Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «S»:
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Stonefish sting
This article describes the health effects that occur due to the venom of a sting from a stonefish. It does not discuss allergic reactions.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local eme...
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Stool C. difficile toxin
The stool C. difficile toxin test detects harmful substances produced by the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) in a stool sample. This infection is a common cause of diarrhea after antibiotic use.
How the Test is Performed
A sample of a stool is submitted for laboratory analysis. There...
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Stool Gram stain
A stool Gram stain is a laboratory test that uses different stains to detect and identify bacteria in a stool sample.
The Gram stain method is sometimes used to rapidly diagnose bacterial infections.
How the Test is Performed
You will need to collect a stool sample.
There are many ways to collect a...
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Stool guaiac test
The stool guaiac test finds hidden (occult) blood in the stool (bowel movement). It is the most common form of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in use today.
How the Test is Performed
If the test is performed in an office or hospital, stool may be collected by a doctor during an examination.
If the t...
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Stool ova and parasites exam
Stool ova and parasites exam is a laboratory test to determine if a stool sample contains parasites or eggs (ova) that are associated with intestinal infections.
How the Test is Performed
A stool sample is needed. There are many ways to collect the sample. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap th...
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Stools - floating
Stools that float are usually due to poor absorption (malabsorption) of nutrients or excessive gas (flatus).
Considerations
Floating stools are seen in a variety of different situations. Most are diet-related, or occur during a gastrointestinal infection. A change in diet can lead to an increase in...
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Stools - foul smelling
Foul-smelling stools are stools with a very bad odor. They usually have to do with what you eat, but may be a sign of a medical condition.
Considerations
Stools normally have an unpleasant odor, but one that is recognized as fairly common. Stools that have an extremely bad, unusual odor may be due ...
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Stop smoking support programs
Like any addiction, quitting tobacco is difficult, especially if you are acting alone. Most smokers find it hard to break all the habits or ties they've built into their lives around smoking.
By using smoking cessation programs, smokers may have a much better chance of success. Such programs are off...
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Stork bite
A stork bite is a common type of birthmark seen in a newborn. It is most often temporary.
The medical term for a stork bite is nevus simplex. A stork bite is also called a salmon patch.
Causes
Stork bites occur in about one third of all newborns.
A stork bite is due to a stretching (dilation) of ce...
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Strabismus
Strabismus is a disorder in which the two eyes do not line up in the same direction, and therefore do not look at the same object at the same time. The condition is more commonly known as "crossed eyes."
Causes
Six different muscles surround the eyes and work "as a team" so that both eyes can focus...
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Strains
A strain is when a muscle becomes overstretched and tears. This painful injury, also called a "pulled muscle," can be caused by an accident, improper use of a muscle, or overuse of a muscle.
Causes
Excessive physical activity or effort
Improperly warming up before a physical activity
Poor flexib...
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Strep throat
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is the most common bacterial infection of the throat.
Causes
Strep throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, although it can happen in younger children and adults. Children younger than 3 can get strep infections, bu...
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Streptococcal screen
A streptococcal screen is a test to detect group A streptococcus, the most common cause of strep throat.
How the Test is Performed
The test requires a throat swab. It takes about 7 minutes. The swab is tested to identify group A streptococcus.
How to Prepare for the Test
There is no special prepara...
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Stress echocardiography
Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to determine how the heart muscles respond to stress. It is mainly used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease.
How the Test is Performed
A stress echocardiogram includes the following steps:
A resting echocardiogram will be ...
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Stress gastritis
Stress gastritis is swelling (inflammation) and weakening of the stomach lining.
Causes
Stress gastritis may occur after:
Burns
Severe illness
Shock
Trauma
The risk of stress gastritis and ulcers is highest in patients who are using a breathing machine in an intensive care unit.
Exams and Tests...
