Different types of antibodies are produced by your immune system. Each has distinct methods of defending your body against disease and infection. Harmful infectious organisms are identified as invaders due to their antigens (distinct molecules on their surface). TEK IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images Immunoglobulin Isotypes Antibodies are also known as immunoglobulins (Ig). Your body can produce an infinite number of binding sites to bind to antigens. IgA is one of the body’s first-line defenses against infection....

Esophagitisis inflammation of youresophagus, the tube from your mouth to your stomach. While a condition it its own right, diagnosis can’t stop there. Reflux Esophagitis Esophagitis is most commonly caused bygastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Westend61 / Getty Images Most people will experience some reflux of stomach contents. If only a little contact occurred, you may only have some irritation. Further exposure increases your risk for the formation of ulcers or worse damage....

Verywell / Joules Garcia Asthma Asthmaaffects 25 million people in the United States. If your healthcare provider suspects asthma, you may undergo a breathing test called spirometry. This test measures how much air you exhale and how fast you exhale. Verywell / Joules Garcia The symptoms of COPD vary based on which key in you have. It can cause both breathing and digestive problems because the disease makes the mucus in the body very thick....

Nuts are loaded with nutrients that can improve your overall health. This article discusses the healthiest nuts, their benefits, and how many you should consume. eternalcreative/ Getty Images What Are the Healthiest Nuts? eternalcreative/ Getty Images While all nuts are generally healthy, some offer more specific benefits than others. You might feel better and have more energy when you eat a healthy diet that includes nuts. Research also shows that nuts can offer specific health benefits for some people....

Many foods can causeallergies, but some are more common than others. Even then, there may be times when exposures happen unknowingly. This article covers what you gotta know about the most common food allergies. Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou Some food allergies are commonly outgrown, while others are typically lifelong. The mostcommon food allergy symptomsinclude: Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction. It causes systemic symptoms, meaning that symptoms involve multiple systems of the body....

Do you have a separated acromio-clavicular joint? During the examination, your provider may perform an orthopedic tests called the AC joint compression test. Three ligaments stabilize the joint, which can be sprained, resulting in anAC joint separation. PhotoAlto / Frederic Cirou / Getty Images An AC joint separation should not be confused with ashoulder dislocation. A shoulder dislocation occurs where the ball and socket of your shoulder joint meet. Your healthcare provider may perform the AC joint compression test as part of a clinical examination....

Herpesblood tests are highly accurate. Herpes blood testing is a two-step process in which an initialpositive resultis followed by a second confirmatory test. A positive result from both tests can be considered a definitive diagnosis of herpes. Illustration by Paige McLaughlin for Verywell Health Sensitivityis how often a test correctly identifies someone with a disease. A test that is 90% sensitive will correctly identify 90 people out of 100 who have the disease....

Letter from Dr. Jessica Shepherd We all hope to have the privilege of growing older. This doesnt come without challenges, though. Pain, brittle bones, fatigue, and much more can influence your movement aspirations. In this issue, we explore potential barriers to regular movement and how to overcome those. At the core of every aging touchpoint is a common theme: advocate for your health. To highlight this, we are fortunate to have Fran Drescherthe 90s sitcom iconas our cover star....

Learn about the Americans With Disabilities Act and how it may apply to your condition. Illustration by Jake Shi for Verywell Health What Is the Americans With Disabilities Act? The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is legislation that prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals. Illustration by Jake Shi for Verywell Health A disability is defined as: Is IBS Covered? If a person’sIBS symptomssignificantly impact on a major life ability, IBS would qualify as a covered disability....

Abdominal Aorta Anatomy The aortais the largest blood vessel in the body. Its an artery, which means it carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to supply the body. From there, it travels downward, supplying oxygenated blood to major organs. Jan-Otto / Getty Images The pulse is generally found about 2 inches (5 cm) above the belly button. Lying down and relaxing may make it easier to detect the pulse....

The frontal bone is the bone in your forehead. It is one of eight bones in the skull. As an infant grows, this frontal suture fuses the frontal bone together into one solid piece. Prakasit Khuasuwan / EyeEm / Getty Images The frontal bone is also surrounded by seven articulating bones to create joints. Anatomical Variations Infants have a space between the frontal and parietal bones called afontanelle. These padded layers and cerebrospinal fluid keep the brain safe, and prevent it from hitting against the skull....

This article describes the anatomy, location, and function of the gluteus maximus. It also discusses potential injuries and subsequent muscle rehabilitation. Structure The gluteus maximus is one of the strongest muscles in the body. skynesher / Getty Images The superior gluteal artery transports blood from the heart to the glutes. Location The gluteus maximus muscle lies over the top of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. It makes up the buttocks and defines their shape....

The nasal cavity is a key component of our sense of taste. Chewing your food releases aromas that travel from your mouth and throat to the nose. Our brains incorporate information from both taste and smell receptors to create the many different flavors we experience. roccomontoya / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images Vestibule The most anterior (front) portion of the nasal cavity is called the vestibule. Respiratory Region The respiratory region makes up the largest portion of the nasal cavity....