Healthleech

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Coughing up blood

Definition Coughing up blood can be caused by a variety of lung conditions. The blood may be bright red or pink and frothy, or it may be mixed with mucus. Also known as hemoptysis (he-MOP-tih-sis), coughing up blood, even in small amounts, can be alarming. However, producing a little blood-tinged sputum isn't uncommon and usually isn't serious. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you're coughing up blood in large quantities or at frequent intervals. Causes Hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood from some part of the lungs (respiratory tract). Blood coming from elsewhere, such as your stomach, can appear to be from the lungs. It's important for your doctor to determine the site of the bleeding, and then determine why you're coughing up blood. The major cause of coughing up blood is chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis. Other possible causes of coughing up blood include: COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) exacerbation — worsening of symptomsCystic fibrosisDrug use, such as crack cocaineForeign bodyGranulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis)Lung abscessLung cancerMitral valve stenosisParasitic infectionPneumoniaPulmonary embolism (blood clot in an artery in the lung)Trauma to the chestTuberculosis Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Read the full article

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Dark circles under eyes

Definition Dark circles under your eyes happen when the skin beneath both eyes appears darkened. It's different from bruising around one eye from an injury or redness and swelling in one eye caused by an infection. Dark circles under your eyes usually are not a sign of a medical problem. Causes Dark circles under the eyes are usually caused by being tired. Sometimes, what appear to be dark circles under your eyes may merely be shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under your eyes that develop as a normal part of aging. Some of the most common causes of true under-eye circles are: AllergiesAtopic dermatitis (eczema)Contact dermatitisFatigueHay fever (allergic rhinitis)HereditySkin pigment irregularitiesRubbing or scratching your eyesSun exposure, which prompts your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colorSkin changes that happen with aging Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. References Friedmann DP, et al. Dark circles: Etiology and management options. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2015;42:33.Vrcek I, et al. Infraorbital dark circles: A review of the pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment. Journal of Cutaneous Aesthetic Surgery. 2016;9:65.Matsui MS, et al. Physiological and lifestyle factors contributing to risk and severity of peri-orbital dark circles in the Brazilian population. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. Read the full article

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Dry orgasm

Definition Dry orgasm occurs when you reach sexual climax but don't release semen from the penis (ejaculate) — or you release very little semen. Semen is the thick, white fluid that carries sperm. Dry orgasm usually isn't harmful, but it can interfere with the ability to father a child. Over time, many men say a dry orgasm feels normal. Causes A dry orgasm can occur as a result of surgery to remove the prostate gland and surrounding lymph nodes (radical prostatectomy) or surgery to remove the bladder (cystectomy). After either of these procedures, you no longer produce semen. Dry orgasm can occur after some surgeries for testicular cancer, such as retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, which can affect the nerves that control orgasm. In some cases of dry orgasm, semen is produced but goes into the bladder instead of out through the penis during sexual climax. This is known as retrograde ejaculation and is most often a consequence of medical procedures, particularly some prostate surgeries. It can also be caused by certain medications and health conditions. In other cases of dry orgasm, men don't produce enough semen to ejaculate because of genetic abnormalities of the reproductive system. Repeated orgasms use up all of the body's fresh semen and sperm. As a result, an orgasm that occurs after repeated orgasms might be dry. This is not a cause for alarm and generally improves after a few hours of rest. Read the full article

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Painful urination (dysuria)

Definition Painful urination (dysuria) is discomfort or burning with urination, usually felt in the tube that carries urine out of your bladder (urethra) or the area surrounding your genitals (perineum). Causes A number of conditions can cause painful urination (dysuria). In women, urinary tract infections are a common cause of painful urination. In men, urethritis and certain prostate conditions are frequent causes of painful urination. Medical conditions and external factors that can cause painful urination include: Bladder stonesChlamydia trachomatisCystitis (bladder inflammation)Drugs, such as those used in cancer treatment, that have bladder irritation as a side effectGenital herpesGonorrheaHaving a recent urinary tract procedure performed, including use of urologic instruments for testing or treatmentKidney infection (pyelonephritis)Kidney stonesProstatitisSexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (STDs)Soaps, perfumes and other personal care productsUrethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra)Urethritis (infection of the urethra)Urinary tract infection (UTI)VaginitisYeast infection (vaginal) Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. References Rakel RE, et al., eds. Urinary tract disorders. In: Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 3, 2017.Henderson MC, et al. Dysuria. Read the full article

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Elbow pain

Definition Elbow pain usually isn't serious, but because you use your elbow in so many ways, elbow pain can be very frustrating. Your elbow is a complex joint; it allows you to both extend and flex, as well as rotate your hand and forearm. Since most movements are a combination of these actions, you may sometimes find it difficult to describe exactly which movement brings on the pain. Causes Elbow pain is often caused by overuse. Many sports, hobbies and jobs require repetitive hand, wrist or arm movements. Elbow pain may occasionally be due to arthritis, but in general, your elbow joint is much less prone to wear-and-tear damage than are many other joints. Common causes of elbow pain include: Broken armBursitis (joint inflammation)Dislocated elbowGolfer's elbowOsteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints)Osteochondritis dissecansRheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)SprainsStress fracturesTendinitisTennis elbowThrowing injuriesTrapped nerves Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. References Kane SF, et al. Evaluation of elbow pain in adults. American Family Physician. 2014;89:649.Anderson BC, et al. Evaluation of elbow pain in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 16, 2016.Pitzer ME, et al. Elbow tendinopathy. Medical Clinics of North America. 2014; 98:833.Sprains, strains and other soft tissue injuries. Read the full article

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Watery eyes

Definition Watery eyes (epiphora) tear persistently or excessively. Depending on the cause, watery eyes may clear up on their own. Self-care measures at home can help treat watery eyes, particularly if caused by inflammation or dry eyes. Causes Watery eyes can be due to many factors and conditions. In infants, persistent watery eyes, often with some matter, are commonly the result of blocked tear ducts. The tear ducts don't produce tears, but rather carry away tears, similar to how a storm drain carries away rainwater. Tears normally drain into your nose through tiny openings (puncta) in the inner part of the lids near the nose. In babies, the tear duct may not be fully open and functioning for the first several months of life. In older adults, persistent watery eyes may occur as the aging skin of the eyelids sags away from the eyeball, allowing tears to accumulate and flow out. Sometimes, excess tear production may cause watery eyes as well. Allergies or viral infections (conjunctivitis), as well as any kind of inflammation, may cause watery eyes for a few days or so. Read the full article

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Eosinophilia

Definition Eosinophilia (e-o-sin-o-FILL-e-uh) is a higher than normal level of eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of disease-fighting white blood cell. This condition most often indicates a parasitic infection, an allergic reaction or cancer. You can have high levels of eosinophils in your blood (blood eosinophilia) or in tissues at the site of an infection or inflammation (tissue eosinophilia). Tissue eosinophilia may be found in samples taken during an exploratory procedure or in samples of certain fluids, such as mucus released from nasal tissues. If you have tissue eosinophilia, the level of eosinophils in your bloodstream is likely normal. Blood eosinophilia may be detected with a blood test, usually as part of a complete blood count. A count of more than 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood is generally considered eosinophilia in adults. A count of more than 1,500 eosinophils per microliter of blood that lasts for several months is called hypereosinophilia. Causes Eosinophils play two roles in your immune system: Destroying foreign substances. Eosinophils can consume foreign substances. For example, they fight substances related to parasitic infection that have been flagged for destruction by your immune system.Regulating inflammation. Eosinophils help promote inflammation, which plays a beneficial role in isolating and controlling a disease site. Read the full article

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High red blood cell count

Definition A high red blood cell count is an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in your bloodstream. Red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs to tissues throughout your body. A high red blood cell count can result from a condition that limits your oxygen supply or a condition that directly increases red blood cell production. The definition of a high red blood cell count varies from one medical practice to another. A normal range in adults is generally considered to be 4.35 to 5.65 million red blood cells per microliter (mcL) of blood for men and 3.92 to 5.13 million red blood cells per mcL of blood for women. In children, the threshold for high red blood cell count varies with age and sex. Causes High red blood cell count may be caused by low oxygen levels, kidney disease or other problems. Read the full article

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Excessive sweating

Definition Excessive sweating is when you sweat more than you might expect based on the surrounding temperature or your activity level or stress. Excessive sweating can disrupt daily activities and cause social anxiety or embarrassment. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis (hi-pur-hi-DROE-sis), can affect your entire body or just certain areas, particularly your palms, soles, underarms or face. The type that typically affects the hands and feet causes at least one episode a week, during waking hours. Causes If heavy sweating has no underlying medical cause, it's called primary hyperhidrosis. This type occurs when the nerves responsible for triggering your sweat glands become overactive and call for more perspiration even when it's not needed. Primary hyperhidrosis may be at least partially hereditary. If the sweating can be attributed to an underlying medical condition, it's called secondary hyperhidrosis. Health conditions that may cause excessive sweating include: Diabetic hypoglycemiaEndocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart)Fever of undetermined causeGeneralized anxiety disorderHeart attackHeat exhaustionHIV/AIDSHyperhidrosisHyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) (overactive thyroid)LeukemiaMalariaMedication side effects, such as sometimes experienced when taking some beta blockers and antidepressantsMenopauseNon-Hodgkin's lymphomaObesityStressTuberculosis Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Read the full article

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Fatigue

Definition Nearly everyone is overtired or overworked from time to time. Such instances of temporary fatigue usually have an identifiable cause and a likely remedy. Unrelenting exhaustion, on the other hand, lasts longer, is more profound and isn't relieved by rest. It's a nearly constant state of weariness that develops over time and reduces your energy, motivation and concentration. Fatigue at this level impacts your emotional and psychological well-being, too. Causes Most of the time fatigue can be traced to one or more of your habits or routines, particularly lack of exercise. It's also commonly related to depression. On occasion, fatigue is a symptom of other underlying conditions that require medical treatment. Lifestyle factors Taking an honest inventory of things that might be responsible for your fatigue is often the first step toward relief. Read the full article

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Eye twitching

Definition Eye twitching, benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm are terms often used to refer to any of three separate conditions. Each type of twitch or spasm has a different cause. Eyelid twitching (myokymia) affects only the eyelid. This type of twitch or spasm is very common and happens to most people at one time or another. It can involve either the upper or lower lid, but usually only one eye at a time. The eye twitching can range from barely noticeable to bothersome. The twitching usually goes away within a short time but may recur over a few hours, days or longer. Benign essential blepharospasm starts out as increased blinking of both eyes and may progress to the eyelids being squeezed shut. This type of eye twitching is relatively uncommon but can be extremely severe, affecting all aspects of life. Hemifacial spasm involves twitches of muscles on one side of the face, including the eyelid. Causes Eyelid twitching may be triggered by: Alcohol intakeBright lightCaffeine excessFatigueIrritation of the eye surface or inner eyelidsSmokingStressWind or air pollution Benign essential blepharospasm is a movement disorder (dystonia) of the muscles around the eye. No one knows exactly what causes it, but researchers believe it may be caused by a malfunction of certain cells in the nervous system called basal ganglia. Hemifacial spasm is typically caused by a small artery that irritates a facial nerve. Read the full article

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Intestinal gas

Definition Intestinal gas, or air in the digestive tract, is usually not noticed until we burp or pass it rectally (flatulence). The entire digestive tract, from the stomach to the rectum, contains intestinal gas as the natural consequence of swallowing and digestion. In fact, certain foods, such as beans, are not fully broken down until they reach the large intestine (colon), where bacteria act on (ferment) them. Excessive intestinal gas sometimes indicates a digestive disorder, but everyone passes gas several times daily, and occasional burping or belching is normal. Causes Excess upper intestinal gas can result from swallowing more than a usual amount of air, overeating, smoking or chewing gum. Excess lower intestinal gas can be caused by eating too much of certain foods, by the inability to fully digest certain foods or by a disruption in the bacteria normally found in the colon. Foods that cause excess gas Foods that cause gas in one person might not cause it in another. Read the full article

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Eye pain

Definition Eye pain can occur on the surface of your eye or within your eye's deeper structures. Severe eye pain — especially accompanied by any degree of vision loss — may be a signal that you have a serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical attention. Eye pain that's on the surface of your eye might be described as itching, burning or shooting pain. Surface eye pain is often related to a foreign object in your eye, an eye infection, or anything that irritates or inflames the membrane covering the surface of your eye. You might describe eye pain originating deeper within your eye as throbbing or aching. Causes AllergiesBlepharitis (eyelid inflammation)Chalazion (a type of cyst on your eyelid)Cluster headacheComplication of eye surgeryContact lens problemCorneal abrasion (scratch): First aidCorneal herpetic infections (herpes)Dry eyes (decreased production of tears)Ectropion (outwardly turned eyelid)Entropion (inwardly turned eyelid)Eyelid infectionForeign object in the eye: First aidGlaucoma (group of conditions that damage the optic nerve)Injury, such as from a blunt trauma or burnIritis (inflammation of the colored part of the eye)Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)Pink eye (conjunctivitis)Scleritis (inflammation of the white part of the eye)Sty (a red, painful lump near the edge of your eyelid)Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Read the full article

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Foot pain

Definition Your foot is an intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Strong enough to bear your body weight, your foot can be prone to injury and pain. Foot pain can affect any part of your foot, from your toes to your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel. Although mild foot pain often responds well to home treatments, it can take time to resolve. Your doctor should evaluate severe foot pain, especially if it follows an injury. Causes Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can cause foot pain. Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Injury to the nerves of the feet may result in intense burning pain, numbness or tingling (peripheral neuropathy). Read the full article

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Frequent bowel movements

Definition There's not a generally accepted clinical definition for frequent bowel movements. Most people consider several bowel movements a day to at least be unusual, particularly if this pattern is a change from what's normal. If the only change from your usual bowel pattern is the frequency of your bowel movements, an illness is unlikely to be the cause. In the absence of loose, watery stools, abdominal cramping or bloody stool (diarrhea), frequent bowel movements are usually related to your lifestyle. Causes If you're having bowel movements more often than usual, chances are you've made some change in your lifestyle. You may, for example, be eating more whole grains, which increases fiber intake. More-frequent bowel movements could also be related to a mild, self-limiting illness that will take care of itself. If there are no other signs or symptoms, you're probably in good health. Diseases and other conditions that may cause such signs and symptoms include: Celiac diseaseCrohn's disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) (overactive thyroid)Irritable bowel syndromeMedication side effectsUlcerative colitis Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. References Wilkinson John (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 9, 2017.Cooper DN, et al. Read the full article

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Frequent urination

Definition Frequent urination is the need to urinate more often than what's normal for you. You may be passing more urine than usual or only small amounts. Frequent urination may occur both day and night, or it may be noticeable only during the night (nocturia). Frequent urination can affect your sleep, work and general well-being. Causes Frequent urination may be caused by diseases affecting the urinary tract at any level. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), the bladder, and the duct through which urine flows from the bladder out of the body (urethra). Read the full article

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Green stool

Definition Green stool — when your feces look green — is usually the result of something you ate, such as spinach. Certain medications or iron supplements also can cause green stool. Newborns pass a dark green stool called meconium, and breast-fed infants often produce yellow-green stools. In older children and adults, green stool is uncommon. It's rarely cause for concern. Causes Infants Infants might have green stool as a result of: Not finishing breast-feeding entirely on one side, thus missing some of the high-fat-content breast milk, which affects the digestion of the milkProtein hydrolysate formula, which is used for babies with milk or soy allergyLack of normal intestinal bacteria in breast-fed infantsDiarrhea Children and adults Causes of green stool include: Diet high in green vegetables, such as spinachFood dyesDiarrheaIron supplements Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. References Landon MB, et al., eds. Lactation and breastfeeding. In: Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 22, 2020.The scoop on poop. Canadian Society of Intestinal Research. https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/the-scoop-on-poop/. Accessed June 22, 2020.Schaner RJ, et al. Initiation of breastfeeding. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 22, 2020.Fischbach Read the full article