Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as axial spondyloarthritis, is a long-term inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine. Persistent inflammation can cause the vertebrae to gradually fuse together. This fusion reduces flexibility in the spine and may result in a forward-stooped or hunched posture. When the joints connecting the ribs to the spine are involved, chest expansion can be limited, making …

Iron deficiency anemia is a common blood disorder that occurs when the body lacks enough iron to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is essential for carrying oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. When iron levels are low, red blood cells become smaller and carry less oxygen, leading to fatigue and other symptoms. This condition can affect …

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions marked by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions related to food, body weight, and body image. These disorders can affect people of any age, gender, or background and often involve unhealthy patterns such as extreme food restriction, binge eating, purging behaviors, or an intense fear of gaining weight. Eating disorders can …

Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder. It affects your body’s ability to produce normal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells. It allows your red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body, nourishing your body’s other cells. If you have thalassemia, your body produces fewer healthy hemoglobin proteins, and your bone marrow produces fewer healthy red blood cells. The condition …

Anorexia nervosa, often called anorexia, is a serious and treatable eating disorder marked by very low body weight based on a person’s weight history. Although many people with anorexia appear very thin, some may not look underweight or may appear to have a larger body size. Despite appearance, they have lost a significant amount of weight or failed to gain …

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, red blood cells become rigid and crescent-shaped, resembling a sickle. These abnormal cells can block blood flow and break down prematurely, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. Sickle cell anemia is a lifelong condition that …

Anorgasmia is delayed, infrequent or absent orgasms, or orgasms that are significantly less intense, despite sexual arousal and adequate sexual stimulation. Women who experience persistent difficulty reaching orgasm and feel distress about it may be diagnosed with anorgasmia. The experience of orgasm varies widely among women. Frequency, intensity and the type of stimulation needed can differ from person to person …

Vitamin deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient vitamins needed for red blood cell production, leading to a reduced number of healthy red blood cells. The most common forms are caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate (vitamin B9), or, less commonly, vitamin C. These vitamins are essential for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. …

Anorgasmia is a condition in which orgasms are delayed, infrequent or absent, or are much less intense than expected, even after adequate sexual arousal and stimulation. Women who experience ongoing difficulty reaching orgasm and feel distress or frustration about it may be diagnosed with anorgasmia. Orgasms vary widely among women in terms of frequency, intensity and consistency. Even for the …

A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain caused by a weakened area in the vessel wall. Many brain aneurysms are small and do not cause symptoms. However, if an aneurysm leaks or ruptures, it can cause bleeding in or around the brain, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. Early detection and appropriate …