What Is a Fistula?

For example, fistulas can occur between the rectum and the vagina or the intestine and the skin. There are several causes of fistulas, including abscesses, surgery, and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms depend on the location of the fistula. Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee Creating an AV fistula increases blood flow into a vein, providing good access to blood vessels. What Causes a Fistula? Fistulas commonly form because of anabscess, a pocket of pus in the body....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 545 words · Krista Huerta

What Is a Foot Corn?

Also known as a clavus A footcornor clavusis a jot down ofcallus. It is an area of thickened skin that forms to protect your foot from constant pressure or rubbing. The steady irritation promotes the growth of tougher cells that grow to protect the problem area. Евгений Харитонов / Foot Corn A foot corn can also form between your toes. Foot corns are somewhat common, affecting almost half of the population....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 435 words · Brian Clark

What Is a Free Thyroxine Test?

Thyroxine (also called T4) is one of the major hormones produced by your thyroid. When T4 is created, some of the hormone gets bound to proteins, while the rest circulates freely. It is the most important and sensitive test for hypothyroidism. ER Productions Limited / Getty Images Most healthcare providers will recommend having your blood drawn before you take any medications, if possible. Location A free T4 test will likely take place right in your healthcare providers office....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 183 words · Sierra Davis

What Is a Frozen Shoulder?

This article explains the symptoms and causes of frozen shoulder. It also describes how the disorder is diagnosed and treated. You may have difficulty reaching behind your back to grab something from your back pocket. Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images Putting on a belt may be painful, too. The symptoms of frozen shoulder aren’t due to weakness, but to actual rigidity in the joint. You will not be able to raise your arm....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 287 words · Michael Vance

What Is a Gastroenterologist?

You may also see one for routine colorectal cancer screening. It also discusses the symptoms and conditions for which you may need to see a GI doctor. When Should You See a GI Doctor? Ryan McVay / Digital Vision / Getty Images Primary care doctors can often treat short-lived gastrointestinal issues, such as occasional constipation or diarrhea. They may also be able to manage cases of heartburn or bloating. You may need screening sooner if you have certain risk factors, such as a family history....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 270 words · James Franklin

What Is a God Complex? Traits, Causes, and Effects

NPD often leads to isolation due to a lack of empathy and difficulty with relationships. Treatment for NPD, which affects 1% to 2% of people, can includetalk therapyand medication. Tom Merton / Getty Images God Complex: A Real Diagnosis? Tom Merton / Getty Images A God complex is not a diagnosable disorder. It simply describes a symptom or personality trait adopted by someone with NPD. Because of that, the DSM-5 doesnt recognize it as its own entity....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 406 words · Jason Davis

What Is a Goiter?

A lump in your neck could indicate a thyroid problem Agoiteris an abnormally enlargedthyroid gland. A normal thyroid gland is not visible from the outside. When goiter symptoms are present, they can include: Symptoms ofhypothyroidism or hyperthyroidismmay also accompany the goiter. People with excessive thyroid function may experience anxiety, a fast heartbeat, and sweating. People with low thyroid function may become depressed, gain weight, and often feel cold or fatigued....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 292 words · Karen Robinson

What Is a Halo Nevus Mole?

Moles With Haloes That Are Typically Benign Ahalo nevusis amoleinside a circle that lacks pigment. This “halo” has clear, obvious borders. The average age of diagnosis is 15 years, and it’s rare in older people. DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND Halo nevi don’t usually require treatment and, over time, often disappear on their own. This article explains what halo nevi are and their causes. What Does a Halo Nevus Mole Look Like?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 318 words · Richard Johnson

What Is a Headache?

Headachesare among the most common health concerns people experience, and healthcare providers encounter. Though rarely life-threatening, headaches are debilitating and the second leading cause of years lived with disability globally. Chronic headaches, such as tension, cluster, or migraine, may imply a headache disorder. Ol’ga Efimova / EyeEm / Getty Images This article provides an overview of headaches and their symptoms and discusses how to treat and manage them. Primary Headache Major primary headache disorders include:...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 242 words · Joseph Wang

What Is a Health Insurance Deductible?

You see the healthcare provider and get a prescription. In April, you find alump in your breast. The lump turns out to be noncancerous; youre healthy. elenaleonova / Getty Images Coinsurance A fixed percentage you pay for medical expenses after the deductible is met. In September, you break your arm. Next January, youll start the process all over again. Each year, the health plan sets a new deductible and out-of-pocket maximum....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 291 words · Donna Ware

What Is a Health Insurance Exchange?

More than 16 million people obtained coverage through the exchanges nationwide during the open enrollment period for 2023 coverage. People who areeligible for Medicaid based on their incomecan enroll in Medicaid via the exchange in their state. It’s “exchanges,” plural, because each state has an exchange. Luciano Lozano / Getty Images Virginia will begin operating its own exchange platform in November 2023. But the term “market” is used more generally....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 449 words · Mrs. Mary Reed DDS

What Is a Healthcare Provider?

A healthcare provider is a person or entity that provides medical care or treatment. However, an insurer or health plan administrator does not deliver care. Who Are Healthcare Providers? Getty Images There are also specialists that you see when you need certain specific medical care. There are many different types of healthcare providers. Any bang out of healthcare service that you might need is provided by one of them. Not all healthcare providers are physicians or doctors....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 287 words · Alyssa Knox

What Is a Hunger Headache?

A hungerheadacheis one you get from not eating. A hunger headache generally resolves within 30 minutes after eating. This article explains the causes and symptoms of hunger headaches and how to treat and prevent them. Verywell / Julie Bang When this happens, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness, shakiness, and confusion. People with nondiabetic hypoglycemia are generally recommended to go no more than three hours between meals. One study demonstrated that hypoglycemic patients are more likely to be hungry and have headaches compared to non-hypoglycemic patients....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 407 words · Shelby Williams