The sinuses are vital aeration, drainage, and lubrication channels that keep the skull clear and the nasal passages free of invaders such as dust and pollen. The fine hairs that line the sinuses, known as cilia, act as a conduit for mucus drainage from the sinuses to the nose. Because…
Vasectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. This straightforward operation is a form of birth control that works by preventing sperm from leaving the body through the penis. Doctors do about 500,000 vasectomies in the US per year. They are usually covered by…
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid that is released into the small intestine. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder. Gallstones can be as small as a…
When the upper part of your stomach bulges through the large muscle that separates your abdomen and diaphragm, you have a hiatal hernia. A small opening (hiatus) in your diaphragm allows your food tube (esophagus) to pass before connecting to your stomach. The stomach pushes up through that opening and…
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord. GBS is distinguished by the sudden onset of numbness, weakness, sensory degeneration, and, in some cases, paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face. The paralysis is…
Radiation is used to treat or diagnose a wide range of diseases that affect today’s population. Common tests in hospitals and emergency rooms require radiation, and treatment for certain types of cancer necessitates prolonged, intense exposure. However, this treatment may cause complications. Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) is a short-term illness…
Unborn babies, like adults, come in all shapes and sizes. The shape and size of an adult can have a significant impact on their overall health. Being too big or too small in an unborn baby can cause serious problems, potentially for both the baby and the mother, before, during,…
Muscular dystrophy is a group of more than 30 genetic conditions that affect muscle function and cause progressive weakness and muscle mass loss. These conditions are a type of myopathy or skeletal muscle disorder. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes disrupt the production of proteins required for the formation of healthy…
For decades, amusement parks have been a top destination for vacationers and locals alike. Every year, tens of thousands of people brave the crowds and long lines to experience a rush of adrenaline on a high-flying roller coaster or a fast-paced waterslide. The high speeds and sharp turns create a…
Many people suffer from conditions that necessitate monitoring and the assistance of a medical device to maintain and regulate vital body functions. These devices can often save a patient’s life if used correctly and function as intended. Unfortunately, when mistakes happen, the consequences for the patient and their families can…