What Is Allicin?

Allicin is derived from garlic. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Verywell / Getty Images Many studies have shown that the allicin in garlic may support health in various ways. Here’s a look at some of the more compelling evidence. Their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) was about 5 points lower. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 585 words · Kathryn Alexander

What Is Allodynia?

Treatment for allodynia may include medications, such as Neurontin or tricyclic antidepressants, and topical pain relievers. Outside of these conditions, allodynia is a rare symptom. Tatsiana Volkava / Getty Images Allodynia Symptoms Allodynia doesn’t feel the same for everyone. Tatsiana Volkava / Getty Images For some people, allodynia is a sharp pain, while others describe it as burning or stinging. Many people with allodynia experience skin pain that feels like a bad sunburn....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 433 words · Jasmine Willis

What Is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areatais anautoimmune disordercharacterized by the rapid onset of hair loss in a sharply defined area. Children, teens, and adults can be affected and genetics play a part in who develops it. The most common symptoms of alopecia areata include: Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023. Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023. “Exclamation-mark” hairs may be seen at the margin of the patch....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 431 words · Kristen Lewis

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

It worsens over time until it severely affects how those with the disease function and interact with the world. Read more to learn about Alzheimers symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and related topics. Although dementia typically affects older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. yaom / Getty Images Alzheimers disease is the most common form, affecting around 6080% of people with dementia. Early-Onset vs. Late-Onset Alzheimers Most people with Alzheimers have late-onset disease, affecting people 65 and older....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 677 words · Paige Willis

What Is an Abrasion?

Abrasions, scrapes, or grazes are superficial or surface-levelskinwounds or injuries. Abrasions are typically not a cause for concern. In most cases, abrasions can be treated at home with minimal effort. kali9 / Getty Images There are, however, some cases where abrasions may require examination by a healthcare provider. kali9 / Getty Images Types Abrasions are a key in of skin wound. There are two types of abrasions: Minor and deep....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 281 words · Matthew Jackson

What Is an Acute (or Sudden) Stroke?

An acute stroke, like most forms ofstroke, starts suddenly and worsens rapidly. If you notice any of these signs, get medical help immediately. It is not possible to predict how severe a stroke will become or how long it will persist. utah778 / Getting Images If you have a TIA, you probably have at least one stroke risk factor. It can be either ischemic or hemorrhagic. Several conditions can predispose a person to an ischemic stroke....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 187 words · Christine Coleman

What Is an Adam’s Apple?

It protects the voice box. Although an Adams apple is commonly considered a male trait, all people have one. The size of an Adam’s apple is affected by changes in the body during puberty. People Images / Getty Images It’s where the Adam’s apple is, and it’s larger in males. Reducing the size of an Adam’s apple is calledchondrolaryngoplasty. Function of the Adam’s Apple The Adam’s apple bump itself has no purpose....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 269 words · Donald Jackson

What Is an Allele?

Alleles are gene copies that decide traits and characteristics Alleles are copies of genes that influence hereditary characteristics. Each person inherits at least two alleles for a particular geneone allele from each parent. They are also called allelomorphs. Verywell / Jessica Olah Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the hereditary material that humans and other living organisms get from each parent. Half of a person’s DNA comes from their mother, and the other half comes from their father....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 239 words · Christopher Gillespie

What is an Allergy Cough and How Do I Get Over It?

The cough is typicallydry and non-productive, meaning it doesn’t bring up mucus. It is sometimes described as having a “barking” or “hacking” sound. An allergy cough will last until its treated or you remove the allergen that triggered it. Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health Allergy coughs can sometimes be hard to tell from conditions like asthma or anupper respiratory tract infection. An allergy can also set offasthma, which can cause a cough and trouble breathing....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 451 words · Terri Bender

What Is an Aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a disorder of the vascular system. It involves a weakening in part of an artery wall, causing the artery to stretch and balloon out. The larger the aneurysm, the higher the risk for it to rupture. Reza Estakhrian / Getty Images For example, a rupturedbrain aneurysmcould result in astroke. Its very important to see your healthcare provider if you suspect that you have an aneurysm. If you have signs of a ruptured aneurysm, seek emergency medical care right away....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 240 words · Victor Martin

What Is an Antigen?

Learn more about antigens and howthe immune systeminteracts with them to protect you. The Immune System The human body relies on certain defenses to help keep sickness at bay. The immune system triggers a response that produces cells and proteins to fight off infections. KTSDESIGN / Science Photo Library / Getty Images There are two types of immunity at work within the bodyinnate and acquired. When receptors on white blood cells bind to antigens, this triggers the immune response....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 412 words · Phillip Smith

What Is an Ear Infection?

Ear infections can occur in the inner, middle, and outer parts of the ear. Outer ear infections are the most common for adults. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause ear infections. Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health Treatment for an ear infection ranges from self-care to surgery, depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms can come and go or remain constant. They also range in severity, depending on the level of infection....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 636 words · Sylvia Mills

What is an Endocervical Curettage?

Anendocervical curettageis a procedure performed after abnormal results from aPap test. Studies show that colposcopy biopsies may not detect 30% to 50%of common high-gradecervical precancers. For better accuracy in detecting cervical precancers, medical experts recommend taking multiple lesion-directed biopsies and endocervical curettage. The Good Brigade / Getty Images They will discuss the procedure and answer any questions you may have. If you are pregnant or think youre pregnant, inform your doctor....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 218 words · Robert Rodriguez