Step-By-Step Guides

  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

    WHAT IS IT? When you swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter — a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus — relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then it closes again. If this valve relaxes abnormally or it ... View Post

  • Gallstones

    WHAT IS IT?Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid (bile) that can form in your gallbladder. The stones may be as small as grains of sand or as large as golf balls. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop many.It’s not clear ... View Post

  • Fungal Infections

    WHAT IS IT?Fungi are microscopic organisms that live in warm, moist environments. Some fungi have beneficial uses; others can cause illness and infection. Fungal infections most commonly occur on your nails, especially the toenails; on your feet, especially ... View Post

  • Flu (influenza)

    WHAT IS IT? Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Commonly called “the flu,” influenza isn’t the same as stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.Flu viruses travel through the air in... View Post

  • Fibrocystic Breasts

    WHAT IS IT? Fibrocystic breasts refer to breasts that are composed of tissue that feels lumpy or ropelike in texture. The condition is common. More than half of women — mainly those in their 20s to 50s — experience fibrocystic breast changes at some ... View Post

  • Fever

    WHAT IS IT? A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, often due to an illness. Having a fever is a sign that something out of the ordinary is going on in your body.You have a fever when your body temperature rises above its normal range. The avera... View Post

  • What is Erectile Dysfunction ?

    Erectile dysfunction (impotence) occurs when a man cannot achieve an erection or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Occasional trouble with erectile dysfunction isn’t a cause for concern, but if the problem is ongoing you should seek treatment. Problems getting or keeping an ere... View Post

  • Endometriosis

    WHAT IS IT?Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) spreads and grows outside the uterus. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond the pelvic region.The displaced endometrial ti... View Post