Hiccups occur when a spasm contracts the diaphragm, a large sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. The spasm causes an intake of breath that is suddenly stopped by the closing of the vocal cords (glottis). This closing causes the sound of the hiccup.
What are hiccups? Hiccups occur when a spasm contracts the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. This spasm causes an intake of breath that is suddenly stopped by the closing of the vocal cords. This is what makes the "hiccup" sound. There are...
Hiccups occur when a spasm contracts the diaphragm, causing an intake of breath that is suddenly stopped by the closure of the vocal cords (glottis). The closure of the vocal cords causes the characteristic "hiccup" sound. Hiccups are also called hiccough and singultus. A very full stomach (gastric distention) can cause...
Discusses nuclear scanning test done to evaluate gallbladder function. Covers how to prepare for test and how it is done, including use of radioactive tracer substance. Includes info on risks and what test results may mean.
Gluten is a protein found in some grains, notably wheat, barley, and rye. Some foods and food products may contain gluten even when it is not specifically listed as an ingredient. The following foods and food products may have hidden gluten: Milk products Ice cream and other frozen dairy products Cheese spreads Yogurt...
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that causes lumps in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as in the armpit. The lumps look like pimples, acne, or boils. The lumps are usually painful and can become infected. The lumps may come and go for years. If the condition isn't treated and gets worse, hollow...
What is hidradenitis suppurativa? Hidradenitis suppurativa (say "hih-drad-uh-NY-tus sup-yur-uh-TY-vuh") is a skin condition that causes lumps on the skin. The lumps look like pimples or boils. They usually occur in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the armpit, the buttocks, or the inner thighs. The condition...
Low blood sugar level Use this form to record a low blood sugar level problem. Fill out a record each time this happens. Take the completed form(s) with you when you visit your child's doctor. If your child is having low blood sugar problems, his or her medicine for diabetes may need to be adjusted or changed. Date...
Hypercalcemia is an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. It can be caused by high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and may occur in hyperparathyroidism. Hypercalcemia can also develop without high levels of PTH. This occurs in vitamin D overdose, prolonged periods of bed rest or immobilization, and some...
Provides links to information about high blood pressure. Describes what blood pressure is, high blood pressure's effect on health, and how high blood pressure is treated. Has links to lifestyle changes and medications used to treat high blood pressure.
Covers causes and symptoms of high blood pressure. Explains systolic and diastolic pressure numbers. Looks at treatment and prevention steps. Includes risks of untreated high blood pressure such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
It's normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. But if it stays up, you have high blood pressure. For diagnosis, the top number may be 130 to 140 or higher. The bottom number may be 80 to 90 or higher. High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other problems. You and your...
Beat hypertension— Lower your blood pressure with simple lifestyle changes to protect yourself from this hidden health problem. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Watch what you eat Choose a diet low in cholesterol and animal fat, and high in produce, whole grains...
Learn about causes and effects of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
What is high blood pressure in children and teens? Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of the arteries as it moves through the body. It's normal for your child's blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. But if it stays up, your child has high blood pressure. Another...
Explains why you should monitor your blood pressure at home and how to choose a home blood pressure monitor. Includes steps on how to take your blood pressure at home. Covers why and how to keep a blood pressure diary.
Learn how using a home blood pressure monitor can give you better control of your health.
The DASH diet The DASH diet is an eating plan that can help lower your blood pressure. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy. It also includes fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds. Following the DASH diet Eat 4 to 5 servings of...
Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can raise your blood pressure or keep your blood pressure medicine from working the way it should. So if you have high blood pressure or other heart or blood vessel problems, you need to be careful with OTC medicines. That includes vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist...
Guides you through the decision to take or not take medicine to treat high blood pressure. Explains what high blood pressure is and risks of not lowering it. Covers treatment choices and lifestyle changes.
Covers things you can do to make it easier to take your high blood pressure medicine. Includes working with your doctor to find the right meds, getting organized to stay on schedule, and learning about side effects and what to do if you miss a dose.
Learn how the DASH eating plan can help lower your blood pressure.
Describes the DASH diet to help lower blood pressure. Offers tips for following DASH guidelines, including how to add more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Outlines how to make DASH a habit by setting goals, getting past barriers, and finding support.
Use this form to record a high blood sugar level problem. Fill out a record each time this happens. Take the completed form(s) to the doctor. If you or your child with diabetes is having high blood sugar problems, the diabetes medicine dose may need to be adjusted or the medicine may need to be changed. Date...
Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) in your blood. High cholesterol means that you have too much of the fat in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol. But if you have too much, it can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Covers the kinds of cholesterol. Explains that cholesterol is one of many risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Covers treatment to lower risk of heart attack and stroke, which includes healthy habits and statins.
Take control of your cholesterol to lower your heart disease risk. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Reduce risk with fiber Add whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables to your meals to reduce heart disease risk . Add soy protein to your diet 30 grams (about 1...
Millions of people struggle to lose weight and improve their diets. Finding a diet that works for you and then staying with it can be a huge challenge. Registered dietitians are experts in diet and nutrition, particularly for promoting general health and treating conditions, such as high cholesterol. A dietitian can...
High cholesterol is treated with heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medicine. These can lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. You and your doctor may decide to first try treating your high cholesterol without medicine. Changing some of your habits may be all you need to do to...
The lower the better when it comes to homocysteine levels. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Seek support from supplements Lower homocysteine levels in the blood by taking a daily supplement of over-the-counter folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Back up the B...
