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Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway, which obstructs breathing and causes a characteristic barking cough. The cough and other symptoms of croup are the result of swelling around the vocal cords (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and bronchial tubes (bronchi). When a cough forces air through this narrowed passage, the swollen vocal cords produce a noise similar to a seal barking. Likewise, taking a breath often produces a high-pitched whistling sound (stridor). Croup typically occurs in younger children. Croup usually isn't serious and most cases can be treated at home.
Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. Although heavy menstrual bleeding is a common concern, most women don't experience blood loss severe enough to be defined as menorrhagia. With menorrhagia, you can't maintain your usual activities when you have your period because you have so much blood loss and cramping. If you dread your period because you have such heavy menstrual bleeding, talk with your doctor. There are many effective treatments for menorrhagia.
A detailed discussion of the causes, diagnosis and management of the causes of Meningitis and Encephalitis. Includes bacterial, viral, fungal and autoimmune conditions as well as treatment of these conditions. Includes antivirals such as Aciclovir and Ganciclovir as well as IVIG and plasma exchange for autoimmune encephalitis.
Heart failure, sometimes known as congestive heart failure, occurs when your heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Certain conditions, such as narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave your heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump efficiently.
A hemolytic transfusion reaction is a serious complication that can occur after a transfusion of blood. The red blood cells that were given in the transfusion are destroyed by the patient's immune system. There are other types of allergic transfusion reactions that do not cause hemolysis.
This Video COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. "Progressive" means the disease gets worse over time. COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus (a slimy substance), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants—such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust—also may contribute to COPD.
Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. Once quite common, measles can now almost always be prevented with a vaccine. Signs and symptoms of measles include cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever and a red, blotchy skin rash. Also called rubeola, measles can be serious and even fatal for small children. While death rates have been falling worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, the disease still kills more than 100,000 people a year, most under the age of 5. As a result of high vaccination rates, measles has not been widespread in the United States for more than a decade. Today, the United States averages about 60 cases of measles a year, and most of them originate outside the country. Symptoms ShareTweet May 24, 2014 References See also Cough Runny nose Vital Vaccinations Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship PolicyOpportunities Mayo Clinic Store Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic A to Z Health Guide The Essential Guide to Prostate Health Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain Relief The Menopause Solution — NEW! The Mayo Clinic Diet Online
In a small but promising Phase II clinical trial of breast cancer treatment, cryoablation killed 25 early-stage tumors in 13 women. The tumors ranged in size from .5 cm (very small) to 5.8 cm (very large), with an average size of 1.7cm. Patients were first given a local anesthesia with mild sedation before physicians used ultrasound with or without computed tomography (CT) imaging to guide needle-like probes to deliver very low temperature gas to the tumor site. The ultra-cold gas forms a ball of ice around the probe tip, then expands and destroys surrounding tumor cells. A harmless saline solution was first injected into the chest wall and skin of the breast to protect the tissue surrounding the tumor from the freezing effects. Patients experienced very little pain and most healed completely within six months with no complications and with little or no scarring. The cryotherapy margins of each participant were biopsied immediately after the procedures, and all were negative, with no evidence of cancerous tissue. All 13 patients were without recurrence at an average of 18 months and up to five years following the procedure. These results are promising, but larger studies with lengthier follow-up are needed to determine whether cryotherapy as effective as lumpectomy. A study involving cryoablation of mouse tumors at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that the freezing procedure also works like a vaccine, boosting the immune system to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Just how quickly the tumor was frozen made a difference: a 30-second freeze killed tumors and also boosted the immune system, inhibiting metastases to the lungs. A slower freezing lasting several minutes destroyed tumors just as effectively, but actually suppressed the immune system, resulting in greater metastases to the lungs.
The spine is made flexible by discs located between each vertebra and ligaments made of tough elastic fibers which hold the vertebrae together. The spine gives the body stability and protects the spinal cord which is located in a narrow canal that runs through the center of each vertebra.
This video: Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding your heart. Pericarditis often causes chest pain and sometimes other symptoms. The sharp chest pain associated with pericarditis occurs when the irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other. Pericarditis usually begins suddenly but doesn't last long (acute). When symptoms develop more gradually or persist, pericarditis is considered chronic. Most cases are mild and usually improve on their own. Treatment for more-severe cases may include medications and, rarely, surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment may help to reduce the risk of long-term complications from pericarditis.
Atherosclerosis is a process in which blood, fats such as cholesterol, and other substances build up on your artery walls. Eventually, deposits called plaques may form. The deposits may narrow — or block — your arteries. These plaques can also rupture, causing a blood clot.