What Is Opioid-Induced Constipation?

Opioid-induced constipation is different from other forms of chronic constipation and requires specialized treatment. Other symptoms of opioid-induced constipation may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. Opioid-induced constipation is often treated both with medications and lifestyle changes. d3sign / Getty Images This article will provide an overview of opioid-induced constipation, including common symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Opioid drugs are medications used to treat acute or chronic pain. Opioid drugs affect the mu receptors in the gastrointestinal tract....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 620 words · Kevin Bell

What Is Oral Cancer?

A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. The vast majority of oral cancers are squamous cell cancers. Squamous cells are the thin, flat cells that line the mouth and throat. Verywell / Emily Roberts Much less commonly, non-squamous cell oral cancers like salivary gland tumors or lymphoma may develop. Oral surgeons and oral medicine dentists may also specialize in oral cancers. Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 364 words · Peter Hill

What Is Oral Chemotherapy?

Oral chemotherapy includes pills, capsules, and liquids used to treatcancer. Unlike intravenous (IV) chemotherapy, oral treatments can often be taken at home. Chemotherapyworks by damaging rapidly growing cells. FatCamera / Getty Images Cancer cells grow and divide at an out-of-control rate, and chemotherapy can interrupt their cell cycles. This is what causes chemotherapys side effects, but most healthy cells can eventually recover. The goal of chemotherapy is to treat or eliminate cancer....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 832 words · Heather Rivers

What Is Oscillopsia?

This article describes the symptoms and causes of oscillopsia, including how it is diagnosed and treated. People with oscillopsia often report that they see things jumping, vibrating, shaking, or jiggling. This might happen when your head or body is moving or when you’re staying still. Katja Kircher / Getty Images Oscillopsia can trigger other symptoms, such as: What Causes Oscillopsia? Oscillopsia is largely associated with dysfunction of thevestibulo-ocular reflex(VOR). They will also conduct aneye examto check for any problems with your eye alignment....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 292 words · Jamie Wheeler

What Is Osteoarthritis?

The most prevalent bang out of arthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent bang out of arthritis. This wear and tear can increase friction,bone spurring, pain, and stiffness. This article will outline the most common causes, symptoms, and treatments for osteoarthritis. Srdjan Radevic / EyeEm Srdjan Radevic / EyeEm The Anatomy of a Joint When two bones meet, a joint forms. A smooth, slippery coatingcalled cartilagecoats the endings of bones and helps one glide against the other....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 604 words · Matthew Smith

What Is Osteodystrophy?

Osteodystrophy is a medical term used to describe abnormal changes in the growth and formation of bone. It is most commonly the result ofchronic kidney disease. Because the disease is the result of the malabsorption ofcalcium, osteodystrophy is most commonly treated with calcium supplements. Osteodystrophy doesn’t manifest in the same way in everyone. A less common cause of osteodystrophy is severe primaryhyperparathyroidism(overactive parathyroid glands). The parathyroid glands help regulate calcium levels by releasing hormones into the blood....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 716 words · Eric Reyes

What Is Ovulation Bleeding and How to Identify It

Ovulation bleeding is light vaginal bleeding that happens when you ovulate. Spotting duringovulationisn’t common, but it typically isn’t cause for concern. How Much Bleeding Is Normal During Ovulation? Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health Ovulation bleeding tends to be light. It may only involve a few drops of blood on your underwear. Fortunately, spotting due to ovulation looks different from period bleeding or another cause. Treatment Ovulation bleeding does not usually require treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 171 words · Patrick Brooks

What Is Ovulation?

Ovulation triggers when a persons ovaries release a mature egg. This usually happens about halfway through the menstrual cycle, on or about day 14. If an egg is fertilized and implants in the uterus, a pregnancy results. Knowing when you ovulate can help youget pregnantor avoid pregnancy. Process Who Ovulates? Most people with ovaries who have gone throughpubertybut have not yet gone throughmenopausehave amenstrual cycleand therefore ovulate. Ovulation happens when an egg is released from the ovaries....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 444 words · Allison West

What Is Pachymeningitis?

The dura mater is the tough, outermost layer of tissue surrounding the brain andspinal cord. It is one of the three layers that make up themeninges. This article will cover pachymeningitis symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Andrew Brookes / Getty Images In some cases, there are no symptoms at all. Pachymeningitis symptoms can include: Damage of the brain and spinal cord can occur with increased pressure from pachymeningitis. The brain is surrounded by the skull, which is a fixed space....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 304 words · Sarah Vazquez

What Is Palliative Care and How Does It Differ From Hospice?

This article explores the elements of palliative care along with the types of treatments that may be involved. It also details when palliative care is needed, including the criteria used by healthcare professionals and health insurers. What Is Palliative Care? LPETTET / Getty Images Palliative care isnotrestricted to people receiving end-of-life care. Who Provides Palliative Care? Palliative care is typically carried out by a team of professionals who can address multiple concerns....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 357 words · Duane Randall

What Is Palmar Erythema?

Palmar erythemais a skin condition in which the palms of the hands develop a red rash. The rash is usually not itchy or painful. Palmar erythema may occur on its own, or it may occur secondarily to a more serious underlying disease. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health It is not harmful by itself, although it may be a warning sign of an underlying condition. In this article, learn more about palmar erythema and its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 384 words · Tina Harper

What Is Pancolitis?

Pancolitisis inflammation of the entirecolon, or large intestine. The exact cause of pancolitis is not well understood. However, it may be brought on by certain intestinal infections or other inflammatory conditions. PixelsEffect / E+ / Getty Images Pancolitis is also known as pan-ulcerative colitis, extensive colitis, total colitis, or universal colitis. It is a chronic disease, meaning it is often brought on slowly over a long period of time. Surgery can be curative, and it can be controlled with medications....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 429 words · Paul Ward

What Is Papular Eczema?

These bumps, or papules, can appear anywhere on the body. A papule is a raised area on the skin usually less than one centimeter in diameter. Papular eczema may also be referred to as atopic dermatitis or subacute prurigo. Fajrul Islam / Getty Images Everyones eczema triggers are different, but identifying and avoiding your triggers can help you avoid eczema flares. Diagnosis Papular eczema is primarily diagnosed by sight in a physical exam....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 353 words · Diana Maldonado