Health A-Z Medical Reference

If you’ve experienced constipation, nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or heartburn, you may need a bowel transit time test to learn about the source of your discomfort. Here’s what you need to know about this test.

Sickle cell crisis can be very painful and you never know when it might come on. Learn the symptoms, what to do when you have a crisis, and how you can help prevent it.

The sickle cell trait is passed down through families. Learn how you inherited this trait and how it differs from sickle cell disease.

Does your child have a bright, red rash? It could be scarlet fever. Here's a look at the main symptoms of this infection.

Does your child have a bright red, bumpy rash? It could be scarlet fever, that's caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat.

When you have iron deficiency anemia, your body doesn't get the oxygen it needs. Learn what causes this type of anemia, and how to treat it.

Rubella is a contagious childhood infection caused by a virus. Learn why it can be serious during pregnancy, and how to avoid catching it.

Most bacteria that live in your body are harmless. Some are even helpful. Still, bacteria can infect almost any organ. Learn how antibiotics can help you get rid of them.

Magnesium plays a key role in health, but many people don’t have enough in their bodies. Your doctor will use a magnesium test, usually a blood test, to find out your level.

Prealbumin is a protein produced by your liver. The prealbumin blood test analyzes the amount of this protein in your blood, which can help your doctor understand your diet.

Adults can have different degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound. Learn which sounds people aren’t able to hear with different degrees of hearing loss.

Your newborn will get hearing tests. Find out what happens, what the results mean, and what to expect.

Hearing loss is common among adults and can be caught with a hearing test. Find out what happens during the test, how often they’re given and what follow-up may be needed.

An immunoglobulin test checks how well your immune system works. Learn why you might need this test.

WebMD explains sepsis, a severe blood infection that can lead to organ failure and death.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a drug-resistant germ. Here's what to know about preventing and dealing with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

If you have constant stomach problems, you may have diverticular disease. Find out what it is, what the symptoms are, and how it’s treated.

An MRI is a common test that lets doctors see inside your body. Find out how they use it and how to prepare for an MRI.

An MRI can help your doctor diagnose you and monitor your treatment, but it isn't right for everyone. Learn what you should talk to your doctor about and when you should avoid this test.

Lactic acid is perfectly safe at low levels, but it can cause major problems when it builds up. If your doctor suspects that this is the case, you’ll probably have a lactic acid blood test.

Chondrodysplasia is a collection of diseases that can affect a person’s stature, and, with some forms, many other aspects of their health.

An iron blood test can show whether you have too much or too little of this important mineral in your blood. Find out why your doctor might call for this test, and what the results mean.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can make you feel tired, weak, and short of breath. Learn what triggers this type of anemia, and how to treat it.

How much do you know about mononucleosis? Get the facts on "mono" from the experts at WebMD.

Your doctor may suggest an ACTH test to find out if you have too much or too little cortisol. Learn what to expect and what you can learn from this blood test.

Too much or too little of growth hormone may cause metabolism or development issues. Here’s what you should know about GH testing.

It can be hard to tell if an injured toe is broken or just badly hurt. Learn the symptoms of a broken toe, when to call your doctor, and how to best care for it.

A ferritin blood test shows how much iron is stored in your body. Find out why you might need this test and how it’s done.

Von Willebrand disease is a lifelong bleeding disorder. Learn about the different types of this condition, as well as its causes and treatments.

So, you think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Should you take a UTI home test, or wait to see your doctor? Find out whether these home tests are effective and what your next steps should be.

Malaria can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. Learn more about the disease and its new vaccine.

Hemochromatosis is a condition where your body absorbs too much iron. Find out what causes it and what treatments are available.

Malaria pills lower your chance of getting sick with the tropical disease. Although they aren’t 100% effective, they are an important way to reduce your chances of getting malaria while traveling.

Mononucleosis is sometimes called “the kissing disease,” but kissing isn’t the only way you can get it. Learn how to spot the signs of mono and get the right treatment.

Learn more about the tests and treatment options for mononucleosis, aka "mono."

Thalassemia is a blood disorder that affects the ability of the blood to get oxygen to the body’s organs. Learn more about this genetic condition, and how it’s diagnosed and treated.

If you’re having a lot of pain, stiffness, and trouble moving your shoulder, you may have a condition called frozen shoulder. Learn how to spot the signs and get treatment.

Anemia isn’t always caused by a lack of iron. Not getting enough folate can harm your health, too.

If you hurt your hand in a sports game or fall, you may be noticing pain or swelling in one of your fingers. But is the injury a sprain? Learn how to spot the signs of a finger sprain and treat your symptoms.

You might need general anesthesia if you have surgery. It makes you go into a deep sleep, and you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Find out how it works and what the possible risks are.

Lymphedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid under your skin. It affects your arms or legs. Find out why it happens and what the treatment is.

You may break a rib if you’re hit hard in the chest. Learn how your doctor may treat a broken rib and what problems may arise from such a break.

You may not be able to tell the difference between an ankle sprain and an ankle fracture by their symptoms alone. To get the right treatment, it’s important to know which injury you have.

Your blood holds secrets about your health. Find out about what a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) blood test can reveal.

Acute chest syndrome is one of the most serious problems that people with sickle cell disease (SCD) can have. If it happens to you, you’ll need medical attention right away, before it becomes life-threatening.

Blood, saliva, and urine tests for cortisol: WebMD tells you what they do.

Cortisol -- your “fight-or-flight” hormone -- is designed to let you know when you’re danger. But too much or too of it can throw your whole body out of whack. Learn why.

If you have a loved one with chronic kidney disease, the doctor may suggest a kidney transplant. Learn who can get one, why they’re preferred over dialysis, and what the risks are.

Can you be too young or too old to donate a kidney?

Your doctor will probably order a complete blood count (CBC) as part of your yearly physical exam. Learn what this common test is and what your results mean.