Condition Library
Conditions starting with S
81 health topics beginning with the letter S.
- Safe Opioid UseOpioids are strong pain relievers. People who take them are at risk for opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose. These risks increase when opioids are misused.
- SafetyYou cannot remove all the safety hazards from life, but you can reduce them. Learn how to avoid many major hazards and prepare for emergencies.
- Salivary Gland CancerSalivary glands empty saliva into your mouth. Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. Learn about the associated symptoms.
- Salivary Gland DisordersSalivary gland disorders may affect your ability to make saliva. Read about some of the causes of irritated and swollen glands such as mumps.
- Salmonella InfectionsSalmonella is a group of bacteria that is a common cause of foodborne illness. Learn the symptoms. Know when to, and who should see a doctor.
- SarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a disease that leads to inflammation, usually in lungs, skin, or lymph nodes. It starts as granulomas. Discover symptoms and tests.
- ScabiesScabies is an itchy skin condition caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei. Common all over the world and can affect anyone, learn treatments.
- ScarsA scar is a permanent patch of skin that grows over a wound. It forms as your body heals itself. Learn about types, including keloids, and treatments.
- SchizophreniaSchizophrenia is a serious brain illness that can include hearing voices that aren't there and thinking others are trying to hurt them.
- School HealthYour child spends more time at school than anywhere else except home. Schools affect children's health from learning healthy behaviors to exercise.
- SciaticaSciatica is a symptom of a problem with the sciatic nerve causing pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling. Read about causes, tests, and treatment.
- SclerodermaScleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and thickening in the skin and other areas of the body. The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown.
- ScoliosisScoliosis causes a sideways curve of your backbone, or spine. It is most common in late childhood and early teens. Find out more.
- Seasonal Affective DisorderSeasonal affective disorder or SAD is a type of depression experienced by some people during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight.
- Secondhand SmokeSecondhand smoke is smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, and the smoke breathed out by the smoker affecting others.
- SeizuresSeizures are caused by sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can be mild or severe. Learn about the types, causes, and treatments.
- Self-HarmSelf-harm means harming your body on purpose. Some people do it to try to cope with problems and strong feelings. Learn how to get help and cope with emotions.
- SepsisSepsis is a serious illness and can lead to a life threatening condition called septic shock. Read about symptoms, treatment and risk factors for sepsis.
- Sexual AssaultSexual assault is any kind of sexual activity, contact, or experience that happens without your consent. It is never the victim's fault. Learn more.
- Sexual HealthSexuality is part of life. Learn about what leads to better sexual health, as well as the problems that can affect your ability to have or enjoy sex.
- Sexual Problems in MenLearn about the causes of sexual problems in men and how to treat them. Causes may be physical, hormonal, psychological, or due to medicines.
- Sexual Problems in WomenLearn about the causes of sexual problems in women and how to treat them. Causes may be physical, hormonal, psychological, or due to medicines.
- Sexually Transmitted InfectionsSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from person to person during sexual contact. Testing, vaccines, and prevention behaviors can lower your risk.
- ShinglesLearn about shingles (herpes zoster), which is a painful rash, often on one side of the body. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
- ShockShock happens when not enough blood and oxygen can get to your organs and tissues. It can be life threatening. Find out about symptoms and treatment.
- Shoulder Injuries and DisordersYour shoulders can be affected by injuries such as sprains, strains and rotator cuff tear. Learn how to treat and prevent shoulder pain and injury.
- Sickle Cell DiseaseSickle cell disease is a group of inherited disorders that affect your red blood cells. It can cause pain, anemia, and other problems. Learn about treatments.
- SinusitisSinusitis (inflamed sinuses) is sometimes caused by an infection, but there are several types (such as chronic or recurrent). Find all the symptoms.
- Sjogren's SyndromeSjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes dryness of the mouth, eyes and other parts of the body. Learn how to relieve the symptoms.
- Skin AgingDirect sunlight on unprotected skin and lifestyle factors can affect skin aging. Find ways to revamp your skin care routine to reduce premature aging.
- Skin CancerTry ABCDE on a mole to check for signs of skin cancer: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Elevation. Learn more on advanced detection and treatments.
- Skin ConditionsYour skin is your body's largest organ. It covers and protects your body. Learn about skin conditions, including causes, symptoms, and treatment.
- Skin InfectionsSkin infections can be caused by bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasites. Impetigo is a type among kids. Shingles is a reactivation of chickenpox virus.
- Skin Pigmentation DisordersRead about skin pigmentation disorders, which affect the color of your skin. It could be too light or too dark, in certain areas or all over the body.
- Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is a common disorder that causes your breathing to stop or get very shallow while you sleep. Discover sleep apnea symptoms and treatment.
- Sleep DisordersGetting a good sleep is vital to your health, but many Americans don't get enough. Learn about sleep disorders, treatments, and good sleep habits.
- Small Intestine DisordersYour small intestine connects your stomach to your large intestine (or colon). Find out about different diseases and disorders of the small intestine.
- SmallpoxSmallpox is an infectious disease caused by the Variola virus. It is contagious and has killed thousands. Find a list of symptoms related to smallpox
- Smokeless TobaccoThose who enjoy chewing tobacco think it's safer than smoking. But smokeless tobacco can also cause dangerous risks. Read about them.
- SmokingThere's no way around it. Smoking is bad for your health. Learn the effects of smoking (how smoking harms nearly every organ) and how to quit.
- Smoking and YouthThe younger you are when you start smoking, the more health problems it can cause. Know the risks of smoking cigarettes for people under age 21.
- SnoringSnoring is the sound you make when your breathing is blocked while you are asleep. Learn common causes. Find treatments available to reduce snoring.
- SodiumDid you know that most Americans get more sodium than they need? Read about what you can do to manage your sodium intake
- Soft Tissue SarcomaSoft tissue sarcoma refers to cancer that begins in the muscle, fat, vessels or tendons. It can cause a lump or swelling. See which treatments are available
- Sore ThroatSore throat or pharyngitis has many causes including allergies, smoking, strep throat, and mononucleosis. Find treatments options depending on cause.
- Speech and Communication DisordersSpeech and communication disorders affect our ability to communicate. From saying sounds incorrectly to being unable to understand others talking.
- Speech and Language Problems in ChildrenIt can be hard to know if your child's speech or language delay is a problem. Read about the types of problems and how they are diagnosed and treated.
- Spider BitesSpider bites generally garner a reaction similar to that of a bee sting, including redness, pain and swelling. Find tips on how to treat spider bites
- Spina BifidaSpina bifida is a type of birth defect of an unborn baby's brain, spine, or spinal cord. Screening tests during pregnancy can detect.
- Spinal Cord DiseasesRead about diseases of the spinal cord, the bundle of nerves running down the middle of your back. It carries signals between the brain and the body.
- Spinal Cord InjuriesSpinal cord injuries disrupt signals between your brain and body. This can cause problems like weakness and paralysis. Read about treatment and rehab.
- Spinal Muscular AtrophySpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) attacks nerve cells in the spinal cord, weakening voluntary muscles. Read about the genetics, types, and what may help.
- Spinal StenosisSpinal stenosis causes narrowing in your spine which puts pressure on your nerves and spinal chord. It can cause pain, numbness, and foot problems.
- Spine Injuries and DisordersSpine injuries and spine disorders such as infection, scoliosis, and herniated disk can cause pain and other issues. Read about problems of the spine.
- Spleen DiseasesThe spleen is an organ above the stomach, under the ribs. Certain diseases may cause a spleen to swell. A damaged spleen may need removed. Read more.
- Sports FitnessSports are a great way to get or stay in shape. Find tips on what you can do before and after your sports fitness session to maintain your health
- Sports InjuriesGet the facts on sports injuries, including the most common types, and read about the treatments available
- Sports SafetyIf you play sports, your safety should be a priority. Learn how to prevent related injuries by taking the following precautions
- Sprains and StrainsA sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Learn how to lower your risks of sprains and strains.
- Staphylococcal InfectionsStaph infections are caused by bacteria that are commonly found on the skin or in the nose. Learn how to prevent and treat Staph infections.
- StatinsIf diet and exercise don't reduce your cholesterol levels, you may need to take medicine. Often, this medicine is a statin. Learn more about statins.
- Steatotic Liver DiseaseSteatotic liver disease, formerly called fatty liver disease, happens when too much fat builds up in your liver. Learn about the causes and treatments.
- Stem CellsThere are two main types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Read about three ways stem cells differ from other cells in the body
- SteroidsAnabolic steroids are often used illegally to build muscle. But corticosteroids are used to treat a variety of health problems. Learn more about steroids.
- StillbirthA stillbirth is when a mother's baby dies in the womb after the 20th week of pregnancy. Read more on how to cope or support your loved one.
- Stomach CancerDid you know risk factors for stomach (gastric) cancer include a diet high in salty or smoked food or having an H. pylori infection? Learn more here.
- Stomach DisordersHave questions about what's causing your bellyache? Take a look at this information on stomach disorders. Find information on kids and adults.
- Streptococcal InfectionsStreptococcal is a type of bacteria that can cause strep throat (group A) or blood infections (group B). Learn how they can be prevented and treated.
- StressRead about causes, symptoms and treatments associated with stress, something that most people encounter from time to time.
- StrokeA stroke happens when there is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain. Immediate treatment may save a life and increase the chances for successful recovery.
- Stroke RehabilitationStrokes can cause lasting brain damage. Find out how stroke rehabilitation can help stroke survivors relearn skills they lose because of the damage.
- StutteringLearn about stuttering, or stammering, a speech disorder that affects the flow of your speech. It is more common in children, who often outgrow it.
- Sudden Cardiac ArrestIn sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), an irregular heart rhythm causes the heart to stop beating. Without quick treatment, it causes sudden cardiac death. Learn more.
- Sudden Infant Death SyndromeLearn how to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is the leading cause of death in children between 1 month and one year old
- SuicideSuicide is the tenth most common cause of death in the United States. Read about the causes and treatment available, including a suicide hotline number
- Sun ExposureSkin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Reduce your risk by staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen all year.
- SurgeryThere are many reasons to have surgery, ranging from pain prevention to body adjustments. However, there are risks associated with it. Read about them
- Swallowing DisordersTrouble swallowing (dysphagia) can happen with a number of neurological disorders. Older adults are at higher risk. Learn about causes and therapies.
- SweatSweating (perspiration) is how your body cools itself. Too much of it is hyperhidrosis, too little is anhidrosis. Find out what is and isn't normal.
- SyphilisSyphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. It causes sores on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. Read about testing, prevention, and treatment.
- SyringomyeliaIn syringomyelia, a cyst forms in your spinal cord. It gets bigger over time, destroying part of the spinal cord. Learn about causes and treatments.
Source: MedlinePlus.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine.