Posts

People withsickle cell diseaseare immunocompromised, which means they have an increased risk of infection. For this reason, immunizations are an important part of complete sickle cell care. This article looks at the importance of immunizations for people with sickle cell disease. Pamela Moore / Getty Images One of the first organs affected is the spleen. The spleen is a small organ on the left side of the abdomen underneath the ribcage....

It is primarily involved in the allergic response but also fights infections from parasites. Blood tests for IgE can be used to diagnose allergies. In the case ofallergens, the substance typically is not harmful to most people. Moyo Studio / Getty Images However, people who generate IgE to allergens can be negatively affected once they develop a sensitization. This process takes place in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, adenoids, and bone marrow....

How does initial compliance determine whether insurance pays for CPAP therapy? This may be best accomplished by contacting your health insurance provider and speaking about your benefits. In most cases, CPAP therapy is covered under the durable medical equipment (DME) provision of insurance. Rachel Tayse / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 This coverage also pays for everything from wheelchairs to hospital beds to oxygen concentrators. The level of coverage depends on your specific insurance policy....

As afunctional gastrointestinal disorder, there isn’t any identified structural or tissue problem. Rather, IBS is a problem of function, specifically of bowel function. By doing so, your IBS diagnosis is more conclusive. FatCamera / Getty Images Keep track of what you eat and when, and how your body responds. Additionally, record when you have pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation. You may also want to record stressors, because of the connection of the gut with your brain....

Even the news program 20/20 promises a clearer view of specific stories. Measuring Vision Human vision is complicated. It is multifaceted, and eye care professionals need some way to quantify or measure vision for patients. PhotoAlto/Eric Audras / Getty Images Snellen System of Visual Acuity To many peoples surprise, aneye examinationin its entirety is quite complicated. The first and maybe the most important measurement is our central vision, or central visual acuity....

Prompt medical attention often prevents a gunshot wound from becoming deadly. If you don’t have a professional version, focus on strong pressure. Really lean into it. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health Never give a person who’s been shot anything to eat or drink, including water. It might also make it harder for the person to breathe. Treatment by Wound Location Gunshot wounds arepuncture wounds. Don’t expect to be able to tell the difference between entrance and exit wounds....

They share several characteristics but are classified differently. An estimated 6.8% of the U.S. population is affected by SAD. According to some research, 32 to 50% of people with AVPD also suffer from SAD. JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images What Is Avoidant Personality Disorder? People with AVPD expect to be rejected by others, and they believe this perceived rejection reflectsinferiorityon their part....

Degenerative disc diseasetreatment aims to minimize symptoms and prevent further disc degeneration. Damage to the disc cannot be reversed. The right treatment option may depend on the extent of deterioration. It can occur in any area of the spine. This article will cover the different treatment options for degenerative disc disease, including conservative treatment and surgery. Medication Medication can minimize pain and inflammation in people with degenerative disc disease. It will not stop the progression of the condition, but decrease its symptoms....

Genital herpesis a sexually transmitted infection (STI) triggered by theherpes simplex virus (HSV). It is most often due to HSV-2 but may also be due to HSV-1. It is contagious and can be transmitted through anal, oral, and vaginal sex. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Where Do You Get Genital Herpes From? A person can acquire genital herpes through intimate sexual contact with someone with the herpes virus....

Theresa Chiechi / Verywell Some modes of transmission are more efficient than others. Moreover, there is needs to be ample quantities of the virus to breach the bodysfrontline immune defenses. What Is HIV? Theresa Chiechi / Verywell By killing more and more of these cells, the body’s immune defenses are weakened and eventuallycompromised. If an untreated HIV infection progresses, there is ongoing damage to immune defense cells. As this happens, the body becomes increasingly less able to fight off infections....

While each persons situation is unique, most post-operative therapy contains several specific interventions. This article will discuss the purpose of this surgery and explain the rehab protocol typically recommended following the procedure. Kali9 /E+ / Getty Images What Is a Total Ankle Replacement? Kali9 /E+ / Getty Images As this process becomes more advanced, it can lead to significant pain, disability, and difficulty walking. In these situations, a total ankle replacement may be beneficial....

Therapy also can be a beneficial treatment for different types of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. LSOphoto /iStock /Getty Images Plus What Is Joint Mobilization? The following grades are used to differentiate among the many techniques: Why Are Joint Mobilizations Used? LSOphoto /iStock /Getty Images Plus Regarding the effect of joint mobilization on range of motion, the available evidence also is mixed. That said, people with several conditions should exercise caution due to the potential risk of an adverse reaction....

Medications Designed to Dissolve Skin Flakes and Scales Keratolyticsare medications designed to dissolve skin flakes and scales. Keratolytic agents can be found in medicated shampoos, topical ointments, and skin creams and lotions. They can help treat dandruff as well as skin conditions like calluses, acne, and psoriasis. pimonpim / iStock / Getty Images This article describes the different types of keratolytic agents and the conditions they can help treat. It also explains possible side effects and when it is time to seek medical care....