Indigestion

Indigestion Definition: Indigestion — also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach — is a general term that describes discomfort in your upper abdomen. Indigestion is not a disease, but rather a collection of symptoms you experience, including bloating, belching and nausea. Although indigestion is common, how you experience indigestion may differ from other people. Symptoms of indigestion might be felt occasionally or as often as daily. Fortunately,...

Read more...

Angina

Angina Definition: Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) is a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina is typically described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest. Many people with angina say it feels like someone is standing on their chest. Angina, also called angina pectoris, can be a recurring problem or a sudden, acute health concern....

Read more...

Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)

Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) Definition: Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) is a testicle that hasn't moved into its proper position in the bag of skin hanging behind the penis (scrotum) prior to the birth of a baby boy. Usually just one testicle is affected, but in some cases both testes may be undescended. An undescended testicle is more common among baby boys born prematurely or before 37 weeks. For most boys born with one...

Read more...

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Definition : Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain important hormones. Women, especially those older than age 60, are more likely to have hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism upsets the normal balance of chemical reactions in your body. It seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but, over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number...

Read more...

Bags under eyes

Bags under eyes Definition: Bags under eyes — mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes — are common as you age. With aging, the tissues around your eyes, including some of the muscles supporting your eyelids, weaken. Normal fat that helps support the eyes can then migrate forward into the lower eyelids, causing the lids to appear puffy. Fluid also may accumulate in the space below your eyes, adding to a swollen appearance. Bags under eyes...

Read more...

Umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernia Definition: An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through an opening in the abdominal muscles. Umbilical hernia is a common and typically harmless condition. Umbilical hernias are most common in infants, but they can affect adults as well. In an infant, an umbilical hernia may be especially evident when the infant cries, causing the baby's bellybutton to protrude. This is a classic sign of an umbilical...

Read more...

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis Definition  : Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation in part of your digestive tract. Like Crohn's disease, another common IBD, ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and sometimes can lead to life-threatening complications. Because ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly. Ulcerative...

Read more...

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome Definition: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a condition that occurs when a sore (ulcer) develops in the rectum. The rectum is a muscular tube that's connected to the end of your colon. Stool passes through the rectum on its way out of the body. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare and poorly understood disorder that occurs in people with chronic constipation. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome can cause rectal...

Read more...

Bedsores (pressure sores)

Bedsores (pressure sores) Definition: Bedsores — also called pressure sores or pressure ulcers — are injuries to skin and underlying tissues that result from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heel, ankles, hips or buttocks. People most at risk of bedsores are those with a medical condition that limits their ability to change positions, requires them to use...

Read more...

Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcer Definition: Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your esophagus, stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is abdominal pain. Peptic ulcers that occur on the inside of the stomach are called gastric ulcers.  Peptic ulcers that occur inside the hollow tube (esophagus) where food travels from your throat to your stomach are called esophageal...

Read more...

Canker sore

Canker sore Definition: Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Unlike cold sores, canker sores don't occur on the surface of your lips and aren't contagious. They can be painful, however, and can make eating and talking difficult. Most canker sores go away on their own in a week or two. Check with your doctor or dentist if you have...

Read more...