Headache causes and diagnosis in adults
INTRODUCTION - Headache is one of the most common medical complaints. Headaches can be quite debilitating, although the vast majority are not due to life threatening disorders. Approximately 90 percent of headaches are caused by one of three ... [... more]
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Sleep apnea in adults
HOW SLEEP APNEA OCCURS - The throat is surrounded by muscles that control the airway for speaking, swallowing, and breathing. During sleep, these muscles are less active, and this causes the throat to narrow (show figure 1). In most people, this ... [... more]
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Supplemental oxygen on commercial airlines
Preflight patient assessment High altitude and heart disease INTRODUCTION - As air travel has become more common, travel opportunities have increased for people with serious medical conditions. This includes passengers with lung disease who ... [... more]
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Adult immunizations
INTRODUCTION - Pediatric immunization programs in the United States have been quite successful against a range of contagious diseases, including measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and poliomyelitis; fewer than 500 children die in the US each ... [... more]
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Insomnia treatments
In many cases, insomnia is associated with an underlying problem, such as stress, pain, or a medical condition. In these cases, treatment of the underlying problem may help to improve sleep. In other cases, the cause of insomnia is not clear or ... [... more]
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Urticaria (hives)
INTRODUCTION - Urticaria is the medical term for hives. Hives are distinct, raised areas of the skin that itch intensely and are red with a pale center (show picture 1). Hives are a very common condition: about 25 percent of all people experience ... [... more]
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Immunizations for travel
INTRODUCTION - Travel immunizations can help prevent many of the more serious travel-related health problems. It is important to plan ahead for these immunizations because most of them require four to six weeks to become effective. The ... [... more]
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Bedbugs
INTRODUCTION - Bedbugs are small insects that can infest homes and other structures. There are several species of bedbugs, one of which (Cimex lectularius) is responsible for the majority of infestations in temperate (moderate) climates; another ... [... more]
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Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
INTRODUCTION - Tinnitus is the perception of a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sound in one or both ears. It may be continuous or intermittent (occasional), can be pulsing or steady, and can range in severity from a soft buzz to a loud ... [... more]
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Headache treatment in adults
INTRODUCTION - In many people, headaches can be well controlled with a combination of medication and complementary therapies. Treatment is most successful when it is tailored to the person's individual needs and the person actively participates ... [... more]
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Chronic venous insufficiency
INTRODUCTION - Chronic venous insufficiency is a common disorder that affects the veins of the legs. Normally, these veins carry blood from the legs to the heart (show figure 1A-1B). In people with chronic venous insufficiency, the veins do not ... [... more]
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Urinary incontinence
INTRODUCTION - Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. Although it becomes more common as people get older, incontinence is not normal at any age. Many types of therapy are available for urinary incontinence. A brief review of ... [... more]
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