Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a bacterium, virus or fungus. Often, the lungs' air sacs fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.
Hip arthritis can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but may not need surgery if discovered in its early stages.
While high blood pressure is the more common medical issue, people can also have low blood pressure, medically called hypotension.
Arthritis is a painful joint condition, and the feet are common hosts.
A license to drive offers many benefits, but a lot of responsibility, too.
Deep breathing may be an effective way of reducing stress and calming down.
When it comes to stroke prevention, a healthy lifestyle is your best bet.
Kids left in the car, either accidentally or not, can be at risk for hyperthermia, a potentially dangerous elevation of body temperature. This can happen even in mild weather and in a short period of time.
The skin is your body's largest organ, and it requires tender care to stay healthy.
Curious toddlers are especially prone to crawling through and falling from windows, so it's best to practice these safety suggestions, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic:
A TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can cause serious jaw pain that can affect your ability to chew and eat food.
Chewing tobacco contains at least 28 toxins that are known to cause cancer, the American Dental Association says.
A toothache can be a real pain, but you can take steps to care for tooth discomfort.
One third of people aged 60 or older have at least some hearing loss, making it one of the most common medical problems in older adults, the Cleveland Clinic says.
Ice skating is a winter ritual for many children in colder climates, but unless precautions are taken it can be fraught with the possibility of injury.
Preparations for successful breast-feeding begin during pregnancy.
It's all too easy for anyone, especially teens, to become distracted while driving.
Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus.
Teenagers need 8 1/2 to 9 1/4 hours of sleep each night to feel good and perform well at school.
Good skin care can help keep it healthy, moisturized and acne-free.
A cardiac stress test gives doctors an idea of how your heart functions at rest and when it's under "stress" from activities such as treadmill exercise.
It's important to create the right environment to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Minor burns, although painful, often can be treated at home. Proper care can help them heal faster while reducing the risk of infection.
If you're plagued with a cold or another respiratory illness that's causing a cough, there are things you can do to help tame the beast.
Stress can contribute to a number of serious health problems, so it's important to visit your doctor when you notice warning signs that stress is affecting your health.
Insulin is a lifesaver for many people with diabetes, but it must be stored correctly.
People who make New Year's resolutions often have the best of intentions, though these goals frequently slide.
Adhering to an exercise routine can be a challenge, but creating a schedule can help you stay on track.
Eating lots of sugary foods and snacks can lead to tooth decay.
Dry skin can be itchy, uncomfortable and even painful if the skin begins to crack.
Learning how to control stress can help you feel better and improve your health.
Women may not initially suspect that they're having a heart attack -- especially if they don't have the obvious chest pain.
Neck pain can stem from a variety of factors and conditions, from injury to a soft-tissue abnormality.
(HealthDay News) --As you get older, skin changes may include more than just the characteristic wrinkles of age.
If you often start your day exhausted because of a poor night's sleep, you may suffer from insomnia, a common sleep disorder.
Sledding down a slippery slope at home or a nearby field is a past-time that makes kids look forward to winter. But thousands are injured each year in sledding accidents.
Insomnia is the general term used to mean waking too early, or having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
While parents can't prevent nightmares altogether, they can take steps to help foster sweet dreams.
Two common complications of diabetes are nerve damage and poor circulation, which make foot problems common among diabetics.
While some stress on the job can help you stay on top of things, too much stress can lead to burnout.
Your desire to stop smoking is a major decision, and shouldn't be taken lightly.
If your child isn't feeling well and needs an over-the-counter medication recommended by your pediatrician, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these safety guidelines:
Whether you're decorating your home or climbing to stash holiday packages, take care to avoid falls.
At some time in their lives, as many as one-third of people with diabetes will develop a skin infection, the American Diabetes Association says.
High levels of LDL (the so-called "bad" cholesterol) or triglycerides puts you at higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
If you're diabetic and preparing to head out for the holidays, take care to carefully pack your medications and supplies.
No one has goes through daily life with no stress whatsoever. But too much stress can cause a host of emotional and physical problems, particularly on your heart and cardiovascular system.
Macular degeneration is a disease of the eye's macula, the portion responsible for your ability to see fine detail. Age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss, affects many people as they get older.
Holiday parties, desserts and buffets can throw your diabetes meal plan way off-track.
Hip fractures are common among seniors, and their risk increases with age.
Dangerous blood clots can develop if you spend too much time sitting still.
If you're the type of person who is always doing things for others, you need to find time for yourself, experts say.
A case of food poisoning can ruin anyone's holidays. So take care with your turkey to reduce your risk of food-borne illness.
Fad diets may promise drastic and quick loss of weight, but may be dangerous and often fall short when it comes to long-term weight loss.
A relationship doesn't have to be plagued by physical abuse to be unhealthy. Emotional abuse can take an enormous toll on your physical and emotional health.
Cognitive decline may lead to difficulty remembering, communicating or learning new tasks.
Though the holiday season is joyous for many, it can be depressing for some.
When packing up your holiday leftovers, make sure they're properly stored to prevent foodborne illness.
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that is associated with the chronic skin condition psoriasis.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a device used to improve breathing in people with chronic conditions such as sleep apnea.
Pneumonia can be a life-threatening infection, and no matter how severe your case is, your body needs time to heal.
Jet lag can leave you feeling too tired to enjoy your new destination, but there are things you can do to help your body prepare.
What you eat can affect more than your waistline. It can also influence your mood and behavior, experts say.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been around for years and are frequently the medication of choice to relieve pain and inflammation.
The holidays can be physically, emotionally and financially overwhelming. So take care to avoid letting the stress of the season get you down.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when a bacterium mutates and becomes immune to the effects of a specific antibiotic.
Lactose intolerant people may be primed to avoid milk, sparing themselves uncomfortable symptoms of bloating, gas or stomach cramps.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss. So if you're exposed to loud noise on the job or at home, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how you can protect your hearing:
The garage can be a prime spot for falls, accidents and injuries. But the U.S. Home Safety Council suggests how you can create a safer garage:
If you've been abusing drugs, your doctor should be aware of your history and be involved in your recovery.
Managing diabetes can be tough enough, but the challenge is even greater when you're under stress.
The annual seasonal flu vaccine is available as a shot and a nasal spray, but the nasal spray isn't recommended for everyone.
Anger, while a normal emotion, can quickly spin into something more if not controlled.
A spinal fracture occurs when a small bone in the spine cracks, often a result of soft, brittle bones caused by osteoporosis.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common cause of intestinal bloating, irregularity, gasiness, and cramps. While it has no known organic cause, the condition may be aggravated by emotional stress and other typical factors.
Coughs and sniffles are common among little ones. But if symptoms persist, especially at the same time each year, the child may actually have an allergy.
A sprained ankle involves a stretched or torn ligament near the joint. Experts often suggest icing the ankle to ease pain and reduce swelling.
Hyperglycemia, the medical term for high blood sugar, is a prime cause of complications among people with diabetes.
Over-the-counter medications may seem safer because they don't require a prescription. But they can still interact badly when alcohol enters the mix.
Smoking while a child is in the room isn't the only way to expose the youngster to second-hand smoke.
It isn't necessary to live with constant pain after surgery. Many types of medicines are available to help ease pain and make you feel more comfortable.
Your diet can play a major role in the health of your teeth and gums.
Pollutants in the air from vehicles, factories and machines can harm your health, especially if you're more sensitive to them.
Coughing is the body's way of ridding the respiratory tract of an irritating substance. Allergies, asthma or inhaling secondhand smoke are common triggers for a cough.
If you've got a case of heavy eyelids while you're driving, pull over as soon as possible and get some rest.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a nerve that runs into the hand from the lower arm becomes squeezed at the wrist.
Angina describes the pain and discomfort that occurs when the heart lacks a sufficient supply of oxygenated blood.
People undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments for cancer often have compromised immune systems, which can make them more vulnerable to germ-related illness.
Metabolic syndrome, a host of risk factors often thought of as a precursor to diabetes, also doubles a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease, the U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says.
While breast cancer may be most common in women, it can also affect men.
Normal changes to the brain can cause a slight amount of memory loss as you get older.
Storing medications properly can help preserve them and help keep them from getting into the wrong hands.
If you think you may have an anxiety disorder -- characterized by an intense fear of a person, place or situation -- you should visit your doctor to have your condition evaluated and confirmed.
The Zostavax vaccine helps protect against shingles, a painful infection caused by herpes zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
A bunion is a foot deformity that often occurs when someone wears tight narrow shoes with high heels. With a bunion, the joint at the base of the big toe sticks out and becomes inflamed.
Cardiac rehabilitation can help strengthen the heart and improve overall health after a heart attack, angioplasty, coronary bypass, heart valve replacement or another heart problem.
Nothing can ruin a party or holiday get-together like a foodborne illness, so take care to treat your guests to foods that won't send them running home.
Being emotionally healthy can make it easier to build lasting relationships, help you feel good about yourself and deal with the problems of everyday life.
Gestational diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels become abnormally high during pregnancy.
Exercise can help improve many symptoms of osteoarthritis, a joint disease that causes pain and stiffness.
Whooping cough, medically called pertussis, is a serious infection that can cause episodes of extreme coughing. In some cases, it can lead to serious complications, including death.
Chronic pain can be physically and emotionally difficult to manage, but taking an active role in your care can help.
Binge drinking occurs when the number of alcoholic drinks consumed in a short period raises a person's blood alcohol level to 0.08 grams percent or above, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nasal congestion, commonly called a stuffy nose, can affect breathing, hearing and sleep.
Keeping a food diary can help you stick to a healthy diet, develop healthy eating habits and monitor caloric intake, which are important in maintaining a healthy weight.
Flying can cause discomfort in the ears, and can be especially painful to children with an ear infection.
The neck has an unusually important job -- supporting the weight of your head! When there's pain in the neck, it can stem from a soft tissue injury, or an abnormality in the joints and bones at the top of the spine.
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves swelling of a nerve in the wrist that extends into the hand. It can cause pain and weakness, and is typically caused by repetitive motions over a long period of time.
Arthritis can affect any joint, but weight-bearing joints such as the knee are particularly vulnerable.
Just because you or your child has a pet allergy doesn't mean Fido or Fifi has to move out, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology says.
Many seniors are frail and unable to fully care for themselves. They are particularly vulnerable to intentional abuse or neglect, the U.S. Administration on Aging says.
The first task toward keeping stress under control is recognizing the early symptoms of stress, such as muscle tension, headache or anxiety.
Most men and many women eventually have noticeable hair loss.
Sports are fun and a great way to exercise, but you can get hurt if you don't take precautions.
The risk of developing diabetic heart disease (DHD) is directly related to a person's blood sugar level, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says.
The lungs are delicate organs that are sensitive to environmental factors such as germs and tobacco smoke, the American Lung Association says.
Angioedema is the medical term for hive-like swelling beneath the skin. It's often caused by an allergic reaction.
Molds thrive in damp places, such as around doors and windows, and on wet carpeting.
Low-dose aspirin therapy helps lower the risk of heart attack in many people, but it isn't for everyone.
People who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have flares when symptoms worsen, and periods of remission when symptoms ease up.
Boomer alert: Changes in the skin are a natural part of aging, and the changes can extend beyond wrinkles.
High cholesterol may be triggered by a number of factors, many of which you can control.
Some people are more susceptible than others to developing complications of the flu. Experts say it's especially important that people with these risk factors speak with a doctor about getting the annual flu vaccine.
It's common for people who have just had their tonsils and adenoids removed -- usually children -- to suffer post-surgical symptoms including a sore throat, low-grade fever and ear pain.
Smokers may love the habit, but tobacco smoke doesn't love the heart.
Fleas may prefer to latch onto dogs and cats, but the blood-sucking insects can jump to people, especially after pets have left the home permanently.
Proper care of the mouth after a tooth extraction can ease pain and promote better healing.
Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes itchy, fluid-filled skin blisters. Usually affecting children, the infection typically runs its course and clears up without treatment.
In-toeing or out-toeing occur when a child's toes point inward or outward as they walk. Many children who begin walking this way outgrow the abnormal gait.
A nasal spray can help many allergy sufferers find relief from symptoms, but it's important that the spray be used correctly.
Wearing properly-fitted athletic shoes can keep your feet comfy during a workout and help reduce the risk of injury.
Hemodialysis helps your body remove waste products when your kidneys don't function properly. People on dialysis usually need to limit fluid intake to prevent swelling, weight gain and possible heart trouble.
It's common for a woman to become depressed during or just after a pregnancy. The timing and specific symptoms tend to vary by person.
Anxiety disorders may be mental health conditions, but they can cause a number of physical problems.
Blood-thinning drugs are prescribed to help prevent clots that could cause heart attack or stroke. But these drugs can also increase the risk of heavy or prolonged bleeding.
Cyberbullying involves harassing, threatening or embarrassing young people through the use of technology, such as computers (especially Facebook) or cell phones.
Ear infections can cause big pain in little ears. But you and your child's doctor can take steps to help ease the pain and discomfort.
Although osteoporosis is more common in postmenopausal women, men are also vulnerable to thinning bones as they age.
Chronic kidney disease often requires making changes to your diet, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.
Scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, usually develops during childhood.
Eczema is a chronic condition that makes the skin red, dry and itchy.
Decadent dishes and hefty portion sizes can be tempting at a restaurant, but you can enjoy your meal without derailing a healthy diet.
Menopause is a behavioral roller coaster for some women, who experience a host of emotions including mood swings, fear, depression and irritability.
Obstructive sleep apnea commonly occurs when swollen tonsils or adenoids obstruct the airways during sleep.
Mealtime with an Alzheimer's patient can be stressful and challenging, to make sure the patient gets sufficient nutrition.
Some people may think smokeless tobacco is a safer alternative to cigarettes, but experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want to nip that idea in the bud.
Instead of turning to a pot of coffee to keep you awake during the day, experts say you should focus on getting better sleep at night.
Wearing a cast or splint requires special care to help a broken bone heal.
Medications that are expired or no longer needed shouldn't be dumped down the sink or toilet, the U.S. Home Safety Council warns. Doing so could pollute our water, making animals and other people sick.
Gums can swell and become tender as a result of gingivitis, a side effect of certain drugs or pregnancy.
Irritants, pollutants and allergens can infiltrate your home and affect the indoor air quality.
If a family member or loved one begins to display strange behavior, an underlying health issue could be responsible, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for chronic lung diseases that can severely undermine breathing. Examples include chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
Cosmetic products often contain fragrances and preservatives, which could cause skin problems and other side effects among some users.
Though swimming is a low-impact aerobic exercise, it's important to protect yourself from injury.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be a quick and easy option to manage pain, but they may not safe for everyone.
(HealthDay News) --When you're on a trip, don't forget to pay attention to your health and protect yourself from illness or injury.
While the appendix doesn't appear to have a real job in the body, it quickly becomes a concern when inflammation of the organ -- known as appendicitis -- sets in.
Tight diabetes control means carefully managing your meals, exercise and medication to ensure that your blood glucose levels are stable.
Cross training involves many different types of exercises, making your fitness routine more fun and beneficial.
Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the arteries inside the lungs narrow, restricting blood flow and increasing blood pressure in those arteries.
A good night's sleep does much more than help you stay awake through a long day. It actually helps protect your health.
Many people with Alzheimer's disease may become upset, fearful and agitated when confused.
Meditation is gaining attention as a potential way to maintain well-being and good health. It can calm your mind, relax your body, and soothe your spirit. In addition, it's inexpensive and its risks are minimal.
People with phobic anxieties, like fear of crowded places, fear of heights or fear of going outside, are at higher risk for heart disease than those with fewer or no anxieties.
Adults, children and even infants can have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque -- a combination of fat, cholesterol and calcium deposits -- builds up inside arteries.
In some cultures, eating raw fish is a time-honored tradition.
Some people are at risk for losing bone mass, but haven't progressed to full-blown osteoporosis. In other words, their bodies break down old bone faster than they can produce new bone. Doctors call this condition...
Harmful bacteria multiply faster during warmer weather, making food-borne illness even more of a threat during the summer grilling season.
Allergy shots can provide much-needed relief from watery eyes, runny nose and other allergy symptoms.
Rickets is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus. Symptoms may include weak or deformed bones.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by symptoms of pain or discomfort in the abdomen that persist for at least three months.
Whether you need a better picture of an aching arm after a fall or an inside glimpse of your pearly whites, some X-rays are a medical necessity.
Newly pierced ears can be prime candidates for infection, but proper care can help reduce the risk.
While there's no such thing as a safe sunburn or tan, some cases can damage the skin permanently.
High blood pressure gets all of the attention, but very low blood pressure can be just as dangerous, experts say.
Gallstones are deposits that develop in the gallbladder from sources such as excess bilirubin or cholesterol.
In case of emergency, a well-stocked first aid kit could be a lifesaver. Keep one in your home, in your car, and even at work. And keep one handy if you are hiking, biking, camping or boating.
"Not me" is a common response to a recent diagnosis of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association says.
Insomnia is more common in women than in men, the Womenshealth.gov website says of the common sleep disorder.
If an illness, surgery or medication has left you needing to regain some weight, experts suggest there's a healthy way to do so.
If your school-age child has asthma, school educators and staff should know the specifics, in case of an emergency.
As the weather heats up, illnesses ranging from heat exhaustion to heatstroke become more common.
People who have had severe blistering sunburns or frequent exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays are at greater risk of developing skin cancer, the U.S. National Cancer Institute reminds us.
Swimmer's ear occurs when water builds up in the ear, causing an infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness and draining pus.
Healthy eating can get expensive, but advance planning and budgeting can help you reign in costs without sacrificing nutritious foods.
Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it's an unpleasant condition that's cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren't even aware there's a problem.
Rosacea is a recurring condition in which the facial skin becomes inflamed and red. The harmless condition most often affects the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead and eyelids, the ADAM Encyclopedia says.
Your wrist hurts after a fall. Is it a sprain, or another type of injury?
Conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is an infection or inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids.
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