eMedTV Health Topics A-Z

Specific Phobias

Specific phobias are defined as an intense fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. This eMedTV segment explains the possible causes of various phobias and treatment methods that are available.

Sphygmomanometer

There are two types of sphygmomanometers (devices used to measure blood pressure). This portion of the eMedTV archives takes a closer look at how blood pressure is measured, and also explains how these devices work.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are usually closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. This eMedTV article discusses spider veins in detail, including how they form, risk factors, and treatment methods.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs in over 1,500 U.S. babies each year. This eMedTV article takes a closer look at this condition, including information on its possible causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more.

Spina Bifida Occulta

Spina bifida occulta is a condition in which one or more vertebrae are malformed. This segment of the eMedTV archives describes this condition in detail, including its possible causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more.

Spinal Headache

A dull or throbbing pain and blurry vision are among the possible symptoms of a spinal headache. This eMedTV article lists other symptoms and also discusses what may cause this type of headache and how it can be treated.

Spinal Meningitis

Spinal meningitis is an infection in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. As this eMedTV article explains, it is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms, transmission, and treatment methods are also described.

Spinal Stenosis

As this eMedTV article explains, a person with spinal stenosis may experience pain as a result of pressure on the spinal cord. This article takes an in-depth look at this condition, including what causes certain areas of the spine to narrow.

Spiriva

Spiriva is commonly used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Regular use, as this eMedTV page explains, can help keep airways open and prevent spasms. The drug's effects, possible side effects, and dosing information are also discussed.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a drug used for treating several conditions, including water retention and hypokalemia. This eMedTV page further explains what spironolactone is used for, describes how the drug works, and lists possible side effects that may occur.

Spironolactone-HCTZ

Spironolactone-HCTZ is a medication licensed for treating fluid retention and high blood pressure. This eMedTV page describes the effects of spironolactone-HCTZ, offers dosing information for the drug, and lists possible side effects that may occur.

Sprintec

Sprintec is an oral contraceptive that can be obtained with a prescription. This eMedTV Web page describes how this form of birth control works, offers dosing information for the product, and explains what you should know before taking Sprintec.

Spronyx

Spronyx is a drug that contains a lower dose of hormones than traditional birth control pills. This eMedTV page describes Spronyx in more detail, explains how to use it, and lists side effects that may occur with this form of contraception.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

There are several types of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common ones. This eMedTV segment features an overview of squamous cell carcinoma, including its risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and more.

SSRIs

An SSRI is a prescription drug that treats certain brain conditions, such as depression and panic disorder. This eMedTV Web page provides an overview of these medications, including how they work, conditions they can treat, and possible side effects.

St. John's Wort

St. John's wort is a dietary supplement often used for treating depression and other conditions. This eMedTV Web article takes an in-depth look at this supplement, including information on its effectiveness, possible side effects, and safety concerns.

St. Louis Encephalitis

St. Louis encephalitis is the most common human disease caused by mosquitoes in the United States. This eMedTV segment offers an in-depth look at this condition, including information on its causes, symptoms, and prevention methods.

Stable Angina

Stable angina is brought on by physical exertion when narrowed coronary arteries work harder to get oxygen. This eMedTV article further explores this condition, with detailed information on causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and more.

Stagesic

Stagesic is a medication that can be prescribed to help relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. This eMedTV segment describes the effects of Stagesic, explores the drug's potential for abuse, and lists potential side effects that may occur.

Stalevo

Stalevo is a prescription drug licensed to treat Parkinson's disease. This eMedTV resource describes the effects of this medication, explains how it works, offers general dosing information, and lists potential side effects that may occur.

Starlix

Starlix is a prescription medicine that is approved to reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. This eMedTV article explains how the drug helps the pancreas produce more insulin, outlines potential side effects, and offers dosing guidelines.

Starting Solid Foods

In most cases, infants are ready to start solid foods between four to six months of age. This eMedTV article lists other signs that your child is ready to switch to solids and explains if it is possible to start a solid diet too early or too late.

Statins

Statins are medications used for the treatment of high cholesterol. This eMedTV Web article provides an overview of these medications, including information about how they work, when and how to take them, potential side effects, and more.

Status Epilepticus

This portion of the eMedTV library explains that status epilepticus is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a person has prolonged or repeated seizures. This article provides an overview of this condition.

Stavudine

Stavudine is an HIV and AIDS medication that works by preventing the HIV virus from multiplying. This eMedTV article discusses stavudine in more detail, including general dosing information and possible side effects of the medicine.

Stavzor

Stavzor is a prescription drug approved to prevent migraines and to treat epilepsy and mania. This eMedTV resource explains how Stavzor works for these uses, offers dosing information for the drug, and lists potential side effects that may occur.