Ductwork underneath a house is the last place you’d expect to see worn-out surfaces; you’d think things like being totally surrounded by ground would protect the ductwork. However, there are situations that can wear down materials even underground. As with water pipes, tree roots and bugs can create a problem for anything nearby. Bad construction can add to the problems by not providing as much strength as it should.
IgE class levels provide an indication of the severity of a suspected allergy. For a patient exhibiting symptoms of an allergic reaction, two types of blood allergy tests exist: the radioallergosorbent, or RAST, and the IgE antibody or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, also known as ELISA. Different from allergy skin tests, these blood tests help decipher the levels of antibodies present in the blood when subjected to an allergen. Understanding levels of IgE facilitates diagnosis and treatment.
Evaluating a patient using the Karnofsky score assesses the function of a patient with regard to a debilitating disease such as cancer. The Karnofsky scale describes the quality of life a patient possesses and the ability of the patient to carry out activities on a scale of 0 percent to 100 percent. The scale uses descriptions within categories to indicate the level of patient wellness. Calculating a patient's Karnofsky score assists in tracking the progression of a disease and helps gauge the effects of various treatments, by comparison, on patient improvement and overall health.
Prior to the modern resources and hierarchical knowledge of technology culled by medical science, medical professionals used to diagnose a patient's health problems just by looking at his stools. There is a font of information available about the health of a person based on what the body eliminated. Having a bowel movement may not be the most pleasant thing to talk about, but it provides hints about how the body as a whole is doing. Take a look at your bowel movements and learn what your body is trying to tell you.
Spatial awareness is the ability to visualize patterns of space, such as depth and distance, and the associated ability to mentally relate these spatial patterns to a sequential order of time. If you have suffered a stroke or serious head trauma, you may temporary lose some of your spatial awareness, such as your ability to estimate the distance between one object and another. Some quick exercises can help improve your spatial awareness.
A sign of good health is having enough energy to get through the many daily activities that face people. A constellation of factors related to sleep, diet, exercise and relaxation contributes to energy levels sufficient for ordinary living. Life does not always go smoothly, but even difficult situations are easier to manage with a good diet, good rest and enough relaxing exercise.
Solving math problems, following directions and taking exams depend on a functioning spatial working memory -- the part of your memory that allows you to temporarily store information, to carry out a task requiring multi-thinking. Age and stress can cause spatial working memory to deteriorate. Armed with the right foods, however, you may be able to protect and improve it.
Bile duct leakage can be a complication of gallbladder or liver surgery. Bile leaks are more likely from laparoscopic cholecystectomies than from open, invasive gallbladder removal procedures. Yet, they can happen from both. They are a serious surgery complication that must be addressed immediately to prevent further medical problems. Bile duct leakage from bile duct cancer is also possible.
Bile duct leakage is caused by non-cancerous and cancerous growths in the bile ducts. When the bile duct becomes narrow or blocked the bile doesn't drain into the intestines causing it to fill up the liver and contaminate the blood stream with poisons. The poisons can than cause infections and illnesses that can possibly lead to death if not treated promptly. Bile duct leakage is usually treated with antibiotics and surgery if needed.
Even if you don't believe the saying "you are what you eat," you can be certain you definitely feel what you eat. While food is a source of energy for the body, consequences of an unhealthy and unbalanced diet quickly manifest themselves. Among the dangerous consequences of unhealthy nutrition, obesity, heart disease and diabetes are the most widespread in today's society. Poor eating habits also affect your day-to-day life, making you feel tired and depressed. So getting your nutrition on track is a good way to feel better and be happier.
Mini-marathons and other races are held to support charitable causes, help local communities and promote fitness and running. By sponsoring a 5K running event, businesses and individuals will aid a charitable cause while also reinforcing their brand image and increasing recognition. Sponsorship provides the opportunity to generate goodwill throughout the community and be involved in other parts of the race such as expos, networking opportunities and post-race celebrations.
Fats and triglycerides dissolve to make fatty acids. The liver, pancreas and small intestines direct digestive juices and other chemicals and acids into this mix to generate energy. Moving this solution to the gallbladder for storage, the liver is then able to continue the process of fat digestion. Bile that escapes from the digestive tract can damage the esophagus, throat and mouth from acid reflux. Cellular debris and fats create yellow bile.
It can be difficult to assess when your elderly parent is nearing death, and you may feel unprepared. Before your elderly parent passes, his body will develop phases of dying. Some signs of the end of life can include increased agitation, withdrawal from family and your parent discussing that he's dying -- which will alert you that death is approaching. While this may not provide you with any comfort, you can at least give palliative care to make the transition as peaceful as possible.
Protein electrophoresis (PEP) tests refer to lab tests used to screen and diagnose a variety of conditions. PEP tests may be performed on samples of blood serum (sometimes called SPEP) or urine (sometimes called UPEP).
Herbal bladder cures such as Ba Zheng, combined with healthy dietary practices and increased water intake, can help cure urinary tract infections. Learn how herbs can help your bladder in this free video on herbal healing.
The average person passes between 1 pint and 4 pints of digestive gas each day. Passing gas is your body's natural way of eliminating air from your stomach or passing the remaining gaseous bacteria from your digested food. Eliminating digestive gas completely would be unhealthy, but avoiding certain foods and adhering to eating habits can prevent excessive flatulence.
There are two major ways of classifying spine fractures: the Denis classification and the AO classification. The AO system of classifying fractures was developed by the AO Foundation, a nonprofit organization run by a group of surgeons interested in treating problems of the musculoskeletal system.
The calcitonin hormone is produced by cells in the thyroid gland. Calcitonin is involved in the control of calcium and phosphorous metabolism and works in association with parathyroid hormone. Calcitonin is produced as a larger protein that needs to be activated by enzymes.
Serology, according to the Web MD website, is the branch of science dealing with serum, or body fluids, such as blood. A serologist's work is to draw blood for testing for certain diseases, such as Hepatitis B, HIV and certain forms of cancer. Indeed, serology lab workers expose themselves to the possibility of infection from a number of occupational hazards. However, by taking certain precautions they can minimize these risks.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein used to test for prostate cancer in men age 50 and older. It is made by cells in the prostate gland. The PSA level is measured with a simple blood test.
If you've ever had a food-borne illness, chances are it's not an experience you'd care to repeat. To prevent food poisoning and the contamination of food, you need to be cautious and careful when cooking or handling certain foods.
"Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the number one workplace injury in America," says Charles N. Jeffress, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor. As specialists in the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors have the knowledge and training to prevent such injuries.
More than 12,000 Americans are diagnosed annually with acute myeloid leukemia (AML, also known as acute myelogenous leukemia), a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Fortunately, since 1980, the number of patients with AML who are cured, or who enter and stay in remission for years, has increased significantly. Depending on the AML's subtype, patients have four treatment options for AML that fall into two phases.
Millions of women use hair dye regularly in order to cover strands of gray or just revamp their appearance. But within that bottle of dye could be unseen dangers that can affect your health and your baby's health if you are pregnant. Hairdressers who work with hair dye could also be at risk.
The best IQ tests examine many aspects of your intelligence. One of the most commonly used IQ tests is The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults, 3rd Edition (WAIS-III). This test measures verbal skills, nonverbal skills, processing speed and working memory. For each domain, there are mental and physical exercises you can do to improve performance.
Hammertoes are formed when the toes become bent at the last joint, causing them to stay curled downward. This is often caused by wearing shoes that don't fit correctly or are too tight. While hammertoes are often very painful and uncomfortable, they can be treated and prevented.
Blood tests constitute one element in the detection of cancer and other diseases. Blood test results that differ substantially from normal ranges give your doctor valuable information that will help her understand your health situation better. Normal blood test results have a similar informative value. But no single blood test result clearly indicates that you do or do not have cancer. You can have cancer with normal blood counts.
A sedimentation rate is a blood test that detects inflammation in the body. An elevated sedimentation rate can be indicative of arthritis, other inflammatory conditions or some types of cancer.
In the United States, brain cancer affects every 15 to 20 people out of 100,000, according to Health Communities, a health resource site. Magnesium's role in maintaining normal bodily functions enables healthy cell regeneration processes. Alternative treatment approaches consider the effects of magnesium deficiencies on how cancer cells form in the body.
Thiotepa, mitomycin and doxorubicin are the most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat bladder cancer. Bladder chemotherapy itself poses risks to the patients, as these are powerful drugs than can sometimes leave permanent effects on the body. During treatment, doctors will typically run blood tests to measure kidney and bladder function. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience.
Many people suffer from bowel blockage, otherwise known as bowel obstruction. The condition has many causes, some of which are not serious. However, others should be a cause for concern. For instance, if you experience difficulty swallowing in addition to the symptoms of a bowel obstruction it could indicate a serious problem.
Atoms and combinations of atoms make up all substances, including food. Chemistry studies how atoms interact with each other and the changes that occur when that happens. When you heat food, freeze it, mix it and store it, you are making changes to the atoms in food, and that all boils down to chemistry. Food chemists are experts who study the atoms in food and how they react to change.
Chlorine dioxide provides protection against a wide variety of microorganisms, thus keeping us safe from many diseases. Chlorine dioxide is employed in various therapies to combat chronic infections. In general, it helps us stay healthy by maintaining our overall well-being. It is also used in the treatment of Lyme disease and cancer. Although its overuse can cause problems and you should consult your doctor for directions, it is generally considered a very safe option.
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest form of gynecological cancer there is, in part because its symptoms often mask those of other diseases and disorders. Approximately 1 in 57 women in the United States will receive the news that they have ovarian cancer each year, according to wrongdiagnosis.com. It used to be called "the silent killer," but when the disease is caught early, it has a 95% cure rate.
The leg consists of several bones, including the tibia, fibula, femur and patella . According to the Sports Injury Clinic, the tibia's role is for load bearing and the fibula's role is for muscle attachment. "Either of these bones can have stress fractures. The most common site however is two to three inches above the bony bit on the inside of the ankle (medial malleolus) on the tibia bone," stated the site. Also, trauma or injury to your leg can cause pain in your muscles or even your bones.
According to the American Cancer Society, bile duct cancer is most common in older patients. It affects the gallbladder and the bile duct connecting the gallbladder and liver. Your bile duct collects bile from your liver and moves it to your gallbladder when needed for digestion. Your body uses bile to help your small intestine digest fat. When the cancer blocks the bile duct the bile can get backed up. Symptoms of bile duct cancer are caused by this accumulation of bile. Early-stage bile duct cancer often has no noticeable symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms of end…
The American Cancer Society says that intrahepatic bile duct cancer is a malignancy that forms inside the small bile duct branches within the liver. Bile duct cancers remain rare with about 2000 cases diagnosed every year, according to the Mayo Clinic. Intrahepatic bile duct cancer proves typically asymptomatic in the early stages. Treatment for intrahepatic bile can includes surgery, liver transplantation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, medical therapy and biliary drainage, depending on the tumor size and type and degree of disease progression.
Brain cancer, or brain tumors that originate in the brain, are a rare type of cancer. However, the symptoms caused by brain tumors are severe. This includes a 66 percent mortality rate in the first five years after diagnosis. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, brain tumors can mimic the symptoms of other illnesses including mental health disorders. Mental health related symptoms can range from loss of memory to behavioral disorders, cognitive problems, and personality changes.
Painful bladder syndrome is a common problem that can affect both men and women. Since the bladder is a sensitive organ, the pain can range from a slight inconvenience to debilitating. Bladder pain often causes frequent trips to the bathroom. While this problem can be embarrassing, it can usually be managed with proper treatment.
Cancer of the bladder is more prevalent in industrialized countries and it is also more common in men than in women. According to urologychannel.com, bladder cancer is the fourth-most-common cancer in men in the U.S., with 38,000 cases annually, compared with only 15,000 in women. Bladder cancer symptoms are the same for men and women, and they mostly involve pain and changes in urinary function.
In 2002, the American Cancer Society reported that cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children up to age 14. The symptoms of bladder cancer are the same in both children and adults. According to the University of California in San Francisco, bladder cancer is an invasive form of cancer because it can metastasize and spread beyond the walls of the bladder.
The upper arm bone near the shoulder is a frequent site for some types of bone cancers. There are many signs and symptoms that are used to diagnose bone cancers, but not one of them alone can indicate the disease. To complete the whole picture and give a proper diagnosis, patient history, laboratory tests and radiological tests are necessary.
The signs and symptoms of recurrent bladder cancer are no different from those that indicated bladder cancer initially. The stage and grade of the bladder cancer play a part in the likelihood of cancer recurrence. Even after a tumor in the bladder has been eliminated, either with surgery or with an endoscopic procedure, it is still possible that the remaining bladder lining can become malignant and form new tumors.
There have been many new advances in the treatment of cancer and brain tumors. These treatments go beyond chemotherapy and radiation and offer fresh hope to cancer patients and, often, more painless ways of treating the disease.
Bone cancer is a malignant tumor that ravages bone tissue. Such growths that start in the bone are known as primary bone cancer. In contrast to metastatic bone cancer in which the malignancy spreads from another part of the body to the bones, primary bone cancers are most commonly found in youths (ages 10 to 20) and comprise about 6 percent of childhood cancers.
A diet for someone who has had bladder cancer starts with weight management and finding healthy ways to keep weight, such as eating plenty of nuts and other sources of good fats and protein. Find out how to utilize a high protein, high fiber diet with help from a registered, licensed dietitian in this free video on diet and bladder cancer.
If someone has brain cancer, a diet that consists of nutrient-dense items can help to manage symptoms. Learn about weight management with help from a registered, licensed dietitian in this free video on diet and brain cancer.
Olfactory hallucinations are often referred to as phantom odors or phantosmia. You are experiencing a phantom odor when you detect a smell that is not really present. There are many things that can cause a phantom odor. In some cases, a phantom odor can be caused by a brain tumor.
The causes of bladder cancer are uncertain, but certain factors can increase the chance of getting bladder cancer. Fifty percent of cases of bladder cancers in males are linked to smoking. Men working with dye, rubber, aluminum and leather as well as truck drivers are more likely to get bladder cancer. Knowing the symptoms will help catch bladder cancer in the early stages.
Bladder cancer usually starts within the lining of the bladder. It then may spread through the lining and grow into the bladder’s wall muscles. Invasive bladder cancer typically spreads to other organs of the body, including the liver, lungs, lymph nodes and pelvis. Kidney cancer, on the other hand, involves the abnormal, uncontrollable growth of kidney cells. Bladder and kidney cancers can occur independently of one another, but may appear at the same time if one type of cancer spreads to the other site. Here are the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer.