Posted by
Chocolate and acid reflux: What’s the link?

Chocolate and acid reflux: What’s the link?

It is very common to experience occasional acid reflux. Most people find that certain foods trigger symptoms more than others. One possible culprit is chocolate. Sometimes, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which keeps the contents of the stomach in place, releases stomach acid back into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food […]

Posted by
What to know about blood in urine (hematuria) in females

What to know about blood in urine (hematuria) in females

Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. Some causes are specific to, or more likely to affect, females. Blood in the urine is often due to infections, kidney problems, or injuries. In this article, we discuss the possible causes of blood in the urine in females. We also discuss when to visit […]

Posted by
What to know about the protein test and results

What to know about the protein test and results

The total protein test is a simple, routine urine or blood test. It looks for normal or abnormal protein levels in the body. Having too many or too few proteins can lead to unexpected weight loss, fatigue, or inflammatory disease. The total protein test can help diagnose liver and kidney diseases, along with other conditions. […]

Posted by
The health effects of eating maggots

The health effects of eating maggots

A person may accidentally ingest maggots if they eat spoiled food that has become contaminated with fly larvae. Accidentally eating maggots is generally not a cause for concern, but it can sometimes lead to health complications, such as bacterial poisoning. A maggot is the larva of the common housefly. Maggots are around 3–12 millimeters in […]

Posted by
What is the link between asthma and pneumonia?

What is the link between asthma and pneumonia?

Asthma and pneumonia are two respiratory conditions. They share some symptoms, but they have different causes and treatments. Pneumonia may be more difficult to detect in people with asthma. Asthma does not directly cause pneumonia, but people with a history of chronic respiratory problems, such as asthma, could have a higher risk of developing pneumonia. […]

Posted by
What foods contain high fructose corn syrup?

What foods contain high fructose corn syrup?

High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that manufacturers make from corn starch. As with other sugars, it can cause tooth decay, obesity, and metabolic syndrome when a person consumes it in large quantities. Health experts continue to debate whether or not high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is worse than other sugars. Many natural and […]

Posted by
What to know about premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

What to know about premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that females experience in the week or two leading up to their menstrual period. Headaches, bloating, cramps, and mood swings are among the most common PMS symptoms. For some, these symptoms are a minor inconvenience. For others, the symptoms can be so severe that […]

Posted by
What to know about bumps on the cervix

What to know about bumps on the cervix

In most cases, bumps on the cervix are benign, or noncancerous, growths, such as polyps or cysts. In some cases, however, they may indicate the presence of cervical cancer. A doctor might discover a bump on the cervix during a routine pelvic examination or a Pap smear test. This article provides an overview of what […]

Posted by
What to know about folate deficiency

What to know about folate deficiency

Folate deficiency anemia occurs when a person has a low level of folate, or vitamin B-9, in their body. Folate plays a vital role in many bodily processes, such as creating red blood cells and preventing congenital disabilities. When a person does not have enough folate, they develop anemia, the symptoms of which include fatigue, […]