Why does the nose drip mucus?

Nasal problems typically present with a runny nose or nasal congestion. The mucous membrane lining the inside of the nasal cavity produces mucus throughout the day to keep the membrane moist. The constant movement of air through the nasal cavity with breathing can quickly dry up the membranes were it not for the mucus production. Normally this mucus drains into the back of the throat in small amounts. However, any irritation to the nasal mucosa (mucous membrane) can cause it to secrete profuse amounts of mucus which congest the nasal cavity and exit through the nose. This presents as dripping nose, also known as a leaky nose or runny nose. Medically the term is rhinorrhea.

continue reading Dripping Nose – Clear Watery, Blood, Thick White and Green

The kidneys are the two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the abdominal cavity. It is responsible for the expulsion of waste substances from the body and also has an effect on blood pressure and other vital functions. The human kidneys filter blood throughout the day and night thereby producing some 1 to 2 liters of urine daily on average. The urine is then passed down the ureters on either side and drains into the urinary bladder. Here it is stored until there is the need to expel this urine.

The human bladder can hold about 500ml of urine and once full, the body is signaled that this accumulated urine needs to be passed out into the environment. When the setting is appropriate, the sphincters open and the muscular wall of the bladder contracts tightly thereby propelling the urine into the urethra and out into the exterior. Any blockage either in the upper or lower urinary tract can hamper the passage of urine. If the urine produced then accumulates to a significant degree, it can cause expansion of the urinary tract above the site of the obstruction.

What is hydronephrosis?

Hydronephrosis is the distention of certain parts of the kidney due to the accumulation of urine arising from an obstruction to its outflow. Another related term – hydroureter – is distention of the ureter due to excessive amounts of urine collecting within in. Stasis of urine increases the risk of urinary tract infections or kidney stones. Severe or untreated cases of hydronephrosis can cause permanent kidney damage and lead to kidney failure. Hydronephrosis and hydroureter can occur in adults, children, newborn babies and even in the fetus often for different reasons. Most instances of hydronephrosis are unilateral meaning that it affects only one kidney although it can occur on both sides (bilateral).

continue reading Hydronephrosis (Kidney Swelling with Urine Blockage)

What is colon pain?

Colon pain is any soreness within the colon of the large intestine. It is a symptom of some underlying disease and may occur along with other symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and abdominal distention. In most instances it is difficult to attribute pain within the abdomen as arising from any specific organ especially if there are no other symptoms. Colon pain is one such instance and should therefore be investigated as abdominal pain as a whole, preferably localizing the pain to a specific abdominal quadrant or region.

continue reading Colon Pain Location (Right, Left Side), Symptoms and Causes

The veins in the leg carry low-oxygen blood laden with wastes and carbon dioxide back to the heart just as do other veins in the body. However, the leg veins are a bit different in structure from veins elsewhere in the body. This is due to the fact that the blood has to return back to the heart against the force of gravity and has a long distance to travel – from feet to the heart. Special valves in the veins of the leg ensure that blood is gradually pushed up bit by bit towards the trunk of the body. Muscles in the feet and legs act as a pump which gradually push up the blood with every step and movement of the leg. The valves ensures that the blood does not flow backwards to the feet in the time in between each leg movement. Sometimes these valves become dysfunctional and the circulation in the legs becomes sluggish. One of these problems with poor blood flow in the lower limb is varicose veins which appears as unsightly bulging veins in the legs.

continue reading Varicose Veins (Bulging Leg Veins) Information and Dangers

The flanks are the abdominal area between the ribs and pelvic bone (ilium) on either side of the body. The right flank is essentially the right lumbar region – one of nine abdominal regions. It includes area of the body running around the sides of the abdomen to the back. The lower part of the flank area is where fat tends to accumulate (midsection) and is commonly referred to as “love handles” or “spare tire”. The flanks are also known by several other common terms including the loins, sides and left and right lumbar regions.

continue reading Right Flank Pain – Meaning, Signs or No Symptoms and Causes