Health & Fitness

Also called: Bariatric surgery, Bypass surgery, Gastric banding, Obesity surgery
If you're very overweight and can't lose pounds with a healthy diet and exercise, surgery might be an option for you. The surgery is usually for men who are at least 100 pounds overweight and women who are at least 80 pounds overweight. If you are somewhat less overweight, surgery still might be an option if you also have diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea.
Weight loss surgery limits the amount of food you can take in. Some operations also restrict the amount of food you can digest. Many people who have the surgery lose weight quickly. If you follow diet and exercise recommendations, you can keep most of the weight off. The surgery has risks and complications, however, including infections, hernias and blood clots.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
JAMA Patient Page: Bariatric Surgery(American Medical Association)
Also available in Spanish

Also called: Backache, Lumbago
If you've ever groaned, "Oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.
Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help. However, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make it worse.
If your back pain is severe or doesn't improve after three days, you should call your health care provider. You should also get medical attention if you have back pain following an injury.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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Back Pain(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary
Back Pain - How to Prevent(Patient Education Institute)
Also available in Spanish
What Is Back Pain?(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
Also available in Spanish

Your gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ under your liver. It stores bile, a fluid made by your liver to digest fat. As your stomach and intestines digest food, your gallbladder releases bile through a tube called the common bile duct. The duct connects your gallbladder and liver to your small intestine.
Your gallbladder is most likely to give you trouble if something blocks the flow of bile through the bile ducts. That is usually a gallstone. Gallstone attacks usually happen after you eat. Signs of a gallstone attack may include nausea, vomiting, or pain in the abdomen, back, or just under the right arm.
Many gallbladder problems get better with removal of the gallbladder. Fortunately, the gallbladder is an organ that you can live without. Bile has other ways of reaching your small intestine.

Also called: Pertussis
Whooping cough is an infectious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable coughing. The name comes from the noise you make when you take a breath after you cough. You may have choking spells or may cough so hard that you vomit.
Anyone can get whooping cough, but it is more common in infants and children. It's especially dangerous in infants. The coughing spells can be so bad that it is hard for infants to eat, drink or breathe.
Before there was a vaccine, whooping cough was one of the most common childhood diseases and a major cause of childhood deaths in the U.S. There are fewer cases today because there are both pertussis-only vaccines and combination vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. If you have whooping cough, treatment with antibiotics may help if given early.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Whooping Cough(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)(Nemours Foundation)
Also available in Spanish

Also called: Osteitis deformans
Paget's disease of bone causes your bones to grow larger and weaker than normal. They also might break easily. The disease can lead to other health problems, too, such as arthritis and hearing loss. You can have Paget's disease in any bone, but it is most common in the spine, pelvis, skull and legs. The disease might affect one or several bones, but not your entire skeleton. More men than women have the disease. It is most common in older people.
Many people do not know they have Paget's disease because their symptoms are mild. For others, symptoms can include
Pain
Enlarged bones
Broken bones
Damaged cartilage in joints
No one knows what causes Paget's disease. In some cases, a virus might be responsible. It tends to run in families. You can treat Paget's disease with medicine and sometimes surgery. A good diet and exercise might also help.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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Facts a New Patient Needs to Know about Paget's Disease of Bone(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
What Is Paget's Disease of Bone?(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Occupational health problems occur at work or because of the kind of work you do. These problems can include
Cuts, broken bones, sprains and strains, or amputations
Repetitive motion disorders
Hearing problems caused by exposure to noise
Vision problems or even blindness
Illness caused by breathing, touching or ingesting unsafe substances
Illness caused by exposure to radiation
Exposure to germs in healthcare settings
Good job safety and prevention practices can reduce your risk of these problems. Try to stay fit, reduce stress, set up your work area properly, and use the right equipment and gear.
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Occupational Safety and Health Topics: Diseases & Injuries(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Occupational Safety and Health Topics: Industries & Occupations(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Also called: Bypass surgery, CABG, Coronary artery bypass graft
If you have coronary artery disease (CAD), the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. If lifestyle changes and medicines don't help, your doctor may recommend coronary artery bypass surgery.
The surgery uses a piece of a vein from the leg or artery from the chest or wrist. The surgeon attaches this to the coronary artery above and below the narrowed area or blockage. This allows blood to bypass the blockage. Some people need more than one bypass.
You may need bypass surgery for various reasons. Another procedure for CAD, angioplasty, may not have widened the artery enough. In some cases, the angioplasty tube can't reach the blockage.
A bypass also can close again. This happens in more than 10 percent of bypass surgeries, usually after 10 or more years.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
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Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)(Patient Education Institute)
Also available in Spanish
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
JAMA Patient Page: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(American Medical Association) - Links to PDF
Also available in Spanish

Also called: Cepahalic disorders, Craniofacial disorders
Most brain malformations begin long before a baby is born. Something damages the developing nervous system or causes it to develop abnormally. Sometimes it's a genetic problem. In other cases, exposure to certain medicines, infections or radiation during pregnancy interferes with brain development. Types of brain malformations include missing parts of the brain, abnormal growth of certain parts of the brain, and incomplete division of the brain.
There are head malformations that do not involve the brain. Craniofacial disorders are the result of abnormal growth of soft tissue and bones in the face and head. It's common for new babies to have slightly lopsided heads, but parents should watch the shape of their baby's head for possible problems.
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Cephalic Disorders(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
Also available in Spanish
Craniofacial Syndrome Descriptions(Children's Craniofacial Association)

Our senses of taste and smell give us great pleasure. Taste helps us enjoy food and beverages. Smell lets us enjoy the scents and fragrances like roses or coffee. Taste and smell also protect us, letting us know when food has gone bad or when there is a gas leak. They make us want to eat, ensuring we get the nutrition we need.
People with taste disorders may taste things that aren't there, may not be able to tell the difference in tastes or can't taste at all. People with smell disorders may lose their sense of smell, or things may smell different. A smell they once enjoyed may now smell bad to them.
Many illnesses and injuries can cause taste and smell disorders, including colds and head injuries. Some drugs can also affect taste and smell. Most people lose some ability to taste and smell as they get older. Treatment varies, depending on the problem and its cause.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
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Sensory Dysfunction: Problems with Smell or Taste(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
Smell Disorders(National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)
Also available in Spanish
Taste Disorders(National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)
Also available in Spanish

Also called: Verruca
Warts are growths on your skin caused by an infection with human papilloma virus, or HPV. Types of warts include
Common warts, which often appear on your fingers
Plantar warts, which show up on the soles of your feet
Genital warts, which are a sexually transmitted disease
Flat warts, which appear in places you shave frequently
In children, warts often go away on their own. In adults, they tend to stay. If they hurt or bother you, or if they multiply, you can remove them. Chemical skin treatments usually work. If not, various freezing, surgical and laser treatments can remove warts.
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Warts(American Academy of Dermatology)
Also available in Spanish
Warts(Patient Education Institute)
Also available in Spanish

The prostate is a gland. It helps make semen, the fluid that contains sperm. The prostate surrounds the tube that carries urine away from the bladder and out of the body. A young man's prostate is about the size of a walnut. It slowly grows larger with age. If it gets too large, it can cause problems. This is very common after age 50. The older men get, the more likely they are to have prostate trouble.
Some common problems arehttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/prostatediseases.html
Prostatitis - an infection, usually caused by bacteria
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH - an enlarged prostate, which may cause dribbling after urination or a need to go often, especially at night
Prostate cancer - a common cancer that responds best to treatment when detected early
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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Prostate Health: What Every Man Needs to Know(Food and Drug Administration)
Prostate Problems(National Institute on Aging)
Also available in Spanish
What I Need to Know about Prostate Problems(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
Also available in Spanish

There are 1,440 minutes in every day. Schedule 30 of them for physical activity!
Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel better. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can delay or prevent diabetes, some cancers and heart problems.
Most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week. Examples include walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming for recreation or bicycling. Stretching and weight training can also strengthen your body and improve your fitness level.
The key is to find the right exercise for you. If it is fun, you are more likely to stay motivated. You may want to walk with a friend, join a class or plan a group bike ride. If you've been inactive for awhile, use a sensible approach and start out slowly.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Be Active Your Way: A Guide for Adults(Dept. of Health and Human Services) - Large PDF file
Physical Activity for Everyone(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Also available in Spanish
Tips to Help You Get Active(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Also called: SAD, Seasonal depression, Seasonal mood disorder
Some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up. This condition is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It usually happens during the winter. A less common type of SAD happens in the summer.
What causes SAD? Some experts think it's a lack of sunlight during winter, when the days are shorter. In the United States, it is much more common in northern states. Light therapy, in which patients expose themselves to a special type of light for 30 minutes every day often helps. Other treatments include
Medicines
Changes in diet
Learning to manage stress
Going to a sunny climate during the cold months
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Seasonal Affective Disorder(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
Seasonal Affective Disorder(NAMI)

Your toenails and fingernails protect the tissues of your toes and fingers. They are made up of layers of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also in your hair and skin. Your nails' health can be a clue to your overall health. Healthy nails are usually smooth and consistent in color. Specific types of nail discoloration and changes in growth rate can signal various lung, heart, kidney and liver diseases, as well as diabetes and anemia. White spots and vertical ridges are harmless.
Nail problems that sometimes require treatment include bacterial and fungal infections, ingrown nails, tumors and warts. Keeping nails clean, dry and trimmed can help you avoid some problems. Do not remove the cuticle, which can cause infection.
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Nail Fungus & Nail Health(American Academy of Dermatology)

Also called: Escherichia coli
E. coli is the name of a type of bacteria that lives in your intestines. Most types of E. coli are harmless. However, some types can make you sick and cause diarrhea. One type causes travelers' diarrhea. The worst type of E. coli causes bloody diarrhea, and can sometimes cause kidney failure and even death. These problems are most likely to occur in children and in adults with weak immune systems.
You can get E. coli infections by eating foods containing the bacteria. To help avoid food poisoning and prevent infection, handle food safely. Cook meat well, wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them, and avoid unpasteurized milk and juices. You can also get the infection by swallowing water in a swimming pool contaminated with human waste.
Most cases of E. coli infection get better without treatment in 5 to 10 days.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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E. Coli(National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
E. Coli Infection(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish

Also called: Analgesics, Pain medicines
Pain relievers are medicines that reduce or relieve headaches, sore muscles, arthritis or any number of other aches and pains. There are many different pain medicines, and each one has advantages and risks. Some types of pain respond better to certain medicines than others. Each person may also have a slightly different response to a pain reliever.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are good for many types of pain. There are two main types of OTC pain medications: acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin, naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are examples of OTC NSAIDs. If OTC medicines don't relieve your pain, your doctor may prescribe something stronger. Many NSAIDs are available at prescription doses. The most powerful pain relievers are narcotics. These drugs can have serious side effects. You must use them only under a doctor's supervision.
There are many things you can do to help ease pain. Pain relievers are just one part of a pain treatment plan.
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Chronic Pain Medicines(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
Pain Relievers: Understanding Your OTC Options(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish

Bacteria are living things that have only one cell. Under a microscope, they look like balls, rods or spirals. They are so small that a line of 1,000 could fit across a pencil eraser. Most bacteria won't hurt you - less than 1 percent makes people sick. Many are helpful. Some bacteria help to digest food, destroy disease-causing cells and give the body needed vitamins. Bacteria are also used in making healthy foods like yogurt and cheese.
But infectious bacteria can make you ill. They reproduce quickly in your body. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Examples of bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli.
Antibiotics are the usual treatment. When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. Each time you take antibiotics, you increase the chances that bacteria in your body will learn to resist them. Later, you could get or spread an infection that those antibiotics cannot cure.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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Understanding Microbes in Sickness and in Health(National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) - Large PDF file

Your teeth are made of a hard, bonelike material. Inside the tooth are nerves and blood vessels. You need your teeth for many activities you may take for granted. These include eating, speaking and even smiling. But tooth disorders are nothing to smile about. They include problems such as cavities (also known as tooth decay), infections, and injuries.
The most familiar symptom of a tooth problem is a toothache. Others include worn-down or loose teeth. It's important that you see a dentist if you have any problems with your teeth. Fortunately, you can prevent many tooth disorders by taking care of your teeth and keeping them clean.
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Tooth Decay (Cavities/Caries)(American Dental Association)
Tooth Problems(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Tooth: Overview and Anatomy(American Dental Association

Also called: AATD, Alpha-1, Inherited emphysema
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that can cause lung disease in adults and liver disease in adults and children. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein that protects the lungs. The liver usually makes the protein, and releases it into the bloodstream. Because of a gene problem, some people have little or none of it. Not having enough AAT puts you at risk of emphysema or liver problems. Three in four adults with a severe deficiency will get emphysema, some when they are younger than 40. If you smoke, you increase your risk. Children with AAT deficiency can develop liver problems that last their whole lives.
AAT deficiency can be treated but not cured. One treatment involves adding to or replacing the missing protein. A lung transplant may be an option if you are seriously ill. Staying away from cigarette smoke is crucial.
A blood test can tell if you have the deficiency. If you have it, your family members should also take the blood test.
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Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
Genetics Home Reference: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency(National Library of Medicine)

Also called: Pimples, Zits
Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars.
No one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormone changes, such as those during the teenage years and pregnancy, probably play a role. There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn't cause acne, but stress can make it worse.
If you have acne
Clean your skin gently
Try not to touch your skin
Avoid the sun
Treatments for acne include medicines and creams.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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Acne(Patient Education Institute)
Also available in Spanish
Acne (Acne Vulgaris)(Logical Images)
What Is Acne?(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
Also available in Spanish

Also called: Candidiasis, Moniliasis
Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in your body. Usually, your immune system keeps yeast under control. If you are sick or taking antibiotics, it can multiply and cause an infection.
Yeast infections affect different parts of the body in different ways:
Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches in your mouth
Esophagitis is thrush that spreads to your esophagus, the tube that takes food from your mouth to your stomach. Esophagitis can make it hard or painful to swallow
Women can get vaginal yeast infections, causing itchiness, pain and discharge
Yeast infections of the skin cause itching and rashes
Yeast infections in your bloodstream can be life-threatening
Antifungal medicines eliminate yeast infections in most people. If you have a weak immune system, treatment might be more difficult.
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Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)(Logical Images)

Also called: Mycoses
If you have ever had athlete's foot or a yeast infection, you can blame a fungus. A fungus is actually a primitive vegetable. Mushrooms, mold and mildew are examples. Fungi live in air, in soil, on plants and in water. Some live in the human body. Only about half of all types of fungi are harmful.
Some fungi reproduce through tiny spores in the air. You can inhale the spores or they can land on you. As a result, fungal infections often start in the lungs or on the skin. You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have a weakened immune system or take antibiotics.
Fungi can be difficult to kill. For skin and nail infections, you can apply medicine directly to the infected area. Oral antifungal medicines are also available for serious infections.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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Understanding Microbes in Sickness and in Health(National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) - Large PDF file

Also called: AIDS-related opportunistic infections, OIs
Having AIDS weakens your body's immune system. Your immune system normally fights germs that enter your body. When AIDS makes it weak, it can't fight germs well. This can lead to serious infections that don't often affect healthy people. These are called opportunistic infections (OIs).
There are many types of OIs. Tuberculosis and a serious related disease, mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) are bacterial infections. Viral infections include cytomegalovirus (CMV) and hepatitis C. Fungi cause thrush (candidiasis), cryptococcal meningitis, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and histoplasmosis, and parasites cause crypto (cryptosporidiosis) and toxo (toxoplasmosis).
Having AIDS can make any infection harder to treat. People with AIDS are also more likely to suffer complications of common illnesses such as the flu.
The good news is that you can help prevent infections by taking your AIDS medicines. Other things that can help include practicing safe sex, washing your hands well and often and cooking your food well.
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HIV: How to Avoid Infections If You're HIV Positive(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
Opportunistic Infections(New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center)
Also available in Spanish

Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer. The anus is where stool leaves your body when you go to the bathroom. It is made up of your outer layers of skin and the end of your large intestine. Anal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the anus.
Symptoms include bleeding, pain or lumps in the anal area. Anal itching and discharge can also be signs of anal cancer. Possible treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Your treatment will depend whether the tumor has spread, and on the type, size and location of the tumor.
National Cancer Institute
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Anal Cancer (PDQ): Treatment(National Cancer Institute)
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What Is Anal Cancer?(American Cancer Society)

Child abuse is doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a child or puts a child at risk of harm. Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Neglect, or not providing for a child's needs, is also a form of abuse.
Most abused children suffer greater emotional than physical damage. An abused child may become depressed. He or she may withdraw, think of suicide or become violent. An older child may use drugs or alcohol, try to run away or abuse others.
Child abuse is a serious problem. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the police or your local child welfare agency.
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Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms(Children's Bureau)
Also available in Spanish

The bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer occurs in the lining of the bladder. It is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States.
Symptoms include
Blood in your urine
A frequent urge to urinate
Pain when you urinate
Low back pain
Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace is another. People with a family history of bladder cancer or who are older, white or male have a higher risk.
Treatments for bladder cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and biologic therapy. Biologic therapy, or immunotherapy, boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer.
National Cancer Institute
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Bladder Cancer Risk Questionnaire(Siteman Cancer Center)
Also available in Spanish
What You Need to Know about Bladder Cancer(National Cancer Institute)

Most women experience breast changes at some time. Your age, hormone levels and medicines you take may cause lumps, bumps and discharges.
If you have a breast lump, pain, discharge or skin irritation, see your health care provider. Minor and serious breast problems have similar symptoms. Although many women fear cancer, most breast problems are not cancer.
Some common causes of breast changes are
Fibrocystic breast condition - lumpiness, thickening and swelling, often associated with a woman's period
Cysts - fluid-filled lumps
Fibroadenomas - solid, round, rubbery lumps that move easily when pushed, occurring most in younger women
Intraductal papillomas - growths similar to warts near the nipple
Blocked or clogged milk ducts
Milk production when a woman is not breastfeeding
Injury
National Cancer Institute
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Non-Cancerous Breast Conditions(American Cancer Society)
Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women(National Cancer Institute)

Also called: Condylomata acuminate, Venereal warts
Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The warts are soft, moist, pink or flesh-colored bumps. You can have one or many of these bumps. In women, the warts usually occur in or around the vagina, on the cervix or around the anus. In men, genital warts are less common but might occur on the tip of the penis.
You can get genital warts during oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading HPV.
The warts might disappear on their own. If not, your health care provider can treat or remove them. The virus stays in your body even after treatment, so warts can come back.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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Genital Warts(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts(National Institute of Allergy

Also called: End-stage renal disease, ESRD, Renal failure
Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. But if the kidneys are damaged, they don't work properly. Harmful wastes can build up in your body. Your blood pressure may rise. Your body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. This is called kidney failure.
If your kidneys fail, you need treatment to replace the work they normally do. The treatment options are dialysis or a kidney transplant. Each treatment has benefits and drawbacks. No matter which treatment you choose, you'll need to make some changes in your life, including how you eat and plan your activities. But with the help of healthcare providers, family and friends, most people with kidney failure can lead full and active lives.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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Kidney Failure(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Kidney Failure(Patient Education Institute)
Also available in Spanish
Kidney Failure: Choosing a Treatment That's Right for You(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
Also available in Spanish

Also called: Pharyngeal disorders
Your throat is a tube that carries food to your esophagus and air to your windpipe and larynx. The technical name for throat is pharynx.
Throat problems are common. You've probably had a sore throat The cause is usually a viral infection, but other causes include allergies, infection with strep bacteria or the upward movement of stomach acids into the esophagus, called gastric reflux.
Other problems that affect the throat include
Tonsillitis - an infection in the tonsils
Pharyngitis - inflammation of the pharynx
Cancers
Most throat problems are minor and go away on their own. Treatments, when needed, depend on the problem

Also called: Hypotension, LBP
You've probably heard that high blood pressure is a problem. So what about low blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure. Your blood pressure reading uses these two numbers. Both are important. Usually they're written one above or before the other, such as 120/80. If your blood pressure reading is 90/60 or lower, you have low blood pressure.
Some people have low blood pressure all the time. They have no symptoms and their low readings are normal for them. In other people, blood pressure drops below normal because of some event or medical condition. Some people may experience symptoms of low pressure when standing up too quickly. Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes dizziness, fainting or in extreme cases, shock.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Also called: HBP, HTN, Hypertension
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure.
Your blood pressure reading uses these two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Usually they are written one above or before the other. A reading of
120/80 or lower is normal blood pressure
140/90 or higher is high blood pressure
120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number is prehypertension
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. You can control high blood pressure through healthy lifestyle habits and taking medicines, if needed.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Every year, nearly 5 million people in the United States receive life-saving blood transfusions. During a transfusion, you receive whole blood or parts of blood such as
Red blood cells - cells that carry oxygen to and from tissues and organs
Platelets - cells can be used to control bleeding
Plasma - liquid part of the blood that helps blood clot
Some people worry about getting sick from giving or receiving blood. It is possible, but is very rare. The Food and Drug Administration and other organizations that collect blood make sure that blood is safe. Every single donation is tested for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, syphilis and several other diseases that can be transmitted through blood. Some people who know they may need blood during surgery donate their own ahead of time. That is the safest type of transfusion.
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Blood Donation Process(American Red Cross)
Blood Transfusion(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
Blood Transfusions(Nemours Foundation)
Also available in Spanish

Also called: Hematologic diseases
Your blood is living tissue made up of liquid and solids. The liquid part, called plasma, is made of water, salts and protein. Over half of your blood is plasma. The solid part of your blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Red blood cells deliver oxygen from your lungs to your tissues and organs. White blood cells fight infection and are part of your body's defense system. Platelets help blood to clot. Bone marrow, the spongy material inside your bones, makes new blood cells. Blood cells constantly die and your body makes new ones. Red blood cells live about 120 days, platelets 6 days and white cells less than a day.
There are many types of blood disorders, including: bleeding disorders, hemophilia and anemia. If you lose blood, you may need a transfusion.
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Blood(Nemours Foundation)
Also available in Spanish