Absolute Neutrophils, Explained

An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) measures the amount of a specificwhite blood cellcalled aneutrophilin a blood sample. It may be used to check for inflammation, infection, lymphoma, leukemia, and other conditions. A lower absolute neutrophil count correlates to a higher risk of infection. Simon Fraser / Getty Images An ANC less than 500 signals a person is at an elevated risk of infection. The test doesn’t explain why a neutrophil count is high or low....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 246 words · Jenna Kirk

ACE Inhibitors vs. Beta Blockers: How Are They Different?

However, they are both effective in lowering blood pressure and treating other heart conditions. blackCAT / Getty Images ACE Inhibitors vs Beta Blockers: What’s the Difference? As the name suggests,angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitorsstop the hormone production that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. blackCAT / Getty Images Angiotensin II narrows blood vessels, increasing blood pressure and forcing the heart to work harder. The inhibition of this hormone relaxes the veins and arteries and lowers blood pressure....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 580 words · Paul Stewart

Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

Or do you just reach for whatever is handy? The fact is that pain relievers are all different in significant ways. Chemicals in the body calledprostaglandinsplay a role in transmitting pain, generating fever, and causing inflammation. Verywell / Photo Illustration by Michela Buttignol / Getty Images Acetaminophen and ibuprofen block enzymes (calledCOX enzymes) the body needs to make prostaglandins. Acetaminophenonly works in the brain, while NSAIDs work in the brain and the rest of the body....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 564 words · Nicole Taylor

Acetaminophen vs. Paracetamol: Is There a Difference?

Paracetamol is another name for acetaminophen. Specifically, the term paracetamol is used in European countries, Australia, India, and New Zealand. While in the USA, Canada, and various other countries, it is called acetaminophen. Jorge Martinez / Getty Images Acetaminophen and paracetamol are categorized as bothnon-opioidanalgesics(pain relievers)andantipyreticagents (fever relievers). However, there may be some differences between recommended doses and available strengths of the known brands. Both are well-tolerated and safe, without adverse effects typically observed with aspirin....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 525 words · Tyrone Rodriguez

Achilles Tendonitis Exercises

Achilles tendonitis exercises can relieve pain and prevent recurrent injuries. Typically,Achilles tendonitiscauses inflammation andpain along the back of the calfand heel. It can cause severe pain and stiffness and limit daily activities like walking and performing basic tasks. Verywell / Joules Garcia Proper stretching and strengthening exercises may relieve these symptoms. Depending on the pop in of injury you have, your provider may recommendflexibility stretchesorstrength-building movements. Exercises that build or restore flexibility in the calf muscles will reduce this strain....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 247 words · Kenneth Williams

ACL Repair vs. ACL Reconstruction

Traditionally,anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)injuries have been treated with surgical reconstruction. This means, that the torn ligament is replaced with newACL graft tissue. Performing ACL repair surgery has been done for several decades, but it has never worked very well. UpperCut Images / Getty Images Results were always much worse when compared with ACL reconstruction. ACL Repair ACL repair surgery has never worked very well. Studies have found that these people often needed additional surgical procedures....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 465 words · Justin Watson

ACL Surgery: How to Prepare

Theanterior cruciate ligament (ACL)is a primary stabilizing structure in the knee. When it is injured or torn, repair requires an extensive recovery period. While surgery is an option for management of anACL injury, treatment begins long before your surgery date. Pornpak Khunatorn / iStock / Getty Images you’ve got the option to typically go home the same day as your surgery. If you have anyproblems from anesthesia, you may need to be monitored in the hospital overnight....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 236 words · Amanda Garner

ACL Surgery: Overview

Theanterior cruciate ligament (ACL)is one of four primary ligaments that provides stability to theknee joint. If theACL is torn, surgery may be needed to restore knee function. Thomas Barwick / Getty Images What Is ACL Surgery? Thomas Barwick / Getty Images ACL surgery entails reconstructing the ligament using a tendon graft. Research suggests there is no benefit to using one throw in of graft versus another. Various Surgical Techniques Most ACL surgeries are performedarthroscopically....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 340 words · John Martinez

ACL Surgery: What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

The surgery is performedarthroscopically(with small incisions) by anorthopedic surgeonunder generalanesthesiain a hospital or surgical center. After that, you will go to a pre-operative room. You will then be given anesthesia medication to put you to sleep. ViktorCap / Getty Images There are a fewACL graft optionsthat may be considered. Anallograft(a tendon from a deceased donor) is another option that is commonly used. A drill is used to make a tunnel in the shin bone....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 234 words · Robert Bell

Acne Cosmetica: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Acne cosmetica looks like small bumps across the surface of the skin or scalp. The skin will look and feel rough. Manycomedones, and possibly some smallpapulesandpustules, will be present. JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images There usually is little to no inflammation. It also includes treatment options and ways it’s possible for you to prevent this form of acne. Acne Cosmetica Causes Acne cosmetica is brought on by the use ofcomedogenichair or skin care products....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 754 words · Elizabeth Moreno

Acne Face Map: How to Identify Causes of Your Breakouts

Also, several versions exist in these traditions, with different details. When this happens, the solution is to stop using the acne-causing products. Cheeks Having acne on your cheeks is relatively common. Maksym Belchenko / Getty Images Cheek acne can occur as a result of using dirty makeup brushes or pore-clogging skin care products and makeup. Research indicates that adult female acne occurs as a possible symptom of excess androgen hormones, calledhyperandrogenism....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 306 words · Clarence Hurst

Acne Papules: Causes and Treatments

An acnepapuleis a bang out of inflamed blemish more commonly known as a pimple or zit. It looks like a slightly raised red bump on the skin. Papules form when there is a high break in the pore wall. DermNet / CC BY-NC-NDOwner An acne papule often turns into apustule, a pimple that is filled with white or yellow pus. It is only at this point that a zit can be popped....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 477 words · Randall Butler

Acne Products May Release Benzene Even at Room Temperature, Study Shows

The FDA did not respond to Verywell’s inquiry about the petition. “The potential degradation of benzoyl peroxide into benzene has been a topic of concern in dermatology. “However, we also must not overreact,” Barbieri added. Boyloso / Getty Images Published online October 2024:S0022202X24021559. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2024.09.009 Kucera K, Zenzola N, Hudspeth A, et al.Benzoyl peroxide drug products form benzene.Environ Health Perspect. 2024;132(3):037702. doi:10.1289/EHP13984

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 61 words · Kimberly Baker