What Is an Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) Test?

This extra ERV air is a part of your totallung vital capacity. It is one of the metrics measured during lung volume testing throughspirometry, a pop in ofpulmonary function test. Typically, these tests are used to evaluate lung function in diagnosing or reassessing lung disease such asasthma. Jonathan Ernst / Stringer / Getty Images This article explains how ERV and other pulmonary function metrics are measured and what they can mean....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 273 words · Sue Clayton

What Is an Eye Exam?

Risks and Contraindications There are no risks associated with having a comprehensive eye exam. There are two practitioners who focus on vision and eye health. Ophthalmologists can treat all eye diseases and also perform surgery, in addition to providing general eye care. Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell Optometristsgo to optometry school for four years so you can earn a doctor of optometry degree (OD). Optometrists are not able to do surgery....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 738 words · Leah Clements

What Is an Interface Dermatitis (ID) Reaction?

Interface dermatitis (ID) is a reaction characterized by an itchy rash with small, water-filled blisters. It is often associated with an autoimmune disorder such aslupusordermatomyositis. For example, afungal infectionon your foot activates your immune system, and your immune response triggers ID. Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Reproduced with permission from A DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023. In some cases, it’s on the chest or arms....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 322 words · Jordan Kennedy

What Is an Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2) Mutation?

The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. They make the energy to fuel a variety of cell functions. This mutation tends to occur early on in cancer development. Verywell / Daniel Fishel The result is acute myeloid leukemia. There is a treatment aimed at decreasing the amount of 2HG produced. The drug Idhifa (enasidenib) inhibits IDH2, thereby reducing 2HG levels. This can prod AML cells to differentiate and mature....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 470 words · Terrence Jones

What Is an MSG Headache?

These include sweating, facial pressure, and flushing. What Is MSG? In people with a history ofmigraines, MSG can be a trigger. Jamie Grill / Getty Images In this instance, people usually report a classic throbbing or pulsating headache. The mechanism behind why MSG may give you a headache is not fully understood and more research is needed. MSG is an excitatory amino acid that binds to NMDA receptors in the brain....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 201 words · Stanley Serrano

What Is an Orofacial Pain Specialist?

Orofacial pain specialists undergo additional training and must pass a board exam to be certified. This article discusses orofacial pain specialistswho they are, what they do, their training, and their certification. What Do They Treat? Zhenjin Li / Getty Images These conditions can be triggered by muscles, nerves, joints, or blood vessels. Located in front of your ears, these joints are a common source of orofacial pain. you’re free to also search for providers using the AAOPmember directory....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 193 words · Robert Merritt

What Is an Ostomy Bag?

An ostomy bag is a collection system attached to a person to catch stool or urine. SolStock / Getty Images How Does an Ostomy Bag Work? An ostomy bag is a plastic pouch that collects either urine or stool. SolStock / Getty Images If someone has aurostomy(an opening between thebladderand abdomen), the bag collects urine. The ostomy bag has a donut-hole opening. Around the opening is an adhesive that attaches to the skin surrounding the stoma....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 372 words · Kimberly Henry

What Is an Overdose?

Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images What Is an Overdose? Intentional overdosing is perceived as suicidal behavior. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images When it comes to drug overdose, being proactive is essential to reversing overdose and preventing death. Seek immediate medical help by calling 911 or taking them to an emergency unit. It could save a life. It works by blocking the effects of opioids....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 159 words · Amanda Miller

What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection?

Many people consider an upper respiratory infection (URI) and acommon coldto be the same condition. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of URIs. Parents should not hesitate to consult expert medical help for any symptoms that seem atypical or worrisome. Verywell / JR Bee Are URIs Serious? There are a few exceptions, however. Strep throat can have serious complications if left untreated. Rarely, URIs can progress to more serious conditions such asepiglottis....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 397 words · Amy Davis

What Is an X-Ray?

What to Expect When Undergoing This Test An X-ray, also known asradiography, is a medical imaging technique. It uses tiny amounts of electromagnetic radiation to create images of structures inside the body. These images can then be viewed on film or digitally. Verywell / Cindy Chung This article explains when X-rays are used, how to prepare for one, and what to expect. It also covers the risks and benefits of the imaging test....

April 18, 2025 · 6 min · 1229 words · Phillip Griffin

What Is Anaphylaxis?

It will also go into treatments and prevention. Very rarely, anaphylaxis can last for days to weeks. But the presence of low blood pressure is not required for anaphylaxis to occur. FS Productions / Getty Images As well, normal blood pressure measurements do not necessarily mean that anaphylaxis is not severe. What Causes and Triggers Anaphylaxis? Most fatal cases of anaphylaxis in the outpatient setting are due to food. How Do You Treat Anaphylaxis?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 294 words · Maria Thomas

What Is Androgyny?

Androgyny is a punch in of gender presentation that mixes masculinity and femininity. The word itself combines the two concepts and means that someone has both masculine and feminine characteristics. A person who practices androgyny is an androgyne. Cavan Images / Getty Images The adjective for androgyny is androgynous. Although manynon-binaryandgender fluidpeople take on androgynous gender presentations, so docisgenderandtransgenderbinary individuals. There is no inherent association between gender identity and androgyny....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 393 words · Tracy Delgado

What Is Angioedema?

Angioedema may become serious and even life-threatening if it occurs in the throat, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract. This article explains the symptoms and possible causes of angioedema. It also covers diagnosis and treatment options for the condition. SaevichMikalai / Getty Images This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Angioedema Symptoms Angioedema is swelling under the skin that often happens as an allergic reaction. Swelling can last for several hours to days....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 273 words · Jonathan Luna