DEFINITION Knee pain refers to pain that occurs in and around your knee joint. Knee pain can be caused by problems with the knee joint itself, or it can be caused by conditions affecting the soft tissues — ligaments,…
DEFINITION Yellow tongue — a yellow discoloration of your tongue — is usually a temporary, harmless problem. Most often, yellow tongue is an early sign of a disorder known as black hairy tongue. Rarely, yellow tongue may be a sign…
DEFINITION A high hemoglobin count indicates an above-average concentration of the oxygen-carrying protein hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin (Hg or Hgb) is the main component of red blood cells. Hemoglobin count – also referred to as hemoglobin level –…
DEFINITION Eosinophilia (e-o-sin-o-FIL-e-uh) is a higher than normal level of eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of disease-fighting white blood cell. You can have high levels of eosinophils in your blood (blood eosinophilia). High levels of eosinophils may also occur…
DEFINITION High white blood cell count is an increase in disease-fighting cells (leukocytes) circulating in your blood. High white blood cell count is also called leukocytosis. The threshold for high white blood cell count varies from one medical practice…
DEFINITION Leg swelling can occur in any part of the legs, including the feet, ankles, calves and thighs. Leg swelling can result either from fluid buildup (fluid retention) or from inflammation in injured or diseased tissues or joints. Many of…
DEFINITION A low white blood cell count, or leukopenia, is a decrease in disease-fighting cells (leukocytes) circulating in your blood. The threshold for a low white blood cell count varies from one medical practice to another.…
DEFINITION A high uric acid level, or hyperuricemia, is an excess of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is produced during the breakdown of purine, a substance found in many foods. Once produced, uric acid is carried in…
DEFINITION High blood protein (hyperproteinemia) is an increase in the concentration of protein in the bloodstream. High blood protein is not a specific disease or condition in itself, but it might indicate you have a disease. High blood protein rarely…
DEFINITION A low hemoglobin count is a commonly seen blood test result. Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb) is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. In many cases, a low hemoglobin count is only slightly lower…
DEFINITION Lymphocytosis (lim-foe-sie-TOE-sis), or a high lymphocyte count, is an increase in white blood cells called lymphocytes (LIM-foe-sites). Lymphocytes are an important part of the immune system. They help fight off diseases, so it’s normal to see a temporary…
DEFINITION Green stool — when your feces (poop) looks green — is usually the result of something you ate, such as spinach. Green stool also can occur after you consume certain medications or iron supplements. Newborns pass a dark…