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Ascitesis the abnormal or extra accumulation of peritoneal fluid in the abdomen (belly). Healthcare providers use a variety of blood tests, imaging procedures, and paracentesis to diagnose ascites. Treatment focuses on treating the underlying cause, if possible, and relieving symptoms. Kondoros Eva Katalin / Getty Images This article reviews the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ascites. The fluid sample is then examined under a microscope. This helps differentiate benign vs....

In the past, some flu pandemics have caused very severe illness and killed millions of people. Others have been less serious. This article discusses the four different types of influenza virus and some of the most serious strains. Verywell / Gary Ferster When new flu strains make headlines, they’re often referred to by more complicated alphanumeric names likeH1N1. Those names are classifications based on subtypes, genetic lineages, and strains. What pop in Causes the Seasonal Flu?...

The Tdap vaccine provides similar protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis to people 7 years and older. Its delivered via intramuscular injection, which means through a large muscle. When injected, this prompts a person’s immune system to produce antibodies that protect them from these infections. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health It works in the same way as the DTaP vaccine, by triggering the immune system to produce antibodies....

The ovaries are a key part of the normal development and reproductive function of women. They are held in place by several ligaments on either side of the uterus. Eggs are transported from the ovaries to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. Encyclopaedia Britannica/UIG / Getty Images Aftermenopause, the ovaries will stop producing eggs and atrophy (shrink). Estrogen deficiency also increases your risk of developing osteoporosis, which increases your risk of bone fracture....

Thethymushas been a mysterious gland throughout much of history. The ancient Greeks thought it was the seat of courage. During the Renaissance, they decided it had no function. Corbis / Getty Images It was not until the 1970s that itsrole in the immune systemstarted to unfold. Corbis / Getty Images Thymus Basics Today we know the thymus as an immune system organ. Within the immune system, different white blood cells have different jobs....

Once found, the healthcare provider destroys the abnormal tissue. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health Who Qualifies for Surgery? Medicines successfully control symptoms for many people with heart disease. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health They use X-rays to guide the tube to your heart and find the areas responsible for the arrhythmia. During the procedure, the cardiologist may ask you questions regarding your heart. It’s common to feel light-headed or have a faster or slower heartbeat during the procedure....

It contains thecochlea, a snail-shaped bony structure filled with fluid. These waves move the tiny hairs in the ear that send sound or movement signals to the brain. Structure The ear is made up of the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. LEONELLO CALVETTI / Getty Images The inner ear consists of the bony labyrinth and membranous labyrinth. The bony labyrinth comprises three components: Cochlea:The cochlea is a hollow bone shaped like a snail....

Hemolysisis the breakdown ofred blood cells. Red blood cells normally live for about 120 days. After that, they die and break down. Blend_Images / Getty Images Red blood cells carry oxygen to all of the body. If red blood cells are breaking down abnormally, there will be fewer of them to carry oxygen. Some examples include toxic chemicals, malaria, tick-borne diseases or snake venom. Your practitioner may evaluate your medical and family history in addition to a physical exam and blood tests....

Cervical has multiple meanings in the human body. The word cervix is derived from the Latin root word “cervix” which means “neck.” The term cervical causes confusion because there are multiple cervixes in the body, and they are widely different. ROGER HARRIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images Cervical Stenosis, Myelopathy, and Radiculopathy. North American Spine Society. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

No surgery is risk-free, but what are the risks? No surgery is risk-free, but understanding the possiblecomplicationscan help you make better and more informed decisions. Possible risks include a reaction toanesthesia, postoperative pain, nerve damage, and infection. Paul Harizan / The Image Bank / Getty Images In severe cases, pneumonia, internal bleeding, and septic shock can occur. Even so, severe complications are relatively uncommon, affecting only around 8% of surgeries....

But it’s not always the case. One system indirectly impacted by liver disease is the central nervous system, and most specifically the brain. These ammonia particles then spread throughout the bloodstream and pass through the semi-permeable membrane that that surrounds the brain. shapeshifter / Getty Images Death is usually due to the severe swelling of the brain (called cerebral edema). Each of these classifications assists in determining the appropriate course of action in treating the condition....

Goutis a painful inflammatory condition. Symptoms of gout often mimic those of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). When symptoms hit, you may wonder what causes it and if you have an autoimmune disease. lucia_lucci / Getty Images lucia_lucci / Getty Images Is Gout an Autoimmune Disease? Gout is due to excess uric acid in the body. Uric acid crystals form in the joints and tissues, and the body reacts to these with inflammation....

Read more in this article about depression in men, including symptoms,triggers, and coping. Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way. However, there is currently no single agreed-upon hypothesis to explain these differences. Oliver Rossi / Getty Images There has been discussion and research about men having different depressive symptoms. Every person experiencing depression has different symptoms. There are common ones that many people experience and less common ones that someone may not have....