HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy, and its levels can be measured through a qualitative or quantitative blood test. The latter can determine due date and potential problems, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Abnormal levels may require further testing and medical imaging. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body begins producing the hormone […]
Blood clots in the lungs, also known as pulmonary thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism, can cause breathing problems, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and even sudden death. Symptoms may develop suddenly or over time and can be caused by blood clots originating in the legs. Swelling in one leg can also be a symptom of a blood […]
Blood glucose is converted from carbohydrates by insulin and transported through the body for energy. High levels can cause hyperglycemia and damage organs, while low levels cause hypoglycemia. Diabetes is caused by an abundance of glucose and can be influenced by physical conditions like high blood pressure and obesity. Blood glucose is transported through the […]
A blood blister is caused by broken blood vessels under the skin, but the surface of the skin remains unbroken. It can be painful and should be protected from bursting and further wear and tear. Soldiers often thread a piece of string through the blister to drain it. A blood blister is a specific blister […]
High blood sugar levels can be caused by a lack of insulin production or the body’s cells not responding appropriately, often resulting in diabetes. This can lead to serious health problems, but can be treated with medication, insulin injections, diet, and weight control. High blood sugar can also occur in people without diabetes due to […]
“Blood and Thunder” is a minced oath used as a curse or expression of surprise, with origins in avoiding using God’s name as a dirty word. It appears in literary works and has been used as a title in popular culture. The phrase may have originated from a pre-Christian oath to the God of Thunder. […]
Acute hyperglycemia is a serious condition that can cause immediate and long-lasting damage, often occurring in people with diabetes. Chronic hyperglycemia can also cause organ and tissue damage. Careful monitoring and treatment can help avoid or manage these conditions. Acute hyperglycemia is a sudden and dramatic spike in blood sugar and is a serious condition […]
Blood sugar levels can be tested at home using urine or blood tests, with blood tests being more accurate. Normal levels are between 70-100 mg/dL for non-diabetics and 90-130 mg/dL for diabetics. A glucometer is used for blood tests, while urine tests require specialized strips. Testing blood sugar levels can be done in several ways. […]
Blood and pus are natural reactions to fighting bacterial infections, often coming from infected wounds or glands. Harmful bacteria can damage tissue, but the immune system fights infections by tagging bacteria for white blood cells to consume, resulting in dead macrophage cells accumulating in the infected area, seen as pus. Skin is the body’s first […]
“Blue blood” originated in Spain to describe the pale skin of nobles who had not intermarried with Moors or Jews. It may also refer to hemophilia, a disease common among European aristocrats. The phrase entered English in the 1830s and is an idiomatic expression that can confuse those unfamiliar with it. Royal families in England, […]
A blood panel, also known as a complete blood count, is a test used to assess overall health and screen for various ailments. It includes white and red blood cell counts, platelet counts, and measures hemoglobin and packed cell volume. The test is often done as part of a routine medical checkup or to diagnose […]
The phrase “blood, sweat and tears” refers to hard work and effort in a project, often used metaphorically. It originated from a speech by Winston Churchill in 1940. “Sweat equity” refers to the value a person puts into something. In modern usage, it can refer to effort without material compensation, implying ingenuity and pride. The […]
The idiom “you can’t get blood out of a turnip” means that it is impossible to produce a desired result from an object or situation that cannot provide it. It may have evolved from similar phrases and is often used as an allegory for financial gain. Its origin is unclear, but it has survived and […]
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures the different molecules that make up blood and compares them to a scale of normal values. CBCs can diagnose medical conditions, monitor disease progression, or determine an infection. The test requires a blood sample and counts the amount of red blood cells, white blood […]
Blood clots in the placenta can be caused by health problems in the mother, including obesity and inactivity. They can be dangerous for the fetus, causing a lack of nutrients and oxygen. Thrombophilias are the most common cause, and high blood pressure and diabetes can also be factors. Regular prenatal care is important for monitoring […]
“Bad blood” refers to deteriorated relationships due to perceived or actual injury. It can occur between family, friends, or businesses. It can be carried for years without retaliation. Factors such as money, relationships, and beliefs can cause rifts that poison other relationships. “Bad blood” is a common idiom among English speakers. Typically, the term is […]
Exercise vigorously, drink water, and eat high-fiber foods or cinnamon to lower blood sugar quickly. Sweating during exercise helps to remove sugar, while drinking water helps to flush it out. High blood sugar symptoms include dry mouth, fatigue, and excessive hunger. Seek medical help if levels become dangerous. If you want to lower your blood […]
The idiom “in cold blood” means to act unemotionally, and its origin dates back to the medieval belief that a person’s emotions and internal fluids were connected. The phrase was first recorded in 1608 and was used in literature in 1711. Truman Capote’s book In Cold Blood revived a style of journalism and caused controversy. […]
Blood and water blisters have different causes and fluids, but both can be painful and inconvenient. Water blisters are caused by friction and filled with blood serum, while blood blisters are caused by pinching and filled with blood. Both should be treated with care and not popped or drained. On the one hand, the differences […]
High blood pressure can cause vision problems and broken blood vessels in the eyes, leading to hypertensive retinopathy and even blindness. Treatment involves controlling blood pressure through medication and lifestyle changes, and an ophthalmologist can diagnose and discuss treatment options. B-complex and vitamin A supplements and a tea made from raspberry leaves may also help […]
