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Esophageal manometry, also known as an esophageal motility study, is a test used to diagnose problems involving the movement and function of your esophagus (the tube that runs from your throat to your stomach). The procedure involves the insertion of a pressure-sensitive tube into your nose that is then fed into your throat, esophagus, and, stomach. Esophageal manometry is used when you have a chronic reflux or swallowing problems that cannot be explained....

Experts are calling for an increased focus on women’s cardiovascular wellness in an effort to prevent the poor outcomes women often face when they develop heart disease. While the call-to-action might seem simple enough, it’s easier said than done for many. Key Takeaways Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Knowing your risk factors for cardiovascular disease and discussing them with your healthcare provider are two proactive steps you can take to protect your heart....

Fecal impaction is a state of prolonged constipation. It happens when the stool (poop) is so hard that it cannot pass with a normal bowel movement. It causes abdominal discomfort. Rarely, it can cause serious medical complications. Risk factors that can cause fecal impaction include a high-fat diet, prolonged immobility, and psychological factors. But the condition can also occur without a specific reason. Fecal impaction can be treated with medicine or with a procedure to remove the hard stool....

The U.S. government is deeply involved in the health of its citizens. It supports dozens of agencies that provide health services to us. The benefit of using information provided by the government is its credibility and reliability. Since these agencies are non-profit and funded by U.S. taxpayers, their goal is simply to benefit our health. The following government organizations provide information we patients can use to learn more about prevention, diagnoses, symptoms or treatment options....

Hemorrhoid surgery (hemorrhoidectomy) involves the surgical removal of one or more hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can occur either internally or externally. This surgery may be indicated when a patient’s hemorrhoids cannot be treated with medical therapies or office-based procedures, and/or if the hemorrhoid is particularly large or causing symptoms (e.g., causing severe, acute pain, or significant bleeding). While a highly effective therapeutic option, hemorrhoid surgery carries risks and requires a decent recovery period....

The breakdown and regrowth of bone is a constant process. In children and teens, bones grow faster than they break down. For young adults, the rate at which bone growth occurs is the same as bone loss. As you age, the rate of bone growth slows, so it can’t keep up with how quickly bone tissue breaks down. This leads to weak bone mass and, eventually, osteoporosis. There is no cure for the condition, but proper treatment can help improve symptoms....

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), also called immune thrombocytopenia, is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body destroys its own platelets. These are the cells that make blood clot so bleeding stops after an injury. Because of this, ITP causes easy bleeding and bruising, as well as purpura—patches of purple skin. ITP occurs in approximately 50 to 150 people per million each year. About half of those affected are children. In adults, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura affects women more often than men....

Many people suffering from anxiety or opioid addiction call the herbal supplement, kratom, a godsend. They describe it as a safe, natural pain killer and mood booster, but there is little scientific research to back its use. The opioid-like drug has been implicated in 91 fatal overdoses in a one-year period, leaving many to question its safety. So is kratom a life-saving herbal supplement or a dangerous drug? We have spoken to leading experts in kratom research to find out whether this controversial supplement is safe and effective for use....

COVID-19 vaccines dominate the coronavirus news these days, but public health experts don’t want people to forget that there’s still a need for COVID-19 testing for many people. Key Takeaways Experts emphasize COVID-19 testing is still important to curb the spread of the virus.While antigen tests (rapid tests) are not as accurate as molecular (lab-based) tests, experts concede their ease of use and cheaper cost make them an important testing option....

Pink eye is a term commonly used for conjunctivitis, which is inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and inner eyelid. Similar symptoms of redness, itching, and watering of the eyes can also be seen in allergies (allergic conjunctivitis). Infectious forms of pink eye may be caused by bacteria or a virus. Allergies are an abnormal immune system reaction triggered by usually harmless substances (allergens) such as pet dander or pollen....

Many people strictly associate the word “purging” with bulimia nervosa (BN) because it can be a feature of this eating disorder, which is characterized by a recurrent cycle of binging (consuming excessive amounts of food) and purging (using unhealthy ways to compensate for the food they just ate such as vomiting, excessive exercising, or extreme dieting). But purging also exists on its own in purging disorder (PD), where purging takes place in the absence of binging....

A renal arteriography, also known as a renal angiogram, is a special X-ray procedure that shows the blood vessels in the kidney. It allows healthcare providers to observe the blood flow through the kidney. The test is used as a follow-up to other, less-invasive tests and can help diagnose conditions such as aneurysms, fistulas, blood clots in the kidneys, and unexplained high blood pressure. It’s also used to examine the kidneys of donors and recipients before and after kidney transplants....

Rheumatoid arthritis is a lifelong medical condition that involves joint pain and stiffness. Experiencing long-term illness (also called chronic illness) increases the risk of developing mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. People with symptoms, such as fatigue and pain that interfere with daily life and the ability to perform tasks, may notice decreased self-esteem. Learn about the link between RA and self-esteem, ways to build confidence with RA, and more....

If you are interested in natural health remedies, you may have heard of seed cycling. Seed cycling is a dietary practice that involves eating four types of seeds throughout the month. Proponents of seed cycling believe certain seeds can be used to balance female hormones involved in the menstrual cycle. This health trend claims to balance hormones, boost fertility, and ease symptoms of menopause. This article will provide an overview of seed cycling, including its health claims and how to try it....

Many people in their 70s and 80s are not only sexually active, but satisfied with their sex lives. Though the frequency or ability to perform sexually may decline with age due to physiological changes, these don’t inherently affect how a person experiences or enjoys sex. Aging-related problems like erectile dysfunction (ED), vaginal dryness, or urinary incontinence can affect sex. But their impact can also be minimized by using medication, managing chronic conditions, seeking individual or couples counseling, and changing sexual practices....

If you are living with psoriatic disease and have problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling refreshed from sleep, you are not alone. While psoriatic disease may not be a direct cause of sleep problems, the main symptoms of psoriatic disease, including dry, itchy skin and joint pain, might be keeping you up at night. Additionally, psoriatic disease is also associated with two common sleep disorders: sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome....

Stage 3 lymphoma is diagnosed when cancer cells have been found in the lymph areas above and below the diaphragm. Lymphoma is also considered stage 3 when cancer cells are in a lymph area above the diaphragm and in the spleen. Lymphoma is measured in stages from 1 to 4. Stage 1 has the least amount of spread. This article will define what stage 3 lymphoma is, discuss the symptoms and treatments you may have in stage 3, and your potential prognosis....

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term (chronic) condition. COPD is described according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) system using four stages. The goals of the GOLD system are to increase awareness of COPD and lower the morbidity (illness from a disease) and mortality rate (death from a disease). COPD is a major cause of illness and death throughout the U.S. as well as across the globe....

Ulcerative proctitis is an inflammation and ulceration of the rectal lining. In ulcerative proctitis, sores and ulcers form in the inner lining of the rectum, the lowest part of the large intestine. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea, bleeding, rectal pain, and fecal incontinence. Symptoms vary between people. Some will experience constant symptoms of ulcerative proctitis, while others will be symptom-free for months and then suddenly experience flare-ups. This article will discuss how ulcerative proctitis is treated, how you can cope with the condition, and possible complications....

Food deserts are residential areas with poor access to affordable, healthy food. Most families understand the importance of eating nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods like chips and fast food. When you live in a food desert, however, this can be hard to do. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food deserts are a serious environmental health issue. More than 13.5 million people in the United States live in one....