Kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), occurs when the kidneys can no longer filter waste effectively. At this stage, kidney function drops below 10% of normal, leading to dangerous toxin ...

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches form along the lining of the colon. While the condition itself often causes no symptoms, certain food and lifestyle choices can increase pressure in the ...

An electrocardiogram, called an EKG or ECG, measures the electrical activity of the heart and collects data about heart's health. Typically, a doctor or technician places electrodes connected to a ...

In 1968, Dr. Richard Hornberger wrote a novel under the pseudonym Richard Hooker, using his experiences in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in the Korean War. Several years later, his novel served as ...

Peripheral neuropathy is a broad term for any condition that damages the peripheral nerves that transfer sensory information and carry signals from the central nervous system in the brain and spinal ...

A wide range of psychological disorders can lead to feelings of dysphoria, a sensation often described as an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction with life in general. For those who experience it, it ...

Persistent bladder symptoms like frequent bathroom trips or unexpected discomfort often signal more than a minor inconvenience. While often overlooked, the bladder is a cornerstone of your body’s ...

Lower back pain is extremely common, affecting millions of people every day. But what does it mean when the pain is felt only on one side? One-sided lower back pain could represent a minor issue that ...

Freckles are small areas of skin with extra pigment. These tiny spots are usually tan or light brown and lie flat. They often develop during childhood, though people can continue to get them ...

Glomeruli are clusters of small blood vessels in the kidney that allow waste to pass from the blood and into the urine. Glomerulonephritis occurs when the glomeruli swell, damaging the kidneys and ...

Although their functions may appear simple, the ureters perform essential excretory work for the body. These two slender tubes transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The ureters use a ...

There are approximately 100,000 miles of blood vessels in an adult human body -- enough to circle the planet four times. The arteries and veins are an intricate network that helps the organs get the ...