Medical Conditions

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition in which there is chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or "bowel." It is one type of …

If your child has a harsh and barking cough (which sounds a bit like a seal), hoarseness, runny nose, and a mild fever, they may have a condition …

Your skin is your body's largest organ and plays a big role in keeping you healthy. It helps to regulate your body temperature and acts as a barrier to keep body …

Cyclothymic disorder, also called cyclothymia, is a type of mood disorder where people experience numerous periods of mood "highs" and "lows" …

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited (genetic) disease in which excess mucus clogs the lungs, prevents food from being digested, and damages the reproductive …

Dandruff is a harmless, chronic condition that occurs when the scalp becomes dry or greasy and produces white flakes of dead skin that appear in the hair or on the …

Two-thirds of the human body is made up of water. That means that if a person weighs about 70 kilograms (154 pounds), their body contains about …

Dementia is not a specific disease, but a general term that describes a gradual decline of mental ability that affects your intellectual and social skills to the …

Everyone feels sad or down at times, especially after experiencing a disappointment such as not getting the job you interviewed for. However, these feelings of …

Diabetes is a condition where people don't produce enough insulin to meet their body's needs and/or their cells don't respond properly to insulin. Insulin is …

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication that may occur in people who have diabetes, most often in those who have type 1 …

A diaper rash is an area of inflamed skin found in the diaper area in infants and young children. It is usually caused by skin irritation from prolonged contact …

Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease. It is defined as passing frequent (3 or more per day) loose or watery stools. The acute form lasts less than 14 days …

Diverticula are sacs formed by a fold of the lining of the intestinal wall. They project from within the bowel through the muscle surrounding the bowel, and may …

Chromosomes are tiny structures found in every cell of our bodies. These structures hold the DNA genetic codes that dictate our natural traits and characteristics …

Dry eye disease (DED), also known as dry eye syndrome or dysfunctional tear syndrome, is a condition that involves the tears and the surface of your eyes. Your …

Dry mouth is usually a temporary condition caused when the salivary glands don't produce enough saliva. It's a common side effect of many prescription medications …

Many people have spent a tropical vacation with a bad stomach bug. They might have had dysentery, a painful intestinal infection that is usually caused by bacteria …

Dysmenorrhea can be literally translated as "difficult monthly flow." Although it's normal for most people who menstruate to have mild abdominal …

Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a mood or affective disorder. It is a chronic, mild depression that lasts for a long period of time (at …

More people are being diagnosed with eating disorders, possibly as a consequence of society's emphasis on and preoccupation with thinness. Eating disorders …

The Ebola virus disease (EVD), previously referred to as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal infection. It is spread through contact with infected …

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies usually occur in a fallopian tube (called …

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, refers to a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. Eczema is not caused by an infection. The …

An embolus is a particle that moves about in our blood vessels, either in the veins or arteries. Most emboli are composed of clotted blood cells. A blood clot is …

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the lungs' natural airspaces, called alveoli, become larger but decrease in number. The tissue …

Endocarditis is an inflammation of the lining of the heart valves that is most often caused by infection. Most people who develop this condition already have …

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (the womb). It is the tissue that is shed each month when women menstruate. Every month, it builds …

Enterovirus D68, also known as EV-D68, belongs to a larger group of viruses known as enteroviruses. This group includes more than 100 different types of …

The name epilepsy comes from the Greek for "to be seized." Sudden, spontaneous seizure is the hallmark of this illness. It may involve falling to …