t already have it) What causes pancreatic cancer? No one knows what causes pancreatic cancer. There are certain risk factors. These include: Smoking Obesity Inactivity Age Workplace exposure to chemicals Gender Race Family history of inherited genetic syndromes. These include breast and ovarian cancer syndrome…
Work can be a dangerous place if you are exposed to hazardous toxins. Certain substances put you at risk for… respiratory disease The symptoms of occupational respiratory disease vary. They depend on your work setting, type of disease, and state of health. Smoking can worsen…
A chronic cough is one that lasts for 8 weeks or more… is treatable. If your cough is due to allergies, your doctor can treat your allergies with medicine. If it is caused by smoking, you should quit smoking. If your cough is triggered by…
As you age, you may have changes in your sleep patterns. Hormones, lifestyle habits, and certain conditions and medicines can… as you age, your body produces less melatonin. This is the natural hormone that regulates your sleep cycle. Lifestyle habits. These include smoking and drinking…
ADHD is one of the most common developmental disorders of childhood, associated with inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity… Exposure to environmental toxins—such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings Maternal drug use, alcohol use, or smoking during pregnancy Premature birth Although many…
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation in the airways of the lungs that lasts longer than 3 months. It is most… nearly always produces mucus. The cough is also associated with wheezing (while breathing) and shortness of breath. What causes chronic bronchitis? Cigarette smoking is the…
Shortness of breath happens when you cannot get enough air into your lungs. It can be caused by asthma, lung… caused by many things, including: Asthma Other lung diseases (including emphysema, which is a lung disease that is most often caused by smoking) Heart failure…
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that happens in people who have diabetes. It can cause changes in… controlled are more likely to get diabetic neuropathy. Men are more likely to have diabetic neuropathy than women. High cholesterol levels and smoking also increase…
Vaginitis is a medical term to describe inflammation of the vagina… What is vaginitis? Vaginitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the vagina. It is sometimes called vulvovaginitis when it affects the vulva. This is the external part of a woman’s…
A sore throat can feel irritated or scratchy with mild to burning pain. Most sore throats are caused by viruses,… What is a sore throat? A sore throat means that your throat hurts. It feels irritated or scratchy. You may feel mild discomfort or a…
Antioxidants are chemicals that help stop or limit damage caused by free radicals. They also boost your immunity… Your body’s cells face threats every day. Viruses and infections attack them. Free radicals also can damage your cells and DNA. Some cells can heal from the…
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…
The common cold and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. They share many symptoms, but they… As fall approaches each year, it signals the time for changes in the weather, holidays with family—and coughing, sneezing, sore throats, and headaches. When…
It’s important for women to take an active approach to health care. This means making it a priority to schedule… What is women’s preventive care? It’s important for women to take an active approach to health care, especially by the time they reach adulthood…
Indigestion happens when your body has trouble digesting food. Anyone can get indigestion, either on occasion or as part of… What is indigestion (dyspepsia)? Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common condition. It can happen when your body has trouble digesting food. It…
Small vessel disease is a narrowing in the tiny arteries in your heart. It also is called coronary microvascular disease… What is small vessel disease? Small vessel disease is a condition that affects the tiny arteries in your heart. It is caused when these…
Insulin resistance is a condition linked to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance means your body is unable to… What is insulin resistance? Insulin resistance is a condition linked to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It means your body is unable to respond to…
A transient ischemic attack is a type of stroke. It is often called a warning stroke because it increases the… What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)? A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a stroke. It is considered a warning stroke. During this type of…