Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects fingernails or toenails, most often the toenails. The infection occurs when fungi invade the nail through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. Nail fungus usually develops slowly and can cause changes in nail appearance, texture, and strength. While not usually serious, it can be persistent …

Functional dyspepsia is a chronic disorder of the upper digestive tract characterized by recurring indigestion symptoms without an identifiable structural or biochemical cause. It affects how the stomach and upper intestines function, leading to discomfort even though routine tests may appear normal. Functional dyspepsia is common and can significantly impact quality of life, but it does not cause permanent damage …

Fuchs dystrophy, also known as Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, is a progressive eye disorder that affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. The condition involves gradual loss of endothelial cells, which are responsible for maintaining proper fluid balance in the cornea. As these cells decline, fluid builds up, causing corneal swelling and blurred vision. Fuchs dystrophy usually …

Frostbite is an injury that occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures. It most commonly affects exposed body parts such as the fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks. Frostbite can range from mild superficial injury to severe tissue damage and may lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly. Symptoms Symptoms of …

Growth plate fractures, also known as physeal fractures, are breaks in the areas of developing tissue near the ends of long bones in children and adolescents. These growth plates (physes) are the last portions of bones to harden, making them more susceptible to injury. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial because damage to the growth plate can affect bone development …

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is when you have a small flap or opening between the upper right and left chambers (atria) of your heart. Everyone has this opening, called a foramen ovale, before birth. In most people, this closes after birth. Patent foramen ovale occurs when the flap still exists after birth. “Patent” means “open.” Most of the time, people …

Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. It occurs when harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins enter the body through food. Symptoms often develop suddenly and can range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe illness requiring medical care. Most cases resolve within a few days, but some may lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable …

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a kidney disorder characterized by scarring in some of the glomeruli, which are the tiny filtering units of the kidneys. The term focal means that only some glomeruli are affected, and segmental means that only part of each affected glomerulus is scarred. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis can lead to significant protein loss in the urine and may …

Pericardial effusion is a buildup of fluid in the space around your heart. It can happen for many reasons, like infections, injuries or other medical conditions. If the buildup is severe or happens quickly, it can compress your heart and cause a life-threatening medical emergency. When a pericardial effusion happens slowly, your pericardium (the sac around your heart) has time to stretch and …

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu can range from mild to severe and may lead to serious complications, especially in young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions. Influenza typically occurs seasonally …