Health A-Z Medical Reference

A bite from an infected tick leads to this infection. The telltale sign is high fever that comes and goes. Here’s what you need to know about tick-borne relapsing fever.

Researchers have discovered a new view of the interstitium, a series of fluid-filled spaces in the body. They’re suggesting that it may qualify as a full-fledged organ.

You've just been diagnosed, and now your health care team is assembled. Doctors, nurses, specialists, technicians, and more may all take part in your treatment.

It’s common for people with sickle cell disease to have pain. Here’s how you find relief.

The procedure is the only cure for sickle cell disease, but it’s a long, complex process.

Sickle cell disease can cause other health problems. Learn how to treat and prevent these complications.

Splenic sequestration is a dangerous complication of sickle cell disease. Learn more about what happens, the signs, how it's diagnosed, and common treatments.

"Sweating blood" is a rare -- but real -- medical condition. Learn why hematidrosis happens and what doctors can do about it.

Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common gut bacteria, causes problems when it moves outside the gut and causes infection. Learn about its symptoms and treatment.

Does your face, cheek, jaw, or eyes feel numb? Here are some possible possible causes of facial numbness and tips on what to do next.

Your hair says a lot about you, and not just because of how you style it. Tests on your hair can reveal your DNA, drugs you’ve taken, and toxins you’ve been exposed to.

Bubonic plague isn’t history - it’s still around and still dangerous. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of the 'black death.'

Getting tested for malaria? Learn about the different types of tests doctors use to test for malaria in your body and how the exam is performed.

Measuring carbon dioxide in your blood with a bicarbonate test can give doctors a clue to what ails you.

An Allen test is a simple way to check how well blood flows through your hands. Find out why you may need the test, how it’s done, and what the results mean.

Your genetic blueprint can help solve crimes or cure disease.

Heavy metals like lead and mercury are toxic and can make you sick. Learn about the symptoms, sources, diagnosis and treatment for heavy metal poisoning and toxicity.

This is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. An estimated GFR test (eGFR) can give your doctor some important information about those organs.

Uremia, or uremic syndrome, happens if your kidneys don't filter your blood the way they should. Read about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Keep your kidneys healthy by staying away from these drugs and medications.

A simple blood test can show if you've had rubella (German measles) recently or if you're immune to it. Find out more about this test and their results.

The Coombs test checks your blood for antibodies that attack red blood cells. It can help prevent and diagnose problems. Find out how it's used and what it means.

Trying to make sense of your lab test results? Learn more about what they mean -- and what you need to do next.

Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition. It's the result of a rapid loss of blood or body fluids. Find out what can cause it and what you can do about it.

This rare tumor on the pancreas makes more insulin than your body needs. Treatments can cure the condition.