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MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world's largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It was built as an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends.

MedlinePlus presents high-quality, easy to understand, relevant health and wellness information that is trusted.

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MRSA - National Library of Medicine

... stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It causes a staph infection (pronounced "staff infection") that is resistant ... close skin-to-skin contact with others, such as athletes involved in football and wrestling. Infection control ...

Ovarian Cysts - National Library of Medicine

... part of the female reproductive system. They produce a woman's eggs and make female hormones. Ovarian cysts ... out that they have them until they have a pelvic exam. If there are symptoms, they may ...

Pancreatic Cancer - National Library of Medicine

The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It produces the juices that help break down food ... feel the tumors during routine exams. Doctors use a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and a ...

Pancreatitis - National Library of Medicine

The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the first part of the small intestine. It secretes digestive juices into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. The pancreas also ...

Pericardial Disorders - National Library of Medicine

The pericardium is a membrane, or sac, that surrounds your heart. It holds the heart in place and helps it work properly. Problems ... inflammation of the sac. It can be from a virus or other infection, a heart attack, heart ...

Pet Health - National Library of Medicine

Pets can add fun, companionship and a feeling of safety to your life. Before getting a pet, think carefully about which animal is best for your family. What is ...

Postpartum Care - National Library of Medicine

Taking home a new baby is one of the happiest times in a woman's life. But it also presents both physical and emotional challenges. : Get as much rest as possible. You may find that ...

Prenatal Testing - National Library of Medicine

... check your health. The prenatal test may use a sample of your blood, urine or fluid from ... your pregnancy, your provider may recommend additional tests as well. Some tests are suggested for all women, ...

Puberty - National Library of Medicine

Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 ... in the pubic area and armpits. Menstruation (or a period) usually happens last. In boys: Puberty usually ...

Sore Throat - National Library of Medicine

Your throat is a tube that carries food to your esophagus and air to your windpipe and larynx (also called the voice box). ... for the throat is pharynx. You can have a sore throat for many reasons. Often, colds and ...

Spinal Stenosis - National Library of Medicine

... in people older than 50. Younger people with a spine injury or a narrow spinal canal are also at risk. Diseases such as arthritis and scoliosis can cause spinal stenosis, too. ...

Steroids - National Library of Medicine

... But there's another type of steroid - sometimes called a corticosteroid - that treats a variety of problems. These steroids are similar to ... corticosteroids to treat: Arthritis Asthma Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis Skin conditions such as ...

Stomach Disorders - National Library of Medicine

... on to the small intestine. Most people have a problem with their stomach at one time or ... over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding fatty foods or eating more slowly. Other ...

Syringomyelia - National Library of Medicine

Syringomyelia is a rare disorder that causes a cyst to form in your spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, gets bigger and longer over time, destroying part of the spinal ...



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