Diseases and Conditions

Anemia is a condition where there is a lower than normal number of red blood cells in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying part of red blood cells. It gives these blood cells their red color. There are many types and potential causes of anemia. For information about a specific type of anemia, see one of the following articles: Anemia due to B12 deficiency; Anemia due to folate deficiency; Anemia due to iron deficiency; Hemolytic anemia; Hemolytic anemia due to G-6-PD deficiency; Idiopathic aplastic anemia; Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia; Immune hemolytic anemia; Megaloblastic anemia; Pernicious anemia; Secondary aplastic anemia; Sickle cell anemia.

Gout is a form of acute arthritis that causes severe pain and swelling in the joints. It most commonly affects the big toe, but may also affect the heel, ankle, hand, wrist, or elbow.

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are extremely rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and occasionally by taking medications. See also: Tension headache; Cluster headache; Migraine with aura; Migraine without aura.

Hives are raised, often itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.

Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidney and the ducts that carry urine away from the kidney (ureters.

Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth.

Herpes zoster is an acute, localized infection with varicella-zoster virus, which causes a painful, blistering rash.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by a group of infectious microorganisms that are transmitted mainly through sexual activity. These agents represent a costly, burdensome global public health problem.

Vertigo is a sensation of motion or spinning that leads to dizziness and discomfort. Vertigo is not the same as light-headedness. People with vertigo feel as though they are actually spinning or moving, or that the environment itself is spinning.