Health A-Z Medical Reference
- Hearing Tests for Adults: What to Expect
Hearing loss is common among adults and can be caught with a hearing test. Find out what happens during the test, how often they’re given and what follow-up may be needed.
- What Is an Immunoglobulin Test?
An immunoglobulin test checks how well your immune system works. Learn why you might need this test.
- Hearing Tests for Babies: What to Expect
Your newborn will get hearing tests. Find out what happens, what the results mean, and what to expect.
- How Bad Is My Hearing Loss?
Adults can have different degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound. Learn which sounds people aren’t able to hear with different degrees of hearing loss.
- Sepsis Symptoms and Treatment
WebMD explains sepsis, a severe blood infection that can lead to organ failure and death.
- Would an MRI Be Unsafe for Me?
An MRI can help your doctor diagnose you and monitor your treatment, but it isn't right for everyone. Learn what you should talk to your doctor about and when you should avoid this test.
- What Is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a drug-resistant germ. Here's what to know about preventing and dealing with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- What Are the Types of Diverticular Disease?
If you have constant stomach problems, you may have diverticular disease. Find out what it is, what the symptoms are, and how it’s treated.
- Lactic Acid Blood Test: What Your Levels Mean
Lactic acid is perfectly safe at low levels, but it can cause major problems when it builds up. If your doctor suspects that this is the case, you’ll probably have a lactic acid blood test.
- MRI: What You Need to Know
An MRI is a common test that lets doctors see inside your body. Find out how they use it and how to prepare for an MRI.
- What Is Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia?
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can make you feel tired, weak, and short of breath. Learn what triggers this type of anemia, and how to treat it.
- What Is Chondrodysplasia?
Chondrodysplasia is a collection of diseases that can affect a person’s stature, and, with some forms, many other aspects of their health.
- What is an Iron Blood Test?
An iron blood test can show whether you have too much or too little of this important mineral in your blood. Find out why your doctor might call for this test, and what the results mean.
- Mono Symptoms
How much do you know about mononucleosis? Get the facts on "mono" from the experts at WebMD.
- What Is a Growth Hormone Stimulation Test?
Too much or too little of growth hormone may cause metabolism or development issues. Here’s what you should know about GH testing.
- Broken Toe
It can be hard to tell if an injured toe is broken or just badly hurt. Learn the symptoms of a broken toe, when to call your doctor, and how to best care for it.
- What Is a Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test?
The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test has a wide range of uses. Learn what they are and what the results can tell you about your health.
- ACTH Test
Your doctor may suggest an ACTH test to find out if you have too much or too little cortisol. Learn what to expect and what you can learn from this blood test.
- Ferritin Blood Test: High vs. Low Levels
A ferritin blood test shows how much iron is stored in your body. Find out why you might need this test and how it’s done.
- Can I Take a Home Test for a UTI?
So, you think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Should you take a UTI home test, or wait to see your doctor? Find out whether these home tests are effective and what your next steps should be.
- What Is von Willebrand Disease?
Von Willebrand disease is a lifelong bleeding disorder. Learn about the different types of this condition, as well as its causes and treatments.
- What Are Malaria Pills?
Malaria pills lower your chance of getting sick with the tropical disease. Although they aren’t 100% effective, they are an important way to reduce your chances of getting malaria while traveling.
- Iron Overload: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Hemochromatosis is a condition where your body absorbs too much iron. Find out what causes it and what treatments are available.
- Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Malaria can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. Learn more about the disease and its new vaccine.
- Tests and Treatments for Mono
Learn more about the tests and treatment options for mononucleosis, aka "mono."
- Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a blood disorder that affects the ability of the blood to get oxygen to the body’s organs. Learn more about this genetic condition, and how it’s diagnosed and treated.
- What Is Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia?
Anemia isn’t always caused by a lack of iron. Not getting enough folate can harm your health, too.
- Mononucleosis (Kissing Disease): Symptoms and Treatment
Mononucleosis is sometimes called “the kissing disease,” but kissing isn’t the only way you can get it. Learn how to spot the signs of mono and get the right treatment.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
If you’re having a lot of pain, stiffness, and trouble moving your shoulder, you may have a condition called frozen shoulder. Learn how to spot the signs and get treatment.
- Sprained Finger
If you hurt your hand in a sports game or fall, you may be noticing pain or swelling in one of your fingers. But is the injury a sprain? Learn how to spot the signs of a finger sprain and treat your symptoms.
- Do I have a Broken Rib?
You may break a rib if you’re hit hard in the chest. Learn how your doctor may treat a broken rib and what problems may arise from such a break.
- Lymphedema: What to Know
Lymphedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid under your skin. It affects your arms or legs. Find out why it happens and what the treatment is.
- General Anesthesia
You might need general anesthesia if you have surgery. It makes you go into a deep sleep, and you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Find out how it works and what the possible risks are.
- Ankle Sprain vs. Broken Ankle
You may not be able to tell the difference between an ankle sprain and an ankle fracture by their symptoms alone. To get the right treatment, it’s important to know which injury you have.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): An Overview
Your blood holds secrets about your health. Find out about what a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) blood test can reveal.
- What is Acute Chest Syndrome?
Acute chest syndrome is one of the most serious problems that people with sickle cell disease (SCD) can have. If it happens to you, you’ll need medical attention right away, before it becomes life-threatening.
- What Is Cortisol?
Cortisol -- your “fight-or-flight” hormone -- is designed to let you know when you’re danger. But too much or too of it can throw your whole body out of whack. Learn why.
- Everything You Should Know About Cortisol Tests
Blood, saliva, and urine tests for cortisol: WebMD tells you what they do.
- What if a Kidney Donor Needs a Transplant Later?
What happens if your remaining kidney fails after you become a kidney donor?
- What Is a Blood Culture Test?
If your doctor thinks you have the symptoms of a serious infection, they may order a blood culture test. Learn why you might need this test and what to expect.
- Plasma
Your blood is made up of different components, and plasma is an important one. Learn what plasma is, what it does, and how donating it can help people who need it.
- Is There an Age Cutoff for Kidney Donors?
Can you be too young or too old to donate a kidney?
- Why a Loved One Needs a Kidney Transplant
If you have a loved one with chronic kidney disease, the doctor may suggest a kidney transplant. Learn who can get one, why they’re preferred over dialysis, and what the risks are.
- How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Watch your blood pressure, manage your diabetes, don't smoke, and follow this other advice to take good care of your kidneys.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
Your doctor will probably order a complete blood count (CBC) as part of your yearly physical exam. Learn what this common test is and what your results mean.
- Chronic Kidney Disease
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), choosing the right foods can slow it down and help you stay healthy as possible. Learn which foods to choose and which you may want to avoid.
- What Is a Collapsed Nostril?
Find out what a collapsed nostril or nasal valve collapse is and how it's treated.
- Why Does My Arm Hurt?
Arm pain could be caused by a strain, sprain, or something more serious. Learn about common health conditions that could help explain why your arm hurts.
- Adrenal Fatigue: Is It Real?
Is adrenal fatigue a real condition or not? We look at the pros and cons.
- Altitude Sickness: What to Know
Traveling to a place at a higher elevation than you're used to can make you sick. Learn the symptoms of altitude sickness and what to do if you get it.