Appendicitis (uh-pen-duh-SIGHT-is) is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch that dangles from the first section of your large intestine. Though the cause is not always known, appendicitis is often a result of food, waste, or bacteria from the intestine that becomes trapped in the appendix.

Convulsions are the involuntary muscle contractions and movements that occur during a seizure. Though most seizures are a result of the disorder epilepsy (EP-ih-lep-see), some may be brought on by head injuries, infections of the brain and spinal cord, strokes, brain tumors, or injuries suffered during birth.

Animal bites can vary from minor to serious. However, none should be disregarded. Any wound or scratch should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and running water for at least five minutes, preferably with an anti-bacterial soap.

Botulism (BOTCH-you-liz-um) is a toxic illness caused by a bacteria commonly found in the soil. It can be contracted by eating foods contaminated with the toxin itself or its spores, or less often, through bacteria which enter an open wound.

A fracture is the medical term for a cracked or broken bone. When the bone has separated but isn't visible, this is called a 'simple' or closed fracture.

Many household and garden chemicals can cause burns if they come in contact with bare skin. Should such an emergency arise, first try to find the package; it will usually give directions on basic first aid.

Choking can be a life-threatening situation, so it's wise to know basic first aid. If the person who's choking can still breathe, cough, and speak, don't try to intervene.

A cut is a wound made by a sharp object like a knife, a razor, or broken glass. The edges of a cut are smooth, and the blood vessels are neatly severed, so it usually bleeds freely.

The shock of an electric current entering and leaving the body can knock someone down, cause unconsciousness, affect respiration, interrupt the heartbeat, and inflict severe burns.

Extreme temperatures pose a serious hazard. In warmer climates, heat stress is a common problem. The mildest form is called heat exhaustion, an increase in body temperature due to dehydration.

The goal of first aid for bleeding is to stop the blood flow, until you can get medical help. Any wound deep enough to reveal underlying fat, muscle, bone, or other tissue should be treated by a professional as soon as possible.

Insect bites and stings can range in seriousness from mild irritations, to severe allergic reactions. Minor bites and stings may cause any of the following symptoms: pain, burning, redness, rash, swelling, itching, or numbness in the area around the wound.

Even minor heat burns can be very painful. The least severe type is a first-degree burn, in which only the top layer of skin is injured. Second-degree burns involve damage to deeper layers, causing a bright red, blistered appearance.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, depriving it of oxygen. Prompt treatment with clot-dissolving drugs can reduce the damage to your heart, and could make the difference between life and death.

The Heimlich maneuver is the best method for removing a foreign object from the throat of a choking victim. It can be performed on both children and adults, people who are conscious or unconscious, and even the family dog.

You can be poisoned by a bite, a caustic substance on the skin, breathing poisonous gases, or eating tainted food. Most poisonings occur by swallowing toxic liquids.

If you're trying to assist someone who's drowning, the most important step is not to jeopardize your own safety. If you become injured or pulled underwater, then both your lives will be in danger.

A group of bacteria called Salmonella (sal-moe-NELL-uh) are responsible for many of cases of food-borne illness every year. Salmonella live in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, including humans.

Staphylococcus aureus (staff-uh-loe-COCK-us AR-ee-us) is a widespread bacteria which can cause many types of infection. Also known as 'staph,' this bacteria is present in many mammals and birds, in the air, and on most surfaces.

Shock is a dangerous condition caused by the lack of adequate blood flow. Going into a state of shock will decrease blood pressure, interfere with urine production, and may damage cells or tissue.

Many conditions can cause a person to have trouble breathing, such as lung infections, asthma, trauma to the chest, choking, inhalation of poisonous vapors, extreme allergic reaction, or a blood clot that travels to the lungs.