Blend Images / Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images When looking at the chest of a person with retractions, they may have a skeletal appearance. The skin pulls in and out between each rib with each breath, and you may be able to “count ribs.” If the appearance of the ribs is unusual or becomes more pronounced with each breath, the person is probably experiencing retracting. If you suspect retracting or aren’t sure because the person is overweight or has a large abdomen, look around the neck and collarbone area....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConditions Similar to AsthmaDiagnosisTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Conditions Similar to Asthma Diagnosis Treatment Difficulty breathing—whether it’s wheezing, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, or coughing—ischaracteristic of asthma. But it can also occur with gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, viral infections, and other conditions. As distressing as asthma can be, the disease rarely causes progressive lung damage....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Treatment Diagnosis When to See a Healthcare Provider Frequently Asked Questions Difficulty sleeping is a common problem that affects us all at one point or another. Having trouble falling or staying asleep, waking up feeling tired, and having challenges with your memory, decision-making, and irritability due to not getting good rest are all associated with sleep difficulties or even a sleep disorder....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsNoncancerous CausesSymptoms Pointing to CancerTypes of CancerChronic ConditionsQuestions to Ask Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms Noncancerous Causes Symptoms Pointing to Cancer Types of Cancer Chronic Conditions Questions to Ask Experiencing a new symptom of difficulty swallowing or feeling food getting stuck in your throat can be concerning. Typically, swallowing is a process people doreflexively,without thought. You want to know the cause and how it can be fixed....

Diffusing capacity is a measure of how well oxygen and carbon dioxide are transferred (diffused) between the lungs and the blood, and can be a useful test in the diagnosis and to monitor treatment of lung diseases. Diffusing capacity can also be important prior to lung surgery as a predictor of how well the surgery will be tolerated. Diffusing capacity may be reduced in a few ways, and healthcare providers usually use the measure along with other pulmonary function tests to diagnose and determine the severity of either restrictive or obstructive lung diseases....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsAmounts of FiberSide EffectsReliefHealth Benefits of FiberHigh Fiber Foods Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms Amounts of Fiber Side Effects Relief Health Benefits of Fiber High Fiber Foods While most people don’t eat enough fiber, eating too much of it can cause symptoms such as bloating, cramps, and constipation. In some cases, it could also lead to an intestinal blockage. Fiber is the part of plant foods that the body can’t fully digest and that helps move food through your digestive system....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLife After RemovalComplicationsDiagnosis & TreatmentWhen to See a ProviderFoods to Avoid Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Life After Removal Complications Diagnosis & Treatment When to See a Provider Foods to Avoid Many people don’t have issues followinggallbladder surgery(cholecystectomy). However, problems after gallbladder removal may occur years later or could occur immediately after the procedure. Symptoms of problems include nausea, abdominal pain after eating, and diarrhea....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesWhen Is It Serious?Risks If UntreatedWhat to Eat Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Types When Is It Serious? Risks If Untreated What to Eat Thedigestive system includesthe gastrointestinal (GI) tract that runs from the mouth to the anus, the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. These organs work together to digest (break down) food into individual nutrients to be used throughout the body for energy, growth, and cell repair....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsReasons for Digital DisimpactionProcedureRisks and ConsiderationsAlternative Treatments Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Reasons for Digital Disimpaction Procedure Risks and Considerations Alternative Treatments Digital disimpaction is used whenlaxativesorenemasare unable to resolve fecal impaction. For this procedure, a single finger of a gloved hand is lubricated and inserted into the rectum. The stool is gently broken up and removed in pieces until the rectum is cleared....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDoes It Balance Hormones?What Is DIM?Other Health BenefitsWhere to Find ItHow Much Is OK?Precautions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Does It Balance Hormones? What Is DIM? Other Health Benefits Where to Find It How Much Is OK? Precautions Diindolylmethane(DIM) is a compound derived from the chemicalindole-3-carbinolfound incruciferousvegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. DIM plays a role in estrogen metabolism and has been studied for its role in reducing the risk of certain hormone-related cancers....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Treatment Diagnosis When to See a Healthcare Provider Frequently Asked Questions Dilated pupils (mydriasisor fixed pupils) are when your eyes' pupils, which let light into your eyes, become wider. This can happen due to medications used during an eye exam (mydriatic drops), other types of drugs, or trauma to the eye....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsPotential RisksPurposeHow to PrepareDay of SurgeryRecovery Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What It Is Potential Risks Purpose How to Prepare Day of Surgery Recovery Used for both treatment and diagnosis, dilation and curettage surgery, commonly referred to as D&C, is a procedure that involves removing portions of endometrium, which is the tissue that lines the uterus (or womb). Fat Camera / Getty Images...

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Dilaudid?What Is Oxycodone?Safe Guidance OverviewSide EffectsDosage GuidelinesPotential for InteractionWhich One Is Right for Me?Frequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is Dilaudid? What Is Oxycodone? Safe Guidance Overview Side Effects Dosage Guidelines Potential for Interaction Which One Is Right for Me? Frequently Asked Questions Dilaudid (hydromorphone)andoxycodoneare prescriptionopioid pain medicationsused to relieve pain that is severe enough to require strong pain relief, generally when other, less strong medications do not provide adequate pain relief....