While not as severe as a bone fracture, a sprained thumb can cause a lot of pain. When a thumb sprain happens, the ligaments that hold the thumb in place stretch further than they should. It can be an inconvenient injury that makes grasping objects or moving the thumb difficult. There are two ligaments that […]
Whiplash is the common name for a neck injury such as a sprain or strain. Whiplash causes soft tissue damage after sudden extension and bending of the neck. A person who suffers whiplash may also receive injuries to ligaments, discs, and intervertebral joints. Whiplash Symptoms A person that injures their neck may experience the following […]
A sore throat can be the result of many things, including allergies and colds, which tend to resolve over time or with over-the-counter medications. However, if your sore throat feels worse than usual or appears suddenly, a strep infection may be the cause. Strep throat is more common in children and teens, but adults are […]
Herpes, or the herpes simplex virus, causes genital and oral outbreaks. Many people have asymptomatic herpes, which means the virus is present in their system, but they never suffer an outbreak. Others may have occasional genital or oral blisters. Herpes is a common virus often stigmatized because it can be sexually transmitted. However, it is […]
Despite the name, ringworm isn’t caused by worms. Instead, it is a fungal infection that causes raised, round patches on the skin. If the infection worsens, the patches will appear on other body parts. These patches are extremely itchy andcan cause burning, stinging, and peeling skin. Ringworm can infect the skin on large parts of […]
The knee is one of the most critical joints in the body. It enables climbing, walking, and nearly all parts of mobility. When you have a sprain, it can affect your movement. A sprained knee is a common injury, but when does it require a trip to urgent care? Causes of a Sprained Knee Your […]
A staph infection is caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus. While this infection can affect any body part, it’s commonly found on the skin and inside the nose. However, a staph infection can become problematic if the bacteria enter other body parts, like the lungs, bones, joints, blood and kidneys. How Staph Infections Spread Staph can […]
Kidneys play a very important role in the functioning of the human body. Though relatively small organs (about the size of your fist), kidneys filter waste from the bloodstream, balance electrolytes and help regulate blood pressure. However, if bacteria enter the urinary tract, it can cause a kidney infection called pyelonephritis, a severe condition affecting […]
Vomiting is a forceful way for the body to expel the stomach contents. It can happen only once as your body’s reaction to something it does not agree with. However, recurrent vomiting can mean more serious medical conditions. To understand the best vomiting treatment, understanding the cause of vomiting is key. What Causes Vomiting? Several […]
We rely on our senses for everything we do. Our senses work together to understand the surrounding area and help us decide how to move and accomplish tasks. But what happens if there is interference within this complex system? The human body uses input from the eyes, ears, and sensory nerves to create a sense […]
How many times have you heard how important it is to stay hydrated? In addition to increasing energy and flushing out toxins, staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, prevents infections and keeps organs functioning properly. Studies suggest that men need roughly a gallon or 3.7 liters of water daily. Women need a little over half […]
Studies have found that a certain type of fish poisoning – ciguatera – is far more common in southern Florida than previously believed. While there is no one way to identify the condition, some symptoms can help pinpoint if you or a loved one is suffering from fish poisoning. Here is a rundown of the […]
Animals have evolved to develop the functions they need to survive. That includes tools to help them hunt and defend themselves when necessary. An animal sting is an example of that evolutionary trait. An animal will use its instincts on when to use its sting or bite against something. They will attack prey if they […]
Developing a hernia is quite common. According to studies, 27% of men will develop this at some point in their lives. Interestingly, only an estimated 3% of women will experience this. The condition is also common in those with lower body mass index. If you are diagnosed with a hernia, it is crucial to get […]
Anyone who has experienced back pain knows that it is not a joke. Your back is composed of your spine and several muscle groups that support your entire body while standing or sitting down. If something goes wrong with your back, you will lose your mobility. In some cases, people even miss work because of […]
Did you know that two to four million accidental poisonings are reported each year in the United States? Over 90% of the reported incidents happen at home. Health officials regularly consult poison control centers around the country about different cases and substances. Poisoning occurs when a person ingests substances that can cause harm to the […]
Most of your body’s organs have well-known uses, but that’s not the case with the appendix. Some believe that your body stores good bacteria inside it to lessen the severity of gastrointestinal illness, however that’s just a theory at this point. One area in which medical experts do agree on when it comes to appendicitis […]
Southwest Florida is full of blue skies and sunshine, making it the ideal place to spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, the extreme heat and humidity put people at a heightened risk of heat exhaustion. While that might not sound serious, you can develop heatstroke if you don’t address the condition, which can cause permanent brain damage […]
Asthma is much more prevalent in Florida than you might realize. In fact, it’s estimated that one in eight adults and one in nine children who live in the Sunshine State have the condition. While there isn’t a cure, you can start a treatment plan to control your symptoms and possibly reverse some of the […]
It is hard to make critical decisions when experiencing chest pain and breathing problems. The pain and lack of air can cause you to panic, leaving you unsure of the steps to take. By learning what to do ahead of time, you’ll be prepared if you experience a medical crisis, allowing you to jump into […]
Are you constantly sniffling, coughing, sneezing, and congested? You may be suffering from sinusitis. Sinusitis is another description for a sinus infection, and determining the type of infection you have is key to treating it effectively. Viral and bacterial sinusitis are two of the most common types. Sinusitis occurs when your sinuses become inflamed and blocked. This […]
A sore throat is one of the most common conditions for which people visit a doctor. It’s linked to illnesses that affect the back of the throat, causing pain, discomfort and scratchiness. When most individuals have a sore throat, they visit their primary care doctor or an urgent care center to receive treatment, such as […]
Food poisoning is an unpleasant yet common experience that can make life uncomfortable for a few days. The leading cause of food poisoning is consuming food or drink infected with harmful bacteria that produce irritating toxins within the body. Spoiled foods or incorrectly cooked meals can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, weakness and vomiting. Luckily, […]
Relieving Bug Bites and Insect Stings Insect bites and stings usually leave you with a small, red, itchy welt. Bee stings or spider bites tend to be more painful, but the worst of these symptoms typically resolve within a few hours or a few days. Despite this, there are a couple of things that you […]
What is heatstroke? A heatstroke, also known as sunstroke, is usually caused by a combination of dehydration and prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It is a condition where the body’s ability to cool itself off fails, leading to a rise in core temperature. It also develops as an advancement of less severe heat-related illnesses such as heat […]
Ear infections are unpleasant conditions with a host of uncomfortable, but easily treatable, symptoms. Swimmer’s ear, one of the most common infections in the ear, is a type of infection that should be treated immediately if symptoms turn severe. What is swimmer’s ear? Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is a painful inflammation of the ear […]
Traumatic brain injuries are more common than one might think, and complications that come with serious head injuries can lead to major issues and even be life-threatening. That is why it’s important to be able to identify the initial complications or symptoms of serious head injuries. How do head injuries occur? There are many different […]
Broken bones are caused by a traumatic impact more than the bone can handle. All different kinds of incidents can cause bone breaks, and they’re more common than you might think. Whether you get hurt on the job, are involved in a car accident, or suffer from an injury while playing sports, bone fractures are […]
Every once in a while, people end up with cuts, lacerations or puncture wounds. The severity depends on the situation, and when they aren’t crucial, the body can often begin to repair itself. But in some instances, these injuries can be serious, and it’s best to take care of the wounds right away. Within a […]
Sharp pains or dull aches are nothing to ignore. They could be your body warning a heart attack is coming–fast. Don’t discount your discomfort as indigestion or anxiety. When in doubt, seek emergency care. A National Center for Health Statistics study between December 2016 and December 2017 reported chest pains and related causes accounted for 6.5 […]