Trusted medical advice from the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
Go to familydoctor.org Home
Trusted medical advice from the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
Search
"CHRONIC ILLNESS" results
Sort By:
-
Hives (Urticaria)
Hives (urticaria) are bumps or patches on the surface of your skin. They can be red, itchy, and swollen and… as shellfish, fish, nuts, eggs, and milk Certain materials, such as wool or latex Other causes include: Stress Hay fever Infection or illness Fatigue Tight…
-
Preparing Older Children to Make Medical Decisions for Themselves
Children should be able to participate in their health care, even from a young age. This will help them make… should talk to the child using language that is easy for the child to understand. The doctor should tell them about any illness and treatment…
-
From a Family Doctor: Adults Need Vaccines Too
up protection against certain diseases. Vaccines can help protect you from getting seriously ill and can be important if you have any chronic health conditions that increase your risk for serious complications. Curious about what vaccines you may need? Complete the CDC’s Adult Vaccine…
-
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils that happens when they become infected by a virus or bacteria. It is… A sore throat that lasts more than two days (with or without a fever or stomach pain) A fever above 103°F Extreme illness, fatigue, or…
-
Influenza
Our influenza health hub offers important information and resources to help you understand and manage your condition… be hospitalized when they have the flu, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Read Article Flu Risks and Chronic Conditions Chronic health conditions such…
-
Colds and the Flu
Learn about the symptoms of and treatments for colds and the flu… or ear drainage Difficulty waking up Irritability Seizures Symptoms that improve and then return with a fever or worse cough Worsening of chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease) Vomiting or…
-
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic red blood cell disorder… and feet Other symptoms of SCD include: Jaundice (the yellowing of skin and whites of your eyes) Swollen hands and feet Severe chronic pain Severe infections Organ damage What causes sickle cell disease? SCD…
-
Teen Suicide
Teen suicide is when a teenager ends their own life. It can be impulsive or planned. However, not all suicide… using drugs, or hurting themselves Getting in trouble with the law Depression is a main cause of suicide. It’s a complex illness that can cloud judgment…
-
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is caused by a fungus. People whose immune systems are weak due to an HIV infection or… What is pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)? Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a kind of pneumonia caused by a fungus called Pneumocystis jirovecior, or P. jiroveci. It used to be called Pneumocystis…
-
Health Insurance: Understanding What It Covers
Health insurance plans differ in terms of what they cover. All plans offered by the federal marketplace, however, must cover… Your health insurance policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company. The policy lists a package of medical benefits such as tests, drugs,…
-
Flu Myths
The flu is something to take seriously. But it’s important to sort out fact from fiction to stay healthy… The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection. It occurs in your respiratory (breathing) area and affects your throat, lungs, and nose. There are a…
-
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder. When you have ITP, your immune system destroys the platelets in your… What is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)? Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder. “Idiopathic” means the cause of the condition is unknown. “Thrombocytopenic”…
-
Blood Clots
Blood clots are clumps of blood that form inside your body and can be harmful or even deadly if they… What are blood clots? Blood clots are differently sized clumps of blood that have formed inside your body. Clotting is important to prevent excessive bleeding…
-
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Find out the answers to the most commonly asked questions for the new COVID-19 vaccine… What is an mRNA vaccine and how does it work? Most vaccines (or immunizations) work by injecting a weakened form of a disease germ into your body. This is usually done…
-
What You Can Do to Maintain Your Health
Good health can decrease your risk of developing certain conditions. Learn what you can do to maintain your health… A lot of factors play a role in staying healthy. In turn, good health can decrease your risk of developing certain diseases or conditions. These include…
-
Air Pollution
Outdoor air pollution is a mix of gases and toxic particles in the air we breathe. Regular exposure to it… Outdoor air pollution is a mix of natural and man-made particles in the air. Regular exposure to it can harm our health when we breathe…
-
Air Travel Health Tips
One key to air travel is to prepare ahead of time. Follow these tips to make your air travel healthier… Traveling can be a big process, especially when you’re flying. It can be hard to relax, stay healthy, and feel safe. This applies whether you’re…
-
Antiemetic Medicines: OTC Relief for Nausea and Vomiting
Over the counter medicines can provide relief for nausea and vomiting, but there are a number of precautions to be… Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a prescription from your doctor. Medicines that treat nausea and vomiting are called antiemetics. Several…
Filter By Category
