Balance problems refer to difficulties maintaining stability and coordination while standing, walking, or moving. They can cause a sensation of unsteadiness, dizziness, or the feeling that the surroundings are spinning. Balance problems are common and may occur at any age, though they are more frequent in older adults. These issues can result from problems affecting the inner ear, brain, nerves, …
A Baker cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that develops behind the knee. It forms when excess joint fluid is pushed into the back of the knee, often due to an underlying knee problem. A Baker cyst can cause a feeling of tightness or stiffness and may limit knee movement. In many cases, the cyst …
Bags under the eyes are a common cosmetic concern characterized by mild swelling or puffiness beneath the lower eyelids. They often become more noticeable with age as the tissues and muscles supporting the eyelids weaken. While bags under the eyes are usually harmless and do not indicate a serious medical problem, they can affect appearance and may sometimes be associated …
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a heart issue in which your mitral valve flaps bow or flop back into your left atrium. This may prevent your valve from closing as tightly as it should between your left atrium and left ventricle. These are the two heart chambers that collect and pump oxygen-rich blood out to your body. Your mitral valve’s two tissue flaps (leaflets) open and …
Gambling disorder (gambling addiction) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent, maladaptive gambling behavior that causes you clinical stress. It causes major problems with your relationships, work or school, and/or finances. Gambling refers to an activity in which a person risks something valuable to themselves to win something in return. There are many types of gambling, but common forms include betting in …
Most people diagnosed with Crohn’s first see a healthcare provider because of ongoing diarrhea, belly cramping or unexplained weight loss. As part of your workup, you may need to see a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases, called a gastroenterologist. Your provider will consider your medical history (including your symptoms) and family history. They’ll perform a physical exam to see if you have …
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a health condition that causes symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in your hand and wrist. The carpal tunnel is a space in your wrist bones. It’s like a tunnel road through a mountainside, but instead of making room in the rock for cars, it’s a passageway in your bones that lets tendons, ligaments and nerves pass through it to reach …
Chronic kidney disease (CKD and chronic renal disease) means that there’s damage to your kidneys and they aren’t working as well as they should. Your kidneys are like a filter in your body — filtering out wastes, toxins and extra water from your blood. They also help with other functions like bone and red blood cell health. When your kidneys …
Chickenpox is an infection that causes an itchy, blister-like skin rash. A virus called varicella-zoster causes it. Chickenpox is highly contagious. But it’s much less common today because there’s a vaccine that protects you from it. Children are the most susceptible to getting chickenpox, although you can get it as an adult, too. Before the availability of the first vaccine against chickenpox …
A chronic cough is a cough that lasts eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children. A chronic cough is more than just annoying. It can interrupt your sleep and leave you feeling very tired. Severe cases of chronic cough can cause vomiting and lightheadedness, and even break a rib. The most common causes are tobacco use …