What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among people over age 55. They can make your vision appear fuzzy or blurry, as if you are looking through a fogged-up window. Cataracts can develop due to normal aging.Additionally, risk factors such asdiabetesandsmokingcan also predispose you to cataracts. Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell There are three different types of cataracts, distinguished by the part of the lens affected. Changes in vision are usually gradual....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 777 words · Steve Brown

What Are Cell Receptors?

Thats where cellular receptors come in. This article explains how cell receptors work, their role in the human body, and their significance. Thus, only substances that fit the lock can bind to a particular receptor. Science Picture Co. / Getty Images For example,leptinis the hormone that causes you to feel full and satiated following a big meal. Significance Receptors can play both good and bad roles in the human body....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 227 words · Dan Alvarez

What Are Cholesterol Deposits?

These are cholesterol deposits, and they generally accumulate on or around your eyelids. They are a common side effect of high concentrations of lipids in your blood. While cholesterol deposits arent harmful, they can get worse over time and may cause some pain and discomfort. Verywell / Jessica Olah If you notice these deposits, consult your doctor. Cholesterol deposits could sometimes be a sign of other more serious health problems....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 447 words · Gina Randolph

What Are Combination Birth Control Pills?

How to Get Them All combination birth control pills are available only by prescription. This means you cannot buy any of these pills over the counter. Combination Birth Control Pack Size Combination birth control pills typically come in a one-month supply. PhotoAlto / Ale Ventura / Getty Images Combination pills are usually available in either 28-day or 21-day packs. Both versions have 21 active pills. These are the pills that include the hormones that prevent a woman from becoming pregnant....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 242 words · Michael Kidd

What Are Common Toenail Problems and How Are They Treated?

It also includes several toenail problems that are specific to females. Ingrown Toenail Symptoms An ingrown toenail causes pain and swelling at the side of the toe. The first step forat-home careis to soak your foot in an Epsom salt solution using room-temperature water. Ilia Anatolev / Getty Images Then massage the side of your nail gently to decrease inflammation. Be sure to not cut your toenail. Consider wearing open shoes like sandals until the problem resolves....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 951 words · Linda Byrd

What Are Cramps During Pregnancy?

Cramps duringpregnancymay make you anxious and worried, especially if it’s your first pregnancy. However, persistent and severe cramps could signal a problem, such as amiscarriageorectopic pregnancy. Learn how to tell the difference between normal and abnormal cramps and when you should call your healthcare provider. damircudic / Getty Images damircudic / Getty Images What Are Cramps? Most of the time, cramps are just uncomfortable, but sometimes they can be very painful....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 436 words · William Martin

What Are Degenerate Neutrophils?

It is normal to have some degenerate neutrophils circulating in the blood. However, an excess of these cells can be an indication of disease. Boy_Anupong / Getty Images What Are Neutrophils? Boy_Anupong / Getty Images Neutrophils are white blood cells that work to fight infectious organisms and help manage disease. Normally, healthy neutrophils make up about 40%60% of leukocytes (white blood cells). Common reasons for high or low neutrophil counts include:...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 284 words · Justin Rios

What Are Delusions?

A delusion is a strongly-held or fixed false belief that conflicts with reality. Delusions are a common symptom of psychotic disorders such asschizophrenia, delusional disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Phillip Johnson-Laird defined delusions as failure to distinguish conceptual relevance, meaning irrelevant information is accepted as relevant. Theresa Chiechi / Verywell The definition of delusions continues to evolve. What Causes Delusions? Abnormal activity of dopamine and other neurotransmitters is thought to be involved in certain delusional symptoms....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 303 words · Hector Crosby

What Are Diabetic Socks?

It can also cause a person with diabetes to be unaware of an injury and delay treatment. Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images Circulatory problems interfere with wound healing because continuous blood flow is required. Elevated blood sugar levels also can hinder the immune system. Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images These problems, when uncontrolled, can create a situation that could lead toamputationor even death. Not everyone with diabetes needs diabetic socks....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 387 words · Cynthia Holloway

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

A Necessary Part of Digestion Digestive enzymes are substances that help youdigestyour food. Some conditions can result in digestiveenzyme deficiencies, such as lactose intolerance or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. In that case, supplementation with foods, over-the-counter supplements, or prescription digestive enzyme supplements may be necessary. Rost-9D / Getty Images Keep reading to learn about different types of digestive enzymes and how they work. Rost-9D / Getty Images What Are Digestive Enzymes? This is because the pancreas secretes several key enzymes....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 758 words · Christina Holloway

What Are Diverticula?

Diverticula are bulges in the lining of the wall of the intestinal tract. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, is when diverticula become infected. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Both diverticula and diverticulitis can be labeled diverticular disease. About half of adults aged 60 or older live with diverticula. Most people with diverticula do not experience symptoms or complications....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 284 words · Craig Hansen

What Are Dust Mite Bites?

Dust mites can also trigger the symptoms ofallergic rhinitis(hay fever) orasthma, includingwheezingandshortness of breath. This article describes the symptoms of a dust mite allergy, including how the condition is diagnosed and treated. It also offers tips on how to get rid of dust mites. Laura Porter / Verywell Laura Porter / Verywell Where Do Dust Mites Come From? Dust mites are a microscopic, eight-legged insect belonging to theDermatophagoidesfamily. When these items are disturbed, decomposed dust mites and dried waste products can become airborne and be inhaled....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 356 words · Brian Young

What Are Emulsifiers in Food and Should You Avoid Them?

What Are Emulsifiers? These components improve the texture and consistency of some foods, making them more appealing to consumers. Added lecithins are also what makes certain chocolates velvety smooth. Grace Cary / Getty Images Emusifying pectins are also naturally present in fruits such as apples and pears. It’s possible to emulsify foods yourself without using additives. But recent data has brought the question of whether emulsifier intake is linked to heart problems to light....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 169 words · Charles Jackson