Skin and aging The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is responsible for protecting us from the environment, regulating our body temperature, and assisting in tactile sensation. However, over time, our skin begins to age, which can lead to a variety of changes in its appearance and function. In this article, [...]
Abdominal distinction Bloating is a condition in which the stomach feels bloated and full of gas. It is often associated with an uncomfortable or painful sensation in the abdomen and can be caused by a variety of factors, from digestive problems to emotional stress. Although it can be uncomfortable, bloating is usually not dangerous and [...]
A bone scan is a test that uses nuclear imaging to helps diagnose and track several types of bone disease. Nuclear imaging involves using small amounts of radioactive substances (radiotracers), a special camera that can detect the radioactivity and a computer to see structures such as bones inside the body. The tracer is absorbed more [...]
A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is an exam used to look for changes — such as swollen, irritated tissues, polyps or cancer — in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to [...]
Spirometry (spy-ROM-uh-tree) is a common office test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale. Spirometry is used to diagnose asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions that affect breathing. Spirometry may also be used periodically to [...]
Overview A stress test, also called an exercise stress test, shows how your heart works during physical activity. Because exercise makes your heart pump harder and faster, an exercise stress test can reveal problems with blood flow within your heart. A stress test usually involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while [...]
How a cataract forms A cataract is a cloudy lens. The lens is positioned behind the colored part of your eye (iris). The lens focuses light that passes into your eye, producing clear, sharp images on the retina — the light-sensitive membrane in the eye that functions like the film in a camera. As you [...]
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the flat pink lining of the swallowing tube that connects the mouth to the stomach (esophagus) becomes damaged by acid reflux, which causes the lining to thicken and become red. Between the esophagus and the stomach is a critically important valve, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Over time, [...]
Metabolism is the process your body uses to make energy from the food you eat. Food is made up of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Chemicals in your digestive system (enzymes) break down food into sugars and acids, the fuel for your body. You can use this fuel immediately, or you can store it in your [...]
Some eye problems are minor and short-lived. But others can cause permanent vision loss . Common eye problems include: Refractive errors Cataracts: When the lens becomes cloudy Optic nerve disorders, including glaucoma Retinal diseases: Problems with the nerve layer at the back of the eye Macular degeneration: Disease that destroys the central focus of vision Eye problems associated with [...]
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