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Abdominal pain is a common symptom but it may not always be present. The abdominal pain from peptic ulcers can differ a lot from person to person. For example, the pain may get better or worse after eating a meal. Other possible symptoms include:...
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GASTRIC ULCERS. The symptoms of gastric ulcers include feelings of indigestion and heartburn, weight loss, and repeated episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Ulcer pain is often described as gnawing, dull, aching, or resembling hunger pangs. The ...
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Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.
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New and severe abdominal pain always needs to be closely evaluated by a doctor. It is frequently a sign of serious illness.
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Repeated episodes of abdominal pain can arise from a variety of medical causes, including some serious conditions. Everyone who has unexplained abdominal pain requires a medical evaluation by a doctor.
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Most of the time, children with mild abdominal pain are not seriously ill; the symptoms go away in a day or two and can be managed at home. However, if your child has severe abdominal pain or has a bellyache along with frequent vomiting, you should contact your child's pediatrician.
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Abdominal pain is very common in children, and in many cases there’s no serious cause. But stomach pain can sometimes point to a serious problem, such as appendicitis, so it is important to know when to seek help.
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Most stomachaches are nothing more than indigestion or gas. But stomach pain also could be appendicitis, gallstones, or a tubal pregnancy.
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Bloody stools often indicate an injury or disorder in the digestive tract. Your doctor may use the term "melena" to describe black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools or "hematochezia" to describe red- or maroon-colored stools.
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This condition involves losing blood. This can occur internally (when blood leaks from blood vessels inside the body), externally through a natural opening (such as the vagina , mouth, or rectum), or externally through a break in the skin.
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Detailed information on bleeding/clotting disorders, including hemophilia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and thrombosis
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Call 911 if you can’t stop the bleeding or the victim shows signs of shock.
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Preventing Bleeding During ChemotherapyChemotherapy can make your blood less able to clot. This happens because the treatment reduces the number ofplatelets(clotting agents) in your blood.
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Vomiting blood is a regurgitation of blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus (the feeding tube that transmits food and secretions from mouth to stomach), stomach, and small intestine.
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Belching is the act of bringing up air from the stomach with a typical sound.
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Burping (belching), a noisy stomach, or passing of gas from the lower bowel can be embarrassing events, but they are rarely caused by a medical problem. More often, gas is the result of the foods that you eat and how much air you swallow. If your gas symptoms are significant, or if you have other unexplained symptoms, it is best for you to consult with your doctor.
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Chest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.
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New onset chest pain always requires evaluation by your doctor. If the pain is severe, you should seek immediate medical care.
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Doctor-patient communication can improve the treatment outlook for those with chronic chest pain.
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If hospitals become accredited as "chest pain centers," it could make deciding where to go for treatment easier, and also increase recovery rates.
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What would cause me to have chest pains when I eat a full meal?
Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about when chest pain may be heartburn, and when it may be a sign of something more serious.
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The benefits of chest pain regarding acute coronary events.When it comes to exercise, that old chestnut “No pain, no gain” is passé. But it may still apply to heart attacks. People who have chest pain (angina) with activity in the months or weeks before a heart attack tend to have smaller heart attacks, better survival, fewer heart rhythm problems, and better recovery of heart function than those without chest pain. In May, a team that included cardiologists from Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology that angina protects against the muscular remodeling of the left ventricle that can follow a heart attack and lead to heart failure. It didn’t seem to help people with diabetes, though.
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Women who suffer from chest pain but show clear arteries on an angiogram may have a different type of blocked artery, where plaque builds up evenly on the inner surface or bulges outward.
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A new drug has been approved to treat angina, though it is intended for those who have not had success with other angina medications, and is meant to be used in combination with another such drug.
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Every now and then I get a sudden, sharp pain on the left side of my chest, like a knife. I get a little dizzy, and then it disappears as quickly as it came on. Even though the test results were fine, it still scares me. Should I be concerned about this?
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The color of vomited blood varies depending on the amount of time the blood has been in
the gastrointestinal system. If there is a delay in vomiting, blood will appear dark red,
brown or black and precipitated blood clots produce the appearance of coffee ground like
material.
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Stools are produced in the intestines and are the end product of the digestive system.
When we consume food, it passes from our stomach into our intestines.
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Dizziness is lightheadedness, feeling like you might faint, being unsteady, loss of balance, or vertigo (a feeling that you or the room is spinning or moving). Most causes of dizziness are not serious and either quickly resolve on their own or are easily treated.
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Dizziness is classified into three categories- vertigo, syncope, and nonsyncope nonvertigo. Each category has a characteristic set of symptoms, all related to the sense of balance.
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As a disorder, dizziness is classified into three categories: vertigo, syncope, and nonsyncope nonvertigo. Each category has its own set of symptoms, all related to the sense of balance.
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As a disorder, dizziness is classified into three categories- vertigo, syncope, and nonsyncope nonvertigo. Each category has a characteristic set of symptoms, all related to the sense of balance.
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Dizziness is a general term that describes sensations of imbalance and unsteadiness, such as vertigo, mild turning, imbalance, and near fainting or fainting. Feelings of dizziness stem from the vestibular system, which includes the brain and the parts of the inner ear that sense position and motion, coupled with sensory information from the eyes, skin, and muscle tension.
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When the brain receives conflicting signals, or when there is a problem with blood flow, dizziness or fainting can occur.
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Falls or accidents can lead to pain, broken bones, and fear of future falls. Protect yourself and others by preparing for episodes. Simple steps can help increase your safety at home and wherever you go.
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Can arthritis in neck and shoulders be the cause of "positional vertigo?" In the past, when I've experienced vertigo symptoms I've visited my chiropractor for an adjustment that would successfully relieve my misalignment, which was pinching a nerve in my neck and causing the dizziness. My last episode was not as successful, though.
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Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
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Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress , medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease. Everyone experiences fatigue occasionally.
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Boosting Your Energy provides information on the causes and treatments of persistent fatigue. Includes information on aging and energy, eating for energy, and boosting your energy.
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Fatigue may be defined as a subjective state in which one feels tired or exhausted, and in which the capacity for normal work or activity is reduced. There is, however, no commonly accepted definition of fatigue when it is considered in the context of health and illness.
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If you regularly feel weary after waking from a good night’s sleep or for no apparent reason, it’s time to find out why.
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Fatigue: TreatmentIf the fatigue is related to a decrease in hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, then replacing the red blood cells by transfusion or taking erythropoietin can help reduce fatigue. If the fatigue is not related to...
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Introduction Fatigue may be defined as a subjective state in which one feels tired or exhausted, and in which the capacity for normal work or activity is reduced. There is, however, no commonly accepted definition of fatigue when it is considered in the context of health and illness.
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Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress , medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease. Everyone experiences fatigue occasionally.
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Fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion or loss of strength. The duration of fatigue for a patient with cancer has been found to last from one to two times the length of time between diagnosis and completion of treatment, so it is common for fatigue to persist beyond a patient ' s treatment regimen.
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Fatigue: ManagementIf the person on chemotherapy has decreased hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and it seems like the low hemoglobin level will last for a while, then a medicine called PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa) may be prescribed...
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Fatigue: CausesWe currently understand some of the causes of fatigue but not all of them. Fatigue may be related to physical changes caused by cancer or its treatment (chemotherapy, biotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery).
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Fatigue: DefinitionFatigue is a vague feeling of being tired, weak, or exhausted. It is often a symptom of cancer, when cancer is first diagnosed, or when cancer progresses (Ferrell et al, 1996).
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Many people experience late-in-the-day energy lags, but you can take steps to prevent them.
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Oncology: Managing FatigueFatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can be caused by worry, lack of sleep, and poor appetite.
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Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract, which extends from the mouth to the large bowel. The degree of bleeding can range from nearly undetectable to acute, massive, and life-threatening. Bleeding may come from any site along the gastrointestinal tract, but is often divided into: Upper GI bleeding: The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is located between the mouth and outflow tract of the stomach. Lower GI bleeding: The lower GI tract is located from the outflow tract of the stomach to the anus (small and large bowel included).
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GI bleeding studies uses radioactive materials in the investigation of bleeding from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These studies go under various names such as " GI bleeding scans " or " Tagged red blood cell scans.
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Patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly if they are also taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
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Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the esophagus, just below or behind the breastbone. The pain often rises in your chest and may radiate to your neck or throat.
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Detailed information on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Heartburn can affect just about anyone—old or young (or in between). An occasional bout of heartburn is nothing to worry about. Chronic heartburn, however, can be a sign of a more serious condition.
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Sixty million Americans suffer heartburn. Almost half have it every day. If you're among them, do you have all the facts?
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At one time or another, most of us have suffered from heartburn -- a burning feeling behind the breastbone or sometimes at the same level in the mid-back.
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Although heartburn can be treated easily with changes in diet, lifestyle, and over-the-counter medications, it can also be a symptom of more serious problems.
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Heartburn is the first sign of a gastric disorder that shouldn???t be ignored.Heartburn is the first sign of a gastric disorder that shouldn’t be ignored.
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Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can extend to the neck, throat, and face. It usually occurs after eating and is worsened by bending, lifting, or lying down.
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Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can extend to the neck, throat, and face; it is worsened by bending or lying down. It is the primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux, which is the movement of stomach acid into the esophagus.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about how to tell heartburn from more serious heart trouble.
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Heartburn is a daily problem for about 10 percent of Americans, and at least twice that many suffer occasional bouts.
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Indigestion is a vague feeling of abdominal discomfort -- possibly including a feeling of fullness, belching , bloating , and nausea .
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Dyspepsia can be defined as painful, difficult, or disturbed digestion, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting , heartburn , bloating, and stomach discomfort. Causes and symptoms The digestive problems may have an identifiable cause, such as bacterial or viral infection, peptic ulcer, gallbladder, or liver disease.
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Detailed information on indigestion, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Stomachache is pain or discomfort in the stomach that is a symptom of many different gastrointestinal diseases or conditions. Stomachache, also called dyspepsia, is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition of the gastrointestinal system.
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Indigestion, which is sometimes called dyspepsia, is a general term covering a group of nonspecific symptoms in the digestive tract. It is often described as a feeling of fullness, bloating, nausea, heartburn , or gassy discomfort in the chest or abdomen.
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A "tummyache" is a common complaint in children. Usually, it's nothing serious.
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Indigestion, which is sometimes called dyspepsia ,is a general term covering a group of nonspecific symptoms in the digestive tract. It is often described as a feeling of fullness, bloating, nausea, heartburn , or gassy discomfort in the chest or abdomen.
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Anorexia is characterized by a loss of appetite or lack of desire to eat. Anorexia is common in cancer patients with reported incidence between 15% and 40%.
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Detailed information on anorexia, including causes, characteristics, types, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prevention
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Appetite StimulationSymptom and Description Loss of appetite is a loss of the desire to eat. Not eating can lead to weight loss.
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Your loss of appetite may be because of anxiety or depression, aging, medications or a health concern.
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A harvard Medical school physician answers your question about the prevalence of anorexia in men, and discusses the biological and environmental factors that influence the disorder in both sexes.
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Women suffering from anorexia nervosa may benefit more from general support than in-depth therapy, according to a recent study.
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Nausea is the sensation of having an urge to vomit. Vomiting is forcing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth.
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A Recipe to Ease Nausea: Gingerbread With Brown Sugar Meringue"Gingerbread. Ginger cookies.
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Nausea is the sensation of having a queasy stomach or being about to vomit. Vomiting , or emesis, is the expelling of undigested food through the mouth.
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Will excess fluid in the ear cause dizziness and nausea?
David Vernick, M.D. is assistant clinical professor of otology and laryngology at Harvard Medical School and interim chief of the Division of Otology and Laryngology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
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Definition and classification Pain is a universal human experience. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as " an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage.
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Expert-reviewed information summary about pain as a complication of cancer or its treatment. Approaches to the management and treatment of cancer-associated pain are discussed.
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Pain, medically termed "nociception," is a response to noxious stimuli that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons . The discomfort signals actual or impending injury to the body.
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Communicating About PainResourcesAmerican Pain Foundation888-615-7246www.painfoundation.orgAmerican Chronic Pain Associationwww.theacpa.orgThe National Pain Foundation www.painconnection.orgYou have a right to have pain treated. Untreated pain can...
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Pain is an unpleasant feeling that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons. The discomfort signals actual or potential injury to the body.
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Measuring Your PainA pain scale helps you rate pain intensity. In the scale, 0 means no pain, and 10 is the worst pain possible.
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Pain is an unpleasant feeling that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons. The discomfort signals actual or potential injury to the body.
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Pain is an unpleasant feeling that is conveyed to the brain by nerves in the body. Pain arises from any number of situations.
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This comprehensive report describes the many causes of pain, the latest treatments, and the best preventive strategies.
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I have recurring sores in my mouth, most generally on the sides of my tongue, and the tip of my tongue gets very tender and sore. Do I have a vitamin deficiency? What else could be the cause of this?
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Examines the role of forgiveness in personal health and happiness, ranging from reduced stress to improved relationships.
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Children who experience verbal abuse are at as much risk for developing anxiety or depression as those who are abused physically or sexually. This may be due to the fact that verbal abuse is likely to persist over a lengthy period of time.
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Rectal bleeding is a common problem, often caused by constipation, anal fissures or
hemorrhoids. It can be an indication of serious occult disease and should be evaluated by
a physician.
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Rectal bleeding refers to dark or red blood that you see with a bowel movement or at times between bowel movements. You may notice the blood in the toilet or on your toilet tissue. You should always contact your doctor if you notice rectal bleeding.
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Understanding Rectal BleedingRectal bleedingis when blood passes through your rectum and anus. It can occur with or without a bowel movement.
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Evaluating and Treating Rectal BleedingYour doctor will do a medical evaluation to find the site and cause of your bleeding. He or she will ask about your health and examine you.
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Being tired is the familiar aftermath of physical exertion, prolonged labor or lack of
sleep. When does being tired become a symptom of a condition? Fatigue, malaise,
lassitude, exhaustion are all subtle variations of the same subjective feelings of not
having enough energy to meet the demands of one's life.
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Unintentional weight loss is a decrease in body weight that is not voluntary. Weight loss will occur with decreased food intake, increased metabolism , or both. See also intentional weight loss .
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Weight loss is a reduction in body mass characterized by a loss of adipose tissue (body fat) and skeletal muscle. Unintentional weight loss is the most common symptom of cancer and often a side effect of cancer treatments.
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What is the most effective method for weight loss/management while taking prednisone?
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