What Is Alagille Syndrome?

Alagille syndromeis a rarelivercondition that is passed down through families. This inability is triggered by a lack of enoughbile ductsto drain bile properly. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for people with Alagille syndrome. MediaProduction / Getty Images This pathway triggers certain actions within the body that are important for fetal development. When they mutate, that pathway is compromised.This causes developmental issues. The mutated gene needs to come from just one of the two biological parents....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 266 words · George Watson

What Is Albuminuria in Diabetes?

This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of albuminuria. It also discusses the treatment of the conditions that can cause albuminuria. What Are the Symptoms of Albuminuria? IAN HOOTON / Getty Images The only outward signs of excess protein in urine are those that develop in conjunction with chronic kidney disease. Common symptoms of advanced CKD include: What Are the Causes of Albuminuria? Albuminuria can be short term or long term....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 261 words · Jane Sampson

What Is Alcoholic Neuropathy?

About 46% of chronic alcohol users will eventually develop this condition. Cavan Images / Getty Images Causes The exact cause of alcoholic neuropathy is unclear. Poor nutrition is often associated with heavy alcohol use. Cavan Images / Getty Images How long does it take to develop alcoholic neuropathy? However, they usually worsen over time as the neuropathy progresses. Symptoms that occur in the arms and legs typically affect both sides....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 281 words · Elizabeth Young

What Is Alkaline Hydrolysis and How Does It Work?

This article discusses alkaline hydrolysis, how it works, and what some of its modern obstacles are. What Happens During the Alkaline Hydrolysis Process? The body is next placed within a stainless-steel alkaline hydrolysis chamber. Edgar Bibian / EyeEm / Getty Images How is alkaline hydrolysis different from cremation? What Are the Pros of Alkaline Hydrolysis? What Are the Disadvantages of Alkaline Hydrolysis? Water cremation does not fit into many of these standards....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 180 words · Victor Christensen

What Is Alkaline Water and What Are the Benefits?

Alkaline water is slightly less acidic than regular tap water, which some people believe offers health benefits. Oscar Wong / Getty Images What Is Alkaline Water? In chemistry, pH stands for “potential of hydrogen.” Oscar Wong / Getty Images Anything under 7.0 is considered acidic, and anything over 7.0 is considered alkaline or basic. The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution is inversely related to a solution’s pH. Alkaline water found on grocery store shelves has a pH of roughly 8....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 386 words · Jeremy Nelson

What Is American Ginseng?

It also contains chemicals calledginsenosides, which may help to lower blood sugar. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Even so, American ginseng has a different chemical makeup and “cooler” yin qualities than Asian ginseng. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak It is also less stimulating. Human trials are lacking. The most significant benefit was seen in people who took 2,000 milligrams (mg) daily for eight weeks....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 472 words · Gabriel Webb

What Is Amniotic Fluid Embolism?

This causes the body to produce an overwhelming allergic-like reaction to the foreign material. An amniotic fluid embolism can cause potentially life-threatening breathing and heart issues, as well asuncontrolled bleeding. It is an often fatal emergency that requires immediate medical care for both the pregnant person and the baby. Verywell / Jessica Olah Amniotic fluid embolism can occur in both vaginal and cesarean (C-section) births. It usually happens in labor, during C-section, or within a half-hour of delivery....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 399 words · Erika Cochran

What Is Amniotic Fluid?

Amniotic fluid is a clear to slightly yellow liquid that cushions a fetus within the amniotic sac. The developing fetus floats in amniotic fluid for the duration of a pregnancy. At around 34 weeks gestation, roughly 800 milliliters (mL) of amniotic fluid surround the fetus. Kemal Yildirim / Getty Images At a full-term pregnancy of 40 weeks gestation, roughly 600 mL of amniotic fluid remain. Kemal Yildirim / Getty Images...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 315 words · Candice Mason

What Is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

ALS is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. Eventually, all the muscles that a person can control (voluntary muscles) are affected. People with ALS lose the ability to move their arms, legs, mouth, and body. Verywell / Melissa Ling For a long time, it was believed that ALSonlyaffected muscles. The disease can also cause changes in personality and behavior, such as depression. ALS does not affect intelligence, or the ability to see or hear....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 246 words · Ryan Klein

What Is an Abdominal Ultrasound?

Limitations In most cases, ultrasounds provide a good picture of the organs and structures in the abdomen. The test is generally non-invasive, painless, and safe for most people. Unlike other types of medical imaging, ultrasounds do not use ionizing radiation or contrast dye. Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell You may want to ask about eating/drinking prior to the ultrasound. If fasting is necessary, you may want to schedule the test in the morning....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 485 words · Barry Miller

What Is an Acne Facial?

Each esthetician has their own style, but acne treatment facials generally follow the same basic procedure. Here’s what you’re free to expect during your first acne facial. And these can be very detailed! Stock Planets / Getty Images Once changed, you’ll lie down on the treatment bed. Your esthetician will begin by removing any makeup and doing a thorough cleansing. The cleansing isn’t just for your face. Your neck, chest, and shoulders may also be treated, depending on your acne concerns....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 621 words · John Marshall

What Is an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)?

If a prescription drug has a generic, its name is the same as its API. Combination therapies have more than one active ingredient, each of which may act differently or treat different symptoms. It’s a good idea to know the APIs of medications that you take. PhotoAlto / Sigrid Olsson / Getty Images (For example, acetaminophenthe active ingredient in Tylenolis a well-known API.) Excipients like gluten, lactose, sugar, and some dyes can causeallergic reactionsin some people....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 192 words · Caitlin Fields

What Is an Air Embolism?

This can lead to serious problems, such as astroke. Fortunately, air embolisms are very rare. In this article, youll learn about some of the different types of air embolisms and their potential causes. Reza Estakhrian / The Image Bank / Getty Images You’ll also learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Air embolisms are much less common than embolisms because of blood clots. An air embolism that occurs in the veins is called venous air embolism....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 453 words · Kevin Smith