If you’ve ever caught the flu, you’ve probably wondered what causes the illness. The truth is that it’s all about the influenza virus. This virus is composed of several subtypes and strains, and is divided into two general classes, or types, A and B. The viruses in each category are further classified into clades and subclades, and further subclades are further broken down into groups and subclades. Phylogenetic trees show the various types and strains of flu, which are also known as clades. The clades and groups are the most common and widely spread among people. As a result, the current classification of the virus may be different from the…

If you suspect that you may have cystitis caused by bacteria, it is a good idea to see a doctor immediately. A woman’s urethra is closer to the rectum than a man’s, and this means that the bacteria can spread easily. Symptoms of bacterial bladder infection include a burning sensation when peeing, cloudy urine, and an overpowering urge to urinate. Treatment for bacterial bladder infection generally involves antibiotics, usually a low-dose for several months. Infections of the urinary system include the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The kidneys filter waste from the blood and regulate the concentration of various substances. The urethra is a tube that leads the urine from the…

The benefits of consuming Omega 3 foods are well known. From helping to prevent cardiovascular disease to relieving inflammation, from treating depression to preventing cancer, it seems that eating these foods can play a significant role in maintaining good health.   Most often, fish oil is fish oil obtained from the liver of oily fish   Fish oil contains both omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, precursors of several fatty acids that are beneficial for the brain and body. These fatty acids help improve the body's production of serotonin and the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also help prevent depression.   Plus, omega-3 fatty acids are important for…

A pituitary tumor is actually an abnormal growth of a pituitary gland in the human brain. The pituitary glands are a pair of small hairs in the back of the head that secrete hormones and control the production of other hormones.   The pituits secrete hormones in response to environmental stimuli, such as stress or lack of sleep. It also produces many different hormones in response to the environment. Some of these tumors are never detected until the person reaches the advanced stages of life. Most of these tumors are harmless and do not produce symptoms in their early stages.   One type of pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate…

The phrase "barrel chest" refers to a swelling, wrinkled chest that looks like the contour of a barrel   Barrel chest is not a medical condition, but it can mean an underlying medical condition. Many people who are diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease) also develop a slightly bulged, barrel chest at the end of their illness.   The term barrel comes from a medical term, pulmonology. Pulmonologists are medical doctors who specialize in the study of lungs. They study the anatomy and function of the lungs and how they can be affected by various conditions and diseases.   Barrel chests are often referred to as "pulmonary masses." Pulmonary…

There are many different types of migraine medications on the market today   Most of these will be prescribed by your doctor to help with the pain, nausea, and dizziness that a migraine can cause. If you are having trouble finding a medication that works, you may want to try an over the counter alternative.   Some people have migraines just once in their life and that is the only time they have to deal with it. However, many times there are other triggers for the headaches that are out there to be found. One of those triggers that could be present for you is anxiety. Here is how some…

Tylenol is an herbal antihistamine that is considered to be beneficial when used in conjunction with the prescribed use of other drugs such as Zantac or Accutane. It's been shown to help reduce inflammation, and it may also help to relieve some symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.   This drug is known by several names, including local anesthetic, lidocaine, and acetazolamide. These drugs are usually given by injection, although topical administration can be used in some cases.   One of the most common uses for Tylenol is to treat sore throat. It can also be used to treat nasal congestion, headache, or even toothache. It has also…

  The symptoms of tuberculosis are not always obvious. If you are diagnosed with this condition, you will be diagnosed as soon as you come into contact with someone who has it. Symptoms of this infection include nausea and vomiting, fever, body aches and pains, night sweats, weight loss, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit and leg, and difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, these symptoms can develop into pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary embolism.   If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. Don't wait for them to go away or for symptoms to appear. Symptoms can turn serious if you don't seek…

  How long will it take for you to be completely free from the flu? Most people believe that the flu will only last from about four weeks to three months, but the flu can actually be contracted from someone who does not even have a cold. This means that you need to have your immune system up and running as much as possible before you can be completely free of the disease.   The virus itself will remain in the body until an outbreak occurs or an outbreak is noticed in the body   It will take about a week for the virus to start spreading, and it can…

Baby blues are an all too common experience for many expecting mothers. The emotional mix of being a new mother, the hormonal fluctuations, and the stress of new responsibilities can really throw you out of whack. You may feel some of these:   Feeling of sadness: Immediately after you have given birth, you may feel like you just cannot relate anymore to the child. You may feel the loss of your baby as though it's suddenly ended your connection with that child. This, too, is normal.   Fear of failure: Taking on new responsibilities is difficult, but it's even worse to have baby blues. Your child will not be around…