Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through exposure of the infective blood, semen and other body fluids. HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to the infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also happen through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections…
Hepatities is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress as fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis all over the planet; however, in other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. There are 5…
Heartburn is a common problem created by acid reflux, a condition where some of the stomach contents are forced back up into the esophagus. It creates a burning pain in the lower chest. Persistent acid reflux that happens more than twice a week is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or simply GERD. Heartburn is…
Heart disease describes a wide range of conditions that affect your heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia’s); and heart defects you’re born with (congenital heart defects), among others. The term “heart disease” is often used interchangeably with the term “cardiovascular disease”.…
Heart disease describes a wide range of conditions that affect your heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia’s); and heart defects you’re born with (congenital heart defects), among others. The term “heart disease” is often used interchangeably with the term “cardiovascular disease”.…
A heart attack is the death of a segment of heart muscle which is caused by a loss of blood supply. The blood is usually cut off when an artery supplying the heart muscle is blocked by a blood clot. If some of the heart muscle dies, a person then experiences chest pain and electrical…
Headaches are considered to be one of the most common medical complaints; most people experience them at some point in their life. They can affect almost anyone regardless of age, race and social and economical class. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that half of all adults all over the world will experience headache in…
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common condition with symptoms that can be similar to that of a cold. There may be sneezing, congestion, runny nose and sinus pressure. It’s caused by an allergic response to airborne substances, such as pollen. The time of year it happens will usually depend on what substance, or…
Hashimoto’s Disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck found below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate a lot of your body’s functions. Inflammation from Hashimoto’s Disease, also referred to as…
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is an infectious disease characterized by flu-like symptoms that can progress faster to potentially life-threatening breathing problems. Several types of hantaviruses can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. They’re carried by several types of rodents, especially the deer mouse. You become infected primarily by breathing air infected with this virus that are shed in…