Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious disease caused by a bacterial infection. The most common culprit is the toxins by the Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) bacterium. A similar condition is caused by the Streptococcal (Strep) genus, called the Toxic Shock-Like Syndrome. However, not all infections caused by staph and strep lead to toxic shock […]
Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is a poisonous plant that is native to western North America. Generally, it contains the oily resin, urushiol, in its leaves, stems and roots that causes the contact dermatitis in individuals. This resin is also found in poison ivy and poison sumac. Direct contact to poison oak plant or indirect contact
Indigestion is a feeling of fullness or vague feeling of discomfort that occurs in the upper abdomen or the chest during or immediately after ingestion of food. Generally, the discomfort is often described as a painful burning sensation in between the breastbone (sternum) and the navel. Sometimes, it is also described as a feeling of
As the name suggests, traveler’s diarrhea is diarrhea that is experienced by travelers who are away from their homes. Generally, it is characterized by having three or more loose to liquid bowel movements within a span of one day. It is said to be the most common illness to befall a traveler, affecting an estimated
It is not uncommon to experience ear barotrauma. In fact, most people will experience this condition at some point in their lives, albeit not serious. Ear barotrauma is a condition that results to discomfort, and possibly even damage, in the ear due to the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the eardrum.