An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids. The adenoids are two small clumps of tissue that are located in the back of the nose, high in the throat. Sometimes, adenoids swell up. When they swell, they can: Make breathing difficult. Make congestion or a stuffed-up nose worse. Increase the risk of long-term […]
Tag Archives: Adult
Torticollis is a condition in which the muscles of the neck tighten (contract) abnormally, causing the neck to twist and the head to move into an unnatural position. Torticollis that develops suddenly is called acute torticollis. People with acute torticollis may have trouble turning their head. The condition can be painful and may range from […]
Acute respiratory failure is a condition that is a medical emergency. It can develop quickly, and it should be treated right away. There are two types of acute respiratory failure: Type I respiratory failure is when the lungs are not able to get enough oxygen into the blood. This causes the blood oxygen level to […]
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition. The lungs become swollen and blood vessels leak fluid into the air sacs (alveoli). This prevents the lungs from working well. It also makes it hard to get oxygen into the blood. This can damage other vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys, liver, or brain. […]
Acute pain is a type of sudden pain that may last for just a few days or for as long as six months. It is often related to an illness, injury, or medical procedure. Acute pain may be mild, moderate, or severe. Pain can make it hard for you to do your normal, daily activities. […]
Elsevier Patient Education © 2023 Elsevier Inc.. Last revised: February 22, 2023. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and the soft tissue inside the bones (bone marrow). AML happens when the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloid cells. Myeloid cells are immature blood cells that normally go on to develop into blood […]
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and soft tissue inside the bones (bone marrow). Normally, bone marrow makes immature cells, called blast cells, that develop into important immune cells (lymphocytes) or other mature blood cells. These mature cells help to fight infection, carry oxygen, and stop bleeding. With ALL, the […]
Acute knee pain is sudden and may be caused by damage, swelling, or irritation of the muscles and tissues that support the knee. Pain may result from: A fall. An injury to the knee from twisting motions. A hit to the knee. Infection. Acute knee pain may go away on its own with time and […]
Acute kidney injury is a sudden worsening of kidney function. The kidneys are a pair of organs that do many important jobs in the body, including: Make urine. Make hormones. Keep the right amount of fluids and chemicals in the body. This condition ranges from mild to severe. Over time, it may develop into long-lasting […]
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare condition of sudden severe inflammation in the central nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The condition can also affect the nerves of the eyes (optic nerves). With ADEM, inflammation attacks the protective covering around nerves (myelin sheath). This disrupts nerve conduction, which […]