by the pines

Introduction Water normally flows into and out of your ears without causing any problems. You can nearly always shower, bathe, swim, and walk in the rain without a problem — which is remarkable, considering how large and deep an opening your ear provides. You’re protected by your ear’s shape, which tips fluid out, and by [...]

Introduction If you’re an older adult, you may have dismissed trembling hands or a shaking head as a normal part of the aging process. But it’s more likely your shakiness is a sign of a movement disorder called essential tremor. Although essential tremor can affect almost any part of your body, trembling occurs most often [...]

Introduction Serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis can cause a number of complications, including esophageal varices — abnormally enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat and stomach. Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to the liver is blocked. The blood then backs up into smaller, more [...]

Introduction “Cerebral palsy” is a general term that describes a group of disorders that appear during the first few years of life and affect a child’s ability to coordinate body movements. These disorders are caused by damage to a child’s brain early in the course of development. The damage can occur during fetal development, during [...]

Introduction Chiari malformation is a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into your spinal canal. It occurs when a portion of your skull is abnormally small or misshapen, pressing on your brain and forcing it downward. Although Chiari malformation is uncommon, it’s now diagnosed more frequently, largely due to improved imaging tests. Chiari malformation is [...]

Introduction Cavities are decayed areas of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay, are caused by a combination of factors, including not cleaning your teeth well, frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks. Cavities and tooth decay are one of the most common health problems around the world. They’re [...]

Introduction Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial infection of the intestinal tract. Salmonella typically live in the intestines of animals and humans and are shed through feces, where the bacteria remain highly contagious. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated food sources, such as poultry, meat and eggs. Typically, people with salmonella infection develop [...]

Introduction Almost everyone has had hiccups. Some people even have them before they’re born. “Singultus” is the medical term for hiccups, derived from the Latin word “singult,” which means the act of catching your breath while sobbing, an apt description of the way hiccups sound. Although they can be embarrassing — especially if the “hic” [...]

Introduction A broken rib, or fractured rib, is a common injury that occurs when one of the bones in your rib cage breaks or cracks. The most common cause of broken ribs is trauma to the chest, such as from a fall, motor vehicle accident or impact during contact sports. Signs and symptoms of a [...]

Introduction Albinism, a group of inherited disorders, results in little or no production of the pigment melanin. The type and amount of melanin your body produces determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. Melanin also plays a role in the development of certain optical nerves. Most types of albinism result in hypopigmentation — [...]