What Is Dysentery?

Although dysentery was more common historically, people still get dysentery today. About half a million people in the United States get dysentery each year. Heres what you should know about the signs of dysentery, and when to get medical attention. Verywell / Laura Porter What Is Dysentery? Dysentery is severediarrheathat is sparked by infection. Dysentery Symptoms and Types There are two types of dysentery, both resulting from microorganisms. The most common in the United States, and around the world is bacillary dysentery....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 477 words · Kimberly Fisher

What is Dysgeusia? Causes and Treatments

Dealing With an Altered Sense of Taste Dysgeusia is a taste disorder that causes foods to taste weird. In most cases, this altered sense of taste goes away on its own. A virus like COVID-19 or the common cold can trigger dysgeusia. Thomas Barwick / Getty Images It can also be a side effect of chemotherapy or other medication. Dysgeusia is common during pregnancy and with certain vitamin deficiencies. It typically goes away once the underlying cause has been resolved....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 730 words · Matthew Rivera

What Is Dyspareunia?

Some people developpain in the genital area before, during, or after sexual intercourse. That pain is referred to medically as dyspareunia. Though it is more likely to occur in cis women, anyone can experience dyspareunia. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for those with dyspareunia. Entry dyspareunia describes pain during the initial penetration period of sexual intercourse. Deep dyspareunia is the pop in that develops during sexual intercourse when deep penetration occurs....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 303 words · Kathy Wilson

What Is Dyspnea?

Dyspnea is shortness of breath that is often described as a feeling of being “hungry for air.” Dyspnea is uncomfortable and it can even be painful. If you experience recurrent, sudden, or severe shortness of breath, you should see a healthcare provider. izusek / Getty Images You may need urgent medical intervention, and long-term management will depend on the cause of your dyspnea. It can also be acute, occurring suddenly and causing you to feel frightened or overwhelmed....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 603 words · Nicole Mathews

What Is Dystonia?

The movements can interfere with daily life and cause physical discomfort. For some people with dystonia, the appearance of the movements can be embarrassing or distracting. Dystonia is not dangerous or life-threatening, but it can interfere with the quality of life. BraunS / Getty Images Medical treatments can help alleviate dystonia. The term for this is multifocal dystonia. The same movements may recur frequently every day. Unlike a seizure, dystonic movements do not rapidly recur within a few seconds or minutes....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 360 words · Charles Cooke

What Is Early Pregnancy Bleeding?

Earlypregnancybleeding refers to vaginal bleeding during the first trimester, or the first three months of pregnancy. It usually occurs after fertilization when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of youruterus. This throw in of bleeding is also sometimes called implantation bleeding. Mike Harrington / Getty Images While bleeding during pregnancy may seem like a problem, it’s actually very common early on. Even so, it’s best to talk to yourobstetrician-gynecologistif you experience any kind of bleeding during your pregnancy....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 439 words · Jeremy Butler

What Is Eclampsia?

A Severe Complication of Pregnancy Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy that presents with seizures. However, some pregnant people do not show any signs of preeclampsia before having a seizure. Jovanmandic / Getty Images Signs and Symptoms of Eclampsia Symptoms of eclampsia can be severe and life-threatening. Jovanmandic / Getty Images Elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine are the most obvious clinical signs of preeclampsia. Swelling of the face and hands is also a common symptom....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 441 words · Jenny Fuentes

What Is Electronystagmography?

It looks at specific nerves in the brain such as thevestibular nerve,oculomotor nerve, andtrochlearandabducens nerves. It is commonly used to diagnosevertigoor other conditions that cause issues with balance. This article reviews the electronystagmography procedure and why it’s used. FG Trade / Getty Images Vestibular dysfunction takes place if there are issues within the sensory system that cause balance or coordination issues. This test is considered the gold standard when it comes to diagnosing conditions such asvertigo....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 419 words · Christopher Kemp

What Is Emphysema?

Emphysema affects roughly three million Americans.It is associated with severe disability and decreasedlife expectancy. These are periods when symptoms become worse and require hospitalization. Exacerbations may be precipitated by infections or exposure to air pollution, wood smoke, or even perfume. Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee Complications Emphysema can lead toexercise intoleranceandmuscle atrophy. If your COPD symptoms are worsening, speak with your healthcare provider about the possibility of lung cancer. Lung cancer is far more curable when diagnosed in the early stages of the disease....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 368 words · Timothy Miller

What Is en Caul Birth?

Abdominal or cesarean (c-section) en caul births are sometimes done intentionally using surgical techniques. A vaginal en caul delivery is rare but can happen. Ariel Skelley / Getty Images What Happens in an en Caul Birth? Ariel Skelley / Getty Images (Thats why an en caul birth is also called a mermaid birth). Vaginal en caul births are very rare. Is a Caul Birth the Same as an en Caul Birth?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 317 words · Brian Hughes

What Is Endometritis?

Endometritisis inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). It is different fromendometriosis. An infection usually causes the inflammation associated with endometritis. SDI Productions / Getty Images It is the most common infection after the delivery of a baby. Endometritis is not life-threatening but requires treatment right away. When not treated with antibiotics, endometritis can lead to severe complications, including infertility. This article will provide an overview of endometritis, including the symptoms, causes, and treatments....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 363 words · Nicholas May

What Is Endoscopic Ultrasound?

Sometimes a biopsy may be taken during the procedure to get a sample or more information. You are not awake during the procedure and should not feel any pain. Endoscopic ultrasound is a very safe procedure. Verywell/Emily Roberts Endoscopic Ultrasound Indications Endoscopic ultrasound is helpful for seeing parts of the digestive system. It may be ordered to confirm or rule out a suspected digestive disease or a condition. An EUS will give more detailed information than an X-ray or an external ultrasound....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 300 words · Cassandra Edwards

What Is Endothelial Dysfunction?

Fortunately, endothelial dysfunction is often reversible. Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins can also treat the condition. This article discusses endothelial dysfunction, including its symptoms and causes. Science Photo Library - PASIEKA/Getty Images It also covers how endothelial dysfunction is diagnosed and treated. This layer has several critical functions in the body. The endothelium maintains the proper dilation and constriction of the blood vessels. This function determines how much blood is received by the body’s various tissues on a moment-to-moment basis....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 336 words · Miss Heather Curry MD