Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. These may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Causes The cause of gallstones varies. There are two main types of gallstones: Stones made of cholesterol — This is the most common type. Cholesterol gallstones are not related […]
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis D Hepatitis E Causes Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). You can catch hepatitis C if the blood of someone who has HCV enters your
Hepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis include hepatitis A, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D. Causes You can catch hepatitis B infection through contact with the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva) of a person who has the
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease. Causes Cirrhosis is most often the end result of chronic liver damage caused by long-term (chronic) liver disease. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States are: Hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. Alcohol abuse. The buildup
Hepatitis D is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (previously called the Delta agent). It causes symptoms only in people who also have hepatitis B infection. Causes Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is found only in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make liver disease worse in people who have either recent
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Hepatitis A is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver from the hepatitis A virus. Causes The hepatitis A virus is found mostly in the stool and blood of an infected person. The virus is present about 15 to 45 days before symptoms occur and during the first week of illness. You can catch hepatitis
A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term “seizure” is often used interchangeably with “convulsion.” During convulsions, a person has uncontrollable shaking that is rapid and rhythmic, with the muscles contracting and relaxing repeatedly. There are many different types
What is a reticulocyte count? Reticulocytes are red blood cells that are still developing. They are also known as immature red blood cells. Reticulocytes are made in the bone marrow and sent into the bloodstream. About two days after they form, they develop into mature red blood cells. These red blood cells move oxygen from
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What is an RSV test? RSV, which stands for the respiratory syncytial virus, is an infection that affects the respiratory tract. Your respiratory tract includes your lungs, nose, and throat. RSV is very contagious, which means it spreads easily from person to person. It’s also very common. Most children get RSV by the age of
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What is a respiratory pathogens (RP) panel? A respiratory pathogens (RP) panel checks for pathogens in the respiratory tract. A pathogen is a virus, bacteria, or other organism that causes an illness. Your respiratory tract is made up of parts of the body involved in breathing. This includes your lungs, nose, and throat. There are
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