blood. Yoshiyoshi Hirokawa / Getty Images The glomeruli, tiny filters found in your kidneys, are central to this job. Creatinine is one of the types of waste that the kidneys help to filter out of the body....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 308 words · Pamela Taylor

Estrogen Treatment for Transgender Women and Transfeminine People

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Not every transgender person deals with their gender dysphoria in the same way. However, for many people, hormone therapy can help them feel more like themselves. SDI Productions / Getty Images For transmasculine people, this involves testosterone treatment. Testosterone is a jot down of androgen (male sex hormone). The most common medication used to block testosterone is spironolactone or “spiro....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 537 words · Michael Myers

Evenity vs. Prolia: Which Is Better for Osteoporosis?

Prolia works differently from Evenity by binding to a different protein called RANK ligand (RANKL). They are both given as a subcutaneous injection. Which Costs More? Getty Images | BSIP / Contributor The price for Evenity and Prolia can vary depending on several factors, such as your insurance status. There are nobiosimilarsof Evenity. Evenity side effect includes an increased risk for stroke, heart attack, and heart-related death. Talk to your prescribing healthcare provider to help determine which medication is best for you....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 359 words · Jared Williams

Every Antibiotics Question You Have, Answered

Antibiotics are medications used to treat infections that are caused bybacteria. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi What Is An Antibiotic? Penicillinwas the first antibiotic developed, and it happened by accident. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi Antibiotic development exploded after World War II, and today there are several classes of antibiotics to choose from. How Do Antibiotics Work? Antibiotics work by binding to bacterial cells and penetrating their cells walls. Antibiotics are divided into classes based on how they enter cell walls and destroy bacteria....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 578 words · Gregory Miller

Everyone Should Know About Asymptomatic STIs

But, sadly, that isn’t so. The incredible frequency ofasymptomaticSTIs is one factor that make STIs so common. It is not uncommon for someone living with an STI to have noSTI symptoms. Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health In other words, they are asymptomatic. Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health Asymptomatic STIs are more common than not. There is a very high prevalence of symptom-free sexually transmitted infections. Jamie Grill/The Image Bank/Getty Images...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 631 words · Robert Lowe

Everything to Know About Congenital Heart Disease

It comes up whenever there is a decreased amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. Some individuals will have no noticeable symptoms, while others will experience significant signs of heart problems. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improving outcomes and managing congenital heart disease effectively. Morten Falch Sortland / Getty Images What Causes Congenital Heart Disease? The causes of congenital heart disease can be attributed to a combination of factors....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 347 words · Elizabeth Baker

Everything to Know About Crohn's Disease

Crohnsdisease is a throw in of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is an immune-mediated condition that affects many body systems, especially the digestive system. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and alternates between periods of active and inactive disease. AleksandarGeorgiev / Getty Images There is currently no cure, but it is often manageable with medication and lifestyle changes. AleksandarGeorgiev / Getty Images Symptoms of Crohns Disease Thesymptoms of Crohns diseasemainly affect the digestive system....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 575 words · Elizabeth Farley

Everything to Know About End-Stage Heart Failure

End-stage heart failure is the most advanced stage ofcongestive heart failure. At this point, treatments dont offer too much symptom relief. There are four stages of heart failure. LPETTET / Getty Images By stage C, you may have symptoms like swollen limbs,fatigue, andshortness of breathwith physical activity. Treatment for this stage includes surgery,heart transplant, or ventricular assist devices. You may also pursuehospice caretreatment based on comfort alone. Symptoms of end-stage heart failure stem from this deterioration of the hearts pumping power....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 285 words · Alejandro Bray

Everything to Know About Epilepsy Service Dogs

Learn about training service dogs for epilepsy, owner responsibilities, and more. Instead, some people choose to train their service dogs. Training Process The training process for a service dog can be rigorous. Susan Sheldon / EyeEm / Getty Images However, they must be trained. Frequently Asked Questions Anyone who has seizures can have a service dog for epilepsy. Epilepsy is considered a disability, and people with epilepsy are protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 223 words · Brooke Williams

Everything You Need to Know About a Beer Allergy

A specific ingredient may be the culprit behind your symptoms Natural beer allergies are rare. This article explains the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and diagnoses associated with a beer allergy. The symptoms may start soon after they consume beer or take a little longer to come on. The Good Brigade / Getty Images A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening and is an emergency. If you have these symptoms after drinking beer, call 911 or go to the nearest ER....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 645 words · Elizabeth Hansen