How Hepatitis Is Transmitted

Some cases of hepatitis have been transmitted through blood transfusion, but this is a rare mode of transmission. As relatively new diseases and viral discoveries, information about them and how they work is relatively scarce. To be exposed to these viruses, you must ingest fecal matter that is infected with the virus. THOMAS FREDBERG / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images About one-third of people in the United States have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 194 words · Timothy Lewis

How HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Is Treated

HER2-negative breast cancers have normal levels of the protein HER2, whereasHER2-positive breast cancershave elevated protein levels. Mastectomy A breast surgeon removes the whole breast and surrounding tissues during amastectomy. If breast-conserving surgery is chosen, radiation is also usually needed. SDI Productions / Getty Images Lymph node surgery can be done simultaneously with a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery or during a second operation. A medical doctor called a radiation oncologist administers the treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 528 words · Yvonne Garcia

How Herpes Is Diagnosed

It also discusses how you’ve got the option to monitor for signs of herpes at home. Most healthcare providers do not routinely test for herpes unless you specifically ask. Cold sores in and around the mouth usually are due to HSV-1. Illustration by Verywell Check for lesions if you think you could have been exposed to the infection. Know, though, that genital herpes infections are oftenasymptomatic. If you do not have obvious symptoms, a blood test can help determine whether you have an infection....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 470 words · Deborah Reynolds

How High Blood Sugar Affects Your Cholesterol Level

The linking factor: insulin resistancewhen cells no longer respond appropriately to the hormoneinsulin. These cholesterol abnormalities then increase a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke. It’s also about working to protect your cardiovascular health. MarkHatfield / Getty Images This glucose is then absorbed through the wall of your intestines into your bloodstream. Insulin also blocks the breakdown of fat into fatty acids (lipolysis) within your body. Insulin resistance is when the cells become less responsive to this process....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 177 words · Laura Serrano

How High Cholesterol Levels Increase Stroke Risk

Highcholesterolcan increase your risk of having a stroke. A stroke happens when a blockage prevents blood from reaching the brain. Can High Cholesterol Cause a Stroke? Science Photo Library / Getty Images Types of Stroke There are two major types of stroke. The most common bang out of stroke,ischemic stroke, is resulting from the blockage of blood flow. The risk factors for ischemic strokes, including high cholesterol, are the same as those coronaryheart disease....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 430 words · Rachael Foster

How HIV Can Affect the Tongue

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can affect areas of the mouth, including the tongue. In some cases, these can be thefirst signs of an HIV infection. This article discusses the different conditions common to HIV that can affect the tongue. Laura Porter / Verywell It covers symptoms for each condition as well as treatment. Additionally, they can treat thrush all over the body (for instance, in the esophagus). They can also have an unpleasant taste....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 495 words · Kevin Gibbs

How HPV Is Diagnosed

How someone is screened and tested varies based on their gender, age, and even sexual orientation. In some cases, individuals may first be diagnosed with HPV when they are diagnosed with a related cancer. This may be done during a routine gynecological exam or specifically because HPV is suspected. Illustration by Verywell Remember, though, that the absence of warts does not mean you are clear of HPV. The Pap results are usually returned in two weeks; HPV test results may take longer....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 330 words · James Curtis

How Hydrogen Breath Tests Work

This punch in of test was first described in 1975, but it has not always been widely used. pixelfit / Getty Images How Hydrogen Breath Tests Work Sugars in food are broken down duringdigestion. If you do not digest some sugars well, the bacteria in the small bowel will give off hydrogen. pixelfit / Getty Images The amount of hydrogen in the breath is normally low. Types of Hydrogen Breath Tests There are a few different types of hydrogen breath tests....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 564 words · James French

How Hyperhidrosis Is Diagnosed

The exam will include taking a very close look at the areas of the body where excessive sweating occurs. If possible, a dermatologist or other healthcare provider may want to observe how severely sweating occurs. The diagnosing physician may look for stains on clothing to assess axillary (under the armpit) sweating. Verywell / Emily Roberts A sweat stain of less than 5 centimeters (approximately 2 inches) is considered normal. Moisture without visible drops would indicate mild palmar sweating....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 347 words · Brandon Wilson

How Hyperkalemia Is Diagnosed

There are also several medications that may increase your potassium levels. Only when you know why you havehyperkalemiacan youtreat itproperly and hopefully prevent recurrences. Oftentimes, potassium levels are falsely elevated, a situation known aspseudohyperkalemia, because ofhow your blood is drawn. Verywell / Joshua Seong Your healthcare provider’s first task is to recheck your potassium level. If your levels remain high, they may order the following tests. Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 501 words · Nancy Parker

How Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Is Treated

The primary treatment options forhypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM) are medications like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Lifestyle changes can also help control HCM symptoms. If symptoms continue despite medical therapy, more invasive therapies like procedures or unit installation may be recommended. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Digitial Vision / Getty Images This article discusses HCM treatment, from medications to more invasive or surgical options. Beta-Blockers Beta-blockersare the first-line treatment for symptoms of HCM....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 311 words · John Larson

How I Changed My Life to Better Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Sarah loves to travel, exercise, and cook: all things that helped her manage her diabetes better. I didnt understand what adopting a healthier lifestyle truly meant. My Encounter With Diabetes It wasnt until late 2019 that I noticed something was wrong. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Bryant / Designed by Zoe Hansen I started experiencing extreme fatigue that would last all day, no matter how much sleep I got. I could hardly function....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 320 words · Lauren Barry

How I Control My Diabetes So It Doesn’t Control My Life

He is the current operations manager of an ambulance service and national ambassador for Know Diabetes by Heart. I am sweet teas number one fan, french fries too. I pushed a bit but ultimately acquiesced. Photo Courtesy of Anthony Wilson / Designed by Zoe Hansen I didnt have a history ofprediabetesor any other related diseases. On a six-hour road trip, I stopped once every hour to use the bathroom. That week-long stay in the hospital changed my life....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 240 words · Michael Eaton