A colon stricture is a narrowing of part of thecolon, the organ that forms the large intestine. They occur in people withcolon cancerorinflammatory bowel disease(IBD). Strictures can often be corrected, but they can be life-threatening if left untreated and block the colon completely. Squaredpixels / Getty Images Read on to learn more about colon strictures, including causes and treatment. Squaredpixels / Getty Images What Causes a Colon Stricture? A narrowing in any part of the intestine is a stricture....

This includes thelarge intestine, the anus, and the rectum. The colon then has a turn into the transverse colon which goes across the abdomen from right to left. Next is another turn into the descending colon which goes down the left side of the abdomen. RUNSTUDIO / Getty Images The last part is the sigmoid colon, which curves down to the rectum. The rectum is located between the large intestine and the anus and is the last part of the colon....

It also discusses a colposcopy biopsy and what the results may mean. Illustration by Emily Roberts for Verywell Health Why Is a Colposcopy Done? A colposcopy allows your healthcare provider to get a better look at your cervix and vaginal walls. Illustration by Emily Roberts for Verywell Health It is used to examine lesions or abnormalities with the aid of magnification. A biopsy is sometimes taken during a colposcopy. Colposcopy Risks and Contraindications In general, colposcopy is considered safe....

The test gives information about your liver and kidney functioning, fluid balance, andelectrolyte levels. It also provides information about your body’selectrolytesand fluid balance. A CMP is typically done as part of your yearly checkup. Rafe Swan / Getty Images It can also be ordered if you are ill and hospitalized. These conditions include: The CMP doesn’t necessarily diagnose a single condition. A CMP test shows the following measurements. Your AST or ALT may be high for several reasons, not all of them serious....

One common treatment for knee and elbow joint injuries is to apply a compression brace. You should work closely with your physician orphysical therapistto determine if a brace is right for your specific condition. Guido Mieth/Getty Images Compression Braces vs. Guido Mieth/Getty Images Sleeves People often confuse compression braces and knee sleeves, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Compression sleeves can be worn discreetly under clothing. Metal hinges allow for some motion to occur while stabilizing your joint in specific directions....

However, clinicians could not always agree on what defined each severity level. Sometimes, concussions are defined by where they cause the most symptoms. A cervical concussion puts pressure on the neck or spinal cord and may cause headaches. skynesher / Getty Images Here are the symptoms distinguishing a mild TBI from a moderate to severe one. Contact a healthcare provider if new symptoms emerge, such as headaches, new concentration problems, or dizziness....

The therapy is called passive because you let the machine do the work. This article will explain what CPM is and what to expect before and after therapy. It will also describe some of the risks of CPM therapy and whether they actually help. angkhan / Getty Images What Does a CPM Machine Do? A CPM machine is used during the first phase of rehabilitation following joint injury or surgery....

Understanding Cortisone Flares Cortisone shots offer fast and lasting relief for many people with joint pain. The shots are commonly injected into the shoulder, knee, wrist, or foot. But not everyone has a good experience. Verywell / Emily Roberts Some people have a reaction to acortisoneshot called a flare, sometimes called a “steroid flair.” Verywell / Emily Roberts What Causes a Cortisone Flare? The flare, including symptoms such as pain and swelling, is an immune response....

A fractured rib is the preferred medical term for a cracked or broken rib. But there are other types of rib fractures. Displaced and Nondisplaced Rib Fractures Completely broken ribs may or may not move out of place. Verywell / Cindy Chung Ribs that stay in placeusually ribs that are not completely broken in halfare called nondisplaced rib fractures. This section of a broken ribcage is called aflail segment. This is much more dangerous as it can puncture the lungs and cause other serious complications, likepneumonia....

They can appear quickly or grow slowly over time. Most cysts are benign (not cancerous) and can appear almost anywhere in the body. They are typically painless and do not require treatment. jarabee123 / iStock / Getty Images Treatment options range from watchful waiting to surgery. This article discusses the different types of cysts, their causes and symptoms, and how they are treated. to seek medical care. Epidermoid Cysts and Sebaceous Cysts These cysts occur under the skin....

What is the death rattle? Studies have shown that the death rattle is heard to some degree in roughly half of dying people. Science has shown that dying is an active process. CandyBoxImages / iStockphoto The death rattle is one of those steps and one that means death is near. Is It Uncomfortable? The death rattle doesnotmean the person is “drowning” or having a “bad” death. Even some treatments for a death rattle won’t necessarily change the sounds....

In the 1990s, people began using dental dams for oral sex. Originally called Glyde Dam Lollyes, the product now is available as Sheer Glyde Dams. They prevent the transmission of viruses and other microbes from one partner to another directly or via body fluids. Alina Rudya/Bell Collective / Getty Images Types Most dental dams are made of latex. However, there are versions made of polyurethane for people who areallergic to latex....

DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, meaning two X-ray beams are aimed at the bones during the scan. It is also called a central DEXA scan,bone densitometry scan, or DXA scan. This article explains a DEXA scan, who might need one, the procedure, and the results. Illustration by Cindy Chung What Is a DEXA Bone Scan? A DEXA scan can diagnose if someone has osteoporosis or bone thinning. It usesX-raysand determines a bone mineral density (BMD) score....