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What is emphysema? Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with this condition, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture — creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones. This …

Overview of Otosclerosis Otosclerosis describes a condition of abnormal bone growth around one of the three small bones in the middle ear space called the stapes. When bone around the stapes hardens, the bone cannot move freely, which limits the ability to properly transmit sound. This results in hearing loss; …

Definition Tinnitus is a condition where the person has the perception of a constant ringing sensation within the ears without the presence of any actual external factors. The continuous discomfort in the ears can be in any form like buzzing, hissing, clicking etc. The feeling can either be temporary or …

Description Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis – a small cartilage “lid” that covers your windpipe – wells, blocking the flow of air into your lungs. A number of factors can cause the epiglottis to swell – burns from hot liquids, direct injury to your …

Definition Ectropion of the eye is when your lower eyelid turns outward away from the eyeball and exposes the pink inner lining of the eyelid. It mainly affects the lower eyelid and can occur in one or both eyes and is different from entropion where the eyelids turn inward. Lower …

What is eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)? Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease of the esophagus. Your esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to the stomach. If you have EoE, white blood cells called eosinophils build up in your esophagus. This causes damage and …

Definition Optic neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve (the second cranial nerve). The inflammation causes a fairly rapid loss of vision in the affected eye, a new blind spot (a scotoma, usually in or near the center of the visual field), pain in the eyeball (often occurring with …

What is epididymitis? Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is a tube located at the back of the testicles that stores and carries sperm. When this tube becomes swollen, it can cause pain and swell in the testicles. Epididymitis can affect men of all ages, but it’s …