A CT colonography is used to view the inside of your lower digestive tract (colon and rectum). It can help screen for colon cancer and for polyps. This test is sometimes called virtual colonoscopy.

People on breathing machines, called ventilators, have an increased risk of developing pneumonia. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is caused by germs that enter the lungs when a person is on a breathing machine.

A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is an infection of the urinary system. CAUTI is caused by germs that get into the urinary tract when a urinary catheter is used. This is a tube that's placed into the bladder to drain urine.

With a tracheostomy, your healthcare provider makes a small hole (stoma) in your windpipe (trachea) through your neck. A tracheostomy tube (trach tube) is then placed into the stoma. Air goes into and out of your lungs through the tube. Here are answers to some common questions that people often ask about tracheostomy.

It may take you some time to adjust to your tracheostomy. You may wonder how it will affect your daily life. You will need to make some changes, but you can get used to having a tracheostomy tube ("trach tube"). Your family, friends, and healthcare providers can help.

When you first get your tracheostomy (trach), you may have some trouble eating and swallowing. Most patients are able to return to their usual eating habits after healing from the surgery is complete and swallowing has improved. Here are some things to keep in mind when eating with a trach tube.

Having a tracheostomy can affect your ability to talk and communicate with others. A speech therapist (a person trained to help people who have problems speaking) will work with you to address these problems. If you can't talk, you can learn other ways to express your thoughts and feelings to others.

Blood thinners or anticoagulants are medicines that help prevent blood clots from forming. Your doctor will help you decide which medicine is best for you. Read on to learn more about safely taking blood thinners.

Every part of your body, including your heart and your brain, needs oxygen to work. Oxygen is carried in the blood. Blood vessels called arteries carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Both heart attack and stroke are due to problems in the arteries. The same factors that cause heart disease can make you more likely to have a stroke.

The earlier treatment for a stroke is started after symptoms begin, the more likely you are to survive and recover. Here is what you can expect during treatment.