American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an inflammation or infection in your appendix. It can cause pain and swelling, and the appendix may burst… What is appendicitis? Appendicitis is inflammation or infection in your appendix. The appendix is a tube-like organ in your abdomen. It’s attached to your large…
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Are Aching Joints a Symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If you’re having joint pain, tell your family doctor. Treating early can help prevent or reduce lifelong disability… Linda (not her real name) is a 60-year-old woman who came to see me as a new patient. She said that her main health concern was…
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Arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is a change in the rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or… What is arrhythmia? An arrhythmia is a change in the rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too fast (tachycardia) or too slow…
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Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is an uncommon genetic heart problem that causes muscle cells in your ventricle wall to… What is arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)? It is most common in people younger than 35 years of age, but it can happen at any…
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Artificial Hydration and Nutrition
Artificial hydration and nutrition helps patients with short-term medical problems who cannot eat or drink by mouth… Patients who can’t swallow because of a medical problem and need nutrition and fluids. Getting these other than by mouth is called artificial hydration and nutrition. Artificial hydration…
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Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder affecting speech and behavior… What is Asperger’s syndrome? Asperger’s syndrome (also known as just Asperger’s) is a developmental disorder. It is one form of the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD). It causes impaired language and communication skills as…
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Asthma
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease of the lungs. It inflames and narrows the airways, making it harder to… What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease of the lungs. It inflames and narrows the airways, making it harder to breathe. These are tubes…
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Asthma Action Plan
An asthma action plan is developed by your doctor. It contains written instructions about what you should do if you… If you have asthma, you should have an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan contains written instructions about what you should do if you…
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Asthma in Kids
Asthma is a disease that often starts in childhood and makes it difficult for your child to breathe… What is asthma? Asthma is a disease that often starts in childhood. Asthma makes it difficult for your child’s lungs to get air. That makes it…
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Asthma | Medicines That Can Make It Worse
Certain medicines might make your asthma worse. It’s important to know about medicines that might cause problems before you take… Certain medicines might make your asthma worse. Not all people who have asthma experience problems when taking these medicines. However, if you have asthma, it’s…
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At high risk for COVID-19? Create a plan
You are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 if you are 50 years and older OR if you have some high-risk conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Protect yourself by creating a plan to prepare for unexpected illness…
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Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a plaque build-up in your arteries… What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis causes plaque to collect in your arteries. (Plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other things naturally found in your blood. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to…
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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a group of behaviors that can make it difficult to focus at school, work or home… What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behaviors. It used to also be called attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADHD…
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Atypical Moles
Atypical moles are generally benign, but those who have a lot of them have a higher risk of developing melanoma… Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) are skin growths. They are benign (not cancerous). However, they look like a type of skin cancer called melanoma. Atypical…
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Autism
Autism is a developmental brain disorder affecting social, behavioral, and communication skills… What is autism? Autism is a developmental brain disorder. It affects your social, behavioral, and communication skills. People who have autism start showing signs at an early age. Autism levels vary from…
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Autopsy
An autopsy is a medical examination that occurs after death. It is used to find the cause of death, for… What is an autopsy? An autopsy is a medical examination of the body of a dead person. In the procedure, a doctor cuts open the…
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Avian Flu
Avian flu is a virus that is spread from bird to bird. In rare cases, certain strains of the virus… What is avian flu? Avian flu (also called Avian influenza A or bird flu) is a virus that is spread from bird to bird. In rare cases, certain…
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Avoiding Burnout When You Have an Emotional Job
Some jobs are more stressful than others, but key strategies can help in every job… Not all jobs are created equal. Some jobs demand more physical labor. Other jobs take a greater emotional toll. For example, social workers, psychiatrists, pastors, and family therapists see and…
