Archive for the Health and Wellness Category

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia

Precancerous patches, or lesions, inside the MOUTH. The patches are light-colored and most commonly form on the tongue and insides of the cheeks. Irritation to these tissues over time, such as from all forms of tobacco use and poorly fittin.. Read More

Health and Wellness | 03.5.10 | No Comments

Laryngocele

Laryngocele

An air-filled bulge (herniation) that develops within the tissues of the larynx (voice box), often among the folds of the VOCAL CORDS. Laryngocele may be present at birth as a CONGENITAL ANOMALY or develop later in life, often as a conseque.. Read More

Health and Wellness | 03.4.10 | No Comments

Laryngitis

Laryngitis

Irritation or INFLAMMATION of the larynx (voice box) that results in hoarseness or loss of voice. Most laryngitis is viral, though may accompany or follow a bacterial INFECTION such as STREP THROAT. Laryngitis is also common in people who s.. Read More

Health and Wellness | 03.1.10 | No Comments

Laryngectomy

Laryngectomy

Surgical removal of the larynx, which includes the VOCAL CORDS and other structures that produce sound for the function of speech. Surgeons perform the majority of laryngectomies to treat CANCER due to cigarette smoking. Laryngectomy result.. Read More

Health and Wellness | 02.28.10 | No Comments

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis

An INFLAMMATION or INFECTION of the vestibular system, the body’s balance mechanism within the inner EAR. The sudden onset of VERTIGO (feeling of spinning) is the characteristic symptom. Many people also experience transitory or temporary.. Read More

Health and Wellness | 02.27.10 | No Comments

Halitosis

Halitosis

The clinical term for bad breath. Halitosis can indicate numerous local or systemic health conditions. Local halitosis occurs when an abundance of BACTERIA that release sulfur as a waste byproduct colonize in the mouth. Systemic halitosis o.. Read More

Health and Wellness | 02.26.10 | No Comments

Hairy Tongue

Hairy Tongue

The common term for the circumstance of overgrown filiform papillae on the tongue, a condition known clinically as lingua villosa. Filiform papillae are long, resemble hairs, and do not contain taste buds. Their purpose is to help move food.. Read More

Health and Wellness | 02.17.10 | No Comments

Glossitis

Glossitis

An INFLAMMATION of the tongue that is typically the result of irritation, viral or bacterial INFECTION, vitamin B deficiency, or ANEMIA. Glossitis may also develop as an opportunistic condition in people who have IMMUNE SYSTEM disorders. .. Read More

Health and Wellness | 02.15.10 | No Comments

Gingivitis

Gingivitis

INFLAMMATION of the gum tissue around the TEETH. Most gingivitis is an early form of PERIODONTAL DISEASE. Signs of gingivitis include painless bleeding (spontaneous or with brushing) and swollen gums that may be bright red or shiny. Some pe.. Read More

Health and Wellness | 02.14.10 | No Comments

Gag Reflex

Gag Reflex

A rapid and intense contraction of the pharyngeal muscles to expel material before it enters the THROAT. Touching the back of the soft palate activates the gag REFLEX in most people, causing a retching action. The gag reflex is more sensiti.. Read More

Health and Wellness | 02.11.10 | No Comments

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