What Is an Alpha-Gal Allergy?

In some people, this triggers an immune system reaction that later produces mild to severe allergic reactions. Hailshadow / Getty Images What Is Alpha-Gal? Causes A growing body of research suggests that an alpha-gal allergy may be triggered by tick bites. Hailshadow / Getty Images In some cases, a healthcare provider may also undertake an allergy skin test. Alpha-gal allergy can be serious and potentially life-threatening, as it can causeanaphylaxis, which warrants immediate medical attention....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 400 words · Brooke Wade

What Is an Anal Fissure?

The anus is the opening in the bottom where stool passes out of the body. When the skin in the anus develops a tear or a crack, it is called an anal fissure. Anal fissures may cause both bleeding and pain. Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images The bleeding may be bright red and appear in the toilet or on toilet paper after wiping. Fissures can cause pain during and after a bowel movement that ranges from mild to severe....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 732 words · Courtney Lyons

What Is an Anal Pap Smear?

It looks for precancerous or cancerous cells but can’t make a definitive diagnosis. If the lab finds abnormal cells, further testing is necessary. The anal Pap does not test for colon or rectal cancer. Pornpak Khunatorn / Getty Images This article explains the anal Pap smear purpose and screening guidelines. It also covers what to expect during the test and how to prepare. As with cervical cancer,human papillomavirus (HPV)is responsible for most cases of anal cancer....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 534 words · Erica Gilbert

What Is an Anterior Placenta?

This is a common occurrence and usually does not pose any risk to you or your fetus. It may make it harder to detect early kicks and fetal heart sounds, however. Karl Tapales / Getty Images How Do You Know If You Have an Anterior Placenta? Karl Tapales / Getty Images A standard ultrasound is typically performed at 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy and can detect an anterior placenta....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 288 words · Julie Alvarez

What Is an Anterior Tibialis Tendon Rupture?

The tibialis anterior tendon attaches a muscle in the front of your shin to the front of your foot. If the tendon tears, it can cause pain and trouble doing normal activities like walking and running. The muscle also pulls your toes and foot inward (inversion). FatCamera / Getty Images Tibialis Anterior Rupture Causes and Grading A tibialis anterior rupture is a rare injury. It is the third most common lower extremity tendon tear after theAchilles tendonand thepatellar tendon....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 449 words · Hector Castro

What Is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet, and What Foods Should You Eat?

These foods may lower your risk of developing heart disease and other chronic conditions by reducing body-wide inflammation. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health What Is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet? Diet Types There is no single set eating plan for the anti-inflammatory diet. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health you might mix it up and tailor it to your family’s tastes and needs. But there are certain guidelines to help you make healthy choices....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 227 words · Benjamin Chapman

What Is an Anxiety Disorder?

Panic Disorder People who havepanic disorderexperience repeated, unexpected panic attacks. People with panic disorder may avoid places where theyve previously experienced panic attacks. These feelings must persist for six months to be considered to be brought on by social anxiety disorder. Both children and adults can experience separation anxiety. Nightmares involving worst-case scenarios and physical symptoms of stress and anxiety can occur in people with this disorder. Specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 382 words · Diana Waller

What Is an EEG Used For?

What to expect when getting an electroencephalogram Anelectroencephalogram(EEG) test is used to check forseizuresand diagnoseepilepsy. An EEG records electrical activity in the brain. An EEG can be used by primary care providers or specialists like aneurologist. Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell This article covers uses for EEG, how they work, and what to expect during the test. What Is an EEG Test? There are several types of electroencephalograms (EEGs) and different versions of each key in....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 985 words · Daniel Perez

What Is an Endocrinologist and What Do They Do?

Examples include diabetes, thyroid disease, infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). An endocrinologist is first trained ininternal medicine,pediatrics, orgynecologybefore specializing in endocrinology. It also looks at why you may need an endocrinologist and what to expect at your first appointment. BURGER / PHANIE / Canopy / Getty Images What Does an Endocrinologist Do? Endocrinologists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention ofendocrine disorders. The practice of endocrinology is guided by laboratory tests more than most medical specialties....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 285 words · Bruce Murphy

What Is an Endometrioma?

They are part of a condition known asendometriosis. Endometriomas are also called “chocolate cysts” because they are filled with dark brown menstrual blood. When you have endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and into other areas of the abdomen/pelvic region. Ozgurcankaya / Getty Images This article explains the symptoms and causes of endometriomas. It also describes some of the possible complications and how these cysts are treated. Ozgurcankaya / Getty Images...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 599 words · Jeffrey Davis

What Is an Enlarged Prostate?

The outcome is usually very good after treatment. Some men develop symptoms early, while others do not develop any effects until the prostate becomes significantly enlarged. You may also continue to leak or dribble when you have stopped urinating. Illustration by Verywell You are more likely to experience incontinence if you develop a UTI. If you have blood clots in your urine or are completely unable to urinate, get urgent medical attention....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 529 words · Jacob Everett

What Is an Enterostomal Therapy (ET) Nurse?

Sometimes these nurses are called stoma nurses (particularly in Europe). ET nurses also treat other conditions, such as wounds orincontinence. What Is Enterostomal Therapy? JGI / Jamie Grill Blend Images / Getty Images What Does an ET Nurse Do? An ET nurse may treat patients before, during, and after their ostomy surgery. An ET nurse may care for adult or pediatric patients. After surgery:Once a patient goes home, an ET nurse can assist in many ways....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 302 words · Jimmy Hardy

What Is an Epidermoid Cyst?

Epidermoid cysts are non-cancerous, balloon-like bumps that slowly develop under the skin. The cysts can sometimes rupture and drain a thick, yellow, foul-smelling fluid. Also Known As Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin What Are the Symptoms of Epidermoid Cysts? Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin An epidermoid cyst looks like a raised, round bump. Like all cysts, it is filled with fluid. There may also be a small, pore-like opening on the surface of the skin....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 424 words · Mr. George Garcia