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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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Zika Virus - National Library of Medicine

Zika is a virus that is spread mostly by mosquitoes. A pregnant mother can pass it to her baby during pregnancy ... five people do get symptoms, which can include a fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). ...

A1C - National Library of Medicine

A1C is a blood test for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. It measures your average blood glucose, or blood sugar, level ... in combination with other diabetes tests to make a diagnosis. They also use the A1C to see ...

Adhesions - National Library of Medicine

... have slippery surfaces so they can shift easily as the body moves. Adhesions cause tissues and organs ... completely block the intestines, they cause symptoms such as: Severe abdominal pain or cramping Vomiting Bloating An ...

Advance Directives - National Library of Medicine

... life care ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, ... care professionals and to avoid confusion later on. A living will tells which treatments you want if ...

Anal Disorders - National Library of Medicine

... Swelling How are anal disorders diagnosed? To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will ask about ... your anus for anything that looks abnormal. Perform a digital rectal exam (DRE). For this exam, your ...

Antioxidants - National Library of Medicine

... including fruits and vegetables. They are also available as dietary supplements. Examples of antioxidants include: Beta-carotene Lutein Lycopene Selenium Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin E Vegetables and fruits are ...

Appendicitis - National Library of Medicine

The appendix is a small, tube-like organ attached to the first part of the large intestine. It is located in the lower ... of the abdomen. It has no known function. A blockage inside of the appendix causes appendicitis. The ...

Asbestos - National Library of Medicine

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals with long, thin fibers. It was once used widely as insulation. It also occurs in the environment. Asbestos ... you breathe in high levels of asbestos over a long period of time, the fibers can build ...

Birthmarks - National Library of Medicine

... abnormalities of the skin that are present when a baby is born. There are two types of ... port-wine stains. Pigmented birthmarks are made of a cluster of pigment cells that cause color in ...

Bladder Cancer - National Library of Medicine

The bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer occurs in the lining of the bladder. It ... United States. Symptoms include: Blood in your urine A frequent urge to urinate Pain when you urinate ...

Bladder Diseases - National Library of Medicine

The bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Many conditions can affect your bladder. Some common ones are: ... Urinary incontinence - loss of bladder control Overactive bladder - a condition in which the bladder squeezes urine out ...

Blood Pressure Medicines - National Library of Medicine

... symptoms. But it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack, and kidney disease. ... blockers (ARBs) keep your blood vessels from narrowing as much and allows blood to move through them ...

Botulism - National Library of Medicine

Botulism is a rare but serious illness. The cause is a toxin (poison) made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It occurs naturally in ... contaminated with the toxin. Wound botulism happens when a wound infected with the bacteria makes the toxin. ...

Bowel Movement - National Library of Medicine

A bowel movement is the last stop in the movement of food through your digestive tract. Your ... fluids from what you eat and drink. Sometimes a bowel movement isn't normal. Diarrhea happens when ...

Breathing Problems - National Library of Medicine

... the oxygen your body needs. You may feel as if you're not getting enough air. Sometimes you can have mild breathing problems because of a stuffy nose or intense exercise. But shortness of ...

Bruises - National Library of Medicine

A bruise is a mark on your skin caused by blood trapped under the surface. It happens when an injury crushes small blood ... the most serious. It can take months for a bruise to fade, but most last about two ...

Canker Sores - National Library of Medicine

... the back of your throat. They usually have a red edge and a gray center. They can be quite painful. They are not the same as cold sores, which are caused by herpes simplex. ...



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