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When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.
On average, the stomach produces 2 L of hydrochloric acid per day.
Blood in the urine can be a sign of a kidney stone, glomerulonephritis, or other kidney problems.
Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. About 10% of Americans older than age 40 years have diverticulosis, which, when the pouches become infected or inflamed, is called diverticulitis. The main cause of diverticular disease is a low-fiber diet.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released reports detailing the deaths of infants (younger than 1 year of age) who died after being given cold and cough medications. This underscores the importance of educating parents that children younger than 2 years of age should never be given over-the-counter cold and cough medications without consulting their physicians.