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Top Medical Topics:

Asthma: Asthma, a chronic lung disease, affects an estimated 17 million Americans. When asthma strikes, airways in the lungs become inflamed and constricted, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Each year, nearly 500,000 Americans are hospitalized and more than 5,000 die from asthma.

Diabetes: Almost everyone knows someone who has diabetes. An estimated 17 million people--6.2 percent of the population--in the United States have diabetes mellitus--a serious, lifelong condition. About 5.9 million people have not yet been diagnosed. Each year, about 1 million people age 20 or older are diagnosed with diabetes.

Back Pain: Back pain is a symptom that can arise from many causes. It can range from a dull, annoying ache to absolute agony. Many cases of back pain are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Sedentary jobs and lifestyles may create a vulnerability to this type of stress or damage. Obesity, which increases both the weight on the spine and the pressure on the discs, is another factor. Strenuous sports such as football and gymnastics can also damage the back.