Edema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body’s tissues, leading to swelling. It most commonly affects the feet, ankles, legs, hands, and arms, but it can occur in any part of the body. Edema may be temporary or chronic and can result from a wide range of medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors. Identifying …

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition in which a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. It can occur occasionally or persist over time, affecting physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships. Erectile dysfunction is not a normal part of aging, although the likelihood increases with age. In many cases, it is a symptom of …

Ectropion is a condition in which the lower eyelid turns outward and away from the eye, exposing the inner eyelid surface. This abnormal position prevents the eyelid from properly protecting the eye and distributing tears, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased risk of infection. Ectropion most commonly affects older adults but can occur at any age depending on the underlying …

Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency in which a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus instead of attaching to the uterine lining. The most common site is the fallopian tube, but implantation may also occur in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity. Because these locations cannot support normal pregnancy growth, an ectopic pregnancy cannot progress normally and requires prompt medical …

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a type of irregular heartbeat. They occur when the electrical signal that starts your heartbeat comes from one of your bottom two heart chambers (ventricles). The signal typically starts in the top right chamber (atrium). PVCs are not always a problem. But if they repeatedly happen for months or years, they can cause a type …

Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital heart defect present at birth that affects the tricuspid valve, which separates the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart. In this condition, the tricuspid valve is abnormally formed and positioned lower than normal in the right ventricle. This leads to improper valve closure, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium. …

Precocious puberty means early puberty. It’s the term for puberty that begins much earlier than usual — before age 8 in children assigned female at birth (AFAB) and before age 9 in children assigned male at birth (AMAB). Puberty is the process during which your child has a growth spurt and develops the sexual and physical features of an adult. In your child’s brain, …

Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless and even help keep the digestive system healthy. However, some strains can cause serious illness, particularly those that produce toxins affecting the intestines. Harmful E. coli infections are a common …

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), formerly known as dysthymia or dysthymic disorder, is mild or moderate depression that doesn’t go away. If you have persistent depressive disorder, you may experience low mood, as well as other symptoms, occurring most days without going away. How common is persistent depressive disorder? Researchers estimate that 1.5% of U.S. adults had persistent depressive disorder in …

Heart arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. It occurs when the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats do not function properly. As a result, the heart may not pump blood efficiently to the body and brain. Some heart arrhythmias are harmless and may not require treatment, while others can …