Chest pain or angina is the discomfort a person experiences when the heart does not get enough oxygen. Chest pain is not a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying cause. The pain felt in angina can be described as squeezing, dull, sharp, crushing, or burning. Severe chest pain may be described as extreme … Read more
Substance abuse is a serious problem impacting the healthcare system and society as a whole. Substance abuse can refer to the use of illegal drugs, excessive use of alcohol, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications. Substance abuse often has negative physical, emotional, and social outcomes. Several factors may contribute to substance abuse including … Read more
Nausea is an unpleasant sensation in the throat, epigastric area, or abdomen that may cause a conscious desire to vomit but doesn’t always lead to vomiting. Nausea may occur in relation to gastrointestinal problems like infection, overeating, acid reflux, obstruction, and more. Nausea may also be related to anxiety disorders, as a side effect of … Read more
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall health and involves a person’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It affects the way a person feels, thinks, and acts and determines how a person relates to others, handles stress, and makes decisions. Mental health problems or illnesses can arise anytime throughout a person’s life. Various factors … Read more
Blood primarily functions as a transporter of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products to and from different parts and organs of the body. A blood transfusion is a standard medical intervention that replaces blood lost due to the following reasons: Blood Components Blood components that a patient may receive include: Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are … Read more
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) occurs when a person suddenly stops or reduces drinking after heavy alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. With heavy and chronic alcohol use, the body and brain will start to become dependent. When the depressant is stopped, the brain becomes overexcited which results in side effects of withdrawal. These symptoms … Read more
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a type of mental health disorder that belongs to the cluster B personality disorders of the DSM-5 which are behaviors described as dramatic, emotional, or erratic. This condition is characterized by behavioral patterns of manipulation, exploitation, or violation of other people’s rights without any remorse. Patients suffering from ASPD may … Read more
Encephalopathy is a general term used to describe damage or disease affecting brain function. The causes are varied and can be related to infection, liver conditions, drug toxins, and more. Some of the major types include the following: Symptoms of encephalopathy include: If not treated, encephalopathy can progress to seizures, coma, irreversible brain damage, and … Read more
Nutrition is the process by which an organism uses food to support its life. Nutrients acquired from foods and fluids are used for the body’s cellular metabolism. Optimal nutrition means having adequate vitamins and nutrients to support the body’s processes. Malnutrition occurs due to inadequate, excessive, or imbalanced nutritional intake. This includes being underweight or … Read more
Headaches are a common nuisance that many people experience at one time or another due to stress, poor sleep, and illness. There are over 150 different types of headaches with the most common being: tension headaches, cluster headaches, or a more debilitating migraine headache. Headaches can be classified as either primary or secondary. Migraine, tension, … Read more