Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «C»:
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Constipation
Constipation refers to infrequent or hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. Constipation may involve pain during the passage of a bowel movement, inability to pass a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more than 10 minutes, or no bowel movements after more than 3 days. Infants who are ...
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Constipation - self-care
Constipation is when you are not passing stool as often as you normally do. Your stool becomes hard and dry, and it is difficult to pass. You might feel bloated and have pain, or you might have to strain when you try to go.
Some medicines, and even some vitamins, can make you constipated. You can al...
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Constipation - what to ask your doctor
Constipation is when you are passing stools less often than you normally do. Your stool becomes hard and dry, and it is difficult to pass. You might feel bloated and have pain, or you might have to strain when you try to go.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help y...
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Consumer rights and responsibilities
In March 1998, the Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry issued its final report, which included the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. The Commission was appointed by President Bill Clinton, and co-chaired by Donna Shalala, Secretary of the De...
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Contac overdose
Contac is the brand name for a cough, cold, and allergy medicine that contains several ingredients. Contac overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or ...
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Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance.
See also: Poison ivy - oak - sumac
Causes
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergy-causing substance (irritant or allergen). Reac...
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Contracture deformity
A contracture is a tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin that prevents normal movement.
See also:
Becker's muscular dystrophy
Cerebral palsy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Dupuytren's contracture
Volkmann's contracture
Considerations
A contracture develops when the normally ela...
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Controlling your high blood pressure
If your blood pressure is high, it is important for you to lower it and keep it under control. Your blood pressure reading has 2 numbers. One or both of these numbers can be too high.
The top number is called the systolic reading. A systolic reading is considered too high if it is 140 or higher.
Th...
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Conversion disorder
Conversion disorder is a condition in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that cannot be explained.
Causes
Conversion disorder symptoms may occur because of emotional distress or psychological problems.
Symptoms usually begin suddenly after a stres...
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Convulsions
Convulsions are when a person's body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably. During convulsions, the person's muscles contract and relax repeatedly.
The term "convulsion" is often used interchangeably with "seizure," although there are many types of seizures, some of which have subtle or mild symptoms in...
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Cooking utensils and nutrition
Cooking utensils can have an effect on nutrition.
Function
The utensils that are used to cook food often do more than just hold the food. Molecules of substances can leach from the utensil into the food that is being cooked. Three of the substances that are used in utensils are aluminum, lead, a...
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Coombs’ test
The Coombs' test looks for antibodies that may bind to your red blood cells and cause premature red blood cell destruction (hemolysis).
How the Test is Performed
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing...
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COPD - what to ask your doctor
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) damages your lungs. This can make it hard for you to get enough oxygen. While there is no cure for COPD, you can do many things to control your symptoms and make your life better.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help y...
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Copper in diet
Copper is an essential trace mineral present in all body tissues.
Function
Copper, along with iron, helps in the formation of red blood cells. It also helps in keeping the blood vessels, nerves, immune system, and bones healthy.
Food Sources
Oysters and other shellfish, whole grains, beans, nuts, p...
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Copper poisoning
This article discusses poisoning from copper.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Poisono...
