Addiction is normally defined as a chemical, physical or psychological dependence which negatively impacts a person's life. Common addictions include addiction to alcohol, drugs (or substance abuse), gambling, sex and over-eating.
A person becomes an addict when the body begins to rely on a substance or behavior in order to function. Most addictions continue due to unbearable symptoms...
An abscess occurs when bacterial infection attacks one particular area. The bacteria usually infect the skin and gums but have also infected the tonsils, brain, lungs and liver.
When infection occurs it damages tissue in the area causing white blood cells to accumulate in the area. This causes the area to swell.
Clean wounds properly to prevent abscesses from occurring on or...
Acne occurs when the skin's sebacous glands produce sebum (a fatty secretion) and block the skins 'pores, preventing body fluids and dead skin from exiting through follicles.
The sebacous glands produce sebum naturally, however during adolescence and various other periods the presence of hormones within the body increases and the pores become overwhelmed and clogged.
This...
Adenoids are lymph nodes, similar to tonsils. They grow up to puberty then begin to shrink. Adenoids may become infected in children. Infections can usually reoccur periodically throughout childhood.
Some children may experience continued growth of the adenoids which may lead to interference with hearing. It is necessary to maintain a healthy immune system in order to reduce the chance...
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus attacks the body's immune system and impairs the body's ability to fight off illness.
After becoming infected with the virus healthy individuals will produce antibodies which will attempt to rid the body of the virus. The body may fight the virus for years before failure and...
