2917 results found for "als"
It is important to understand what congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is before the nature of 11 beta hydroxylase deficiency can be fully explained. CAH refers to any one of the many autosomal recessive illnesses that result from flaws in cortisol synthesis steps done by the adrenal glands. All of the types of CAH have either overproduction or malfunctioning of sex steroids. 11 beta hydroxylase deficiency is just one of the types of CAH and is a result of mutation in the gene called CYP11B1. This type is next only to 21-hydroxylase deficiency when it comes to its prevalence, comprising only 5-8% of the entire number of cases. [read more]
11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency also known as (11beta-HSD2) is one of the most common causes of retention of sodium and serious cases of hypertension. This happens when glucocorticoids are admitted to the mineralocorticosteroid receptors which are non-selective. [read more]
17 Alpha hydroxylase deficiency syndrome is a very rare disorder of the genes (specifically on steroid biosynthesis) which causes reduced production of sex steroids and glucocorticoids while the mineralocorticoid precursors are observed to have increased synthesis. It is, therefore, an autosomal recessive condition. The absence or deficiency of 17 hydroxylase results into many sexual malformations and illnesses. [read more]
The hormones estrogen and androgen play critical roles in the development of sexual organs. 17?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isozyme (17?-HSD) acts as a catalyst between the biologically inactive and active types of hormones. Any deviation from this normal process results into various abnormal conditions. [read more]
1p36 deletion syndrome also known as monosomy 1p36 is a disorder of the chromosomes in which chromosome 1 loses the end part of its short arm. This disorder was first depicted during the late 90's and the early parts of 2000's. FISH testing is often required to be able to confirm a diagnosis. This condition can occur as a ?pure' case or it can occur together with other imbalances of the chromosome. [read more]
21-hydroxylase deficiency is also called as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and is a disorder that is often inherited. This disorder affects the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys and these glands produce hormones that are responsible for regulating many important human body functions. The two hormones, cortisol and aldosterone, are produced by an enzyme called the 21-hydroxylase. Patients that have 21-hydroxylase deficiency lack the 21-hydroxylase enzyme which then affects the cholesterol conversion to aldosterone and cortisol. When the precursors of these two hormones are stored excessively in the adrenal glands, they are changed into androgens (which are male sex hormones). Whether the patient is male or female, growth development could be hampered because of this deficiency. [read more]
The disorder known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by the deficiency or deletion of a tiny piece of chromosome 22. This deletion happens near the midsection of a chromosome located at q 11.2. [read more]
3-Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3B HSD) is a very rare disorder of the genes involving steroid biosynthesis. This deficiency results into the decrease on the production of adrenal steroid groups which are inclusive of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and the sex steroids. A decrease on the secretion of mineralocorticoid would result into various salt wasting degrees in males and females. And for the 46 XY males, a deficiency in androgen would result into ambiguous genitals (the females are seen with enlarged clitoris). [read more]
The enzyme called 3-Methyl Glutaconyl-CoA Hydratase is involved in amino acid (Leucine) metabolism. This enzyme is located in the mitochondria together with other enzymes of catabolic leucine. When an individual has a deficiency of 3-Methyl Glutaconyl-CoA Hydratase, 3-methylglutaconic acid is excreted massively and the impaired leucine breaks down. Very few patients have been reported with this type of deficiency but its occurrence is a reality, nonetheless. There a few severe clinical cases that have been reported which resulted because of this deficiency. Some patients have developed severe cardiopulmonary manifestations as soon as they were born; others have been reported to have psychomotor retardation; other cases include hypotonia, seizures, spasticity and thriving failure. Carnitine levels are at their lowest with this deficiency occurs. There are also rare cases of recurrent acidosis (seen in cases of fasting that has been prolonged). There was also a reported case of speech retardation. [read more]
LCHAD or the long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase is one of the components of the trifunctional protein of mitochondria. When a person becomes deficient of LCHAD activity, he will soon show various manifestations of his inherited condition. [read more]
3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency is known by many names. It is also called as 3MCC deficiency, Methylcrotonylglycinuria type 1, or BMCC. This is a disorder that can be inherited where the human body becomes incapable of properly processing some proteins. Those who suffer from this deficiency have an insufficient supply of leucine-breaking enzyme. Leucine is an amino acid which is a protein base. [read more]
3-Methylglutaconic aciduria also known as MGA is a term that is used to depict at least 5 varying disorders which makes the body incapable of creating mitochondrial energy. Due to this impairment, 3-methylglutaric acid and 3-methylglutaconic acid create a buildup and their presence can be detected in the patient's urine. 3-Methylglutaconic acid, by classification, is an organic acid. The potency of this acid is made possible by the roles of the double carboxylic acids. The acid function makes the 3-methylglutaconic acid detectable. [read more]
3C syndrome is also known as cranio-cerebello cardiac (CCC dysplasia) or Ritscher-Schinzel (named after Ritscher and Schinzel who discovered the illness) and is a very rare case of disease. This syndrome is characterized by heart defects or heart malformations and other symptoms that involve the brain. As of 2006, a Kuwaiti medical journal showed that only 30 cases have been reported worldwide and these cases were discovered in Europe and North America. Due to the limited number of cases reported, this disease was classified as a rare type of illness. The molecular basis for this syndrome is still unknown. [read more]
3M syndrome is known by many names. It can also be called as Three M syndrome or dolicospondylic dysplasia; le Merrer syndrome or gloomy syndrome (because prevalent symptoms show malformities on the patients' faces). This is a very rare illness where only 32 patients have been reported to have acquired it. Its name originated from the names of the authors who first described the characteristics of the illness. The authors' names were Miller, J.D., Malvaux P. and the third is McKusick, V.A. No mental retardation has been mentioned as a result of 3M. This disorder is known as an autosomal recessive trait of the genes and can be inherited. [read more]
47 XXY syndrome is popularly known as the Klinefelter's syndrome, or simply, the XXY syndrome. Chromosome aneuploidy causes the occurrence of this condition. The male patients develop an extra X chromosome. Typically, males should have one each of the X and the Y chromosomes. Patients who suffer from this condition have smaller testicles when compared to their normal male counterparts and thus, they acquire problems on infertility. There are very few symptoms to this syndrome and the cases vary among boys and men. The term for this illness was named after an endocrinologist, Harry Klinefelter. 1942 was the year when he first described the XXY syndrome. The patients who suffer with XXY syndrome are called XXY males or 47,XXY males. [read more]
The XYY syndrome should never be interchanged with the XXY syndrome which is popularly known as the Klinefelter's syndrome. XYY syndrome is a condition when a male patient acquires an extra Y chromosome in addition to the normal one X and one Y chromosomes. It is often argued whether the term ?syndrome' should be used in connection to the XYY condition since the patients' phenotypes are normal and they do not have knowledge of their karyotype. [read more]
48 XXXX syndrome is a very rare disorder of the chromosomes where the normal XX combination becomes a quadruple X grouping. This condition is also called tetrasomy X, 48, XXXX or quadruple X and is only seen among females as there is no Y chromosome involved. The first occurrence of this disorder was discovered in 1961 and since then, there are about 100 reported cases globally. [read more]
Previously known to be a variant or type of the Klinefelter's syndrome, this condition is an anomaly of the sex chromosome. The features usually include gynecomastia (having enlarged male breasts), ulcers of the skin, deformed craniofacial features, and being unusually tall. It is also believed to affect 1 in every 17,000 male babies that are born. XXYY is just one of the many variations of chromosomal defects which include the following: 47 xxy, xy, xxxxy, and xxxy; also the xyy. These syndromes affect males whereas female counterparts include the Turner syndrome and other varieties with added X chromosomes. [read more]
The 49 XXXXX syndrome (also called as Penta X or pentasomy X) is a chromosomal condition that affects females. In a normal setup, females have only two X chromosomes and anything beyond this is abnormal. In the case of Penta X syndrome, there are an additional three X chromosomes which now totals five. The three additional X chromosomes are the ones that cause multiple problems. These extra X chromosomes are formed together with the two healthy chromosomes inside the nucleus of the human body cells. [read more]
Aagenaes syndrome is a condition which is characterized by inborn hypoplasia of the lymph vessels. This eventually causes recurring cholestasis on the formative years lymphedema on the legs. This could develop into hepatic cirrhosis and giant cell hepatitis (which could occur with portal tract fibrosis). The name of Aagenaes syndrome was derived from a pediatrician in Norway named Oystein Aagenaes. The name was finalized in 1968 when the condition was first described by Aagenaes. It is sometimes called cholestasis-lymphedema syndrome or simply CLS. [read more]
Aarskog Ose Pande syndrome is a rare type of medical disorder where the main symptoms include lipodystrophy on the buttocks and face. Since this is an adipose tissue defect, the loss of body fat in the body could get severe and this state could progress extensively. There are three kinds of lipodystrophy: localized lipodystrophy, partial lipodystrophy and total lipodystrophy. One other symptom is Rieger anomaly. This anomaly is characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of teeth (it could also mean the delay of tooth eruption) and some abnormalities of the eyes and face. Having sparse hair is also a common sign. This does not only mean hair on one's head but also body hairs. Other defects include retardation of bone age and abnormal motion of the joints (which could eventually lead to dislocation). This syndrome could begin to affect the patient as early as the fetal stage. It could ruin the growth of the fetus in the uterus by slowing its development. When this happens, many other systems are affected. Development of the patient's skills on speech could also be delayed when this disorder is acquired. This and all other symptoms are similar to characteristics of many other diseases that is why the physician should perform a thorough checkup of the patient to be able to diagnose the real condition. Aarskog Ose Pande syndrome is also considered as a variant of Short syndrome. This symptom does not only mean having a short stature but also having low weight at birth and fat losses on the skin. [read more]
Aarskog syndrome is an inherited disorder that is often characterized by abnormalities of the face, short stature, genital abnormalities and mucoloskeletal anomalies. [read more]
Aase Smith syndrome also known as Aase syndrome is a very rare disorder that can be inherited. It is often characterized by skeletal and joint defects. Aase syndrome is known as an autosomal dominant condition. The genetic origin of the illness is still not known. Anemia which results from this syndrome is often caused by the underdevelopment of bone marrows. These bone marrows are where formation of blood cells takes place. The syndrome was named after two pediatricians who were David Weyhe Smith and Jon Morton Aase. [read more]
Aaviophobia is a fear of being on a plane while in flight. Other names include aviatophobia, aerophobia, and pteromerhanophobia. The condition is considered more of a symptom rather than a disease. When fear of flying reaches a level that can significantly interfere with a person's ability to travel by plane, it will then be classified as fear of flying. [read more]
Abasia is a condition where the patient is unable to walk due to impaired muscle synchronization. This means that the patient lacks motor synchronization in walking. With this condition, the foundation of gait (this is the distance of the two feet when measured sideways) is not constant or cannot be measured. This often leads the patient to sway from side to side or in any other direction, nearly falls, only to recover in the end. There are many other medical conditions that are connected to this disorder: choreic abasia (brought about by chorea of the leg); paralytic abasia (this is a paralysis of the muscles in the legs); spastic abasia (a condition where the leg muscles stiffen because they do not coordinate properly); ataxic abasia (legs become ataxic); paroxysmal trepidant abasia (a condition where the legs become spastic); trembling abasia (by its name, it means trembling legs). Abasia often comes with astasis (this is the state of being unable to stand). This condition is also referred to as astasia-abasia. [read more]
Abdominal aortic aneurysm can be diagnosed on anyone but the most viable candidates are men aged over 60. Couple this range of age with some of the common risk factors and the patient is on his way to developing this condition. This disorder happens when a blood vessel enlarges abnormally or causes a protrusion. The abdominal aorta, which is a huge blood vessel, is the one responsible in supplying blood to the abdomen, the legs and the pelvic area. When this abdominal aortic aneurysm raptures, is truly becomes life-threatening and should be attended to immediately. [read more]
Cystic lymphangioma is a very rare tumor (comprises just about 6% of tumors that are benign in children) which is often located in the axillary or cervical regions. Sometimes, there are exceptional cases where it is situated in the abdomen. When it is situated in the abdomen, it becomes a rare type of benign tumor which often appears in infants and some children under the age of 5. Boys are more vulnerable to this disease. Abdominal cystic lymphangioma happens when there is an inborn defect in the link of central connecting structure and the primary lymphatic channel. This manifests in abdominal tumors which could occur even without any compression from structures that are adjacent to that part. When clinically tested, these cysts appear as pseudo appendices or pseudo-ascites syndrome. [read more]
Defects of the abdominal wall are comparatively common fetal abnormalities. It occurs in about 1 in every 2,000 births. Majority of these defects of the abdominal wall cannot be detected early on in pregnancy. When a defect is detected, it is necessary to pinpoint what type of defect it is so that proper medication and treatments can be done. There are many types of abdominal wall disorders. Some examples include: gastroschisis, omphalocele, esophageal atresia, and duodenal atresia. [read more]
Abdominal migraine is a kind of migraine commonly experienced by children. It is characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. These migraines are thought to be present in the child's family members as well. [read more]
Abercrombie syndrome, also known as amyloid degeneration, is a progressive decay of the organ tissues due to the excessive amyloid infiltration that eats up the tissue fibers. It is sometimes known as waxy degeneration. [read more]
Aberrant subclavian artery is also known as the aberrant subclavian artery syndrome. This condition is a rare anatomical variety of the source of the left or the right subclavian artery. This abnormality has the most number of cases when it comes to the anomaly of inborn vascular aortic arch. The aberrant artery commonly occurs just distal on the left portion of the subclavian artery. It then passes later to the mediastinum when it is on its way to the upper right extremities. This course may be the root cause of a vascular ring about the mediastinal makeup. [read more]
Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome or AMS is a very uncommon genetic disorder that can be inherited. This syndrome is characterized by various physical defects which usually affect areas of the face, fingers, skin, and the genitalia (penis symptoms and some defects on the testes). Patients of AMS could also have other malformations on their abdominal walls or on their nipples. Other traits include having underdeveloped eyelids (or Ablepharon); the absence of eyebrows and eyelashes; mouths that look like that of a fish's (also known as Macrostomia); cracked skin; ears that appear to be low-set (also known as pinnae). The eye defects could appear due to ablepharon. Some people with AMS could also have very thin or sparse hair (alopecia); their skin appears to be wrinkled, dry, coarse, or thick; their fingers could also be webbed and with inadequate extension; the genitalia could have external malformations. In very few cases of Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome, the patient could have little or no nipples at all (having small nipples is known as hypoplastic nipples). One of the worst characteristics could be the protrusion of some parts of the large intestine through a dilated portion of the abdominal wall (this condition is called ventral or abdominal hernia). Infants and children who suffer from AMS may have some delays on the development of their language skills. Some of them may manifest signs of mild retardation of the mind while others may grow up to be normal. A disorder that appears to have the same features as Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome is the Barber-say syndrome. The latter is characterized by laxity of the skin; ablepharon; hypertelorism, macrostomia, telecanthus, acute hirsutism, and helix agenesis of the pair of ears. Less common signs of AMS include undescended testes and hernia on the umbilicus. [read more]
Abscess is a collection of pus or dead neutrophils that has mount up in a cavity made by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process or other foreign materials. [read more]
Abscess, bartholin (Bartholin's abscess) is characterized by the accumulation of pus that results in the formation of a lump or swelling in one of the Batholin glands, which are located on each side of the vaginal opening. [read more]
Absence seizure is more commonly known as the petit mal seizure that involves some a brief episodes or some sudden lapse of conscious activity. This occurs most often in children. Absence seizure may often look like the individual is only staring into space for a several seconds. This means in comparison to the regular epileptic seizures, the petit mal is very mild. However, some people may suffer from hundreds of episodes a day, which interrupts ordinary activities. [read more]
The deficiency or absence of T lymphocytes is a rare immuno-deficiency condition which is characterized by the lack of CD8(+) T lymphocytes and the absence or depression of the function of the T cell. A mutation of the gene for ZAP-70 (tyrosine kinase which has notable effects on indicating through the T cell receptor) has been associated with this syndrome. T cells are cells that belong to a cluster of white blood cells which are known as the lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are responsible in cell-mediated immunity. They are distinguished from the other types of lymphocytes (the NK cells and the B cells) through the presence of a specific receptor on the surface of these cells. This receptor is called as T cell receptor or the TCR. The T abbreviation in T cell refers to thymus which is the primary organ in the development of the T cell. [read more]
Acanthocheilonemiasis is an uncommon tropical infectious illness which is caused by Acanthocheilonema perstans, a parasite. This parasite causes rashes of the skin, chest and abdominal pains, joint and muscle pains, lumps on the skin and also neurologic defects. This disease is often transmitted when small flies bite the victim and the bite has the parasite with it. The scientific name of the fly that transmits the ?infectious bite' is A.Coliroides. Studies manifest that the white blood cell levels at elevated when the parasite is present in the human body. Acanthocheilonemiasis belongs to the parasitic diseases group which is called nematode or filarial diseases. This disease is often found in Africa only because the parasite is found abundantly on this region. Uganda, specifically, has had a lot of reported cases. A handful of patients were found in South America. Other names for this disease are Acanthocheilonemiasis perstans, Dipetalonema perstans, Mansonella perstans, and Dipetalonemiasis. [read more]
Acanthocytosis is a phenotype of the red cell which can be found in different fundamental conditions. Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome or Abetalipoproteinemia; and an acute disease of the liver (spur cell hemolytic anemia) are the most common conditions that can be associated with acanthocytosis. Acantha is a Greek word for thorn and it is fitting that it is given to name the spur cells that have projections of different sizes which are the acanthocytes. These cells appear to be contracted, irregular, and dense. The formation of these cells depends on the alteration of the fat composition and the fluidity of red cell's membrane. [read more]
The mean age of the start of chorea-acanthocystosis or ChAc is approximately at age 35. There are a few cases, though, where it can occur as early as the initial decade or it can be as late as the 70th year of life. It runs a persistent progressive course and it may end up as a major disability in just a few years. Some patients become dependent on wheelchairs or become bedridden just on the third decade. It is certain that the individual's life expectancy will be reduced; there are even cases of unexplained or sudden deaths when the patient goes through an epileptic seizure. The range of the patients' ages at death is at 28-61 years. [read more]
Acanthocytosis-Neurologic disorder, also known as neuroacanthocytosis, is a rare automsomal recessive disorder. This disease is characterized by muscle degeneration due to uncontrolled muscle movements and dysfunctional red blood cells. This disease usually begins during early adulthood. [read more]
Acanthosis Nigricans is a dermatological condition where the skin appears to be brown to black in color. It also appears to be poorly defined, often velvety and is considered to be a state of hyperpigmentation. This is usually present in the lateral and posterior folds of the groin, the neck, the axilla, the umbilicus, and also some other areas. The changes on the skin's pigment are the sole signs of acanthosis nigricans. It can be noticed that it appears very slowly (sometimes it can take months or years). It is very rare that the affected areas may itch. This condition can begin at any age but it is more evident among darker-skinned individuals. [read more]
Accessory pancreas is a medical condition that is rare and in which there are little clusters of pancreatic cells that are distinct from the pancreas. This condition could occur in the mesentery of small intestines, duodenal walls, the upper portion of the jejunum or, in its rarest form?in the stomach walls, spleen, ileum or gallbladder. Accessory pancreas was first observed and described in 1859 by Klob. [read more]
Achalasia also called esophageal achalasia; cardiospasm, achalasia cardiae; dyssynergia esophagus or esophageal aperistalsis; is an esophageal motility disease. This disorder manifests an impaired peristalsis of the smooth muscle level of the esophagus. Peristalsis is the term used to describe the muscular capability of the esophagus to make the food move down to the stomach). Also, a patient with achalasia has a lower esophageal sphincter or LES that cannot relax which is its normal response to swallowing. The most common form of this disorder is primary achalasia. This form has no recorded underlying cause. Esophageal cancer (Chagas disease in South America) could be a result of achalasia. [read more]
The Achard Thiers syndrome, also called the Diabetic Bearded Woman syndrome or diabete des femmes a barbe, is a rare disease which occurs commonly among women who are in their postmenopausal stage. Its name was derived from the combination of the names of Joseph Thiers and Emile Achard. This is characterized by insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes mellitus (an example is glucosuria) and also indications of excess in androgen. This syndrome has the combined features of Cushing syndrome and Adrenogenital syndrome. It is a form of virilizing disease which is adrenocortical in origin. And since androgen is excessive on this disease, the common manifestations are masculinization (the voice pitch is lowered) and menstrual disorders (the menstrual flow can be sparse or non-existent). There are also cases of growth of ?manly hair' all over the body. The most common complication of this disorder is hirsutism. [read more]
Acheiropodia is a disorder that is autosomal recessive in nature and which results into hemimelia (or the lack of distal extremities formation). This is an inborn defect consisting of aplasia of the patient's feet and hands and also distal lower and upper extremities bilateral amputations. This disease is found almost solely in Brazil. Other terms for this disorder include Acheiropody, Horn Kolb syndrome and Aleijadinhos (the Brazilian kind). [read more]
Achilles Tendinitis is inflammation ans irritation of the Achilles tendon usually resulting due to sudden increase in the intensity or frequency of exercise. [read more]
The Achilles tendon rupture is the damage of the large and fibrous cord that naturally connects the lower leg to the heel bone. The person may initially hear a snap followed by a sharp pain at the back of the ankle as well as in the lower leg. Such injuries may be improved with home treatment. However, more often than not, a surgical repair is required. [read more]
Marco Fraccaro was the very first person to observe and record the description of achondrogenesis in the year 1952. Fraccaro used this name in description of a stillborn female who was afflicted with acute micromelia and apparent changes on her histological cartilage. This term was then coined to characterize many more acute kinds of chondrodysplasia among humans. The conditions were invariably lethal on pre and post births. When the 70's came, researchers have concluded that the disorder is a part of a heterogenous cluster of chondrodysplasias that are fatal to neonates. Histological and radiological measures have distinguished the achondrogenesis type 1 (which is the Fraccaro-Houston-Harris kind) and the type 2 (or the Langer-Saldino kind). 1983 marked a new radiological category of the disease (Types 1-4). This was done by Gorlin and Whitley and was adapted by the McKusick catalog. This classification describes types 1 and 2 as having similar femoral cylinder indeces (or Clfemur which is calculated as the length of the femur bone divided by the range of the width of the same bone. Both kinds have stellate elongated bones and crenated ilia. Both types 1 and 2 are characterized by several rib fractures. Type 3 has ribs that are non-fractured, mushroom-stemmed elongated bones, halberd ilia, and a Clfemur 2.8 to 4.9. The last type (type 4) has sculpted ilia, long bones that are well-developed, non-fractured ribs and Clfemur measured at 4.9 to 8.0. The late 80's was the time when mutations on the collagen II structure were depicted to cause achondrogenesis type 3 (which might also correspond to type 2). At present, only 3 variants of the disorder have been identified and they are type IA or the Houston-Harris type; type IB (or the Parenti-Fraccaro type); and type II (or the Langer-Saldino type). [read more]
Achondroplasia is a kind of autosomal disorder of the dominant genes which commonly causes dwarfism. Achondroplastic dwarfs are short in stature and their average height when they reach adulthood is at 123 centimeters (about 4 feet and 0.6 inches) for females and 131 centimeters (about 4 feet and 3.8 inches) for males. [read more]
Achromatopsia or ACHM is a condition where the patient is unable to perceive color. Although this name may also be used to refer to acquired defects such as cerebral achromatopsia or color agnosia, it normally refers to a congenital disorder of the vision which is autosomal recessive in nature. It can also be called rod monochromacy or total inborn color blindness. Patients with this kind of disorder manifest total absence of the cone cell activity through electroretinography. At least 4 causes are listed as congenital ACHM: ACHM2 and ACHM3; the third type is a cone photoreceptor transducin called GNAT2, ACHM4; the last cause is still unknown. [read more]
Acid Ceramidase deficiency, also known as Farber's disease, is a rare infantile disease that is characterized by multiple ceramide containing nodules underneath the skin. These nodules can cause swelling in the abdominal area, painful swelling of arteries and psychomotor retardation. No specific treatment is yet discovered to treat the disease. [read more]
Acid maltase deficiency or AMD is a type of autosomal recessive disorder which is characterized by an extreme buildup of glycogen contained by vacuoles (in almost all cell types) that are lysosome-derived. Quantities of free extralysosomal glycogen that are in excess have also been depicted. AMD was first observed and described by JC Pompe in 1932 at Amsterdam. He reported a case of a baby girl, aged 7 months, who became chronically ill from what they believed to be pneumonia. The autopsy that was done later showed an uncommonly engorged heart but with normal valves. This condition was called cardiomegalia glycogenica diffusa by Pompe. He considered it as a disorder that is analogous to the von Gierke syndrome. This very first article was soon followed by reports that seemed similar. The two other authors described the children as afflicted with cardiomegaly and acute muscle weakness. They died in their early infancy. Their disease was linked to an excess in the deposition of glycogen in numerous tissues. This disorder was then named the Pompe disease and by the year 1957, it was typified as type 2 glycogenosis by GT Cori. [read more]
Isovaleric Acidemia or isovaleric aciduria is an autosomal metabolic illness which prevents or disturbs the normal metabolism of branched-chain amino acid leucine. It is a traditional form of organic academia. [read more]
Propionic acidemia also known as propionic aciduria or ketotic glycinemia is an uncommon metabolic disorder which is characterized by the deficiency of propionyl CoA carboxylase (an enzyme that is involved in breaking down the amino acids). It is categorized as branched-chain organic acidemia which often presents symptoms early on in the neonatal period which comes with progressive encephalopathy. [read more]
Acinetobacter refers to a particular group of bacteria that is commonly found in soil as well as in water. It can also thrive in the healthy skins of people, especially among healthcare personnel, causing all types of diseases. The acinetobacter infection is mostly contracted inside a healthcare facility. [read more]
Acne vulgaris or just acne is a common skin disease which is caused by changes on the pilosebaceous units (structures of the skin which consist of sebaceous gland and a hair follicle). The severe cases of acne are often inflamed but it can also show up as non-inflamed. Lesions are common and they are called spots, zits or pimples. This condition is common during the stage of puberty (affecting about 85% of teeners) while some cases carry on to adulthood. Most acne cases diminish and then disappear over time and this begins during the early twenties of an individual's life. There are no means of predicting when the disease will totally disappear because some cases continue even when the person is already in his thirties or forties. Acne is an altered form of the Greek word akun (or skin eruption). The vernacular name bakne or bacne is used often to specify acne that is found at the back of a person. [read more]
Acne rosacea or simply Rosacea is a very common condition which affects over 45 million people all over the world. Although common, it is a misunderstood condition. This often affects white-skinned individuals who are of northwestern European descent. This has been nicknamed as the ?Celtic curse' by some Irish people. This often begins as mere redness and flushing (erythema) right on the center of the face, also the cheeks, forehead and the nose. It can also affect the chest and the neck. As this disorder progresses, other signs come up such as erythema that is semi-permanent; telangiectasia (or the opening of the surface facial blood vessels); small bumps or domed pustules; reddish gritty eyes, stinging or burning sensations, and the most advanced cases manifest rhinophyma or lobulated nose. This disorder is often confused with seborrheic dermatitis or acne vulgaris. It can co-exist with these two conditions and it can affect both sexes (with females thrice more vulnerable). This peaks on the age of 30 to 60. the primary diagnosis of this disease is mainly facial and when the ears or the scalp become involved, it is a suggestion of a different illness. [read more]
Acoustic neuroma also known as a vestibular schwannoma is a primary intracranial tumor that is benign. This is a tumor of the cells that form myelin of the CN VIII or vestibulocochlear nerve. Neuroma is a derivation of a Greek word which means ?tumor of the nerve'. The name ?acoustic' is a misnomer because the tumor hardly occurs from the cochlear or acoustic part of the vestibulocochlear nerve. The precise medical name is vestibular schwannoma. This is because it engages the vestibular part of the eighth cranial nerve and it occurs from schwann cells (the cells that are responsible for the peripheral nervous system myelin sheath). [read more]
Ichthyosis is an inherited disorder of the skin. This disorder is an extreme type of ichthyosis which can afflict both sexes all over the world. When this disease is acquired because of a causal disorder, although, it is very rare; it is still not known how this occurs. But there are studies that claim that it can result from mutations of the genes. The mutated genes can be passed from one generation onto the next. The mutation is believed to cause the abnormality in the skin's standard lifecycle. Normal people shed dead skin cells unnoticed but patients of ichthyosis produce new cells of the skin at a rate where their rate of shedding could not cope. This way, there is a dead skin cell buildup and the patient's skin would then appear to be dry or scaly. Acquired ichthyosis often occurs in adulthood. It could occur before or after a systemic condition diagnosis. [read more]
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome also termed as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a compilation infections and symptoms that result from a specific damage to an individual's immune system. This is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (or HIV) and other similar viruses such as SIV or FIV. The late phase of HIV and AIDS exist to slow down the viral progression. Currently, there is still no cure for this illness. AIDS can be transmitted through direct contacts of the bloodstream or of a mucous membrane with any of the body fluids such as semen, blood, vaginal fluid, breast milk, or preseminal fluid. The modes of transmission could be sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, oral sex, anal sex, or a contact with hypodermic needles that are contaminated with the virus. Another unfortunate means of getting the virus is the exchange of fluids between the baby and its mother during pregnancy. [read more]
Syphilis is a venereal medical condition which is and which comes in two categories: acquired or congenital. Acquired syphilis is further divided into sub-categories which are early and late. The early stage consists of the primary, secondary and the early latent less than two years of being infected. The late sub-category is described as late latent greater than two years, tertiary which includes gummatous, neurological and cardiovascular involvement, the two latter forms are also termed as quartenary syphilis. [read more]
Acrocephaly is a rare congenital syndrome which is often characterized by a narrowing of the pulmonary valve, retardation of the patient's mental development, and a pointy skull (or the skull's loftiness). More often than not, the head of the patient appears cone-like. A term that is similar to acrocephaly is oxycephaly. Oxycephaly has features that are similar to acrocephaly such as the coronal sutre and other sutures that close prematurely. Oxycephaly is the most severe type of of all craniostenoses. [read more]
Acrocyanosis refers to a condition where the hands, feet or even the face persistently appear to have cyanotic or blue discoloration. The bluish color is caused by the lowered oxygen levels on the patient's extremities (some areas that can also be affected are the nipples, just the nose, or lips). The condition may not only manifest the pallor on the extremities but this discoloration could be accompanied by feelings of numbness, pins and needles sensation, soreness or even pain. The toes or fingers could also appear to be shiny and the tight-skinned. Acrocyanosis could also cause vasomotor disturbance (such as in the case of Raynaud's disease). This is a disease of the arterioles of the hands and feet that are exposed which also involves unusual contraction of the arteriolar walls which are magnified by exposing the areas to cold. This exposure results into the blue, mottled skin, sweating of the feet or hands, and chilling. It has been observed that patients who suffer from acrocyanosis may have acquired this condition because of the occurrence of other conditions before it such as emotional or mental disturbance. Neurocirculatory asthenia could also be an underlying cause. This condition can be subdivided into two forms: acrocyanosis (non-benign) with a sign which could allude to a more chronic medical concern; and acrocyanosis (benign) which is the more common condition which requires very little, if any, medical treatment. Females who are in their 20's are more vulnerable to the illness. The good thing about this condition is, it can improve as the patient ages. [read more]
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an autosomal recessive disease which affects zinc metabolism. This is characterized by periorificial (in the region of natural orifices) and in the limbs (acral dermatitis), loss of hair (also known as alopecia), and diarrhea. Having acquired zinc deficiency is somewhat similar to acrodermatitis enteropathica because it, too, can be congenital. The other known terms for acrodermatitis enteropathica are: Brandt syndrome, congenital zinc deficiency, and Danbolt-cross syndrome. [read more]
Acrodysostosis also known as acrodysplasia, Arkless-Graham, or Maroteaux-Malamut is defined as a very rare inborn skeletal illness which is marked by defects on the bones of feet, hands, and the nose. Retardation of the patient's learning and mental development is a common occurrence. [read more]
Acrodysplasia or acrocephalosyndactyly is an uncommon medical condition which is often characterized by a bulbous nose, bony growths, and loose extra skin throughout infancy. This is also a very rare genetic disease. A synonymous word is acrocephalosyndactyly. [read more]
Acrodystrophic neuropathy, also known as Morvan disease, is a rare autoimmune defect characterized by muscle malignancies, severe cramps, myotonia, delirium and insomnia. There are only about 14 recorded cases of the illness disease since it was first discovered. [read more]
Acrofacial dysostosis or Nager syndrome is a term that was coined by Nager and DeReynier in 1948. This condition is described as a syndrome which involves the upper limbs and skull. The most ordinary type of acrofacial dysostosis is the Nager Type (NAFD) of the so-called pre-axial acrofacial dysostosis. Generally, the effects of Nager type acrofacial dysostosis are palpebral fissures that are down-slanted; micrognathia; coloboma of the lower eyelids; and absent or hypoplastic radii or thumbs. [read more]
Acromegaly was derived from the Greek word ?akros' meaning ?extremities' or ?extreme' and ?megalos' which means ?large'. This is a syndrome which results as the pituitary gland has an overproduction of hGH or growth hormone following the closure of the epiphyseal plate. There are several disorders that could cause the pituitary gland to come up with this circumstance. Most of these conditions involve a tumor that produces GH which is derived from a distinctive cell type (called somatotrophs) and named pituitary adenoma. [read more]
Acromicric dysplasia is a very rare inherited illness that is often characterized by unusually short feet and hands, retardation of the patient's growth and delays on bone maturation which lead to short stature, and mild abnormalities of the face. The face often appears with a happy or ?smiling' expression thus the descriptive word geleophysic which is derived from the Greek word ?gelios' which means ?laughing' and ?phylis' meaning ?nature'. Most of the number of cases for this illness has occurred in random for no obvious reason (sporadic). It has not been ruled out, though, that this is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder. The disease database clearly indicates that acromicric dysplasia is similar to Geleophysic dwarfism (also known as Geleophysic dysplasia) and Focal mucopolysaccharidosis. [read more]
Acrophobia is derived from the Greek word ?akpoc' which means ?summit'. This phobia is described as the irrational dread of high places. This belongs to a certain category of phobias which are called motion and space discomfort (these two share like etiology and choices of treatment). This phobia could become very dangerous because those who suffer from it could experience attacks of panic when on a high place. As a result, they could become so agitated and they would have troubles getting themselves down to the ground safely. Vertigo is often associated or link with acrophobia and it is sometimes misconstrued as the phobia itself. The former is a feeling of nausea which is correctly described as a sensation of being spun. Vertigo can be caused by acrophobia when the person gets to a high place and then experience nausea. This type of vertigo that is triggered by heights is referred to as height vertigo. [read more]
ACTH deficiency or isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency is a disorder which arises from a decrease or absence of the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (also known as ACTH hormone). The pituitary gland is the one which produces this hormone. A decrease on the concentration of adrenocorticotropic in a person's blood would lead to reduced adrenal hormone secretions. This reduction of secretion of adrenal hormones could result into hypoadrenalism or adrenal deficiency. Adrenal insufficiency would then lead to loss of weight, a lack of appetite or anorexia nervosa (which is also a psychological disorder), nausea, weakness, vomiting, and hypotension or low blood pressure. Other uncommon symptoms include the lack or absence of pubic hair in some female patients; the lack or absence armpit hairs; having pale skin. These symptoms can be so general that is why proper diagnosis is often totally missed or delayed. For this reason, some physicians tend to believe that the disorder could be more common than had been previously thought. [read more]
Sometimes known as ?sailor's lip? or ?farmer's lip,? actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition related to cumulative lifetime sun exposure. People with this disorder often complain of cracking of the lips and persistent dryness where the lower lip is most often affected. [read more]
Actinic keratosis also known as solar keratosis, even AK is a premalignant condition of the skin where the signs include crusty, scaly, thick patches. This disorder is common among fair-skinned individuals who are often exposed under the sun (white people have less protection from their skin's pigment). This condition is often accompanied by damage made by the sun. Since a few of these are pre-cancer carcinomas, they should be attended to immediately. When a person's skin is exposed under the sun, the signs such as crustiness and thickness begin to appear. These bumps are often rough and dry and they start out as flat areas but soon develop into something tough which often resembles a wart. Actinic keratosis is about 2.0-6.0 mm. in range and they can be light or dark, pink or tan, it can even be red in color or it can be a combination of all the mentioned colors. It could appear on the areas that are exposed under the sun such as the chest, back, ears, neck, face, scalp, forearms, hands, and lips. [read more]
Actinomycetales infection is an infection which is bacterial in nature. This comes from the order of actinobacteria. The alternate names for this type of infection are: actinomycete infection; actinomycetales infection; or actinomycte infection. [read more]
Actinomycosis (pronounced ak-tuh-nuh-my-KOH-sihs) is a rare and infectious bacterial disease among humans. This is generally caused by Propionibacterium propionicus and actinoyces israelii, A.gerencseriae. This condition is unlikely a polymicrobial infection. Actinomycosis is a sub-acute to chronic bacterial disease which is caused by the filamentous, anaerobic to microaerophilic, and gram positive bacteria that are non-acid fast. [read more]
Activated protein C resistance is a hemostatic disease which is characterized by a reduced anticoagulant response to APC or activated protein C. The result is a heightened risk of venous thrombosis. The activated protein C resistance or APCr was first studied and reported by Dahlback in 1993. Activated protein C with protein S as its co-factor degrades Factor VIIIa and Factor Va. Activated protein C resistance is the failure of protein C to cleave Factor VIIIa and/or Factor Va. This permits for a longer extent of thrombin generation and could proceed to the hypercoabulable phase. The most common form of hereditary resistance to activated protein C is Factor V Leiden. Acquired types occur together with elevated concentrations of Factor VIII. It has been evaluated that up to 64% of people who are afflicted with venous thromboembolism could also have activated protein C resistance. [read more]
Acute articular rheumatism is a rare and non-contagious medical condition brought about by a bacterial joint infection that can possibly come with a heightened risk of the development of heart complications. Adults are the common victims affected by this disease. However, statistics have shown that less than 200, 000 Americans are afflicted with this condition, which explains why it is categorized as a rare disease. [read more]
Acute Beryllium Disease, also known as acute berylliosis, is the inflammation of the lungs due to exposure to beryllium. [read more]
Also known as the Abt-Letterer-Siwe disease, acute disseminated histiocytosis-X is a rare progressive kind of hystiocytosis. In this condition, high levels of histiocytosin are found in the bone marrow, causing deterioration of the organ issues. This illness difficult to treat, and is linked with diabetes insipidius. [read more]
Acute erythroblastic leukemia is also known by other medical terms such as erythremic myelosis, erythroleukemia and the DiGuglielmo syndrome, which is the uncontrolled production of immature and undeveloped erythrocytes, more popularly known as the red blood cells. This type of leukemia is a rare form of cancer that originates from the marrow and blood. [read more]
Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is more popularly known as Sweet's syndrome, which is a type of skin disorder characterized by sudden appearance of painful skin lesions and fever. This condition often appear on the patient's back, face, arms or neck and red bumps may rapidly increase in size and can possibly progress to blisters. [read more]
Acute gouty arthritis is characterized as sudden pain attacks in the joints, most especially in the legs and feet due to the buildup of uric acid in the joints. Gout is generally caused by an abnormality in the individual's metabolism which results to the proliferation if uric acid that consequently reduced the ability of the kidney to get rid of the uric acid. Patients suffering from sickle cell anemia, diabetes and obesity as well as kidney disorders are among the people who are most likely to develop acute gouty arthritis. [read more]
Acute idiopathic polyneuritis, also known as Gullain-Barre syndrome (GBS), is a rare but progressive paralyzing disorder of the peripheral nerves. [read more]
Acute intermittent porphyria is a very rare metabolic disorder that is characterized by an abnormal deficiency of porphobilinogen deaminase enzyme that would result to the buildup of polyphyrins. This medical condition is inherited and is passed on from one generation to another. [read more]
Acute kidney failure is characterized by the sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to perform its normal functions, which includes eliminating the excess waste and fluid from the blood. When the kidney is damaged and losses its filtering capability, a highly dangerous level of fluid may accumulate in the body. [read more]
Acute liver failure is considered a serious medical emergency that typically occurs when the liver rapidly loses the ability to function. This medical condition gradually develops through the years due to some factors such as alcohol abuse and hepatitis virus. This condition requires immediate medical attention since lack of treatment can prove to be highly fatal [read more]
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, otherwise known as acute lymphocytic leukemia is another form of cancer of the white blood cells. In this case, the immature and malignant white blood cells continues to multiply in an abnormally rapid thereby causing overproduction in the bone marrow. This disease causes damage and death by actively crowding out the Bone marrow's normal cells and spread to the other organs in the body. ALL is found to be common among children and young adults. [read more]
Acute monoblastic leukemia otherwise known as acute monocytic leukemia is an acute type of myeloid leukemia. For patients to be considered a victim of AML-M5, he must have more than 20% blasts in the marrow. Monoblasts are largely distinguished for displaying a rough, circular nucleus and a delicate lacy chromatin. [read more]
Acute mountain sickness, or more popularly known as altitude sickness is a pathological condition which is caused by exposure to very low air pressure. This is common in outdoors with high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet. This is caused by a reduction of partial pressure in the oxygen. [read more]
Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) is known to be the most common type of leukemia, which is found in adults, although people pf all ages can be affected by this serious medical condition. In AML, underdeveloped leukemia cells accumulate in the patient's bone marrow, thereby causing the destruction and replacement of cells that would produce normal blood cells. [read more]
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis or ANUG is characterized as a plymicrobial infection of the patient's gums that normally leads to bleeding, inflammation, necrotic gum tissue and deep ulcerations. Patients with this condition also suffer from fever and halitosisi. ANUG is also known as Vincent's angina, a popular term whioch was coined in WW1 when a great number of soldiers suffered from this condition. [read more]
Acute pancreatitis is characterized as the rapid onset of inflammation of the pancreas. Depending on the severity of the condition, serious complications and high mortality occur despite treatment. This disease is usually prevalent among individuals with bile duct obstruction of prolonged alcohol abuse. [read more]
Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a unusual form of eye disease that mostly affects Caucasia people ranging from ages 20?30 years old. This medical condition is characterized by a patient's central vision either in one or both eyes is affected or vision is completely lost due to inflammation a at thed the buildup of fluid in the back of the eye. [read more]
Acute renal failure is more popularly known as acute kidney failure or injury, and is characterized by the rapid loss of renal utility that causes serious damage to the kidney. Depending on the durationg and the extent of the condition, the accumulation may also be accompanied with metabolic disturbances such as acidification of the blood, fluid balance changes and elevated postassium levels. This is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. [read more]
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or adult respiratory distress syndrome, is a serious reaction to various forms of injuries to the lung. This is the most important disorder that is caused by an increased permeability pulmonary edema. ARDS is a severe lung disease caused by different direct and indirect issues. It is marked by inflammation of the lung parenchyma leading to impaired gas exchange with concomitant systemic release of inflammatory mediators causing inflammation, hypoxemia and frequently resulting in multiple organ failure. This condition is life threatening and often lethal, typically requiring mechanical ventilation and admission to an intensive care unit. A less severe form of this disease is called acute lung injury (ALI). ARDS most commonly signified adult respiratory distress syndrome to differentiate it from infant respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. However, as this type of pulmonary edema also arises in children, ARDS has gradually shifted to mean acute rather than adult. The differences with the typical infant syndrome remain the same. [read more]
Acute sinusitis is characterized by the inflammation of the nose and nasal passages that interferes with the normal drainage of the mucus in the sinuses. This causes difficulty in breathing with the throbbing sensation across the face, accompanied by headaches, and nagging coughs. [read more]
Acute toxic epidermolysis is a rare immunological defect that affects the skin. In this condition blisters develop on the skin and causes excessive peeling; the dermis then becomes more exposed to heat and substances and may resort to scalding. [read more]
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a medical condition involving the death of tubular cells that form the tubule that transports urine to the ureters while reabsorbing 99% of the water, highly concentrating the salts and metabolic byproducts. Tubular cells continually replace themselves, and if the cause of ATN is taken out, then recovery is likely. ATN presents with acute renal failure and is one of the most frequent causes of ARF. The presence of "muddy brown casts" of epithelial cells present in the urine during urinalysis is pathognomonic for ATN. ATN may be classified as either toxic or ischemic. Toxic ATN arises when the tubular cells are exposed to a toxic substance (nephrotoxic ATN). Ischemic ATN occurs when the tubular cells do not get adequate amounts of oxygen, a condition they are highly sensitive to due to their very high metabolism. [read more]
Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD) is a rare hereditary disease that is the result of the lack of an enzyme required to convert fat to energy. People with MCADD cannot refrain from eating for very long. Fasting starts after the body has used all the food that the person has eaten, then begins to use the body's own fat to make energy. When people with MCADD fast, they can experience a variety of serious life threatening symptoms or even death. Persons with MCADD cannot utilize this fat to make energy, consequently, the body begins to fail and malfunction once the food the person has eaten runs out. [read more]
Very-Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (VLCADD) is a rare autosomal recessive condition in which the body fails to oxidize fatty acids because an enzyme is either missing or not functioning correctly. Long-chain 3-hydroxy acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (LCHAD) is 1 of 3 enzymatic activities that comprise the trifunctional protein of the inner mitochondrial membrane. The other 2 activities of the protein are long-chain 3-ketoacyl CoA thiolase (LCKT) and 2-enoyl coenzyme A (CoA) hydratase (LCEH). The protein is an octamer made up of 4 alpha subunits that contain the LCEH and LCHAD activities, and 4 beta subunits that contain the LCKT activity. This enzyme complex helps metabolize long-chain fatty acids, and the LCHAD activity is specific for compounds of C12-C16 chain length. The genes for the alpha and beta subunits have been traced to chromosome 2. Affected infants with LCHAD deficiency, which is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, arise in infancy with acute hypoketotic hypoglycemia. These episodes usually appear for the first time after a fast, which usually occurs in the context of intercurrent illness with vomiting. [read more]
Short Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SCADD) is a condition in which the body fails to oxidize fatty acids because an enzyme is either missing or not functioning correctly. Short-chain acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase deficiency (SCAD) is a rare condition that stops the body from converting certain fats into energy, especially during periods without food (fasting). People affected with this disorder are not able to break down a certain group of fats called short-chain fatty acids efficiently. Some affected infants will display vomiting, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), a lack of energy (lethargy), poor feeding, and failure to gain weight and grow at the expected rate (failure to thrive). Other features of this disorder may include poor muscle tone (hypotonia), developmental delays, seizures, and a small head size (microcephaly). The symptoms of short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency may be activated by periods of fasting or during illnesses such as viral infections. In some cases, signs and symptoms may not exhibit themselves until adulthood, when some individuals may develop muscle weakness and wasting. Other people with gene mutations that can lead to this disorder may have such mild symptoms that they are never diagnosed. [read more]
Addiction was a term used to describe an attachment, devotion, dedication, inclination, etc. Nowadays, however, the term addiction is used to describe a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences to the individual's health, social life, or mental state. The term is often reserved for drug addictions but it is sometimes applied to other compulsions, such as compulsive overeating and problem gambling. Factors that have been suggested as causes of addiction include biological/pharmacological, genetic, and social factors. [read more]
Addison's disease (also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, hypocortisolism or hypocorticism) is a rare endocrine disorder in which the adrenal gland produces inadequet amounts of steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and often mineralocorticoids). It may arise in children as well as adults, and may occur as the result of a large number of underlying causes. The condition is named after Dr Thomas Addison, the British physician who initially described the condition in his 1855 On the Constitutional and Local Effects of Disease of the Suprarenal Capsules. The adjective "Addisonian" is used for features of the condition, as well as individuals with Addison's disease. The condition is typically diagnosed with blood tests, medical imaging and additional investigations. Treatment is with replacement of the certain hormones (oral hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone). If the disease is the result of an underlying problem, this is addressed. Regular follow-up and monitoring for other health problems is required. [read more]
Adducted thumb syndrome recessive form, also known as Christian syndrome or Craniostenosis arthrogryposis cleft palate, is a rare disease that affects multiple systems which causes malformations of the palate, thumbs, and upper limbs. [read more]
Adenocarcinoma of the lung (or lung cancer) is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both women and men in the United States and throughout the world. Lung cancer has beaten breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. In 2007, 160,390 people were projected to die from lung cancer in the United States, which is more than the number of deaths from colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer combined. Only about 2% of those diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to other areas of the body are living five years after the diagnosis, although the survival rates for lung cancers diagnosed at a very early stage are higher, with approximately 49% surviving for five years or longer. Cancer arises when normal cells undergo a transformation that causes them to grow and multiply without the normal controls. The cells form a mass or tumor that varies from the surrounding tissues from which it arises. Tumors are dangerous because they take nutrients, oxygen, and space from healthy cells. [read more]
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon form of malignant neoplasm that develops within secretory glands, most commonly the major and minor salivary glands of the head and neck. Other sites of origin include the trachea, lacrimal gland, skin, breast, and vulva. This neoplasm is defined by its characteristic histologic appearance. Adenoid cystic cancer (AdCC) is a very rare type of cancer that can develop in many different body sites. It most often arises in the areas of the head and neck, in particular the salivary glands; but has also been reported in the breast, lacrimal gland of the eye, lung, brain, bartholin gland, and the trachea. It is sometimes known as adenocyst, adenocystic, malignant cylindroma, adenoidcystic, ACC, AdCC. [read more]
Adenoma is characterized as a collection ogu growth that is glandular in origin. Adenomas usually grow in major body organs such as the adrenal, pituitary, thyroid and colon. These growths are usually benign in nature but can progress into malignant over. While it can be ntbenign, it can also present some potentially serious complications by mass effect and production of large volumes of hormones. [read more]
Adrenal adenomas are categorized as benign or a non-cancerous form of tumour of the adrenal gland. It can arise from the gland's outer layer or what is known as as the adrebal cortez. Ig the adenoma produces hormones, it is considered as a functioning adenoma and non-functioning for adenomas that do not produce hormones. [read more]
Adenomyosis is more popularly known as amenorrhea, and is characterized as a serious health complication among women that consist of the detection of an ectopic endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, are found to extend into the muscular and fibrous tissue of the uterus.There are two known types of adenomyosis?primary and secondary. This disorder may coexist along with external endometriosis. [read more]
Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency (ADA) is a highly rare genetic disorder and is categorized as a form of severe combined immunodeficiency that largely affects body's immune system. To date, there are only about a dozen documented cases of ADA deficiency. This genetic disease is known to be quite fatal, and often lead to death if afflicted patients do not seek treatment. People who have this disease usually lead a sheltered life and live in enclosed environment to prevent exposure to infectious agents. [read more]
Adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMD) is a type of muscle-specific deficiency that is a common cause of many exercise-induced myopathy and is one of the most common causes of metabolic myopathy among human beings. [read more]
An adhesion is a band of fibrous tissue that binds the unconnected anatomic surfaces, which are separated from each other. It develops commonly in the abdomen after trauma or injury. Sometimes it is a congenital defect like the obstruction of the intestine. [read more]
Adhesive capsulitis is also known as frozen shoulders, a condition that is characterized by the abnormal stiffness and pain on the shoulder joint area. As the condition progresses and worsens, the individual will experience a limited range of motion. This condition usually affects one shoulder at a time. [read more]
Adie syndrome, sometimes reffered to as Adie's Tonic Pupil or Holmes-Adies Syndrome is categorized as a neurological disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system and the pupil of the patient's eye. It causes damage to the postganglionic fibers of the eye that is usually brought about by bacterial or viral infection. [read more]
Adiposis dolorosa, is also known as Dercum's disease and Ander's disease, which is a type of a rare disease that is characterized by some multiple painful lipomas that usually arise in adult life. Among the individuals commonly afflicted with this disease are those who are also battling with obesity and occurs on both men and women. [read more]
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) generally refers to several autosomal recessive medical conditions that are results from some biochemical pathway of the steroidogenesis of the cortisol from cholesterol by the patient's adrenal glands. Majority of these conditions involve lesser or greater production of sex steroids and can also greatly alter the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics in affected individuals. [read more]
There are four types of congenital adrenal hypoplasia that have been recognized and they are the following: an X-linked type or the OMIM 300200 which is caused by a deletion or mutation of the AHCH gene or the DAX1 gene (found in the X chromosome dosage-receptive sex reversal adrenal hypoplasia congenital vital region). This type is often linked with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. It might be a component of an adjacent deletion of chromosome (this may include congenital adrenal hypoplasia, OMIM 310200 or the Duchenne muscular dystrophy and OMIM 307030 or glyce3rol kinase deficiency; the second type is the autosomal recessive type and it is caused by a deletion or mutation of the gene which is responsible for coding for SF-1 or steroidogenic factor 1 on OMIM 184757 or chromosome 9q99. This type is also linked with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; The third type is an autosomal recessive type. This type has a vague etiology (or OMIM 240200); The fourth type of adrenal hypoplasia which is linked with the retardation of intrauterine growths, genital defects, and metaphysical dysplasia is the OMIM 300290 or the IMAGe (intrauterine growth retardation, metaphysical dysplasia, adrenal hypoplasia congenital, genital defects) association. The X-linked type adrenal hypoplasia congenital is a disease which is mainly acquired by males. It usually involves several endocrine tissues of the body most especially the gmall glands above the kidneys or the adrenal glands. The characteristics that often manifest are a reduction in the function of the adrenal gland; hypoglycemia; dehydration, feeding difficulties; and shock. Other male patients might also be sexually underdeveloped. The females who are rarely affected also have adrenal insufficiency and a deficiency of sex hormones. [read more]
An adrenal incidentaloma is an adrenal mass which is seen during the imaging for other causes that are non-adrenal related. This means that the lesion was discovered serendipitously. Adrenal incidentaloma is the most common adrenal disorder and it is found during 1-5% of CT scans for the abdomen. 5-10% of patients who are diagnosed with adrenal incidentaloma have masses that are non-functioning (this is based on postmortem examinations). This disease affects both males and females with most of the incidentalomas being hormonally inactive and benign. There are only a few numbers of cases where adrenalectomy is required (and this is done only when the lesion becomes functioning and malignant). The diagnostic assessment often evaluates the hormonal activity of the lesion and if it is malignant. Assessment of functions require plasma dihydroepiadosterone; urinary catecholamines for 24 hours and metanephrines; a low dosage of a test of dexamethasone suppression; serum ACTH; standing serum renin to aldosterone ration for hypertension and hypokalemia. The evaluation of the danger of malignancy requires MRI or CT scans; on CT lesions that are malignant are not regular, non-homogeneous and have great attenuation; for lesions that are MRI malignant, an clear concentration on T2 weighed image; it may also be useful to have CT guided cytology; there is also a need to exclude paechromocytoma before this procedure; [read more]
There are two classifications for adrenal insufficiency and they are: primary and secondary. The primary adrenal insufficiency happens when the adrenal gland dysfunctions. The secondary adrenal insufficiency which is also named central adrenal insufficiency happens there is a lack of CRH secretion or the corticotrophin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus; or it could be the lack of ACTH secretion which is the corticotropic hormone from the pituitary. The second type leads to adrenal cortex hypofunction. Further classifications include acquired and congenital. [read more]
Adrenocortical carcinoma also called as ACC or adrenal cortical carcinoma and adrenal cortex cancer is a cancer that is aggressive which originates from the cortex (a tissue that produces steroid hormones) of the adrenal gland. Adrenocortical carcinoma is a tumor that is rare with an incidence of 1-2 in every 1,000,000 individuals annually. ACC has a bimodal allocation by age (most of the cases cluster among children that are under the age of 6 and in adults at 30-40 years of age). ACC can result into many syndromes such as Cushing's syndrome, virilization, Conn syndrome, and feminization. It also commonly metastizes or invades neighboring tissues and the survival rate is estimated at only 20-35%. [read more]
The more proper term for adrenogenital syndrome is congenital adrenal hyperplasia or CAH. This refers to numerous other autosomal recessive disor which result from biochemical paths of cortisol setoidogenesis from cholesterol done by the adrenal glands. Most number of these conditions could have lesser or greater sex steroid production and they can alter primary or secondary sex characteristic development among adults, children and infant patients. Only a few cases of people with CAH can be appropriated with intersex condition although this attracted the attention of the American public in the 90's and since then, there have been various accounts that have been circulated. It is estimated that 95% of CAH cases are caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Conditions Caused by CAH The most common conditions that are caused by adrenogenital syndrome are: ambiguous genitals (in some female patients wherein it can be initially hard to know the exact sex of the infant); salt-wasting that causes vomiting (which may lead to dehydration and eventually?death); the early appearance of pubice or the occurrence failure or the delay of puberty (including sexual infantilism); too much facial hair; virilization; irregular menstrual periods during the adolescent stage; infertility caused by anovulation; and hypertension. [read more]
Adrenoleukodystrophy is also known as ALD, Sudanophilic leukodystrophy and Schilder's disease. This is a rare disorder that is inherited which often leads to progressive damage of the brain, adrenal gland failure and eventually, death. ALD belongs to a group of disorders that are inherited which are called Leukodystrophies. Leukodystrophies often progressively destroy the myelin (a complex fatty neutral tissue which insulates numerous nerves of the peripheral and central nervous systems). The absence of myelin intensifies destruction. Patients of this disorder have a missing essential protein called the transporter protein. The transporter protein is needed in carrying an enzyme (the one used in breaking down long chain fatty acid in a normal person's diet). A long chain fatty acid accumulation can bring about brain damage and adrenal gland damage. Usually, the patients of ALD are males who inherit the X-linked disorder. Leudodystrophies are not similar to demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis where the myelin is normally formed but is eventually lost through immunologic dysfunction or for other causes. [read more]
Adrenomyodystrophy is a rare genetic disease which is often characterized by chief adrenal insufficiency, acute psychomotor retardation, dystrophic myopathy, and an acutely swollen bladder which can result into death. [read more]
Still's disease was first discovered as a type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis that is common among children but is now also discovered to have a few cases in adults. The adult type is called the adult onset Still's disease (or AOSD). AOSD was first described by an English doctor in 1971. The physician's name was Bywaters who is also famous for his work on the crush syndrome. There are varying theories as to the cause of Still's disease. There is a suggestion that it originated from a microbacterial infection. To this day, the cause of the illness remains unknown. It is more securely established that the disorder's pathogenesis is autoimmune. [read more]
Adult Schizophrenia is considered to be one of the most complex of all identified mental health disorders. It is characterized by a severe and chronic, often disabling disturbance of the person's brain that causes distorted thinking, unusual strange feelings and disturbed behavior and use of language. [read more]
Agammaglobulinemia is also called hypogammaglobulinemia. It is the most ordinary type of primary immunodeficiency which accounts to about 50% of all the cases. The three major kinds can be defined as: early onset, late onset, and X-linked. It was only after more than 50 years since the clinical manifestation was first recorded in 1952 by a certain Bruton. He described that the defect on the molecule in XLA or X-linked agammaglobulinemia has been explicated. To honor Bruton, the responsible gene was named Btk which means Bruton tyrosine kinase. It is estimated that 90% of the patients with the early-onset kind of agammaglobulinemia and the lack of B cells have defects on their Btk genes. The late-onset type is often referred to as the CVID or Common Variable Immunodeficiency. The last type is the early-onset non-Bruton agammaglobuliemia with absent or just low serum immunoglobulin (or Ig). Most of the cases are representative of a very heterogenous group which includes Ig deficiency with an increase in immunoglobulin M or hyper-IgM syndrome. There are also some infants who have an initial reading of low Ig level which soon increases to the normal level. This is named as Transient Hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy. Currently, the production of defective antibodies and the low circulation of a number of B cells were descriptive of some female infants and some males who do not have any Btk defects. These records imply the participation of other genes. [read more]
Aggressive fibromatosis is an unusual type of tumor that is locally persistent but not malevolent or malignant. Patient's symptoms will depend on the precise location and size of the tumor and also whether it reduces adjacent structures. [read more]
Aging, also known as the cycle of life, is any form of change of an organism as time passes. There are many dimensions to aging such the physical, psychological, mental, and emotional aspects. For example, the time of reaction of a human being is lessened or slowed as he ages while his wisdom and knowledge of facts may improve. There should be a distinction between universal aging (where all people go through) and probabilistic aging (which is a type of aging that occurs only to some and not all individuals). An example of probabilistic aging is the manifestation of diabetes mellitus. Chronological aging refers to the actual age of an individual and it can clearly be distinguished from social aging (where the society expects people to behave in accordance to their age and status). The third type of aging is biological aging (which is the person's physical state as he ages). Age measurement is done through entire years or months in the case of infants. An individual's birthday is often a significant event. As to mental aging, it is a bit more challenging to categorize individuals under this type because an older person does not guarantee mental or emotional capacities that are greater than the younger generation. [read more]
Agnogenic myeloid metaplasia is characterized as a condition that typically occurs when the bone marrow is scarred, resulting to its failure to function properly. With the reduced production from the bone marrow, the liver and the spleen will produce the necessary blood cells, causing it to become enlarged. This condition gradually develops through the years and often found in individuals over 50 years old. [read more]
Agnosia or failure to know is a condition in which the person is unable to recognize objects, persons, sounds, shapes, or smells without any defective in a specific sense. There are different types of agnosia. The Autotopagnosia, the person is unable to identify the parts of the body. Visual agnosia the person cannot recognize a visual objects. Another type is Alexia, Inability to recognize text. We also have color agnosia, the patient has difficulty in distinguishing between color perception versus color recognition. Prosopagnosia also called as faceblindness or facial agnosia , the affected person is unable to recognize faniliar faces. Expressive agnosia is a type o g agnosia that the person cannot perceive different facial perception. Visual Verbal agnosia, the patient cannot understand spoken words. Auditory agnosia. The person can hear but unable to determine environmental and non-verbal auditory signs. Amusia, unable to identify music. Somatosensory agnosia or Astereognosia the patient is unable to identify object that is touch. Time Agnosia another type of agnosia that characterized with loss of comprehension of the time and duration of events. Apraxia or motor (body) agnosia it involves loss of ability to determine physical actions thus lead to repetitive of action. [read more]
Agoraphobia is usually referred to as "fear of open spaces" though this explanation is simple and confusing. Agoraphobia is like an irrational fear or anxiety related with unknown environment or events or situations though this explanation also oversimplifies a complicated topic.. Panic attacks from panic disorder, usually causes agoraphobia to arise in several situations and the fear of places or situations happen when these were the reasons of the panic attacks. Agoraphobia in other words is the ?fear of having another panic attack? or simply the fear of something or somewhere that may cause a panic attack. A violent sequence situates in where worry or fear of certain places or circumstances create a panic attack more possible to happen, which in turn elevates the level of anxiety. No matter what the explanation is, agoraphobia can not be only put pressure emotionally but it can really turn to be devastating which results to a life of self-imposed loneliness. [read more]
Agyria which actually means smooth brain is an unusual brain formation disorder distinguished by the absence of normal folds in the brain. Malfunctioning neuronal movement is the cause of Agyria where in the nerve cells travel from their original place to their stable location. It is a kind of cephalic disorder. Convolutions or gyri refer to the folds in the brain and this forms the surface of the normal brain. Young patients who have Agyria has have a lack of or partially formed convolutions which makes the exterior of the brain smooth. [read more]
Aicardi syndrome is an unusual abnormality syndrome distinguished by the lack of a major structure in the brain referred to as corpus callosum, the existence of abnormalities in the retina adn seizures in the form of immature spasms. An X-linked dominant trait is inherited in Aicardi syndrome that is fatal in males. [read more]
Aichmophobia is the tremendous and unreasonable fear of being touched by a finger or any pointed materials or objects such as needles or injections. [read more]
AIDS means Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which means that the person may get infected by the disease and it will then cause a weakening of his system that resists or fights disease. The disease is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. When the person gets infected by the virus, and the body creates its own ?antibodies? to fight off the infection, it is when he is called HIV positive. Thus, the person is called HIV positive when he has these HIV antibodies. However, being HIV positive is different from having AIDS. It is common to find HIV positive person who have lived for many years without getting AIDS although AIDS is generally developed from HIV. A person may get infected with HIV through different ways, such as through blood infection and through semen or vaginal fluids. Thus, having sex with a person with HIV, receiving blood or using the same syringe with the person with HIV may result into getting infected. A child usually gets infected with HIV if the mother has the virus. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it is estimated that there are around 1.2 million persons in the US are infected with HIV virus or have AIDS. Despite the number, the death rate due to AIDS has been reduced significantly since the time when it was the leading cause of death in the 90s. This is because of the new treatments available at present. HIV becomes AIDS when the immune system of the person infected with HIV is severely damaged. Thus, a person with no more than 200 CD 4 cells (less than 14% CD4 cells) in his body has AIDS. IF the person has AIDS he is more likely to get Pneumocystis pneumonia (PC), a certain lung infection; a Kaposi's sarcoma, a skin cancer; a Cytomegalovirus or infection affecting the eyes and Candida or a fungal infection in the mouth or infections in the throat or vagina. These infections are called opportunistic infections or infections which take advantage of the weak immune system. There is no known cure for AIDS however, at present there are available drugs which slows then development or progress of the HIV virus. At the same time these drugs slows down the effect or the damage done by the HIV to the immune system. There are also other drugs to help the patient treat or prevent the opportunistic infections. The latest drugs available are very effective in reducing the rate of the common opportunistic infections [read more]
AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC) is one of the most common complications of HIV-1 infection. It is severe and is greatly associated with high morbidity. Its pathogenesis is still a mystery although as compared with other opportunistic infections of HIV, it is believed to be caused directly by the HIV-1 virus. ADC was first seen alongside the AIDS epidemic. As with the term, there is the persistent cognitive deterioration which not only affects the intellect of the patient but including the motor complex and behavior. Also, myelopahty is an important aspect of the ADC. The moment the patient is diagnosed with the ADC, it is staged according to the ADC Staging System. The staging is composed of five steps which are based on the cognitive and motor incapacity of the patient. The earlier stage is when there are neurologic symptoms but without the functional impairment and the advanced stage is when there is severe dysfunction. Generally, ADC affects the patient's cognition, motor skills and behavior. Usually the cognitive and motor skills are the first ones affected and the diagnosis is usually made when the patient manifest impairment of these skills. In a study conducted on the ADC, it was found that ADC is commonly found for those with advanced HIV-1 infection although it is also commonly found in those with preserved helper lymphocyte. This means that immunosuppression has an effect on the development of the complex. According to the data by the Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS (CPCRA), ADC is strongly associated with the advanced stage of HIV. Moreover it also showed that there is strong relationship between survival rate and the development of stage 2 and over of ADC. Compared with the mortality rate of Pneumocystic carinii pneumonia, the 6-months cumulative mortality rate of ADC is three times greater. Compared with other neurologic diseases it is almost the same is the 85% rate if PML, 70% of CNS lymphoma and 51% of cerebral toxoplasmosis. The high rate may be attributed to ineffectiveness of antiviral treatment, the vulnerability of neurologic debility and the hopelessness attitude of the caregivers. According to the most recent studies the HIV-1 plays a significant role in the development of ADC particularly those with severe cognitive dysfunction. It was found that it is due to the production of the macrophages and microglia by the HIV-1, which affects the neuronal dysfunction. There is also the activation of the cytokine circuits and the neuropahtologic sequelae which causes neurotoxicity. By identifying these factors doctors may soon find effective treatment for ADC. [read more]
Ainhum is a disease characterized by painful constriction of the fifth toe. This generally leads to amputation after a few years. Ainhum is more common among black African descents. It is commonly found among the blacks in West Africa, India and South America. The first recorded incidence of the disease is in 1867 by J.F. da Silva Lima. He described the disease suffered by one of the tribes in Brazil, the Nagos, who gave the disease its name. It is very rare in Europe and only a few incidences have been reported. It is also more common among those in between 20 and 50 years of age, with the average in 38 years of age. The youngest patient in record to have Ainhum is seven years old. The cause of the disease is still being studied. At present though, scientists have found that it is not caused by fungi, virus, parasite, bacteria and injury. Although it linked with walking barefoot during childhood, the disease is also found among those who have not gone barefoot. Among all the predisposing factors, race has been found to be on top of the list and thus scientists believe that it has some genetic component. Scientists believe that the disease is caused by the abnormal blood supply on the foot. Angiography of the peripheral limb has shown that the tibial artery may have become attenuated at the ankle and that there is noticeable absence of the plantar arch and branches. There are four stages of ainhum: the Grade I, wherein there is the presence of the groove; Grade II, wherein the floor of the groove is ulcerated; Grade III, wherein the bone is involved; and Grade IV wherein autoamputation occurs. In about 78% of the cases there is the presence of pain. For those in the early stage the pain may be slight and may have been caused by the pressure on the nerves. For those in the advanced stage, the pain is quite severe which is caused by chronic sepsis or fracture of the phalanx. Ainhum is commonly confused with diabetic gangrene, scleroderma, leprosy, Vohwinkle syndrome and leprosy. The pain is the symptom of the ainhum and it is a progressive condition. For the treatment of the ainhum, for the Grade I and II excision of the groove and z-plasty has been proven to relieve pain and prevent autoamputation. For the Grade III disarticulating the metatarsophanlangeal joint has been proven to be as effective. [read more]
Akathisia also spelled as acathisia from the greek word means without or not. Akathisia is characterized by restlessness. The patient is unable stay still or motionless. [read more]
Akinetic mutism is the term used to describe persons who neither move nor speak. [read more]
Alagille syndrome is a disease that affects the heart, liver and other major organs of the body. [read more]
Alagille-Watson syndrome (AWS) is one of the genetic disorders which affect the different systems of the body including the heart and the liver. The symptoms of the AWS are usually manifested during early childhood or infancy. It is hereditary and its prevalence rate is 1 in every 70,000. The symptoms if AWS varies per family that in some cases it is so mild that the symptoms are unnoticeable while in some cases the symptoms may be as severe as to require transplantation of the heart. When the symptom is liver damage, the patient may have Alagille syndrome which includes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, xanthomas, itching and bile duct paucity. The patient may also have congenital heart problem and kidney problems. In other less common cases, the central nervous system is affected. As for the physical manifestation, those with AWS have the same facial features which includes broad forehead, small and pointed chin and deep-set eyes. The Alagille-Watson Syndrome is caused by the mutation in the JAG1 gene. This gene plays an important role in the signaling of cells during the embryonic development. The mutation of the gene then disrupts the signaling and thus it causes developmental errors of the body's system, such as the heart, liver, spinal column and facial features. In those with liver problems caused by the AWS, the bile ducts are narrowed and malformed. This then results in bile build ups and scarring which prevents the proper elimination of wastes in the blood. Usually the child inherits the altered gene from one parent although there are cases wherein the patient develops mutations of the gene. At present, there is still no known cure for the AWS and the treatment given to patients are targeted to the improvement of the affected system of the body, such as improvement of heart or liver condition. At the same time, the treatments are aimed also at reducing the effects of the affected system. For those with liver problems caused by AWS, there are several medications which are effective in improving the bile flow and in reducing the itching and this include Actigall, Atarax, Rifampicin, Cholestyramine and Phenobarbitol. Of course the effectiveness of the medication varies per patient. Doctors also recommend the high dosage of multivitamins especially vitamins A, D, E and K, since with the damage to the bile ducts the body will have difficulty absorbing these important vitamins. For those with heart defects caused by AWC, corrective surgery is sometimes necessary. [read more]
The Albers-Schonberg disease is one of the most common types of osteopetrosis. It has been found that it is caused by the mutation in the CICN7 chloride channel gene. Those who have Albers-Schonberg disease, have bone cells, osteoclats, not functioning normally. These osteoclats are responsible for the breaking down of old bone tissues so that new ones will grow. In case of the disease, the osteoclats do not break the old bone tissues which then results in overgrow of the bones in the body. These overgrown then become very brittle and break easily. In the United States, it is estimated that around 1,250 persons have osteopetrosis. There are different forms of osteopetrosis and the most severe type is very rare that in the United States, there are only about 8 to 40 cases reported each year. The malignant infantile osteopetrosis is a severe form of the disease. It affects the child even when she is still in the womb. When the baby is delivered, the bones of the shoulder usually break. The baby with malignant infantile osteopetrosis has low calcium, has pressure on the optic nerve in the brain and experiences frequent bone fractures. About 75% of those affected with this disease will develop anemia and thrombocytopenia. If not treated, the child is not expected to live beyond the age of 10. Children have the disease when the parents have the abnormal genes even though they may not have the symptoms. The transient infantile osteopetrosis is the same as the infantile osteopetrosis except that in this case the patient heals on her own without treatment. The adult benign osteopetrosis is what is originally called the Albers-Schonberg disease. The disease is named after the man who first recorded or described the disease. The disease is generally mild and is more common among those in between the age of 20 and 40. One of the most common manifestations of the disease is frequent bone fractures and difficulty healing them. In some cases bone infections, degenerative arthritis, headache and pain may also be experience by those with the disease. The disease may be inherited from the parent with the defective gene and children of parents with the Albers-Schonberg disease have about 50% chance of having the same defective gene. The intermediate osteopetrosis is more common among children below the age of 10. The symptoms is almost the same as the malignant infantile osteopetrosis although less severe. It is believed that it is inherited the same way as the malignant infantile osteopetrosis. [read more]
Albinism immunodeficiency is an unusual persistent disorder that involves multiple systems of the body and occurs from an alteration in the lysosomal trafficking regulator gene, LYST. Because of the destruction of lysosome degranulation with phagosomes phagocytosed bacteria are not damaged by the lysosome's enzymes. Additionally, emission of lytic secretory granules in the cytotoxic T cells is also distressed. Not only doe sit happen to humans but also to cattle, blue Persian cats, white tigers and orcas. [read more]
In 1937, Donovan James McCune and Fuller Albright explained Albright's syndrome as an inherited condition distinguished by abnormalities in the skin pigmentation, bone ailments and endocrine complications. The diseases in the bone may result to the weakness of the bone and abnormalities in the legs, arms and skull. Diseases in the endocrine may the reason for early puberty and elevated growth rate. Patients are affected by several distinctiveness of the ailment to various degrees several individuals may have the condition and have no evident complications. [read more]
Albright's syndrome is a genetic disorder that is characterized by some irregularities on the skin known as caf?-au-lait spots, endocrine problems and bone diseases, by which the bones become weak and the development of deformities in the skull, legs and arms. The endocrine diseases may cause an abnormally rapid increase of growth rate and early puberty. Patients are affected in varying degrees and display different characteristics largely depending on the severity of the case. [read more]
Alcaptonuria is more commonly known as black urine disease, which is very rare genetic disease that can be passed on as an autosomal recessive trait. The particular gene that causes this disorder is unable to break down some proteins known as phenylalanine and tyrosine that may be toxic to the human body. This condition is harmful to the bones and body tissues. [read more]
Alcohol fetopathy is characterized by a series of congenital defects that affect the facial, cranial, cardiac and nueral abnormalities. This medical condition also involves mental and physical retardation that occur on infants arising from excessive alcohol intake by the mother during pregnancy. [read more]
Alcohol is commonly associated with a number of liver diseases including hepatitis. However, the relationship between alcohol hepatitis and drinking is quite complex. This is because only a small number of heavy drinkers are afflicted with alcohol hepatitis and there are some moderated drinkers who have contracted this disease. Alcohol can possibly progress to liver failure and cirrhosis if patient continues to drink and is often fatal. [read more]
Alexander disease is considered as a very rare type of neurological conditions that is known as leukodystrophies, which is a disorder results from abnormalities in myelin, the ?white substance? that protects the nerve fibers in the brain. Alexander disease is progressive in nature and is usually fatal. [read more]
Alien hand syndrome , also identified as Dr. Strangelove syndrome and anarchic hand is an very unusual neurological disorder, characterized by the apparent loss of control of one's hand, and the sufferer's hand appears to have a mind of its own. [read more]
Alkalosis is a condition when there is a fleuid and electrolytes imbalance. In this case the base or also called alkali is in higher level. Its opposite is acidosis, which is the acid level of our body, is abnormally high. [read more]
Alkaptonuria is a very rare disease that is genetically transmitted. The disease is characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme called homogentisic acid oxidase. This type of deficiency often leads to the buildup of the homogentisic acide on the tissues of the body. This medical condition has been reported to be more prevalent in Dominican Republic and Slovakia. [read more]
Allan-Herndon syndrome is categorized as an extremely rare hereditary disorder that causes severe mental retardation along with impaired speech ability, diminished muscle tone, as well as possible movement abnormalities. For most infants afflicted with this medical condition tend to develop normally during the first few months. However, when the child reaches more or less six months, the baby will appear weak and unable to hold up its head and may never learn to walk on their own. [read more]
Allergic angiitis is also known by another medical term called Churg-Strauss syndrome, which is characterized by a restricted blood flow to the various organs. While this disease normally involves any major body organ, it usually affects the skin and the lungs. The restricted flow of blood can cause serious damage of the affected areas. The restricted flow of blood to the body organs can cause temporary or permanent damage. [read more]
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillus is a serious respiratory disorder that is characterized by the allergic reaction of the lungs to a certain type of fungus. This disease occurs mostly in individuals that has cystic fibrosis and asthma, triggering cough, wheezing and in some cases accompanies by fever. If left untreated, this disorder may cause serious lung damage. [read more]
Allergic Rhinitis Also called Hay Fever. Defined as an inflammation of the nasal passages, usually presents with watery nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes. [read more]
Alopecia is the medical description for loss of hair from the body or head that sometimes lead to baldness, often unwelcome and unwanted. However, there are some individuals who display some psychological compulsion to forcibly pull out own hair. In some cases, hair loss can also present an underlying case for other medical concern such as iron deficiency. [read more]
Alopecia areata is a medical condition that affects humans, characterized by excessive loss of hair in certain areas of the body, typically the scalp. This disease is often referred to as spot baldness since the initial stage causes the formation of bald spots that gradually spread through all areas of the scalp. [read more]
Alopecia totalis means ?loss of all hair in the head? that affects men, women and children. While the causes of alopecia totalis is still unclear, research has confirmed that this condition is an autoimmune disorder, wherein an organism fails to recognize its own parts as ?self? and results in a negative response against its own tissues and cells. [read more]
Alopecia Universalis, also known as ?Alopecia areata universalis? is a condition that involves rapid loss of all hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows. Alopecia universalis is the most serious type of alopecia areata, affecting only 1 person in 100,000. [read more]
Androgenetic alopecia or the male pattern baldness is the patterned balding of a man. One should note that the condition is not a medical disorder although it may affect both the appearance and self-esteem of some men. [read more]
Named after Bernard Jacob Alpers, Alper's disease is a progressive degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. Also called progressive sclerosing polidystrophy, progressive infantile poliodystrophy, progressive neuronal degeneration of childhood and Alpers' syndrome, this autosomal recessive disorder only occurs in infants and children, sometimes in siblings. [read more]
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, also known simply as Alpha-1 or A1AD, is a genetic disorder caused by the defective production of ?alpha 1-antitrypsin?. When this happens, the blood and lungs receives insufficient amounts of A1AT while the liver cells receive excess amounts of A1AT proteins. Serious cases of Alpha-1 cause emphysema in most patients with this condition. Children and adults may experience liver diseases. Treatments of this disease include intravenous A1AT protein infusions, liver or lung transplants and avoidance of dangerous inhalants. People of Iberian, Saudi Arabian and northern European ancestry are more at risk of having A1AD. [read more]
Alpha-mannosidosis is an ?autosomal recessive metabolic disorder? that leads to physical and mental deterioration. When the a-mannosidase enzyme becomes defective, it causes impaired cell function and sugar buildup. Since this enzyme normally helps in breaking down complex sugars, absence of this functional enzyme may lead to death on children caused by deterioration of the central nervous system. [read more]
In this condition, ?a thalassemias? involve genes HBA1 and HBA2, which occurs due to Mendelian inheritance in a recessive fashion. Alpha-thalassemia is also connected to the deletion of 16p chromosome. Alpha-thalassemia results in a decrease in alpha-globin production that causes a decrease in the production of alpha-globin chains. As a result, an excess of beta chains occur in adults, while an excess of gamma chains occur in newborns. [read more]
Alport syndrome, which first occurred in a British family and identified by Dr. Cecil Alport in 1927, is a genetic disorder characterized by end-stage kidney disease, hearing loss and glomerulonephritis. Hematuria or the presence of blood in urine always occurs in patients with this condition. Some also develop eye problems. [read more]
Alstrom syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder ? one of the rarest in the world, existing in only 266 reported cases in medical books and only 411 patients in 42 countries. First described by Carl Henry Alstrom in 1959, this condition is usually mistaken with Bardet-Biedl syndrome, which has resembling symptoms. However, the Bardet-Biedl syndrome usually have later onset with its symptoms. [read more]
Alternating hemiplegia of childhoon or ?AHC? is a rare genetic disease that causes progressive mental retardation and intermittent paralysis, which starts during childhood. [read more]
Alternative names for Altitude Illness are the ff: High altitude cerebral edema; High altitude pulmonary edema; Mountain sickness; acute mountain sickness. Altitude Illness is a sickness that can influence mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, or travelers who climb very fast; usually encountered when reaching high elevation in a very rapid manner. [read more]
Altophobia, or acrophobia, is a person's fear of heights. This fear can be very dangerous especially to those who are exploring high elevations; they may suddenly experience panic attack while going higher above the ground causing their heart to palpitate and lead to serious complications. [read more]
Alveolar Hydatid Disease is a rare medical condition where there is a multi-organ infection caused by the larval stage of a Echinococcus multilocularis, tapeworm that is usually microscopic and is usually found in foxes, coyote, dogs and cats. When affecting human, the tapeworm thrive on the lungs, brain and organs of the body. [read more]
Alveolar soft part sarcoma or ?ASPS?, which was first identified in 1952, is an extremely rare type of soft tissue sarcoma, a slow-growing tumor that occurs mainly in children and young adults. ASPS is a highly angiogenic disease, which involves an intensive production of new blood vessels connecting the tumor to the blood and enabling dissemination of tumor cells into the bloodstream. Because of this, tumor cells can easily transfer into various parts of the body, usually affecting the brain and lungs. ASPS is a sarcoma that affects soft tissues that connects and supports organs and structures of the body. It usually develops in the deep soft tissues and muscles of the leg or thighs, but could also appear in hands, head and neck. However, it could also spread and develop inside bones. [read more]
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA), also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, is an inflammation of the alveoli found in the lung. This condition is caused by hypersensitivity to various types of inhaled organic dusts. People with this disease are usually exposed to dust from their hobbies or occupations. Several types of extrinsic allergic alveolitis exist based on the provoking antigen. These include Bird-Breeder's Lung (avian proteins), Farmer's Lung (molds), Bagassosis (moldy bagasse or sugarcane), Malt Worker's Lung (moldy barley), Humidifier Lung (by mist of standing water). Mushroom Worker's Lung (mushroom compost), Compost Lung (compost), Peat Moss Worker's Lung (peat moss), Suberosis (moldy cork dust), Japanese Summer-Type HP (damp wood and mats) and Cheese-Washer's Lung (cheese casings). Other types of EAA include Hot Tub Lung, Mollusc Shell HP, Metalworking Fluids HP, Isocyanate HP, TMA HP, Beryllium and Wine-grower's Lung. The most common of all EAA are Bird-Breeder's Lung and Farmer's Lung, affecting 8 to 850 people in 100,000 persons each year for farmers alone and 6,000 to 21,000 people in 100,000 persons for pigeon breeders yearly. [read more]
Alzheimer's disease, which is named after Alois Alzheimer, is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs in people aged 65 and over. This disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting over 20 million people worldwide. Once Alzheimer's has been diagnosed, the life expectancy of patients is around 7 years. Only 3% of patients live for more than 10 years. [read more]
?Amaurosis? is a Greek word that means obscure, dark or darkening. As its name suggest, Amaurosis is vision loss or a weakness that develops without any apparent lesion, affecting the eyes. Amaurosis can be a result from a medical condition, while some are acquired from excess acceleration, such as in flights. [read more]
Ambiguous genitalia is a very rare medical condition in which the external genitals of the newborn do not clearly appear if it's a male or female usually because it is not properly formed. This may cause serious social stigma and question to the baby's gender. In most cases, it is important to wait to determine to true gender of the child. [read more]
Amblyopia, commonly known as ?lazy eye?, is a visual system disorder characterized by poor vision in one of the eyes. However, the affected eye remains physically normal or out of proportion. This condition affects 1% to 5% of the global population. Poor or no transmission of the visual images to the brain causes lazy eye. This condition usually affects only one eye, but it could occur in both eyes if both are similarly deprived of clear visual images. However, if detected early in life, the chance of successful treatment increases. [read more]
Ambras syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by excessive hair throughout the body. It is also known as ?hypertrichosis lanuginosa?, congenital hypertrichosis universalis and congenital hypertrichosis lanuginose. Ambras syndrome affects only one person in 1 billion people. Less than 40 cases of Ambras syndrome have been documented worldwide. This condition is said to have genetic component with family histories of Ambras syndrome being reported in relation to affected patients. In the 19th century, people suffering from Ambras syndrome perform in sideshow acts or circuses. People described as ?wolfmen? or ?werewolves? due to their excessive hair growth are most likely sufferers of Ambras syndrome. [read more]
Amenorrhoea, a term derived from the Greek ?a?=negative, ?men?=month, ?rhoea?=flow, is a condition wherein a female does not experience a menstrual period. Amenorrhoea is also a symptom of various causes. For women where menstrual cycles never start, a condition called primary amenorrhoea, the condition may be caused by several developmental problems such as failure of ovaries to maintain or receive eggs cells as well as congenital absence of one's uterus. Delay in a female's pubertal development may also cause primary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhoea, wherein menstruation cycles cease, is usually caused by hormonal problems from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. This can also occur when a female experiences premature menopause and intrauterine scar formation. [read more]
American trypanosomiasis, also known as Chagas' disease, is a human parasitic disease, which occurs in tropical areas in South America. The pathogenic agent of this disease is a ?flagellate protozoan? called ?Trypanosoma cruzi?, which is transmitted to mammals by blood-sucking assassin bugs of the Reduviidae Family. These insects are also called barbeiro, chupanca, chipo, vinchuca, benchuca and kissing bug. However, other forms of transmission are possible; some affected patients acquire the disease through fetal or blood transmission as well as ingestion of food contaminated with various parasites. [read more]
Amnestic Disorder, otherwise known as the Retrogade Amnesia, is a disorder where there unusually decline in memory function such as difficulty in recalling events that happened or facts that they know before the Amnestic Disorder. [read more]
Amoebic dysenery is an intestinal illness due to a microscopic parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. Anyone can be infected with Entamoeba histolytica. It is common to people living in tropical or subtropical areas and men fun of having sex with men. [read more]
Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. It is implemented to control pain or a disease, such as malignancy or gangrene. A special case is the congenital amputation, where foetal limbs have been taken off by constrictive bands. Amputation of the hands or feet is implemented as a form of punishment for people who committed crimes in some countries. [read more]
Amylotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys the motor neurons causing paralysis and eventual death. In this condition the nerves associated with voluntary muscle control degenerate and results to atrophy of the muscles. Most patients become bound to a wheelchair and soon die due to other complications. [read more]
abbreviated ALS; is a disorder of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that are in charge for voluntary muscle movement. It is a crucial neurological disease that harms the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles. [read more]
Anal cancer is a type of cancer which arises from the anus, the distal orifice of the gastrointestinal tract. [read more]
Anal exudates are wastes, either in fluid or semi-solid form, which are released by the anus. They also referred to as feces. [read more]
Anal itching is characterized by an intense itching felt around the anus causing extreme discomfort. This medical condition is also called pruritus ani and can be caused by a number of irritants such as abrasion of the clothing, moisture or even pressure in sitting. [read more]
Anaphylactic Shock is also called Anaphylaxis. It is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction in humans and other mammals. It occurs when an allergic response triggers a rapid release from mast cells of huge quantities of immunological mediators leading to systemic vasodilation and edema of bronchial mucosa. Anaphylactic shock can advance to death in a count of minutes if left untreated. Anaphylactic Shock may occur after ingestion, injection of an allergen, skin contact or, in rare cases, inhalation. [read more]
Anaphylaxis, from the Greek words ?ava ana? (against) and ?phylaxis? (protection), is a severe type I hypersensitivity and acute systemic allergic reaction in mammals, including humans. This condition occurs when an animal or person is exposed to an allergen that has already become sensitized. Large amounts of this allergen may cause a life-threatening reaction. Anaphylaxis occurs after injection, ingestion and inhalation of an allergen. In the United States, 1% to 17% of the population is estimated at risk for experiencing an anaphylactic reaction if exposed in various allergens, especially insect stings and penicillin. Of those who suffer from Anaphylaxis, 1% die as a result, accounting to 1,000 deaths per year in the United States. [read more]
Anasarca, also called Swelling is the enlargement of skin, organs or other body parts. It is caused by build up of liquid in the tissues. The extra fluid can advance to a quick upsurge in weight over a short period of time. Anasarca can occur throughout the body or only in a definite part of the body. [read more]
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is also called Androgen resistance syndrome. Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a condition wherein patients suffer from a set of disorders related to sexual differentiation, which results in mutation of the genes encoding the androgen receptor. The nature of problems caused by Androgen insensitivity syndrome varies largely according to the sensitivity and structure of abnormal receptor. Almost all types of Androgen insensitivity syndrome involve infertility and undervirilization in persons of both genders. Women with complete Androgen insensitivity syndrome have female appearance even if they have an undescended testes and 46XY karyotype. [read more]
Anemia comes from the Greek words ?an-hama?, which means ?without blood?. Anemia is the most widespread blood disorder. This condition is a deficiency of RBCs (red blood cells) or hemoglobin, the molecules inside RBCs. When hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs into tissues, anemia causes lack of oxygen in organs. When this happens, different clinical consequences may occur due to oxygen deficiency. There are three classes of anemia ? excessive blood loss, excessive blood cell destruction and deficient production of red blood cells. Anemia has several types, which are produced by various underlying causes. This disease can be classified using different ways, normally based on discernible clinical spectra, the morphology of red blood cells and etiologic mechanisms. [read more]
Diamond-Blackfan anemia is a congenital erythroid aplasia, which is commonly present in infants. Patients with Diamond-Blackfan anemia have anemia (or low red blood cell counts). However, the remaining blood cells, such as white blood cells and platelets, have normal counts. Various congenital abnormalities may also occur with Diamond-Blackfan anemia patients. [read more]
Pernicious anemia, also called ?Addisson's anemia? or ?Biermer's anaemia?, is a type of megalobastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. This condition is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in adults. [read more]
Anencephaly is a cephalic disorder resulting from a neural tube defect, which occurs when the head of the neural tube does not close. It usually occurs around the 23rd to 26th day of pregnancy. This condition results in the absence of a large portion of the scalp, skull and brain. Infants with Anencephaly are born with no forebrain, the part of the brain where the cerebral hemispheres should be present. The brain tissues that exist are often uncovered by skin or bone. Infants born with Anencephaly are usually deaf, blind, unconscious and inability to feel pain. This is because the cerebral hemispheres affected by this condition are responsible for higher level of cognition, such as thinking. In the United States, 1,000 to 2,000 babies are born with Anencephaly every year. Female babies are more likely to be affected by Anencephaly. Unfortunately, the cause of Anencephaly is unknown. [read more]
Aneurysm of sinus Valsalva, also known as ?aneurysm of the aortic sinus? is a rare disorder, affecting only one person in 1,000 people. For people with Aneurysm of sinus Valsalva, it usually occurs in the right sinus, rarely in the left. Aneurysm of sinus Valsalva is a congenital disease and may possibly be associated with heart defects. This condition is sometimes associated with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and Marfan Syndrome. It could also result from syphilis, chest injuries, atherosclerosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, infective endocarditis and cystic medial necrosis. When Aneurysm of sinus Valsalva is unruptured, it can be asymptomatic. As such, the condition may go undetected until symptoms become apparent or medical imaging is performed. [read more]
Angelman syndrome is a hereditary disorder that causes developmental disabilities and neurological problems, such as balancing and walking, and difficulty speaking. Regular smiles and outbursts of laughter are common for people with Angelman syndrome, and many have happy, excitable personalities. [read more]
Unstable angina, or angina pectoris, is a medical condition where the obstruction of the coronary artery causes reduced supply of oxygen to the heart. [read more]
Angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia is more commonly known as the Castleman's disease, which is categorized as a very rare form of illness that primarily affects the lymph nodes as well as other immune-cell structures of the body. [read more]
It is important to discuss lipoma to understand the nature of angiolipoma. Lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fatty tissues. These tumors are usually movable, soft to touch and painless. They could grow extremely slow and can sometimes be cancerous. Most types of lipomas are small, but can increase its size up to six centimeters. Lipoma usually occurs in adults aged 40 to 60, but could also appear in children. An estimated 1% of the global population suffers from lipoma. Lipomas are also seen in animals. They are found usually on older dogs, but lipomas can also occur in puppies. They appear in single or multiple. While these lipomas grow, they are usually benign. Malignant forms of lipoma in animals are extremely rare. [read more]
Angiopathy refers to any disease associated with the blood vessels or the lymph vessels. When angiopathy is caused by diabetes, it is called diabetic angiopathy. Similar to most complications brought about by diabetes, diabetic angiopathy is primarily due to hyperglycemia or the high levels of blood sugar known to us as glucose. This disease can occur in any part of the body where the effect of high glucose level resulted to clogged up due to build up of plaque in the inner walls of the vessels. There are two types of this disease, macroangiopathy or microangiopathy. [read more]
Anguillulosis is a parasitosis caused by roundworm. It affects over 50 million people worldwide, occurring mainly in sub-tropical and tropical zones, such as South East Asia, West Indies, Indian Ocean region, Southern Africa and Central & South America. The female roundworm, measuring only 2.55 long, lives in the small intestines of humans. When they lay eggs in the small intestines, they release larvae in their feces. These roundworms reach infectious stage directly after sexual reproduction. When they become infectious, roundworms penetrate skin directly. They could also affect the digestive system and may produce symptoms 30 years after roundworms are reproduced. [read more]
A chronic inflammatory condition of the corners of the mouth is called angular cheilitis or perleche. It is usually associated with a bacterial (Staphylococcal) or fungal (Candidal) infection, and those infected may also have thrush (an oral candidiasis). Depending upon whether or not the affected person seeks treatment, the condition can last from days to months. [read more]
Anhidrosis is the inability to sweat normally that can eventually lead to overheating of the body which can be very fatal. Anhidrosis can be quite difficult to diagnose and often goes unrecognized. There are a number of factors that can cause this medical condition and treatment would usually depend on the underlying cause. [read more]
Anisakiasis is a condition caused by an infection from Anisakis worms of the genus parasitic nematodes. These nematodes have a life cycle that involves marine mammals and various fishes. When fishes are infected with Anisakis, it could produce an ?Anaphylactic reaction? in people sensitized to IgE (immunoglobulin) Anisakiasis usually occurs in areas where fish is consumed raw, salted or lightly pickled. The highest number of people with Anisakiasis is Japan (consuming sushi), Scandinavia (due to cod liver), South America (after eating ceviche) and Netherlands (from infected fermented herrings). [read more]
An ankle fracture is a quite common injury, especially among athletes. There are three bones on each ankle joint, each one is susceptible to stubbing, twisting, stress and trauma. The degree of the severity of an ankle fracture varies from one case to another, ranging from mild to severe such as shattering the bones into tiny pieces. [read more]
An ankle sprain may be due to a sudden twist or roll of the ankle or any unnatural movement that stretched the ligaments of the ankle. The ligaments are tough elastic bands that connects a bone to another as well ass help stabilize the joints to prevent any excessive movements. [read more]
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic degenerative inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing a painful and eventual fusion of the spine. When complete fusion occurs and results in complete spine rigidity, it becomes a condition known as ?bamboo spine?. [read more]
Ankylosis is a condition characterized by joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. The rigidity of joints may be partial or complete. Some cases of Ankylosis may be due to the inflammation of the muscular (tendinous) structures in the outer part of the joints or of the joint's tissues itself. [read more]
Ankylostomiasis, derived from the Greek words ?anclo? (crooked or bent) and ?stoma? (mouth), is the disease caused by hookworms. It is also known as tunnel disease, Egyptian chlorosis, Miner's anemia, helminthiasis and Brickmaker's anaemia. Ankylostomiasis is a condition caused by large numbers of hookworms present that produce iron deficiency anemia by aggressively sucking blood from its host's intestinal walls. Hookworm is the leasing cause of child and maternal morbidity in areas of the tropics and subtropics. In children, Ankylostomiasis could cause growth retardation, prematurity, intellection and cognitive retardation, intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight for newborns with infected mothers. Ankylostomiasis is rarely fatal, but severe anemia could be present with patients heavily infected with the disease. [read more]
Annular pancreas is an extremely rare condition that occurs in 1 out of 15,000 newborns. Annular pancreas is a condition wherein the second part of the ?duodenum? is surrounded by pancreatic tissues that continue up to the head of the pancreas. This part of the pancreas constricts the duodenum and impairs or blocks the flow of food to the intestines. [read more]
Anodontia, also known as anodontia vera in dentistry, is a very rare genetic disorder. This disease is characterized by congenital absence of all permanent and primary teeth. Anodontia is associated with a group of nerve and skin syndromes known as ?ectodermal dysplasias?. Anodontia is commonly part of different syndromes, which rarely occur as an isolated disorder. Partial anodontia, wherein the patient suffers from congenital absence of two or more teeth, could also occur. This is also known as ?oligodontia? and ?hypodontia?. Some patients may also suffer from congenital absence of all third molars and all wisdrom teeth. [read more]
Anorchia is a medical condition wherein both testes are not present at birth. Anorchia is also known as congenital anorchia, vanishing testes syndrome, vanishing testes, empty scrotum and testicular regression syndrome (TRS). During the first few weeks of fertilization, the embryo needs to develop rudimentary sex organs that are very important to the development of the reproductive system. In human males, if their sex organs do not develop within the first 8 weeks, they will develop female genitalia. When the testes are lost between 8 to 10 weeks, they will develop ?ambiguous genitalia? at birth. However, when the testes are lost after fourteen weeks, the baby can develop a normal, male reproductive system, but without testes. People with Anorchia have a 46-XY chromosome constellation. Signs of Anorchia include lack of secondary sex characteristics and an empty scrotum. [read more]
Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder that describes an eating disorder, which is characterized by body image distortion and low body weight due to an obsessive fear of becoming fat or gaining weight. People with anorexia nervosa usually control their body weight by voluntary vomiting, purging, starving, extreme exercise and other weight control measures, such as taking diuretic drugs and diet pills. It usually affects adolescent females and only 10% of anorexia nervosa patients are male. Anorexia nervosa is an extremely complex disorder, involving neurobiological, sociological and psychological components. [read more]
Anorgasmia is a medical term to refer to the regular difficulty of reaching reaching orgasm especially even after ample sexual stimulation and causing personal distress. Anorgasmia is actually a very common occurrence with about 15 percent of women report such cases of experiencing difficulty in reaching orgasm. [read more]
Anosmia is a condition wherein patients experience the loss of temporary or permanent ability to smell. Hyposmia is a related condition wherein patients experience a decrease in their ability to smell, while ?hyperosmia? is a condition that causes an increase in the patient's ability to smell. However, when a person loses his sense of smell for a particular odor, he is suffering from a genetically based disorder called ?specific anosmia?. ?Congenital Anosmia? refers to the condition wherein a person is born without the sense of smell. Anosmia can be associated with other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, zinc deficiency, cadmium poisoning, allergies, Refsum disease, holoprosencephaly, Alzheimer's disease, Kallman syndrome and Parkinson's disease. [read more]
Anovolution is a medical condition where by there is difficulty in ovulating thereby causing infertility. The ovary in this kind of medical condition fails to release egg which make her unable to conceive. [read more]
Anoxia is a medical condition where there is lack of oxygen in the body to supply it to the person's organ tissues. It is also known as hypoxia inasmuch as they refer to same condition where there is not enough oxygen needed to supply the organ tissues of the body. [read more]
Anterior knee pain syndrome is a degeneration of the tissue that protects the knee cap. This disease features extreme pain on the knees and is usually felt by people who are into athletic sports. [read more]
Anthrax is an acute disease in animals and humans, which is caused by the bacterium ?bacillus anthracis?. Some types of anthrax are highly lethal. There are 89 types of anthrax recorded. Unlike other types of bacteria, anthrax can form long-lived spores. As soon as the life cycle of the bacteria is threatened by various factors, such as temperature change of dying host, the bacteria can transform into dormant spores, wait for another host and transfer to continue their life cycle. Anthrax usually occurs in wild and grass-eating mammals that breathe or ingest in the spores while eating grass. This disease can also be caught by humans exposed to dead infected pigs, high amounts of anthrax spores in animal wool, fur or hide and tissues from infected animals. While anthrax cannot be spread directly from one person to the next, human clothing can transfer the spores and when an infected person dies and the body is buried. [read more]
Antibiotic resistance is the capability of a microorganism to resist the effects of antibiotics. It is a particular type of drug resistance. It develops naturally via natural selection that acts upon arbitrary mutation but it can also be developed by applying an evolutionary stress on a population. [read more]
Antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis, also known as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, is a kind of TB that doesn't respond effectively to anti-TB drugs such as rifampicin and isoniazid. This type of the disease is one of the deadliest forms of tuberculosis. It is less transmissible however, but it also needs special kinds of drugs that can eliminate antibiotic-resistant agents that thrive in the body. Most of the time treatment takes years to complete; some patients meanwhile die due to failure of completing the treatment. [read more]
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea typically occurs when the natural balance of bad and good bacteria in the intestinal tract is disturbed. This causes the harmful bacteria to proliferate resulting to frequent bowel movements. Often, it is mild and can clears up after several days or less. [read more]
Antibiotic-caused colitis is an infectious disease affecting the colon. Like the typical colitis, it is caused by C. difficile, which is also present among individuals who are taking antibiotic treatment. This infection commonly occurs in hospitals. [read more]
Antiphospholipid syndrome, simply called ?APLS? or ?APS?, is a disorder of coagulation, which causes pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage and preterm deliver. It also causes blood clots in both veins and arteries. The syndrome occurs because of the production of antibodies against phosphilipids. This disorder is characterized by antibodies against B2 glycoprotein I and cardiolipin. Antiphospholipid syndrome is usually seen in conjunction with other autoimmune-related diseases. In some cases, Antiphospholipid syndrome can lead to high risk of death and dramatic organ failure caused by generalized thrombosis. [read more]
Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a mental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern and violation of and disregard for the rights of others, which begin in early childhood or adolescence and continue into adulthood. Features of Antisocial personality disorder include manipulation and deceit. [read more]
Antithrombin is a small protein molecule, which is responsible for inactivating several enzymes of the coagulation system. It consists of 432 amino acids and contains 3 disulfide bonds as well as 4 possible ?glycosylation? sites. The role of antithrombin in regulating normal blood coagulation is demonstrated by the relationship between acquired and inherited antithrombin deficiencies. This relationship is also seen in the increased risk of developing thrombotic disease. Antithrombin deficiency usually appears to patient with recurrent pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis. [read more]
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic defect caused by an abnormal production of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein that thrives in the liver cells. The lack of this protein may cause severe disorders in the different organs and weakness of the immune system. [read more]
Anton syndrome, also known as ?Anton's blindness? and ?Anton-Babinski syndrome?, is a very rare symptom of brain damage that occurs in the occipital lobe. Anton-Babinski syndrome is named after Gabriel Anton and Joseph Babinski. Individuals who suffer from Anton syndrome are considered ?cortically blind?, but insist they are capable of seeing even with evidence of their blindness. Blindness is usually dismissed by the suffered of Anton syndrome through confabulation. This type of symptom is commonly seen after a stroke, but could also occur after experiencing head injury. Anton syndrome can be caused by damage in the portion of the brain responsible for detecting the absence or presence of vision or damages to the part of the brain responsible for eyesight. [read more]
Anuria otherswise known as the Anuresis is a medical condition where there is inability to urinate because of the kidney failed to function or due to diseases like kidney stones. [read more]
Aortic arch interruption, also commonly known as ?interrupted aortic arch?, is an extremely rare heart defect wherein the aorta did not complete its development ? did not form a complete tube or the aorta has a hole in the muscle wall. As such, patients with an aortic arch interruption have a gap between the descending and ascending thoracic aorta. Majority of patients with this condition have other cardiac-related anomalies, such as bicuspid aortic valve, truncus arteriosus, aortic stenosis or ventricular septal defects. As such, treatment of aortic arch interruption would depend on the presence of any of the associated defects. [read more]
Aortic coarctation is a condition characterized by narrowing of the aorta in an area where the ?ductus arteriosus? inserts. There are three types of aortic coarctation ? preductal, ductal and postductal coarctation. In preductal coarctation, the narrowing is near the ductus arteriosus. Severe cases of preductal coarctation, blood flow to the lower body to the narrowing could become dependent on a patent ductus arteriosus. When this happens, its closure can become life threatening and lead to hypoplastic development of the aorta. In ductal coarctation, the narrowing occurs along the insertion of the ?ductus arteriosus?. This type of condition usually develops when the ductus arteriosus closes. In postductal coarctation, the narrowing is far from the instertion of the ductus arteriosus. Newborns with this type of aortic coarctation may become critically sick after birth. Ductal aortic coarctation is more common in adults and is associated with hypertension, weak pulses in lower extremeties and notching of the ribs. [read more]
Aortic dissection is a condition wherein the wall of the aorta tears, causing blood to flow between the layers of the aorta wall and forcing the layers apart. Aortic dissection is a life threatening condition and is considered as a medical emergency because it could lead to a quick death even with appropriate treatments. If the dissection tears the aorta through all its three layers, rapid and massive blood loss would occur. Aortic dissection that result in rupture have 80% mortality rate. Almost 50% of patients with aortic dissention die before they reach the hospital. [read more]
Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) is a fixed form of congenital left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction that arises as a localized or a diffuse narrowing of the ascending aorta beyond the superior margin of the sinuses of Valsalva. It is responsible for less than 7% of all fixed forms of congenital LVOT obstructive lesions. SVAS may arise sporadically, as a manifestation of elastin arteriopathy, or as part of Williams syndrome (also known as Williams-Beuren syndrome), a genetic disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance. [read more]
Aortic valve regurgitation is also known as aortic incompetence or insufficiency. This medical condition occurs when the heart's aortic valve does not close tightly, causing some of the blood to that has been pumped out to leak back. This leakage will result to preventing the heart to supply blood to the rest of the body, causing the patient to always feel tired and short of breath. [read more]
Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a ?valvular? heart disease caused by the incomplete opening of the aortic valve. Normally, the aortic valves control the direction of blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. When the aortic valve is in good working condition, it does not obstruct the flow of blood. Aortic valve stenosis is a common disorder, affecting about 2% of individuals over 65 years old, 3% of patients over 75 and 4% of people over 85 years old. Since the global population is aging, the prevalence of Aortic valve stenosis is increasing. [read more]
Apert syndrome is a congenital disorder commonly known as ?acrocephalosyndactyly?. This disorder is classified as a ?branchial arch syndrome?, which affects the first branchial arch, responsible for the maxilla and mandible. Apert syndrome causes lasting and widespread effects to individuals because branchial arches are important in the fetus development. [read more]
Aphthous stomatitis is a form of mouth ulcer that presents a painful open sore within the mouth, which is caused by a break in the patient's mucous membrane. Also known as aphthous ulcer or ?Sutton's disease?, the term ?aphtha? means ulcer. Aphthous stomatitis is characterized by repeated painful discrete areas of ulceration. Recurrent Aphthous stomatitis (RAD) is distinguished from other diseases by their multiplicity, chronicity and tendency to recur. RAD is one of the most common oral diseases, accounting to 10% of the population. Females are more affected by Aphthous stomatitis than men are. However, over 35% of patients with RAD have a family history of this disease. [read more]
Aphthous ulcers are more commonly known as canker sores. These are characterized by the development of small and shallow lesions on the soft tissues in your mouth, under the tongue, or insides of the cheeks or lips, as well as at the base of the gums. Often , it will usually go away naturally after a few weeks or so. [read more]
Aplastic anemia is a condition wherein the bone marrow does not produce enough new cells to replenish the blood cells. The word ?aplastic? refers to the marrow that suffers from aplasia, making it unable to function normally. Anemia is the disorder that results in having lesser red blood cells than normal, which are needed to function properly. Although anemia refers to low levels of red blood cells, Aplastic anemia differs due to the lower counts of all blood cell types ? platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. [read more]
Apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is a potentially fatal genetic disorder and autosomal recessive cause of hypokalaemia, prenatal and postnatal growth failure, undetectable levels of aldosterone and renin and hypertension, which responds to treatments using glucocorticoid. Apparent mineralocorticoid excess is an extremely rare disorder, accounting to only 60 patients recorded for the past 20 years. Apparent mineralocorticoid excess is a result of mutations of the HSD11B2 gene, which is responsible for encoding the kidney isozyme ?11B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase?. This isozyme inactivates the circulating cortisol to the less-active metabolite cortisone, which leads to an elevated amount of cortisol in the kidney. Note that high concentrations of cortisol could activate the ?mineralocorticoid receptor?, which leads to an aldosterone-like effect in the patient's kidneys. This occurrence causes hypernatremia, hypokalemia and hypertension. Apparent mineralocorticoid excess can also be caused by licorice ingestion, which blocks 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and increase cortisol activity. Early and aggressive treatment of Apparent mineralocorticoid excess can prevent and improve the mortality and morbidity of end-organ damage rates. Diagnosis is made by DNA and hormonal analysis. [read more]
Appendicitis, also known as epityphlitis, is a condition wherein an inflammation of the appendix occurs. Although mild cases of appendicitis can be resolved without any treatment, most require removal of the appendix. [read more]
Apple peel syndrome, also known as Jejunal Atresia, is an extremely rare genetic disorder wherein patients are born without a small part of the fold from the stomach membrane connecting the small intestines to the abdomen. This condition occurs in 1 of 270 babies born alive. It is the most common intestinal obstruction found in one third of all babies. [read more]
Apraxia is a neurological disorder that is characterized by the loss of ability to carry out or execute learned movements, such as speech, despite having the physical ability and desire to perform such movements. [read more]
Arachnitis, commonly known as Arachnoiditis, is a severe condition characterized by intense stinging, burning pain and various neurological problems, which could lead to scarring, irritation and blinding of blood vessels ad its nerve roots. [read more]
This disease is also known as "spider fingers" or archromachia. It is referred to as "spider fingers" due to the fact that the fingers are slim and long comparing it to the palm like a spider's legs. This disease can occur after birth or later in life. This disease can happen without any medical conditions but sometimes it is related with some medical condition for instance Marfan Syndrome. Other term for this disease is Dolichostenomelia. [read more]
Contractural Beals Type Arachnodactyly is a very rare genetic disorder also known as Beals Syndrome. It is characterized by permanently flexed fingers, abnormally shaped ears and the permanent fixation of affected joints like hips, fingers, knees and elbows that is in a flexed position. [read more]
A disease due to the swelling of the arachnoids which is a membrane that encloses and shields the central nervous system nerves together with the spinal cord and the brain. The swelling can be caused by infections due to viruses or bacteria and can also be caused by chemical irritation. The swelling may cause creation of scar tissue and bonding that results the nerves on the spine to ?bond?. The disease is usually progressive and treatments differ in its efficiency, the disease is not often cured. [read more]
An error of metabolism that is inherent is known as Arakawa's syndrome II. A hereditary disorder caused by the absence of the enzyme tetrahydrofolate-methyltransferase. People who has this disease cannot properly digest methylcobalamin a kind of Vitamin B12. Other terms for this disease are Methionine synthase deficiency, N5-methylhomocysteine transferase deficiency and Tetrahydrofolate-methyltransferase deficiency syndrome. [read more]
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a condition in which a patient with underlying disease has a breathing problem. It is a non- specific respiratory disorder that occurs if there is a fluid build up in the lungs that blocks the exchange of gases that provide energy in the body. ARDS is a life threatening disease if failed to provide care immediately and properly. [read more]
Aregenetive anemia is a type of anemia in which the bone marrow drastically reduces its production of blood cells. It is a rare but serious condition that can be life-threatening. [read more]
A hereditary disorder, that causes high level of arginine in the blood. Death is the result for total deficiency while partial deficiency causes hyperammonemia, metabolic alkalosis, convulsions, hepatomegaly, mental retardation and failure to grow. [read more]
Argininosuccinic aciduria, also referred to as argininosuccinic academia, an inborn condition that results to ammonia being accumulated in the urine and the blood. In the earlier days of life it becomes evident, take note that ammonia is toxic particularly in the nervous system. A lack of argininosuccinate lyase enzyme, which is required to get rid of nitrogen from the body, causes ammonia to build up in the blood and urine. A baby infected with argininosuccinic aciduria can appear exhausted and be reluctant to eat, with poorly-controlled breathing rate or body temperature, occurrence of seizures or abnormal body movements, or worse might result to coma. [read more]
A broken arm is a very common injury that both occur in children and adult. A fracture would usually require immediate medical attention and surgery to realign the bone. [read more]
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an genetic cardiac muscle disorder characterized by a damaged muscle that can be gradually replaced by fat and scar tissue. This serious heart disease is one of the highly recognized causes of sudden death among teenagers. ARVC can cause some abnormal heart rhythms that can result to the weakening of the heart's pumping action. In most cases, this medical condition is not fatal and does not significantly affect the quality of life. However, a number of patients usually develop some other complications and would require constant medical attention. [read more]
This disorder is an unusual heart ailment that involves primarily right ventricle. It causes the muscle tissue of right ventricle to be changed by fibrous or fatty tissue which affects the capability of the heart to pump blood. It is distinguished by hypokinetic parts relating the free wall of the right ventricle, with fibro-fatty substitute of the right ventricular myocardium, together with related arrhythmias starting in the right ventricle. It is also referred to as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or ARVC. [read more]
Arterial tortuosity is an unusual hereditary connective tissue disorder distinguished by elongated and widespread tortuosity of the main arteries involving the aorta. The autosomal recessive acquired and location of the gene responsible is in the chromosome 20q13. [read more]
Arteritis is the inflammation of the walls of an artery. It usually results from a contamination or auto-immune reaction. Kinds a) Temporal arteritis - also called as giant cell arteritis. It is particularly arteritis of the vessels providing the head, eyes and optic nerves, mainly the temporal artery. This is common in old aged individuals. A swollen head artery results to headache. b) Takayasu's arteritis - distresses the aorta and its branches. A thrombo-obliterative procedure of the enormous vessels starting in the aortic arch, it takes place usually in young women. Radial and carotid pulses are usually destroyed. Due to the distressed movements it causes the skin to change. Other effects may be hair loss and deteriorated skin and deteriorate of the skin and its branches by primary muscle atrophy. c) Polyarteritis nodosa - distresses the medium-sized arteries, particularly those of renal, coronary, hepatic and skeletal muscle systems. Arteritis can be partly caused by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. [read more]
Arthritis is a condition that usually involves damage on the joints of the body. For people older than fifty-five years, it is the leading cause of disability. Arthritis is a medicinal term, which mean any kind of joint swelling but the term is usually used to refer to age-related osteoarthritis that is the most usual kind. Though, there are other kinds of arthritis involving rheumatoid arthritis (second-most usual, involving younger adults and juveniles), and different kinds of minor arthritis which are caused by a primary condition: immediate arthritis caused by an infection, psoriatic arthritis from psoriasis, gonococcal arthritis from gonorrhea, and the like. Several probable circumstances with arthritis-like signs involve ankylosing spondylitis and gout. [read more]
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) previously identified as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most ordinary type of unrelenting arthritis in children. Occasionally it is called as juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) a term that is not exact as JIA does not include all types of persistent childhood arthritis. Arthritis causes the lining of the joint (synovium) to swell. JIA is a division of arthritis noticeable during childhood, which might be temporary and self-limited or persistent. It varies considerably from arthritis usually noticed in adults (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), and other kinds of arthritis that can present in infancy which are persistent conditions. [read more]
Arthritis, septic (septic arthritis) is an inflammation of a joint that results from a bacterial infection, or, in rare cases, from a viral or fungal infection. Also sometimes called infectious arthritis or bacterial arthritis, this disease is commonly acute but has the potential to become chronic. [read more]
Arthritis, thumb (or thumb arthritis) is characterized by inflammation of the joint of the wrist and the base of the thumb (basal or carpometacarpal joint). Thumb arthritis is also alternatively called basal joint arthritis. [read more]
Arthrocentesis is a procedure in which a syringe is inserted to collect synovial fluid from an infected joint. This procedure is used to diagnose illnesses such as gout and arthritis. It is also known as joint aspiration. [read more]
Arthrogryposis also referred to as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, an unusual hereditary disorder that results to multiple joint contractures and is distinguished by weakness of the muscle and fibrosis. It is a not a progressive disease. The ailment obtains its name from Greek, exactly meaning ?bent or curved joints'. There are several identified subgroups of AMC, with varying signs, symptoms, causes and the like. In several cases, a small number of joints might be affected and the variety of movement might be just about normal. In the majority type of arthrogryposis, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, feet and knees are affected. In the majority rigorous types, almost each joint is involved, as well as the jaw and back. Normally, the contractures are accompanied by muscle weakness that adds limitation to movement. AMC is normally balanced and entails each four extremities with a number of dissimilarity seen. [read more]
Arylsulfatase A deficiency also referred to as Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is the very ordinary type of a family of hereditary ailments identified as the leukodystrophies, ailments that involves the enlargement and/or growth of myelin, the fatty layer which works as an insulator around nerve fibers all through the inner and marginal nervous systems. Arylsulfatase A results to a damaging swelling of fatty material in the body. [read more]
Asbestos Poisoning is a medical condition whereby the person is poisoned because of too much exposure or even ingestion of asbestos fibers. It may later on cause asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. [read more]
Asbestosis is a persistent seditious medical condition upsetting the parenchymal tissue of the lungs. It happens following a long-term, serious contact to asbestos like in mining, and is consequently viewed as a work-related lung ailment. Sufferers have rigorous dyspnea or shortness of breath and are at an augmented danger concerning numerous diverse kinds of lung cancer. As apparent details are not at all times stressed in non-technical writing, care must be taken to differentiate among several types of related ailments. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), these can be defined as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma or usually a very unusual type of cancer, but growing in occurrence as people exposed to asbestos age. [read more]
Ascariasis is a human infection caused by the parasitic roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. Maybe one quarter of the world's inhabitants is infected and ascariasis is mainly common in humid regions and in regions of poor hygiene. Additional types of the species Ascaris are parasitic and can cause infections in domestic animals. Disease happens during eating of food contaminated with feces having Ascaris eggs. The larvae hatch hideaway all the way through the intestine, arrive at the lungs, and lastly travel up the respiratory tract. Starting there they are then re-swallowed and grow up in the intestine, growing up to 30 cm (12 in.) in length and securing itself to the intestinal wall. Diseases are typically asymptomatic especially if the quantity of worms is little. They may nevertheless be associated with swelling, fever, and diarrhea, and serious harms may extend if the worms travel to other portions of the body. [read more]
Ascites otherwise known as the Peritoneal Cavity Fluid or the Peritoneal Fluid Excess or the Hydroperitoneum or the Abdominal Dropsy, is the medical condition whereby there is an accumulation of fluid in the cavity located in the abdomen called Peritoneal. [read more]
ASD (or atrial septal defect) is a congenital condition characterized by a hole in the wall between the left and right atria (the two upper chambers of the heart). [read more]
Asherman's syndrome also referred to as uterine synechiae presents a situation distinguished by the occurrence of marks inside the uterine opening. [read more]
An unusual genetic disorder resulted from a deficit of an enzyme glycoprotein (aspartylglucosaminidase). It is associated to a Finnish ailment heritage wherein a set of ailments results from a transformation in a single gene distinguished with elevated occurrence in Finland comparing to the rest of the world. [read more]
The term is given to a broad diversity of ailments resulted from the genus of fungi Aspergillus. The usual types are pulmonary aspergilloma, invasive aspergillosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. [read more]
A disorder that uses a newly born baby stops to breathe on its own the minute after birth. It is also referred to as deprivation of oxygen or hypoxia. This is usually caused by the mother's blood pressure dropping or complications during the delivery with blood flow to the infant's brain. The hypoxic injury can happen to most of an infant's organs like the heart, liver, lungs, gut and kidneys although damage in the brain is the usual concern and possibly the last to be healed. In worst cases, the baby survives but is left with brain damage this shows in developmental delay. [read more]
Aspiration pneumonia starts because of a foreign material entered the bronchial tree, commonly gastric or oral contents and is considered as bronchopneumonia. The swelling is augmented depending on the acidity of the aspirate, a chemical pneumonitis may develop and bacterial pathogens. [read more]
Asplenia is the lack (?a-') of spleen with its normal function and related with several severe infection dangers. Hyposplenism is used to refer to the decreases (?hypo-') splenic performance, but comparing it to asplenism it is not that severe. In general, splenic hypoplasia and asplenia refers to the entire or partial absence of the splenic function. Hereditary/congenital splenic abnormalities are commonly related with abnormalities in several organ systems, particularly cardiac irregularities but it can happen separately. Polyspenia is also regularly related with hereditary/congenital splenic abnormalities Loss of splenic function usually occurs as a result of surgical removal or autosplenectomy or, infarction in patients with hemoglobinopathies. Polysplenia, or bilateral left-sidedness, is also frequently associated with congenital cardiac anomalies. [read more]
Astasia-abasia refers to the lack of ability to walk or stand normally. Individuals affected by this disease usually presents trouble in walking, tilting wildly in several directions and only falls when they a physician or family member is nearby. Patients cannot stand up straight except when assisted by someone. Although movements of the legs can be done normally while lying or sitting down. [read more]
Asthma is persistent condition affecting the respiratory system where in the airway seldom tightens, swells, and is lined with extreme amounts of mucus, usually in reaction to one or more triggers. The episodes may be set off by events such as contact to an environmental allergen or stimulant like cold air, moist air, warm air, excessive exercise or emotional stress. Common cold can set off the episodes on children. [read more]
Asthma, childhood (childhood asthma), the most chronic illness affecting children, is characterized by continuous inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs. [read more]
Asthma, exercise-induced (exercise-induced asthma) pertains to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath during exercise or any vigorous physical activity. As with most other types of asthma, exercise-induced asthma results from the inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the lungs. [read more]
Ataxia means ?lack of order? in Greek where the term originated. It consists of nasty in-coordination of muscle movements which is considered as a neurological sign and symptom. Ataxia is an exact medical sign entailing dysfunction of potions of the nervous system that manage movement for instance the cerebellum. Every September 25th of each year the "International Ataxia Awareness Day" is observed. [read more]
Ataxia telangiectasia is a main immunodeficiency disorder that happens in an anticipated occurrence of 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 300,000 births. Other term for this disorder is Louis-Bar syndrome or Boder-Sedgwick syndrome. It is a congenital progressive multi-system ailment. Initially it starts as progressive cerebellar ataxia the followed by conjunctive and cutaneous telangiectasias, immune deficiencies, and recurrent sinopulmonary infections in later stages. There is also a related 100-fold augmented mortality danger. Cerebellar atrophy is most outstanding in the part of vermis as well as augmented neighboring cerebrospinal spaces and prominent folia using MRI. [read more]
Atelectasis is the term used for the medical state in which there is a partial or complete lung collapse. When the lung collapses, air distribution is affected and this is the when the alveoli become deflated (distinct from pulmonary consolidation). Infant respiratory distress syndrome includes a different kind of atelectasis. [read more]
Atelectasis is described as a state in which the lung, in whole or in part, is collapsed or without air. It is a condition where the alveoli are deflated, as distinguished from pulmonary consolidation. Infant respiratory distress syndrome includes another type of atelectasis, and is distinguished and discussed in its own article. [read more]
Atelosteogenesis, type II is a rigorous disorder of the bone and cartilage growth. It is very unusual and baby with this disorder are usually stillborn, though some infant survive they die after caused by respiratory failure. [read more]
Atherosclerosis involves the arterial blood vessels. Because of the disposition of the lipoproteins, in the huge portion of the walls of the arteries severe inflammatory response happens. ?Furring? or ?hardening? of the arteries usually refers to atherosclerosis. Result from the development of several plaques in the arteries. Arteries' functions are carrying oxygen and blood to the heart, brain and other portions of the body. The major outcome of atherosclerosis is referred to as the cardiovascular ailments. [read more]
Athetosis is a nonstop flow of sinuous, slow, writhing movements, usually of the hands and feet. Movements that are cause by athetosis are mainly referred to as athetoid movements. It was said that due to the damage to the corpus striatum of the brain and a cut to the motor thalamus that is why Athetosis happens. [read more]
Athlete's foot or Tinea pedis which is its other term is a parasitical fungal contamination of the epidermis of the human foot. It is usually caused by a mold that develops in the surface of the skin and then into the skin's living tissue. For severe cases it appears as a widespread ?moccasin? pattern seen on the sides and bottom of the foot but usually it appears between the toes. This infection commonly affects male. After acne, athlete's foot is considered as the most common skin disease in the US. [read more]
Atonic seizures, also known as drop attacks or akinetic seizures, are a minor kind of seizure. These seizures are characterized by brief lapses in muscle tone that last for up to 15 seconds and can cause no damage. However, the sudden loss of muscle control may lead to falling or loss of balance. It can be diagnosed by electroencephalography, and doesn't need treatment until injuries occur. [read more]
Atopic Dermatitis involves the parts of the body which is not in direct contact with the allergen and it is considered as an allergic hypersensitivity. It is a skin disorder distinguished by constant swelling and pruritis. Usually it is congenital and related with allergic rhinitis and asthma. [read more]
Atrial Flutter is the arrhythmia of the heart where there is a rapid beating in its upper chambers due to irregular signals causing an irregular heartbeat. [read more]
Atrial myxoma a tumor that is not cancerous located in the upper left or right portion of the heart. It develops on the wall that divides the two sides of the heart. The familial type of the condition also includes tumors in several parts of the body like in the skin. [read more]
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is an abnormality or a hereditary heart defect in the interatrial septum of the heart because of the embryonic foramen to stop from closing normally. [read more]
Atrioventricular canal defect is a condition that pertains to a number of congenital heart abnormalities, including the presence of a hole between the heart's chambers as well as valve anomalies involving blood flow regulation. [read more]
Atrioventricular septal defect formerly known as "common atrioventricular canal" (CAVC) or "endocardial cushion defect" distinguished by a deficit of the heart's atrioventricular septum. It results from an abnormal or insufficient union of the lower and higher endocardial cushions with the middle part of the atrial septum and the muscular part of the ventricular septum. The Atrioventricular septal defect is divided into two forms which are ?partial? and ?complete? forms. In partial AVSD there is a partial defect in the primum or lower portion of the atrial septum but does not have straight intraventricular communication while in complete AVSD, there is a huge ventricular element underneath each or both the higher or lower bridging leaflets of the AV valve. [read more]
Atrophic vaginitis is also referred to as vaginal atrophy or urogenital atrophy it is the swelling of the vagina and the outer urinary tract because of the thinning and reduction of the tissues and the decrease in lubrication. This is mainly caused by the lack of reproductive hormone estrogen. The decrease in reproductive hormone estrogen occurs usually during pre menopause and increases during post menopause but these conditions can be a result of other situations. [read more]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity is it classified as a neuro-behavioural developmental disorder which affects 5% of the world's population. It is usually acquired during childhood, and is distinguished by a constant pattern of distraction or hyperactivity and forgetfulness, poor inclination control or impulsivity, and being distracted and over the years it has been increasingly seen on adults. Children around 60% who have this disorder carries it as they grow. [read more]
Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a condition in which auditory information is not properly processed when it reaches the brain. It is a form of dyslexia that involves the central nervous system. People with this disorder have a difficulty recognizing the differences amongst sounds. [read more]
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia it is a kind of hemolytic anemia where in the immune system of the body that attacks its own red blood cells (RBCs) which leads to the destruction of the red blood cell which is called as hemolysis. On the RBC's surface antibodies and related complement system components become permanent. With anti-globulin test the antibodies can be noticed also referred to as the direct Coombs test. Methyl-dopa and flaurabine drugs can induce AIHA. [read more]
Autoimmune peripheral neuropathy is a term for the nerves of the secondary nervous system being damaged that can result from either diseases of the nerve or from the systemic illness side-effects. Secondary neuropathies differ in their presentation and origin and can affect the neuromuscular or nerve junction. [read more]
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy syndrome, type I is a very unusual autoimmune disorder distinguished by autoimmune polyendocrinopathy (APE), candidiasis (C) and ectodermal dysplasia (ED). Theh disorder is also called as candidiasis-hypoparathyroidism-Addison's disease-syndrome following its major features: * Mild immune deficiency that leads to mucosal and cutaneous infections alog with candida yeasts. The function of the spleen is also reduced or referred to as asplenism. * Parathyroid gland's autoimmune dysfunction that leads to hypocalcemia and the adrenal gland. Other ailments that are related: hypothyroidism hypogonadism and infertility vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) alopecia (baldness) malabsorption pernicious anemia chronic active (autoimmune) hepatitis In contrast to type 2, this type takes over an autosomal recesive style and it is because of a defect in AIRE or autoimmune regulator a gene that is seen on the 21st chromosomes. A transcription factor, normal function AIRE exhibits to display immune lenience for antigens from endocrine organs. [read more]
Autonomic dysfunction it is a disease of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. It has components placed in the Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Autonomic dysfunction can be related with hypothalamic ailments, spinal cord disorders, brain stem disorders, and peripheral nervous system. Signs can include destruction of the vegetative functions that includes the preservation of heart rate, blood pressure pupil function, reproductive and injury physiology, sweating and digestion. [read more]
Autonomic dysreflexia is a severe state in which the autonomic nervous system overreacts towards certain stimuli felt by the spinal cord. The stimuli causes pressure to the lower part of the spine and leads to the narrowing of the blood vessels and eventually, stroke. This is common among patients who met a spinal cord injury. [read more]
Avascular Necrosis otherwise known as the Osteonecrosis, aseptic necrosis and ischemic necrosis, is a disease which results to a temporary pr permanent loss of blood supply to the bones leading to bone death and collapse. [read more]
Avian influenza pertains to a condition that humans can contract from infected birds. It is more commonly known as bird flu. [read more]
Avoidant personality Disorder is a condition marked by extreme shyness, inadequate feelings, sensitivity of being rejected. Individuals with this disorder often feel inferior with others. They tend to avoid situations having potential for conflicts. They are often observed to be clingy, antisocial, dramatic or obsessive. [read more]
Ayerza's disease, also known as pulmonary hypertension, is a rare disorder that involves the lungs and the pulmonary artery. In this condition, the pulmonary artery becomes pressured thus it is unable to deliver sufficient oxygen to the heart's right ventricle where the lungs pick up oxygen. Exhaustion of the right ventricle may lead to a right-side heart failure, resulting to death. [read more]
Azoospermia is a condition whereby there is no or absence of measurable level of sperm in a man's semen which causes infertility. [read more]
B-cell lymphoma, also known as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), is a heterogenous group of lymphoproliferative malignancies with varying patterns of behavior and responses to treatment. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a heterogenous group of lymphoproliferative malignancies with varying patterns of behavior and responses to treatment. NHL usually originates in the lymphoid tissues and can spread to other internal organs. However, unlike Hodgkin's disease, NHL is less predictable and has a greater predilection to extranodal sites. [read more]
Babesiosis is an uncommon, vector-borne, malaria-like disease usually caused by ticks or parasites of the genius ?Babesia?. In areas where babesia is common, such as North America, this disease can be transmitted through blood transfusion. [read more]
Baby bottle tooth decay is a common condition among infants. It is where a child's milk teeth decays due to the food he or she consumes. It usually damages the front teeth. [read more]
Bacillary angiomatosis (BA) is a bacterial disease brought about by two kinds of bacteria under the Bartonella family: Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. The infection is usually characterized by tumor-like lesions in the skin and other internal organs of the body, and can manifest in people affected by AIDS. [read more]
Back pain is a relatively common complaint characterized by a painful sensation in the patient's back that may be attributed to a number of conditions. [read more]
Bacterial endocarditis it is the swelling and infection of the interior layers of the heart and usually the valves that resulted from bacteria. [read more]
Bacterial food poisoning also generally known as foodborne illness it is an illness that it is caused by ingesting a contaminated food. [read more]
Bacterial gastroenteritis is a disease caused by a bacterial toxin or bacterial infection, the most usual agent being salmonella, campylobacter and shigella. About 50% reposrted cases of gastroenteritis as food borne illness are because of norovirus and 20% are severe cases occurred in children because of rotavirus. The third major viral agent is the astrovirus. [read more]
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges ? the protective membranes wrapping the central nervous system. This condition may develop as a result of viruses, bacteria and a number of infectious agents. However, it may also occur in people who recently experience physical injury, those with cancer and others who have a history of drug abuse. Most cases of meningitis resolve without treatment. However, this condition can become severe because the inflammation can damage the spinal cord and the brain, which are both in close proximity to the areas affected by meningitis. Since severe meningitis could cause serious neurological damage or death, immediate medical attention and diagnosis is needed. The most common type of meningitis ? infectious meningitis ? can be treated with antibiotics alone, but requires continues observation. Other types of meningitis can be prevented through scheduled immunization. [read more]
Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria. The most common cause is the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (J13.) which is also common in all ages except for newly born babies. Another type of bacteria that causes pneumonia is the Staphylococcus aureus (J15.2) these bacteria are classified as Gram-positive bacteria. For Gram-negative bacteria it is seen less regularly like Klebsiella pneumoniae (J15.0), Haemophilus influenzae (J14.), Escherichia coli (J15.5), Moraxella catarrhalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (J15.1) are the most usual bacteria. The gut is where these bacteria reside and enters the lungs when the lung's content is inhaled like vomit. Not unlike typical bacteria, ?atypical? bacteria are commonly seen in young adults and teenagers and are less sever and needs various antibiotics. Examples of ?atypical? bacteria are Chlamydophila pneumoniae (J16.0), Coxiella burnetti, Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (J15.7). [read more]
Bacterial Vaginosis Is a type of vaginitis resulting to overgrowth of organisms present in the vagina, which upsets the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginitis can be present in many pregnant women without even knowing that they have it. Sometimes bacterial vaginitis in early stages is often asymptomatic. [read more]
BAER is an acronym for Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response and it is test measures of ear and brain wave activity that happens in reaction to clicks or certain pitch. There are 3 waves (1, 3 and 5) set for the ear, BAER uses a computer that averages over time to determine background noise to produce an averaged reaction of the auditory gateway to an auditory stimuli. [read more]
Baillarger syndrome is a rare neurological food-related condition which can be acquired at birth. It is also known as Frey's syndrome. [read more]
Baker's cyst is characterized by a sensation of bulging or tightness accompanied by pain behind the knee. The painful sensation worsens when the affected knee is moved or fully extended. Baker's cyst is also alternatively known as popliteal cyst. [read more]
Balanitis is a medical condition where there is inflammation of the head of the penis names as the glans. [read more]
Balantidiasis is an infection of the intestine with parasitic protozoa (Balantidium coli) that results in swelling of the intestine. The disease is commonly acquired thru direct or indirect exposure with pig fecal matter. [read more]
Baldness refers to extreme hair loss from an individual's scalp, and may be either permanent or temporary. Baldness is known medically as Alopeicia. [read more]
Baldness refers to extreme hair loss from an individual's scalp, and may be either permanent or temporary. Baldness is known medically as Alopeicia. [read more]
Ballard syndrome is an uncommon condition of the liver and spleen that is enlarged it happens in parts of a weakened bone. The disorder is a congenital and commonly prevailing trait. It usually happens as an isolated dysmelia though it can also happen with other abnormalities as part of several hereditary syndromes. [read more]
Ballooning mitral valve syndrome is a relatively common heart defect characterized by the failure of the mitral valve between the left ventricle and the left atrium to close properly. It is also called mitral valve prolapse or MVP. [read more]
Bannayan-Zonana syndrome or other term is Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome is an unusual hamartomatous disorder through the incidence of several subcutaneous macrocephaly, lipomas and hemangiomas. In an autosomal prevailing form the disease is inherited though wild cases have been documented. Hamartomatous polyposis syndrome is the family where the disease belongs that also involves juvenile polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and Cowden syndrome. BZS lesions are slowly developing and simply resectable. Intracranial association and visceral may happen in unusual conditions and can result to bleeding and indicative automatic compression particularly of the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots and may need surgical resection. [read more]
Banti's syndrome is also referred to as Banti's disease is a persistent congestive enlargement of the spleen causing in the untimely damage of the red blood cells by the spleen. Though in the past Banti's syndrome describes patients with hypersplenism, splenomegaly and portal hypertension with no cirrhosis and with no occlusion of the portal venous system. [read more]
Bantu siderosis is the overload of iron primarily seen in South African people. It involves unusual iron deposits in the liver. It is said that several African people are liable to an augmented skill to absorb iron. Initially, this was said to be a cause of ungalvanised barrels utilized to keep home-made beer that led to augmented oxidation and augmented levels of iron in the beer. Additional researches show that only those individuals that drink this beer acquires an overload in iron and the same syndrome happened in the people of African descent. Because of this, researchers were led to discover the gene polymorphism in the gene for ferroportin that prompts several individuals of African descent to overload iron. [read more]
Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a hereditary disease mainly characterized by obesity, extra number of fingers and/or toes, hypogonadism, renal failure, and pigmentary retinopathy. The cardiovascular system is also plagued with hypertrophy of the interventricular septum, and fibrosis in the gastrointestinal tract. This disease is an autosomal recessive defect due to the malformations of the chromosome 3 and 16. [read more]
Bardet-Biedl syndrome, type 1 is an unusual hereditary or genetic disorder distinguished by mental retardation, polydactyly, obesity and pigmentation of the retina and other anomalies. Bardet-Biedl syndrome, type 1 results from the deficiency in chromosome 11q13. [read more]
Bare lymphocyte syndrome 2 or the other term for the disease is Defective expression of HLA class 2. BLSII genetic basis is not because of the gene MHC II. The result of the mutations in genes is used as the genetic basis that codes for proteins that usually control the expression if the MHC II genes. [read more]
Baritosis a condition of the lung, that results from inhaling barium dust or barium that has compounds. It is a condition that is benign generally that does not result to symptoms except for irritation. On chest X-rays the particles of barium can be evident as an opaque shadow on individuals that has Baritosis. When contact to barium dust stops the abnormalities seen on chest X-rays slowly disappears. [read more]
Barlow's syndrome is a relatively common congenital heart disorder in which one or both of the mitral valve's leaflets abnormally protrude into the left atrium during systole. Barlow's syndrome is also known as mitral valve prolapse. [read more]
Barotitis media is a sensation of pain or discomfort in the ears during an airplane ride. It is also alternatively known as airplane ear. [read more]
Barrett's Esophagus is a condition marked by the changes in color and composition of the cells lining the lower esophagus due to repeated stomach acid exposure often due to long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). [read more]
Barrett's syndrome, also known as ?Barrett's esophagus?, ?CELLO? or simply ?Barrett's? is a condition wherein patients experience an abnormal change in the cells of the lower part of the esophagus. Named after Dr. Norman Barrett, a British surgeon from St. Thomas Hospital that described the condition in 1957, Barrett's syndrome is believed to be caused by reflux esophagitis or damage from exposure to chronic acid. Barrett's syndrome occurs in 10% of patients seeking medical attention for heartburn. In addition, Barrett's is considered a premalignant condition, which is associated with a great risk of esophageal cancer. [read more]
Barth syndrome also recognized as 3-Methylglutaconic aciduria type II and Cardiomyopathy-neutropenia syndrome it is an unusual hereditary disorder categorized by a lot of signs and symptoms and also includes motor skills being delayed, metabolism distortion, stamina deficiency, chronic fatigue, cardiomyopathy, delayed growth, and compromised immune system. The research or study of Dr. Peter Barth in the Netherlands and discovery in 1983 was the reason why the syndrome was named after him. He designed a pedigree chart where in it shows that the disease is an inborn behavior. [read more]
Bartholin cyst pertains to a swelling or bulging of Bartholin's glands, usually as a result of obstruction or infection of the vaginal opening. [read more]
Bartholin's abscess is caused by the build-up of pus that will eventually form a lump or swelling in one of the Bartholin's glands. This is located on either side of the vaginal opening. [read more]
Bartonella infections previously known as Rochalimaea it is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria. Bartonella species may contaminate healthy people though are considered particularly essential as opportunistic pathogens. Bartonella is spread by insect vectors like fleas, ticks, sand flies and mosquitoes. It is known that eight Bartonella species or subspecies are recognized to infect humans. Bartonella rochalimae was the sixth species discovered in June 2007 that is recognized to infect humans and also the ninth species and subspecies generally recognized to infect humans. [read more]
Bartter syndrome, classic form is an unusual hereditary abnormality in the thick ascending limb of the ring of Henle. It is distinguished by decreased potassium levels, low acidity of blood (alkalosis), and regular to decreased blood pressure. 2 types of Barter syndrome: Neonatal Bartter syndrome Classic Bartter syndrome It is closely related to Gitelman syndrome which is milder comparing it to both Bartter syndrome subtypes. [read more]
Basal cell cancer is a frequently occurring type of skin cancer. However, it is also the most easy to treat and has the least likelihood of spreading. In general, basal cell cancer is seldom fatal; however, if untreated, it can cause widespread damage to surrounding bones and tissues. [read more]
Basal cell carcinoma most usual form of skin cancer and it can be damaging and disfiguring. The danger of growing BCC is elevated for persons with a family history of the illness and with an elevated increasing contact to UV light by means of sunlight or were uncovered to carcinogenic chemicals, particularly arsenic in the past. [read more]
Basal ganglia diseases or also known as basal nuclei are a collection of nuclei in the brain interrelated with the cerebral cortex, thalamus and brainstem. [read more]
Basal joint arthritis pertains to an inflammatory condition affecting the joint of the wrist and the basal or carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. It is also alternatively known as thumb arthritis. [read more]
Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome, also known as abetalipoproteinemia, is a rare disorder that is caused by the irregular fat absorption during digestion. Patients in this condition usually lack important vitamins such as A, D, E and K. [read more]
Batten disease is an unusual, deadly, autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder which starts in early days of a person. The disease is also referred to as Spielmeyer-Vogt-Sjogren-Batten disease it is the most usual type of a group of disorders referred to as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (or NCLs). History The disease is named after the British pediatrician Frederick Batten who initially explained about the Batten disease in 1903. It is the most usual form of a collection of disorders referred to as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Though Batten disease is commonly observed as the juvenile type of NCL several physicians refer to Batten disease to all types of NCL or ceroid lipofuscinosis. [read more]
BDD or body dysmorphic disorder is a condition wherein the affected individual is excessively fixated or preoccupied with real or imagined defects in his/her physical appearance. [read more]
Beals Syndrome, also known as Congenital contractural arachnodactyly or CCA, is a heritable disorder involving the connective tissue of the skeleton. It is related to, but distinct from, Marfan Syndrome. [read more]
Becker's muscular dystrophy (BMD), also known as benign pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy, is an X-linked inherited disorder that involves the slowly and progressive weakness of the muscle in the legs and pelvis. It is a type of dystrophinopathy, which includes a range of muscle diseaseswhere there is insufficient dystrophin produced in the muscle cells, resulting in instability in the muscle cell membrane's structure. [read more]
Becker's nevus is a skin disorder that predominantly affects males. The nevus mostly first appears as an irregular pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) on the torso or upper arm (though other areas of the body can be affected), and gradually enlarges in an irregular shape, becoming thickened and often developing abnormal hair growth (hypertrichosis). It is also known as Becker's pigmented hairy nevus, Becker nevus, Becker pigmented hairy nevus, Becker melanosis and pigmented hairy epidermal nevus. [read more]
Beckwith-Wiedmann syndrome (BWS) is an inherited disorder that affects a person's normal growth development. [read more]
Bed-wetting is a developmental phase wherein an infant or child is unable to retain bladder control at nighttime. It is also sometimes called nocturnal enuresis or nighttime incontinence. [read more]
Bedbug Bites are little red bumps on the skin caused by bites of a bedbug. A bedbug is a small, flat, reddish bug that can be found in every home. [read more]
also known as pressure sores, decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers areas of damaged skin and tissue develops when sustained pressure cuts off circulation causes the tissue of the vulnerable parts of the body to die. Prone areas include the skin on the hips, buttocks, and heels. [read more]
Bee And Wasp Stings are insect stings brought about by bites of bees and wasps. Bees are fuzzy insects that feed on flowers while wasps are non-fuzzy insects closely related to bees but can also feed on animal food and other insects. The two insects may l [read more]
Beh?et's (pronounced ?BAY-sets') disease is a disease that causes symptoms in various parts of the body. It produces a group of symptoms that affect different body systems, including gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and the central nervous system. These symptoms include mouth or genital ulcers, skin lesions, and inflammation of the uvea which is an area around the pupil of the eye. Common symptoms include sores found in the mouth and on the genitals. More serious symptoms can include inflammation (combined with swelling, heat, redness, and pain) in the eyes and other parts of the body. [read more]
Behr's Syndrome is a rare inherited neurological condition named after Carl Behr, who first described it in 1909 as a syndrome of variable pyramidal tract signs. It is characterized by spastic paraplegia and sometimes optic atrophy. It is a hereditary familial syndrome that falls under ocular and neurologic disorders affecting both men and women. Behr's Syndrome starts in infancy with disturbed vision, disturbed coordination with ataxia, mental deficiency, and urinary sphincter weakness. Other characteristics include optic atrophy prevalent in males, scotoma, bilateral retrobulbar neuritis, nystagmus, progressive temporal nerve atrophy, increased tendon reflexes, Babinski sign, and incoordination. Its inheritance is autosomal recessive, meaning it is not linked to sex chromosomes, although heterozygotes may still manifest much attenuated symptoms. [read more]
Bejel, which was previously called endemic syphilis, is a nonsexually transmitted infection caused by treponemal spirochetes closely related to Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted disease syphilis. Bejel, yaws, and pinta are diseases closely related to syphilis. They mainly occur in the tropics and subtropics. Unlike syphilis, they are transmitted through skin contact, mostly between children living in poor hygienic conditions. Like syphilis, these diseases start with skin sores and have a latent period that is followed by more a destructive disease. Bejel occurs mainly in the warm arid countries like the eastern Mediterranean region and West Africa. Yaws occurs in equatorial countries. Pinta is most common among the Indians of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Although the bacteria that causes bejel, Treponema pallidum endemicum, is morphologically and serologically indistinguishable from Treponema pallidum pallidum, transmission of bejel is not venereal in nature, generally resulting from mouth-to-mouth contact, skin-to-skin contact, or sharing of domestic utensils, and the courses of the two diseases are vary somewhat. [read more]
Bell's Palsy is a paralysis of the facial nerve which results to an inability to control facial muscles in the affected side. There are several conditions that can cause facial paralysis: brain tumor, stroke, and Lyme disease. However, if no specific cause can be traced to the paralysis, the condition is called Bell's Palsy. It is named after the Scottish anatomist Charles Bell, who first described it. Bell's palsy is the most common acute mononeuropathy, or diseases involving only one nerve, and is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis. Bell's Palsy is defined as an idiopathic unilateral facial nerve paralysis, and is usually self-limiting. Its trademark is the rapid onset of partial or complete palsy, usually in a single day. [read more]
Benign astrocytoma (or astrocytoma Grade I, astrocytoma Grade II, intracranial neoplasm, intracranial tumor) is categorized into two types: Diffuse (Adults, cerebral hermisphere and brainstem) and circumscribed (Children, characteristic location/morphology). They are benign tumors that occur in the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms and severity of the astrocytoma depends on its location and size. [read more]
Benign congenital hypotonia is a condition of abnormally low muscle tone, which is the amount of tension or resistance to movement in a muscle, and it often involves reduced muscle strength. It is not a specific medical disorder, but a potential manifestation of many different diseases and disorders that affect the motor nerve control of the brain or muscle strength. Recognizing benign congenital hypotonia, even in early infancy, is relatively straightforward, but diagnosing the cause underlying it can be difficult and often unsuccessful. The long-term effects of hypotonia on a child's growth and development, and later on in life, depend primarily on how severe the muscle weakness is and the nature of the cause. Other names of this condition are Hypotonia , Congenital Hypotonia, Congenital Muscle Hypotonia , Congenital Muscle Weakness, and Amyotonia Congenita. [read more]
Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms and twitching of the eyelid muscles. It is a form of dystonia, a movement disorder where muscle contractions cause sustained eyelid closure, twitching or repetitive movements. BEB starts gradually with increased frequency of eye blinking often associated with irritation of the eye. [read more]
Benign essential tremor (ET) is a movement disorder affecting the neurological system. It is characterized by involuntary fine rhythmic tremor of a body part or different parts, mostly the hands and arms (upper limbs). In many individuals affected by this, upper limb tremor may occur as an isolated finding. In others, however, tremors may gradually involve other regions of the anatomy, such as the head, voice, tongue, or palate (roof of the mouth), leading to dysarthria, or difficulty articulating speech. Less common are tremors that affect muscles of the torso or legs. It is also known as Presenile Tremor Syndrome, familial essential tremor, or hereditary benign tremor. [read more]
Benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) is a disorder affecting the neurological system and characterized by fasciculation (or twitching) of various voluntary muscles in the body. The twitching can occur in any voluntary muscle group but is most commonly found in the eyelids, arms, legs, and feet. Even the tongue may be affected by BFS. The twitching may be occasional or may go on almost continuously. Any intentional movement of the affected muscle causes the fasciculation to cease immediately, but may return once the muscle is at rest again. [read more]
Benign intracranial hypertension (BIH), also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a neurological condition that consists of exaggerated brain pressure without the presence of tumors or edemas in the brain. [read more]
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), also known as benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV), is a condition caused by problems in the inner ear. [read more]
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is also called nodular hyperplasia or benign enlargement of the prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy. This refers to the condition wherein the prostate, usually of middle-aged men to elderly men, increase in size. The condition is one of a hyperplasia not hypertrophy as previously believed. The prostatic stromal and epithelial cells becomes hyperplastic which then results to the formation of fairly discrete and large nodules of the prostate specifically in the periurethral region. The enlarge nodules then compress the urethral canal and cause obstruction of the urethra either partially or completely, which interferes urination. [read more]
Berdon's Syndrome, also known as Megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIH), is a disorder of newborn babies, most prevalent in females, characterized by constipation and urinary retention, microcolon, giant bladder (or megacystis), hydronephrosis, intestinal hypoperistalis, and dilated small bowel. It results from a dysfunction of the smooth muscle in the abdomen and digestive system. This disorder prevents the intestines, stomach, kidneys, and bladder from functioning correctly. The pathological findings consist of a large quantity of ganglion cells in both dilated and narrow areas of the intestine. It is a familial disturbance of unknown origin. Experts disagree whether inheritance is autosomal dominant or recessive. In 1976, Berdon and company first described the condition in five female infants, two of whom were sisters. All had marked bladder dilatation and some had hydronephrosis and the external appearance of a prune belly. The infants also had microcolon and sverely dilated small intestines. [read more]
Bereavement is a psychological state in which a person succumbs to depression due to a loss of a loved one. This is typical among people who have lost their loved ones due to a traumatic or sudden event. [read more]
Berger's Disease (also known as primary IgA nephropathy, glomerulonephritis with IgA and IgG deposits and IgA mesangial nephropathy), has a wide pattern of distribution and is thought to be the most common form of primary glomerular disease throughout the world. Although highly prevalent, geographic variations occur, which could be due to genetic as well as enviromental influences on the patient. This is a kind of glomerulonephritis resulting from the deposition of circulating IgA antibody in the kidney tissues. Inflammation of the glomerulus (glomerulonephritis) is the result of this and may present as acute glomerulonephritis, chronic glomerulonephritis or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. This renal disorder more commonly affects males in the 16-40 age range. [read more]
Beriberi is an ailment affecting the nervous system. It is caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). The etymology of the word is from a Sinhalese phrase meaning literally, "I cannot, I cannot", the word being repeated for emphasis. [read more]
Berlin breakage syndrome, also known as Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) and Seemanova syndrome, is a rare syndrome that is characterized by chromosomal instability, maybe as a result of a defect in the Double Holliday junction DNA repair mechanism. It is a very rare syndrome characterized mainly by a small head, lowered immunity and heightened risk of cancer. The features of this condition are basically indistinguishable from the Nigmegen Breakage syndrome. The name comes from the Dutch city Nijmegen where the condition was first discovered. Most people with NBS originate from West Slavic regions. The largest number of them is Polish. [read more]
Bernard-Soulier disease is condition usually present in newborn infants, wherein the blood platelets are not able to stick to the ruptured walls of the blood vessel. This may cause problems in blood clotting and becomes a result of profuse abnormal bleeding. [read more]
Berylliosis, also known as chronic beryllium disorder (CBD), is an occupational lung disease. It is a chronic allergic-type lung response and chronic lung disease that results from exposure to beryllium and its compounds. Berylliosis is incurable but its symptoms can be treated. [read more]
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease, also known as sarcoidosis, is a disease which can affect different organs inside the body. It causes the development of microscopic granulomas on the organs. These are masses resembling little tumors or look like grains of sugar or sand. They are made up of groups of cells from the immune system. These tiny granulomas can increase in size and number and clump together, making many large and small groups of lumps. If numerous granulomas form in an organ, they can affect how the organ functions. This can cause symptoms of Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease. [read more]
Beta thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells throughout the body. [read more]
Bhaskar Jagannathan syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder that is characterized by the clustering of features like aminoaciduria, arachnodactyly, cerebellar ataxia, congenital cataracts, and delayed developmental milestones. It is a very rare syndrome characterized primarily by long, thin fingers, cataracts that form during infancy, amino acids in the urine, incoordination and delayed development. When the affected person was first reported, the author raised the question if it could be a new cerebro-oculo-renal syndrome. [read more]
A bicuspid aortic valve is a heart valve possessing two cusps that are situated between the left ventrical and the aorta. A congenitally bicuspid aortic valve has 2 working leaflets. Most people have 2 complete commissures. An approximated half of cases have a low raphe. Excluded are stenotic or partially fused valves caused by inflammatory processes, such as rheumatic fever. [read more]
Bilateral renal agenesis is uncommon and is a serious condition, related to Potter's Syndrome. Bilateral renal agenesis is the lack of both kidneys at birth. It is a genetic disorder characterized by a failure of the kidneys to develop as a fetus inside the womb. This absence of kidneys results to a deficiency of amniotic fluid (or oligohydramnios) in a pregnant woman. Normally, the amniotic fluid serves as a cushion for the developing fetus. When there is not enough amount of this fluid, compression of the fetus may occur resulting in further malformations of the baby. It is the consequence of failure of differentiation of the metanephric blastema during the 25?28th day of development and both ureters and kidneys and renal arteries are missing. This disorder is more commonly found in infants born of a parent who has a kidney malformation, particularly the absence of one kidney (or unilateral renal agenesis). Studies have proven that unilateral renal agenesis and bilateral renal agenesis are genetically related to eachother. 1 out of 3 infants with this congenital defect are not born alive. Most infants that are born alive do not live beyond the coarse of four hours. [read more]
Bile duct cancer is a relatively rare carcinoma affecting the biliary tract. This type of cancer, also called cholangiocarcinomas, can also occur in several areas in and around the liver. [read more]
Bile reflux is a condition characterized by bile flowing upward from the small intestine into the stomach and esophagus. Bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, can inflame and then damage the esophageal lining and stomach. [read more]
Biliary atresia is a rare condition found in newborn infants in which the common bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is blocked or missing. If it goes unrecognized, the condition leads to liver failure but not to kernicterus. This is due to the liver still able to conjugate bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin is not able to cross the blood-brain barrier. The only effective treatments for biliary atresia are certain surgeries, or liver transplantation. [read more]
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a disease in which the bile ducts in the liver are slowly and steadily destroyed. The body has an intricate system of ducts designed specifically to transport bile, which is a fluid produced in the liver. Bile is needed for the proper digestion of fats and helps rid the body of worn-out red blood cells, cholesterol and potentially toxic metals. In primary biliary cirrhosis, the destruction of bile ducts can cause dangerous substances to build up in the liver and sometimes lead to irreversible scarring of liver tissue (or cirrhosis). Many experts consider primary biliary cirrhosis an autoimmune disease in which the body turns against its own cells, although it's possible that genetic and environmental factors also play a part. Primary biliary cirrhosis develops somewhat slowly. Medication can slow the progression of the disease, especially if treatment starts early. [read more]
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by a compulsion to frequently overeat. In people with binge-eating disorder, the gorging becomes a regular ritual, shrouded in shame, secrecy, and feelings of self-loathing. Bing-eating is also alternatively known as compulsive overeating. [read more]
Binswanger's Disease, also known as subcortical dementia, is a rare form of dementia characterized by cerebrovascular lesions in the deep white-matter of the brain, mood changes, and loss of memory and cognition. Patients often show signs of abnormal blood pressure, blood abnormalities, stroke, disease of the large blood vessels in the neck, and disease of the heart valves. Other prominent features of the disease include urinary incontinence, clumsiness, difficulty walking, speech difficulty, slowness of conduct, and lack of facial expression. These symptoms, which tend to start after the age of 60, are not present in all patients and may sometimes appear only as a passing phase. [read more]
Biotin Deficiency otherwise known as the Vitamin H deficiency is a nutritional disorder where a person is deficient in taking biotin or the water-soluble B vitamin. [read more]
Biotinidase Deficiency (BIOT) is the result of the lack of an enzyme called biotinidase. Without treatment, this disorder can cause seizures, developmental delay, eczema, and hearing loss. [read more]
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a group of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood, clinically referred to as mania. People who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or combined episodes which present with features of both mania and depression. These episodes are normally separated by periods of normal mood, but in some patients, depression and mania may rapidly alternate with eachother, known as rapid cycling. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymia and is based on the type and severity of mood episodes experienced. [read more]
Bird flu is a disease commonly affecting wild and domestic birds that, when transmitted to humans, can be potentially fatal. [read more]
Birt-Hogg-Dub syndrome is a rare disorder that affects the skin and lungs and heightens the risk of certain types of tumors. The condition is characterized by multiple noncancerous (or benign) skin tumors, particularly on the face, neck, and upper chest of the person. These growths typically first appear during a person's twenties or thirties and become larger in size and more numerous over time. Affected individuals also have a higher chance of developing cysts in their lungs and an abnormal accumulation of air in the chest cavity (pneumothorax) that may lead to the collapse of a lung. Additionally, people with Birt-Hogg-Dub? syndrome have a greater risk of developing cancerous or noncancerous kidney tumors and possibly tumors in other organs and tissues. [read more]
Areas of discolored skin that can be raised or flat usually present at birth or shortly after birth. Few types of birthmarks fade as the child grow while most types are permanent. Most birthmarks are harmless and may fade in time but there are also some that are associated with certain health conditions. [read more]
Black Death, also known as the bubonic plague, was a pandemic disease that nearly wiped out Britain's population during the 14th century. It was thought to be caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, but recent studies attribute the plague to other diseases. [read more]
Black Eye or the Periorbital Hematoma is the medical condition whereby there is a bruising around the eye because of an injury to the face and not directly to the eye. [read more]
Blackheads pertain to common skin breakouts characterized by small darkish spots on the skin, usually as a result of obstruction in the opening of the pores. [read more]
Bladder calculi are small masses of minerals that form in the bladder, usually as a result of concentrated urine sitting in the bladder for extended periods. Bladder calculi are also known as bladder stones. [read more]
Bladder control, loss of (loss of bladder control) is defined by an inability to control urine flow or bladder function. It is also known as urinary incontinence. [read more]
Bladder infection pertains to a bacterial infection affecting part or parts of the urinary tract. It is also alternatively known as urinary tract infection or UTI. [read more]
Bladder neoplasm (or bladder cancer) is a disease in which abnormal cells multiply and grow in number without control in the bladder. The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine and is located in the pelvis. The most common type of bladder cancer starts in cells lining the inside of the bladder and is called urothelial cell or transitional cell carcinoma (UCC or TCC). [read more]
Bladder Papilloma is a medical condition where there is a benign tumor that grows in the person's bladder which stores urine produced by the kidneys. [read more]
Bladder stones pertain to small mineral masses that develop in the bladder, usually as a consequence of concentrated urine stagnating in the bladder. Alternative names for bladder stones are bladder calculi and urinary tract stones. [read more]
Bladder, prolapse (or, more appropriately, prolapsed bladder) is a condition affecting females wherein the wall separating the bladder from the vagina weakens and stretches, allowing the bladder to bulge into the vagina. This condition is also referred to as a cystocele. [read more]
Blastocystis hominis infection is an infection caused by a microscopic parasite known as B. hominis, which is commonly found in human stools. [read more]
A blastoma is a type of cancer that is brough about by malignancies in precursor cells, often called blasts. It is a tumor thought to result from embryonic tissue. The term "blastoma" is generally used as part of the name for a tumor as, for examples, in glioblastoma and medulloblastoma (types of brain tumors), hepatoblastoma (a liver tumor), nephroblastoma ( Wilms tumor of the kidney), neuroblastoma (a childhood tumor of neural origin), osteoblastoma (a bone tumor) and retinoblastoma (a tumor of the retina). A blastoma is a neoplasm composed of immature and undifferentiated cells derived from the blastema of an organ or tissue. [read more]
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the Blastomyces dermatitidis organism. Blastomycosis causes clinical symptoms that have similarites to histoplasmosis. The organism causing blastomycosis is endemic to portions of North America. [read more]
Bleeding varices are a result of dilated blood vessels usually located in the stomach or esophagus. This bleeding is characterized by the increased pressure in the portal vein within the gastro-esophageal tract. When not immediately diagnosed, the condition may lead to serious complications such as liver failure. [read more]
Blepharitis is the inflammation of the one's eyelids. It is characterized by inflammation of the margins of the eyelid. Blepharitis generally causes redness of the eyes and itching and irritation of the eyelids in both eyes. Its appearance is often confused with conjunctivitis (pinkeye) and due to its recurring nature it is the most common cause of "recurrent conjunctivitis" in aging people. It is also often treated as 'dry eye' by patients due to the gritty and sandy sensation it may give the eyes - although lubricating drops do little to improve the condition. The two types of blepharitis are anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis. In the former, the blepharitis affects the front of the eyelids near the eyelashes. The causes are seborrheic dermatitis (which similar to dandruff) and occasional infection by the bacteria Staphylococcus. The latter affects the back of the eyelids, the part that has contact with the eyes. This is caused by the oil glands that are situated in this region. It is the most common type of blepharitis. [read more]
Blepharophimosis is a condition where the individual has bilateral ptosis with reduced lid size. The the patient's nasal bridge is flat and there is hypoplastic orbital rim. Both the vertical and horizontal palpebral fissures (or eyelid opening) are reduced in length. Vignes probably first described this entity as a dysplasia of the eyelids. Aside from small palpebral fissures, features include epicanthus inversus (folds curving in the mediolateral direction, inferior to the inner canthus), low nasal bridge, and ptosis of the eyelids. Blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome, either accompanied with premature ovarian failure (BPES type I) or without (BPES type II), is caused by mutations in the FOXL2 gene. [read more]
A blepharospasm is any abnormal tic or twitch of the eyelid. It generally refers to Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEP), a focal dystonia, in which a neurological movement disorder affects involuntary and sustained muscle contractions of the muscles around the eyes. Benign means that the condition is not life threatening and essential indicates that the cause of the condition is unknown. Fatigue, stress, or an irritant are possible contributing factors of the condition. Symptoms may sometimes last for a few days then disappear without treatment, but in most of the cases the twitching is chronic and persistent, causing lifelong challenges. The symptoms are often acute enough to result in functional blindness. The person's eyelids feel like they are clamping shut and will not open without much effort. Patients have normal eyes, but for periods of time are basically blind due to their inability to open their eyelids. [read more]
Blind loop syndrome pertains to a condition wherein part of the small intestine is cut off or bypassed from the normal flow of food and digestive fluids. It is also alternatively known as stagnant loop syndrome or stasis syndrome. [read more]
Blindness is the condition of lacking vision which may be caused by physiological and neurological factors. The clinical term ?no light perception? often refers to total blindness. Severe visual impairment with residual vision is also interpretative to blindness. Individuals described to be having only ?light perception? are those who have loss sight and can only differentiate light from dark ? meaning they only have the capacity to pinpoint the direction where the light is coming from. [read more]
Blood clot in the lungs, known as pulmonary embolism, is a condition where the blood vessels in the lungs become clogged due to the formation of a blood clots or hematoma. [read more]
Hematopsermia, or blood ion semen, is the bleeding of the semen during ejaculation. It can be a symptom of underlying diseases such as urinary tract infection, protatitis, sexually transmitted disease and benign prostate hypertrophy. [read more]
A blood platelet disorder refers to an abnormally low number of platelets, the particles in blood that help with clotting. As a result, blood does not clot normally for the patient with a low platelet count. [read more]
Blood pressure, high (high blood pressure) is characterized by an abnormally elevated amount of blood being pumped by the heart. Medically, high blood pressure is known as hypertension. [read more]
Blood pressure, low (or low blood pressure) is the opposite of high blood pressure. Also known as hypotension, low blood pressure may not necessarily pose a health risk unless it is caused be an underlying medical condition. [read more]
Bloom syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by telangiectases and photosensitivity, deficiency in growth of prenatal onset, variable degrees of immunodeficiency, and increased susceptibility to neoplasms of many sites and types. The dermatologist David Bloom first described the syndrome in 1954. [read more]
Blue cone monochromatism, also known as S-cone monochromacy, is a recessive disorder that is linked to the X-chromosome. The affected person's green and red cones are missing while the blue cone mechanism is dominant and functioning properly. Cases like these have been called incomplete achromatopsia, wherein color vision is only impaired and not wholly absent. [read more]
Blue diaper syndrome, also known as Drummond's Syndrome or Tryptophan Malabsorption, is a rare, autosomal recessive metabolic disorder characterized in infants by bluish urine-stained diapers. It is a defect in the body's tryptophan absorption in which the urine contains abnormal indoles, giving it a blue color. It is inherited as an autosomal or most certainly recessive trait but could also be linked to the X-chromosome. [read more]
Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a syndrome characterized by multiple cutaneous venous malformations in association with internal venous lesions, most commonly affecting the bowel. BRBNS is an important syndrome because of it has the potential to result in serious or fatal bleeding. [read more]
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder that involves a distorted body image. It is generally diagnosed in those who are extremely critical of their self-image, despite the fact that there may be no noticeable disfigurement or defect on their physique. It is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with a real or imagined defect in one's physical appearance. People with this disorder have a distorted or exaggerated view of their physical appearance and are obsessed with actual external characteristics or perceived flaws, such as certain facial features or imperfections of their skin. They often think of themselves as disfigured or ugly. People with body dysmorphic disorder often have difficulties controlling negative thoughts concerning their appearance, even when others reassure them that they look fine and that the small or perceived flaws aren't excessive or obvious. [read more]
Boil (or furuncle) is a skin disease brought about by the inflammation of hair follicles, resulting in the localized accumulation of pus and dead tissue. Individual boils can group together and form an interconnected network of boils called carbuncles. In severe cases, boils may develop to form in what is known as abscesses. [read more]
Painful, pus-filled bumps that form under your skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more of your follicles are called boils and carbuncles. They usually start as red, tender lumps that quickly fill with pus, growing larder and more painful until they rupture and drain, which mostly take about two weeks to heal although some boils disappear in a few days after they occur. They may appear anywhere on your skin, but appear mainly on your neck, face, armpits, thighs or buttocks where these hair-bearing areas are most likely to sweat or experience friction. [read more]
Bone Cancer is cancer originating in the bone and believed to be one of the rare types of cancer due to few reported incidence. There are different forms of bone cancer namely: osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing's sarcoma. Chondrosarcoma arise in the cartilage. Osteosarcoma occurs in growing bone tissue and Ewing's sarcoma starts in immature tissue of the bone marrow; occurring mostly in children and young individuals. [read more]
Bone infection is a common term for a medical condition known as osteomyelitis, which is characterized by an infection that may begin in the bone itself or has spread to the bone from other parts of the body. [read more]
Bone loss occurs when the bones become weak and brittle, usually due to low levels of minerals, phosphorus, and calcium in the body. Bone loss is closely associated with osteoporosis and is more common among women. [read more]
Bone neoplasm, or bone cancer, is when new abnormal bone tissue grows due to excessive cellular division and proliferation. The bone tissue develops more rapidly than normal and continues to grow even after the stimuli that initiated it stops. This includes tumors or cancer located in bone tissue or specific bones. [read more]
Bone spurs pertain to bony protrusions or projections around the edges of the bones. Also called osteophytes, bone spurs are not necessarily painful on their own but may rub against surrounding nerves and bones, thus causing pain. [read more]
Borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is an emerging infectious disease caused by bacteria from the genus Borrelia. The vector of infection is usually the bite of an infected black-legged or deer tick, but other carriers (including other ticks in the genus Ixodes) have been implicated. Borrelia burgdorferi is the leading cause of Lyme disease in the U.S. and Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are found in Europe. The disease presentation varies greatly, and may include a rash and flu-like symptoms in its initial stage, then musculoskeletal, neurologic, arthritic, psychiatric and cardiac manifestations. In a most of the cases, symptoms can be eliminated with antibiotics, especially if treatment begins early in the course of illness. Late or inadequate treatment often results to "late stage" Lyme disease that is disabling and difficult to treat. Controversy over diagnosis, testing and treatment has resulted to two different standards of care. [read more]
Bothriocephalosis (also known as Diphyllobothriasis) is an infection with an intestinal parasite. The parasite is a fish tapeworm known as Diphyllobothrium latum. Human infection is caused by eating undercooked fish contaminated with the bacteria. Adult tapeworms may infect humans, felines, canids, pinnipeds, bears, and mustelids, though the accuracy of the records for some of the nonhuman species is disputed. Immature eggs are passed in the feces of the mammal host (the definitive host, where the worms reproduce). [read more]
Bourneville's disease (also known as Tuberous sclerosis) is characterized by facial lesions with tuberous sclerosis, first reported as adenoma sebaceum, but now recognised as angiofibromas. It produces tuberous sclerosis occurring in association with adenoma sebaceum. It is syndrome of epilepsy, severe mental retardation associated with adenoma sebaceum (overgrowth of the sebaceous glands) of the face, hamartomatous tumours of the heart and kidney, and cerebral cortical tubers (hence the name "tuberous sclerosis"). It is heredofamilial and usually shows itself early in life. Females are more often affected by this disease than males. Incomplete forms of the syndrome can manifest. Bourneville's disease is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait with variable expressivity. [read more]
Bovine TB is a disease that primarily attacks animals that can also be transmitted to humans through aerosols and intake of raw milk. This disease is common in under developed countries. [read more]
Also known as fecal incontinence is the lack of ability to control bowel movement, which causes stool to seep out from the rectum without warning. The severity can range from occasional stool leakage in combination to passing of gas to total loss of bowel control usually causing embarrassment and withdrawal from social events thinking that sudden stool leakage may occur. [read more]
Bowel Obstruction is a medical condition whereby there is blockage or obstruction of the intestines that results to the abnormal bowel movements. [read more]
Bowen's disease (BD) is a skin disease induced by sunlight, considered either as an early stage or intraepidermal form of squamous cell carcinoma. [read more]
Boxer's ear is another term for cauliflower ear. It is a kind of hematoma that results to bulging malformations in the outer ear. [read more]
Results when nerves connecting the arm and spinal cord get stretched and torn when the shoulder is pressed down forcefully while the head is pushed up away from the shoulder. [read more]
Brachydactyly (BD) refers to shortening of the fingers or toes that results from the underdevelopment of the bones in the hands or feet. Brachydactyly is a medical term is literally meaning "shortness of the fingers and toes". The shortness is relative to the length of the individual's other long bones and other parts of the body. Brachydactyly is an inherited trait, usually dominat.. It most frequently occurs as an isolated dysmelia, but can also occur with other anomalies as part of many congenital syndromes. Brachydactyly is a general term that refers to disproportionately shortened fingers and toes. It can arise as an isolated finding, or be associated with a pattern of medical findings, called a syndrome. To date, many different forms of brachydactyly have been categorized. As a group, they always include extremely shortened tubular bones in the hands and feet. Some forms also lead to short stature, while others do not. The majority of types of isolated brachydactyly are passed on as autosomal dominant conditions. Radiographic studies (X-rays) can aid physicians differentiate between the different types of brachydactyly. [read more]
Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome is a form of sick sinus syndrome characterized by slow heartbeats (bradycardia) alternating with fast heartbeats (tachycardia) as a result of some malfunction in the heart's natural pacemaker called the sinus node. [read more]
In medicine (neurology), bradykinesia means "slow movement". Its etymology is brady = slow, kinesia = movement. It is a feature of several of diseases, most notably Parkinson's disease and other disorders of the basal ganglia. Rather than being a slowness in initiation (related to hypokinesia) bradykinesia describes a slowness in the execution of movement. [read more]
A brain aneurysm is characterized by the bulge in a brain's artery. The most One of the most common types of brain aneurysm resembles a round berry that is attached to the artery. Such aneurisms can usually go undetected since it has no symptoms for years and as long as it does not rupture, it poses no real threats. [read more]
Brain aneurysm is characterized by a bulge forming in an artery of the brain, which may be tiny or large enough to put pressure on surrounding brain tissue. [read more]
Brain attack is a type of stroke that occurs from a drastic shortage of blood supply in the brain. Brain cells will commonly die in a matter of minutes. A brain attack is more commonly referred to as a stroke. [read more]
Brain bleed is another name used to describe cerebral hemorrhage. Also known as stroke, brain bleed brings about serious damages such as paralysis. The effects of brain bleed may no longer be reversed or may require intensive therapy. It can also cause sudden death. [read more]
Brain cavernous angioma, also referred to as cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), cavernous haemangioma, and cavernoma, is a vascular disorder of the central nervous system that may appear either sporadically or display autosomal dominant inheritance. [read more]
Brain neoplasms are tumors of the intracranial components of the central nervous system, including the cerebral hemispheres, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, thalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum. Brain neoplasms are further divided into primary (originating from brain tissue) and secondary (i.e., metastatic) forms. Primary neoplasms are categorized into benign and malignant forms. Generally, brain tumors may also be classified by age of onset, histologic type, or presenting location in the brain. [read more]
A branchial cyst is an oval cystic mass that grows between the pharynx and the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck. This kind of cyst is asymptomatic and is caused by the accumulation of embryonic remnants after one's development. It can also result from the failure of the second branchial cleft to obliterate. Treatment for the cyst is done by surgery. [read more]
Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that features ear tags just below the outer ear, branchiial fistulas, hearing loss and kidney problems. [read more]
Branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome is marked by malformations of the outer, middle, and inner ear associated with conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing impairment; branchial fistulae and cysts; and renal malformations, ranging from mild renal hypoplasia to bilateral renal agenesis. The presence, severity, and type of branchial arch, otologic, audiologic, and renal abnormality may be different from right side to left side in an affected individual and also among individuals in the same family. Some individuals develop to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) later in life. The name branciootorenal syndrome describes the body systems most frequently affected by this genetic disorder. The term "branchio" refers to the abnormalities of the neck found in people affected with this syndrome. Cysts (lump or swelling that can be filled with fluid) and fistulas (abnormal passage from the throat to the skin) in the neck appear frequently. The term "oto" refers to the ear disorders that are associated with the syndrome. For example, the outer ear can be abnormal in appearance. Hearing loss is also commonly associated to the syndrome. Finally, the term "renal" stands for the kidney problems commonly found in patients with this condition. [read more]
Brazilain tryponosomiasis, also known as Chagas disease, is an infectious disease that has spread in tropical countries. It usually affects children. [read more]
Breakbone fever, also known as dengue fever, is an epidemic disease that causes internal hemorrhage. It has become a widespread epidemic in countries in Asia. [read more]
Breast engorgement is a condition in which the mammary glands contain too much milk that cannot be released. [read more]
Breast infection is an infection affecting the breast tissue of nursing mothers characterized by swelling, redness, and pain in the breast. It is also alternatively known as mastitis. [read more]
Breast pain is a common complaint of discomfort among women, affecting approximately seventy percent of females at some point in their lives. Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is more common in the younger age bracket, particularly among pre-menopausal women, although it may afflict older females as well. [read more]
Bright's disease (also known as nephritis) is a historical classification of kidney diseases that is described in modern medicine as acute or chronic nephritis. The term is no longer in use, as diseases are now classified according to their more fully understood etiologies. It is typically characterized by the presence of serum albumin (blood plasma) in the urine, and frequently accompanied by edema (tissue particulate). Many people believe that too much protein consumption can lead to Bright's disease, but this is a spurious statement and is nothing but a myth. [read more]
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI, or sometimes known as Brittle Bone Disease) is a genetic bone disorder. People with this disease are born without the proper protein (collagen), or the ability to make it, usually because of a deficiency of Type-I collagen. People with OI either have lesser collagen than normal or the quality is poorer than normal. As collagen is an important protein in bone structure, this impairment can result to those with the condition to have weak or fragile bones. As a genetic disorder, brittle bone disease is an autosomal dominant defect. Most people with OI inherit it from a parent but it can also be an individual (as in de novo or "sporadic") mutation. [read more]
A broken hand is a fracture in the bones of the hand, usually occurring along with a broken wrist. [read more]
A broken hip pertains to fractures in the hip bones usually occurring in older adults aged 65 and above. A broken hip is a potentially serious injury with life-threatening complications. [read more]
A broken leg is defined as a fracture or a crack in one of the leg bones. It is also alternatively known as a leg fracture. [read more]
A broken nose is characterized by a break, fracture, or crack in one or more bones found in the nose. The most commonly broken bone is the bone over the nose bridge. [read more]
Broken ribs pertain to a common injury wherein the bones in the rib cage breaks, fractures, or cracks. [read more]
Bronchial asthma is a pulmonary inflammation wherein the air passages become narrow, causing incessant coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. Severe asthma attacks can be fatal. [read more]
Bronchiectasis is a disease that results to localized, irreversible dilatation of part of the bronchial tree. Involved bronchi are dilated, inflamed, and easily collapsible, leading to airflow obstruction and impaired clearance of secretions. Bronchiectasis is associated with a wide range of disorders, but it usually arises from necrotizing bacterial infections, such as infections caused by the Staphylococcus or Klebsiella species or Bordetella pertussis. [read more]
Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (or BOOP) is the inflammation of the bronchioles and surrounding tissue in the lungs. BOOP is often the result of a pre-existing chronic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis. BOOP can also be a side effect of certain medicinal drugs, such as amiodarone. In cases where no cause is detected, the disease is called cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. The clinical characteristics and radiological imaging resemble infectious pneumonia. However, diagnosis is suspected after there is no response to multiple antibiotics, and blood and sputum cultures are found to be negative for organisms. [read more]
Bronchitis is a condition that occurs when the inner walls lining the main airways of the lungs become inflamed; usually happening after a previous respiration infection like colds. [read more]
Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation, or irritation, of the airways in the lungs. Airways are the tubes in the lungs where air passes through. They are also known as bronchial tubes. When the airways are irritated, thick mucus forms inside of them. The mucus plugs up the airways and makes it hard for the person to get air into your lungs. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include a cough that produces mucus (sometimes called sputum), breathing difficulties, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. [read more]
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia involves the abnormal development of lung tissue. It is marked by inflammation and scarring in the lungs. It occurs most often in premature babies, who are born with underdeveloped lungs. "Broncho" is the name of the airways (the bronchial tubes) through which the oxygen we breathe travels into the lungs. "Pulmonary" refers to the lungs' tiny air sacs (alveoli), where carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged. "Dysplasia" means abnormal changes in the organization or structure of a group of cells. The cell changes in BPD occur in the smaller airways and lung alveoli, making breathing difficult and causing problems with lung function. [read more]
Bronze diabetes, or hemachromatosis, is a kind of diabetes caused by an overload of iron deposits in the body tissues. Without treatment, iron overload may cause complications and eventually lead to organ failure. [read more]
Brown Syndrome is a rare eye disorder marked by defects in eye movements. This disorder may be present at birth (congenital) or may occur as the due to another underlying disorder (acquired). Muscles control eye movements and activities. Some of these muscles turn the eyeball up and down, move the eyeball from side to side, or let the eyeball to rotate slightly in its socket. The superior oblique tendon sheath of the superior oblique is the muscle that surrounds the eyeball. The symptoms of Brown Syndrome are due to abnormalities of this tendon sheath including shortening, thickening, or inflammation. This leads to the inability to move the affected eye upward. [read more]
Brown-S?quard syndrome, also known as Brown-S?quard's hemiplegia and Brown-S?quard's paralysis, is a loss of motricity (paralysis and ataxia) and sensation as a result of the lateral hemisection of the spinal cord. Other names for the syndrome are crossed hemiplegia, hemiparaplegic syndrome, hemiplegia et hemiparaplegia spinalis and spinal hemiparaplegia. It is an incomplete spinal cord lesion characterized by a clinical picture reflecting hemisection of the spinal cord, often in the cervical cord region. It was initially described in the 1840s after Dr. Charles Edouard Brown-Sequard sectioned one half of the spinal cord. It is a rare syndrome, made up of ipsilateral hemiplegia with contralateral pain and temperature sensation deficits because of the crossing of the fibers of the spinothalamic tract. [read more]
Brucellosis, also known as undulant fever, undulating fever, or Malta fever, is a zoonosis (infectious disease transmitted from animals to humans) caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. It is generally a disease of domestic animals (goats, pigs, cattle, dogs, etc) and humans and has a worldwide distribution, mostly now in developing countries. [read more]
The Brugada syndrome is a genetic disease that is marked by abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. It is also known as Sudden Unexpected Death Syndrome (SUDS), and is the most commonly found cause of sudden death in young men without known underlying cardiac disease in Thailand and Laos. Although the ECG findings of Brugada syndrome were first reported among survivors of cardiac arrest in 1989, it was only in 1992 that the Brugada brothers recognised it as a distinct clinical entity, causing sudden death by resulting to ventricular fibrillation (a lethal arrhythmia) in the heart. [read more]
Bruton agammaglobulinemia was the first immunodeficiency disease to be described. Colonel Ogden Bruton noted in 1952 the absence of immunoglobulins in a young male with a history of pneumonias and other bacterial sinopulmonary infections. Bruton was also the first physician to furnish specific immunotherapy for this X-linked disorder by administering intramuscular injections of immunoglobulin G (IgG). The patient improved but died of chronic pulmonary disease in his fourth decade of life. This disorder is now formally known as X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and the gene defect has been mapped to the gene that codes for Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) at band Xq21.3. The BTK gene is big and consists of 19 exons that encode the 659 amino acids that form the Btk cytosolic tyrosine kinase. Mutations can happen in any area of the gene. Btk is needed for the proliferation and differentiation of B lymphocytes. In the absence of working Btk, mature B cells that express surface immunoglobulin and the marker CD19 are few to absent. The lack of CD19 is readily detected with fluorocytometric assays, and this finding usually easily confirms the diagnosis of XLA in a male. As Bruton originally described, XLA shows itself as pneumonias and other bacterial sinopulmonary infections in 80% of cases. Such infections that start in male infants as maternal IgG antibodies, acquired transplacentally, are lost. Thus, XLA is most often diagnosed when unusually severe or recurrent sinopulmonary infections occur in a male infant younger than 1 year. [read more]
Bruxism is the medical term used in referring to gnashing, grinding or clenching of teeth; usually affecting children and adults alike. Individuals with bruxism clench teeth at daytime usually when anxious or stressed. Long-term bruxism leads to unpleasant conditions such as jaw problems, damaged teeth, and headache. [read more]
The bubonic plague, also known as bubonic fever, is the best-known variant of the deadly infectious disease caused by the enterobacteria Yersinia pestis (Pasteurella pestis). The epidemiological use of the term ?plague? is currently applied to bacterial infections that cause buboes, although historically the medical use this term has been applied to pandemic infections in general. [read more]
In medicine (gastroenterology and hepatology), Budd-Chiari syndrome is the clinical picture resulted from occlusion of the hepatic vein or inferior vena cava. It presents with the classical triad of abdominal pain, ascites and hepatomegaly. Some examples of occlusion include thrombosis of hepatic veins and membranous webs in the inferior vena cava. The syndrome can be acute, fulminant, chronic, or asymptomatic. It takes place in 1 out of 100,000 individuals and is more common in females. Some 10-20% also have a sort of obstruction of the portal vein. [read more]
Buerger's disease, also known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs. Buerger's disease is marked by a combination of inflammation and clots in the blood vessels, which impairs blood flow. This eventually causes damage or destroys tissues and may lead to infection and gangrene. Buerger's disease typically begins in the hands and feet and may progress to affect larger areas of the limbs. Buerger's disease is uncommon in the United States, but is more common in the Middle East and Far East. Buerger's disease most commonly affects males between ages 20 and 40, though it's becoming more common in women. Basically everyone diagnosed with Buerger's disease smokes cigarettes or uses other forms of tobacco. Quitting all forms of tobacco is the only way to stop Buerger's disease from developing. For those who don't quit, amputation of all or part of a limb may ultimately be required. [read more]
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a skin disorder that is characterized by the chronic blistering of the skin. This condition ranges from the mildly itchy welts on the skin to more severe infection and blisters, and may affect a particular area of the body or spread all other, depending on the severity. This medical condition affects mostly elderly individuals but can also be seen on people of different ages. [read more]
Bunions pertain to abnormal bony bumps that grow on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the latter to enlarge. [read more]
Burkitt's lymphoma is categorized as a highly uncommon type of a Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). This medical condition commonly affects children than in adults and is known to be a very aggressive kind of B-cell lymphoma that typically involves body parts other than the lymph nodes. However, in spite of its rapid-growing nature, Burkitt's lymphoma is usually very curable with the availability of modern intensive therapies. [read more]
Burning mouth syndrome is a rather complex and highly vexing oral condition characterized by a burning sensation that occurs involving the lips, tongue, or the major areas of the whole mouth, for no apparent reason.This disorder has been associated with several numbers of other conditions such as psychological problems, menopause, disorders of the mouth, and nutritional deficiencies. [read more]
Bursitis pertains to a painful inflammation of the bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs that lubricate pressure points) that often results from repetitive stress on the body's joints. [read more]
C syndrome is also known by another medical term opitz trigonocephaly syndrome, which is categorized as a very rare disorder typically transmitted as a result of a "gonadal mosaicism". This condition is present in people with different cells in its genetic makeup, usually with the number of chromosomes. The affected people are usually corn with some malformation of the head that typically displays a triangular shape which is largely due to the premature union of bones of the skull. Learning and developmental disabilities are also common in people with C syndrome. [read more]
CADASIL, which stands for cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortial artifacts and leukoencephalopathy, is a type of inherited stroke disorder, usually attacks persons aged 30-50 years old. The disease is fatal, as patients usually die around 12 years after symptoms show. The disease affects the brain's small blood vessels. CADASIL also causes an abnormality in the muscle cells around the small blood vessels, called the vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to the destruction of the blood vessel cells. Patients typically have one parent who has CADASIL; as one copy of the gene is enough to cause the condition. [read more]
Cafe au lait spots are generally birthmarks that are characterized by some brown cutaneous macules which are usually evident at birth and may strongly suggest possibility of Albright's syndrome or neurofibromatosis. The color of the birthmark may vary from dark to light brown with some irregular or smooth borders. Sizes of the spot can also vary and may possibly enlarge as the child grows. [read more]
Caffey's Disease is also known as infantile cortical hyperostosis, which is a very rare form of disease that is characterized by the abnormal thickening of certain bones in the body such as the long bone shafts and mandible. [read more]
Calcification is a condition where there is a building up of calcium in the soft tissue causing said tissue to harden [read more]
Calcinosis is a medical condition whereby there is a formation of calcium phosphates deposits in any soft tissue of the body. [read more]
A term used to describe a group of disorders in which calcium deposits from in the skin, Calcinosis cutis or cutaneous calcification may result from a variety of factors. Occurring in soft tissues as a response to injury, dystrophic calcification is the most common source of this disease. Classified into 4 major types namely dystrophic, metastatic, iatrogenic and idiopathic, there are also rare types of Calcinosis cutis that have been variably classified as dystrophic or idiopathic. Such include calcinosis cutis circumscripta, calcinosis cutis universalis, tumoral calcinosis, and transplant-associated calcinosis cutis. [read more]
Calciphylaxis is a highly morbid syndrome of vascular calcification and skin necrosis that is poorly understood. Mostly seen exclusively in patients with end stage renal disease, Caciphylaxis results in chronic non-healing wounds and requires parathyroidectomy and hyperbaric therapy. Considered as a rare but serious disease, calciphylaxis is a type of extraskeletal calcification that is similar to those observed among patients with hypercalcaemic states such as those with milk alkali syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis and hypervitamino sis D. [read more]
Calculi are stones that form in an organ or duct of the body. Stones are concretions of materials, usually mineral salts that can cause various important medical conditions. [read more]
CAMFAK syndrome or CAMAK syndrome is only an acronym used to describing a rare and inherited neurological disease. It is characterized by peripheral and central demyelization of nerves, similar to that seen in Cockayne syndrome. The name "CAMFAK" is derived from the first letters of the characteristic findings of the disease: cataracts, microcephaly, failure to thrive, and kyphoscoliosis. However, the disease may also occur with or without failure to thrive and arthrogryposis. Among the first signs of the disease are low birth weight and a bird-like face. It is also typical for persons with CAMFAC to be intellectually deficit. Death may even occur within the first decade. Listed as a rare disease by the Office of Rare Disease (ORD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CAMFAK syndrome only affects less than 200,000 people in the US population. [read more]
Campylobacteriosis is an infection caused by the bacteria campylobacter or most commonly known as C. jejuni. Considered as among the most common human bacterial infections, it can be transmitted in several ways such as fecal-oral, person-to-person sexual contact and ingestion of contaminated food or water. When infected with the bacteria, an inflammatory and sometimes bloody diarrhea or dysentery syndrome may be experienced. It may include cramps, fever and pain. Campyolabacteriosis is usually self-limiting. [read more]
Campylobacteriosis is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria called Campylobacter; commonly found in the stool of infected people and animals, processed food products contaminated in the process and preparation, poorly cooked chicken and other contaminated fruits that have not been hygienically prepared. [read more]
Canavan Disease (also know as ACY2 deficiency) is a rare genetic defect that characterizes a spongy deterioration of the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms that indicate the spread of the disease develop at infancy, usually beginning with progressive mental decline and rapid loss of head control, balance and muscle tone. Affected infants have an abnormally large head caused by swelling. This disease is caused by an abnormality found in the ASPA gene that stops the cells from producing aspartocytase, an enzyme important in brain development. [read more]
Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive disorder that is the most common cerebral degenerative disease of infancy. The disease causes progressive damage to the brain's nerve cells. It is also a gene-linked, neurological birth disorder, wherein the white matter of the brain disintegrate into spongy tissue puzzled with microscopic fluid-filled spaces. The disease belongs to a group of genetic disorders called leukodystrophies, which are characterized by the degeneration of myelin. Myelin is an electrically insulating dielectric covering the phospholipids layer of neuron insulating the axon. Canavan disease hinders the body's normal production of myelin. Called the central nervous system's ?white matter,? this fatty membrane ensures that nerve impulses are properly transmitted. [read more]
Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells are hostile, invasive, and sometimes metastatic. These three are considered malignant properties of cancers that differentiate them from benign tumors. Although some benign tumor types are capable of being malignant, they are usually self-limited in their growth and don't invade or metastasize. People from all ages, even fetuses, may be affected with cancer but age is a factor that can raise the risks for more common varieties. About 13% of all deaths are caused by cancer and according to the American Cancer Society, 7.6 million people died from cancer in 2007 across the world. Even plants and animals may be affected by cancer. Abnormalities in the genetic material of the transformed cells practically cause all cancers. Carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, chemicals, radiation or infectious agents may have caused said abnormalities. Some however, may be randomly acquired through errors in DNA replication or inherited. DNA methylation and microRNAs are new aspect of the genetics of cancer pathogenesis that are gaining importance. The tissues from which the cancerous cells originate are used as bases in classifying cancer. There are also two general classes of genes affected by cancer anmely the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. [read more]
Commonly called yeast infection or thrush, candidiasis is a fungal infection (mycosis) of any of the Candida species. The most common Candida specie is Candida albicans. Candidiasis includes infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases. The latter belongs to a category called candidemia are usually confined to severely immunocompromised persons. These include persons with cancer, transplant, and AIDS patients. [read more]
Canine distempers are a highly contagious disease that primarily affects dogs and other types of carnivores. This medical condition is still considered reasonably common despite decades of vaccinations. The severity of this disease can vary from mild to seriously fatal. [read more]
Canker Sores are small, superficial and painful lesions, which usually develop on the soft tissues of the mouth (under the tongue, inside cheeks or lips, and at the base of the gums). Canker sores are presented as either round or oval with a white border and white or yellow center. [read more]
Characterized by leakage of red blood cells from small, superficial blood vessels that result in pinpoint-like hemorrhages (petechiae) is called capillaritis. Usually a life-long condition, flaring intermittently, it is frequently found in patients with long periods of extended standing related to their occupations. [read more]
It is also referred to as Caplan's disease it is a combined disease of rheumatoid arthritis and pneumoconiosis which shows as intrapulmonary nodules that appear homogenous and visible with the use of chest X-ray. Patients suffering from this disease have a scar and swelled lungs and they might have also been exposed to coal dust. [read more]
It is a medical condition that is an unusual genetic metabolic disorder where in the where malfunctioning carbohydrate compounds are connected to glycoproteins and results to damaged glycoprotein function. Carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome involves a defect in the phosphomannomutase enzyme and involves most body systems in particular the nervous system and the function of the liver. [read more]
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a condition resulting from exposure to a colorless, odorless, tasteless, yet potentially fatal gas known as carbon monixde. [read more]
Carcinoid syndrome points to the collection of symptoms that happen next to carcinoid tumors. Carcinoid tumors happen together along with gastrointestinal tract (GI) that are distinct, colored yellow and well-circumscribed tumors. The tumors usually affect the ileum, appendix and rectum and it is usually distinctive and endocrine in nature. The tumors produce hormones into the blood stream that go through to the end organs and operates then by proper receptors. Though it fairly unusual, out of 15 cases per 1,000,000 population carcinoid tumors report for 75% of GI endocrine tumors. [read more]
Cardiac arrest is also recognized as cardiorespiratory arrest, cardiopulmonary arrest or circulatory arrest and it is the sudden stop of normal flow of the blood because of the failure of the heart to contract efficiently during systole. Cardiac arrest varies from a heart attack or myocardial infarction where in the flow of blood to the still-beating heart is sporadic. The prevention of oxygen to be supplied to all parts of the body is referred to as "Arrested" blood circulation. [read more]
Cardiac syndrome X is a kind of chest pain associated with reduced blood flow to the heart but the coronary arteries remain normal. This disorder is found to be an effect of other vasospastic problems such as Raynaud's phenomenon and migraine. [read more]
Cardiac tamponade, is also known by another medical term as pericardial tamponade, which is characterized as an emergency condition where fluid accumulates in the sac that encloses the heart. The accumulation of the fluid can significantly elevate the heart's pressure and can ultimately lead to shock and possible death if without any medical intervention. [read more]
Cardiomyopathy is the deterioration of the function of the myocardium (i.e., the actual heart muscle) for any reason. [read more]
Cardiospasm is the muscular failure among the esophagus and the stomach to open where in obstructing the passage of food into the stomach which causes the food to go into the esophagus. Cardiospasm is also known as achalasia and other terms for this condition are as follows achalasia cardiae, cardiospasm, dyssynergia esophagus, and esophageal aperistalsis. [read more]
Carney complex (CNC) is characterized as a lentiginosis syndrome and familial multiple neoplasma. Patients with this medical condition are observed to have spotty skin pigmentation, multiple myxomas and tumors of the thyroid and endocrine glands. [read more]
Carnitine transporter deficiency is a hereditary carnitine deficiency, which is a result of defective proteins. These proteins are called carnitine transporters. These transporters are responsible for carrying carnitine to wherever it's needed in the body, and prevents it from being excreted. With the deficiency, carnitine is released through urine. Illness or fasting may trigger severe attack. [read more]
Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency is an uncommon fatty-acid oxidation disorder, which stops the body from transforming essential fatty acids to energy. Carnitine is generally acquired through one's diet, and is utilized by body cells in processing fats and producing energy. Individuals with this kind of deficiency have defective enzyme, preventing the transportation of fatty acids into the mitochondria's innermost part for processing. [read more]
Caroli disease is categorized as an uncommon congenital disease that involves the cystic dilatation of the liver's intrahepatic bile ducts. It has two types, known as Simple Caroli disease and Complex Caroli disease. The first type is characterized by ectasia or dilatation of bile ducts, while the latter includes the presence of portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis besides ectasia. [read more]
Carotenemia is a condition of excess beta-carotene in one's blood. It's common and generally harmless in infants, usually appearing when they start eating solids. Ingestion of too much beta-carotene containing foods, deposits the carotene in one's skin adding yellow color to it. While the condition is not dangerous, it may lead to mistaken analysis of jaundice. [read more]
Carotid artery dissection involves a tear in an inner artery lining, known as carotid artery. Carotid arteries supply blood to the brain, and are located in the neck's front portion. The condition may be critical, and needs immediate medical attention. [read more]
Carpenter syndrome is classified as a very rare or uncommon genetic disorder, distinguished through premature closure of skull bones, growth retardation, heart defects, craniofacial abnormalities, and other health disorders. It is usually manifests at/or shortly following birth. [read more]
Cat Eye syndrome is a very uncommon chromosomal disorder relating to chromosome 22 genetic abnormalities. The syndrome affects the eyes' appearance, and can be apparent at birth. Its name is derived from the distinctive eye abnormality present in affected individuals. This characteristic consists of the partial lack of coloboma or ocular tissue, which often affects both eyes. [read more]
Cat-scratch disease is a communicable disease transmitted through the bacteria in a cat's saliva. The disease can be caught from a cat's bite or scratch, and may be passed on from cat to human. The disease isn't severe in healthy people, but it may be a problem for those who have a weak immune system. [read more]
Catatonic schizophrenia is a subtype of chronic mental illness known as schizophrenia, which is characterized by altered perception of reality, behavior, and thinking. Patients with catatonic schizophrenia are typically extremely inactive or display minimal movements that seem disconnected from their surroundings. These episodes, known as catatonic episodes, may last for mere minutes or as long as a few hours. [read more]
CATCH 22 syndrome comprises an extensive range of developmental defects linked to microdeletions of chromosomal area 22q11.2. More known examples of CATCH 22 phenotype are Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, and Opitz GBBB syndrome. The acronym CATCH 22 summarizes the major medical features of the 22q11.2 deletions. [read more]
Catel Manzke syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder combining glossoptosis, cleft palate, and micrognathia with an abnormality of the index fingers. Apart from the major features, there are also several related malformations described, particularly growth retardation and cardiac defect. [read more]
Caudal regression syndrome is an uncommon disorder wherein the fetal spine's bottom portion does not properly develop. As a result, abnormalities that can be mild or severe occur. The syndrome can lead to various problems, varying from partial nonappearance of the spine's tailbone areas, to severe cases entailing significant malformation of pelvis, lower vertebrate, and spine. [read more]
Causalgia is defined as a chronic pain disease that typically affects the leg or arm. It is characterized by reduced motion range of the hand and shoulder of an affected arm. In rare cases, it can involve other parts of the body. [read more]
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a condition wherein there is formation of blood clot made up of fibrin and platelets in the brain's cavernous sinus. Cavernous sinus is found at the brain's base and contains several nerves, other structures, and a vein. This vein transports deoxygenated blood from face and brain then back to the heart. Associated conditions are craniocerebral trauma, thrombophilia, and infections of paranasal sinuses and contiguous structures. [read more]
Some people are born with defects on their lower lip, and this may occur on the right or left side of the lip. This disease is Cayler Syndrome, also known as asymmetric crying facies. It is a disease wherein a congenital heart defect constricts the muscle movement of the lower lip. The controlled muscle movement is due to an underdeveloped muscle in the lip, or a complete absence of the muscle. Being congenital in nature, those afflicted are born with the disease, and is noticed in the infant when they cry or smile. [read more]
When your child is born with a disease, knowledge about it will help you and your family cope with and learn how to raise the child as they need to. CDG, or congenital disorders of glycosylation, is a disease that affects the body's metabolic systems. It is also known by the name carbohydrate-deficient glycosylation syndrome. The central and peripheral nervous system are the most affected functions of those who are diagnosed with CDG syndrome. [read more]
Celiac disease pertains to a digestive disorder set off by consumption of gluten, a type of protein that can be found in pasta, bread, pizza crust, cookies, and other food products that contain barley, wheat or rye. [read more]
Genetics plays a significant role when it comes to the diseases we get or do not get in our lifetime. Among those that are determined by genetics, is celiac sprue, which affects the autoimmunity of the small bowel. Research has shown that an estimated 1% of patients come from Indo-European origins, although the disease still remains to be largely underdiagnosed. [read more]
Cellulite is unsightly fat visible on the skin. Cellulite is dimpled in appearance and can be typically seen on the hips, thighs, and buttocks of women. [read more]
Cenani Lenz syndactylism is a hereditary malformation syndrome that involves both the lower and upper extremity. It's an uncommon birth defect that's characterized by a variety of bone abnormalities. The syndrome was named after two medical geneticists; Turkish geneticist Asim Cenani, and German geneticist Widukind Lenz. [read more]
Central diabetes insipidus is one of the two types of diabetes. The disease causes those afflicted to have extremely diluted urine, a result of a hormone deficiency vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone. The condition disables the function of the kidneys to produce concentrated urine. Because of the excessive excretion of urine, people with central diabetes insipidus also show symptoms of extreme thirst for cold water. Dehydration is also a common symptom, since the body is unable to store water. The urine of patients also do not contain any glucose. In rare cases, central diabetes insipidus also causes blurred vision. Adults should be able to drink enough water to make up for the loss during extreme urination in order to keep healthy and live with the disease. Children who suffer from central diabetes insipidus show more drastic symptoms, such as diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. The disease also affects the child's growth, appetite, and eating functions. The disease may also occur gestationally, when women get pregnant but it disappears after labor. For one to be diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus, a number of tests are done concerning the blood glucose, calcium, and bicarbonate levels are conducted. Urinalysis is also conducted to determine the levels of electrolytes and urine osmolality, in which a person positive with central diabetes insipidus would have low results for both. An important tool in determining the cause of central diabetes insipidus is the fluid deprivation test. The disease can be caused by one of three factors: excessive liquid consumption, a disability in the production of the antidiuretic hormone, or if the cause lies in the kidney's reaction to the antidiuretic hormone. The test also makes use of a desmopressin stimulation to help in determining the main cause for the patient's condition. Should the patient be suspected of having central diabetes insipidus, further hormone testing of the pituitary is done. A magnetic resonance imagine, or MRI, is also conducted to determine what process is influencing the functions of the pituitary. Patients, including those with gestational cases, who are tested positive of central diabetes insipidus are treated with desmopressin. Those who develop gestational diabetes may also acquire the disease in their other pregnancies. For those who are diagnosed with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, the desmopressin treatment will not be effective. [read more]
Central diabetes insipidus is the body's deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone, causing too much production of extremely dilute urine. It is uncommon, and involves intense thirst and over urination. The condition indicates the kidney's inability to balance urine concentration. [read more]
Central serous chorioretinopathy is a condition of the eye wherein the central macula leaks fluid from the choriocapillaris, resulting in blurry vision. The word serous means serum, which is thin and watery-like in texture. The blurry vision is called metamorphopsia. Sometimes the patients see gray or blind spots, as well as occurring photopsia, or flashes of light. [read more]
Central sleep apnea is a condition characterized by breathing disturbances in sleep, often as a result of respirator weakness. [read more]
Centronuclear myopathy belongs to a group of rare diseases called congenital myopathies. Congenital myopathies are conditions wherein the cell's nuclei is located within the skeletal muscle cells, an abnormal condition. Normally, the nuclei would be positioned in the periphery of the cell, but with centronuclear myopathy the nuclei is in the center, hence the name. [read more]
Ceramidase deficiency, also known as Farber's Disease, is a group of genetically predisposed metabolic diseases named lipid storage diseases. The diseases characterize a condition wherein excessive amounts of lipids, such as fatty acids, oils, and other related substances, accumulate to harmful levels in the central nervous system, tissues, and joints. This may also affect the liver, heart, and kidneys. Ceramidase deficiency occurs in children when both parents have the protein-regulating gene sphingomyelin. Their children have a 25% chance of acquiring the disease, and a 50% chance of bearing the gene. [read more]
Ceramide trihexosidosis is also known as Fabry's disease, and is a condition wherein an enzyme deficiency causes a fat storage disorder. This is because the enzyme deficiency affects the lipid biodegradation functions of the body. [read more]
Ceraunophobia, known as the fear of lighting and thunder, is also known as astraphobia, tonitrophobia, and brontophobia. This specific type of phobia causes people distress and extreme upset when they encounter thunder or lightning. [read more]
Cercarial dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by an itchy rash caused by certain parasites. It is also commonly referred to as ?swimmer' itch?. [read more]
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a condition which affects the development of the cerebellum. The developmental problem actually results in an underdeveloped cerebellum, smaller than usual in size. Cerebellar hypoplasia may result because of genetics, or can also occur sporadically. The condition is associated with other diseases such as the Walker-Warborg syndrome, Dandy Walker Syndrome, and the Werdnig-Hoffman Syndrome. [read more]
Cerebral or brain abscess is a mass of materials such as pus or immune cells that grow inside the brain due to fungal or bacterial infections. [read more]
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a condition that affects the small blood vessels of the brain, wherein the amyloid protein associated with the Alzheimer's disease is deposited in the vessel walls. This may result in brain diseases such as dementia, brain hemorrhage, and stroke. Patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy are usually older than 65 years old, although it may also occur in those who are around 45 years of age. The disease prevalence increases with age, and equally affects both men and women. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is responsible for 5-20% of brain hemorrhage occurrences, and 30% of lobar hemorrhage. [read more]
A cerebral aneurism occurs when the cerebral artery's wall weakens, causing the blood vessel to balloon abnormally and be filled with blood. This aneurism may put pressure on the tissue surrounding the brain, or the nearby nerves; it can also result in a rupture, called a brain hemorrhage. These can occur anywhere in the brain, but usually in the under part of the brain by the skull's base known as the Circle of Willis. When cerebral aneurisms are very small, they can go on without causing any problems. [read more]
Cerebral cavernous malformation, sometimes known as cavernous angioma, is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The disease may occur sporadically or may be inherited. When one has the disease, there are groups of abnormal blood vessels located in the brain and spinal cord, although in rare cases they are also located in other parts of the body. A cerebral cavernous malformation resembles a raspberry, although it varies in size. The small bubbles are filled with blood, and a special layer of cells called endothelium lines the bubbles. [read more]
Cerebral edema is an inflammation of the brain tissue due to pressure brought about by massive fluids that are collected within the brain. This condition can cause neurological problems and eventual death. [read more]
Cerebral gigantism, also known as Sotos syndrome, is a rare hereditary disease characterized by excessive abnormal growth during birth, and extreme physical growth during early childhood years. The growth is purely physical, as there is no increased serum growth hormone levels. Sometimes, the condition may be accompanied by various levels of mental retardation, hypotonia, hindered motor, social, and cognitive development, and speech problems. Children born with cerebral gigantism are larger than normal during birth, and also possess a condition called macrocrania, where their heads are larger than normal. The disease may occur sporadically, or it can also occur in familial cases. [read more]
Cerebral hypoxia occurs when the brain cannot get sufficient oxygen supply. Four classifications divide the other forms of cerebral hypoxia. A milder form of the disease is known as diffuse cerebral hypoxia, wherein brain impairment occurs due to low blood oxygen levels. Focal cerebral ischema is a localized reduction in the transport of oxygen from the blood to the brain. Mild strokes may occur, and the neuron damage in this case is irreversible. Cerebral infarction occurs when the oxygen flow from blood to a part of the brain is completely stopped, causing significant and irreversible brain damage. Global cerebral ischema is the last category, wherein the blood completely stops flowing to the brain. [read more]
Cerebral palsy is a group of diseases that are non-progressive and non-contagious. The word cerebral refers to the cerebrum, and palsy means disorder of movement. Cerebral palsy is characterized by damaged motor control centers in the brains of young children. The brain damage that occurs does not worsen over time, although orthopedic difficulties may accompany the condition. There are 4 common classifications of cerebral palsy according to the damaged area of the brain. These are spastic, athetoid/dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, and this type of cerebral palsy affects the motor cortex, corticospinal tract, or pyramidal tract, which leads to neuromuscular conditions. Patients with this type of CP also are hypertonic. Athetoid or dyskinetic type of CP have mixed muscle tone, and have either hypertonia or hypotonia. Ataxia, the least most common type of cerebral palsy, is characterized by tremors, hypotonia, and possibly some difficulties with motor skills. [read more]
Cerebrohepatorenal syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized by the lack of peroxisomes, the cell structures that remove toxic substances from the body. Peroxisomes are found in the kidneys, liver and brain. [read more]
Ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal is also known as Batten Disease and Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. The name constitutes a family of 8 or more different neurodegenerative disorders which occur when lipopigments called lipofuscin, accumulate in the body's tissues. Fats and proteins make up the lipopigments, and they can accumulate in cells of body parts including the brain, eyes, muscle, and skin. The disease is quite rare, although they can occur in more than one member in a family if they possess the defective gene. The disorder is autosomal recessive in nature; meaning that if a child acquires the disease, both his parents have the defective gene. Parents who carry one defective gene result in each child having a one in four chance of inheriting the disease. Each of them also has a one in two chance of inheriting a copy of the gene. In adults, the CLN may be autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant form of the disease. [read more]
Cerumen impaction pertains to an abnormal accumulation of earwax in the external ear canal. The earwax becomes too tightly packed to the point of causing an obstruction in the said canal. [read more]
Cervical dystonia pertains to a painful condition characterized by involuntary contraction of neck muscles, which cause the head to twist or turn to one side. Cervical dystonia is also referred to as torticollis or spasmodic torticollis. [read more]
Cervical osteoarthritis also known as cervical spondylosis is the deterioration of the bones and cartilage of the backbone and neck. The condition sometimes leads to the formation of bone spurs or irregular bony outgrowths. [read more]
It is an inflammation of the cervix. [read more]
Cestodes are parasitic internal parasites commonly known as tapeworms. They thrive on the feces of their host, and are a potential cause of gastrointestinal diseases. Cestodes also thrive in the gastrointestinal tract where they lay eggs. [read more]
A chalazion is a cyst that grows in the eyelid caused by the inflammation of the meibomian gland. These cysts vary in styes and are usually painless until they start to swell. They eventually heal and disappear on their own after a few days or weeks, but oftentimes it needs treatment in order to heal faster. [read more]
Chancroid is a kind of sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. This STD is common in hot, tropical countries, and is characterized by open, painful sores in the genital area. When left untreated chancroid may give way to ulcers that may persist in the affected area for up to several months. [read more]
Chandler's Syndrome (CS) is an eye disease which eats up the lining of cell inside the cornea causing the iris to dry up. This rare eye disorder is characterized by the swelling of the cornea as well as glaucoma. One of the three syndromes that dwell on the eyes, CS is more common to females than with males. At most times CS only affects one eye, but when left unattended, the other eye may be infected as well. Because of the glaucoma and leaking of fluids throughout the cell membrane would cause extreme pain and impaired vision. [read more]
Chaotic Atrial Tachycardia, also known as Multifocal Atrial Tachycaridia is a disorder characterized by abnormal rapid heart rate. The fast heart rate occurs when too much electrical impulses flow to the different chambers of the heart, making it function faster than normal. It is as well linked to other heart disorders such as atrial fibrillation. This heart disorder produces a rhythm of varying P-wave morphology at irregular PP intervals. The heart rate is usually between 100 and 140 beats per minute, but in a Chronic Atrial Tachycardia, multiple locations within the atria rev up and initiate electrical impulses. These impulses are sent to the ventricles, leading to a faster heart rate from 100 to 250 beats per minute. This very fast rate then increases the heart's workload. Chronic Atrial Tachycardia is common in elderly patients especially those with pre-existing health problems and COPD. [read more]
Lips that appear scaly, dry and may have one or more small cracks (fissures) are called chapped lips (cheilitis). They are often painful and there may or may not be swelling and redness. [read more]
Charcot's Disease, or more commonly known as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the gradual death of motor neurons which control muscle movement. This illness usually causes muscle weakness and progressive atrophy, making the person lose his ablity to make voluntary movements in all parts of his body except for his eyes. Eventually the disease can lead to dementia and death. [read more]
The Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited heterogeneous disease characterized by the death of muscle tissue and loss of touch sensation. It usually attacks the legs and feet but also triggers the arms and hands as the disease progresses. It is also known as Peroneal Muscular Atrophy or Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, and is incurable at present. The disease is named after scientists who took the effort to do research on it, Jean-Martin Charcot and his student Pierre Marie, as well as Howard Henry Tooth. [read more]
CHARGE syndrome is a genetic disorder which consists of a set of congenital defects on newborn babies. It was first discovered in 1979 and the acronym was coined in 1981. The acronym CHARGE stands for Coloboma of the eye, Heart defects, Atresia of the nasal choanae, Retardation of growth, Genital abnormalities and Ear problems. [read more]
Chediak-Higashi syndrome is an inherited disease that attacks the nervous and immune systems which results to pale-colored eyes, hair and skin. [read more]
A chemodectoma is a benign, non-chromaffin tumor that dwells in the carotid artery. Sometimes called as the non-chromaffin paraganglioma, chemodoctoma is usually found in the head and neck area. [read more]
Chemophobia literally means a fear of chemicals. It is a fully-developed psychological fear of chemical substances due to pre-existing beliefs and hearsays about the negative effects of chemicals to one's body. However, some experts do not consider chemophobia as a psychological condition, but rather a term marketing analysts and advertisers coined in order to widen the market of the products they are selling. [read more]
Cherubism is a genetic defect which consists of the protruding bone tissue at the lower part of the face, particularly at the jaws. At the beginning of one's childhood, his upper and lower jaw grow at an abnormal rate and will soon be replaced by cyst-like bones. Because of this sudden enlargement of the jaws, the person's cheeks become swollen and rounded just like that of a cherubim, and will soon face problems with tooth growth. The condition varies among people; some cases of cherubism are quite mild and in fact unnoticeable, but in others the defect is so severe they even encounter difficulties in chewing, talking and seeing. However, these growths become replaced by normal bones as the children enter adulthood, and they will soon have a normal appearance as they reach maturity. [read more]
It is a sudden feeling of pain in the chest. [read more]
Chest wall pain is also referred to as costosternal syndrome, costosternal chondrodynia, or costochondritis. The condition is the inflammation of a cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. [read more]
Chiari malformation is the displacement of brain tissue into the spinal canal. [read more]
Chickenpox is a classic infectious disease common among children. It is a rarely fatal illness that is characterized by red spots on the different parts of the body and become itchy over time. Persons that acquire chickenpox as well obtain lifelong immunity from the disease once it heals after a few weeks. [read more]
Chikungunya is a rare viral fever spread by mosquitoes that contain an alphavirus. Its name comes from a Makonde word that literally means 'that which bends up', as the arthritic symptoms of the disease result to a stooped posture on the patient. It was first discovered in 1955 after 1952 outbreak along the Makonde Plateau, which is located in between Tanganyika and Mozambique. [read more]
Childhood asthma is a kind of asthma present in children. It features the same attributes to that of adult asthma, except that it occurs more frequent due to the child's activities. Childhood asthma is present in children with a weak heart or lungs. [read more]
Childhood disintegrative disorder or CDD is a condition that consists of a child's delayed development in social function, motor skills and language. It is also known as disintegrative psychosis or Heller's syndrome. It is similar to autism, but normal development is first seen before a sudden regression occurs. It is not easy to detect CDD on children during its early stages; the disorder would only be obvious when the child starts to lose his language skills. Some children seem to react to seizures and hallucinations, much to the surprise of their parents. This is often described as a devastating condition, since it affects the family's future. Child disintegrative disorder was first described by Thomas Heller in 1908. [read more]
Childhood leukemia is one of the most common cancers that affect children. In this cancer, white blood cells dominate the bone marrow, wherein the red blood cells are produced. The lack of red blood cells in the body is life-threatening since it is the main factor that makes up the blood. This is a well-known cause of death when the disease is not treated. [read more]
Childhood nephrotic syndrome is an illness characterized by the kidney's loss of protein in the urine. The condition then causes the blood protein to decrease allowing water movement into the tissues of the body resulting to edema or swelling usually around the eyes, belly, and legs. Children doen't go to the bathroom and gain weight because of the swelling. [read more]
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that causes people to communicate and behave differently than most other people through disorganized, detached, paranoid, or illogical behaviors. [read more]
The Chinese restaurant syndrome is a collection of ailments experienced by a person due to the lack of Vitamin B6. Some of these ailments include flushing, sweating, headache and pressure on the face or mouth. Most people believe that this syndrome is caused by monosodium glutamate (MSG), but scientific research has found no link between the two. [read more]
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria. A common STD, Chlamydia can cause serious complications which may lead to damages in the female reproductive organs. It can also bring forth permanent problems such as infertility in both males and females. This disease is regarded to be a ?silent killer? because around 75% of infected people notice no symptoms. If the signs do surface, these are usually noticed a few weeks after the disease is acquired. [read more]
Cholangiocarcinoma is a kind of cancer affecting the bile ducts. It is a rare form of cancer linked with other diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, congenital liver dysfunction, and infection with liver flukes. [read more]
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a kind of cholangitis caused by an autoimmune reaction. It is an inflammation of the liver's bile ducts and leads to cholestasis, or the blockage of the bile transport towards the gut. This progresses to the accumulation of bile fluids which creates severe damages to the liver as well as jaunice and liver failure. The exact causes of PSC are not yet known. It is oftentimes linked with ulcerative colitis. PSC however differs from ulcerative colitis as it continues to thrive in the body even after the colon has been surgically removed. [read more]
Cholecystitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the gall bladder. It is mainly caused by gallstones or choleliths which block the cystic duct. The blocking of the bile ducts leads to complications such as bile stasis, inspissation of the bile, and infection done by gut organisms. The disease takes place when the gall bladder's wall becomes swollen. Sometimes this inflammation may develop into necrosis and damage other structures such as the bowel and diaphragm. [read more]
Cholelithiasis is the process of forming gallstones or choleliths in the body through accretion of bile components. They can develop anywhere in the biliary area such as a gallbladder and the bile duct. Once the bile duct becomes affected by this process it can cause choledocholithiasis, while obstruction of the biliary tree can lead to jaundice. The gallstones can also reach the pancreas, thus resulting to pancreatitis. [read more]
Cholera is a contagious kind of gastroenteritis caused by a bacterium named Vibrio cholerae. It is transmitted to humans via contaminated food or water. The cholera-causing bacterium produces an enterotoxin that obstructs the small intestine leading to diarrhea. Cholera is one of most fatal diseases in history, and it can transform a healthy person into a hypotensive one in a matter of hours. When not treated immediately, patients may die from the disease within three hours after diagnosis. [read more]
Cholestasis is a medical condition where the bile fluids cannot pass from the liver to the duodenum. This condition occurs when gallstones block the bile ducts due to side effects from other diseases or as a genetic defect in a person's DNA. [read more]
Cholestasis of pregnancy is a condition of intense itching particularly on the hands and feet in late pregnancy. [read more]
Chondroblastoma is a relatively rare but benign bone tumor which grows slowly in the affected part of a person's body. It comes from chondroblasts or cartilage cells and usually leads to the deterioration of muscles, extreme pain in the bones and immobility of the joint. When not treated, chondrolastoma may affect other organs particularly at the lungs. [read more]
Chondrocalcinosis is a kind of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) is rheumatologic condition due to the development of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in the tissues. [read more]
Chondrocalcinisis, also known as gout and peudogout, is an inflammation of the joints. This condition is characterized mainly by joint pains and calcifications that destroy the joint cartilage. [read more]
A painful inflammatory condition affecting the ear is called chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis (CNH) or it is sometimes called Winkler disease. Often seen in middle-aged or elderly men but may also affect women and younger adults, CNH results in a benign tender lump in the cartilaginous portion of the ear. [read more]
Chondrodystrophy is a skeletal disorder caused by several genetic mutations that affect cartilage formation. It is characterized by a normal-sized body trunk but with shortened extremeties and limbs. People in this condition are often referred to as dwarves, and almost 1 out of 25,000 children is born with this disorder. In a normal cartilage development, hyaline cartilage covers the long bones as well as the spinal cord, and the limbs grow at the end of the long bones. The cartilage then develops into bone joints, but for a person with chondrodystrophy, this process would not happen and would lead to skeletal dysplasia. [read more]
Chondroectodermal dysplasia, also known as Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, is a kind of skeletal dysplasia caused by a genetic disorder. [read more]
Chondromalacia is a degenerative condition of the cartilage cover at the patella or kneecap. It gives dull pain and persistent discomfort around the affected area, and is common among young adults and active people like soccer players, ballet dancers, rowers and tennis players. This condition happens when the kneecap is exposed to great stress or as a result of an injury in the patella. [read more]
Chondromalacia patella is a condition indicating damage to the cartilage under the kneecap. It is also referred to as patellofemoral pain. [read more]
Chondrosarcoma is a kind of bone cancer that comes from the cartilage tissue. It affects mostly the pelvic area, femur, arm, humerus, ribs and spine. [read more]
Choriorentinitis is an inflammatory illness involving the eye's retinal vessels. It is caused by bacterial, viral, or protozoan infections. When not treated, choriorentinitis may completely damage the retina and cause poor visions for the person with the said disease. [read more]
Christmas disease, scientifically known as Hemophilia B, is a blood-clotting illness brought about by a mutation in the Factor IX gene which causes the lack of Factor IX. It is the second and less prevalent form of Hemophilia named after Stephen Christmas, the first patient diagnosed with the disease. [read more]
Chromomycosis, also known as chromoblastomycosis, is a fungal infection common in places of tropical climate. It can be caused by different types of fungi that thrive under the skin and spreads slowly and becomes difficult to treat. [read more]
Chromosomal translocation is a genetic defect in which chromosomes break apart and reconnect with other chromosomes resulting to certain disorders. Chronic myelogenic leukemia and hemophilia are examples of chromosomal translocations. [read more]
Chromosome 22, microdeletion q11 syndrome, also known as Di George Syndrome, Velocardiofacial syndrome and Strong syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the deletion of a small part in chromosome 22 and occurs near the midsection of the chromosome located at q11.2. [read more]
Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease or hypocortisolism, is a disorder resulting from the adrenal glands' insufficient production of certain hormones. [read more]
Chronic Berylliosis is the inflammation of the lungs due to inhaling fumes or dust contaning the element beryllium. This metal can be found in coal, soil and volcanic dust and is used in manufacturing and aerospace industries. This disease may appear even after 20 years after exposure to the said element. [read more]
A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for eight weeks or longer. It physically drains the affected individual and may have major repercussions. [read more]
Chronic daily headaches are incessant head pains experienced daily occur at least 15 days a month, for more than three months. [read more]
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome that results from too much exercise or overusing the muscles resulting to pain, swelling, and sometimes disability in the affected leg and arm muscles. The condition is also called chronic compartment syndrome or exercise-induced compartment syndrome. [read more]
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder where in one suffers from recurring fatigue which cannot be improved by rest and can be aggravated by mental or physical activity. People suffering from CFS do not engage in lots of activities because they easily get tired. CFS can last for years and there are no specific tests available to diagnose this disorder. [read more]
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a group of hereditary illnesses wherein some cells in the immune system have a difficulty producing reactive oxygen compounds the body uses to kill ingested pathogens. This dyfunction leads to the presence of granulomata in the different organs of the body. [read more]
A chronic hiccup is a condition where a person experiences hiccups for an abnormally long period of time. A hiccup is an involuntary spasm made by diaphragm. It may occur several times a minute, but it resolves by itself after some time. It is caused by the sudden rush of air to the epiglottis, causing it to close. Hiccups may occur due to some activities like laughing too hard, drinking too much alcohol and eating spicy food. They are usually treated by drinking a glass of water until the spasm subsides. Chronic hiccups meanwhile last from weeks to months and even years for some cases. [read more]
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder that attacks the peripheral nervous system but as well involves the central nervous system. It is sometimes known as chronic relapsing polyneuropathy and is related to Guillain-Barre syndrome. [read more]
Chronic kidney failure is a form of kidney failure which develops gradually with few signs and symptoms in the early stages. Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to filter fluid and waste resulting in their accumulation to dangerous levels in the body. [read more]
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of leukemia which attacks a particular lymphocyte called the B cell, which can be found in the bone marrow, whose task is to fight infections. A person with CLL has a damaged B cell, thus it cannot fight infections and rather eats up other blood cells that are able to fight infection. [read more]
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that results when the body's immune system inappropriately attacks the thyroid gland. This causes damage to your thyroid cells and upsets the balance of chemical reactions in the body. The condition is also known as hashimoto's disease [read more]
Chronic mountain sickness is a dsease developed during a long period of stay in high altitudes. It is also known as Monge's disease. It can develop several years after living at a high place, and high places are defined to be at over 2500 meters above sea level. [read more]
Chronic myelogenous leukemia or CML is a rare kind of blood cell cancer. It is considered as chronic leukemia due to its slow progression pattern, sometimes over a period of years. CML isn't solid tumor that may be removed surgically. Fortunately, prognosis for individuals with CML might be improving due to new medications for treatment of the condition. [read more]
Chronic neutropenia is a disorder of the blood wherein there is a decreased number of the neutrophils, which has an effect on the ability of the body to battle infection. Neutrophils act as the body's major defense against particular fungal infections and acute bacterial. When their count goes under 1,000 cells for every blood microliter, the danger of infections somewhat increases. [read more]
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the continual obstruction of the brochial airflow, which is usually occurring with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. It leads to persistent decrease in airflow rate from one's lungs when they exhale. The disease is second to heart disease, and often affects men than women. [read more]
Chronic pelvic pain refers to any pain in the pelvic region lasting six months or more. It may be a symptom of another disease, or designated as a condition in its own right. [read more]
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is an ailment wherein the bones of a child become painful and inflamed. The condition ?comes and goes', meaning there can be times when one doesn't have symptoms but experience occasional flare-ups. [read more]
Chronic renal failure is the progressive and steady loss of the kidney's capability of excreting waste, concentrating urine, and conserving electrolytes. It's defined as permanent decrease in Glormerular Filtration Rate or GFR. This decrease in GFR is adequate enough to produce noticeable alterations in organ function and well-being. The condition is also known as Chronic Kidney Failure. [read more]
Chronic sinusitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the sinuses causing fluid buildup that plugs the sinus cavity and prevents normal mucus drainage. The condition recurs or stays longer than 12 consecutive weeks. [read more]
Chronic spasmodic dysphonia is a long-term voice disorder wherein there is an involuntary or excessive laryngeal muscle contraction when talking. The vocal cords' movement is strained and forced resulting in quivery, jerky, tight, groaning, or horse voice. [read more]
Chronic vulvar pain or Vulvodynia is a pain in the area around the vagina opening that lasts for months. [read more]
Churg-Strauss syndrome is among the several types of vasculitis, wherein there's an abnormal over-activation of an asthmatic person's immune system. The syndrome occurs in people having an allergy or asthma history. There is a swelling of the blood vessels in one's lungs, abdomen, nerves, and skin. [read more]
Chylous ascites is an uncommon disorder that involves the drainage blockage of the abdominal lymph glands, resulting in the accumulation of milky chyle in the abdominal cavity. [read more]
Cicatricial pemphigoid is a comparatively rare blistering disease involving the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, throat, nose, and genitals. The disease is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system generates antibodies that attack certain proteins that attach the epidermal cells to each other. The disrupted connection causes the cell to separate from the skin's lower layers, thus blisters form. [read more]
Cirrhosis is the condition in which the liver has incurred severe damages due to inflammation or fibrosis. In this state the liver is already scarred and nodules have formed in and around it. When left untreated cirrhosis can cause death as the liver can no longer deliver its normal functions. [read more]
Clarkson's disease, also known as capillary leak syndrome with monoclonal gammopathy is a rare medical disorder characterized by an increased number of certain blood proteins and blood leaking out of the blood vessels. It may develop into plasma cell leukemia when left undiagnosed. [read more]
Claudication is a leg pain that is often a symptom of peripheral arterial disease, which is a potentially serious but treatable circulation problem. [read more]
Cleft lip is a type of birth defect that happens when a fetus' nose and upper jaw tissues don't attach as expected at the time of fetal development, which results in a cleft or split lip. Generally, cleft lip doesn't lead to health problems and it's treatable. In a few cases, some cleft lip infants have trouble feeding. [read more]
Cleft palate is a type of congenital defect that results from an abnormal facial development that occurred during the gestation period. It can occur together with a cleft lip. The cleft is defined as a division in the natural structure of the human body. The cleft palate occurs when the two plates of the skull that form the roof of the mouth are divided. The cleft palate can be a complete or incomplete occurrence. . [read more]
Click-murmur syndrome, also known as Mitral valve prolapse, is a heart disorder in which the valve between the left upper chamber of the heart and its left lower chamber does not close properly. [read more]
Cloacal exstrophy is a rare although severe birth defect where most of the abdominal organs, including the bladder and intestines, are exposed. The condition is named so, because the cloaca refers to the area in the embryo which eventually forms into the lower abdominal wall structures. When a child is born with cloacal exstrophy, a part of the large intestines is located outside of the body, and on one side lies the bladder in halves. In males, it occurs that the penis is short and flat, and sometimes cut in half; while with females, the clitoris is also cut in half. The condition may also result in two vaginal openings. [read more]
Clostridium difficile infection is a contagious disease present among closed spaces such as hospitals. This disease commonly affects the colon causing rectal and gastrointestinal complications. [read more]
Clubfoot is a congenital defect wherein the foot is inverted and down. It is a common defect, occurring in one in every 1,000 births. The condition more commonly afflicts males than females. When untreated, those who have clubfoot will seem like they are walking on their ankles. [read more]
Cluster headache is defined as intense pain felt at one's temple or area surrounding the eye on any side of the head. The pain lasts moderately short, and usually happens in clusters for six- to eight-week period. This disorder is comparatively rare, and mostly affects men above thirty years old. [read more]
Coal workers' pneumoconiosis or Black Lung Disease is an illness that affects the lungs, wherein coal dust deposits spread throughout the organ resulting from prolonged inhalation of coal dust. Coal dust can block airways. The disease develops into more serious illness called progressive massive fibrosis. [read more]
Coats disease is an uncommon eye condition that causes partial or full blindness. It is distinguished by an abnormal growth of blood vessels at the back of the retina, causing retinal detachment. [read more]
Cockayne's syndrome is defined as an uncommon genetic disorder involving ?progressive multisystem degeneration'. The DNA or genetic material inside body cells is harmed by ultraviolet radiation. Generally, the body is able to repair the damaged DNA, but individuals with the syndrome are deficient of this ability. [read more]
Coffin-Lowry syndrome is an uncommon genetic condition linked with delayed development and mental retardation. It is also distinguished by skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities. Males are typically more extremely affected compared to females. The syndrome is inherited in a pattern known as X-linked. [read more]
Coffin-Siris syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder distinguished by absent or underdeveloped toenails and fifth finger, as well as coarse features of the face. [read more]
Cogan syndrome is defined as a rheumatic disease that may lead to hearing loss, dizziness, and vision difficulty. The syndrome can also be linked to blood-vessel swelling in other parts of the body; this may cause damage of major organs and even death. [read more]
Cohen syndrome is an uncommon genetic condition characterized by obesity, prominent frontal teeth, and decreased muscle tone. In some individuals, there is a low level of white blood cells. Its transmission is in an autosomal recessive manner with variable expression. [read more]
Cold sores in children are blisters that appear on the corners of the mouth that result to painful lesions and irritating discomfort. These blisters are caused by the herpes virus. [read more]
Colibacillosis is an infection brought about by the Escherichia coli, or E. coli bacteria. [read more]
Collagenous colitis is an inflammatory bowel disorder, causing chronic ?watery diarrhea'. It is also referred to as microscopic colitis, as there's no sign of swelling on the colon's swelling when viewed with colonoscopy. [read more]
It is a condition in which a lung or both lungs collapse due to air pressure that leaks into the chest cavity. [read more]
Coloboma, Ocular is an uncommon chromosomal disorder that involves Chromosome 22 abnormalities. The eye has a hole in one of its structures, such as in the lens, iris, eyelid, optic disc, retina, or choroids. The disorder is inborn, and may be due to a gap known as choroids fissure in between the eye's two structures. This gap exists early during development inside the uterus, failing to completely close before an infant is born. It can affect both or only one of the eyes. [read more]
Colon polyps are small clusters of cells that form on the colon lining. Even though this condition is not harmful it can also develop as cancer over a period of time. [read more]
Colonic ischemia is a medical condition mostly found in adults at 50 years of age or older. It is a condition in which the colon is inflamed and injured. The condition is also called ischemic colitis. [read more]
Color blindness or otherwise color vision deficiency is characterized as the ability of the individual to perceive and distinguish color differences. This medical condition is mostly genetic in nature, and can also be due to certain eye, brain and nerve damage as well as exposure to harmful chemicals. Some individuals with color blindness have normal vision but simply have difficulty in distinguishing color variance. [read more]
Colorado tick fever (CTF) is defined as a tick-borne viral illness that was largely suffered by humans in the United States. This medical condition is usually caused by an infection that is directly related to the Colorado tick fever virus, which is recorded to be a type of Coltivirus genera.. [read more]
Colorectal cancer is the medical term for both colon cancer and rectal cancer. The former is cancer of the colon, while the latter is cancer of the colon's last 6 inches. [read more]
Coma is a state in which an individual is unconscious for a prolonged length of time due to a variety of problems such as a stroke, traumatic head injury, brain tumor, or an underlying illness such as an infection or diabetes. [read more]
Familial combined hyperlipidemia is categorized as a disorder brought about by abnormally high levels of high blood triglycerides and cholesterol. This type of medical condition is typically passed down or an inherited disorder through family generations. [read more]
A common cold is characterized as an infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, throat and nose. This condition is usually harmless and is known to be self-limiting. There are about 200 viruses that are known to cause common colds, making this condition highly prevalent among adults and children alike. [read more]
Common Variable Immunodeficiency is type of disorder that is characterized by extremely low levels of serum immunoglobulin or what is known as antibodies as well as the increased susceptibility to infections. The underlying cause if this medical condition is not known, but is known to be a relatively common type of immunodeficiency. [read more]
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a respiratory tract illness in which the alveoli in the lungs are filled with water, making the oxygen unable to enter the lungs for respiration. It is a common disease among the elderly, but it can affect people of all ages. [read more]
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is categorized as a highly uncommon and chronic condition that typically affects the patient's leg or arm. Seldom, the disease may spread and affect other areas of the body. The very nature of this medical condition is this not clearly understood up this day. [read more]
Complicated grief is painful, complicate, and debilitating reaction to grief caused by distress and other emotional experiences. [read more]
Compulsive gambling is an impulse-control disorder in which an individual cannot resist the temptation to perform a harmful act to oneself or another individual. [read more]
Compulsive hoarding syndrome is an individual's excessive collection of items that may or may not have value and inability to inability to discard these things. [read more]
Compulsive overeating is a condition in which an individual cannot resist the regular consumption of unusually large amounts of food. It is also called binge-eating disorder. [read more]
Compulsive sexual behavior is an individual's preoccupation and overwhelming urge for sex. It is also called hypersexuality, nymphomania, or erotomania. [read more]
Compulsive stealing or kleptomania is a serious mental disorder in which an individual cannot resist the urge to steal items often with little value. [read more]
Concussion is a condition that interferes with how the brain works affecting a person's memory, speech, judgment, balance, and coordination. [read more]
Conduct disorder is the most severe psychiatric disorder usually affecting children and adolescents involving persistent antisocial behavior violating the rights of others; characterized by activities such as stealing, truancy, substance abuse, and vandalism. These behavior patterns are usually exhibited at home, school, and even in social functions and causes significant impairment the family, social, and academic performance of the child or adolescent. [read more]
A conductive hearing loss is characterized as one that greatly affects the ear structures that is used to conduct the sound into the person's inner ear, which include both the outer and middle ear. Infections in the middle ear are among the most common causes of this hearing impairment. [read more]
Condyloma is more popularly known as genetal wart, categorized as a sexually transmitted disease that has external manifestations most particularly in the genitalia and anal area. Internal warts grow on the cervix and the upper vagina as well as in the male urethra. The lesions usually appear raised and pinkish in color but do not usually produce any other symptom. [read more]
Condyloma acuminatum is more popularly known as genital warts and is largely categorized as a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus. The estimated incubation period of this disease is approximately three months and is known to be highly contagious. The warts usually grow on the perianal and vulva areas, the cervix and vagina walls as well as the penis shaft for males. Lesions appear to be wart like and can be easily recognizable upon application of acetic acid or vinegar during examination. [read more]
Cone dystrophy is categorized as a genetic form of blindness which typically results in the impairment of the patient's photoreceptor cone cells, which is an essential part of the human vision. [read more]
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is characterized by a number of genetic conditions that directly affects the adrenal glands. This medical condition can significantly interfere with normal development and growth among children. This includes the normal development of the patient's genitals, both affecting men and women. [read more]
Congenital afibrinogenemia is categorized as an extremely rare disorder that involves the inability to produce fibrinogen, an essential element of the blood clotting process. This is considered as an autosomal recessive disorder. [read more]
Congenital amputation is characterized as the absence of a fetal part or limb at birth. This congenital condition is said to be a result of possible constriction of the fibrous bands inside the membrane surrounding the fetus. It can also be due to the exposure to certain substances that are known to cause birth defects. Genetics can also play a factor. [read more]
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, or CCHS, is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The disease is characterized by an impairment or absence in the body's automatic control for breathing. The patient's body forgets to breathe, even during sleep. The symptoms for congenital central hypoventilation syndrome can be mild or severe, but typical symptoms include abnormal pupils, which occur in 70% of cases; poor breathing functions especially during sleep, lack of spontaneous breathing, and bluish color in lips, nails, and skin due to breathing problems. Half of the patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome can breathe almost normally when they are awake; however, it is during sleep when they encounter difficulty breathing. Other characteristics to watch out for when diagnosing one with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome are: no muscular or respiratory problems that may cause the breathing difficulty; no heart disease; consistent poor breathing during sleep, and that the symptoms are noticed when the child is less than a year old and continues. Early diagnosis of the disease is important, because when it goes undetected, this may result in death. Once it is determined that a patient has congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, they can seek treatment for the disease. Prior to treatment, the patient will undergo a variety of tests, among the first will determine the severity of the problem. Other tests will determine the respiratory aspects of the disease, as well as neurological and cardiac tests. During the course of treatment, the patient will use breathing support apparatus, such a respirator. Some children may need to use it for 24 hours of the day. In more severe cases, patients undergo surgery that will allow them to use a surgical implant that provides electrical stimulation to the diaphragm muscle to help improve breathing. Studies show that genetics plays a role in the occurrence of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. Research also shows that since 20% of the cases are accompanied by Hirschsprung disease, that there is an underlying connection that can be found in the genetics of the patients. Children born with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome can still lead normal and active lives; however, extra supervision is needed during certain activities such as swimming when the body can forget to breathe when in the water. [read more]
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CAM) is categorized as a highly distinct entity, which was discovered way back in 1949. CAM is characterized as a developmental hamartomatous, an abnormality of the lung that comes with an adenomatoid abundance of cysts that resemble bronchioles. [read more]
Congenital deafness may or may not be inherited or genetic in nature. It can also be dues to the exposure of the pregnant mother to infections such as the rubella virus. Roughly about 80% of the congenital deafness cases that are-syndromatic, which are highly heterogeneous but the mutations in the Connexin 26 molecules usually account to almost half of the patients. [read more]
The congenital erythropoietic porphyria is categorized as an extremely rare case of autosomal recessive condition, and is more popularly known as Gunther's disease. This serious medical condition is a cause of various gene mutations in which the symptoms are known to development as early as the infancy stage. Congenital erythropoietic porphyries is often marked a cause of the patient's anemia among fetus even before birth. [read more]
Congenital facial diplegia or more popularly known as Mobius syndrome is categorized as an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes facial paralysis among newborn babies. This is known to be caused by the underdevelopment of the sixth and seventh cranial nerves that are known to control the facial expression and eye movements. [read more]
Congenital heart disoder is a kind of heart ailment diagnosed in newborns, and usually includes some structural defects that often lead to arrhythmia as well as the possible malfunctioning of the heart muscles. This disease normally appears when the heart of the fetus is not able to function properly because of incomplete development or some irregular structure of the valves. [read more]
Congenital heart septum defects one of the most common types of heart disorders that involves the septum and diagnosed at birth. This defect is characterized by a hole in the wall of the infant's heart that divides the left and right chambers and allows the blood to freely flow through that hole. [read more]
Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is an extremely rare form of hereditary disorder that is characterized by the detection of a periportal fibrosis with some marked unevenly shaped producing bile ducts, as well as esophageal varices and intrahepatic portal hypertension. Congenital hepatic fibrosis is often associated with renal function disorder that is typically due to an autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. [read more]
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the highly identified common infection carriers among humans of all ages. This type of virus usually occurs globally and produces a large variety of illnesses such as infections of the CNS, mucocutaneous infections, as well and sporadically infections affecting the visceral organs. [read more]
Congenital hip dysplasia is abnormal formation of the hip joint wherein the ball on top of the thighbone is not stable in the socket that is present since birth, which is characterized by irregularity of leg positions, asymmetric fat folds, and reduced movement in the affected side. [read more]
Congenital hypothyroidism is also medically referred to as endemic cretinism which is characterized by the inadequate production of thyroid hormone among newborn infants. This typically occurs due to an anatomic defect in the infant's gland, which is categorized as an inborn defect of iodine deficiency or thyroid metabolism. [read more]
Congenital ichthyosis is primarily characterized by the deep thickening of an infant's keratin layer of the skin. Babies with this medical condition usually have massive, horny and plate-like scales with marked abnormalities of the ears, eyes, mouth, as well as appendages. This type of armor significantly limits the movement as well as compromises the protective barrier of the skin, and makes infants more susceptible to infection and metabolic abnormalities. [read more]
Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) is a identified as an extremely rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system, preventing the sensations of cold, heat and pain. An individual afflicted with CIPA will not be able to detect pain or even differentiate intense temperatures. [read more]
Congenital megacolon is more popularly known as the Hirschsprung's disease, which is characterized by a congenital deficiency of nerves in a certain part of the colon. This is usually detected in neonates during the very first 24-hours of the infant's life. This disorder generally causes constipation and difficulty in bowel movements, which can possible develop to stool blockage in the intestine. [read more]
Congenital microvillus atrophy is identified to be one of the leading causes of secretory diarrhea during the infant's first weeks of life. A The medical term microvillus atrophy was initially used to categorize the disease way back in 1982. The typical clinical presentation of congenital microvillus atrophy includes the profuse watery secretory diarrhea that usually starts in the first few hours of life. [read more]
Congenital myopathy is characterized by a muscle disorder that is already present at birth, and this includes a great number of highly distinct neuromuscular syndromes and disorders. In most cases, congenital myopathies do not display any evidence of progressive dystrophic progress or any inflammations. This comes with the marked muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone that significantly delays motor development of babies such as learning how to walk. [read more]
Congenital nephrotic syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the kidney and is characterized by the presence of protein in the urine. This is a rare form of disease that is usually seen among Finnish families. This condition is primarily caused by nephrin in the kidney. [read more]
Congenital syphilis is an intense, disabling, and frequently life-threatening infection reported in infants. Syphilis may be spread through an infected pregnant woman's placenta and pass on to the unborn child. Almost fifty percent of the children infected with the disease at the time of development die shortly prior or after their birth. [read more]
Congenital toxoplasmosis is defined as a set of symptoms and traits caused by fetus infection with an organism called Toxoplasma gondii. The disease is usually mild for the mother, and might not even be evident. However, the infected fetus can be the cause of many problems. Early pregnancy infection results in serious health troubles compared to getting the disease later in pregnancy. [read more]
Conjoined twins are identical twins that have failed to completely separate into two individuals usually joined at the chest, head, or pelvis. Some may even share one or more internal organs. [read more]
Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the eyelids' membrane lining known as conjunctiva. This tissue aids in maintaining the eyeball and eyelid moist. The disease is among the most treatable and widespread infections in adults and children. It is also frequently called ?pink eye?. [read more]
Conn's syndrome is an infection of the adrenal glands, wherein there is too much ?aldosterone' hormone secretion. The hormone is responsible for regulation of chief bodily functions, for instance blood pressure, correct electrolyte balance, and secondary water retention. The excessive secretion increases potassium loss and raises sodium re-absorption. The condition is also known as primary hyperaldosteronism. [read more]
Constipation is one of the most common problems in the digestive system characterized by infrequent bowel movements, passing hard stools, and straining when moving a bowel resulting to feeling bloated, lethargic, and feelings of discomfort or pain. [read more]
Constipation in children is a condition where children find it difficult to defecate. This is characterized by hard solid stool and stiff bowel movement. [read more]
Constitutional growth delay or CGD is used to define the temporary delay in growth of the skeletal system, resulting to pubertal delay and short stature. Children with CGD have normal birth length and weight, but at one point of their growing years, there is a slow down in development. Some teens have normal growth rate as younger kids, but lag behind and do not begin pubertal development and growth spurt like most teens. Individuals with CGD are often referred to as ?late bloomers?. [read more]
Contact dermatitis is a skin condition showing a red, itchy rash resulting from direct contact with certain substances such as cosmetics, soap, jewelry, or weeds including poison ivy or poison oak. [read more]
Continuous muscle fiber activity syndrome, also known as neuromyotonia, is a rare illness characterized by abnormal movements of the muscles due to impaired impulses at the peripheral nervous system. These abnormal impulses may continue even during one's sleep. Long term cramps, muscle pain and stiffness may be encountered at random instances, making it difficult for the muscles to relax. [read more]
Conversion disorder is defined as a psychiatric disorder wherein people convey emotional distress through ?physical' manifestations and symptoms. The symptoms appear involuntarily, while medical examination doesn't explain any clear-defined root of the dysfunction. [read more]
Cooley's anemia, also called Thassalemia, is a hereditary blood disorder distinguished by less number of red blood cells and less hemoglobin in the body. Due to the decreased amount of red blood cells, the condition leads to anemia. [read more]
Coproporhyria, also known as Porphria, is a term used to define a set of hereditary disorders arising from troubles in the body's manufacture of a substance identified as ?heme'. Heme is present in each body tissue. The body utilizes enzymes to transform ?porphyrins' into heme. When one of the enzymes has an inherited deficiency, the process of transformation is interrupted. This causes porphyrins to accumulate in one's body, which in turn leads to the symptoms of Coproporhyria. [read more]
A corneal abrasion is characterized by a very painful scratch or scrape on the surface of the cornea. This is the transparent window covering the iris, which is the circular colored portion of the eye. Since the cornea has nerve endings just below the surface, even the slightest damage on the surface can be very painful. [read more]
Corneal dystrophy is defined as a disorder wherein one or more portions of the eye's cornea lose normal clarity, resulting from an increase of a cloudy material. There are more than twenty types of corneal dystrophies affecting all parts of a cornea, including keratoconus, Fuch's dystrophy, lattice dystrophy, and map-dot fingerprint dystrophy. [read more]
A corneal foreign body typically occurs when the person's cornea has a certain piece of foreign matter that is lodged in it. Among the most common foreign bodies identified include paint chips, metal and wood debris, dust particles and plant materials. [read more]
Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a very uncommon disorder that involves delayed physical growth, as well as a variety of malformations of the face, limbs, and head. The traits of this condition vary expansively among affected people, and differ from fairly mild to serious. [read more]
Coronary artery disease is the obstruction of blood flow through the coronary arteries. [read more]
Coronary heart disease is a condition in which the arteries responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle, harden and narrow. This is the result of a plaque on its inner walls. This plaque leads to less blood flow throughout the arteries, which in turn causes the heart muscle to not get the oxygen it requires. The condition is also known as ?Coronary Artery Disease'. [read more]
Corpus callosum agenesis is an uncommon congenital disorder, wherein there's a partial or complete absence of an area of the brain that connects its two cerebral hemispheres known as ?corpus callosum'. [read more]
Cortical dysplasia is a congenital disorder characterized by the failure of neurons usually found near the brain's celebral cortex to migrate in the proper formation in utero, causing the neurons to grow larger than normal. This is found to result to disorganization of the normal structure of the cerebral cortex, causing seizures and developmental delays. [read more]
Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is an incurable neurological disorder that manifests itself through muscle rigidity and speech problems. Symptoms usually begin surfacing when patients reach 60 years old, affecting one side of the body and eventually progressing to both sides in 6 to 8 years. It may affect speech first before interfering with muscle movement. [read more]
An extremely rare disease with only 200 to 300 cases reported worldwide, Costello Syndrome is a genetic abnormality that slows down development and causes mental retardation. Patients share the same facial features, with loose skin and flexible joints, and are more prone to develop certain diseases like heart abnormalities, non-cancerous and cancerous tumors, and cell carcinoma. Individuals affected by this condition are relatively short and may possess lesser levels of growth hormones. [read more]
Costochondritis (or Costal chondritis) is a mild inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. It is also called Tietze's syndrome after the German surgeon who first described the disorder, Alexander Tietze. Depending on the severity of the case, swelling may or may not be present in the cartilage. It causes sharp pain, not unlike that of a heart attack. [read more]
Costosternal chondrodynia is also referred to as costosternal syndrome, costochondritis, or chest wall pain. The condition is the inflammation of a cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. [read more]
Costosternal syndrome is also referred to as costosternal chondrodynia, costochondritis, or chest wall pain. The condition is the inflammation of a cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. [read more]
Cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is an unexplained death among infants ranging from 1 to 12 months old. This condition is common among infants with low birth weight. [read more]
Cote Adampoulos Pantelakis syndrome is a disease that develops before birth causing multiple joint contractures and characterized by muscle weakness and fibrosis. It is a rare disorder affecting the jaw, spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, feet and toes. These contractures are accompanied by muscle weakness, limiting movements further. [read more]
Couvade syndrome is also known as sympathetic pregnancy, pregnant dad syndrome, and male pregnancy experience is a condition wherein the expectant father is experiencing some of the physical pregnancy symptoms prior the birth of the baby. The condition is usually common in first-time fathers; however there are also cases involving fathers who had previous children. [read more]
The genetic disorder Cowden's disease causes the tumor-like growths called hamartomas to develop on one's skin or mucous membranes. Noncancerous and small, this may also grow in various areas of the body including the intestinal tract. Patients with Cowden syndrome are much more likely to contact uterus cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. [read more]
Cowpox or catpox is now an uncommon skin disease caused by a virus called cowpox that is transmitted by touching infected animals. In the 18th century, the disease was contracted when a person touches the udders of cow that are infected. Today, however, this disease that causes hands to develop postular lesions and the skin to have red blisters is usually transmitted by touching cats, hence it is also called cat pox. Interestingly, the cowpox virus proved to be useful in the past two centuries when it became the first vaccine for the smallpox. [read more]
Coxsackievirus infection, also known as the Keshan disease, is an inflammation of the heart due to the Coxsackie virus. When not treated, the disease can be fatal. It is an illness endemic in some parts of rural China. Research studies have also shown that the disease is triggered by low selenium levels in the body. Selenium supplements are likewise administered to treat the disease. [read more]
Cranial arteritis is a condition in which the lining of the arteries is inflamed. Affect arteries may be in the neck, upper body and arms, but usually occurs in the head especially the arteries in the temples. The condition is also called giant cell arteritis, temporal arteritis, or granulomatous arteritis. [read more]
CREST syndrome (Calcinosis Raynaud's Esophagus Sclerodactyly Telangiectasia) is a disorder caused by a glitch in our connective tissues, the substance found outside our cells that hold the tissues and organs of our bodies together. It can be a benign condition that won't affect our bodily functions, yet in some cases it can be serious and fatal. A subset of sleroderma, it causes problems in the skin and blood vessels, and in extreme cases, lungs, digestive tract or heart. [read more]
When not remedied, congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones causes cretinism, a disorder characterized by extremely stunted physical and mental growth. [read more]
The fatal and rare denerative brain disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is caused by proteins called prions that multiply exponentially by refolding native proteins to infected state. Disrupting cell function, CJD results to cell death, rapid and progressive dementia, loss of memory, hallucinations and behavioral changes. Death can occur in as little as four months after the onset of the first symptoms. [read more]
Crib Death, which is also called as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or cot death, is the sudden and unexplained death of a healthy baby that occurs while sleeping. [read more]
Crigler Najjar Syndrome (CNS) is a serious disorder that interferes with the metabolism of bilirubin, a chemical formed from the breakdown of blood, usually afflicting new borns. This causes an inherited form of non-hemolytic jaundice, which may often result to brain damage in infants. [read more]
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever It is the viral haemorrhagic fever of the Nairovirus group though it is mainly a zoonosis, erratic cases and outbreaks of CCHF can also affect humans. [read more]
Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory disorder most usually affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It can constrict the bowel and thus cause bowel obstruction, make abnormal passageway between the bowel and other body parts such as the skin, and result to inflammation without causing strictures or fistulae. Among the parts afflicted with this disorder are the ileum and the large intestine, as well as any part of the digestive system including the mouth and the anus. [read more]
The rare syndrome Cronkhite-Canada is a disorder prevalent among individuals 50 to 60 years old and characterized by the presence of multiple polyps in our digestive tract. The polyps affect the large intestine, stomach, small intestine and esophagus, causing gastrointestinal disturbances, malnutrition, malabsorption and even colorectal cancer. The polyps are hamartomas, growths which are often non-cancerous. [read more]
Croup refers to diseases of the respiratory system which are caused by inflamed upper airway. Characterized by sneeze and barking cough, vomiting, nausea, fever and high pitch sound the child makes when inhaling, Croup is often a benign condition that is treatable at home. Croup diseases are spasmotic croup, laryngotracheobronchopneumitis, acute laryngotracheitis, laryngeal diptheria and laryngotracheobronchitis. Laryngotracheobronchopneumitis and laryngotracheobronchitis are caused by bacterial infection and often severe. [read more]
The hereditary disorder Crouzon syndrome arises when the bones of a baby's skull and face close early or are incapable of expanding. This abnormal bone development is caused by disturbances in the development of the branchial arches and leads to malformation of the skull and facial features. Typically, individuals with Crouzon syndrome have low-lying ears and malformed ear canals that cause hearing loss. [read more]
Crouzondermoskeletal syndrome is a rare disorder not unlike Crouzon syndrome because it is caused by specific bones in our skull that join prematurely. It is distinguished from Crouzon syndrome by other disorders that also afflict patients with Crouzondermoskeletal, such as skin condition acanthosis nigricans, which is characterized by dark and thick skin in our body folds, changes in the vertebrae on x-rays, and the probable development of noncancerous cementomas during adulthood.. [read more]
The rare medical condition called Crow-Fukase syndrome is also called POEMS syndrome after the clinical features that distinguish it from other diseases ? Polyneuropathy (peripheral nerve damage), Organomegaly (abnormal enlargement of organs), Endocrinopathy (damage to hormone-producing glands)/Edema, M-protein (an abnormal antibody) and Skin abnormalities (including hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis). [read more]
The precipitation of the proteins called cryoglobulins in low temperature can cause serious health problems for some people. The condition is called cryoglobulinemia and it occurs when there are huge deposits of cryoglobuline in the blood, damaging organs and causing illness. It could be linked to multiple myeloma, liver disease, lymphoma, and infection. More women are afflicted with the disease. [read more]
Cryptorchidism, also referred to as undescended testicle, is a condition in which the testes did not completely descend into the scrotum. [read more]
Cryptosporidiosis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract characterized predominantly by diarrhea usually starting when a tiny one-celled parasite called Cryptosporidium enter the body and travel and hollow out in the small intestinal wall and force out of the body by means of feces. [read more]
Currarino's triad is characterized as a complex malformation that typically consist of anorectal and sacral defects as well as the formation presacral mass. Imaging would often show some sacral bony malformations and may be associated to some urological abnormalities of the neurogenic bladder or vesicouretereric reflux. [read more]
Cushing's Syndrome is also known by other medical terms such as hyperadrenocorticism and hypercortisolism, which is characterized as an endocrine disorder that is primarily caused by the high levels of cortisol in the patient's blood. There are a number of underlying causes and medical conditions that triggers Cushing's Syndrome such as ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone, adrenal hyperplasia, and iatrogenic or use of steroid. This disease is also quite common among dogs and horses, often characterized as the deposition of fat in the body. [read more]
Cutaneous anthrax was once known as a rather obscure disease is now a household name, largely owing to the media hype since it was used bioterrorism agents in the past. There are three different types of anthrax: gastronintestinal, inhalational and cutaneous. Anthrax is actually categorized as a zoonotic disease, which means, it mainly affects animals and not humans. This disease can be contracted through handling contaminated excrement from the infected animals. [read more]
A cutaneous horn, is also medically known as cornu cutaneum, which primarily refers to a partcular appearance of skin lesions that is manifested by a cone-shaped protuberance that arises on the skin. This is usually caused by an overgrowth of the superficial layer of skin or the epidermis. Although it may appear as a lesion, a cutaneous horn is actually the reaction to the pattern of the skin and may overlie skin cancer. [read more]
Cutaneous larva migrans or CLM,is a type of skin disorder that occurs among humans. Sometimes termed as ground itch pr creeping eruption, this disease is also known as sandworms in reference to the "fondness" of larvae for sandy soil. [read more]
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is categorized as a type of lupus that primarily involves the patient's skin but may also be a precursor to another systemic form of the disease. There are three different types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: chronic lupus erythematosus, subacute lupus erythematosus and e types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Dark skinned women individuals are more prone to Cutaneous lupus erythematosus especially between ages 20-60. [read more]
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is considered an extremely rare disease, and is usually occurs in people between the ages 40-60, primarily affecting the skin. This medical condition is caused by the uncontrollable development of within blood cells on the skin, which is known as T-cells. Among the most common types cutaneous T-cell lymphoma are Sezary syndrome and mycosis fungoides. [read more]
Cutis laxa (CL) is an extremely rare disease that can either be acquired or inherited disorder of the connective tissue. This is characterized by marked inelasticity of the skin that usually hangs in folds. In both inherited and acquired cutis laxa, the internal organs may also be affected. [read more]
Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita or CMTC is quite rare and uncommonly reported. This is categorized as congenital and sporadic cutaneous disorder that comes with the persistent telangiectasia, cutis marmorata and phlebectasia. This comes with ulcerations of the skin as well as cutaneous atrophy. Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenital is also usually associated with several other congenital anomalies. [read more]
Cyclic neutropenia is categorized as a rare blood disorder that is characterized by some recurrent episodes of abnormally low white blood cell levels called neutrophils. These are primarily responsible for warding off infections as well as in destroying bacteria that may invade the body. In most cases, people with cyclic neutropenia suffer from recurrent infections. [read more]
Cyclothymia is also known by the medical term cyclothymic disorder. This disease is characterized by a mild type of bipolar disorder. Similar to bipolar disorder, cyclothymia is known as a chronic mood disorder that results to emotional highs and lows. Patients with this condition experience short periods of emotional ups believing they are on top of the world and followed by emotional downs that often leave them feeling suicidal and depressed. [read more]
Cyclothymic disorder also called as cyclothymia, is a mild form of bipolar disorder; a chronic mood disorder causing emotional ups and downs. The condition is usually characterized by short episodes of emotional highs when feeling on top of the world followed by extremely low feeling that can possibly lead to hopelessness or suicide, if left uncontrolled. [read more]
Cystinosis is categorized as an inherited disorder that affects chromosome 17, under which the amino acid cystine is not properly transported out of the patient's body cells. This would cause organ and tissue all damage throughout the body and may begin to manifest at any age, affecting both male and female. This mutated gene CTNS is an autosomal recessive, which means both parents are carrier of this gene resulting to the child to inherit to defective gene copies. [read more]
Cystinuria is an type inherited metabolic disorder, where the natural reabsorption and filtration of amino acid, cystine, lysine and aginine by the patient's kidney are defective. This would cause the urine to contain elevated levels of cystine that causes the formation of kidney stones. This medical condition account to about 1% of kidney stones and usually occurs to 1 per every 7,000 people and are more common among Jews. [read more]
Cystitis is a medical term used to characterize the inflammation of the bladder. Majority of the time, this inflammation is typically caused by some form of a bacterial infection, which may be commonly referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI). This bladder infection often causes pain and discomfort and can even lead to serious health complications if infection reaches the kidneys. [read more]
Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome is characterized by experiencing pain in your pelvis ranging from discomfort or mild burning to severe pain, letting you think that you have a urinary tract infection. The pressure or pain in your bladder awakens you, not letting you get a good night's sleep and the first thing you will do is find the nearest toilet location. [read more]
A cystocele, sometimes called prolapsed bladder is characterized when the wall between a woman's bladder and the vagina stretches and weakens, letting the bladder bulge into the vagina. [read more]
Cytomegalic inclusion disease is an infection or condition resulting from a form of herpes virus called ?cytomegalovirus'. This virus leads to cell enlargement of a number of organs, as well as the growth of ?inclusion bodies' in the nucleus or cytoplasm of the cells. A trademark of this infection is the episodic recurrence of symptoms all through life, due to its virus cycles of latency periods and active virus. [read more]
Cytomegalovirus is a disease infecting cells and causing them to be enlarged. Individuals are typically infected when they're two years old or through teenage years. A lot of people become infected with CMV and do not even realize they have it. The disease doesn't cause chronic problems, but they do cause troubles in newborns if their mothers become infected during pregnancy. [read more]
Marked by itching and excessive flaking of the scalp, many people have this chronic scalp disorder called dandruff. It may be embarrassing to have dandruff which is surprisingly persistent, it is not contagious and is rarely serious. [read more]
Dandy-Walker syndrome is defined as a brain deformity that involves the ?cerebellum' and the fluid that fills the space surrounding it. The malformation happens before birth; thus, it's submitted as a ?congenital malformation'. The syndrome is characterized by enlargement of the brain's fourth ventricle, complete or partial absence of cerebellar vermis, and a formation of cyst near the skull's internal base. There is also increased fluid size and pressure increase in the fluid spaces around the brain. [read more]
Darier's disease is defined as a genetic disease or inherited dermatitis characterized by ?dark crusty patches' on skin, which sometimes contain pus. These patches are known as keratosis follicularis or keratotic papules. Although complications are uncommon, the disease can cause bacterial sepsis, as well as Kaposi's varicelliform eruption. [read more]
Prolonged nighttime sleep or recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness are among the characteristics of Hypersomnia. [read more]
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is characterized by the abnormal pain experience on the hand and wrist area. The pain is generally caused by the swelling of the sheath of tendons located on the thumb side of the wrist. This causes the pain and discomfort for every turn of the wrist, clenching the fist and grasping anything. [read more]
De Sanctis-Cacchione syndrome is a very uncommon disorder distinguished by eye and skin manifestations of XP or xeroderma pigmentosum, occurring in involvement with mental retardation, neurological abnormalities, underdeveloped ovaries or testes, and abnormally short stature or dwarfism. [read more]
Deep skin infection, or cellulites, is the inflammation of the connective tissues underneath the skin. It is a bacterial infection brought about by exogenous bacteria due to previous wounds, bites, sores or lacerations. This infection, when not treated, may lead to necrotizing fasciitis, wherein the bacteria eats away the affected tissue resulting to amputation. [read more]
Deerfly fever is otherwise known as Tularemia which is characterized by a rare and infectious disease that primarily attacks the eyes, skin and lungs. There are less than 200 reported cases of this disease annually, and is known to affect mostly the south-central and western states. Deerfly fever spreads through humans though a number of routes, including direct exposure and insect bites from an infected animal. [read more]
Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is the inflammation of the joints. It affects various joints such as the back, neck, knees, fingers, and hips. The disease occurs mostly people over the age of 45. [read more]
Degenerative nerve disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive fatal illness that affects the motor neurons that control the body's skeletal muscles. It is characterized by paralysis and weakening of the voluntary muscles. It is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. [read more]
Degos disease is an uncommon systematic disease that involves the medium and small sized arteries, wherein these arteries become blocked. The disease typically progresses into two stages. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of distinguishing skin lesions that may stay for some time, ranging from a few weeks to several years. Lesions inside the small intestines often mark the second stage, and other organs can also be affected. [read more]
Dejerine-Sottas disease is an uncommon genetic motor and sensory polyneuropathy that manifests progressive effects on mobility. The peripheral nerves thicken and enlarge, leading to weakness of the muscle. The progress of this disease is irregular, as well as frequently accompanied by numbness, pain, weakness, and a burning, prickling, or tingling sensations in one's legs. [read more]
A condition in which the muscles of your stomach don't function normally is called gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying. Usually, strong muscular contractions propel food through the digestive tract, and if the muscles in the wall of the stomach work poorly or not all, it would prevent the stomach from emptying properly and therefore, letting one would experience delayed gastric emptying. [read more]
The word "delirium" typically hints a state of feverish ecstasy that is believed to fuel some sort of artistic creation or some form of spiritual awakening, it can actually be clearly defined as a form of medical condition. Delirium is basically characterized a decline in attention, mental clarity and awareness that is often known to be triggered by a serious illness. [read more]
Demyelinating disease is defined as any type of nervous system condition wherein the neurons' protective covering, called myelin sheath, is damaged. This causes impairment in the transmission of signals within affected nerves, which in turn results to damage in movement, cognition, sensation, or other bodily functions, depending on the nerves involved. Some common demyelinating disease includes multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, devic disease, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, transverse myelitis, and adrenomyeloneuropathy. [read more]
Dengue fever is defined as a disease involving four connected viruses being multiplied by a specific mosquito species. The fever ranges from severe to mild; mild dengue results to rash, joint and muscle pain, and high fever. Its severe forms can additionally result to sudden blood pressure drop, severe bleeding, and death. [read more]
Dent's disease, also known as Dent Disease, is a rare X-linked recessive condition that is hereditary. It affects the Kidney and is one of the many causes of Fanconi syndrome. It is characterized by hypercalciuria, tubular proteinuria, nephrocalcinosis, chronic renal failure and calcium nephrolithiasis. Because it it only associated with the X-chromosome, this disease is most common to males. Studies show that more men (9 out of 15) suffer from this disease compared to women (1 out of ten) at an average age of 47 [read more]
Dental Fluorosis is a condition that affects the teeth caused by excessive intake of flouride. It is characterized by yellowish color of the teeth, presence of white spots, and discolorations like brown spots. It can also cause pitting and is often affects young teeth that has not yet erupted into the oral cavity. [read more]
Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a disorder of tooth development brought about by abnormal genetic mutations in the DSPP gene. It causes discolorations in teeth and development of abnormally weak dentin causing teeth to break easily, and break easily as well. It is otherwise called as hereditary Opalescent Dentin. Researchers have identified three types of this disease. [read more]
Depression in children is a form of emotional disorder that affects the child's psychological, emotional and social behaviors. This kind of depression sets the pace towards the child's outlook in life, and can be the cause of his erratic behavior upon reaching adulthood. [read more]
Dercum's disease is also known as Ander's disease or Adiposis dolorosa. It is a rare chronic disease associated with multiple painful fatty tissues during adult stage and usually affects obese women. [read more]
Dermal herpetiformis is a disorder of the skin, chronic in nature and is characterized as extremely itchy rash. Otherwise known as Duhring's disease, this condition is associated to a person's sensitivity to gluten in cereals specifically the intestine. The rashes is consist of papules and a fluid-filled blister or vesicle. It usually is common on men and women in their twenties. It is also often connected to celiac disease which is an autoimmune disorder of the small bowel. [read more]
Nipple dermatitis is characterized itchiness as well as the soreness of one or even both nipples. [read more]
Perioral dermatitis is characterized as a type of facial rash that usually tends to occur just around the mouth region. Most skin condition manifests as red and often slightly bumpy or scaly in texture. It can gradually spread up around the nose area, and even move up to the eyes. [read more]
Dermatofibroma is a lesion or a dermal tumor, mostly benign, laid ot by fibroblasts. It is characterized by hard papules in different colors ranging from brown to tan. In some cases, Dermatofibroma can become itchy and tender. It is also believed to be a reaction of the skin to previous injuries. Some are rare malignant fibrohistocytic tumors whuch are usually deep penetrating. [read more]
Lightly scratching your skin that may cause red lines on the area where you've scratched is a condition called dermatographia. It can be uncomfortable though it's not serious. Upon scratching, the skin cells are overly sensitive to minor injury with this kind of disorder. [read more]
Dermatographic urticaria is a disorder of the skin characterized by swelling of the skin when rubbed with dull objects. The swelling is caused by mast cells in the surface of the skin causing the release of histamines without antigens because of weak membranes that surrounds the mast cells. This disease is also called dermatographism or skin writing. This is not a life threatening disease. [read more]
Dermatomyosis is a disease of the connective tissues associated with muscles and skin inflammation. Juvenile dermatomyositis affects young children often associated with pink patches in the knuckles, abnormal and painful erection of the penis that can last for a long period of time, and groton's papules. It is one type of autoimmune disease of the connective tissue which is related to polymyositis characterized by many inflammations of the muscles, and the related disease that attacks the arm and leg muscles called Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis. [read more]
Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis is a congenital disorder most common in women. It is a rare type ectodermal dysplasia disorder. Although most cases are reported in Europe, there is not enough evidence to say that the disease is associated with any race. [read more]
Dermatophytids are skin lesions and erruptions that is occurs as an allergic reaction to the ringworm infections. These lesions, however are free of fungal forms and are generally vesicular, and papular in some cases. Dermatophytes often occur in the feet and hands. It also resembles erythema nodosum [read more]
Dermatophytosis is a skin disorder caused by a parasitic fungus called Dermatphyte. Dermatophyte feeds on keratin that usually found in the ectoderm or the outer layer of the skin, nails and hair. [read more]
Desmoid tumor is a tendon-like benign fibrous neoplasms. It originates from the musculoaponeurotic structures found in the entire body. It appears as firm overgrowths of tissues, usually fibrous, locally aggressive, well differentiated and infiltrative. Other terms used for this disorder are deep fibromatosis, nonmentastasizing fibrosarcoma or aggressive fibromatosis. It mostly grows from the abdomen and rectus muscle after giving birth or in scars from cuts during abdominal surgery. These tumors may also grow in bone muscles. [read more]
Also known as DSRCT, it is a very aggressive tumor that occurs rarely, a type of cancer that always grows in the abdomen and spreads locally to the lymph nodes. It can also spread to other parts of the body like the lungs, bones, and liver, chest walls, spinal cord, large and small intestine, skull, bladder, brain, ovaries, pelvis and testicles. This is most common in males especially in the young adolescent stage. This is a life threatening disease. This tumor is also called desmoplastic small round blue cell tumor, desmoplastic cancer, intraabdominal desmoplastic small round blue cell tumor or desmoplastic sarcoma. [read more]
Developmental delay is a disorder in which a child goes through an abnormally slower process of development than expected. His mental and physical skills develop very slowly. This condition is also called cerebral palsy. [read more]
Devic syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the protein of the central nervous system which is called aquaporin. This is a condition in which the fatty covering of the spinal cord is destroyed and the nerves in the eyes are affected causing sight loss and pain. A form of multi sclerosis that is rare and is rapid and severe. Patients having this disease will experience paralysis at different degrees. [read more]
Dextrocardia or Dextrocadia Situs Inversus is a medical term use to describe the location of the heart which is in the right chest instead being normally at the left side. Patients with this condition may grow and develop normally and live an equally normal life if there are no complications brought about by the heart's position. Limitations only come from other defects of the heart, lungs or chest. If there are no defects in the heart, this condition doesn't require surgery or any medication. [read more]
Dextrocardia with situs inversus is a rare state where the heart's apex is positioned abnormally towards the right side, other than the heart the liver and the spleen are reversed too. This condition is not a life threatening disease and most patients are capable of living a normal life. [read more]
Diabetest insipidus is a condition wherein a patient losses a lot of water through the diluted urine. It cause severe dehydration and a patient may feel the urge to drink lots of water due to the very large volume of liquid that is urinated. This disease is rare and may occur in young children. [read more]
Diabetes mellitus, popularly known as "diabetes" is a chronic disease. It is associated with very high levels of the glucose sugar present in our blood. There are two mechanisms for diabetes, patients may experience either of the two to suffer from this disease. The first is that there is not enough production of insulin produced by the pancreas as a result, blood glucose level are lowered or type 1. The second is that the cells is not sensitive enough to the action of insulin or type 2. [read more]
Diabetis insulin dependent is also known as diabetes mellitus type 1. This is a chronic disorder of our system's failure to produce inadequate amount of insulin. Characteristics of this disease is loss of the beta cells which are responsible for producing insulin. These cells are found in the islets of Langerhans in our pancreas. This loss leads to insulin deficiency. There is no known measure to prevent this disease. Affected people mostly are healthy when this disease occurs. The cells sensitivity and responsiveness to insulin are not abnormal. This type of diabetes can affect both children or adults, although it was previously called "juvenile diabetes" as it usually affects children. [read more]
Angiopathy refers to any disease associated with the blood vessels or the lymph vessels. When angiopathy is caused by diabetes, it is called diabetic angiopathy. Similar to most complications brought about by diabetes, diabetic angiopathy is primarily due to hyperglycemia or the high levels of blood sugar known to us as glucose. This disease can occur in any part of the body where the effect of high glucose level resulted to clogged up due to build up of plaque in the inner walls of the vessels. There are two types of this disease, macroangiopathy or microangiopathy. [read more]
Having a dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) when you have diabetes can lead to a diabetic coma which is a life-threatening diabetes complication and when left untreated can be fatal. [read more]
Diabetic dermopathy is also commonly known as shin spots or the pigmented pretibial patches. This is a skin condition that is usually found to develop on the lower legs of people who have diabetes. This medical condition is often the result of changes in the small blood vessel, which are primarily responsible in supplying the skin blood products. [read more]
Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome is characterized by an abnormally high blood sugar, ranging up to 600 milligrams per deciliter. In this case, the blood becomes syrupy and thick. This excess sugar in the blood passes on to the urine, which then triggers the filtering process, which will draw a great amount of fluid from the body. [read more]
A serious complication of diabetes develops when you have too little insulin in your body, and is called diabetic ketoacidosis, for without enough insulin, glucose can't enter your cells for energy. Your body begins to break down fat for energy and your blood sugar level will rise, and if left untreated may let you lose consciousness. [read more]
Diabetic nephropathy or nephropatia diabetica is also called Kimmelstiel-Wilson syndrome. Another term is intercapillary glomerulonephritis. It is a kidney disease, which is progressive in nature and is caused by angiopathy of the capillaries in kidney glomeruli. It occurs because of diabetes mellitus that has been in the patient for a long period of time already. [read more]
Diabetic neuropathies is a microvascular trauma that involves capillaries and venoules that provides blood and nutrients to the nerves, it is cause by diabetes melllitus. [read more]
Diamond-Blackfan Disease (DBA) is also called congenital erythroid aplasia that is present in infancy. That is caused by low red blood cell counts or anemia. [read more]
After solid foods are added to your baby's diet, when your baby is taking antibiotics or when breast-feeding mothers eat certain foods are the common factors for babies to have diaper rash ? a common form of inflamed skin (dermatitis). [read more]
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a collective term for different birth defects brought about by congenital factors which involves the abnormal development of the baby's diaphragm. [read more]
Diarrhoea in children is a condition where children suffer from loose bowel movement. Watery, semisolid stool is released frequently during the onset of the condition. When not treated, this can lead to dehydration. [read more]
Dibasic aminoaciduria type 2 also called lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) or familial protein intolerance is an amino acid transport disorder. The excretion of cationic amino acid (composed of ornithine, arginine, and lysine) in the kidney is increase. Cationic amino acid is a kind of amino acid does not absorb well in the intestine. Deficiency of arginine and ornithine stops the urea cycle which will cause hyperammonemia after protein rich intake [read more]
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is the hardening of the bony ligaments that are attached to one's spine. [read more]
Diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) also known as Interstitial lung disease, is refers to obstructive airway diseases of the lungs. It affects the alveolar epithelial lining, pulmonary capillary epithelium and its basement mambrane. [read more]
DiGeorge sequence (DGS), is an abnormal developmental condition that involves the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches. [read more]
DiGeorge Syndrome also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Velocardiofacial Syndrome and Strong Syndrome is a disorder known by total or partial absence or defective chromosome 22. [read more]
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. It is characterized by an absence or a significantly decreased activity of the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, which is an enzyme involved in the metabolic process of uracil and thymine. Individuals having this condition may develop toxicity, which may lead to death, after their exposure to 5-fluorouracil. 5-fluorouracil is a drug that is used in chemotherapy to treat of cancer. [read more]
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) also known as congestive cardiomyopathy, is refer to enlargment and weakening of the heart that leads to decrease cardiac output and affects other body organs. DCM is one of the cause of congestive heart failure (CHF). This condition also occurs in yound adults and children. [read more]
Dimitiri disease, also known as Struge-Weber syndrome, is a congenital disorder characterized by excessive bundles of blood vessels and calcium deposits in the brain. Seizures and unusual facial birthmarks can be found to persons in this condition. Angiomas can also develop inside the brain, face, eyes and jaws. [read more]
Diphallia is also known as penile duplication (PD), dophallic terata or diphallasparatus. It is a disorder of male infant born with two or more penis. This disorder commonly accompanied with congenital anomalies like renal and anorectal duplication. A Diphalilic patient have high risk to develop spina bifida, a congenital defect that has incomplete closure of the empbryonic neural tube that allow spinal cord to protrude through the opening. It also has higher death rate because of its complicated renal and colorectal structures that results infection. [read more]
Diptheria is a communicable disease of upper respiratory tract it is caused by an anaerobic Gram- positive bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. it is spread through direct contact. Vaccine of this bacteria is recommended for children after four weeks of birth, it has 3 dosage with 3 weeks interva. It also recommended to travellers. Incubation period of Diphtheria is from 2 to 5 days. [read more]
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus or Systemic Lupus Erythamatosus is a systemic disorder cause by autoimmune response of the body. The immune system fights against own body cells that leads to inflammation of the tissues that affects different parts of the body. It occurs in unexpected times, this period is called "flares". [read more]
A condition in which young children develop normally until age 3 or 4 but then demonstrate a severe loss of communication, social and other skills is called a childhood disintegrative disorder. It is also known as Heller's syndrome. [read more]
Your shoulders are prone to injury as they have the ability to move in any directions and they are your body's most mobile joints. An injury in which your upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that's part of your shoulder blade is called a dislocated shoulder. [read more]
A point where two or more of your bones come together is called a joint. An injury to your joint in which the ends of your bones are forced from their normal positions is called a dislocation. As a result from the injury which temporarily immobilizes and deforms your joint you may experience sudden and severe pain. [read more]
Dissecting aneurysm is also called an aortic dissection, characterized as a serious condition in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart. [read more]
Dissociative Amnesia is characterized by the pervasive loss of one's memory on a significant personal information. Unlike other forms of amnesia, in this case, the person is unconsciously blocking out a particular traumatic or stressful memory and does not result from any medical trauma. [read more]
Distal Myopathy are also known as distal muscular dysrtophy is a hereditary disease that causes weakness of muscuskeletal system at the distal area, it includes the hands and the feet .There are Different types of distal myopathy: the miyoshi myopathy, limp-girdle muscular dystrophy, welander distal myopathy and distal myopathy with anterior tibial onset. [read more]
Diverticulitis is a very common disease in the digestive system, specifically in the large intestine. This disorder developed from diverticulosis involving the formation of diverticula on the colon particularly on the outside part. It occurs if one of these many pouches or diverticula swells. [read more]
One of the most common reasons why older adults visit their doctors is due to dizziness. Your brain processes a variety of information from your nervous system, your eyes and your inner ears, keeping your sense of balance. But if the brain can't process signals from all of these locations, or if your sensory systems aren't functioning properly, or if the messages are contradictory, then you may experience dizziness and loss of balance. [read more]
Dizziness is common sensation characterized by unsteadiness and a moving vision of one's surroundings. Children, like adults, may experience dizziness every once in a while. [read more]
Ichthyosis vulgaris is a disorder tha occurs in the skin causing it to be dry, with scaly appearance. It is considered to be the most common form of skin disorder (ichthyosis) that affects one in every 250 people. Because of this, it is also called common ichthyosis. Some refer to it as fish skin disease because of its scaly characteristics. Usually, it is an autosomal inherited disease and often dominant. Often times, it is also associated with filaggrin. Although there is another version of this disease which is non-heritable but does not occur often. It is called acquired ichthyosis vulgaris. [read more]
Double Outlet Right Ventricle or DORV often coincides with a defect in the ventricular septal area (VSD), which is characterized by an opening in the heart septum which is not normally there. This allows the blood to pass in between the right and the left ventricles. In DORV, a VSD is helpful since it allows the blood carrying the oxygen from the left ventricle to pass to the right ventricle to other parts of the body but these blood mix with other blood poor in oxygen. As effect, the heart must work very hard in order to maintain proper and adequate circulation. [read more]
A vaginal douche is device used to stream fluid in or out of the vagina, for medical or hygienic purposes. Some women use a vaginal douche to insert medications to treat vaginal diseases, or to stream water out of the vagina cavity. It is also used to stream menstrual flow during intercourse as well as a birth control method. However, the vaginal douche can also bring about certain bacterial infections, especially when it is not cleansed properly. [read more]
Down syndrome otherwise known as trisomy 21 is a disorder caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. This disorder was termed as chromosome 21 trisomy in 1959 by J?r?me Lejeune. It is characterized by major and minor structural differences. Down syndrome is always associated with impairments of the cognitive ability and the physical growth. Facial appearance also is different. This disorder can be known even during pregnancy or right at birth. [read more]
Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy is a condition that occurs as a reaction of the Doxorubicin. In this case, it targets the heart. [read more]
Dracunculiasis also more commonly called and known by people as Guinea worm disease (GWD), is a kind of infection that is caused by the parasitic organism Dracunculus medinensis. It is also alternately known as "Guinea worm" or "Medina worm" or "fiery serpent" in English. The name reflects the word, which is Latin, Dracunculus. This means "little dragon". [read more]
Dressler's syndrome is the medical term that refers to the health complication that typically occurs after a heart surgery or heart attack. This is characterized by the inflammation of the pericardium or the sac that surrounds the heart. This is primarily caused by the reaction of the immune system after weeks or several days of contracting heart injury. [read more]
Drug eruption is characterized by an adverse reaction to medication. This is known as the undesirable and unintended reaction to certain drugs, causing side effects. In such cases, the skin is the most common affected area of the body and often forms rashes and other visible skin conditions. [read more]
Dry mouth is also known as xerostomia, characterized by the abnormal lack of saliva resulting to the dryness of the mouth. This condition is quite common and can be a nuisance since it generally affects the sense of taste as well as the health of the teeth. An important reminder for people who regularly experience such condition is to seek medical help and not just simply ignore it. [read more]
Dry skin is also known by a medical term xerosis, which is ordinarily not considered to be a serious problem. However, in most cases it can be rather unsightly or uncomfortable as it is known to shrivel plump skin cells creating wrinkles and fine lines. [read more]
Dry socket is a form of dental condition that usually occurs when the site of the tooth extraction has dislodged the blood clot, thereby exposing the nerves and bones. This causes a more intensified pain. This dental complication is quite common after tooth extraction. [read more]
Duane syndrome or DS is a very rare, congenital disorder that affects the eye movement. It is ofte times characterized by the eye's inability to turn out. It is named after Alexander Duane who made a very comprehensive discussion of the disorder back in 1905. Other terms referring to this condition also include Congenital retraction syndrome, Eye Retraction Syndrome, Duane's Retraction Syndrome or DR syndrome, Retraction Syndrome, and Stilling-Turk-Duane Syndrome. [read more]
Dubin-Johnson syndrome is a disorder usually autosomal and recessive. This condition causes an increase of bilirubin without elevation of the liver enzymes ALT and AST. This condition is often associated with the inability of hepatocytes to secrete produced conjugated bilirubin to the bile in the liver. It can be diagnosed in early infancy. Building up of biliburin in the bloodstrean cause yellowish color of the eye and skin. [read more]
Dubowitz syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder. It is often characterized by microcephaly, slow to very retarded growth and a rather unusual facial appearance like having small or round or even triangular shaped with a pointed chin with either a broad or wide-tipped nose, and eyes which are usually wide-set and drooping eyelids. It was first described by English physician Victor Dubowitz in 1965. Majority of cases are from the Russia, United States, and Germany. It also appears to have an equal affect to different ethnicities and even genders. [read more]
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is characterized by the abnormal multiplication of cells and the gradual formation of a growth within a milk duct of the breast. This medical condition may be difficult to detect. However, this is normally not a fatal condition since it is not a form of cancer but would still require a form of treatment. [read more]
Dumping syndrome is characterized by a group of symptoms that are known to likely develop following a surgery that removes a certain part of the stomach. This is also known as the rapid emptying of the undigested contents in the stomach. [read more]
is the congenital deficiency or complete closure of a part of the lumen of the duodenum. [read more]
Dupuytren's contracture is characterized of a fixed flexion contracture of the person's limbs where the fingers tend to bend towards the base of the palm and cannot be fully extended or straightened naturally. It disorder is named in honor of a particular surgeon named Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, who was the first to define a surgical operation to correct the said affliction. [read more]
Dwarfism is a medical condition that refers to a condition of extremely small stature of an effected animal or even plant. Any known type of the marked human smallness is typically regarded as dwarfism in the much older, popular as well as the medical usage. The term as actually related to human beings that are often used to refer specifically to such forms of extreme shortness that is characterized by disproportionate body parts, which is believed to be typically due to a genetic disorder of the bone or cartilage development. [read more]
is any disease or malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. This typically includes the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome orPOTS, neurocardiogenic syncope, pure autonomic failure as well as autonomic instability and several number of a much lesser-known disorders. Other type of disorders, such as the multiple system atrophy (Shy-Drager syndrome) as well as the chronic fatigue syndrome, both have dysautonomia as one of the many system malfunctions. [read more]
Refers to a medical condition that is often a result from the series of changes in environment's pressure. There are various strenuous activities that are associated with pressure changes such as scuba diving, which is said to be the most frequently cited example, but pressure changes would also affect people who are working in pressurized environments such as the line workers that are assigned in the decompression areas along with people who move between different altitudes like in mountain climbing. [read more]
Dysencephalia splachnocyxtica is not an ordinary ailment and is characterized by a severe genetic disorder that primarily affects the kidney along with some related cystic dysplasia, that causes the malfunctioning of the central nervous system and can eventaully create several hepatic developmental defects. [read more]
Dysgerminoma is considered to be the most common classification of malignant form of germ cell ovarian cancer. Dysgerminoma usually occurs in adolescence and early adult life; about 5% occur in pre-pubertal children. Dysgerminoma is known to be an extremely rare medical condition that usually occurs after age 50. Dysgerminoma occurs in both sections of the ovaries in more than 10% of patients and, in a further 10%, there is microscopic tumor found to have developed in the other ovary. [read more]
Dysgraphia generally refers to extreme difficulty in handwriting. The condition is defined as a learning disability as a result of difficulty in expressing thoughts in writing and graphing. [read more]
Dyshidrosis, is also known by another medical term called dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx. This is characterized by a skin condition where there is a development of small, fluid-filled blisters that usually occur on the palms of the hands or the soles the feet, or even both. [read more]
Dyskeratosis congenita is also referred to as Zinsser-Engman-Cole Syndrome. It is a type of rare disease that is characterized by a gradual failure of the bone marrow. [read more]
Dyskinesia, drug induced generally refers to the symptom that is caused by the high-dose or long term usage of the drug calleddopamine antagonists, which are usually used as antipsychotics medications and antiemetic metoclopramide. Such neuroleptic drugs are generally used to be prescribed to treat a number of different types of psychiatric disorders. Other forms of dopamine antagonists that are known to cause tardive dyskinesia are drugs used for the treat cases of gastrointestinal disorders along with some neurological disorders. Majority of the drugs that are not actually intended to affect the dopamine, such as the antidepressants, may be also the main cause of tardive dyskinesia. While there are newer atypical antipsychotics available in the market today such as olanzapine and risperidone that may initially appear to have lesser dystonic ill-effects, only clozapine has been proven to have a signioficantly lower risk of complications such as tardive dyskinesia in comparison to the older antipsychotics. [read more]
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily involves reading and writing characterized by trouble in word-sounds processing and difficulty in short-term verbal memory; evidences are visible in spoken and written language. The condition is an impairment of the ability of the brain to translate written images received by the eyes into meaningful language. [read more]
Dyslexia-dysgraphia-dyscalculia is a group of learning disorders that occur during a child's stages of development. Dyslexia pertains to the slow ability to understand a word or idea, dysgraphia is the difficulty to write, and dyscalculia meanwhile deals with the child's slow learning of mathematics and logical reasoning. [read more]
Dysmorphophobia is a psychiatric condition that is also known as body dysmorphic disorder or BDD. It has been defined over a century ago and is characterized by an intense fixation or focus on an invisible flaw in one's physical appearance. [read more]
Dysostosis is the disorder that has something to do with the bone's development. In definition, it is defective formation of the bone, whether individual bones or collective ones. [read more]
Dysparenia is the medical term to refer to painful intercourse that is mostly experienced by women. This is characterized by a recurrent pain in the genitals that is often persistent. [read more]
Nonulcer dyspepsia is a chronic disorder that affects the gastrointestinal system. This includes the esophagus, and the small intestine resulting to mild to serious discomfort of the abdomens. Nonulcer dyspepsia is often accompanied by nausea, belching and bloating. [read more]
Dysphagia is the medical term that denotes persistent difficulty in swallowing usually occurring at any age but is most common to occur in older adults. [read more]
Dysplastic nevi also called Clark's nevi and atypical moles are moles that are regarded as precancerous moles and have the tendency to turn into melanoma instead of regular moles. They are generally larger, irregular and have differences in color that may range from pink to dark brown; flat with some areas elevated above the surface of the skin. [read more]
A dysplastic nevus syndrome is characterized as an atypical mole that usually stands out from the ordinary moles, with some indistinct borders and larger than any common mole. The color of these moles also varies from dark brown to pink, and are usually flat. Dysplastic nevus grows in any surface of the skin but has been found to more common on men's trunk and women's calves. [read more]
Dyspraxia is a condition characterized by the brain's inability to process information resulting in messages not being properly addressed or transmitted ; can greatly affect planning what to do and how to do it. The condition is also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Motor Learning Difficulties, and Perceptuo-Motor Dysfunction. It was formerly termed as Clumsy Child Syndrome and Minimal Brain Damage. [read more]
Dysrhythmias are also known as tuberous sclerosis, which is categorized as a very rare form of genetic disease that causes growth of benign tumors in several parts of the body. The most common areas of growth include the brain, skin and kidneys. [read more]
Dysthymic disorder or dysthymia is a chronic condition marked by symptoms of depression or lack of interest in activities that were thought to be enjoyable before; however the condition is less severe than a major depression. [read more]
Dystonia is categorized as type of a neurological movement disorder characterized by sustained contractions of the muscle that causes some repetitive movements, twisting or abnormal postures. The type disorder may be genetic or may also be caused by some other factors such as physical trauma, birth-related, poisoning, infection or some sort of reaction to certain drugs. [read more]
Cervical dystonia is characterized by a painful condition wherein the muscles of the neck contract involuntarily. This causes the head to turn or twist to one side. Most often this condition causes the repetitive jerky motion of the head. [read more]
Dystrophia myotonica is categorized as an extremely rare genetic disorder that is characterized by muscle atrophy, myotonia, hypogonadism and cataracts. This is primarily caused by a multi-system, autonomic dominant disorder that can significantly affect the skeletal muscles that largely affects the central nervous system as well as other body parts. [read more]
Eagle-Barrett syndrome, also known as the prune belly syndrome, is a rare disease characterized by impaired abdominal muscles and underdeveloped parts of the urinary tract. [read more]
Eale's disease is categorized as an idiopathic obliterative vasculopathy that typically involves and affects the peripheral retina among young adults. The clinical findings for Eale's disease is primarily characterized by some avascular areas located in the retina periphery, the dilation of the capillary channels, as well as spontaneous chorioretinal scars. [read more]
A ruptured eardrum is usually characterized by a hole or tears in the eardrum, which interrupts the natural hearing process and cause impaired hearing. Aside from that the eardrum also acts a barrier against bacteria and foreign materials from entering the ear. Hence, a rupture eardrum can make a person highly susceptible to ear infections. [read more]
Early menopause refers to the loss of the normal function of the ovaries before a woman reaches the age of 40. This condition is brought about by the failure of the ovaries to produce enough number of estrogen hormones, which often leads to infertility. [read more]
Early puberty is characterized by the rapid growth of the muscles and bones as well as premature changes in the size and shape of the body. This condition is often more prevalent among girls than boys. [read more]
Earwax blockage is the obstruction of the ear canal with cerumen. Cerumen or popularly known as earwax is part of the body's natural defenses that protects the ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. [read more]
Emotional eating, more popularly known as bulimia or binge eating is an abnormal eating behavior. This eating disorder became a distinct psychological illness in 1980. [read more]
Ebola hemorrhagic fever has been identified to be among the most deadliest group of diseases that is categorized under viral hemorrhagic fevers. The severity of this condition range from some mild illnesses that can possibly development into something that is potentially fatal, causing complications in the kidney function, sever bleeding, chock and respiratory problems. [read more]
Ebstein's anomaly, or more popularly referred to as Ebstein's malformation, is characterized by a heart defect that primarily consists of the malformation of the tricuspid valve. This is a serious medical condition where 1 or 2 out of the 3 leaflets are found to be stuck on the heart's wall, hampering the natural movement of the heart. In most cases, there is a hole found in the atria wall, causing malfunctioning as well as leakage. [read more]
Eclampsia is a fatal health complication that occurs during pregnancy, resulting to heightened possibility of coma or seizures. In some cases,, seizures are among the recognizable indicators of preeclampsia along with some severe headaches, double or blurred visions. [read more]
Ectodermal dysplasia is categorized as a form of a genetic disorder wherein there is a characterized abnormal development of the patient's skin and associated structures such as the nails, teeth and sweat glands. Among the most dangerous medical complications that may occur in certain cases where there is a significant decrease in sweating due to the absence of the sweat glands, making the afflicted patients experience intense discomfort in warm environments. [read more]
Ectopia cordis is categorized as ab extremely rare congenital malformation of the heart that still remains very not easy to treat up to this day and age. Ectopia cordis is characterized by the development of the heart outside the chest wall, which means it is not protected by the sternum or the skin. In such cases, it is also likely that other organs may also form outside the body. [read more]
Ectopic heartbeat or also known as Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra, abnormal heartbeats that start in one of the heart's two lower pumping chambers or the ventricles. Simply put, it is an irregularity of the heart rate and rhythm involving extra or skipped beats. [read more]
An ectopic pregnancy is characterized by a serious complication during pregnancy in which case the fertilized ovum develops in a tissue than is not on the uterine wall. Majority of the ectopic pregnancy cases occur in the Fallopian tube, but it may also occur in the ovaries, cervix and abdomen. [read more]
Ectrodactyly is categorized as a form of birth defect that causes malformations of the feet and/or hand. Majority of this condition, the middle toe or the middle finger is missing or may be fused together with other neighboring digits. Hand formations usually share the similar appearance of lobster hands. [read more]
Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is a long lasting condition featuring an itchy eruption on the skin; usually accompanied by asthma or hay fever. The condition is often found in infants and children but can be a continual condition into adulthood. In some cases, the condition appears later on in life. [read more]
Dyshidrotic eczema or dyshidrosis or pompholyx, is a condition in which the skin, especially the hands and feet, develop small and itchy blisters. Said blisters last up to three weeks and cause intense itching. Cracks and grooves result when the blisters dry, which can be painful. [read more]
The inability of a man to maintain a firm erection long enough to have sex is called erectile dysfunction (ED). The condition is more common among older men but can occur at any age. Though the condition may not really be cause for concern from time to time, it can cause stress, relationship problems, and may affect self-esteem. [read more]
Simply known as swelling, edema is the enlargement or organs, skin, or other body parts. The most common parts where swelling is observed are the hands, feet, ankles, and legs. [read more]
Edwards' syndrome is primarily caused by a gene mutation, particularly the extra copy of chromosome 18. For this very reason, it is also known by a medical term trisomy 18 syndrome. The presence of the extra chromosome has proven to be quite lethal for most babies who are born with this medical condition. Edwards' syndrome causes major physical malformations and also severe mental retardation and also comes with high mortality rate. [read more]
Eggs are identified as one of the most common allergy-causing foods. Such allergies can affect both children and adults and usually occurs after a few minutes of eating eggs or any food that may contain egg. The symptoms may range form mild to severe and can possibly cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. [read more]
Egg Hypersensitivity is defined as the development of allergic reactions after ingestion of egg or other food that contains egg. It is believed that the albumin is the culprit behind the allergic reactions which may trigger a number of symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to serious ailments. [read more]
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is categorized as some various group of genetic disorders that primarily affects the connective tissue, and is characterised by joint hyper mobility, skin extensibility, and tissue fragility. This medical condition is classified according to the symptoms involved. [read more]
Ehrlichiosis was first discovered towards the end of the 19th century, which is a disease that is transmitted by ticks, otherwise known as tick-borne diseases. Among the very first victims identified were from Japan that was characterized by swollen lymph nodes and fever. In the South Central and Southeastern regions of United states, the lone s tar tick, known as Amblyomma americanum has been identified as the primary culprit of this medical condition. [read more]
Eisenmenger's syndrome is categorized as a medical condition that involves the collection of symptoms such as cyanosis, pulmonary hypertension and erythrocytosis. This disease is usually found among young teenagers and adults that suffer from some form of congenital heart defect that may or may not have been repaired surgically. This may also be closely associated to pulmonary hypertension. [read more]
Elective mutism or selective mutism is an extremely rare disorder where the young kid chooses not to talk even when addressed to during social events even though it is an established fact that he/she can talk. [read more]
Elephantiasis is a medical condition characterized by some gross enlargement of a certain area of the body, mostly affecting the limbs as well as the external genitalia. Elephantiasis is primarily caused by an obstruction of the patient's lymphatic system, which often results in the buildup of fluid known as lymph in the particular affected areas. As part of the immune system, the lymphatic system is designed to effectively protect the body against diseases and infections. This system consists of an intricate network of vessels, hence the obstruction of the tubular channels would naturally cause swelling and enlargement. [read more]
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a type of an inherited disorder that primarily affects the bone growth that would eventually result in short stature or more popularly known as as dwarfism. People with medical condition typically have particularly short lower legs, forearms and short ribs. It is also associated malformations of the teeth and extra digits in hand and feet. [read more]
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is characterized by some form of a clinical triad consisting of joint structures that usually develop during early childhood. This is accompanied by the slow progression of muscle weakness as well as wasting that starts from the scapular down to the pelvic girdle, along with cardiac muscle involvement. [read more]
Emetophobia is the irrational fear of vomiting & being near with those are vomiting. People who suffer with the said phobia tend to constantly avoid eating out as well as socializing and going out to parties. Emetophobics will go to extraordinary mile to avoid becoming violently sick. [read more]
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), previously termed a chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD). This is called an obstructive lung disease because the destruction of lung tissue around smaller airways, called bronchioles, makes these airways incapable to hold their shape properly when you exhale. [read more]
Empty sella syndrome refers to the medical disorder that primarily involves sella turcica, which is actually a bony structure that is located at the base of the brain that typically protects and surrounds the pituitary gland. Its is a condition that is often revealed during tests for pituitary disorders, when radiological imaging of the pituitary gland reveals a sella turcica that appears to be empty. Empty sella syndrome is found to be more common in women who have overweight issues or those who also have abnormally high blood pressure. [read more]
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, normally caused by a viral infection. It's a rare disease that only occurs in approximately 0.5 per 100,000 individuals - most commonly in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. [read more]
Encephalitis lethargica or otherwise known as von Economo disease is categorized as an atypical manifestation of encephalitis. Also known as "sleepy sickness" or as "sleeping sickness".EL is a dreadful illness that swept the world in the 1920s and then vanished as quickly as it had appeared. EL primarily attacks the brain, then leaving some of its victims in a rather statue-like condition, both motionless as well as speechless. [read more]
Encephalocele, is a neural tube defect characterized by sac-like protrusions of the brain and the membranes that cover it through openings in the skull. [read more]
Encephalocele anencephaly is among the most severe kinds of NTD or Neural Tube Defect. These types of defects occur during pregnancy, and affects the ?tissue' that develops into a fetus' brain and spinal cord. Anencephaly happens early in fetal development, and results when the neural tube's upper part doesn't close properly. [read more]
Encephalomyelitis is a general term for inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, describing a number of disorders like acute disseminated encephalomyelitis , encephalomyelitis disseminata, a synonym for multiple sclerosis; equine encephalomyelitis and myalgic encephalomyelitis [read more]
Encephalopfacial angiomatosis, also referred to as Dimitiri disease or Struge-Weber syndrome, is a congenital defect that features clusters of blood vessel fibers and calcium deposits in the brain. Unusual facial birthmarks as well as seizures are common with persons in this condition. Angiomas also develop inside the face, brain, jaws and eyes. [read more]
Encopresis is the voluntary or involuntary passage of stools in children over age 4. This occurs when a child resists having bowel movements, causing impacted tool to collect in the colon and rectum. Liquid stool can leak around the impacted stool then out of the anus, which causes the soiling of the underwear. The condition is also called stool holding. [read more]
Endocardial cushion defect or also known as atrioventricular canal defect is a combination of several abnormalities in the heart that is congenital. In this condition, a hole between the chambers of the heart is present. There are also problems with the valves that regulate blood flow in the heart. The condition is also called atriventicular septal defect. There are two common types of atrioventricular canal defect. The fist one is partial, which means that only the two upper chambers of the heart are involved. The other one is called the complete form, which allows the blood to travel freely among all chambers but also lets extra blood circulate to the lungs, causing the heart to enlarge. [read more]
Endocardial fibroelastosis is a rare heart disorder that is characterized by a thickening within the muscular lining of the heart chambers (the endocardium) due to an increase in the amount of supporting connective tissue and elastic fibers. It is considered to be a rather uncommon cause of some unexplained types of heart failure among infants and children. [read more]
Endocarditis is characterized as an inflammation of the inner layer of the patient's heart, which is medically termed as the endocardium. Among the most common structures of this medical condition involves the heart valves. [read more]
Endocarditis occurs when bacteria settles in the heart. Because the valves of the heart don't have any blood supply of their own, mechanisms for defense such as the white blood cells cannot enter into the heart. In such case, if an organism like bacteria hold on the valves, which normally the body will not be able to get rid of. [read more]
Endocrinopathy is a disorder associated with an endocrine gland. It is also often known as a hormone imbalance. It is a collective term for diseases in the endocrine glands associated with hormones [read more]
Endometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus called the endometrium. It is one of the most common cancers in American women. About 40,000 American women receive a diagnosis of endometrial cancer each year, which makes it the fourth most common cancer found in women. [read more]
Endometrial cancer is a common type of cancer affecting most American women. Roughly forty thousand American women are diagnosed per year, making it the 4th most common female cancer. It begins in the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), and may also affect other cells of the uterus. It is alternatively known as uterine cancer, and usually appears as the female's reproductive period ends, usually at ages 60-70. [read more]
Endometriosis is a very common condition of women characterized by a growth outside the uterus of the endometrium which is the tissue that lines the uterus. This disorder is known to have affected women who are around 30 to 40 years old and who have not experienced being pregnant. These women are of reproductive age all around the world. This disorder, however, can occur just rarely in women at their postmenopausal age. In Endometriosis, the endometrium, which is misplaced, is unable to get out of the body. Although the tissues will still detach from the wall and bleed, but the result is internal bleeding, the surrounding areas swell, pain, shedding of blood and tissue, and scar tissue formation. [read more]
Endomyocardial fibrosis otherwise known as EMF is a kind of disease, progressive, which is due to unknown origin or idiopathic that is known to affect the heart seriously. The most obvious feature of this disease is a great change in the lining of the heart cavities known as the endocardium in one or can be both of the chambers of the heart in the lower part. It may also involve the heart valves found between the four chambers of the heart including the tendon-like cords holding the valves to the ventricles. Endomyocardial fibrosis is also similar to Loeffler's disease. Some regard Loeffler's disease as an early stage of the EMF, however, this idea remains to be controversial. This is one form of the Hypereosinophilic syndrome [read more]
Enetophobia is described as "a persistent, unwarranted, and abnormal fear of pins." Every year this very common phobia or fear causes so many people distress of being needless. To make things worst for such very distressing condition, most therapies usually take months or even years which at times will even require the person frequent and countless exposure to his fear. It is believed that the procedure is not only unnecessary, it also often worsen the condition. It is really cruel the fear can be eliminated with just 24 hours of commitment provided the right method is done to the patient. [read more]
Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as the age. When the prostate gland grows bigger, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems. Prostate gland enlargement is also known for the medical term benign prostate hyperplasia. [read more]
Also known as splenomegaly, enlargement of the spleen, as the name suggests, is the growing of the spleen beyond its normal size. [read more]
Goiter, or the enlargement of the thyroid gland, is a condition more common in women and older adults. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland weighing less than an ounce, located just below the Adam's apple. [read more]
Enteric Fever It is commonly known as typhoid fever which is an uncommon illness in the developed countries but it is a serious illness in developing countries. Typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated water and food or through direct contact with an infected individual. [read more]
Enterocele is a condition among women in which the muscles and tissues that hold the small bowel in place stretch or weaken, causing the small bowel to drop from its original position and protrude through the vaginal wall, and creating a bulge. Vaginal hernia is the result of enterocele. [read more]
Enterocolitis is the medical term used to describe the inflammation of the small and large intestine. However, this illness is further categorized to be either enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine) or colitis (large intestine). Enterocolitis is a common intestinal disease among children. [read more]
Also known as bed-wetting, nocturnal enuresis of nighttime incontinence is a developmental stage and is not a sign of toilet training gone bad. Primary enuresis is the term for children who have never been dry at night. Those who begin to wet the bed after at least six months of dry nights are considered to have secondary enuresis. [read more]
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome or EMS is an incurable neurogical condition. Sometimes this conditon is fatal to some patients. It is flu-like condition that is associated to be triggered by ingestion or consumption of L-tryptophan supplements which are poorly produced. Like the regular eosinophilia, it can cause increase in the eosinophil granulocytes present in the patient's blood. There are new developments though, another explanation for EMS claims that it is brought about by the consumption of large amount of tryptophan. It leads to the production of the metabolites, which can interfere with the normal degradation of histamine. Also too much activity of histamine has been associated and related to blood eosinophilia and myalgia. [read more]
Eosinophilic fasciitis also called EF, is a form of a fascia inflamation. It is different from scleroderma because most of the time the area affected is the fascia and not the dermis as in the case of scleroderma. Also, not like scleroderma when the patients manifests the Raynaud's phenomenon and the telangiectasia, patients are not observed to have those manifestations. This disease is more commonly observed in men and less likely in women. Some cases have also been reported to have occured after a strenuous exercise [read more]
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis or EG is a heterogeneous condition which is usually rare and characterized by some patchy or diffuse infiltration of the gastrointestinal tissue. It is also classified into different clasifications like serosal, mucosal, and muscular types basing on the involvement depth. For this condition, any part of the gastrointestinal tract may be affected. Also an involvment of the isolated biliary tract was reported. Most of the time it is the stomach that is commonly affected, then the small intestine and then the colon [read more]
Eosinophilic granuloma is a rare disease often involving proliferation of clones of the langerhans cells, ana some abnormal cells from the bone marrow which are and capable of migrating from the skin to the lymph nodes. In a clinical test, its presentations may range from an isolated bone lesions to a disease involving many parts of the body systems. [read more]
Ependymoblastoma is a malignant tumor which is very rarely reported. It is also known as Primitive neuroectodermal tumor or PNET. It usually occurs in children who are under 10 years of age. Ependyoblastoma is classified into two types which is based on its location in the body. It can be peripheral PNET or CNS PNET. [read more]
Ependymoma is a tumor that usually arises from the ependyma. Ependyma a tissue located in the central nervous system. Most of the time, the location of the tumor in children is in the intracranial, while the location of the tumor is in the spinal in the case of adults. The most common location of the intracranial ependymoma is in the fourth ventricle. It is only very rarely that ependymoma occurs in the pelvis or in the pelvic cavity. It is believed that Ependyomoma may have cause Syringomyelia. These tumors are also seen with Type 2 Neurofibromatosis. [read more]
Epicondylitis (lateral) otherwise known as tennis elbow, is a very common problem encountered by physicians in the orthopedic practice. It is an injury due to the overuse of the part which involves the extensor or the supinator muscles originating on the lateral part of the epicondylar region of the distal humerus. It has been noted to occur in at least 50% of tennis athletes. But this condition is not only limited to the tennis players, it also has been reported to occur due to any overuse of the specific parts to many activities. Lateral epicondylitis is also very common in today's very active society. [read more]
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is also termed as Lewandowsky-Lutz dysplasia or Lutz-Lewandowsky epidermodysplasia verruciformis. This is a very rare skin disease which is characterized by growth of scaly macules and rashes or papules, especially on the patient's feet and hands. Epidermodysplasia usually begins in childhood stage without any known cure. In some cases though, high doses of vitamin A may help ameliorate the condition. [read more]
Epidermoid carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma is a form of carcinoma type cancer which may occur in different numerous organs which includes the urinary bladder, skin, mouth, lips, esophagus, prostate, lungs, vagina, and also the cervix. It is often a malignant tumor of the squamous epithelium or the epithelium that presents squamous cell differentiation. [read more]
Often painless and slow-growing small bumps that develop just beneath the skin on the neck, face, trunk and sometimes in the genital area are called epidermoid cysts. These cysts don't usually cause problems or need treatment unless they become a cosmetic concern, or become infected or they rupture where they can just be removed surgically. [read more]
Epidermolysis Bullosa is a very rare disease inherited genetically. It is often characterized by very fragile skin and blister formation that may come and go. These skin blisters often result from minor friction to other rough surfaces or by trauma. [read more]
Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis is also called bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma. This condition is a relatively rare autosomal ichthyosis which is dominant. It was first described in 1902 by Brocq as bullous a ichthyotic erythroderma to distinguish it from the congenital ichthyotic erythroderma. The defect which causes the condition is found to be in the genes for keratin 1 and 10. [read more]
Epididymitis is a condition wherin the epididymis swell or becomes inflamed. This medical condition may entail mild to extremely pain. Adminsitration of antibiotics may also be needed to control infection. Epididymis is structure located along the posterior area of the testis. It is coiled and tubular in appearance. It is the structure that allows for the transport, storage, and maturation of the sperm cells and also connecting the efferent ducts to the vas deferens. Swelling of the epididymis can either be acute or chronic and is commonly caused by infection. [read more]
Also known as intracranial hematoma, Epidural hematoma is a serious and possibly life-threatening condition that often requires immediate treatment. The condition occurs when a blood vessel ruptures within the brain or between the skull and the brain. The brain tissue is then compressed due to the collection of blood. [read more]
Epilepsy is a very common chronic neurological condition characterized by a recurrent seizure which is usally.The unprovoked seizures are transient signs or symptoms brought about by synchronous, abnormal, or excessive activities of the neurons in the patient's brain.There are about 50 million people around the world who suffer epilepsy at an any given time. Not all of epilepsy syndrome cases occur in a lifetime. Some forms of this disorder are only confined to some certain stages of childhood. Epilepsy, however, should not be considered or interpreted as a single disorder, rather occur as a group of syndromes with widely divergent symptoms which are all involving an episodic, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. [read more]
Epilepsy juvenile absence otherwise known as absence seizures are one of the many kinds of seizures. These seizures are also sometimes called petit mal seizures in an older term. In Epilepsy juvenile absence, the person can appear to be without jerking or could also appear to be staring into a blank wall or without twitching any eye muscle. These periods could last for seconds, or for a longer time of ten seconds. People experiencing absence seizures at times tends to move from one place to another without even a purpose. [read more]
Epispadias is a rare kind of malformation of the penis. In this condition, the urethra ends at the upper aspect of the penis. This malformation is result of a failure of the pelvic and abdominal fusion during the first stages of embryogenesis. Among the other defects include a bifid phallus joined with an exstrophic bladder. Epispadias may also occur among women. [read more]
Epstein barr virus mononucleosis is also known as infectious mononucleosis. It is also known by other terms like the kissing disease or the Pfeiffer's disease. It is also most commonly called as glandular fever. This condition occurs most frequently in young adolescents and at times to young adults. Infectious Mononucleosis or kissing fever entails only very mild illness in small children, and usually asymptomatic. [read more]
Equinophobia is a medical or mental condition defined as "a rather unwarranted, persistent, and abnormal fear of horses." [read more]
Erb-Duchenne Palsy is also referred to as Brachial plexus paralysis or simply Erb's Palsy. This is a condition which is mainly caused by birth trauma. It can affect one or can be all of the primary nerves supplying the feeling and movement of the arm. The Erb's palsy can be cured even without intervention or it may sometimes require correction by a surgical intervention. [read more]
Erdheim-Chester disease is also known as polyostotic sclerosing histiocytosis or the Erdheim-Chester syndrome. This condition is a relatively rare form of non-Langerhans-cell histiocytosis. Usually, this condition affects people at their in middle age years. It usually involves infiltration of lipid-laden macrophages, giant cells which are multinucleated, an infiltrate of lymphocytes which are usually swelling, and histiocytes located in the bone marrow, and sclerosis of the long bones. [read more]
Ergophobia is an abnormal and usually persistent fear of work. People suffering ergophobia often experience unreasonable stress or fatigue about work of the workplace environment even if they themselves realize that their fear is rather irrational. Their fear of work may also actually be a combined fears like the fear of not meeting his employers' expectation or failing at a tasked assigned to him, fear of talking or speaking in front of groups at the workplace, or fear of interacting or socializing with other co-employees. The word "Ergophobia" is taken from the Greek word "ergon" which means work and "phobos" which means fear. [read more]
Erysipelas also known as Saint Anthony's Fire, is a streptococcus bacterial infection of the skin that results inflammation. It occurs on any part of the body, including the face, arms, fingers, legs and toes. [read more]
Erysipeloid is a cutaneous disease characerized by indolent cellulitis. This disease is common among meat and fish handlers. [read more]
Commonly called as the fifth of a group of once-common childhood diseases with small rashes where the other four are measles, rubella, scarlet fever and Dukes' disease, erythema infectiosum is what doctors refer today as parvovirus infection. It is still a common but mild infection in children because it generally requires little treatment. Some people often call it a slapped-cheek disease because of the face rash that develops resembling slap marks, but for some pregnant women, it can lead to serious health problems for the fetus. [read more]
Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder that is idiopathic or has unknown cause. But some experts said that this disease is cause by malfunction of the immune system due to infection or drug exposure that affects the skin and oral mucous membrane. It is a self-limiting skin disease, it means that the disease will just relieve without treatment. It will complicate to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a life threatening skin disorder cause by drug allergic reaction. [read more]
Erythema nodosum is a kind of ?skin inflammation', found in a specific part of the skin's fatty layer. The disorder results in painful, tender, reddish lumps that's most commonly found in front of one's legs on the lower part of the knees. These lumps vary in dimension, from one to five centimeters. The lumps can also occur for several weeks or months, and eventually go away. [read more]
Erythroderma It is also known as erythrodermatitis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, and also called as red man syndrome. It is refer to as a generalized skin disorder that is caused by different types of skin diseases like psoriasis, and some skin allergies. [read more]
Erythromelalgia is also popularly known as Mitchell's disease. Other terms associated with Erythromelalgia are red neuralgia, or erythermalgia. This is a rather rare disorder characterized by the blood vessels located usually in the legs of the lower extremeties are blocked and becomes inflamed. The blocking then entails a severe pain and skin redness. Oftentimes, the attacks of Erythromelalgia comes in a periodic pattern and are mostly triggered by too much heat, drinking alcohol, or exertion. It can also occur as a primary or can be a secondary disorder. Oftentimes, econdary erythromelalgia could result from minute fiber peripheral neuropathy cause by any factors, poisoning from the mushroom or mercury, hypercholesterolemia, and some autoimmune disorders. [read more]
Erythromelalgia, also called, as Mitchell's disease is an uncommon disorder of the blood vessels, commonly affected are the lower extremities. It is an inflammation of the blood vessel cause by the blood vessel blockage. It is usually triggered by heat, alcohol consumption, or exertion. [read more]
Erythroplakia is a red patch which is usually flat or a swelling in the mouth area that cannot be associated to other pathology. There are many various conditions which appear similar. This conditions must be ruled out and distinguished from erythroplakia before a certained diagnosis of the condition can be made. There are times that a diagnosis is up to be delayed for long periods up to two weeks so that or to see if the swell or the lesion is spontaneously regressing or if there is another cause that can be found. Erythroplakia usually is associated to dysplasia. [read more]
Erythropoietic protoporphyria is a rather mild type or form of a porphyria , although it is very painful. This condition arises because of a deficiency in the human ferrochelatase enzyme. The deficiency then leads to abnormal often very high levels of protoporphyrin present in the tissue. The extent of the condition significantly varies from one person to another. [read more]
Protoporhyria, erythropoietic is a painful form of porphyria which is caused by the lack of the ferrochelatase enzyme. Because of this the tissue gains extremely high levels of protopohyrin that causes the skin's photosensitivity. [read more]
Esophageal atresia is also otherwise known as Oesophageal atresia. This condition is a medical birth defect condition, which usually affects the alimentary tract. It causes the esophagus to result in a blind-ended pouch impeding its function of normally connecting to the stomach. [read more]
Esophageal disorders refers to any disorder or abnormal conditions associated to the esophagus. It may include Achalas, Chagas disease, Caustic injury to the esophagus, Esophageal atresia and Tracheoesophageal fistula, Esophageal cancer, Esophageal web, Esophagitis, GERD, Hiatus hernia, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, Neurogenic dysphagia, Schatzki's ring, Zenker's Diverticulum, and Boerhaave syndrome. [read more]
Esophageal diverticulum is the development of sacs in the esophageal area. The sacs are believe to have developed because of problematic swallowing motion of the tongue, making way for particles to develop in the esophageal lining. [read more]
Esophageal neoplasm or esophageal cancer is a malignant condition of the esophagus. It refers to various other subtypes. Often, esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia or a patient's difficulty in swallowing, pain associated with other symptoms. These are often diagnosed via biopsy. [read more]
An esophageal ring, also known as Schatzki's ring, is a cluster of fiber tissues that surround the lower esophagus. It is not malignant, but it can cause stomach acid reflux to the esophagus during the onset of a hiatus hernia. It can be treated by dilation to allow food to pass down the esophagus towards the stomach. [read more]
Esophageal spasms are an uncoordinated series of muscle contractions that prevent food from traveling properly from your esophagus to your stomach. These spasms can be very painful. Chest pain is a common symptom of esophageal spasms. [read more]
An esophageal stricture is the process of narrowing of the esophagus. This becomes the main cause of swallowing difficulties. It can also be associated with other gastrointestinal diseases such as esophagitis. [read more]
Esophageal varices are very dilated sub-mucosal veins located in the esophagus. Most often, these are a consequence of a portal hypertension similar to that of cirrhosis. Patients having esophageal varices have a very strong tendency to suffer from bleeding. [read more]
Esophagitis simply refers to the swelling or inflammation of the esophagus. It is usually caused by other illnesses such as gastroesophageal reflux syndrome (GERD), and infections due to certain viruses and bacteria. Food allergies can also result to esophagitis. The swelling of the esophagus can be treated by NSAID medications. [read more]
Esotropia is a form of squint or strabismus. In this condition, one or both of the eyes are turned inwards. Esotropia can be present constantly or may occur in an intermittent manner. It can usually give a cross-eyed appearance of the affected person. Esotropia is also sometimes wrongly called as lazy eye. [read more]
Hypertension, HTN or HPN commonly called to as "high blood pressure?. It is a medical problem in which the blood pressure or BP of a person is elevated. A person is considered to be hypertensive if a person's systolic pressure is 140 mmhg and above while the diastolic pressure is 90 mmHg and above. There are two classification of hypertension , the essential or primary hypertension ,indicates that no specific medical factor that can explain the condition. The secondary hypertension indicates the condition of the patient is cause by another disorder. [read more]
Essential thrombocytopenia refers to low platelets level in blood. The normal platelet count in the blood ranges from 150,000 and 450,000 per mm3. While in thrombocytopenia it has less than 150,000 per mm. [read more]
Essential thrombocytosis (ET) also known as essential thrombocythemia refers to overproduction of platelets in the bone marrow . In some cases this disorder is progressive, it means this disease get worst. [read more]
The word ?essential? in essential tremor means that the disorder isn't linked to other disease and is a sign of a movement disorder characterized as dismissed trembling hands or shaking head also it is also part of a normal aging process. It is the most common of the many movement disorder. [read more]
Ethylmalonic aciduria also called as Organic academia and organic aciduria, this disease is a metabolic disorders. That affects the amino acid breakdown. The alteration of amino acids metabolism can affect not just one organ but the whole organs of the body. There are four types of ethylmalonic aciduris, these are the methylmalonic acidemia, propionic acidemia, isovaleric acidemia, and maple syrup urine disease.[1] [read more]
Evans' Syndrome is a disorder that refers to an autoimmune disease. It means that the patient's antibodies attack their own blood products like the red blood cells and platelet. It is commonly cause by the two autoimmune disorders, the Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (a condition in which the red blood cells are destroyed by an autoimmune process). And the immune thrombocytopenic purpura (a condition in which the platelets are destroyed by autoimmune process.) [read more]
Ewing's sarcoma is also known as primitive neuroectodermal tumor and bone cancer. It is a disease that the cancer cell is found in the bone. |It is commonly occurs in pelvisc bone, the femur bone, humerus bone, and the ribs. [read more]
Exhibitionism is a psychological disorder wherein a person makes it a habit to display unusual behaviors to attract public attention. This is characterized by habitual daredevil stunts or exposure of sexual behaviors. [read more]
Exogenous lipoid pneumonia Also known as Lipid pneumonia or lipoid pneumonia is a lung inflammation or what we called pneumonia. But the difference is the exogenous is the lipid has entered the bronchial tree or the lungs while in pneumonia the water enters the lungs. [read more]
Exophthalmos is referring to as a bulging of the eye out of the orbit bone. There are two types of exopthalmus, its either bilateral, it is often seen in Graves' Disease or unilateral cause by an orbital tumor. [read more]
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is also called Multiple exostosis it is a disorder in which multiple bone growth in the bony area. [read more]
exostosis is a bone disorder of the formation of new bone is altered. There is overgrowth of the bone of an individual. [read more]
Exploding head syndrome is a medical disorder that the patient suffers from a very loud noise that comes from within his or her head. [read more]
Extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) is a rare type of tuberculosis that is resistant to almost every kind of anti-TB medication, including rifampin and isonazid. XDR TB also doesn't respond to second-line medications such as fluoroquinolones. [read more]
Swimmer's ear or external otitis is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal. This happens when the ear is exposed to excess moisture and water is trapped in the ear canal. The acidity that normally prevents infection is diluted because the skin becomes soggy. Cuts along the lining of the ear can also cause bacteria to penetrate the skin. [read more]
Extradural, or epidural hematoma, is the clotting of blood between the brain's dura mater and the skull. This condition can be fatal due to the pressure brought about by the buildup of blood which compresses the brain tissue. [read more]
Eye cancers are malignant growths in the eyes. They are commonly associated with other cancers such as breast and lung cancers. They begin to grow as benign cysts or malignant rhabdomyosarcoma. When not treated, these cancers can caused permanent blindness or even death. [read more]
Floaters are bits of cellular debris that come and go without treatment. They are often seen as floating specks in front of the eyes but they are not really on the surface but inside. Floater among other people may look like spots and to some they may look like tiny threads. [read more]
Melanoma that originates in your eye is termed a primary eye cancer. Eye melanoma is the most common type of primary eye cancer in adults, but it's rare. If the melanoma begins elsewhere and then spreads to your eye, it's called a secondary eye cancer; this also is rare. [read more]
Eye melanoma cancer is a disease affecting the cells in the eyes that produce melanin. It affects the frontal area of the uvea, particularly in the iris and ciliary body, as well as in the back portion of the uvea, particularly in the choroids layer. Melanoma is more commonly associated with skin cancer; however, it can also develop in an individual's eyes, as in the case of eye melanoma cancer. It may occur in the form of a primary eye cancer, which means that the melanoma originated in the eye; or as a secondary eye cancer, in which the melanoma has spread to the eye from some other part of the body. [read more]
Eye neuropathy is a rare damage that affects the optic and optic-related nerves. It is a kind of diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy can also occur on the face and feet. Among the symptoms of eye neuropathy are reduced pupil sensitivity, less pupil constrictions and dilation, as well as problematic eye motility. [read more]
Eyelid cysts, or chalazia, are growths inside the eyelid caused by the swelling of the meibomian gland. These cysts are usually painless but they sometimes grow big enough to obstruct one's vision. [read more]
Eye inflammation or also known as Blepharitis is a condition affecting the skin of the eyelids and usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow. [read more]
Fabry disease is basically caused by the faulty or lack of enzyme that are needed to efficiently metabolize lipids, which are fat-like substances that include waxes, oils and fatty acids. This enzyme is known as alpha-galactosidase-A or otherwise known as ceramide trihexosidase. [read more]
Facet degeneration syndrome is a severe kind of back pain that affects the facet joint. It is associated with another back illness, degenerative disc disease. [read more]
Facial palsy or Bell's palsy is a temporary form of facial paralysis occurring when the nerve that controls movement of the muscles in the face are damaged. [read more]
Facial paralysis is quite a common problem that primarily involves the paralysis of any facial structure that is innervated by the nerve of the face. The main pathway of the human facial nerve is relatively convoluted and long, which means there are a number of underlying causes that may result to the development of facial paralysis. Among the most common causes is Bell's palsy. [read more]
Faciocutaneoskeletal syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that takes place on the different organs of the body, causing multisystem disorder. [read more]
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is also commonly known by another medical term as Landouzy-Dejerine. This is categorized as an autosomal dominant type of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects the patient's skeletal muscles of the scapula, face and upper arms. It is categorized as one of the most common genetic disorder that affects the skeletal muscle. The symptoms gradually develop and can become increasingly evident during the teenage years. [read more]
Also known as Munchausen syndrome, Factitious disorder is a serious mental disorder in which someone pretends to be sick or deliberately causes illness of injury to fulfill his or her deep emotional needs. The disease is names after Baron von Munchausen. People with factitious disorder often make up symptoms, push for risky operations, or try to rig laboratory results in order to gain sympathy and concern. Munchausen syndrome [read more]
Factor II deficiency is categorized is an extremely rare disorder. To date, there are only about 26 reported cases of this medical condition and is said to only occur 1 in 2 million individuals. This is known as an autosomal recessive disorder that equally affects both women and men. This is also known as prothrombin deficiency, which is identified as a precursor to thrombin and manifests as an abnormality of the prothrombin structure. [read more]
Factor V deficiency is a hereditary disorder in which there is an anomalous blood coagulation, resulting from a deficiency in a plasma protein called Factor V. Factor V functions as an enzyme cofactor; the deficiency will lead to a tendency for hemorrhage, while some mutations influence thrombosis. [read more]
Factor V Leiden mutation is a widespread clotting disorder caused by the mutation of a gene in the clotting of Factor V. The mutation results to Factor V responding more gradually to Protein C. Protein C is an anti-clotting aspect that usually controls Factor V activity. Consequently, individuals with Factor V Leiden mutation have increased risks of thrombophilia or blood clots. [read more]
Factor VIII deficiency is an uncommon bleeding disorder in which a fundamental clotting factor, known as gene Factor VIII, is lacking. The lack leads to Hemophilia A disorder, which results to an increased bleeding risk from injuries, particularly injuries on joints, brain, muscles, and digestive tract. [read more]
Factor XI Deficiency, Congenital -is an uncommon hereditary bleeding disorder that involves a deficiency in blood protein Factor XI. This blood protein is required for the process of blood clotting. The disorder is typically mild, but its severity is variable. Factor XI deficiency may initially manifest as ?incidental laboratory abnormality', which may show as early as circumcision or much later during possible surgery. [read more]
Factor XIII Deficiency, Congenital ?is a very uncommon hereditary blood disorder that is characterized by anomalous blood clotting resulting in abnormal bleeding. Factor XIII is fundamentally a ?plasma transglutaminase', which catalyzes the last step of coagulation cascade; it cross-links ?loose fibrin polymer' into an extremely organized structure. Defect in Factor XIII results to the symptoms of the deficiency. [read more]
Fahr's disease is an uncommon genetically dominant neurological disorder in which there is a presence of abnormal calcium deposits in brain areas that control movement, including the ?cerebral cortex' and ?basal ganglia'. This condition is frequently referred to as IBGC or ?idiopathic basal ganglia calcification', as there's no obvious explanation for calcification within these regions of the brain. [read more]
Fallen arches or also known as Pes planovalgus, is a condition where the arch or instep of the foot collapses and comes in contact with the ground. This arch never develops in some individuals. [read more]
Fallen bladder is also called cystocele. This condition occurs when the wall in between the bladder and the vagina becomes weak allowing the bladder to fall into the vagina and causing problems emptying the bladder. A bladder that dropped off from the normal position may cause problems unwanted leakage of urine and the bladder emptied incompletely. A fallen bladder also stretches the opening of the urethra which cause urine to leak out when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or any movement putting pressure on the bladder. [read more]
Fallot tetralogy is a rare condition that involves defects inside the structures of the heart of young children and infants. Jointly, these defects lead to poor oxygen in blood flowing from the heart into the body. As a result, children and infants with this condition typically show blue-tinged skin. [read more]
Familial adenomatous polyposis is a common genetic disorder that can lead to cancer of the colon if it is left undetected. Affected individuals develop countless ?adenomatous colorectal polyps' in the rectum or colon, particularly during their teenage years and twenties. The polyps aren't cancerous, but due to their numerous quantities, there's greater chance that a number will go through mutation and trigger cancer development. [read more]
Familial emphysema is a kind of emphysema brought about by genetic problems rather than smoking. It is caused by a deficiency of the AAT enzyme that protects the elastin found in the lung alveoli. When the elastin is damaged, serious pulmonary problems may occur. [read more]
Familial paroxysmal peritonitis or also known as Familial Mediterranean fever is an inherited inflammatory disorder usually occurring among people with Mediterranean origin. A rare disorder, it is typically diagnosed during childhood. [read more]
Familial periodic paralysis is an uncommon genetic disease that brings about weakness, or more severely, paralysis, but rarely causes death. While this is is passed on through the genes, not everyone in the family suffer the same degree of the condition. [read more]
Familial Polyposis is a genetic medical condition that attacks the patient's large intestine. Although this disease is considered rare, leaving it untreatedd can cause the onset of cancer. [read more]
Fan death is a South Korean urban legend which states that an electric fan, if left running overnight in a closed room, can result in the death (by suffocation when oxygen is "stolen" from the victims, poisoning, or hypothermia) of those inside. [read more]
Fanconi syndrome is also known as Fanconi's syndrome is a disorder where in function of the proximal tubular of the kidney is damaged that results to reduced re-absorption of electrolytes and nutrients back into the bloodstream. Amino acids, glucose, phosphate, uric acid and bicarbonate are the compounds involved. This disorder should not be confused with Fanconi anemia which is another disease. [read more]
Fanconi Syndrome (also called Fanconi's syndrome) is a disorder in which the proximal tubular function of the kidney is impaired, leading to an decreased reabsorption of electrolytes and nutrients back into the bloodstream. Compounds involved include glucose, uric acid, amino acids, phosphate and bicarbonate. [read more]
Fanconi's anemia (FA) is an inherited ailment that involves children and adults belonging to all ethnic backgrounds. FA is distinguished by skeletal abnormalities, short figure, elevated occurrence of solid tumors and leukemias, failure in bone marrow and cellular sensitivity destroying agents like mitomycin C. [read more]
Farber's disease is also referred to as Farber's lipogranulomatosis or ceramidase deficiency it illustrates a group of unusual autosomal recessive disorders that results from the build up of lipids in the joints, central nervous system and tissues. [read more]
Also known as hypersensitivity alveolitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis, Farmer's Lung is defined as the occupational or environmental lung condition that is common among those who are constantly exposed to moldy crops like corn, grain, hay, and straw. [read more]
Fasciculations are muscle twitches that occur within the involuntary muscles underneath the skin. They occur due to a sudden discharge of skeletal muscle fibers. Most fasciculations are benign. [read more]
Cancer-induced fatigue is fatigue characterized by extreme weakness and weight loss due to the effects of cancer in the body. This is a common symptom among people with cancer. [read more]
Favism, also known as glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, is an X-linked recessive disease that demonstrates insufficient amounts of the G6PD enzyme. This enzyme is important to red blood cell metabolism. Patients with the disease may suffer from non-immune hemolytic anemia. [read more]
Fecal impaction is the medical term used to describe a solid bulk of stool due to chronic constipation. [read more]
The inability to take control of bowel movements which causes the stool to drip from the rectum unexpectedly [read more]
Feer disease, or Swift-Feer disease, refers to mercury poisoning. It is an illness caused by long-term exposure to the metal mercury. This can lead serious health problems in the different body organs such as the liver and gastrointestinal tract. [read more]
Feingold syndrome is an extremely uncommon syndrome with several congenital anomalies. The syndrome is characterized largely by gastrointestinal abnormalities, toe and finger deformities, eye abnormities, and a small head. The features of the syndrome share considerable overlap with Vacterl and Vater connections, particularly patients that have esophageal/duodenal atresia. [read more]
Feline spongiform encephalopathy is one of the three kinds of Prion diseases that greatly affect humans and animals. It is a contagious disease that triggers the brain's function, making patients exhibit unusual, uncontrollable behaviors. This can be a fatal disease when not immediately treated. Other forms of Prion diseases include mad cow disease, mink encephalopathy, and the bovine spongiform encephalopathy. It is also called ?laughing disease?. [read more]
Felty's syndrome is a result of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. It is characterized by the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen, and low white blood cell count. [read more]
Female infertility accounts for about 40-50 percent of all infertile couples. [read more]
Female Pseudo-Turner Syndrome, also known as Noonan syndrome, is a rare hereditary disorder that is usually detected once the patient is born. [read more]
Female pseudohermaphroditism is a type of pseudohermaphroditism wherein the affected person is an inherent and ?gonadal' female having partial masculinization. Pseudohermaphroditism is a condition where the affected individual has gonads of one sex, but there's one or more existing contradictions in its morphologic sex criteria. In the case of female pseudohermaphroditism, a person has normal ovary development, internal reproductive tract, and XX karyotype, but they have virilized external or ambiguous genitalia. [read more]
Sexual dysfunction in women may involve a reduction in sex drive, a strong dislike of sexual activity, difficulty becoming aroused, inability to achieve orgasm, or pain with sexual activity or intercourse. [read more]
Feminisation is a medical condition where physical as well as behavioral female characteristics develop. This becomes an abnormality when the process takes place after sexual differentiation. It can be induced by genetic as well as environmental conditions. [read more]
A mother that drinks alcohol during her pregnancy may expose her fetus and may place her baby to a condition of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).Negative effects vary from one child to another; severe effects can include serious physical, mental and behavioral problems. [read more]
Fetal face syndrome, also known as Robinow dwarfism, is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by the infant's short stature due to postnatal growth retardation/ [read more]
Fetal hydantoin syndrome is an uncommon disorder that's caused by fetal exposure to an anticonvulsant medicine known as phenytoin or Dilantin. Dilantin is a drug commonly administered for treating epilepsy, and approximately one-third of the offspring of mothers who took the drug while pregnant developed minor limb and face defects. Some showed developmental delay, mental retardation, and growth problems. [read more]
Fetal methyl mercury syndrome is a condition in which the fetus is exposed to methyl mercury, passed on from mother to fetus via the placenta. Methyl mercury is an ?organometallic cation' and an environmental toxicant categorized as bioaccumulative. Fetal contact to methyl mercury is linked to mild developmental deficits, such as decreased memory function, attention deficit, and lesser IQ. [read more]
Fetal thalidomide syndrome primarily results from the utero exposure to thalidomide. This medical condition is typically characterized the anomalies in the mental function and fetal growth, as well as other abnormalities that may include facial, cardiac, limb, kidney, anal, spinal and CNS. Preganant women who are exposed to thalidomide during the first trimester of pregnancy has 10-15% of risk of embryopathy. [read more]
Fetal warfarin syndrome is categorized as a very rare disorder tat primary caused by fetal exposure to an anticoagulant known as warfarin that would often result in neurological, physical and mental abnormalities. Patients usually develop nasal hypoplasia and cartilaginous calcification. [read more]
Fetishism is a behavioral disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with a particular object of his desire. In some cultures fetishism is a form of religious practice in order to worship gods or deities. In individuals however, this behavior involves an extreme want for a certain item, which, the person deeply identifies him with. Fetishism can be a part of one's sexual fulfillment; others meanwhile regard this behavior as making their life complete. [read more]
Also known as pyrexia is a symptom of disease that describes that there is an internal termporary increase in the body core temperature which is above the regular body's thermoregulatory set point usually about 1 ? 2 0C. [read more]
Fever blisters or cold sores are the small and usually painful bumps or lesions on the skin of the lips, mouth, gum, or the lip area. These blisters occur when a person has Herpes labialis, an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. [read more]
Also called chronic cystic mastitis, diffuse cystic mastopathy and mammary dysplasia characterized by noncancerous lumps in the breast; roughly 30 ? 60 % of women estimated to suffer from this condition. [read more]
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare as well as severely disabling type of autosomal dominant disease that is largely characterized by a series of recurrent painful episodes that involves soft tissue swelling along with the growth of tumors in muscle tissue and subcutis. These lesions would often lead to heterotopic ossification, which is true bone tissue development in the ligaments, axial musculature the fascia, the tendons, the aponeurosis, and the joint capsules [read more]
Fibroma is mainly a benign tumor which is made of fibrous connective tissues. This is a disease that is seen to be common among children and youngsters. This is found to occur to any part of the body. Generally, it can be categorized into Hard Fibroma or Soft Fibroma. Fibroma types include myxofibroma, pleomorphic fibroma, desmoplasmic fibroma, cemento-ossifying fibroma, cystic fibroma, ossifying fibroma, nonossifying fibroma and many more. [read more]
The term fibromatosis specifically refers to the certain group of benign soft tissue tumors that presents particular characteristics that includes the absence of clinical malignant and cytologic features. The histology of fibromatosis is consistent with the proliferation of some well-differentiated fibroblasts, with filtrative growth patterns and rather aggressive clinical behavior. The mass usually be characterized by dense fibrocellular tissues that contain some mature fibrocytes and collagen that may be in various stages of maturation. These mass have atypical features and may have abnormal mitotic activity. [read more]
Fibromuscular dysplasia is categorized as a type of angiopathy that greatly affects medium-sized arteries and is observed to be predominant among women of childbearing age. This also affects renal arteries and can possibly cause refractory renovascular hypertension. Medical case reports have shown that Fibromuscular dysplasia also include coronary arteries, the aorta and the pulmonary arteries. [read more]
Fibromyalgia is categorized as a chronic condition that is characterized by extensive pain in the ligaments, muscles and tendons. It can also be accompanied by multiple tender points and fatigue. This medical condition is more prevalent among females than male. Although the pain symptoms may vary, this condition may never be able to disappear completely. [read more]
Fibromyomas or uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors?that develop within or attach to the wall of the female reproductive organ called the uterus. [read more]
Fibrosarcoma is characterized as a tumor of the mesenchymal cell origin that is primarily composed of several malignant fibroblasts in collagen background. It typically occurs as a soft-tissue mass or a bone tumor. There are generally two main types of fibroscarcoma: primary and seconday. The former involves a fibroplastic malignancy producing varying amounts of collagen. Secondary fibrosarcoma results from a preexisting lesion. [read more]
Fibrous dysplasia is characterized as a type of bone disorder in which case the scar-like tissue gradually develops in place of the bone. So as the bone gets bigger, the fibrous tissue correspondingly expands with it and thereby weakening the bones. This medical condition can result to deformed and brittle bones. [read more]
Also commonly called as parvovirus infection or erythema infectiosum is a fifth of the common childhood diseases with similar rashes. Other four are measles, rubella, scarlet fever and duke's disease. With a compromised immune problem or with certain anemia's this disease can be also serious to people. [read more]
Filariasis (Philariasis) is a type of an infectious and parasitic disease that is generallycaused by 3 thread-like parasitic filarial worms known as nematode worms, Brugia malayi, Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia timori, all of which can be transmitted by mosquitoes [read more]
Filovirus is a group of viruses that generate hemorrhagic fever. Among the popular kinds of filovirus is the Ebola Marburg disease. It first had an outbreak in Zaire and Sudan in 1984. [read more]
Finger fracture, broken wrist, or broken hand is a condition that needs immediate medical attention since it can affect one's ability to perform everyday activities. [read more]
Fistula is the inflammation of cavities and passages that connect one organ to another. The areas where fistulas are prone to occur are the neck, gall bladder and salivary glands. The inflammation can also take place on the female vaginal cavity. Fistulas can be congenital or acquired, depending on the case. [read more]
Fistula is the inflammation of cavities and passages that connect one organ to another. The areas where fistulas are prone to occur are the neck, gall bladder and salivary glands. The inflammation can also take place on the female vaginal cavity. Fistulas can be congenital or acquired, depending on the case. [read more]
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is characterized by pain that is typically felt on the right upper quadrant that is a result of an ascending infection of the pelvis and inflammation of the diaphragm or liver capsule. This medical condition is typically associated with another disease called acute salpingitis and usually mimics typical abdominal emergencies. Since there are a number of possibilities that may be associated with the symptoms of this disease, proper diagnosis is required to rule out other possibilities. [read more]
Fitzsimmons-Guilbert syndrome is considered as an extremely rare genetic disease that is characterized by a considerably slow progressive spastic paraplegia, along with skeletal anomalies of the feet and hand with brachydactyly type E. This also comes with cone-shaped epiphyses, sternal anomaly, abnormal metaphyseal?phalangeal pattern profile, mild intellectual deficit and dysarthria. To date, there are only three reported cases of this disease, two of which suffered from severe mental retardation. [read more]
Flatfeet or also known as Pes planovalgus, is a condition where the arch or instep of the foot collapses and comes in contact with the ground. This arch never develops in some individuals. [read more]
Flatulence or flatus is passing of intestinal gas which generally everyone passes gas at least 12 times or more. Flatus usually isn't serious, but sometimes unexpelled gas can cause intense, intermittent pain in the abdominal region. [read more]
Flea bits are itchy spots that occur on the skin due to bites of parasitic insects called fleas. [read more]
Flesh eating bacteria is a very rare but very serious bacterial infection medically known as necrotizing fasciitis. This type of infection typically starts in the body tissues that are just below the skin and gradually spreads along the different layers of body tissues such as fat and muscle. This is considered as a highly dangerous infection and is usually found on the legs, arms and abdominal wall, making it a very fatal medical condition. [read more]
Floppy valve syndrome or also known as Mitral valve prolapse is characterized by the displacement of an abnormally thickened mitral valve leaflet into the left atrium during systole. MVP, in its nonclassis form, carries a low risk of complications. Severe cases of MVP though may include complications such as infective endocarditis, regurgitation and in rare circumstances, cardiac arrest that usually results to sudden death. The term for the disease was coined by J. Michael Criley in 1966. It gained acceptance over JB Barlow's ?billowing? of the mitral valve description. MVP has different subtypes namely classic, nonclassic, symmetric, asymmetric, flail or non-flail. The subtypes are based on the leaflet thickness, convacity and type of connection to the mitral annulus. [read more]
Flourosis is actually not a medical disorder, not more of a cosmetic condition. Quite often, the condition is so mild, only professional dentists are able to detect it. This is largely brought about by the excessive fluoride in the body that can become a disruptive agent in enamel formation of the teeth. This can cause some minor discoloration or teeth surface irregularities. [read more]
Influenza or flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs. Though it is commonly called flu, influenza is not the same virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting. [read more]
Flynn-Aird syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder that is characterized by gradual neurological degeneration that is associated with symptoms such as ataxia, dementia, eye problems, muscle wasting and skin disorders. [read more]
Focal seizures, or partial seizures, are a kind of seizures in which only a small part of the brain is affected. It is usually a precursor of a bigger seizure such as a tonic-clonic seizure. Focal seizures are divided into two types; complex partial seizures and simple partial seizures. Focal seizures are as well common in temporal lobe epilepsy. [read more]
Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is a spinal cord disease (a rare type). Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is a disorder caused by an arteriovenous malformation of the spinal cord. This often results to painful paralysis and muscle tone loss. It commonly afflicts people ages 20 to 40 years. If not promptly and properly treated, death may result within one to two years. [read more]
Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome is a partial paralysis on the face, the pharynx and the jaw. Affected areas are still capable of certain movements like eating, smiling, and facial movements. Upper and lower limbs are usually unaffected. This syndrome is caused by blood supply loss or interruption in a specific part of the brain. This condition is also called bilateral anterior opercular syndrome. It was discovered in the year 1926 by Charles Foix, Jean Alfred ?mile Chavany and Julien Marie. [read more]
Folate deficiency refers to the insufficient amount of folic acid in the body. The effects of folate deficiency are often subtle. [read more]
Folate-deficiency anemia, classified under vitamin deficiency anemia, is the decrease in red blood cells caused by folate deficiency. [read more]
Folling disease, also known as phenylketonuria (PKU), is a rare metabolic defect characterized by mental incapacities and eventual brain damage. [read more]
While there are some people who have bad reactions to certain food, the real food allergy is actually triggered by the body's immune system and is known to be a rare condition. The hypersensitivity to food can cause a number of serious problem and can even lead to death. [read more]
Food poisoning is an illness resulting from eating foods contaminated with viruses and bacteria. Depending on the kind of strain ingested by the victim, food poisoning can result to life-threatening diseases such as hepatitis A and dehydration. [read more]
Foodborne illnesses are any kind of illness associated with consumption of contaminated food. It is also known as food poisoning. [read more]
Sometimes called drop foot, foot drop is a general term used to describe the difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot and cases of dragging the front of the foot on the ground when walking. Foot drop is a sign of an underlying cause such as neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem and is not a disease. [read more]
Foot ulcers are lesions that can lead to serious neuropathy when left untreated. This is commonly experienced by patients with diabetes. [read more]
Forbes Disease occurs in 1 for every 100,000 live births. It is also called Cori's type III glycogenosis. It was Gerty Theresa Radnitz Cori and Gilbert Burnett Forbes who developed an accurate description of this condition. This rare disease is due to a missing enzyme which causes abnormal glycogen levels to be absorbed by the body, namely the liver and the skeleton musculature. [read more]
Normal large, superficial sebaceous (oil-producing) glands seen on the moist tissue that lines some organs and body cavities (mucosal surfaces) are called Fordyce spots. Most commonly found at the border of the lips, the inner foreskin and on the head of the penis, the spots are asymptomatic. The lesions are also asymptomatic, but irritation or itching may happen if people treat the bumps inappropriately. [read more]
Also known as Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), Forestier's disease is the hardening of the tendons and ligaments that commonly affects the spine. Some people may experiences Forestier's disease beyond the spine since it can also affect tendons and ligaments in the heels, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows and hands. [read more]
Formaldehyde is a highly toxic and flammable gas (when at room temperature). It has an irritating and penetrating odor that may or may not be easily detected. It is more commonly used for formalin solutions. Exposure to and contamination from harmful concentrations of this substance can cause Formaldehyde poisoning. [read more]
Fountain syndrome is extremely rare. It is a disorder which can be inherited. It is autosomal recessive. It is observed to be more common in men than in women. [read more]
A rare disorder, Fox-Fordyce disease becomes a problem for most women who fall between ages 13 to 35 years. Males and young children may also develop this medical problem. Fox-Fordyce Disease is also called ?sweat retention disease' and ?apocrine duct occlusion'. [read more]
Greenstick fracture occurs when the bone cracks but does not break all the way through. This condition is common among children since a child's bones are more flexible and softer. [read more]
Growth plates are the softer parts of a child's bones located at each end of the bone, where growth occurs. Growth plates are the weakest sections of the skeleton and since they are very fragile, an injury that would result in a joint sprain for an adult can cause a fracture in a child. [read more]
Tiny cracks in a bone are called stress fractures and are most common in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot. Particularly susceptible to stress fractures are track and field athletes but anyone can experience the condition. [read more]
A fractured femur is an injury of the thigh bone. The femur is one of the strongest bones of the human skeleton, and it connects the hip and knee joints. [read more]
Fragile X Syndrome is a defect in the X chromosome. This condition is the cause of mental retardation in people. People with defective X chromosomes exhibit various signs and symptoms. Those who have this body condition possess chromosomes which are fragile, prone to tear and break downs. Fragile X syndrome affects 1 in every 2,000 males. [read more]
Frambesia, also known as yaws, is a chronic infectious disease common in places with tropical climate. It often affects children below 15 years of age. [read more]
Francois Dyscephalic Syndrome is also known as the Hallermann-Streiff syndrome and the Oculomandibulofacial Syndrome. This is a disorder which greatly affects one's body stature, the head structure, and also hair growth. Patients who suffer from this kind of condition are often shorter than average people. They may be unable to develop facial hair and hair in other places such as the legs and the pubic areas. Many others have persisting problems with teeth development with some only developing one set in a lifetime. [read more]
Fraser Syndrome is also called Cryptophthalmos-syndactyly syndrome. It is a rare genetic disorder with abnormalities that include that of the head, the lungs, the kidneys, and the limbs. Malformations are a combination of acrofacial and urogenital ones which may be with cryptophthalmos or without. [read more]
FRAXA Syndrome (also, Fragile X) is a cause of mental retardation most commonly inherited by males in the family. It is the most commonly observed cause of autism. [read more]
Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome is a multiple congenital contracture syndrome. It is the rarest of all MCC syndromes and is the most severe among forms of distal arthrogryposis. Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome is also called whistling-face syndrome and distal arthrogryposis type 2A (DA2A [read more]
Frey's syndrome is also known as Frey-Baillarger syndrome, Dupuy's syndrome, and Baillarger's syndrome. It is food related and can be congenital and also non-congenital. Some cases of this condition may persist for life. [read more]
Friedreich's Ataxia is inherited. It damages the body's nervous system, the damage being of a progressive nature. It was Nicholaus Friedreich who in the 1860's named the condition ?Ataxia? to mean coordination problems like clumsiness and unsteadiness. Continual degeneration of nerve tissues in one's spinal cord causes it to thin overtime. This condition also affects nerves responsible for arm and leg muscle movements. [read more]
Frigidity, also known as inhibited sexual desire (ISD), is a manifestation of sexual aversion. It is a condition where a person no longer reacts responsively to sexual stimuli. Persons who are thought to be frigid show signs of indifference towards sexual intercourse. [read more]
Froelich's syndrome is an acquired medical condition involving endocrine abnormalities especially in the hypothalamus. Often associated with tumors in the hypothalamus, this syndrome commonly affects males only. It usually manifests during childhood, especially during puberty with occasional reports during the postadolescent period. Froelich's syndrome is also known by other synonyms such as Adiposogenital Dystrophy, Babinski-Froelich Syndrome, Dystrophia Adiposogenitalis, Frolich's Syndrome, Hypothalamic Infantilism-Obesity, Launois-Cleret Syndrome, and Sexual Infantilism. [read more]
Frontotemporal demential is considered to be a clinical syndrome wherein the cause of the condition is due to a degeneration of the brain's frontal lobe and extends to the temporal lobe. This syndrome can occur in patients diagnosed with a motor neuron disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. It often occurs in people of young age. When FTD is diagnosed together with MND, the prognosis is worse. [read more]
Frontotemporal dementia is a general umbrella medical term to a diverse group of rare disorders that primarily affects the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. These are the areas that are generally associated with individual personality and behavior. It usually affects the younger people and are known to undergo very rapid changes in the personality and usually become socially inappropriate. [read more]
Frostbite, known in medicine as congelatio, is a condition characterized by damage to the skin and other tissue caused by exposure to extremely low temperatures, particularly temperatures below the freezing point. [read more]
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition marked by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. As the condition progresses, the shoulder's range of motion becomes markedly reduced. Frozen shoulder typically affects one shoulder at a time, although some people may eventually develop frozen shoulder in the opposite shoulder. [read more]
Fructose intolerance is also known as fructose poisoning which is a condition that can be inherited. This disorder is marked by a liver enzymes deficiencies specifically those responsible to metabolize fructose. Another name for the disorder is hereditary fructosemia. [read more]
This disorder is also known as essential fructosuria and hereditary fructosuria often seen in children. It is caused by a hepatic fructokinase deficiency which leads to excretion of fructose in urine. Fructosuria is a benign condition, since fructose is not broken down to glucose; it is simply excreted out of the system in urine. Fructosuria is unlike Fructosemia which means fructose in the blood. The latter is a more serious condition that can cause growth abnormalities and even coma in some severe cases. Unlike fructosuria, fructose in Fructosemia is converted to fructose-1-phosphate which uses up the body's ATP stores. This will prevent the proper release of glucose from glycogen, uses up the free phosphate available in the body, and causes uric acid levels to rise. [read more]
Dissociative fugue is a rare condition in which a person suddenly, without planning or warning, travels far from home or work and leaves behind his or her past life. Patients show signs of amnesia and have no conscious understanding or knowledge of the reason for their leave. The condition is usually linked with severe stress or trauma. Since persons cannot remember all or part of their past, at some point they become confused about their identity and the situations in which they find themselves. In rare cases, they may adopt on new identities. ` [read more]
An infection of nail fungus develops when fungi infect one or more of the nails. A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into the nail, it may result to nail discoloration, thickening and developing of crumbling edges ? an unsightly and potentially painful problem. [read more]
Fungal meningitis is the swelling of the brain tissue and the spinal cord. It usually develops on persons with weak immune systems. [read more]
Funnel chest is a congenital deformity wherein several ribs grow in such a way that they produce a sunken appearance of the chest. This abnormal development usually begins during puberty. [read more]
Galactokinase deficiency is also known as GALK deficiency or Galactosemia type 2. This disorder is marked by the accumulation of galactitol and galactose in the body due to the decreased conversion of galactose to galactose-1-phosphate by the enzyme galactokinase. [read more]
Galactorrhea is otherwise known as the spontaneous discharge of milk unrelated to pregnancy or nursing. It is defined by Contemporary Maternal-Newborn Nursing Care as ?nipple discharge?. [read more]
Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency is also known as the first of three types of Galactosemia or otherwise called classic galactosemia. Since galactose is converted through the action of three enzymes, any deficiency in either of these enzymes would lead to galactosemia. Classic galactosemia or galactosemia type 1 is brought about by a deficiency in one of the three enzymes in the Leloir pathway known as Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase or GALT. GALT is responsible for converting galactose into usable glucose in the body. [read more]
Galactosemia is a rare congenital metabolic disorder which undermines the affected individual's ability to properly metabolize galactose, one of the sugars found in dairy products. The disorder was first described in 1917 by Goppert, and later fully identified in 1956 by a group led by Herman Kalckar. The incidence ratio of classic type galactosemia is 1 per 47,000 births. Glactosemia is often confused with lactose intolerance. However, galactosemia is a worse condition. Individuals with lactose intolerance have an inherited shortage of the enzyme lactase. These individuals experience abdominal pains after ingesting lactose products but don't have long term effects. In galactosemia, individuals who are afflicted with this disorder tend to have permanent damage to their bodies. [read more]
Gall bladder disease is characterized by the infection, inflammation, or obstruction of the gallbladder. Gall bladder disease is also alternatively known as gallbladder attack, biliary disease, or biliary colic. [read more]
Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the gallbladder in particular and the biliary tract in general. The gallbladder, along with the bile duct, is responsible for transporting bile. Cancerous gallbladder tumors are called adenocarcinomas, which commonly develop in the inner surface of the gallbladder. These adenocarcinomas are extremely invasive, rapidly penetrating deep into the gallbladder and spreading from the inner surface to the outer surface of the gallbladder. If untreated, the cancer can spread to lymph nodes or travel through the bloodstream and invade other parts of the body. [read more]
Galloway Mowat syndrome is a rare genetic disorder found to on autosomal recessive genes. There are many varieties of Galloway Mowat syndrome. It is also known as Hiatal Hernia ? Microcephaly ? Neprhosis, Galloway Type; Microcephaly-Hiatal Hernia-Nephrosis, Galloway Type; Nephrosis-Microcephaly Syndrome; Nephrosis-Neuronal Dysmigration Syndrome; and Microcephaly-Hiatal Hernia-Nephrotic Syndrome. This disease is characterized by the onset of nephritic syndrome and central nervous system anomalies at an early age. [read more]
Gamstorp episodic adynamy is the name taken by Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) when it occurs in humans. Usually, HYPP (known as Impressive Syndrome as well), is a disorder that affects the channels for sodium in the muscle cells, and incapacitates regulation of potassium in the blood. This disorder, with autosomal dominant inheritance, is also a disease that affects horses. [read more]
Ganglioglioma, otherwise known as Gangliocytoma, is a disease characterized by the presence of rare tumors. These tumors grow from ganglion cells in the area of the central nervous system, primarily composed of the brain and the spinal cord. Ganglion cells are another way of calling neurons that are found in the brain, some of them found in specific perceptive centers. Mature ganglion cells become clustered with neoplastic glial cells, forming these gangliogliomas. [read more]
Ganser syndrome is a dissociative disorder wherein an individual uncontrollably mimics another person's behavior. Persons with this kind of disorder usually give nonsensical answers to questions. The disease is also called pseudodementia or prison psychosis. [read more]
Gardner's syndrome is a disease characterized by the growth of polyps in the colon accompanied by tumors outside the colon. The tumors found in the areas which are away from the colon may range from thyroid cancer, fibromas, sebaceous cysts, osteomas in the skull, and epidermoid cysts. The polyps found within the colon are indicators of the likely progression of the condition to colon cancer. [read more]
These are air bubbles that can get trapped in the stomach and/or passed on to the intestine. [read more]
Gastric cancer pertains to cancer of the stomach. Adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, carcinoid tumors, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common types of gastric cancer. [read more]
Gastric dumping syndrome, otherwise known as rapid gastric emptying, occurs when the small intestine's lower end, called the jejunum, fills up too fast with undigested food routed from the stomach. Rapid gastric emptying is experienced in two forms: early dumping commences after the meal or during the meal, while late dumping occurs about 1 to 3 hours after the meal. Early dumping is usually linked to difficulty in digesting fats. Late dumping, on the other hand, is associated with difficulty in digesting carbohydrates. [read more]
Rapid gastric emptying, also known as dumping syndrome, occurs when undigested food empties too quickly into the small intestine. [read more]
Gastric erosion is the inflammation of the stomach lining. It is a minor ulcer in the innermost part of the stomach. When left untreated, it becomes a gastric ulcer. [read more]
Also known as gastro, gastric flu, and stomach flu. It refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine resulting to acute diarrhea. [read more]
Gastrointestinal anthrax is a disease formed when the anthrax bacteria attacks the gastrointestinal system. This disrupts the function of the digestive tract leading to stomach poisoning and eventual death. [read more]
Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis is a rare disease caused by fungi. It is characterized by a painless lump underneath the stomach lining, which eventually causes abdominal pain and swelling. It can also cause the development of elephantiasis. The lump that grew on the abdomen may block the lymph nodes causing problems in the bloodstream. The inflammation can be treated by surgical removal of the lump as well as ketoconazole to reduce swelling. [read more]
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a form of hemorrhage that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, reaching from the pharynx down to the rectum. The bleeding can be very life-threatening. [read more]
These are rare tumor of the gastrointestinal tract also known ?GIST'. GIST is a form of joint tissue cancer or sarcoma. GISTs are therefore non-epithelial tumors, separate from common forms of bowel cancer. [read more]
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare, benign growths in the gastrointestinal tract. [read more]
Gastroparesis happens when the muscles in the stomach are not properly functioning which prevents an individual from emptying properly. [read more]
Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a medical condition consisting of a paresis (partial paralysis) of the stomach ("gastro-"), resulting in food remaining in the stomach for a longer period of time than normal. Normally, the stomach contracts to move food down into the small intestine to digest, while the vagus nerve controls these contractions. Gastroparesis occurs when the vagus nerve is damaged and the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not function normally. Food then moves gradaully or stops moving through the digestive tract. [read more]
Gaucher disease is the disease of the lysosome, resulting from the deficiency of the glucocerebrosidase disease resulting in accumulation of its fatty substrate, glucocerebroside. This causes fat to accumulate in the brain, bone marrow, liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. People with Gaucher disease are prone to infection. Named after Philippe Gaucher, a French physician who originally described the disease in 1882, the disease is now known to be an autosomal recessive inheritance. Type I is most common (1 in 50,000 births), usually occurring among Ashkenazi Jewish people. Type II manifests beginning 6 months after birth, occurring in 1 in 100,000 live births. Type IIIbegins at any time in life, and occurs in 1 in 100,000 live births. [read more]
Gaucher disease is a commonly found lysosomal storage disorder, resulting from the deficiency of the glucocerebrosidase enzyme. The absence of this enzyme allows the collection of fatty material in organs like the brain, bone marrow, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and liver. The disease was originally described by French physician Philippe Gaucher in 1882. Type I, occurring in early life, occurs in 1 in 50, 000 live births and is most common among the Ashkenazi Jews. Type II, occurs in 1 in 100,000 live births, usually begins to manifest after 6 months of birth. Type III can begin at any time in life, and manifests in 1 in 100,000 live births. [read more]
First described in 1882 by French physician Philippe Gaucher, Gaucher disease is one of today's most common lysosomal storage diseases. As a result of the lack of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, fatty materials accumulate in the brain, bone marrow, liver, lung, spleen and the kidneys. This disease is characterized by autosomal recessive inheritance, and as such, is equally likely to affect both male and female individuals. [read more]
Gender identity disorder is a mental illness in which a person shifts from his/her physiological gender identity to that of the opposite sex. [read more]
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that is marked by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things, which is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD usually catastrophise, anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, family problems, friend problems or work difficulties. [read more]
Genital herpes is a highly contagious (STD) sexually transmitted disease. [read more]
Genital system cancer is the collective term for cancers that affect the organs in the genital system. Included in this group are vaginal cancer, penis cancer and vulva cancer. [read more]
Genuphonia is an abnormal, persistent and irrational fear of knees or kneeling. Other names are fear or knee, fear of knees, knee fear, knee phobia, knees fear, knees phobia, phobia of knee and or phobia of knees. It is a persistent fear of knees that a person forces himself to avoid. [read more]
Geographical tongue results when the layer of small bumps called papillae that cover the tongue are missing. If the papillae are missing, it creates smooth patches of red in the tongue; it can also show an appearance that like a map. [read more]
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, known by the moniker GERD, is a disease characterized by damage resulting from an abnormal acid reflux into the esophagal track. This is usually a result of the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus changing. [read more]
Gerhardt disease is a rare muscoskeletal condition characterized by intense pain and severe redness of the feet. It is also known as erythromelalgia. [read more]
It is medically known as Rubella. German measles is not the same as measles. German measles is not the same with measles because they are caused by different viruses. It is not contagious nor it is severe that is why it is also called the three-day measles. [read more]
German Syndrome is a rare disorder affected by fetal exposure to trimethadione or the anticonvulsant drug which results in different kinds of physical and developmental abnormalities. It is found among infants who were born to epileptic mothers that are being treated with trimethadione for seizures during their pregnancy period. This is also known as Fetal Trimethadione Syndrome. [read more]
A neurological disorder differentiate by four symptoms: inability to write, inability to calculate, an inability to make distinction between right from left, and the inability to identify fingers. This illness can sometimes be confused with Gerstmann-Str? ussler-Scheinker disease, which is a type of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. [read more]
Gerstmann-Str?ussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) is a rare, deadly neurodegenerative disease that affects people between ages 20 and 60. GSS is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). [read more]
Gestational diabetes mellitus or Gestational diabetes is a diabetis that women during their level of pregnancy acquire exhibiting high blood glucose. It is the glucose intolerance in any degree which is found during the pregnancy. The patient may have gotten the diabetes mellitus previously without knowing. It may have also been aquired during the time that they are pregnant. [read more]
Gestational Pemphigoid or Pemphigoid Gestationis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin by blisters for pregnant women during their second and third trimesters. It is not linked with herps virus though it was then called Herps Gestationis because of the blisters that appear in the skin. [read more]
Giant Axonal Neuropathy is an uncommon, autosomal recessive neurogical syndrome that affects the neurofilaments and at the same time disorganizes it. A structural frame is being formed by the neurofilament to help characterize neurons shapes and sizes which are necessary for the nerve to function normally. [read more]
Giant cell arteritis which is also called temporal arteritis is a disease the affects the blood vessels commonly the large and medium arteries in the head by inflammation. The name temporal artiritis come from the most involved vessel, which is the temporal artery. The giant cell arteritis was given because it reflects the type of inflammatory cell that is involved which can be seen on the biopsy. [read more]
Giant lymph node hyperplasia (also known as Castleman's disease or CD) is a rare, benign disease involving lymph nodes in different locations, predominantly in the mediastinum. This disorder is marked by non-cancerous growths (tumors) that may develop in the lymph node tissue at a single site or throughout the body. It involves hyperproliferation of certain B cells that typically produce cytokines. [read more]
Conjunctivitis is most commonly known as the ?pink eye?. But in the UK, it is called the ?red eye? or ?Madras eye? for those from India. It is the allergic reaction or a bacterial or viral infection that affects the eyes outermost layer and also the eyelids innermost surface. [read more]
Giant platelet syndrome, also known as Bernard-Soulier disease, is a disorder found in newborn infants. In this condition the blood platelets fail to stick to the walls to the blood vessels, affecting the ability to clot properly. It can be a cause for abnormal bleeding. [read more]
Giardia lamblia is a protozoan that causes the disease giardiasis. It thrives in the digestive system as cysts and cause infections in the intestinal tract. [read more]
Giardiasis is a condition wherein the flagellate protozoan Giardia lamblia resides in the digestive tract of both animals and humans. This condition also is the most common cause for gastroenteritis. [read more]
Gigantism is a condition wherein the human body grows excessively in height and weight during childhood, before the bone growth plates close, causing a person to live with overgrown bones. [read more]
Gilbert's syndrome is a benign disease characterized by jaundice, and is also the main cause for increased amounts of bilirubin in the bloodstream. The disease affects 5% of the population. [read more]
Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome is one of the tic disorders, characterized by numerous physical tics, and at least one vocal tic. It is hereditary neuropsychiatric condition, which begins in early childhood. [read more]
Gingivitis, also known as inflammation of the gums, is a group of diseases that affect the gingival, or the gums. Its most common term, inflammation of the gums, is called so due to the occurrence when plaque or bacterial biofilms stick to the surfaces of the tooth. [read more]
Gingivostomatitis is a condition similar to cold sores. This form of herpes is common among children. [read more]
Gitelman syndrome is a rare autosomal-recessive disease characterized by a defective functioning in the kidneys' distal convoluted tubule. This defect causes prevents magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride from being absorbed by the bloodstream and is instead is released into the urine. The disease is also a variant of the Bartter's syndrome. [read more]
Gittings or Gitelman Syndrome is an inherited defect in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidneys. [read more]
The disease usually infects horses and mules though it can also infect other animals and humans. In laboratory settings, human infection usually happen or from prolong contact with animals that are contaminated. [read more]
Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis, is a disease that thrives in the saliva. When not treated, it can cause serious damages to the blood, liver and spleen. [read more]
Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is a rare blood disease characterized by a decrease of the glycoprotein llb/lla in the platelets. This results in prolonged, sometimes severe bleeding. The condition is also characterized by a complete absence of platelet aggregation. [read more]
Glaucoma is a group of diseases of the optic nerve involving loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern of optic neuropathy. Although intraocular pressure has a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma, there is no set threshold for intraocular pressure that causes glaucoma. [read more]
Glioblastoma is a variety of central nervous system tumors, caused by glial cells. The brain is the most commonly affected area; however, the tumor can also occur in any other part of the central nervous system. [read more]
Glioblastoma multiforme is the highest grade brain tumor, and is also the most aggressive and most common type. It is also the most malignant form of gliomas characterized by star-shaped cells, called astrocystoma tumors. [read more]
Glioma is a classification of primary central nervous system tumors, caused by glial cells. Gliomas most commonly occur in the brain but can also occur in any other part of the central nervous system. Gliomas can also be classified as the following: oligodendroglioma, ependymoma, astrocystoma, and mixed gliomas. [read more]
Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare type of brain cancer. It is different from most brain cancers because the cancer causes a tumor, or a lump of the cancer cells. In gliomatosis cerebri, the cancer does not form a mass but forms threads of cancer cells that scatter around the brain. [read more]
Glomerular refers to the tiny units in the kidney in which the blood is cleansed. Damages that affect these units are called glomerular diseases. Glomerular diseases fall into two categories: glomerulonephritis, in which the membrane suffers from inflammation, and glomerulosclerosis, where the blood vessels in the kidney start to harden. [read more]
Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease wherein the glomeruli, or internal kidney structures, become inflamed. Also known as glomerular nephritis, the disease is a result of a problem within the body's immune system. [read more]
Glomerulosclerosis is a condition wherein the kidney's glomerulus hardens. It is a general condition that branches out to either focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and nodular glomerulosclerosis, for diabetics. Both diseases are characterized by a scarring in the glomeruli. [read more]
Glossits is an inflammation of the tongue. It makes the tongue swell and change in color. The disease responds well to treatment, however it can cause severe discomfort when left untreated. [read more]
Glossodynia, also known as burning mouth syndrome, is a condition wherein burning sensations affect the tongue, lips, or entire mouth. [read more]
Glossophobia, also known as speech anxiety, is a condition wherein a person has a fear of public speaking. It may also be a form of stage fright. [read more]
Glucagonoma is a tumor affecting the pancreas' alpha cells, causing extreme surplus production of the hormones insulin and glucagons. The malignant and fast-spreading nature of the disease affects these alpha cells, causing the overproduction of hormones. [read more]
Glucocerebrosidase deficiency (also known as Gaucher's disease) is the most common of the lysosomal storage diseases. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, resulting to an accumulation of its substrate, the fatty substance glucocerebroside (also known as glucosylceramide). [read more]
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a hereditary recessive x-linked enzyme defect. The disease is presented by abnormally low levels of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The enzyme is metabolic and is particularly significant to red blood cell metabolism. It is also associated to favism, a disease resulting in a hemolytic reaction due to the ingestion of fava beans. [read more]
Glucose-galactose malabsorption is a rare disease affecting the intestine lining, preventing it from absorbing galactose and glucose, which are simple sugars or monosaccharide. This in turn disturbs the digestive processes of those monosaccharides. [read more]
Glutaryl-Coa dehydrogenase deficiency, also known as Glutaric aciduria type 1 or Glutaric aciduria, is a hereditary disease characterized by the body's disability to completely metabolize lysine, tryptophan, and hydroxysiline, which are amino acids. This results in byproducts of the breakdown, including glutaryl-CoA, glutaric acid, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid, and glutaconic acid, and the accumulation of these can harm the brain. [read more]
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy (also known as Coeliac disease), is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages from middle infancy. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease (GSD) refers to a group of conditions caused by enzyme defects affecting glycogen synthesis and resulting in inborn errors of metabolism. It is also known by the names dextrinosis and glycogenosis. Nine diseases make up the classification of glycogen storage disease. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type 1B, also known as von Gierke's disease, is the most common form among the glycogen storage diseases. An enzyme glucose-6-phosphate deficiency is the cause of this, affecting the liver's ability in producing free glucose from gluconeogenesis and glycogen. This in turn, may result in hypoglycemia. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type 7, also called Phosphorofructokinase deficiency or Tarui's disease, is a metabolic disease characterized by a deficiency in the phosphorofructokinase enzyme. This in turn disturbs the function of the cells, including rhabdomyocytes and erythrocytes, to utilize carbohydrates for energy. The disease is autosomal recessive in nature, and may affect mammals apart from humans. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type II, also known as acid maltase deficiency or Pompe disease, is characterized by an enzyme acid maltase deficiency. The body uses the enzyme acid maltase to metabolize glycogen for energy. Among all the glycogen storage diseases, this is the only one with a lysosomal metabolism deficiency. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type V is a glycogen storage disease characterized by a myophosphorylase deficiency. It is also known by the names muscle phosphorylase deficiency or McArdle's disease. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type VI, also known as Hers disease, is a glycogen storage disease (GSD) characterized by a liver glycogen phosphorylase deficiency. It is also one of the less severe forms of all GSDs. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type VII, also known as Tauri disease, affects only the muscle tissue. This is similar to GSD type V. [read more]
Goitre, sometimes spelled as goiter and also known as a bronchocele, is a condition characterized by a large thyroid gland, resulting in a swelling of the neck area. The swelling usually occurs right below the Adam's apple. The condition is more common among older adults and in women. [read more]
Goldenhar syndrome, also known as Oculo-Ariculo-Vertebral syndrome, is a congenital disorder wherein the ear, lip, nose, mandible and soft palate are incompletely developed. The condition usually affects just one side of the face. [read more]
Golfer's elbow is pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. The pain may spread into the forearm and wrist. [read more]
Gonadal dysgenesis is a general term used to refer to conditions characterized by abnormal gonadal development. Most of these cases show ?streak gonads? only. Gonadal dysgenesis causes infertility and inhibits normal sexual development. [read more]
Turner type Gonodal Dysgenesis, otherwise known as Turner Syndrome or Ullrich syndrome, is a condition wherein the monosomy of X chromosome is the most ommon, making the female sexual characteristics though present are generally underdeveloped. It is said to occur in about one out of every 2500 female birth (National Institutes of Health (2004). Clinical Features of Turner syndrome). [read more]
XX Gonadal Dysgenesis is a type of female hypogonadism wherein no functional ovaries are present to induce puberty unlike those of normal girls whose karyotype is bound to be 46,XX. [read more]
XY Female type Gonodal Dysgenesis otherwise known as the Swyer Syndrom is a type of female hypogonadism wherein there is no functional gonads present in the person to induce puberty unlike those of common normal girl. [read more]
Gonococcal conjunctivitis is a sexually-transmitted ocular disease. It is a very rare eye infection in adults and is most commonly seen in infants by mothers who are suffering gonorrhea. [read more]
Gonorrhea most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Non-genital sites that thrives are in the rectum, the throat (oropharynx), and the eyes (conjunctivae). The vulva and vagina in women are often spared because they are lined by stratified epithelial cells in women the cervix is the usual first site of infection. [read more]
Goodpasture pneumorenal syndrome, otherwise known as Goodpasture's disease and anti -glomerular basement membrane disease is a condition wherein there is rapid destruction of the kidneys and hemorrhaging of the lungs. [read more]
Goodpasture's syndrome is a rare disease wherein there is hemorrhaging in the lungs and rapid destruction of kidneys. Many other conditions may have similar symptoms, however Goodpasture's syndrome is characterized by autoimmunity due to the immune system attacking cells with the Goodpasture antigen found in the lungs and kidneys. [read more]
Gorham's disease, also known as Massive Osteolysis, is a rare congenital bone disorder characterized by the spread of vascular channels that are destructive to the bone matrix. Osteolysis, or vanishing of the bones, occurs as well as angiomatosis. [read more]
Gorlin syndrome is a disease affecting the connective tissues. It is also referred to as nevoid basal cell carcinoma. [read more]
Gout is a complex disorder that can affect anyone. Men are most likely to get gout than women are, but women become increasingly susceptible to gout after menopause. [read more]
A grand mal seizure (also called tonic-clonic seizure) features a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. This is the type of seizure most people picture when they think about seizures in general. [read more]
Granulocytopenia is a condition wherein the body has a decreased amount of granulocytes. Granulocytes are a type of white blood cells containing microscopic granules which are actually small sacs that contain enzymes to digest microorganisms. It is also known by the names Granulopenia and neutropenia. [read more]
Granuloma inguinale, also known as donovanosis, a bacterial illness characterized by genital ulcers that can be mistaken for syphilis. They can grow to endemic proportions and eat up genital tissues causing blood and mucus leakage. [read more]
Gray platelet syndrome, also known as Alpha Granule Deficiency, is a rare congenital disorder characterized by large and gray platelets on light microscopy. The gray color is caused by an absence of alpha-granules in blood platelets. [read more]
Great vessels transposition is a general term referring to a group of congenital heart defects wherein the arrangement of any primary blood vessels are abnormal. The primary blood vessels affected could be any of the following: aorta, pulmonary veins, inferior or superior vena cava. [read more]
Greenberg dysplasia, also known as hydrops-ectopic calcification-moth-eaten skeletal dysplasia is a rare lethal skeletal dysplasia. [read more]
Grippe is another name for the contagious infection called influenza. Influenza is a common medical condition in which patients suffer from colds, fever and chills. Complications may arise from influenza and can be a cause of death among children and adults. [read more]
Griscelli Disease, GS for brevity is an autosomal recessive disorder that results in the pigmentary dilution of the skin and the hair, the accumulation of the melanosome in melanocytes. It involves impairment of the lymphocyte function and the inability to produce normal levels of immunoglobulins (Griscelli C, Prunieras M. Pigment dilution and immunodeficiency: a new syndrome. Int J Dermatol. Dec 1978;17(10):788-91). [read more]
Gronblad-Strandberg syndrome, also known as Pseudoxanthoma elasticum, is a genetic disorder that affects certain connective tissues in the body. In this condition, calcium as well as other minerals are deposited in the connective tissues causing abnormalities in the eyes, skin, gastrointestinal system and cardiovascular system. [read more]
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is common disease among pregnant women that can be passed on to their newborn babies. It is caused by the Gram-positive bacteria named Steptoccocus agalacticae. The bacteria is usually characterized by the prevalence of Group B Lancefield antigen, thus the name Group B Streptoccocus. [read more]
Constitutional growth delay is a condition wherein skeletal growth is delayed. It is the most common origin of pubertal delay and short stature. The condition affects children and teens, although they have no other physical abnormality except short stature. It occurs in both girls and boys although more frequently in boys. [read more]
Guillan-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a disorder affecting the body's immune system, causing it to attack part of the peripheral nervous system. GBS is autoimmune and acute in nature. GBS has many forms, although its most common form is acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). [read more]
Also called as Gulf War Illness this is an illness reported by combat veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War typified by symptoms including immune system disorders and birth defects. It has not always been clear whether these symptoms were related to Gulf War service of the occurrence if illness in Gulf War veterans in higher than comparable populations. [read more]
Gum cancer is any abnormal growth that develops in the gum tissues. It is also called gingival cancer. [read more]
Gingivitis ("inflammation of the gums") (gingiva) around the teeth is a general term for gingival diseases affecting the gingiva (gums). As usually used, the term gingivitis refers to gingival inflammation induced by bacterial biofilms (also called plaque) adherent to tooth surfaces. [read more]
Gymnophobia is an abnormal, unfounded and persistent fear of nudity (Corsini, R., 2002, The Dictionary of Psychology, p. 722)` [read more]
Hageman factor deficiency is an uncommon hereditary disorder which is characterized by the low plasma protein known as factor XII. [read more]
Trichotillomania (or hair-pulling disorder) is a type of mental illness in which people have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair, whether it's from their scalp, their eyebrows or other areas of their body. Hair pulling from the scalp often leaves them with patchy bald spots on their head, which they may go to great lengths to disguise or cover. [read more]
Hairy cell leukemia is a slow-growing cancer characterized by overproduction of B cells in the bone marrow. These B cells, called lymphocytes, are a kind of white blood cell needed to fight infection. The bone marrow is unable to produce other types of normal cells as well, including platelets that heal bleeding, and red blood cells that carry oxygen. Hairy cell leukemia is a rare disease, constituting only 2% of all leukemia cases. [read more]
Hairy tongue is a condition that affects both humans and animals, characterized by a darkening of the tongue, sometimes hair growth. A fungus causes the dark appearance on the tongue, although it is a harmless condition. Most common affected are the elderly, tobacco smokers, and users of antibiotics. [read more]
Hajdu-Cheney syndrome is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue which causes severe and excessive bone resorption leading to osteoporosis. [read more]
Hallerman-Streiff syndrome is a genetic defect characterized by malformations in the craniofacial area, ocular abnormalities, dental deformities, skin atrophy and short stature. [read more]
Hallervorden-Spatz disease (HSD) is a degenerative disease affecting the brain. The condition can lead to parkinsonism. Cases may be familial or occur sporadically. Neurodegeneration and excess iron in the brain also occur. [read more]
Hallucination is the term used to describe false perceptions towards one's senses; a person who hallucinates behaves in response to the things he sees and/or hears despite the fact that the things he perceives are not actually there. [read more]
Hallux valgus, also known as bunions, is a condition characterized by a structural deformity in the bone as well as the joint between the big toe and foot. This is a typically painful condition. The big toe may turn facing the second toe, a condition called displacement. The tissue around the joint area is tender and swollen. [read more]
Hamburger disease is another name for E. coli disease. It is an illness caused by consumption of contaminated and raw food. It is present among meat products such as hamburger patties. [read more]
A hammertoe is a toe that's curled because of a bend in the middle joint of a toe. [read more]
Hansen's disease, more commonly known as leprosy, is a chronic contagious disease that causes severe disfigurement on the skin, face, hand and feet. It was once a dreaded epidemic. [read more]
Hantavirosis is a term that describes an infection from the Bunyaviridae virus family which is transmitted from rodents. The condition occurs in China, Russia, Korean Peninsula, northern and western Europe, Brazil, Chile, United States, Panama, Canada, and Patagonian Argentina. [read more]
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or HPS for brevity, is a deadly medical condition where the disease is transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. [read more]
HARD syndrome, also known as Walker-Warburg syndrome, is a congenital muscular dystrophy related to eye and brain abnormalities. Around 30 different muscular disorders are classified under the HARD syndrome. [read more]
Harlequin type ichtyhysosis is a hereditary congenital skin disorder characterized by thick and cracking skin that splits apart due to thickening of the keratin layer. The skin contains reddish, diamond-shaped scales. It is the most severe form of congenital ichthyosis. Individuals with the condition are known as harlequins, harlequin babes, or harlequin fetuses. [read more]
Harpaxophobia is the morbid fear of being robbed (Corsini, R., 1999. The Dictionary of Pschology, p.435). [read more]
Hartnup disease, also known as monkey disease or Hartnup's disorder, is an autosomal recessive disorder wherein the transport of neutral amino acids to the kidneys and small intestines is defective. Sufferers have a niacin deficiency as well as an inborn error of amino acid metabolism. [read more]
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease wherein the body's antibodies attack the thyroid cells. It is also known by the name chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It is also the most common form of hyperthyroidism in the United States. [read more]
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus, but by an allergic response to indoor or outdoor airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. [read more]
Hay-Wells syndrome otherwise known as ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplacia clefting syndrome is one of the type of ectodermal dysplasia (Index of Rare Diseases. National Organization for Rare Disorders. 20 Mar 2008). It thus affect tissues that arise from ectoderm especially that of the skin, hair and nails. [read more]
Headache-free migraine is a condition where a patient experiences the pains of migraine attacks but with no headaches. Among the symptoms include blurry vision, nausea, constipation, loss of balance and vomiting. Headache-free migraine also occurs with fever, muscle weakness and body pain. [read more]
Cluster headache is a neurological disease characterized by extreme pain. The cyclical pattern of the pain, occurring in periods with spontaneous remissions, gives the disease its name. The ?clusters? of frequent attacks can last anywhere from a few weeks to months. During remission periods, the headaches completely stop, although patterns differ from person to person. Remission periods can occur from months to a year. The condition can afflict anyone although it is more common in men and adults aged 20-40 years old. Attacks are classified into episodic or chronic. Episodic attacks are characterized by a higher frequency with longer remissions. Chronic attacks are characterized by frequent headaches that can last up to years. [read more]
Cluster headache is a neurological disease characterized by extreme pain. The cyclical pattern of the pain, occurring in periods with spontaneous remissions, gives the disease its name. The ?clusters? of frequent attacks can last anywhere from a few weeks to months. During remission periods, the headaches completely stop, although patterns differ from person to person. Remission periods can occur from months to a year. The condition can afflict anyone although it is more common in men and adults aged 20-40 years old. Attacks are classified into episodic or chronic. Episodic attacks are characterized by a higher frequency with longer remissions. Chronic attacks are characterized by frequent headaches that can last up to years. [read more]
Rebound headaches, also known as medication overuse headaches, occur when pain medications (analgesics) are taken too often to relieve headache. [read more]
A sinus headache is a headache that hapens when the sinuses become congested. During a cold or allergy attack, the openings can become congested by excess mucus and may become infected. [read more]
Headaches in children are a common problem among children. But chronic headaches among children may be a sign of other underlying illness so this condition must be given immediate attention. [read more]
Hearing disorders, also known as hearing loss or hearing impairments, are conditions wherein there is full or partial decrease in hearing quality. Environmental and biological factors can bring about various types of hearing disorders. Hearing disorders are classified into sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss. [read more]
Hearing impairment refers to reduction in sensitivity to sounds, which may be accompanied by some loss in the ability to correctly interpret auditory stimuli even when amplified (Stolov, W., Clowers, M. 2000. Handbook of Sever Disability,p. 395) [read more]
Hearing loss is a the decrease, whether full or partial, of the ability to detect or understand sounds (Speech and Language Terms and Abbreviations. Retrieved on 2006-12-02). [read more]
Heart rhythm problems (or arrhythmias) occur when the electrical impulses in the heart that coordinate the heartbeats don't function properly, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. [read more]
Heart babies are infants born with congenital heart problems. [read more]
Heart block is a disease that affects the heart's electrical system. Signal from the upper to the lower chambers of the heart do not transmit. There are 3 degrees of heart block: first degree, second degree, and third, which is complete heart block. [read more]
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), means the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Over time, conditions such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure gradually leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump efficiently. [read more]
Heartburn is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid.The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is also known as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma. Not considering its name, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. It is because of a burning sensation of the breastbone where the heart is located although some heart problems do have a similar sensation to heartburn. [read more]
Heat exhaustion is one of the heat-related syndromes, which vary in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. [read more]
Heat rash also called prickly heat or miliaria is a common condition in which areas of the skin itch intensely and often feel prickly or sting due to overheating. Heat rash is like tiny bumps surrounded by a zone of red skin. [read more]
Heat stroke is also called as Hyperthermia it is an acute condition which occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat that it can dissipate. [read more]
Heavy metal poisoning is poisoning through ingestion of heavy metals such as common transition metal such as copper, lead and zinc. These metals are a cause of environmental pollution (A Dictionary of Chemistry. Oxford University Press, 2000. Oxford Reference Online.Oxford University Press). [read more]
Heliophobia is the unfounded and irrational fear and avoidance of sunlight (Milbry, 1911. A Pocket Medical Dictionary). [read more]
Hemangioblastoma is a disease of the central nervous system characterized by benign brain tumors, usually occurring in the cerebellum. The tumors represent cysts, and contain small solid nodules inside. The small nodules contain abnormal blood vessels in a tangle. Hemangioblastomas are most commonly occurring in those ranging from 35 to 45 years old. [read more]
Hemangioendothelioma refers to a group of vascular neoplasms that may be either benign or malignant. Around 10% of cases are associated with other syndromes including lymphedema, early onset varicose veins, Mafucci's syndrome, and Klippel-Trenauay-Weber syndrome. There are 3 types of hemangioendotheliomas: retiform, epitheloid, and kaposiform. [read more]
Hemangio thrombocytopenia syndrome or HTS is a rare disease affecting infants characterized by a vascular tumor which causes low platelet count as well as bleeding problems. The condition is also known as Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome. [read more]
Hemianopia, or hemianopsia, refers to a partial vision loss in the eyes. It has three types: binasal, bitemporal, and homonymous hemianopia. [read more]
Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a neurological abnormality wherein the blood vessels cause pressure to the cranial nerve due to frequent constrictions. This results to degrees of facial spasming, particularly around the eye. [read more]
Hemihypertrophy, properly referred to as hemihyperplasia, is the enlargement of one side of the body. [read more]
Hemiplegia is a medical condition where there is paralysis of the other half of the patient's body. This is in contrast to hemiparesis where the other half of the body is just merely weakened but not paralyzed. [read more]
Hemmorhagic fever belongs to a group of viral hemmorhagic fevers (VHFs), which are human and animal diseases caused by any four RNA families: Filoviridae, Arenaviridae, Flaviviridae, and Bunyaviridae. [read more]
Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disease characterized by excessive absorption of dietary iron resulting in a pathologic increase on total body iron stores. Human, like virtually all animals, have no means to excrete excess iron. Excess iron accumulates in tissues and organs disrupting their normal function. [read more]
Hemoglobinuria is a disease characterized by the presence of abnormally high hemoglobin concentrations in the urine. The free hemoglobins in the urine is caused by filtration from the kidney, causing urine to be reddish in color. [read more]
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), is an illness characterized by acute renal failure, low platelet count, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. [read more]
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition affecting infants and children, characterized by low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), acute renal failure, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. [read more]
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disease affecting infants and young childen, but in some cases adolescents. It is characterized by the pathological findings of hemophagocytosis, jaundice, fever, and splenomegaly. HLH is usually associated with Epstein-Barr virus, genetic, malignant, autoimmune diseases, as well as other viruses or fungal infections. [read more]
Hemophilia is a hereditary blood disease main characterized by the inability of the blood to clot. This disorder may lead to excessive bleeding even when caused by minor injuries. Hemophilia has two types: the most common Hemophilia A, which is found in almost 80 percent of the patients, and Hemophilia B, also known as Christmas disease. [read more]
Hemophilia A, the most common type of hemophilia, is a blood clotting disease. A mutation of the Factor VIII gene causes the condition and is a largely inherited disorder. [read more]
Hemophobia is the fear of blood, which is extreme and irrational. [read more]
Hemorrhage is the medical term used to describe excessive bleeding due to rupture of the blood vessels. It is a complication of other diseases. Hemorrhage can be external or internal. [read more]
Hemorrhagiparous thrombocytic dystrophy is commonly called Bernard-Soulier syndrome named after Dr. Jean Bernard and Jean Pierre Soulier. It is a severe bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of glycoprotein Ib (GpIb), which is important in clot formation. [read more]
Hemorrhoids are varicosities or swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids are actually the anatomical term for "'Cushions of tissue filled with blood vessels at the part of the rectum and the anus." However, the term has come into usual usage to indicate the condition described herein.q [read more]
Hemothorax is a disease wherein blood accumulates in the chest. It is a relatively common condition, usually occurring from traumatic force in the thorax which causes the serous membrane of the thorax surrounding the lungs to rupture. [read more]
Hendra virus is a strain of virus under the Paramyxoviridae family. It was first described in 1994 during an outbreak of neurological and respiratory disease in humans and horses in the Hendra suburb of Brisbane, Australia. [read more]
Hepatic encephlopathy is a neuropsychological disorder causing chronic or acute liver failure. The liver failure results in an accumulation of toxic substances in the blood and would affect the brain cells, which healthy livers normally remove. Impairment of mental functioning is the main characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy. [read more]
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver marked by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. [read more]
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver marked by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. [read more]
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver marked by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. [read more]
Hepatitis E is a kind of hepatitis in which the virus thrives in contaminated refuse and water. It exhibits almost the same conditions of other kinds of hepatitis. [read more]
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver marked by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. Another potential viral cause of hepatitis has been identified, known as hepatitis G, and is probably spread by blood and sexual contact. However, there is doubt about whether it causes hepatitis, or is just associated with hepatitis, as it does not appear to replicate primarily in the liver. [read more]
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver marked by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. Drug-induced hepatitis (also called toxic hepatitis) appears in eight in every 10,000 people because the liver reacts abnormally during drug exposure, leading to liver damage. This pathology results to the the liver not being able to function properly and the symptoms can begin to be seen. [read more]
Toxic hepatitis is liver inflammation that occurs when the liver is damaged by toxic chemicals, drugs or certain poisonous mushrooms. [read more]
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary malignancy of the liver. Most cases of HCC are secondary to either a viral hepatitide infection or cirrhosis. In countries where hepatitis is not endemic, most of the malignant cancers in the liver are not primary HCC but metastasis of cancer from elsewhere in the body, like the colon. Treatment options of HCC and prognosis depend on many factors but especially on tumor size and staging. [read more]
Hepatocerebral degeneration is an acquired brain defect due to liver damage. When not treated, the disorder can bring about irreversible damages to the whole nervous system. [read more]
Hepatoma is a cancer that affects the liver. It is the most common kind of liver cancer. [read more]
Hepatomegaly is the condition of having an abnormally enlarged liver. [read more]
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) refers to acute renal failure that arises in the setting of cirrhosis or fulminant liver failure associated with portal hypertension, generally in the absence of other disease of the kidney. [read more]
In medicine, amyloidosis refers to a group of conditions in which amyloid proteins are abnormally deposited in organs and/or tissues, causing disease. A protein is amyloid if, because of an alteration in its secondary structure, it takes on a particular insoluble form, called the beta-pleated sheet. [read more]
Angioedema, also known as Quincke's edema, is the rapid swelling (or edema) of the skin, mucosa and submucosal tissues. Aside from the common form, mediated by allergy, it has been reported as a side effect of some medications, specifically ACE inhibitors. [read more]
Hereditary ceroid lipofuscinosis (also known as Batten Disease or NCL) is a fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system that starts in childhood. In some cases, the early signs are subtle, taking the form of personality and behavior changes, clumsiness, slow learning, or stumbling. [read more]
Hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) is a form of hepatic porphyria linked with a deficiency of the enzyme coproporphyrinogen III oxidase. [read more]
Hereditary deafness is hearing loss that is passed down from parents to their children. This type of hearing loss may be inherited from one or both parents who may or may not possess a loss of hearing themselves. [read more]
Hereditary deafness-retinitis pigmentosa, also known as Usher syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder that features deafness and progressive loss of vision. This condition is due to the impairment of the auditory nerves to send sensory input to the brain. Hereditary deafness-retinitis pigmentosa has three types, and is categorized as an autosomal recessive disorder. [read more]
Hereditary elliptocytosis is a blood disorder in which a large proportion of the sufferer's erythrocytes (i.e. red blood cells) are elliptical instead of being biconcave disc-shaped. The disorder comes before haemolytic anaemia. [read more]
Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) or fructose poisoning is a hereditary condition that results from a deficiency of liver enzymes that metabolise fructose. This is also known as hereditary fructosemia, or fructose in the blood. [read more]
Hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia is a term used to describe a group of rare, genetically transmitted blood disorders marked by the premature destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes or RBCs). If the red blood cells cannot be replaced faster than they destroy themselves, anemia results. [read more]
Hereditary pancreatitis is a genetic disease affecting the production of enzymes in the pancreas. In the pancreas, a genetic mutation causes the enzyme cationin trypsinogen to be made in a way which leaves it resistant to inactivation through autolysis. Normally this autolysis mechanism prevents trypsinogen from being activated inside the pancreas. However, when the abnormal trypsinogen is activated, it results to a chain reaction where all the trypsinogen in the pancreas is activated, effectively digesting the pancreas from the inside. [read more]
Hereditary sensory motor neuropathy is a genetic disorder that leads to nerve damage. Also known as Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, it usually triggers the legs, hands, arms and feet. It also causes reduced sensation, but it is not life-threatening. [read more]
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), also known as familial spastic paraparesis (FSP), refers to a group of inherited disorders that are marked by progressive weakness and stiffness of the legs [read more]
Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) is an inherited disease which leads to oculocutaneous albinism (decreased pigmentation), bleeding problems due to a platelet abnormality (platelet storage pool defect), and storage of an abnormal fat-protein compound (lysosomal accumulation of ceroid lipofuscin). [read more]
Hermaphroditism (or Intersex) is a group of conditions where there is a discrepancy between the external genitals and the internal genitals (the testes and ovaries). [read more]
Infection of the genitals is commonly known as herpes and predominantly occurs following sexual transmission of the type 2 strain of the virus (HSV-2). Oral herpes, colloquially called cold sores, is commonly caused by the type 1 strain of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). [read more]
Herpes gestationis is a medical condition used to describe polymorphic vesicobullous eruption during pregnancy. [read more]
Herpes of the eye, or dendritic keratitis, is an eye infection caused by the herpes zoster virus. [read more]
Herpes simplex is commonly known as as cold sores. It is a viral infection of the skin that arises once or return again and again. This is because when the virus is cleared from the skin by the immune system it hides in the nerves and is never wholly removed from the body. Herpes infections are very prevalent. Unfortunately those who carry the herpes virus can spread the disease without even knowing it. [read more]
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a very serious disorder and one of the most severe viral infections affecting the human central nervous system. [read more]
Commonly affecting both men and women, genital herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease which include itching, pain and sores in your genital area. [read more]
Leading to the development of small and usually painful blisters on the skin of the mouth, lips, gums or lip area, herpes labialis is an infection caused by the herpes simples. The blisters are commonly called fever blisters or cold sores. [read more]
Sacral herpes simplex virus or also called genital herpes is an infection of the lower back and buttocks and is a common recurrent skin condition associated with infection of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV infection usually appears as small sores or blisters around the nose, mouth, buttocks, lower back and the genitals, though infections can develop almost anywhere on the skin where these tender sores may come back periodically in the same sites. [read more]
This is an infection by a member of the Herpesviridae family, a family of enveloped, linear, double-stranded DNA viruses; occurs in a wide variety of animals. [read more]
Herpes zoster oticus (HZ oticus) is a viral infection affecting the inner, middle, and external ear. HZ oticus manifests as severe otalgia and associated cutaneous vesicular eruption, typically of the external canal and pinna. When linked with facial paralysis, the infection is called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. [read more]
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis includes a wide variety of disease processes that HSV can cause in the human cornea. A variety of clinical manifestations of infectious and immunologic etiologies, such as neurotrophic keratopathy, infectious epithelial keratitis, necrotizing stromal keratitis, immune stromal keratitis (ISK), and endotheliitis, can affect all levels of the cornea. Although more common as a manifestation of recurrent HSV infection, HSV keratitis may also be detected during a primary infection. [read more]
Herpetic whitlow is a painful viral infection occurring on the fingers or around the fingernails which is cause by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is also called digital herpes simplex, hand herpes or finger herpes. These infections are very contagious and are easily spread by direct contact with skin lesions and usually appears as sores or small blisters around the nose, mouth, buttocks, and genitals, though the infections can develop almost anywhere on the skin. [read more]
Heterophobia is a term used to describe bias or discrimination against heterosexuals, particularly among homosexual or bisexual people; although, depending on one's views, it is also possible for a heterosexual to be heterophobic. [read more]
Hyperornithinemia-hyperammonemia-homocitrullinemia (HHH) syndrome is a very rare inborn error of metabolism; the age at presentation and long-term prognosis vary widely among affected individuals. Growth and developmental delays, periodic confusion and ataxia, and learning disabilities (especially speech delay), are typical presenting symptoms. In this syndrome, a defect in the transport of ornithine into the mitochondrial matrix significantly hinders the urea cycle, thereby impeding nitrogen disposal. [read more]
A hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia is the protrusion (or herniation) of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. [read more]
A hiccup (hiccough) is a spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm that typically repeats several times per minute. In medicine, it is referred to as synchronous diaphramatic flutter (SDF). [read more]
High altitude cerebral edema, also known as ?altitude sickness of mountaineers?, is a medical condition experienced when traveling to high altitudes. Because of the lack of oxygen in high elevations, some people experience hypoxia, extreme headache and weakness. [read more]
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease that, in its more severe form, can eventually lead to crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. [read more]
The socket of the human hip joint known as acetabulum is naturally lined by some cartilage called labrum, which provides proper stability as well as cushioning for the hip joint. In the case of thehip labral tear, known as a hip labral tear or otherwise known as the acetabular labral tear can often arise from injury or because if some repetitive movements that cause the wear-and-tear on the hip joint, such as osteoarthritis. [read more]
Histidinemia, also known as histidinuria, is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme histidase. [read more]
Eosinophilic granuloma, also known as pulmonary histiocytosis X (PHX) or pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis X (PLCH), is a rare interstitial lung disease that is epidemiologically related to tobacco smoking. It predominantly affects young adults, primarily occurring in the third or fourth decades of life. [read more]
Histoplasmosis, also called Darling's disease, is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease mostly affects the lungs. [read more]
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a personality disorder marked by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and inappropriate seductiveness, usually beginning in early adulthood. [read more]
Hives are also medically known as urticaria. It is characterized by batches of raised, reddish or whitish itchy welts that form in various sizes. Normally, the hives go away for a few weeks or even less but have the tendency to recur frequently. In most cases of chronic hives, a cause is never clearly identified. In some cases, the condition may be related to an underlying autoimmune disorder ? when your body becomes allergic to itself. Chronic hives can also be linked to other health problems such as thyroid disease or lupus. While the underlying cause of chronic hives is usually not identified, treatment can help with symptoms. For many people, a combination of antihistamine medications provides the best relief. [read more]
In Hodgkin's disease, cells in the lymphatic system develop abnormally and may spread beyond the lymphatic system. As Hodgkin's disease progresses, it compromises the body's ability to fight different infections. [read more]
Holt-Oram syndrome is a disorder that affects bones in the arms and hands and may also cause heart problems in patients. [read more]
Homocystinuria is an inherited disorder in which the body cannot process certain building blocks of proteins (amino acids) properly. [read more]
Horn Kolb syndrome, also known as acheiropodia, is an autosomal recessive disease that results in hemimelia, a lack of formation of the distal extremities. This is a congenital defect which is made up of bilateral amputations of the distal upper and lower extremities, as well as aplasia of the hands and feet. It is almost endemic to Brazil. [read more]
Horner's syndrome is a clinical syndrome resulting from damage to the sympathetic nervous system. It is also known as Bernard-Horner syndrome or oculosympathetic palsy. [read more]
Horseshoe kidney (also called renal fusion) is a congenital disorder, affecting about 1 in 400 people, in which a person's two kidneys fuse together to form a horseshoe-shape during development in the womb. [read more]
Hot flashes, or hot flushes, are the sudden passing of warm feelings from the face going down to the other parts of the body, including the hands and feet. This is commonly experience by women undergoing menstruation, pre-natal situations and menopause. [read more]
HPV infection is a condition contracted from one of a group of more than 100 related human papillomaviruses (or HPVs). [read more]
HPV infection is a condition contracted from one of a group of more than 100 related human papillomaviruses (or HPVs). [read more]
Human Parvovirus B19, a species of parvovirus that infects humans, is linked with the development of several different autoimmune diseases including dematomyositis, mixed connective tissue diseases, a lupus-like illness, a serologically negative (negative RA factor test) form of arthritis, granuloma annulare, autoimmune thyroid disease, autoimmune schizophrenia, and various forms of vasculitis, including Henoch Schonlein purpura, Kawasaki disease, Wegener's granulomatosis, and polyarteritis nodosa. The development of autoimmune conditions following Human Parvovirus B19 arises in people of all ages and occurs more frequently in females. Autoimmune disease development is also known to appear in adults exposed to children with fifth disease [read more]
HTLV causes T-cell leukaemia and T-cell lymphoma in adults and may also be engaged in certain demyelinating diseases that includes tropical spastic paraparesis. HTLV is described as a human, single-stranded RNA retrovirus. [read more]
Huntington's chorea is a disease causing certain of the brain's nerve cells to waste away. It is also called huntington's disease. [read more]
Hurler syndrome, also called mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), Hurler's disease and gargoylism, is a genetic disorder that results in the deficiency of alpha-L iduronidase, which is an enzyme that breaks down mucopolysaccharides in the lysosomes. In the absence of this enzyme, a buildup of heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate occurs in the body. Symptoms appear during childhood and early death can take place due to organ damage. [read more]
Hurthle cell cancer (or HCC) is a relatively rare and extremely aggressive type of cancer that occurs in the thyroid gland, the gland responsible for secreting hormones that are essential in regulating the metabolism. [read more]
Hutchinson's teeth (also called Hutchinson's incisor, Hutchinson's sign or Hutchinson-Boeck teeth) are a sign of congenital syphilis. Babies with this have teeth that are smaller and more widely spaced than the usual and which have notches on their biting surfaces. [read more]
Hutchingson-Gilford syndrome (also known as progeria) is a very rare disease of premature aging in young children, marked mainly by a birdlike, "wizened old man" facial appearance, premature bodily ageing (progeria) and dwarfism. The children have bird-like features, large skull, atrophy of muscles and skin, loss of subcutaneous fat, high serum lipid levels and early atherosclerotic changes in the vessels. [read more]
Medically known as Echinococcosis and other terms are hydatid cyst, unilocular hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis which is a potentially deadly parasitic disease that can affect numerous animals. [read more]
A hydatidiform mole (or hydatid mole, mola hytadidosa) is an anomalous growth containing a nonviable embryo which implants and proliferates within the uterus. [read more]
Echinococcosis, also called hydatid disease, hydatid cyst, unilocular hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis, is a potentially fatal parasitic disease that can affect many animals, including wildlife, commercial livestock and humans. [read more]
Hydrocephalus is a serious increase of cerebrospinal fluid inside the ventricles of the brain. This is a common dreaded disease among infants that can lead to brain damage. [read more]
Hydrophobia, also known as aquaphobia, is an abnormal and persistent fear of water. Aquaphobia is a specific phobia that concerns a level of fear that is beyond the patient's control or that may interfere with daily life. People may suffer from aquaphobia in a lot of ways and may experience it even though they realize the water in an ocean, a river, or even a bathtub poses no imminent threat. They may avoid such activities as swimming and boating, or they may avoid swimming in the deep ocean despite having mastered basic swimming skills. This anxiety commonly extends to getting wet or splashed with water when it is least expected or being pushed or thrown into a body of water. [read more]
Hydrops fetalis is a condition in the fetus marked by an accumulation of fluid, or edema, in at least two fetal compartments, including the subcutaneous tissue, pleura, pericardium, or in the abdomen, which is also known as ascites. The edema is typically seen in the fetal subcutaneous tissue, sometimes leading to spontaneous abortion. It is a prenatal form of heart failure, in which the heart has failed to satisfy the insatiable demand for an unusually high amount of blood flow. [read more]
Hydrosyringomyelia refers to a group of conditions a person experiences when the spinal cord is damaged by an abnormal formation of fluid-filled cavities within the cord. [read more]
Hydroxyapatite crystal disease is an inflammation of the joints due to the crystallization of the hydroxyapatite mineral in the bones. [read more]
Hymenolepiasis is infestation by one of two species of tapeworm: Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta. [read more]
Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is a heterogeneous kind of disorders presented by recurring staphylococcal infections, eczema-like rashes, lung infections and high levels of the IgE antibody in the blood serum. It is sometimes known as Job-Buckley syndrome. [read more]
Hyper-IgD syndrome is an uncommon inherited disorder wherein an individual has high immunoglobulin D that causes recurring attacks of fever and chills that onsets during the first year of life. The attacks typically last four to six days, which may be accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, skin rash, and joint pain. The frequency and severity of the attacks vary significantly from one case to another. These episodes can be triggered through physiologic stress, for instance minor trauma or vaccination. [read more]
Hypersexuality is the desire to engage in human sexual behavior at a level high enough to be considered clinically significant. Hypersexuality is marked by a debilitating need for frequent genital stimulation which, once achieved, may fail to result in the expected long-term sexual?or emotional?satisfaction. This dissatisfaction is what is believed to encourage the increased frequency of sexual stimulation, as well as additional physiological and neurological symptoms. [read more]
Hyperadrenalism, more commonly known as Cushing's Syndrome, is an endocrine abnormality marked by the presence of high cortisol levels in the blood. Hyperadrenalism is also often called hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism. Its more familiar moniker, ?Cushing's Syndrome?, is attributed to Harvey Cushing, an American physician who is credited for its discovery and consequent study. According to the results of Cushing's studies, the disease is characterized by abnormal fat deposition. It also occurs commonly in dogs and domestic horses. In particular, Cushing's syndrome occurs when the adrenal cortex is invaded with a tumor and particularly deficient ACTH levels. [read more]
Hyperaldosteronism, also commonly known as aldosteronism, is a disorder in which the adrenal glands produce abnormally high levels of aldosterone, which can lead to decreased levels of potassium in the blood. [read more]
Hyperammonemia, also known as hyperammonaemia, is a type of metabolic defect marked by high levels of ammonia in the blood. Hyperammonemia can be a fatal condition which can easily lead to encephalopathy and eventual death. [read more]
Hyperandrogenism is an endocrine disorder that occurs in women, affecting roughly 10% of the female population. Occurring among all races and nationalities, this hormonal defect is known as the leading cause of infertility worldwide. The more popular form of this hormonal disorder is Hyperandrogenic Chronic Anovulation, more commonly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). [read more]
Hyperbilirubinemia is characterized by an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance that forms when red blood cells break down. In infants, the bilirubin can accumulate in the blood and surrounding tissues, filling the baby's body with fluids. The result is a condition called hyperbilirubinemia. The excess bilirubin causes pigmentation or yellowing of the infant's skin and tissues, a condition known as jaundice. [read more]
Hypercalcaemia (sometimes spelled Hypercalcemia) is a disorder characterized by elevated levels of calcium in the blood. Hypercalcaemia may be asymptomatic. It can, however, indicate the presence of other diseases; therefore, a diagnosis is needed if it persists. [read more]
Literally, Hypercholesterolemia means ?high blood cholesterol?. Characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, Hypercholesterolemia is not a disease per se, but a metabolic dysfunction which may be indicative of other diseases as well as contribute to several other forms of disease. Hypercholesterolemia is strongly correlated with ?hyperlipidemia?, marked by high lipid levels, and ?hyperlipoproteinemia", marked by high lipoprotein levels. A rare genetic form of this disorder is known as familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition occurring in families where members cannot properly metabolize cholesterol. [read more]
Hyperchylomicronemia, also known as hyperlipidemia or hyperlipoproteinemia, is characterized by elevated levels of lipids and/or lipoproteins in the blood. This lipid/lipoprotein abnormality, which is common in the general population, poses a high risk of developing into a cardiovascular disease because of the presence of high levels of cholesterol. Some forms of Hyperchylomicronemia may also lead to acute pancreatitis. [read more]
Hypercortisolism is a condition that arises from an excess of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Sometimes called hypercortisolism, Cushing's syndrome can occur when the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, make too much cortisol. It may also develop if the person is taking high doses of cortisol-like medications (corticosteroids) for a prolonged period. [read more]
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a process of involuntary vomiting during pregnancy. This condition usually leads to ketosis and dehydration. The disorder can also contribute to other major complications such as centrilobular necrosis, Wernicke's encephalopathy, widespread fat degeneration and esophageal rupture. [read more]
Hypereosinophilic syndrome is an uncommon blood disease process wherein the bone marrow generates steadily elevated ?eosinophil' count over a prolonged period of time causing damage to the tissue or organ. The syndrome may affect any part of one's body, but mostly affects the heart, nervous system, and the skin. [read more]
Hyperexplexia is an uncommon inherited disorder in which infants show a heightened startle reflex or reaction. The onset of the disease is soon after birth, and is characterized by rigidity or stiffness and supposition of flexed fetal placement. This startle reflex is sometimes joined by ?acute generalized hypertonia' that causes an individual to suddenly fall like a stiff log onto the ground. Other names for this disease include ?startle disease', Kok disease, and stiff baby syndrome. [read more]
Hyperglycemia is a condition wherein there's an excessive quantity of glucose circulating in one's blood plasma. It's a grave health dilemma for people with diabetes. Diabetic people having hyperglycemia over a long period of time can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves, and other organs of the body. [read more]
Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome or HHNS is a condition where the blood sugar is released through frequent urination. Too much urination leads to dehydration, if one does not drink sufficient fluids. Dehydration may lead to seizures and eventually, death. [read more]
Hyperglycinemia (nonketotic) is an innate metabolism error that's distinguished by the build up of huge quantities of amino acid glycine in urine, blood, and especially in the CSF or cerebrospinal fluid. This metabolic block happens in the transformation of glycine into tinier molecules. The disorder comes in several forms: classic form, infantile form, mild-episodic form, late-onset form, and atypical form. [read more]
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition in which there is an abnormally excessive and unpredictable sweating. People with this condition can sweat even when temperatures are cool or when they're resting. The sweating may occur in one's hands, armpits, or feet. [read more]
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a condition wherein there's an excessive level of homocysteine in the blood. It's often linked with cobalamin or folate deficiency, and genetic defects. Homocysteine is a molecule in the body that's naturally occurring, and is needed in many reactions that happen within body cells. These reactions result to methionine and cysteine formation; if passageways to methionine and cysteine are blocked, then the levels of homocysteine rise. [read more]
Hyperkalemia is a condition in which there is an excessive level of electrolyte potassium in the blood. Severely high levels of potassium in blood may lead to ?cardiac arrest' and even death. Although mild hyperkalemia may have limited effect on one's heart, moderate condition may produce changes in EKG, and severe cases may cause the suppression of the heart's electrical activity that may cause one's heart to stop beating. [read more]
Also known as Impressive Syndrome, Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) is a genetic disorder inherited via autosomal dominancy. In HYPP patients, sodium channels in muscle cells as well as the ability to regulate potassium levels in the blood are affected. While closely associated with horses, this disease also affects humans. In human patients, HYPP is often referred to as Gamstorp episodic adynamy. [read more]
Hyperlexia is a child spontaneously and precociously masters single-word reading. It can be viewed as a super ability, that is, word recognition ability far above expected levels. The most common definition also includes difficulties with comprehension of printed material beyond or even at the single-word level. Several hyperlexics also have trouble understanding speech. Probably all children with hyperlexia also lie on the autism spectrum. [read more]
Hypermenorrhea (also know as menorrhagia) is when menstruation is excessively long-lasting or heavy. [read more]
Hypermobility syndrome is a condition in which a person with doubled joints also experiences athraigia and myalgia, as skin hyperextensibility and varicose veins. [read more]
Farsightedness (also known as hyperopia) is a common vision condition in which one can see objects in the distance clearly, but objects nearby may be blurry. [read more]
Hyperoxaluria is a condition in which there is emission of excessive quantity of ?oxalate' in one's urine. Oxalate is basically organic salt that forms soluble salt when combined with potassium and sodium, but when joint with calcium, it generates insoluble product that's found in kidney stones. Mild types of the condition are comparatively common, and may cause the formation of kidney stones. Bigger quantities of the oxalate in urine may be due to intestinal diseases that cause over-absorption of the oxalate. [read more]
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by an over activity of the parathyroid glands, often caused by an overproduction of the parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH regulates and helps maintain the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body. When one or more of the parathyroid glands becomes over-active, calcium levels are elevated while phosphate levels drop. [read more]
The darkening of the skin in an area of prior injury or skin disorder from increased pigment (melanin) left from the healing process is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When old red blood cells die, the darkening may sometimes be also due to an iron pigment left behind. [read more]
Hyperprolactinemia (AmE), also known as Hyperprolactinaemia (BrE), is characterized by increased levels of proclatin in the blood. Normal proclatin levels in women are less than 580 mIU/L, whereas 450 mIU/L is normal for men. [read more]
Hyperprolinemia is a disorder resulting from excessive protein-building block (known as proline) in the patient's blood. This inherited condition has two types, namely Type I and Type II. [read more]
Hyperreflexia is a medical condition characterized by overresponsive or overactive reflexes, such as twitching and spastic tendencies. Hyperreflexia, which is more of a symptom than a disease, is usually indicative of a disorder of the upper motor neurons as well as disinhibition or a decrease or loss of control in the higher brain centers. [read more]
Hypersexuality is the desire to engage in human sexual behavior at a level high enough to be considered clinically significant. Hypersexuality is marked by a debilitating need for frequent genital stimulation which, once achieved, may fail to result in the expected long-term sexual?or emotional?satisfaction. This dissatisfaction is what is believed to encourage the increased frequency of sexual stimulation, as well as additional physiological and neurological symptoms. [read more]
Hypersomnia is a condition characterized by recurring episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness. People in this condition tend to take a nap at random hours during the day. [read more]
High blood pressure or more popularly referred to as hypertension means high pressure in the arteries or the vessels that carries blooding from the heart to other parts of the body. The normal blood pressure of a human being is typically below 120/80 and people who reaxch 140/90 are most likely suffering form hypertension. [read more]
Hypertensive retinopathy is characterized by retinal damage that results from hypetension or high blood pressure. [read more]
Hyperthermia is the development of severe health problems due to intense heat or because of extremely hot weather conditions. This is often referred to as the advanced state of sunstroke or heat stroke, which can prove to be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. [read more]
Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition that is caused by the ill effects of too much production of thyroid hormone on tissues of the human body. While there are several underlying causes of hyperthyroidism, patients would usually experience the same symptoms. [read more]
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a defect in the muscle of the heart known as myocardium. This disease is characterized by the thickening (or hypertrophy) of the myocardium without any evident cause. HCM is believed to be the leading cause of sudden, unexpected cardiac arrest in any age group. [read more]
Hypertropia is characterized by the misalignment of the eyes, in which the visual axis of one eye is higher than the other. It is similar to hypotropia, wherein focus of the eye with the visual axis is lower than the fellow fixating eye. [read more]
Hyperventilation is a condition in which the air passageways narrow due to excessive inhalation of oxygen. This commonly occurs during asthma attacks. [read more]
Hyper IgM syndrome, or ?Hypogammaglobulinemia with Hyper-IgM', is a type of genetic disease characterized by a distinctly high occurrence of Immunoglobulin M (i.e., IgM) antibodies. [read more]
Hyphema is a condition wherein blood is accumulated inside the anterior chamber of the eye. [read more]
Hypoadrenalism is a condition whereaby the adrenal glands are underactive, with suppressed ability to produce a range of hormones. The adrenal glands, located above each kidney, are responsible for hormone production. The inactivity of these glands is called hypoadrenalism. [read more]
Hypoaldosteronism is a condition characterized by reduced levels of the hormone aldosterone. This condition may lead to a potentially serious disease called hyperkalemia. It can also led to hyponatremia. [read more]
Hypocalcemia is a type of electrolyte disturbance characterized by a having low serum calcium levels. The human body regulates only the calcium that are not bound to proteins or ionized. Individuals with abnormally low levels of blood proteins may have plasma calcium that are inaccurate. In cases like this, the ionized calcium level is considered more accurate. [read more]
Hypochondrogenesis is a disease characterized by bone growth malformations. Though it is severe, Hypochondrogenesis is considered milder than achondrogenesis type 2 which is another skeletal disorder. [read more]
Hypochondroplasia is a developmental disorder characterized by a stature that is short and disproportional and micromelia, the condition wherein the head appears large when compared to the other parts of the body. This condition tends to affect females more than males. [read more]
Hypogonadism is a condition characterized by a lack of function of the gonads as a result of a defect of the reproductive system. The gonads produces hormones and also plays a role in producing eggs and sperm. Infertility results from defective sperm and egg development. Hypogonadism is often used to describe a permanent defect of the reproductive system. [read more]
Hypohidrosis is subnormal sweating, less sweating than usual. Hidrosis means sweating, so hypohidrosis is literally undersweating. [read more]
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a condition characterized by abnormal development of structures such as skin, teeth, hair, nails and sweat glands. It is among the 150 types of ectodermal dysplasia. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is the most common form of ectodermal dysplasia in humans. It is estimated to affect at least 1 in 17,000 people worldwide [read more]
Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by low concentration of potassium in the blood. About 95% of the potassium in the human body are found inside cells, the rest are found in the blood. Potassium is a very important mineral. It is responsible for muscle and nerve actions. [read more]
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare disease characterized by very low blood calcium that results in muscle weakness and paralysis. [read more]
Hypokalemic sensory overstimulation is a condition characterized by similarities to ion channel disorders such as hypokalemic periodic paralysis. The symptoms of hypokalemic sensory overstimulation and that of sensory integration disorder and attention deficit disorder are quite the same. The relation between the three condition are yet to be established. [read more]
Hypolipoproteinemia is a rare but serious condition characterized by a lack of fat in the blood. Fat is absorbed by blood, along with proteins and other chemicals, in the intestine and is transported to the liver for processing. [read more]
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition characterized by a decreased function of the parathyroid glands that leads to reduced levels of the parathyroid hormone or PTH. Hypoparathyroidism often leads to a condition known as hypocalcemia which is serious. [read more]
Hypophosphatasia is an inherited metabolic condition characterized by decreased tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) and defects in mineralization of the bones. This rare disease comes in five forms: perinatal, infantile, childhood, adult, and odontohypophosphatasia. Perinatal hypophosphatasia is sure to cause death while infantile hypophosphatasia carries a 50% mortality rate. The other forms are usually not deadly. [read more]
The loss of skin color (pigmentation) after your skin heals from an injury is called post-inflammatory hypopigmentation because pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are damaged or destroyed in the healing process. [read more]
Hypopituitarism is a disorder characterized by a deficiency in one or several hormones of the pituitary gland. Hormones are produced by the hypothalamus to regulate secretions from the pituitary gland. This is why a dysfunction in the hypothalamus often causes disorders in the pituitary gland. [read more]
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, HLHS for short, is a condition characterized by severe malformation and underdevelopment of the left part of the heart. Individuals with HLHS experiences poor blood circulation since the right side of the heart compensates for the inefficiency of the left side. If left untreated, HLHS may lead to dangerously low blood circulation, shock and even death. HLHS is a rare condition that affects only 2 in every 100,000 live births. [read more]
Hypoprothrombinaemia is a blood disorder characterized by impaired blood clotting due to a deficiency of prothromin, a blood protein necessary for blood coagulation. The condition leads to a heightened risk of bleeding particularly in the cranial vault, gastrointestinal system and superficial integumentary system. [read more]
Hyposmia is a sensory defect that results to the reduced sense of smell. The nose fails to recognize differences in odor properly. This is different, but associated with anosmia, where the nose can't smell odors at all. This condition can be due to allergies and infections that occurred in the nose, and is also a sign of premature Parkinson's disease. [read more]
Hypospadias is a condition among males that is characterized by an abnormally placed urinary opening. It is a birth defect where instead of being situated at the tip of the of the penis, the urinary opening is found along the underside of the penile shaft to the part where the penis meets the scrotum. Hypospadias are among the most common birth defect of the male genitalia. [read more]
Hyposplenism is a disorder characterized by reduced functions of the spleen. [read more]
In physiology and medicine, hypotension pertains to an abnormal low blood pressure. This is studied as a physiologic state, rather than a disease. It is often associated with shock, but not necessarily indicative of it. Hypotension is the opposite of hypertension that is high blood pressure. Hypotension could be life-threatening. [read more]
Hypothalamic dysfunction is a condition that involves the hypothalamus, a region in the brain that helps control the pituitary glands especially in responding to stress. The hypothalamus gland helps in the regulation if appetite and weight, balance of salt and water in the body, body temperature as well as emotions. Childbirth, growth, sleep and milk production are also regulated by the hypothalamus. The thyroid, ovaries, adrenal glands and testes are all controlled in turn by the pituitary gland. [read more]
Hypothalamic hamartoblastoma syndrome, also known as Pallister-Hall syndrome syndrome, is a disease characterized by an abnormal growth in the brain known as hypothalamic hamartoma. Hypothalamic hamartoblastoma syndrome affects many parts of the body but does not pose serious complications most of the time. While the growths often do not cause any health problems they sometime lead to seizures and other life-threatening conditions. Some individuals with this disease have an obstruction in their anal opening, malformation of their airways and even kidney abnormalities. [read more]
Hypothermia is a condition wherein the temperature of an organism drops below the level required for proper metabolism and bodily functions. The core body temperature of warm-blooded animals like humans are always maintained near a constant level. Hypothermia occurs when the body is subjected to very cold conditions that leads to inability of the body to replenish the heat lost. [read more]
Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by insufficient production of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. [read more]
Hypotrichosis is a condition characterized by having a less than normal amount of hair on the head or body. Hypotrichosis is often confused with alopecia, or hair loss. In hypotrichosis as opposes to alopecia, there was never any hair in the first place. In hypotrichosis, the affected area is bald and remains bald for the rest of the life of the patient. There are three types of hypotrichosis, these are: 1.aplasia cutis congenita, a developmental disorder of unknown origin; 2.triangular alopecia, similar condition to aplasia cutis congenita but is distinguished by the identifying triangular patch in the head; 3.congenital atrichia, a congenital disorder where sometimes an individuals is born with a healthy head of hair but loses it at some point in his or her life. [read more]
Hypotropia is a condition misalignment of eyes characterized by having the visual axis lower than the fellow fixating eye. A similar but opposite condition is called hypertrophy. [read more]
Hypoxia is a condition characterized by a shortage of oxygen in the body. The term hypoxia literally means ?lacking in oxygen.? Related conditions include hypoxaemia, where oxygen in the blood is reduced, and anoxia, where there is complete absence of oxygen. [read more]
Hysteria is a mental illness associated with other psychiatric disorders. It is characterized by dissociative and conversion reactions depending on the patient's condition. [read more]
ICF Syndrome is a condition characterized by a weak immune system and anomalies in the face. ICF Syndrome is an inherited condition. The main feature of ICF Syndrome is variable immunodeficiency combined with centrometric instability of chromosome 1, 9, 16 and even 2. ICF syndrome is a rare condition that affects less than 200,000 people in the United States. [read more]
Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin condition characterized by dry and scaly skin. It is the most common form of a general skin condition known as ichthyosis as it affects 1 in 250 people. This is why it is also sometimes called common ichthyosis. [read more]
Icterus is another name for jaundice. It is the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes and conjunctivae due to large amounts of bile secretions in the blood. [read more]
Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia is a form of eosinophilic pneumonia wherein the cause is undetermined. Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia is a condition in which eosinophil a certain type of white blood cell, accumulates in the lung. Eosinophil cause disruption of the alveoli (air spaces). There are two forms of idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia: acute eosinophilic pneumonia and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. [read more]
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a condition characterized by a side curvature of the spine, either to the left or to the right. AIS can occur in individuals from 10 years of age until maturity. It is called idiopathic because the cause of the curvature is still unknown. Genes are suspected for playing a big part in this condition. [read more]
Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis is a rare, sporadic, fatal, mostly in children with an equal sex distribution. The condition also arises in adults where there is a sex difference (M:F = 2:1). The patients present with recurrent attacks of pulmonary haemorrhage, acute phase: bat-wing alveolar infiltrates, clears rapidly, chronic findings: haemosiderosis, cor pulmonale, pulmonary fibrosis, . [read more]
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the condition of having a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) of an unknown cause (idiopathic). As most causes appear to be related to antibodies against platelets, it is also called immune thrombocytopenic purpura. [read more]
One of the most prevalent immune deficiency disorders, IgA deficiency is defined as low blood serum levels of a special type of protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA). This deficiency hinders function of the immune system. People with this deficiency lack immunoglobulin A (IgA), a type of antibody that protects against infections of the mucous membranes that line the mouth, airways, and digestive tract. It is described as an undetectable serum IgA level in the presence of normal serum levels of IgG and IgM. [read more]
Ileitis is the inflammation of the small intestine. When not treated, it can lead to peritonitis, a disease in which the small intestine becomes heavily damaged and will need to be replaced. [read more]
Illum syndrome, also known as arthrogryposis multiplex congenita whistling face, is a kind of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a rare congenital disorder that causes multiple joint contractures and is characterized by muscle weakness and fibrosis. [read more]
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a common pre-diabetic state in which insulin resistance may cause cardiovascular problems. It can be the start of the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This condition can be treated by changes in diet and lifestyle to prevent the development of diabetes. Sugar intake must be limited and regular exercise must be practiced. Minerals such as carnitine are also helpful in regulating blood sugar levels. [read more]
An imperforate anus or anal atresia is a congenital defect in which the rectum is malformed. [read more]
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection most common among children age 2?6 years. Mostly people who play close contact sports such as rugby, American football and wrestling are also susceptible, regardless of age. The name is from the Latin impetere ("assail"). It is also called as school sores. [read more]
Impingement syndrome is a condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff rub and cause friction against the bones of the shoulder. This is commonly felt by people who incur injuries in the scapular area. [read more]
Impossible Syndrome, also known as Chondrodysplasia situs inversus imperforate anus polydactyly, is a complex combination of human congenital malformations (birth defects). The malformations include chondrodysplasia (improper growth of bone and cartilage), situs inversus totalis (chest and abdominal organs all a mirror image of normal), hexadactyly (six digits) on hands and feet, cleft epiglottis and larynx, diaphragmatic hernia, pancreatic abnormalities, kidney abnormal on one side and absent on the other side, micropenis and ambiguous genitalia, and imperforate anus. [read more]
Impotence is an inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Medical professionals commonly use the term ?erectile dysfunction? to describe this disorder and to differentiate it from other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation and orgasm. [read more]
Sporadic inclusion body myositis (acronym: sIBM) is a rare condition marked by gradually progressive wasting and weakness of the proximal and distal muscles. This inflammatory muscle disease is most evident in the muscles of the legs and arms. Two progressive processes, one degenerative and the other autoimmune, seem to occur simultaneously in the muscle cells. In the autoimmune aspect, the T cells are cloned, seemingly driven by certain antigens to invade the fibers of the muscles. In the degeneration aspect, holes (vacuoles) appear in the muscle, with amyloid-related protein deposits and abnormal filamentous inclusions appearing in the cells. [read more]
Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) is a genetic disorder that affects the skin, hair, nails and teeth. It is also called Bloch Sulzberger syndrome, Bloch Siemens syndrome, melanoblastosis cutis and naevus pigmentosus systematicus. [read more]
The condition is also referred to as an upset stomach where in an individual feels a discomfort in the upper abdomen. It is also a group of symptoms that usually includes nausea, heartburn, bloating and belching. [read more]
Infant respiratory distress syndrome ("RDS", also known as "Respiratory distress syndrome of newborn", previously called hyaline membrane disease), is a syndrome caused in premature infants by developmental insufficiency of surfactant production and structural immaturity in the lungs. It can also arise from a genetic problem with the production of surfactant associated proteins. RDS affects around 1% of newborn infants and is the leading cause of death in preterm infants. [read more]
Infantile paralysis is the old name for the disease poliomyelitis (or polio). It is an infectious disease transmitted from one's saliva or feces, and it can lead to paralysis and muscle dystrophy. [read more]
Infantile spasms, or West syndrome, is an interictal EEG pattern termed hypsarrhythmia, and mental retardation, although the diagnosis can be made even if one of the 3 elements is missing (according to the international classification). This severe epilepsy syndrome is an age-dependent manifestation of a damaged brain. [read more]
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a term used to describe a number of different disorders, all having in common a genetic cause and the manifestation of weakness due to loss of the motor neurons of the spinal cord and brainstem. [read more]
Infectious arthritis is a form of joint inflammation that is caused by a germ. The germ can be a virus, bacterium, or a fungus. Infection of the joints typically occurs after a previous infection elsewhere in the body. [read more]
Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection affecting the endocardial surface of the heart. The intracardiac effects of this infection include severe valvular insufficiency, which may result to intractable congestive heart failure and myocardial abscesses. [read more]
Infertility means not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying. If a woman keeps on having miscarriages, it is also called infertility. Several couples have infertility problems. For the third of the time, infertility can be traced to the woman. In another third case, it is because of the man. While the rest of the time, it is because of either partners or no cause is found. [read more]
Inguinal hernias happen when the soft tissue sticks out through a fragile point or cut in the lower abdominal wall which can be painful when coughing, bending or lifting heavy objects. [read more]
Insulin resistance is the condition in which normal amounts of insulin are inadequate to produce a normal insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells. Insulin resistance in fat cells reduces the effects of insulin and results in elevated hydrolysis of stored triglycerides in the absence of measures which either increase insulin sensitivity or which has additional insulin. [read more]
Intermittent claudication is the occurrence of cramp-like pain on the calves. This usually occurs during heavy exercise or in the midst of strenuous physical activity. SYMPTOMS [read more]
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is the term used to describe a clinical syndrome characterized by chronic urinary urgency (feeling the need to urinate immediately) and frequency (frequent urination) with or without pelvic pain. [read more]
Interstitial Lung Disease refers to a cluster of lung disorders. It usually involves certain lung areas like the tissues of the alveoli, basement membrane (structures supporting overlying epithelial and endothelial cells), pulmonary capillary endothelium, perilymphatic and perivascular tissues. The term Interstitial Lung Disease is used to make a distinction of the disease classified as belonging to this group from obstructive airway ailments. Although the majority of diseases in this group include fibrosis in the later stage, the term pulmonary fibrosis is completely disregarded in identifying this disease. [read more]
An irritation of touching skin surfaces in body fold regions (armpits, under the breasts, buttocks, belly, groin and sometimes between toes or fingers) is called intertrigo. It can be worsened by any conditions causing increased heat, friction and wetness and may be complicated by superficial skin infection with yeast or bacteria. [read more]
Bands of fibrous tissue that connect the loops of the intestines to each other, to the abdominal organs or to the intestines of the abdominal wall result to intestinal adhesions. The bands can pull several sections of the intestines out of place. [read more]
Intestinal flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a common illness that usually results to vomiting and diarrhea. [read more]
A diminished blood flow to the small intestine or colon is referred to as intestinal ischemia. [read more]
Intestinal lipodystrophy, or Whipple's disease, is a rare bacterial infection that most often affects the gastrointestinal system. It interferes with normal digestion, impairing the breakdown of foods such as fats and carbohydrates and hampering the body's ability to absorb nutrients. [read more]
Intestinal obstruction is a condition where the rectal passage is partially or completely blocked. In this state, the elements that have to be released by the body would not be able to pass through. [read more]
It is an uncommon condition accompanied by symptoms similar to those that cause bowel obstruction or blockage. Though, when the intestines are check there is no blockage found instead the obstruction is due to nerve or muscle problems that affects food, fluid or air movement. [read more]
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is the weakened ability of the intestines to completely push food through. Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is classified into two categories: primary condition and secondary condition. Primary conditions are those with unknown cause (idiopathic), it can also be inherited from a parent; while secondary conditions are those caused by a different underlying ailment. [read more]
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is probably an under diagnosed cause of headache, even though it is estimated to affect only about one in 50,000 individuals. [read more]
Intraocular lymphoma is a rare malignant form of eye cancer that is capable of quickly spreading to the brain. [read more]
Intratuterine growth retardation (IGR) refers to a condition wherein an infant is born smaller than the normal size. Babies in this condition are often described to be small for their gestational age. [read more]
Intrauterine dwarfism is a rare growth disorder also known as the Russel-Silver syndrome. It is one of the five types of primordial dwarfism. [read more]
Iodine deficiency is the result of lack if iodine in the diet. Iodine deficiency induced disorders include goiter and cretinism, which is a medical and physical condition characterized by severely underdeveloped physical and mental growth. [read more]
Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome is a disorder affecting the cornea of the eye. It is characterized by the decay of the corneal cells resulting to swelling, destruction of the iris and pupil, and limited passage of light into the eye. This disease is associated with Chandler's syndrome, iris atrophy and Cogan disease. [read more]
Iridocyclitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation in the middle layer or the whole interior of the eye. This is also referred to as a type of anterior uveitis, which is inflammation of the uvea of the eyes. Commonly it is described as inflammation of the iris and the ciliary body of the eye. [read more]
Iritis is a medical condition that refers to the inflammation of the iris of the eye; it is considered as a form of anterior uveitis. Two types of Iritis are chronic and acute Iritis. Acute Iritis has the capability to heal by itself while Chronic Iritis does not easily respond to treatment, lasting for months or years and comes with a high risk for serious visual damage. [read more]
Iron deficiency is a medical condition wherein the blood lacks sufficient amount of iron needed by the body. Iron is a nutrient needed to produce hemoglobin, a protein compound that makes up the red blood cells. The most common situation of iron deficiency is called iron-deficiency anemia. [read more]
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and is also known as sideropenic anemia. It is the very common cause of microcytic anemia. Iron deficiency anemia happens when the dietary intake or absorption of iron is insufficient, and hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed. [read more]
In medicine, iron overload (also known as hemochromatosis) disorders are diseases caused by the accumulation of iron in the body. [read more]
Arrhythmia, also known as an irregular heartbeat, is a condition where the heart beats either lower or faster than the normal heart beat of 50 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmias can occur even to those people with regular heart rate. [read more]
Irritable bladder, or overactive bladder, is a problem with bladder function resulting in a sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to suppress. It may also result to incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine. [read more]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as Spastic Colon is a functional bowel disorder distinguished with abdominal pain and bowel habit changes. This disorder is relatively common and comprises up to 20% - 50% of consultations to gastroenterologists. [read more]
Isaac's syndrome, also referred to as continuous muscle fiber activity syndrome, is a rare degenerative disorder of the muscles brought about by damaged impulses sent by the peripheral nervous system. Among the common symptoms of the illness are chronic muscle cramps, stiffness and muscle pain even during one's sleep. [read more]
Ischemic colitis is a medical condition mostly found in adults at 50 years of age or older. It is a condition in which the colon is inflamed and injured. The condition is also called colonic ischemia . [read more]
Ivy poison is a lacquer-like substance released by the poison ivy plant as a device for self-protection. The substance is released whenever a foreign body brushes on the leaves of the plant. [read more]
Jackson-Weiss Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by bone malformation including fusion of foot bones and premature joining together of some bones in the skull, which impedes the normal growth of the skull; thus create deformity to the face and head. [read more]
It is a serious viral disease that is transmitted by infected mosquitoes in the agricultural areas of Asia. The virus infection affects the central nervous system and can lead to serious problems and even death. [read more]
Jarcho-Levin syndrome is a rare, genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities in the axial skeleton; usually referred to as spinal column abnormalities. Due to some thorax malformations, patients suffering from Jarcho-Levin syndrome are at a higher risk for life-threatening pulmonary complications. It is also described as short trunk dwarfism with abnormalities in the thorax causing thoracic insufficiency. The vertebrate are fused, preventing the rib cage from developing properly, consequently the chest cavity becomes too small to be big enough for the growing lungs. [read more]
Jaundice in newborns is a condition where increased bile pigment causes yellowish skin and eyes. This is due to a congenital damage in the red blood cells. Infants suffering from this condition may be because of a prenatal mismatch between the Rh factor in their blood and that of their mothers. Jaundice can also be brought about by a temporary enzymatic defect called hyperbilirubinemia. [read more]
Jejunum is the central part of the small intestine, lying between the duodenum and the ileum. In Jejunal atresia, a part of the small intestine is completely absent or closed. Patients with this disorder are born with a missing stomach membrane fold connecting the small intestine to the abdominal back wall. Consequently, the jejunum twists around the marginal artery causing a blockage. This rare birth defect is also described as malformation of the jejunum. [read more]
Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome is a rare medical condition; a type of Long QT syndrome. The disorder causes the muscles of the heart takes longer than average to recharge after every heartbeat. Once left untreated, the irregular heartbeats can lead to fainting and seizure attacks. Worse scenario would be sudden death. It is an autosomal recessive disorder that may cause loss of hearing (deafness). [read more]
It was in the year 1966 that the Job syndrome was first described as the hyper-IgE/HIE or hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome which is a very rare immunodeficiency disease. This disorder can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. HIE has changing expressivity and is linked with several other abnormalities. The general findings are recurring abscesses of the skin (this is why it is called the Job syndrome, derived from the biblical character Job); high IgE serum levels; pneumonia which comes with pneumatocele development; and dental, facial or skeletal defects. Most cases of this disorder are sporadic but there are cases of multiplex families who display autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant inheritance. Autosomal recessive individuals usually have acute molluscum contagiosm. Also, it is possible for neurological complications to develop because of other viral infections. The patients also lack dental or skeletal involvement and they do not develop cysts of the lungs. A few authorities have the belief that 2 separate syndromes are in existence, not just one. [read more]
Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin. The warm, moist environment is the best place for the fungus to grow. [read more]
The Johnson Munson syndrome or aphalangy, urogenital-intestinal and hemivertibrae dysgenesis is a very rare syndrome which has been observed in only three siblings. It is associated with aplisia of the phalanges of the feet and hands or hypoplasia; hermivertibrea, and several other intestinal and/or urogenital defects. Intrafamiliar variability is highly important as one of the three siblings (a sister) had fatal defects (pulmonary hypoplasia and Potter syndrome). The other brother who was also sick with the syndrome was in great health and he had a normal development of his psychomotor skills at the sixth month of age. [read more]
Joseph disease, also known in names such as the Machado-Joseph disease and spinocerebral ataxia type 3, is a rare disorder characterized by lack of muscle control. [read more]
Joubert syndrome is a genetic disorder that is very rare. This disorder affects the brain areas which control coordination and balance. It was first identified by a pediatric neurologist named Marie Joubert from Montreal in Canada. The physician was then working with McGill Neurological Institute. [read more]
A part of every human's instinct of survival includes sudden reaction to unexpected stimulus. Often, the reaction is a startle which is a reflexive movement to get away from the stimulus. This reaction also causes change of blood pressure and respiration. Among normal people, this could only last for seconds but for those who suffer from Jumping Frenchmen of Maine disorder, the result could be very interesting (and in some cases, shocking). Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is a very rare disease which was originally described in 1878 by a certain George Miller Beard. [read more]
Juvenile dermatomyositis or JDM is an autoimmune disorder which causes vasculitis manifesting itself among children; and it is a pediatric equivalent of dermatomyositis. JDM manifests vasculitis an inflammation which is caused by the attack of the body's immune system to the blood vessels. In the US, the rate of occurrence of JDM is estimated to be 3 in every 1,000,000 children annually. This is about 300 to 500 fresh cases every year or about 3,000 to 5,000 children. Other types of juvenile myositis include juvenile inclusion-body myositis (JIBM) and juvenile polymyositis (JPM). These two other types are very rare and are not that as common among children. The underlying cause of Juvenile dermatomyositis is still unknown. It is most probable that it has a genetic component such as other autoimmune diseases (inherited within the family). The most common triggering factors include infections, immunizations, sunburn and injuries. [read more]
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy or JME is also called the Janz syndrome. This is a common type of idiopathic generalized epilepsy which represents 5-10% of all the types of epilepsies. This disease manifests primarily between the 12th-18th month and with myoclonus showing very early during the morning. Most of the patients also manifest absence and tonic-clonic seizures. Studies have shown at least six loci for JME of which 4 have specific causative genes. Most of the genes are ion channels together with the sole non-ion channel gene after manifesting effects on currents of ion channel. [read more]
A name given to a skin problem on the feet of children and may occasionally develop similar signs to the hands is called juvenile plantar dermatosis. Tending to gradually improve, it is seen most often in boys aged four to eight. Juvenile plantar dermatosis is also called sweaty sock syndrome where the sole of the forefoot becomes shiny and glazed. The top of the toes and other parts other parts of the feet may also be affected while toewebs are spared and the skin becomes scaly. Taking many weeks to heal, painful cracks (fissures) develop under the toes and on the ball of the foot. Sweaty sock syndrome is usually severe during the summer months. [read more]
JRA or Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is not just a single illness. It is, in fact, a group of illnesses of unidentified etiology. The manifestation is a chronic inflammation of the joint. Treatment advances in the last thirty years have altered the prognosis for the more acute types of this disease. The first treatment is limited with only the use of salicylates and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. The initial treatment resulted into numerous patients being bound to their wheelchairs. Some patients tried synovectomies to get rid of tissue excesses which result from uncontrolled arthritis. The second-line medicines that were added have improved the prognosis for those who suffered from JRA. It started with gold salt injection and gradually replaced by MTX or methotrexate which is a more effective solution. These drugs are administered with team approach background in centers of pediatric rheumatology. In there, occupational and physical therapies have allowed much improved physical functions. The introduction of etanercept (which is a biologic enemy of tumor necrosis factor or TNF) has introduced a new era in treatments. A few more biologic agents such as the anakinra (which is an IL-1 or interleukin-1 receptor opponent) could be used in some patients who are not responsive to second-line medication. The future holds an inhibition of IL-6 which could be effective in systemic sufferers with JRA with high levels. [read more]
Schizophrenia is one of the most complex of all psychological health disorders. It is a severe, chronic, and disabling disturbance of the brain that leads to distorted thinking, strange feelings, and unusual behavior and use of language and words. [read more]
Kabuki syndrome also called as Kabuki makeup syndrome (KMS) or Niikawa Kuroki syndrome in the past, is a rare pediatric inborn disease. This congenital disorder has no known cause and comes with numerous inborn anomalies and retardation of mental development. It was discovered by Niikawa and Kuroki who were Japanese scientists. It was named Kabuki syndrome because the individuals who are affected by this illness look like Kabuki dolls or Kabuki performers who are wearing white makeup. The name term Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome, obviously, relates to the two scientists who made the discovery of the illness. [read more]
Kallman syndrome, by itself, is a type of hypogonadism (which is a decrease in the function of the sex glands that produce hormones). This is caused by a lack of GnRH hormone (the one that releases gonadotropin). The term Spastic paraplegia with Kallman syndrome has not been discussed in the previous years. This is a very rare genetic disease which is characterized chiefly by lower leg weakness and mild spasticity. Other signs include lack of production of the sex hormones and also the inability to smell odors. [read more]
Kaolin is processed by, first, removing it from seams that are underground in an area of mining. The process involves slicing, drying, and pulverizing to make a finished product. A study was done to know the concentration of kaolin dust in different areas of work. The study was also set up to be able to assess the occurrence of pulmonary and radiographic function defects among workers. There were 65 subjects from the Georgia kaolin mines. It was noted that the respirable concentrations of kaolin dust were at their peak in the areas where the product was being processed as compared to the mine or areas of maintenance. The study ran through 1977 until 1981. The kaolin dust level that is was respirable in the processing are in the year 1981 was at 1.74 milligrams/m3 and 0.14 milligrams/m3 in the area of mining. 5 of the workers from the processing area had evidences, confirmed by radiography, of kaolin pneumoconiosis. The FVC or the forced vital capacity and FEV1 mean values for the entire group were observed to be in the normal range. When the spirometric quantities were stated as a percentage or portion of the values that were predicted, the FEV1 and FVC were noticeably lower among workers with kaolinosis than among workers from within the processing area. Both the FEV1 and the FVC have declined considerably as the years progress and the worker remains working in the processing area. The FEV1/FVC%, on the other hand, was not changed significantly by either the kaolinosis presence or by the increase in work years. This indicates that the defect was confined and thus very likely to be a result of inhalation of the kaolin dust as compared to smoking. [read more]
Moritz Kaposi, a Hungarian dermatologist was the first one to describe Kaposi's sarcoma, as a tumor caused by Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8). HHV8 is the eight human herpes virus. Kaposi's sarcoma is the cancer that usually comes about in many AIDS suffering patients. [read more]
Karsch Neugebauer syndrome (Ectrodactyly) also known as ?lobster claw syndrome?, is a rare congenital (present at birth) deformity of the hand. This deformity is characterized by webbing of the fingers or toes. This unusual placement or position presents the hand to look like the claws of a lobster. This disorder also exhibits a missing toe or a missing finger. Other names that this disorder goes by are split hand deformity, lobster claw hand, cleft hand, ectrodactilia of the hand, and split hand/foot malformation. [read more]
Kaufman Oculocerebrofacial syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder. This rare genetic medical condition is characterized by some abnormal looking facial features including small head, narrow face, eye anomalies, small mandible, upslanting palpebral fissure (the distance between the upper and lower eyelids), highly arched palates, and preauricular skin tags. Severely inflicted people show very obvious facial features of a mentally retarded person. [read more]
Kawasaki Syndrome is a medical condition with unknown cause that results in inflammation of the walls of the blood vessels (vasculitis) and primarily affects young children. [read more]
Keloids are type of scars characterized by significant marks of skin elevation; it is an overgrowth of tissue on the exact location of the healed skin injury. Keloids usually occur after an injury or surgery. Keloids are usually firm, fibrous lesions. Keloids are non-contagious and non-malignant at the same time. Not like scars, keloids do not sink in size. Keloids often form on the back, chest, earlobes, and shoulder. The face is not primarily at a risk of developing keloids. [read more]
Kennedy disease is a rare hereditary disease affecting the nerves and muscles (neuromuscular). Females can be carriers of the disease but only males present the symptoms of the disease. Kennedy Disease is also known as X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. [read more]
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is an eye condition commonly known as, ?dry eyes?. It is characterized by decreased in tear production and involves inflammation of the conjunctiva. In the common language, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca means dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea. Other names for this disorder includes: xerophthmalia, dry eye syndrome, Sicca syndrome, keratitis Sicca. [read more]
A rare degenerative disorder marked by a progressive thinning and cone-shape appearance of the cornea of the eyes; it is categorized as a non-inflammatory eye ailment. It is considered as the most usual type of corneal dystrophy in the US. [read more]
Seborrheic Keratosis is a benign skin growth that can occur during puberty but are more common in older people starting at the age of 40. Seborrheic Keratosis is often illustrated as to having a ?pasted-on? appearance because growth only involves the top layer of the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). It is also described as a thickening condition of the skin that increases with age.` [read more]
Ketotic glycinemia, also referred to as propionic acidemia, is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects the amino acid production. [read more]
Kidney cancer is also known as renal cell carcinoma arising from the renal tubule. It is the most common kind of kidney cancer in adults. It is notoriously resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although some cases respond to immunotheraphy. [read more]
Acute kidney failure is the sudden loss of the kidneys' ability to perform their main function ? eliminate excess fluid and electrolytes as well as waste material from the blood. When the kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste accumulate in the body. [read more]
Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a specific type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels up into your kidneys. Kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, very often results when a bacterial infection moves from the lower urinary tract like bladder, urethra to the kidneys. [read more]
Kidney stone also called renal calculi, are solid concretions (crystal aggregations) of dissolved minerals in urine; calculi typically form inside the kidneys or bladder. The terms nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis pertains to the presence of calculi in the kidneys and urinary tract, respectively. [read more]
Kikuchi Disease is a rare lymph node disorder causing large and inflamed lymph nodes. It is not cancerous. It is also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis; which was first identified in 1972 by Dr. M.Kikuchi in Japan. [read more]
Infectious mononucleosis (mono), or glandular fever, is usually called the kissing disease. [read more]
Kleine-Levin Syndrome is a rare disease identified by periods of too much, unnecessary sleepiness that can reach to 20 hours of sleep; excessive food intake (compulsive hyperphagia); hypersexuality or abnormally uncontrolled sexual drive. This rare disorder is more probable to occur in males in their puberty rather than females. [read more]
Klippel-Feil Syndrome is a rare medical condition described as the congenital fusion of any two (2) of the seven (7) vertebrae located in the neck. This rare disorder was first accounted by Maurice Klippel and Andre Feil from France in the year 1912. [read more]
Klumpke's paralysis is paralysis of the brachial plexus. Brachial plexus is the arrangement of nerve fibres from above the fifth cervical (neck) vertebrae to the bottom of the first thoracic vertebrae extending through the neck, armpit and the arm. It is also described as paralysis of the forearm and muscles of the hand. Klumpke's paralysis is also known with other names as Klumpke's palsy or Dejerine-Klumpke palsy. The risk of developing this rare condition is greater if the mother is small and when the neonate is too large to pass the pubic symphysis of the mother. [read more]
Kluver-Bucy syndrome is a kind of disorder that develops when the right and left medial temporal lobes start to malfunction. People with this disease show lesions in the temporal lobes; they also exhibit socially inadequate licking or touching behaviors, bulimia, memory problems, hypersexuality and placidity, as well as the inability to recognize faces and objects. This disorder rarely develops in humans. [read more]
Kluver-Bucy syndrome is a behavioral disorder that comes about due to malfunction of the right and left medial temporal lobes of the brain. [read more]
Kohler Disease is a rare bone disorder taking place on the foot usually occurring in children aging from six to nine years old. A German radiologist named Alban Kohler was the first to describe this disease in 1908. Kohler disease usually affects boys, but girls can also develop this kind of disease. [read more]
Korsakoff's syndrome is a degenerative disease of the brain, which is caused by deficit amounts of thiamine (Vitamin B1) present in the brain. The syndrome's name was derived from the name of the neuropsychiatrist who made this theory popular, Sergei Korsakoff. This disease is also known as Korsakoff's psychosis and amnesic confabulatory syndrome. [read more]
Kostmann Syndrome is a rare disease usually distinguished and identified soon after birth. This is an uncommon inherited type of Severe Chronic Neutropenia; which is a blood disorder marked by abnormally low number of neutrophil granulocytes. Neutrophils (a type of white blood cells) are essential for fighting infection. Kostmann syndrome was formerly presented and defined as an autosomal-recessive disorder, marked by early phase maturation arrest of myelopoiesis. Kostmann Syndrome was named after Dr. Kostmann, a Swedish doctor who first discovered the disease in 1956. [read more]
Krabbe disease (also called globoid cell leukodystrophy or galactosylceramide lipidosis) is a rare, often fatal degenerative disorder that affects the myelin sheath of the nervous system. [read more]
Krause-van Schooneveld-Kivlin syndrome (also known as Peters-plus sundrome) is a hereditary syndrome that primarily affects the eyes, growth and development of the individual. It is also called Krause-Kivlin syndrome or Peters-plus syndrome. [read more]
Kugelberg-Welander disease, or juvenile spinal muscular atrophy, is a disease that affects one's manner of walking, running and climbing steps. [read more]
Kuru is a brain disease that became an endemic in Papua New Guinea. It is also called ?laughing sickness? due to the hallucinations the patients suffer due to the disease. [read more]
Kwashiorkor is the type of malnutrition that is commonly believed to be associated with inadequate protein intake. The common sufferers of Kwashiorkor are children with ages from one to four; however, older children and adults can also be inflicted with this condition. This usually occurs when a weaned children receives a diet replacement that high on carbohydrates and starch but low in protein. [read more]
Kyasanur forest disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is usually transmitted by ticks (tick-borne). Like all tick-borne diseases, Kyasanur forest disease is caused by infection by a virus. In this case, the virus belongs to the flaviviridae family of virus. This virus mostly spread through arthropod vectors. This disease is prevalent in South Asia. This disease is also known as Monkey Disease and was reported from the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka, India. [read more]
Kyphosis is commonly described as curvature of the upper spine. The medical condition can be due to bad posture or any structural abnormality in the spine. There are several kinds of Kyphosis: Postural Kyphosis, Nutritional Kyphosis, Congenital Kyphosis, and Scheuermann's Kyphosis. [read more]
Labyrinthitis is a disorder associated with maintaining balance. The condition is an inflammatory process affecting the labyrinths (a part of the auditory system) that accommodates the vestibular system in the inner ear. The vestibular system is that part of the ear responsible for sensing head position changes. [read more]
Lactose intolerance, also called lactase deficiency, means the person isn't able to fully digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products. It's not usually dangerous, but symptoms of lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable enough to steer the person clear of the dairy aisles. [read more]
Lactose intolerance, also called lactase deficiency, means you aren't able to fully digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products. It is not usually dangerous, but symptoms of lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable enough to steer you clear of the dairy aisles. [read more]
Lafora disease is a deadly autosomal hereditary disease marked by the presence of inclusion bodies within the cells of neurons, heart, liver, skin, and muscles. These inclusion bodies are known as Lafora bodies. Lafora Disease is name after a Spanish neuropathologist, Gonzalo Rodriguez Lafora. [read more]
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that involves the neuromuscular junction. It has a great similarity with Myasthenia Gravis, but there are also obvious distinctions with the symptoms and pathogenetic features between the two medical conditions. The disease is common in middle aged and older people; however, this is not a guarantee that young people will have no chances of suffering the disease. [read more]
Landau-Kleffner syndrome is a rare, childhood neurological syndrome marked by the abrupt or slowly development of inability to understand or express language (aphasia) and an abnormal electroencephalogram or EEG. This is because the syndrome affects the part of the brain that is responsible for comprehension and speech control. Usually, this syndrome affects children aged 5 to 7 years old. This syndrome is also known as: infantile acquired aphasia, aphasia with convulsive disorder, and acquired epileptic aphasia. [read more]
Landouzy-Dejerine muscular dystrophy, also known as Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is an autosomal dominant form of muscle weakness disorder. On the initial onset of this disorder, the first affected part is the facial, scapulo and humeral skeletal muscles. Landouzy-Dejerine muscular dystrophy is the third most prevalent genetic disease affecting the skeletal muscle. [read more]
Langer-Giedion syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that occurs when a chrosomal material is deleted. This syndrome is also known as trichorhinophalangeal syndrome or LGCR (for Langer-Giedion Chromosome Region). This medical condition is named after the two doctors dig into research about this condition during the 1960s. [read more]
Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a medical condition characterized with the increased production of Langerhans cell. Langerhans cell are abnormal cells originating from the bone marrow and have the capability to drift from the skin to the lymph nodes. Langerhans cell histiocytosis was formerly referred to as histiocytosis X. The Histiocyte society renamed the disease in 1985. [read more]
Laparoschisis, also known as gastroschisis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal opening in the abdomen causing some of the abdominal contents to develop outside the fetal abdomen. Laparoschisis is also known by other medical names: abdominoschisis and paraomphalocele. This occurrence happens more on male infants compared to incidents reported on female infants. [read more]
Laron-type dwarfism also known as Laron syndrome, is a autosomal recessive disorder; where the body has adequate amounts of growth hormones but is deficient with receptors needed to develop the growth hormones resulting to excessively short stature or dwarfism. Laron-type dwarfism is named after the Israeli researcher Zvi Laron, who reported the medical condition in 1966 after a longstanding observation that started in 1958. [read more]
Larsen syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease. It is a rare connective tissue disorder. This medical condition is very rare with the incidence occurring only 1 in every 100,000 people. Larsen syndrome was named after L.J. Larsen, who was responsible for writing about the condition in an article for the first time during the year 1952. [read more]
Laryngeal cancer is the cancer of the larynx. It often results to permanent loss of voice or degeneration of the larynx. [read more]
Laryngeal carcinoma is cancer of the laryngeal area. It is also referred to as cancer of the larynx or laryngeal cancer. Usually, laryngeal carcinomas are squamous cell carcinomas that come from the squamous cells that form a large part of the laryngeal cavity. [read more]
Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation and swelling of the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. A lot of the causes of laryngitis, such as common viruses or using your voice too much, are not serious. there are few causes, however, require medical attention. [read more]
Laryngocele is a rare medical condition where an air-filled sac connected with the larynx becomes enlarged. It can be of congenital nature. It can also be acquired. Players of wind instruments are probable victims of this rare disorder because of continuous strong expiration, which gives weighty pressure in the larynx, which later on leads to laryngeal ventricle dilatation. There external and internal type of Laryngocele and there is also a combination of both. [read more]
Laryngomalacia is a medical condition wherein the larynx is extremely soft enough to cause breathing difficulties and also can initiate voice quality negative effects. Because the larynx is very soft, it tends to collapse during inhalation causing blockage to the airway passage. Laryngomalacia is literally referred to as soft larynx. The condition is most common to occur in infants; however, it can also occur in older patients essentially those who have neuromuscular problems that are possible to develop weakness of the throat muscles. [read more]
The protein in rubber can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The thin, stretchy latex rubber in gloves, condoms and balloons is high in protein. It causes a lot of allergic reactions than products made of hard rubber (like tires). And also, because some latex gloves are coated with cornstarch powder, the latex protein particles stick to the cornstarch and fly into the air when the gloves are taken off. [read more]
The Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome, sometimes called Bardet-Biedl synrome, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by mental retardation, hypogonadism, obesity, and renal failure. [read more]
The brain and eyes work together to produce sight. If the brain favors one eye ? often due to poor vision in the other eye ? the weaker eye tends to wander inward or outward. Gradually, the brain may ignore the signals received from the weaker eye. This condition is called lazy eye (or also known as amblyopia). [read more]
The LCHAD deficiency, or Long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency, is a disorder affecting the autosomal recesssive fatty acid oxidation. [read more]
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), also known as Leber optic atrophy, is a condition that consists of the degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) that leads to permanent loss vision. This disease is common among males. [read more]
Ledderhose disease, also known as plantar fibromatosis, is a non-malignant swelling and thickening of the fascia, or the feet's connective tissue. It is not painful, but the nodules growing along the foot's tendons stiffen the toes, which in turn disables the person's ability to walk properly. [read more]
Left heart failure is a condition wherein the left side of the heart becomes unable to pump enough blood to the different parts of the body. [read more]
Legg-Calv?-Perthes syndrome is a bone disease affecting the hip joint. The disease causes a loss of bone mass which leads to the collapse of the whole joint, deforming the ball of the femur as well as the hip socket. It is also known to others as the Perthes disease. [read more]
Legionellosis is a contagious disease that causes respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and pontiac fever. It was first described in 1976 when an outbreak occurred in a convention in Philadelphia, U.S.A. An average of 8,000 to 18,000 people in the Unites States acquire the disease each year. [read more]
Legionnaires' disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella. Over 90% of legionellosis cases are caused by Legionella pneumophila, a ubiquitous aquatic organism that thrives in warm environments (25 to 45 ?C with an optimum around 35 ?C). [read more]
Leiomyoma is a benign muscle neoplasm which may develop in any body organ but occurs mostly in the esophagus, small bowel and the uterus. [read more]
Leishmaniasis is a kind of disease brought about by protozoan parasites under the genus Leishmania. It is formerly known as Orient Boils, Baghdad Boil, Dum-Dum fever or Leichmaniosis. [read more]
Lemierre's syndrome is a rare bacterial disease that usually targets young adults. It brings about an inflammation of the internal jugular vein. A blood clot also develops in the said area during the onset of the disease. It was first described by Andre Lemierre in 1936, and the disease has produced about 160 cases for the past 100 years. [read more]
A type of color-containing (pigmented) lesion not caused by sun exposure, which looks like the freckle-like condition (lentigo) cause by sun exposure (solar lentigo) is called lentigo simplex. It can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that are not exposed to sunlight. Lentigo simplex can also occur as a single lesion even if multiple lentigos are associated with several inherited syndromes, where single lesions often develop on the lips or on the gums and may be caused by some forms of ultraviolet light therapy, therefore, the lesion may be seen as identical to those caused by exposure to sunlight. [read more]
A dark lesion caused by natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) lights is called a solar lentigo (plural, solar lentigines), also known as sun-induced freckle or senile lentigo. These lentigins may be single or multiple. Indicating excessive sun exposure, a risk factor for the development of skin cancer, solar lentigines are benign and are different from a simple lentigo (lentigo simplex) because it is caused by exposure to UV light. [read more]
Leprechaunism is a rare medical disorder that exhibits elf-like features on an affected individual. Also called the Donohue syndrome, persons who suffer from Leprechaunism display distorted facial attributes such as protruberant ears, flaring nostrils and thick lips. Other physical features show enlarged reproductive organs and stunted growth. [read more]
Leprosy is a chronic contagious skin disease that attack the peripheral nerves and mucosa of the respiratory tract. It also develops skin lesions in various parts of the body. When left untreated, the disease may cause irreverisible damages to the eyes, nerves and skin. [read more]
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that results to the enlargement of the spleen, nephritis and jaundice. [read more]
The Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder which is transmitted by the mother to her male offspring. Patients with the disease suffer from sever mental and physical disabilities as well as self-mutilating behaviors all throughout life. [read more]
Leukemia is a type of cancer affecting the blood or bone marrow. It induces an abnormal production of white blood cells which in hinders the proper functioning of red blood cells. [read more]
Leukemia, B-Cell, chronic, is a cancer of the white blood cells. It attacks a particular lymphocyte called B cell and thrives on the lymph nodes. When the B cell is damaged, it can no longer fight infections and kills other healthy blood cells in the process. [read more]
Myeloid leukemia is a kind of leukemia that affects the bone marrow tissue. It has two distinct types, the acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Acute myeloid leukemia is characterized by the overpopulation of white blood cells in the bone marrow and get in the way of production of the normal blood cells. Chronic myeloid leukemia meanwhile is a stem cell disorder linked with chromosomal translocations. [read more]
Chronic T-Cell Leukemia, also referred to as T-cell-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), is a post-thymic T-cell malignancy primarily inflicting adults aged 30 and above. This is a severe form of T-cell leukemia with aggressive behavior, predilection for blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and skin involvement. Chronic T-Cell Leukemia is a rare disease with distinct clinical features following an aggressive clinical course. Within the post-thymic T-cell dysfunctions that develop as a result of leukemia, T-PLL is seen in about a third of documented cases. [read more]
Leukomalacia is a disease that causes the death of white matter in the cerebral ventricles of the brain. It can cause severe damages to fetuses and newborn babies. Premature infants face the highest risks of the said disorder. [read more]
The Levator syndrome is a series of episodic rectal discomfort. [read more]
Lewy body dementia is characterized as a gradually progressive disorder that primarily affects the brain. This comes with the loss of reason, memory as well as the ability to think. In most cases, Lewy body dementia shares the many characteristics of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. [read more]
Lewy body dementia shares characteristics with both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It can also cause distinctive physical signs typical of Parkinson's rigid muscles, slowed movement and tremors. Lewy body dementia may also cause hallucinations. [read more]
LGCR, or the Langier-Giedion Chromosome Region, is a rare genetic defect caused by a deletion in a certain chromosome material. This problem occurs when a part of the chromosome 8's long arm has missing genes, causing poor growth and development. [read more]
The Li-Fraumeni syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder. It develops a tumor that hinders normal cell growth. It can also take form in several types of cancers and attack persons at a very young age. [read more]
Lichen planus is an inflammatory illness affecting the skin and oral mucosa. [read more]
Lichen sclerosis is a skin disorder that can affect men, women, or children, but is most common in women. It typically occurs on the vulva (the outer genitalia or sex organ) in women, but sometimes develops on the head of the penis in men. Occasionally, lichen sclerosus ican be seen on other parts of the body, especially the upper body, breasts, and upper arms. [read more]
Lichen simplex chronicus, or neurodermatitis, is a stubborn skin condition that can cause the affected skin to become thick and leathery. [read more]
Liddle syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that causes problems with potassium deficiency and sodium resorption from the renal tubule. Hypertension tends to develop at infant stages because of this disease. [read more]
Ligament Sprains occur when ligaments (the tissues that hold bones together) are stretched or torn all of a sudden. Most sprains occur around joints such as the ankles, knees, or fingers. [read more]
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy is an autosomal muscular dystrophy that is characterized by a collection of rare muscle disorders. [read more]
Lip cancer pertains to any type of carcinoma affecting the lip. Lip cancer is considered as a major form of oral cancer and is often characterized by visible ulcers that won't heal over time. [read more]
Lipodystrophy is a condition where abnormalities in the body's adipose tissue begin to develop. [read more]
Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a kind of CAH brought about by defects during the first stages of adrenal cortisol synthesis. The disease commonly affects the adrenal glands and result to impaired development of sex characteristics. [read more]
A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty tumor situated between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. [read more]
Liposarcoma is a malignant tumor that develops in fat cells inside the thigh or retroperitoneum. It is usually a cluster of large tumors that thrive in different parts of the thigh. [read more]
Lissencephaly is brain development disorder in which the brain lacks its normal folds or convultions. It is a kind of cephalic disorder. [read more]
Literally meaning ?smooth brain?, lissencephaly is a rare brain abnormality characterized by a lack of normal convolutions (or folds) in the brain. In lissencephaly syndrome type 1, the cerebral cortex is not normally developed, and the gyri are malformed. [read more]
Listeria infection, also referred to as listeriosis, is a relatively rare bacterial infection that results from Listeria monocytogenes, a type of gram-positive motile bacterium. Listeria infection commonly affects newborn infants, elderly patients, and individuals with immuno deficiencies. [read more]
Listeriosis is a bacterial disease caused by the strain Listeria monocytogenes. It is a rare infection found in newborn babies and the elderly. [read more]
Kidney stones (also called renal lithiasis) are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts on the inner surfaces of the kidneys. [read more]
Liticaphobia is described as the fear of lawsuits. [read more]
Liver cirrhosis is disease characterized by the replacement of the liver tissue with fribrous scar tissue and regenerative lumps that lead to loss of liver functions. [read more]
Liver neoplasms are non-endemic, malignant cancers in the liver that spread in the other body organs such as he colon. [read more]
Also known as liver spots and solar lentigines, age spots are flat, gray, brown or black spots. They differ in size and usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms ? areas most exposed to the sun. [read more]
Locked-In syndrome is a medical condition where a patient is awake and conscious, but is unable to move any part of his body due to paralysis all almost all voluntary muscles. [read more]
Lockjaw, also known as tetanus, is a serious bacterial disease that leads to stiffness of the jaw muscles and other muscles. It can cause severe muscle spasms, make breathing difficult and, ultimately, threaten one's life. [read more]
Long QT syndrome type 3 deals with the alpha subunit of the gene that encodes Na+ ion channel, located at chromosome 1p21-24. These mutations can lead to Brugada syndrome, dilated cardiomyopathy and Cardiac Conduction disease. [read more]
Lou Gehrig's Disease, also called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS, is a progressive and often fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor neuron degeneration. Motor neurons are nerve cells in the central nervous system that are primarily responsible for voluntary muscle movement. When these neurons degenerate, the resulting disease is known as Lou Gehrig's. [read more]
Louis-Bar syndrome, also referred to as Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) or Boder-Sedgwick syndrome, is an immunodeficiency disorder associated with a defect in T-cells. It occurs in approximately 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 300,000 births. [read more]
It is described as a viral infection that can affect a number of species but it most significant in sheep. The tick-borne disease can be mild or severe that can cause serious neurological symptoms and even death. [read more]
Low sex drive in women, also known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, is when one has a persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sex that causes her personal distress. [read more]
Also called oculocrebrorenal syndrome, the Lowe syndrome is an X-linked recessive defect displayed by cataracts, mental retardation, aminoaciduria, ammonia production and vitamin-D resisitant rickets. [read more]
LSA or lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is a disease with no known pathogenesis that severely impacts the afflicted patient's quality of life. Approximately 14 individuals per 100,000 people are affected by LSA per year. Females have a predilection for the disease. Fifteen percent of cases involved patients 10 to 30 years old. [read more]
L?es Cong?nita, more popularly known as Syphilis, is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a gram-negative bacterium called Treponema pallidum spirochete. Syphilis may not necessarily be contracted through sexual contact. Cases have been documented wherein the infection is passed from mother to offspring in the utero. [read more]
Luiphobia is, quite simply, an acute fear of syphilis. Syphilis, a curable sexually transmitted disease caused by a spirochaete bacterium, has many names. Throughout history, this infectious disease has been known alternatively as ?the Pox?, ?freedom disease?, ?syph?, and ?lues?. Hence, the term ?luiphobia?, which literally means fear of the lues. [read more]
Lumbago is a general term pertaining to persistent pain affecting the small of the back, or more specifically, the lumbar region. [read more]
Lung abscess pertains to an acute lung infection characterized by a localized accumulation of pus, inflammation, and tissue damage. [read more]
Lung cancer is an affliction characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the tissues of the lung, which may ultimately lead to metastasis, invasion of adjacent tissues, and even infiltration in other parts of the body. [read more]
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus may affect many different body systems, including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs. [read more]
Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is a medical condition in which antibodies link with phospholipids and proteins causing clotting abnormalities. The actual term for this condition is lupus erythematosus, and it can increase the risk for thrombosis. [read more]
Systemic lupus erythematosus, simply called lupus, is an autoimmune disease that when untreated, can prove to be fatal. With lupus, as with autoimmune disorders in general, the patient's immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue, thus resulting in inflammation or damage of the tissues. Although it often targets the heart, joints, skin, blood vessels, lungs, liver, nervous system, and kidneys, lupus can actually affect any part of the human body. Lupus progresses unpredictably, with episodes of illness called flares that alternate with remission. [read more]
Lupus nephritis is a condition characterized by an inflammation of the kidney arising from an autoimmune disease known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). [read more]
Lutz-Lewandowsky epidermodysplasia verruciformis, more commonly known simply as epidermodysplasia verruciformis, is a rare lifelong skin condition wherein scaly macules and papules abnormally form on the hands and feet. This disease initially develops in childhood and last throughout adulthood. [read more]
Lyell's Syndrome, also referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), is a potentially fatal dermatological disorder typically resulting from an adverse reaction to medications. This condition is life-threatening, characterized by the detachment of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) from the dermis (the lower layers of the skin) in the entire body. [read more]
Lygophobia is an irrational fear of the dark, common among children but also observed in adults in varying degrees. Lygophobia is from the word ?lyge?, meaning twilight, and ?phobia?, meaning fear. Other terms synonymous to this condition are nyctophobia (meaning fear of night) and scotophobia (meaning fear of darkness). [read more]
Also called borreliosis, lyme disease is an infectious disease that results from an invasion of a bacteria from the genus Borrelia. The point of infection is usually the bite of a contaminated black-legged or deer tick. Other carriers, including other kinds of ticks, may also pass the affliction to humans. In the US, lyme disease is primarily caused by borrelia burgdorferi, whereas Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the predominant causes in Europe. [read more]
Lymphadenitis is the inflammation of a lymph node in the body. It is often a complication of a bacterial infection of a wound, although it can also be brought about by viruses or other disease agents. [read more]
Lymphangiectasia is an intestinal disease commonly afflicting dogs, but also affecting humans in rare cases. Distinct characteristic of lymphangiectasia include chronic diarrhea and loss of proteins such as globulin and serum albumin. [read more]
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, LMA for brevity, is a rare lung disorder in which abnormal smooth muscle cells grow rapidly in lung and lymph tissue [read more]
Lymphangiomas are a rare type of angioma or benign tumors that typically appear at birth or early in childhood. [read more]
Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic and infectious tropical disease. It is endemic in tropical areas of the world, where it was said that up to 54% of the population have microfilariae in their blood (Aupali T, Ismid IS, Wibowo H, et al. (2006). "Estimation of the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis by a pool screen PCR assay using blood spots collected on filter paper". Tran R Soc Trop Med Hyg 100 (8): 753?9). [read more]
Lymphedema choriomeningitis - or, more accurately, lymphocytic choriomeningitis - pertains to an infectious disease caused by a rodent-borne virus. Alternative names for this disorder are: lymphocytic meningoencephalitis, benign lymphocytic meningitis, la Maladie d'Armstrong, or serous lymphocytic meningitis. [read more]
Lymphedema distichiasis an inherited disorder in which an individual has extra eyelashes or a "double row of eye lashes," and swelling of arms and legs. [read more]
Lymphoblastic lymphoma is a rare medical condition that is considered as an uncommon form of aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma or NHL. [read more]
Lymphocytic colitis a rare condition characterized by chronic non-bloody watery diarrhea. It is a subtype of miscroscopic colitis. [read more]
It is also referred to as lymphopathia venereal which is a tropical bubo, climatic bubo, strumous bubo, poradenitis inguinales, Durand-Nicolas-Favre disease and lymphogranuloma inguinale and it is also a sexually transmitted disease. [read more]
Lymphogranuloma venereum (or LGV) is a sexually transmitted disease primarily affecting the lymphatics and caused by certain invasive strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. This disease is also known by many other names, including: climatic bubo, tropical bubo, strumous bubo, poradenitis inguinales, lymphopathia venerea, Durand-Nicolas-Favre disease, and lymphogranuloma inguinale. [read more]
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), which is an uncommon sexually transmitted disease and is characterized by its spreading though having unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex is caused by certain types of the bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. This disease causes swollen and painful lymph nodes, which can then break into large ulcers. As it develops, lymphogranuloma venereum goes through 3 distinct stages where the first 2 stages may be minor and you might not even be aware of any symptoms until you reach stage 3, called genitoanorectal syndrome. [read more]
Lymphomas are part of the broad group of diseases called hematological neoplasms. It is a type of cancer that originates in a type of white blood cell in the vertebrate immune system that is commonly known as the lymphocytes. [read more]
It is a an angiocentric and angiodestructive lymphoreticular proliferative disorder which commonly affects the lungs, skin and the central nervous system. [read more]
Lymphosarcoma is a type of lymphoma that is also commonly known as Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (Neighbors,M. and Tannehill-Jones,R. 2000 Human Diseases, pp.115-115). It is a malignant lympohoma in which neoplastic cells diffusely infiltrate the entire lymph node without any pattern. [read more]
Lysinuric protein intolerance, also known as hyberdibasic aminoaciduria type 2 or familial protein intolerance, is a autosomal recessive disorder of amino acid transport. [read more]
Lysosomal alpha-D mannosidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that often causes mental and physical deterioration. [read more]
By definition, this disease was named named after the French physician Prosper M?ni?re, who was the first to make a report in an 1861 article that vertigo was caused by inner ear. Today, M?ni?re's disease is recognized as a disorder of the inner ear that can affect both hearing and balance [read more]
Mac Ardle Disease, otherwise known as Glycogen Storage Disease Type V (GSD-V) is a kind of metabolic disorder due to the glycogen storage. It is the most common of the various type of GSD. (Wolfe, Gil I. et al. ?McArdle's disease presenting with asymmetric, late-onset arm weakness.? Muscle & Nerve, 2000). [read more]
Machado-Joseph Disease pertains to a rare type of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia characterized by ophthalmoplegia, mixed sensory and cerebellar ataxia, and general lack of muscle control. It is also alternatively known as Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. [read more]
Macroglobulinemia otherwise known as Waldenstr?m Macroglobulinemia, is a cancer involving lymphocytes. It is characterized by increased levels of macroglobulins in the circulating blood and diffuse of infiltration of bone marrow and produces symptoms of hyperviscosity. [read more]
Macroglossia dominant refers to the severe enlargement or hypertrophy of the tongue which cause functional difficulties in speaking, eating, and sleeping. It is most common in primary and myeloma-related amyloidosis, which refers to the accumulation of insoluble proteins in tissues that impedes its normal functioning (Merck Manual 17th Ed.) [read more]
Macular degeneration juvenile is a medical condition which affects the center lining of the eye known as the Macula area of the retina of younger individuals. Its other term and example includes the Best's Disease, Doyne's honeycomb retinal dystrophy, Sorsby's Disease and Stargardt's Disease. It often leads to blindness (Roberts, DL (Sep 2006). "The First Year--Age Related Macular Degeneration". (Marlowe & Company). [read more]
Macular hole is a medical condition affecting the center of the retina in which the vitreous gel inside the eye weakens and eventually separates from the retina, leading to macular traction and causing a hole to form. [read more]
Magnesium deficiency pertains to a depletion or absolute absence of magnesium in the body, usually as a consequence of a number of conditions. Magnesium is essential in the body's metabolic function and its absence can cause serious repercussions. [read more]
Mal de barquement Syndrome or MdDs or Disembarkment syndrome is a rare condition which usually occur after a sustained motion even like cruise or aircraft flight. The phrase means ?sickness of disembarkation?. [read more]
Malabsorption is a condition characterized by impaired absorption of nutrients from the GI tract, affecting the small intestine's ability to adequately absorb nutrients that are essential for the normal functioning of the body. [read more]
It is a rare inflammatory condition manifested by a papule, plaque or ulceration that affects the genitourinary tract. It is described by the presence of histiocytes with basophilic inclusions called Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. [read more]
Breast cancer is not just a woman's disease. Men also have breast tissue that could undergo cancerous changes. While women are about 100 times more likely to get breast cancer, any man can still develop breast cancer. Male breast cancer is common between the ages of 60 and 70. [read more]
17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency-3 is a rare disorder of sexual development which affects the biosynthesis of testosterone which can produce male pseudohermaproditism (intersexuality) of genetically male infants and children .This autosomal recessive medical condition can bring about great effects in the primary and/or secondary sex attributes among male and female individuals. [read more]
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is a type of malignant cancer that develops in fibrous support tissue or bone. The usual location of tumors is found in extremities; however it can possibly appear in any body part. It is the most common type of soft tissue cancer that appears in later adult life, usually between the ages of 50-70. [read more]
Mallory-Weiss syndrome is a laceration in the lining of the gastro-esophageal junction (stomach-esophagus), usually due to severe coughing or vomiting. [read more]
Malonic aciduria is a rare genetic condition marked by a deficiency of the enzyme Malonyl-CoA decarboxylase bringing about impairment in the body's ability to convert fatty acids into energy, which can be used by muscles like muscles in the heart. Because of this occurrence, fatty acids tend to accumulate in the body since they are not metabolized. The deficiency in Malonyl-CoA decarboxylase interrupts the normal balance of fatty acid breakdown and formation. This condition is also known as Malonyl-CoA decarboxylase deficiency. [read more]
Malonyl-CoA decarboxylase deficiency also known as Malonic aciduria is a metabolic disorder disrupting the Malonyl-Coa decarboxylase from breaking down Malonyl-CoA enzyme into Acetyl-CoA and carbon dioxide. [read more]
Malouf syndrome is a very rare syndrome primarily characterized by a heart disease in addition to abnormal ovaries. This congenital disorder is also known as congestive cardiomyopathy-hypergonadotropic hypogonadism syndrome. Malouf syndrome is derived from the name of Jean Malouf, who is a famous sideshow performer during the 19th century; she was born in Montreal. [read more]
Malta fever, also known as undulant fever or brucellosis, is a contagious disease that affects the central nervous system and can lead to painful joints as well as miscarriage. [read more]
Manic depression, bipolar covers a wide range of mood disorders. It is signified by the presence of one or more abnormally elevated mood episodes. This occurrence is clinically termed as mania, mostly associated with bipolar disorders. It is also referred as ?manic-depressive disorder? but now changes into bipolar affective disorder, which involves episodes of alternating manic-depressive symptoms and good overly excited thoughts. There are 3 subdivisions of this disorder: bipolar I & II and cyclothymia depending on the type and gravity of the mood and thought episodes encounters. [read more]
Mannosidosis (alpha-mannosidosis) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency of the alpha mannosidosase. This occurrence results in the accumulation of certain chemicals in the body leading later on to mental and physical deterioration. The enzyme alpha-mannosidosase aids in the breakdown of complex sugars derived from glycoprotein in the organelles that contain digestive enzymes (lysosomes). [read more]
Mansonelliasis, also known as Mansonellosis is the condition of infection by the nematode or worm-like parasite known as Mansonella. Transmission commonly occurs through the bite of a midge. These worms live in the abdominal cavity [read more]
Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy pertains to a condition characterized by an abnormal appearance of the eye cornea, usually with map-like patches or gray outlines resembling continents on a map. This condition is also known as epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. [read more]
Maple syrup urine disease also called branched-chain ketoaciduria, is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder affecting branched-chain amino acids. This is one type of organic acidemia. Maple syrup urine disease is a metabolism disorder passed down through families in which the body cannot break down certain parts of proteins. [read more]
Marchiafava-Bignami disease is also known as Marchiafava's disease and Marchiafava's syndrome. It is a progressive neurological disorder oftentimes associated with alcohol abuse and/or nutritional disorder. [read more]
Marcus Gunn phenomenon is a congenital condition where the eyelids of an infant droop but rise up when the mouth is opened. It is an autosomal dominant condition also known as Marcus Gunn Jaw Winking or Trigemino-oculomotor Synkineses. This condition is named after Marcus Gunn characterized by rhythmic upward jerking of the upper eyelid of an infant. [read more]
Martin Bell syndrome, also known as fragile syndrome X, is a mental defect that involves learning disabilities and behavioral problems. [read more]
Masculinisation is a condition in which an affected female takes on a distinctly and progressively male appearance. [read more]
Mast cell disease or mastocytosis is a group of rare disorders marked by the presence of too many mast cells in various organs and tissues such as the skin, spleen, liver, bone, and the gastrointestinal tract. [read more]
Mastalgia is breast pain and is generally classified as either cyclical (linked with menstrual periods) or noncyclic. [read more]
Mastocytosis is a disorder that results when too many mast cells, called mastocytes, and CD34+ mast cell precursors exist in the body. It has many types and may be experienced by children and adults. [read more]
Mastocytosis is a group of unusual disorder of both children and adults caused by the presence of too many mast cells (mastocytes) and CD34+ mast cell precursors in a person's body. [read more]
By definition, Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid process, which is that part of the temporal bone of the skull and is located behind the ear. [read more]
MAT deficiency is used to describe two metabolic disorders, which are unrelated -- Beta-ketothiolase deficiency and Hypermethioninemia. Beta-ketothiolase deficiency prevents the body from properly processing the products of lipid breakdown, known as amino acid isoleucine. Hypermethioninemia is a condition of excessive unprocessed amino acid methionine in the blood. [read more]
Maternal death pertains to the death of a woman during or shortly after pregnancy that arises from factors or circumstances related to pregnancy or childbirth. It is also referred to as obstetrical death or maternal mortality. [read more]
Maturity onset diabetes of the young is a condition in which the body has defective insulin but does not include any forms of type 2 diabetes. [read more]
By definition MacArdle's disease is also known as Glycogen storage disease type V and is a kind of metabolic disorder that is characterized by the body's inability to produce enough of the muscle isoform called phosphorylase. Relatively recent, it was first identified in 1951 by the English physician whose name it now bears. [read more]
McCune-Albright syndrome is also known as polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. It is a genetic condition with disorder of the bones, pigmentation of skin, and premature puberty with hormonal problems. [read more]
2Measles, which is also known as, Rubeola is a viral disease that has had a long history with medical accounts of it going as far back as 600 B.C. It was first clinically described in an Arabic book which significantly distinguished it from small pox. Measles is one of the great childhood killers, claiming the lives of more then 200 million children and adults in the last 150 years. The development of a vaccine has made the effectively checked the disease. [read more]
By definition Meckel syndrome is also known as Meckel-Gruber Syndrome, Gruber Syndrome, Dysencephalia Splanchnocystica and is an extremely rare and often lethal genetic disorder; it is so rare that estimates for rates of incidence is about .02 for every 10,000 births. The country of Finland has the most number of cases with the incidence as high as 1.1 per 10,000 births. [read more]
Medial Tibial Syndrome, otherwise known as the Shin Splints, is an injury that is usually common to runners and athletes. It refers to the pain arising along the large bone in front of the lower leg or the Shinbone or the Tibia. It is usually a result of the over stress of the shinbone and the connective tissues that are usually present in the muscles of the bone. [read more]
Mediastinal fibrosis is a highly uncommon but the most extremely severe and late complication of histoplasmosis. Majority of physicians believe that mediastinal fibrosis is brought about by the abnormal immunologic response of the patient to antigens that are typically released by soil-based fungus called histoplasma capsulatum. [read more]
Mediterranean anemia is a type of an inherited blood disorder that is characterized by reduced levels of hemoglobin and few red blood cells in the body. Genetic defects are largely the cause of this disease. Mild conditions do not usually require any form of treatment. Although the sever form would require regular blood transfusions. [read more]
By definition, Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary inflammatory disorder that specifically afflicts a groups of patients who come from in and around the Mediterranean Sea- hence the name. The disorder is also very prominently present among Armenians, Sephardi Jews and people from Turkey and some Arab countries. [read more]
By definition, this deficiency is a fatty acid oxidation disorder that is connected with inborn errors of metabolism errors that occur at birth The defect is found in the enzyme complex called medium-chain acyl dehydrogenase (MCAD) whose ability to function efficiently is reduced significantly. The disorder has also been known to cause (rarely) Sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS. [read more]
By definition, medullary cystic disease is also known as nephronophthisis and is a genetic disorder of the kidneys which typically affects children. [read more]
By definition, medulloblastoma is an extremely malignant primary brain tumor that comes from the cerebellum or posterior fossa of the human brain. It belongs to the family of tumors knows as cranial primitive neuroectodermal tumors or PNET. [read more]
This is also known as Otospondylomegaepiphyseal dysplasia (OSMED) and is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects bone growth resulting in skeletal abnormalities and a host of other complications. severe hearing loss, and distinctive facial features. As the name suggests, the condition affects not only the skeletal structure, but also hearing. [read more]
Megalencephaly is a form of cephalic disease characterized by an abnormally large, heavy, and malfunctioning brain. This disorder is also known as macrencephaly. [read more]
By definition, Megaloblastic anemia is a rare form of anemia classified as macrocytic that result when DNA synthesis is inhibited in the body's red blood cell production [read more]
First described by Henri Meige 1904, this syndrome is now more commonly called oral facial dystonia. [read more]
Melanomas are tumors of melanocytes that are malignant and found basically on the skin but can also appear elsewhere in the body. While it is rarer compared to other skin cancers, it however causes the majority of deaths related to cancer; more frequent among Caucasian males, the WHO reports that over 48,000 deaths from melanoma occur globally every year. [read more]
A non-cancerous (benign), dark spot found on the lips or inside the mouth is called oral melanotic macule. It also sometimes called a labial melanotic macule if found on the lip. [read more]
A skin condition presenting as brown patches on the face of adults, where both sides of the face are usually affected is called melasma. The forehead, the cheeks, bridge of the nose and the upper lip are the most common sites of involvement for this condition. [read more]
Its peculiar name is derived from the Dalmatian island of Melda because its founder was said to have been afflicted with the disease. Extremely rare, meleda disease is an inherited disorder of the skin characterized by thick, dry patches of skin which appear on the soles of both hands and feet (palmoplantar hyperkeratosis). [read more]
This disease is defined as an infectious disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei which is found in soil and in water. There are certain places where this bacterium is specially prevalent such as Thailand and Australia and that care must be given to those who might be traveling in parts of these areas where the diseases is prevalent. [read more]
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is an extremely rare neurological disorder that basically afflicts facial features [read more]
Menarche is a medical term used in reference to a female's first menstrual period, or the first menstrual bleeding in women that signals her transition into puberty. [read more]
M?n?trier disease which is also known as hyperplastic hypersecretory gastropathy, is named after the French physician Pierre Eug?ne M?n?trier and is a disorder in which the gastric mucosal folds or rugae become enlarged. [read more]
Meninges cancer pertains to a disorder characterized by a cancerous malignancy or carcinoma found in the brain's meninges, or that intricate system of membranes that envelops the central nervous system. If the tumor originates in the meninges, it is known as meningioma. [read more]
Meningiomas are actually the most common benign tumors of the brain although there is a small number which can also be malignant. They come from the arachnoidal cap cells of the meninges and represent about 15% of all primary brain tumors. [read more]
Meningitis is one of the more common diseases which result from the inflammation of the protective membranes that the central nervous system, known collectively of course as the meninges from where it gets its name. [read more]
Meningitis is a severe bacterial infection that triggers the brain and spinal cord. It commonly affects children ages 6 to 12 months. [read more]
By definition Meningococcemia occurs when there is the presence of Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus) which is a severe bacterical infection in the blood stream. Initially, the disease presents some difficulties in proper identification because it appears in different forms depending on the part of the body that it affects. It is possible that there can also be meningitis or septicaemia, or even a combination of both [read more]
Posterior meningocele is a least common form of the condition known as spina bifida which is Latin for split spine. Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the neural tube. What happens is that there is an incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube which contributes to an unformed spinal cord. The vertebrae found at the open part of the spinal cord is not fully formed as well and remains unfused and exposed. [read more]
Meningococcemia is a fatal and acute infection of the bloodstream. It often results to vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels. [read more]
By definition, Encephalocele is also sometimes known by the Latin name cranium bifidum and is a neural tube defect that is characterized by sac-like protrusions of the brain and the membranes that cover it. These sacs actually protrude outside through openings in the skull. [read more]
Meniscus Tear is the condition whereby there is a forceful rotation of the knee which usually causes the tearing of the meniscus. [read more]
Menkes disease is a disorder affecting the body's copper levels and characterized by sparse and coarse hair, growth and development problems, as well as deterioration of the nervous system. It is also alternatively known as Menkes kinky hair syndrome. [read more]
Menopause literally means the permanent physiological, or natural, cessation of menstrual cycles, from the Greek roots 'meno' (month) and 'pausis' (a pause, a cessation). Menopause means the permanent end of the monthly female reproductive cycles, and in humans this is usually indicated by a permanent absence of monthly periods or menstruation. [read more]
is an abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period at regular intervals. Causes could be due to abnormal blood clotting, disruption of normal hormonal regulation of periods or disorders of the endometrial lining of the uterus. Depending on the cause, it may be associated with abnormally painful periods (dysmenorrhea). [read more]
Menstrual cramps often referred to as dysmenorrhea, is the pain in the lower abdomen experienced by women before and during their menstruation. [read more]
Mental retardation is a term for the pattern of slow learning in childhood that affects basic motor and language and which progresses into below-normal intellectual capacity when the child reaches adulthood. The term has been described as being politically-incorrect and clinicians prefer using the term developmental disabilities. [read more]
Meralgia parenthetica is a paresthesia that results from damage to one of the nerves coursing through the spine to the thigh region. [read more]
Meralgia paresthetica (burning thigh pain) pertains to a condition defined by a tingling, numbing, and burning pain in the outer thigh. [read more]
Merasmus is a disease characterized by progressive emaciation and general wasting as a consequence of a weakened disposition rather than any specific identifiable cause. It is generally considered to be a type of malnutrition. Merasmus may also be spelled Marasamus, Mirasmus or Marasumus. Sometimes, it is also referred to as Miasma. [read more]
Mercury poisoning is also known as mercurialism, hydrargyria, Hunter-Russell syndrome, or acrodynia when the victims are children. [read more]
Merkel cell cancer is a rare form of cancer characterized by a bluish-red or flesh-colored nodule on the skin, particularly on the face, head, or neck of affected patients. It is also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, and typically occurs in the elderly. [read more]
This is a process that if unchecked can lead acidemia in which blood pH is very low (less because of the increased production of H+ by the body as well as the inability of the body to form bicarbonate in the kidney. [read more]
Metabolic disorders have many types but they typically affect the production of energy in individual cells. [read more]
Metabolic syndrome pertains to a group of conditions related to metabolism that commonly occur together, increasing the risk for stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. [read more]
Metabolic syndrome actually refers to a combination of several medical disorders which heighten the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Affecting a large demographic, its incidence and risk level increases with age with some current studies placing the American prevalence to be up to 25% of the population. Other terms are; metabolic syndrome X, syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome and Reaven's syndrome [read more]
Metachondromatosis is a disease that affects bone growth, often tubular bones but may also involve the vertebrae. The disease can lead to multiple enchondromas and osteochondromas. [read more]
Metachromatic leukodystrophy or MLD is the most common type of leukodystrophies, a family of genetic disorders that affect myelin growth and development. Myelin is the fatty covering that insulates nerve fibers throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Metachromatic leukodystrophy is also alternatively known as Arylsulfatase A deficiency. [read more]
Metatropic dwarfism is an inherited skeletal dysplasia due to a defect in endochondral ossification. The abnormalities also show an association with defects in the longitudinal proliferation and maturation of chondrocytes as well as in the production of normal matrix. [read more]
Methaemoglobinaemia pertains to a disorder marked by the presence of abnormally high levels of methemoglobin (a type of hemoglobin that doesn't bind oxygen) in the blood, possibly leading to anemia and tissue hypoxia. Methaemoglobinaemia is also sometimes referred to as met-Hb. [read more]
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium responsible for difficult-to-treat infections in humans. It can also be referred to as multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA). The organism is usually sub-categorized as Community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) or Hospital-Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) depending upon the circumstances of acquiring disease, based on current data that these are distinct strains of the bacterial species. [read more]
This autosomal genetic disorder is also called methylmalonic aciduria and one that particularly affects the body's branched-chain amino acids. It is considered a classical type of academia that is organic in origin. [read more]
Mevalonic aciduria is classified as a congenital metabolic disorder, which disrupts the body's production of cholesterol and isoprenoids. The disorder is also known as mevalonate kinase deficiency. [read more]
Meyenburg-Altherr-Uehlinger syndrome is also known as Polychondritis. It is an auto-immune disease in which the body's immune system starts to destroy cartilage tissues. It is a disease subclass in Rheumatology. [read more]
Microcephaly is a neurological disorder which results in an individual with a much smaller head circumference for individual's age and sex compared with the average head sizes. [read more]
Microscopic colitis refers to the colon's inflammatory conditions called collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis that are usually manifested through chronic watery diarrhea. The inflammation may occur in patches along the colon's lining in some people while in others, it manifests along the colon's entire length. [read more]
Microscopic Hematuria is a condition whereby there is blood in the urine of the person but the same is visible only through the use of microscope. Unlike gross hematuria, or that kind of hematuria where by the person may see the usual manifestation of the blood in their urine. [read more]
Microscopic polyangiitis is an autoimmune disease resulting from the inflammation of blood vessels causing damage to the organ system. [read more]
Microspridiosis is an intection of the intestine that may become life-threatening if the patient's immune system is weak. [read more]
Microtia an inborn deformity of the outer ear, which may be only on one side or both sides. When only one side is affected, the right ear is usually affected. [read more]
Microvillus inclusion disease, also known as Davidson's disease, is a genetically inherited disorder of the small intestine. [read more]
Migraine comes form the Greek word hemicrania, which literally means "half (the) head." It is a neurological syndrome that causes various symptoms during an attack. [read more]
A migraine can be disabling with symptoms so severe, all you think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down. Up to 17 percent of women and 6 percent of men are experiencing migraine. [read more]
Migraine with Aura is a condition whereby the person experience unusual visual sensations during or before the attack of migrain. It is characterized by the appearance of blind spots and flashes of lights. [read more]
Mild cognitive impairment or MCI for brevity, is said to be that part of transition from the cognitive change in the normal aging process and the alzheimer's Disease. It has two types, to wit the Amnestic MCI and the Nonamnestic MCI. [read more]
Milia is a skin condition usually seen in infants where there are presence of tiny white goose bumps across the infant's nose and chin. [read more]
Miliaria rubra, also known as heat rash or prickly heat is a rash of small red bumps caused by blockage of the sweat glands. It may be due to excessive sweating, high fever or being over-bundled, where it is seen in commonly humid or hot tropical climates, and it can sometimes cause itching, discomfort and stinging or ?prickly?-type pain. [read more]
Milk produced by cows is among the common allergy-causing dairy product, especially among children, However, majority of the cases of mild allergy, children outgrow this condition after a few years or so. Allergic reactions usually start after a few minutes of drinking milk, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe reactions that causes serious distress. [read more]
Miller-Dieker syndrome is a disease, which is characterised by the brain's developmental defect. [read more]
Milliaria most commonly known as heat rush or prickly heat, is a condition usually affecting children and even adults leaving in tropical climates where the weather is hot or humid. It occurs when the sweat ducts are blocked and the perspiration is stucked in the skin causing rashes and redness of the affected skin, it may also be in a form of small blisters that is often very itchy. [read more]
Mineral deficiency is characterized by the insufficiency of essential minerals that are vital in the functioning of the body's organ systems. Common types of mineral deficiency are inadequate levels of iodine, iron, and calcium. [read more]
Minimal change disease is a kidney disease that is common among children. It is also known as lipoid nephrosis and nil disease. [read more]
Minkowski-Chauffard syndrome is a type of hemolytic anemia that is by hemolysis, a process during which the red blood cells undergo an abnormal breakdown. [read more]
Mitochondrial disorders are disorders that affect the skeletal muscles as well as the heart muscles causing problems in the body's organs such as the nervous system, visual system, renal system and, digestive and circulatory systems. [read more]
Mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency is a disorder that prevents certain fats in the body to convert to energy, specifically during periods of no food. [read more]
A valvular heart disease, Mitral valve prolapse is characterized by the displacement of an abnormally thickened mitral valve leaflet into the left atrium during systole. MVP, in its nonclassis form, carries a low risk of complications. Severe cases of MVP though may include complications such as infective endocarditis, regurgitation and in rare circumstances, cardiac arrest that usually results to sudden death. The term for the disease was coined by J. Michael Criley in 1966. It gained acceptance over JB Barlow's ?billowing? of the mitral valve description. MVP has different subtypes namely classic, nonclassic, symmetric, asymmetric, flail or non-flail. The subtypes are based on the leaflet thickness, convacity and type of connection to the mitral annulus. [read more]
Mitral valve prolapse is a heart disease in which during systole, the mitral valve leaflet is displaced into the left atrium. An individual with this disease has an abnormally thick mitral valve leaflet. [read more]
Mitral valve stenosis otherwise known as the mitral stenosis is a condition whereby the heart mitral valve is narrowed which thereby prevents the valve from opening fully and causes obstruction of blood flow between the left chamber of the heart. [read more]
A disease also known as Sharp syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a term used by some experts to describe a collection of symptoms similar to those of systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis. MCTD is a serious autoimmune disease in which the body's defense system attacks itself. [read more]
Named after German neurologist Paul Julius Mobius, Mobius/Moebius syndrome is an extremely neurological disorder. [read more]
Referring to any several rare hereditary forms of diabetes mellitus due to dominantly inherited defects of insulin secretion, maturity onset diabetes of the young or MODY acts like a mild version of type 1 diabetes. the continued partial insulin production and normal insulin sensitivity however mean it is not type 2 diabetes in a young person. The most common forms of the disease are MODY 2 and MODY 3 but as of 2004, six more types have been named and more are likely to be added. [read more]
This extreme neurological disorder is named after German neurologist Paul Julius. [read more]
Moersch-Woltmann syndrome, also known as stiff person disease, is a rare neurological disorder that causes severe muscle stiffness which could lead to paralysis. [read more]
Moeschler Clarren syndrome is also known as a congenital disorder affecting the development of the lower half of the face, most commonly the ears, the mouth and the mandible. The disease can either occur on one side of the face or both and sever cases can lead to difficulties in breathing, blocking the trachea. The condition may then require a tracheotomy. After clefts, Moeschler Clarren syndrome is the second most common facial birth defect with an incidence of 1 in 3500 to 4500. [read more]
There are over a thousand identified types of mold found in the environment. However, only a few dozen are culprits in triggering an allergic reaction. Mold allergy is the hypersensitivity to exposure to certain types of mold, which can either thrive outdoor or indoor. [read more]
Moles otherwise known as Nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that is usually small, and dark brown in color spots. It is usually not harmless but in some cases they are cancerous. [read more]
A viral infection of the skin or occasionally of the mucous membranes, Molluscum contagiosum or MC has no animal reservoir and just like smallpox, only infects humans. MC has four different types namely MCV, MCV-1 to -4. The most prevalent is MCV-1, while MCV-2 commonly occurs among adults and is often sexually transmitted. The genitals, lower abdomen, buttocks and inner thighs are often affected in sexually transmitted MCV-2. The lips, mouth and eyelids may also be affected in rare cases. [read more]
Sometimes known as Mondini malformation, Mondini dysplasia is an abnormality in the inner ear that may cause hearing loss. It is said that a person with the disorder had an incomplete cochlea, meaning, it has two, one and one half, one or no turns at all in the cochlea. Normal cochleas have two and a half turns. [read more]
Named after French surgeon Henri Modor, Mondor's disease is a rare condition that may involve thrombophlebitis of the breast's superficial veins and the anterior chest wall. The disease may sometimes occur in the arm or penis. The disease is benign and self-limited. It may also involve 1 or more of 3 venous channels namely the thoracoepigastric vein, the lateral thoracic vein and the super epigastric vein. [read more]
Said to be an autosomal dominant hair disease resulting in short, fragile and broken hair that appears beaded, Monilethrix got its name from the Latin word monile which means necklace and thrix, which is the Greek word for hair. It has not been determined though whether the disease is a disorder of the function or the structure of the hair. [read more]
Monilla infection, also known as yeast infection, is a vaginal disease caused by the monilla fungus. [read more]
Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease caused by monkeypox virus. The disease is first identified in laboratory monkeys, giving it its name. The disease is more prevalent in Central and West Africa, but an outbreak occurred also in the United States in 2003. Monkeypox can be difficult to distinguish from mild smallpox and chickenpox. [read more]
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or benign monoclonal gammopathy is a condition in which a low or non-quantifiable level of a monoclonal paraprotein is detected in the blood by means of protein electrophoresis. Undetermined in the term may also be replaced with unknown or uncertain. [read more]
Monomelic amyotrophy (or MMA) pertains to a rare disorder of the motor neurons, which are a group of nerves responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. [read more]
Mononeuritis multiplex comes out from problems with multiple individual nerves serially or almost simultaneously. It is a painful asymmetric asynchronous sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy involving isolated damage to at least 2 separate nerve areas. [read more]
Morning sickness also called nausea, vomiting of pregnancy (emesis gravidarum or NVP), or pregnancy sickness, affects between 50 and 95 percent of all pregnant women as well as some women who use hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy. The nausea could be mild or induce actual vomiting. [read more]
Referred to as mucopolysaccharidosis IV or Morquio, the disorder is known to be an autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharide disease that is usually inherited. It is also considered a relatively rare case of dwarfism with serious consequences. This happens when the body cannot process certain types of mucopplysaccharides, then they just build up or are eliminated causing a range of symptoms. The type A form is a deficiency of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase. [read more]
Also referred to as mucopolysaccharidosis IV or Morquio, the disease is known to be an autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharide disease that is more often than not inherited. It is also considered a relatively unusual case of dwarfism with serious consequences. This happens when the body cannot process certain types of mucopplysaccharides, they just build up or are eliminated causing a range of symptoms. The type A form is a deficiency of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase. [read more]
Referred to as mucopolysaccharidosis IV or Morquio, the disorder is known to be an autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharide disease that is usually inherited. It is also considered a relatively rare case of dwarfism with serious consequences. This happens when the body cannot process certain types of mucopplysaccharides, then they just build up or are eliminated causing a range of symptoms. The type A form is a deficiency of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase. [read more]
Morton's Neuroma, also called the plantar neuoma or the intermetatarsak neuroma, is a noncancerous growth of the nerve tissue in the foot, usually between the third and the fourth toes. It is not necessarily considered as a tumor but a mere thickening of the tissue around the digital nerves leading to the toes. [read more]
Mother-to-baby infections are diseases that are transmitted when a mother's amniotic membranes rupture. In the stage where her ?water bag breaks?, microbes such as viruses and bacteria can enter the womb. Other harmful microbes can also enter the womb during labor, which can affect the baby's growth and overall health. Some diseases meanwhile can be passed from skin contact. The diseases that are considered mother-to-baby-infections are E. coli infection and staphylococcus aureus infections. There are also diseases that come from body fluids. There are some illnesses carried by a woman during pregnancy, and they can be passed on to the baby through body fluids. These diseases include gonorrhea, HIV, herpes virus infection, and hepatitis B and C. [read more]
Motion sickness (also known as car sickness, sea sickness, air sickness) occurs when two "motion messages" to the brain conflict. One "motion message" comes from the inner ear that controls balance and another "motion message" is from the eyes. During this changes in position caused by travel, these two "motion messages" conflict thereby causing motion sickness. [read more]
MND or motor neurone diseases are a group of progressive neurological disorders that destroy the cells that control voluntary muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing. Those cells are called motor neurons. The disease has several forms including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), and bulbar. Spinal muscular atrophy is sometimes considered a form of MND. [read more]
Known as Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy (HMSN) or Peroneal Muscular Atrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is characterized by loss of muscle tissue and touch sensation, primarily in the feet and legs but also in the hands and arms in the advanced stages of disease. The disease is presently incurable and is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders, with 37 in 100,000 affected. [read more]
Mounier-Kuhn's syndrome, also called tracheobronchomegaly is a rare lung disorder characterized by marked widening or dilation of the trachea and sometimes the larger bronchial tubes. When this happens the ability to clear mucus from the lungs is impaired. [read more]
Mouth Cancer or Oral and throat cancers are pale lumps inside the mouth which does not in itself heal. [read more]
Mouth ulcer is a condition characterized by the appearance of an open sore inside the oral cavity. It is also alternatively known as oral ulcer. [read more]
In most parts of the world, except Japan, Moyamoya is considered an extremely rare disease. Characterized by progressive intracranial vascular stenoses of the circle of Willis, the condition may result to ischemic events as well as hemorrhagic events. It may also lead to irreversible blockage of the carotid arteries to the brain as they enter into the skull. [read more]
Myeloperoxidse deficiency or MPO is a common genetic disorder featuring deficiency, in either quantity or function of the enzyme myeloperxidase. Said enzyme can be found in certain phagocytic immune cells, particularly polymorphonuclear leukocytes. [read more]
Also called Mullerian agenesis, MRKH is the condition in a female where the mullerian ducts fail to develop and a uterus will not be present. MRKH stands for Mayer-Rokitansky-K?ster-Hauser Syndrome, derived from the names Augsut Franz Joseph Karl Mayer, Carl Freiherr von Rokitansky, Herman K?ster, and G.A. Hauser. [read more]
First described in 1962 by Thomas James Muckle and Michael Vernon Wells, Muckle-Wells syndrome is also known as Urticaria-deafness-amyloidosis (UDA). It is a rare autosomal disease, which causes sensorineural deafness, recurrent hives, and can lead to amyloidosis. MWS happens when a mutation in the CIAS1 gene leads to increased activity of the cryopyrin protein. The disorder is closely related to two other syndromes, familial cold urticaria and neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease. [read more]
A harmless, fluid-containing (cyst-like) swelling of the mouth or lip lining (mucosa) due to mucus from the small salivary glands of the mouth leaking into the soft tissue, usually from injury (trauma) or blockage of the gland is called oral mucocele. [read more]
A group of autosomal recessive metabolic disorders, Mucopolysaccharidosis is caused to the absence or malfunctioning of lyosomal enzymes. Said enzymes are needed to break down the molecules called glycosaminoglycans. [read more]
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type III or Sanfilippo syndrome can result from the deficiency of one of four enzymes that are necessary to degrade heparan sulfate. MPS III also has 3 subgroups namely A, B, C, and D. [read more]
This is also known as Morqui syndrome, a disorder known to be autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharide disease that is usually inherited. It is also considered somewhat a rare case of dwarfism with serious consequences. This happens when the body is unable process certain types of mucopplysaccharides, then they just build up or are eliminated causing a range of symptoms. The type A form is a deficiency of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase. [read more]
Hurler-Scheie is a subtype of MPS I, along with the Hurler syndrome. It is a deficiency in the a-L-iduronidase enzyme and the lysosomal accumulation of mucopolysaccharides. [read more]
Also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type I, Hurler syndrome is a genetic disorder that results in the deficiency of alpha-L iduronidase. It is an enzyme that breaks down mucopolysaccharidosis in the lyosomes. A buildup of heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate occurs in the bosy without said enzyme. Hurler syndrome is often classified as a lyosomal storage and is clinically related to Hunter's Syndrome. [read more]
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I or Scheie syndrome is an inherited disease of metabolism in which the body cannot properly break down long chains of sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans. Belonging to the group of disease called mucopolysaccharidosis, it is specifically known as MPS I S. [read more]
Hunter syndrome or mucopolysachharoidosis Type II is a lyososomal storage disease caused by a deficiency or absence of the enzyme idunorate-2-sulfatase (l2S). It is named after Scottish physician Charles A. Hunter who emigrated to Canada and practiced medicine there. [read more]
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II, called Hunter syndrome, has a severe form, Type A, which is usually found in children aged 18-36 months. Also considered the classic form, affected children may survive into the second and third decades of life. [read more]
This is also known as Morqui syndrome, a disorder known to be autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharide disease that is usually inherited. It is also considered somewhat a rare case of dwarfism with serious consequences. This happens when the body is unable process certain types of mucopplysaccharides, then they just build up or are eliminated causing a range of symptoms. The type A form is a deficiency of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase. [read more]
Mucormycosis also known as zygomycosis or phycomycosis is a rare yet life threatening and serious infection of fungi, usually affecting the face or oropharyngeal cavity. Occasionally, when caused by Pythium or other similar fungi, the condition may affect the gastrointestinal tract or the skin. It often begins in the nose and paranasal sinuses and is one of the most rapidly spreading fungal infections in humans. [read more]
Mulibrey nanism is a genetic disease and is an extremely rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by profound growth delays and distinctive abnormalities of the muscles, liver, brain, and eyes. The disorder can lead to dwarfism, which is another term for nanism. Mulibrey is an acronym that stands for (Mu)scle, (Li)ver, (Br)ain, and (Ey)e. [read more]
Also known as MRKH syndrome, Mullerian agenesis refers to a condition in a female where the mullerian ducts fail to develop and a uterus will not be present. MRKH stands for Mayer-Rokitansky-K?ster-Hauser Syndrome, derived from the names Augsut Franz Joseph Karl Mayer, Carl Freiherr von Rokitansky, Herman K?ster, and G.A. Hauser. [read more]
A form of irregular heartbeat in which the ventricle contracts prematurely, ventricular premature beat (VPB) or extrasystole is also known as premature ventricular contraction (PVC). The disorder may be perceived as a ?skipped beat? or as palpitations. PVCs are said to be a natural probe since they induce Heart rate turbulence whose characteristic can be measured and utilized to evaluate cardiac function. [read more]
Described as a chronic, recurring condition, Multiple chemical sensitivity is characterized by several adverse and variable affects from exposure to otherwise low levels of substances in modern human environments. MCVS has also been termed toxic injury (TI), chemical sensitivity (CS), chemical injury (CI), 20th century syndrome, environmental illness (EI), sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI), and Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT). [read more]
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a group of medical disorders linked with tumors that maybe benign or malignant, of the endocrine system. Generally occurring in endocrine organs such as thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenals, tumor/s may also occur in endocrine tissues and not in a classical endocrine organ. MEN2 itself is a sub-type of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN). [read more]
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a medical condition that is rare, in which bony spurs or lumps (exostoses, or osteochondromas) develop on a child's bone. The disease is synonymous with Multiple hereditary exostoses and Multiple osteochondromatosis. The latter is the term used by the World Health Organization. Exostoses are do not exist at birth. However, 96 percent of affected people develop multiple exostoses by the time they are 12 years old. [read more]
Previously known as multiple organ failure (MOF), multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) is altered organ function in an acutely ill patient requiring medical intervention to achieve homeostasis. Using the term MOF should be avoided since the term was coined based upon physiologic parameters to determine whether or not a particular organ was failing. [read more]
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory, and demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. It also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis, which onset, usually occurs in young adults and more common among women. The disease was first described in 1868 by Jean-Martin Charcot. [read more]
A disorder in which multiple parts of he nervous system experience degeneration, multiple system astrophy (MSA) encompasses three syndromes namely Shy-Drager syndrome, striatonigral degeneration, and olivopontocerebellar atrophy. The three were previously thought to be unrelated but are now known to all be parts of the same disorder. [read more]
Mumps or epidemic parotitis is a human viral disease. "Mumps" originally meant "to mumble", and came to be useful to the disease due to the side effects it causes. Mumps was a common childhood disease worldwide prior to the development of vaccination and the introduction of a vaccine. It remains to be a significant health threat in third world countries. [read more]
Named after Baron von Manchausen, Munchausen syndrome is a factitious psychiatric disorder or a mental illness. The condition's symptoms are caused by the affected persons themselves or self induced in order to draw attention or sympathy. [read more]
Murray Valley encephalitis is a potentially fatal disease caused by Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), which can cause serious neurological repercussions when infecting humans. [read more]
Muscle contraction headache pertains to a type of headache that results from tension or sustained muscle contraction. [read more]
A muscle cramp is a sudden contraction of the muscles resulting in intense pain and the inability to use the affected muscles. [read more]
Muscle dysmorphia is a disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with the idea that he or she is not muscular enough. People who suffer from muscle dysmorphia tend to hold delusions that they are "skinny" or "too small" but are often above average in musculature. Referred to as bigorexia or reverse anorexia nervosa, it is a most specific type of body dysmorphic disorder. [read more]
Muscle Strain or commonly known as ?pulled? muscles is a condition whereby there is a stretching or tearing of the muscles in contrast with the muscle sprain which is the stretching or tearing of the ligaments. [read more]
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is an autosomal dominant from of muscular dystrophy that is also known as Landouzy-Dejerine. It initially affects the skeletal muscles of the face (facio), scapula (scapulo) and upper arms (humeral) and is the third most common genetic disease of skeletal muscle. [read more]
Also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a poorly understood and debilitating disorder of uncertain cause or causes. According to a 1999 study among adults in the United States, CFS is thought to affect approximately 4 per 100 adults, and commonly occurs among women ages 40s and 50s. [read more]
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder, a neuromuscular disease that can lead to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The name is coined from Greek and Latin terms, which literally means serious muscle weakness. [read more]
A neuromuscular disease, Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to unpredictable muscle weakness and fatigability. The term is coined from Greek and Latin terms, which literally means serious muscle weakness. [read more]
Mycetoma, also referred to as Madura Foot, is a highly relevant disease commonly encountered in arid and semi-arid regions all over the world. This condition can be found in Mexico, the Sahel, in pan-Arabia, Brazil and in the semi-arid areas within India. Mycetoma can also exist in countries as distant as Romania. Mycetoma consists of two common forms. These are the bacterial mycetoma which is also referred to as actinomycetoma and the fungal mycetoma or also known as eumycetoma. These two common presentations of this condition are very hard to determine and differentiate from each another even under the electron microscopy. [read more]
Mycobacterium avium complex (or MAC) pertains to a group of genetically-related bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium which, in humans, can cause fatigue, fever, and weight loss. [read more]
Mycoplasmal pneumonia is a bacterial infection caused by a very small bacterium, in the class Mollicutes. Characteristically, these organisms are resistant to penicillin as well as in other beta-lactam antibiotics. The bacteria closely associated with this condition spread via transmission of respiratory droplets. When the bacteria get attached to the mucosa of a host organism, it will extract nutrients to grow. Its reproduction is by binary fission. The sites where it can commonly get attached include the upper and lower respiratory tract which results to bronchitis, pharyngitis and pneumonia. Atypical Pneumonia refers to the infection caused by this very small bacterium primarily due to its protracted course. Moreover, it is characterized by lack of sputum production and by multiple extra-pulmonary symptoms. Chronic mycoplasma infections had also been associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The severity of illnesses from mycoplasma is often defined as mild to moderate. [read more]
Mycosis Fungoides is also referred to as Alibert-Bazin Syndrome or granuloma fungoides. It is the most common presentation of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma wherein the skin is the primary part of the body that is affected. As the disease progresses, it can also affect the internal organs and the blood. This condition was initially described in 1806 by a French dermatologist named, Jean-Louis-Marc Alibert. Mycosis fungoides caused several misconceptions because it stands for a fungal disease characterized by a mushroom-like presentation. It was named as such by Alibert based upon his description of the disease's severe case which appears similarly to a mushroom. However, it is far from a fungal disease or infection. It is actually a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. [read more]
Mycosis Fungoides Lymphoma is classified as the most common presentation of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In general, the skin is the primary part of the body that is affected. However, it can advance internally as the disease progresses. Initially described in 1806 by a French dermatologist named, Jean-Louis-Marc Alibert, mycosis fungoides lymphoma caused some misconceptions. It stands for a fungal disease characterized by a mushroom-like presentation. It was named as such by Alibert based upon his description of the disease's severe case which appears similarly to a mushroom. However, it is far from a fungal disease or infection. It is actually a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. [read more]
Myelitis is a disease that affects humans which is characterized by swelling or inflammation of the spinal cord. This condition targets and causes disruption in the functions of the central nervous system, particularly the part linking the brain and extremities. [read more]
Myelodysplasia is characterized by a diverse group of hematological conditions. This particular disease is associated with ineffective blood cell production. It is presented with varying chances of transforming into acute myelogenous leukemia. In majority of cases, this condition is also associated with severe anemia that requires regular blood transfusion. [read more]
Myelodysplastic Syndromes or MDS was previously known as Preleukemia. It is characterized by a diverse group of hematological conditions. This hematological disease is associated with ineffective blood cell production. It is presented with varying chances of transforming into acute myelogenous leukemia. In majority of cases, this condition is also associated with severe anemia that requires regular blood transfusion. [read more]
Myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia is also referred to as Agnogenic Myeloid Metaplasia, Chronic Idiopathic Myelofibrosis, and Primary Myelofibrosis. This condition was initially described in 1879. At present, it is classified as myeloproliferative disease resulting from the growth and proliferation of an abnormal bone marrow stem cell. This is due to the bone marrow being replaced with fibrous connective tissue. Assmann's Disease or Heuck-Assmann Disease is an eponym for this condition. Mean survival for patients with this condition is 5 years. Usual causes of mortality are bleeding, infection, portal hypertension, organ failure and resulting leukemia. [read more]
Myeloperoxidase deficiency is considered a common genetic disorder which is characterized by a deficiency in the quantity of enzyme myeloperoxidase or its lack of functionality in the human body. This enzyme can usually be found in some types of phagocytic immune cells, the polymorphonuclear leukocytes in particular. Myeloperoxidase deficiency typically has no distinct signs of immunodeficiency among majority of affected patients. This is despite its immune deficiency presentation which is especially observed in candida albicans infections. Basically, this condition shows no specific manifestations of an immunodeficiency. The absence of major symptoms for Myeloperoxidase deficiency suggest that the role of the enzyme myeloperoxidase in immune responses might be similar with that of other mechanisms of intracellular killing of bacteria that had been phagocytosed. [read more]
Myiasis is a disease affecting both animals and humans resulting from parasitic dipterous fly larvae which is feeding on the host's living or necrotic tissues. Other colloquial terms used for the disease Myiasis are fly-strike and fly blown. Fritz Zumpt, a German entomologist described this disease as "the infestation of live human and vertebrate animals with dipterous larvae, which at least for a period, feed on the host's dead of living tissue, liquid body substances, or ingested food." [read more]
Myoadenylate Deaminase Deficiency or MADD is classified as a metabolic disorder with a recessive genetic cause. This condition affects about 1-2% of the Eastern descent populations which makes it not particularly a rare disease. MADD is somewhat rarer in the Oriental populations. Myoadenylate Deaminase which is also referred to as AMP deaminase is an enzyme responsible in converting adenosine monophosphate or AMP into inosine monophosphate or IMP. This process frees ammonia molecule. This is a portion of metabolic process responsible in converting sugar, fat and protein to cellular energy. A cell usually converts sugar, fat and protein to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the mitochondria to utilize energy. Processes within the cell, the muscles in particular then convert ATP to adenosine diphosphate or ADP which frees the energy to perform work. Failure to deaminate AMP molecules covers three major effects which are: 1. The cell and body loses considerable amounts of AMP 2. Ammonia is not freed or released in the event that the cell performs work 3. Maintenance of IMP levels within the cell is impaired [read more]
Myocardial Infarction is the medical term for heart attack which is the occurrence of blood clot which hampers and block the blood flow in the coronary artery which is a blood vessel that supplies blood to a part of the muscle of the heart. This interruption of the flow of blood will often damage or even destroy the part of the heart muscle. [read more]
Myocarditis is a cardiology condition marked by an inflammation of the myocardium, the muscular part of the heart, due to either viral or bacterial infection. [read more]
Myoclonus is a medical symptom marked by a brief, involuntary twitching of a muscle or a group of muscles, often caused by contractions of the muscle as a result of brief lapses in concentration. [read more]
Myoclonus epilepsy is a type of brain function disturbance characterized by epileptic seizures, muscle twitching or myoclonus, and other serious symptoms. [read more]
The presence of myoglobin in the urine results in a condition known as myoglobinuria, and is usually correlated with rhabdomyolysis or muscle destruction. Myoglobin is the red pigment of muscle cells which serve as an oxygen reserve. [read more]
Myomas other wise known as the uterine fibroids, fibromyomas and leiomyomas, is a condition where there is growth of fibroids in the uterus. [read more]
The word myopathy literally means muscle disease. ?Myo? is from the Greek word for muscle, while ?pathy? is Greek for ?suffering?. More specifically, myopathies are neuromuscular conditions wherein the muscle fibers are damaged and no longer function for a number of reasons, thus resulting in muscular weakness. Myopathy implies a primary defect in the muscle. Even mild muscle complaints, such as cramps, stiffness, and spasms are, in fact, associated with this disorder. Myopathy is a very broad term. Specific classes are available with more distinct classifications. Some of these classes are dystrophies, myotonia, neuromyotonia, mitochondrial myopathies, and familial periodic paralysis, among others. [read more]
Myotubular Myopathy is the most common form of Centronucleara myopathies, in which the cell nuclei are located at a position in the center of the skeletal muscle cells, instead of their normal location at the periphery. [read more]
Centronuclear myopathies (or CNM) are a group of rare congenital myopathies that occur when cell nuclei are abnormally located in the center of the skeletal muscle cells (whereas, normally, they are located in the periphery). A myopathy implies a disease of the muscle tissue itself ? myo is from the word muscle and pathos literally means disease. CNM is considered very rare, but its most commonly occurring form is Myotubular Myopathy (or MTM). [read more]
Myopia, more commonly called near or short-sightedness, is characterized by a refractive defect of the eye wherein collimated light produces image focus in front of the retina when accommodation is relaxed. [read more]
Severe myopia is a severe form of near- or short-sightedness that often result in retinal detachments and primary open-angle glaucoma. The most difficult form of this condition, severe myopia or high myopia, is classified with a degree or severity of -6.00 or more. This measurement is in diopters, which measure the strength of optical power of the corrective lens. [read more]
Myositis is a general medical term encompassing conditions with muscle inflammation. Most myositis disorders are caused by autoimmune factors, rather than directly due to infection. Basically, the muscle fibers become damaged by inflammation, thus interfering with muscle contraction and eventually causing muscle weakness. Some documented types of myositis include myositis ossificans, fibromyositis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathiesm, and pyomyositis. [read more]
Myositis ossificans is a nonhereditary type of a syndrome marked by heterotopic ossification or calcification of the muscles. In myositis ossificans, extra-skeletal bone develops at the area of the injured muscle, typically in the arms or in the quadriceps of the thighs. [read more]
Myositis ossificans progressiva, also known as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, is one of two kinds of heterotopic ossification or calcification of the muscle. This is a rare genetic condition, with an autosomal dominant pattern, in which the ossification occurs even without injury and grows in an often predictable pattern. [read more]
Myotonic dystrophy, also known as muscular dystrophy, is a progressive crippling illness presented by extreme muscle weakness until the affected person is confined to a wheelchair. [read more]
Myxedema (spelled ?myxoedema? in British English) is a disorder of the skin and tissue brought about by severe and prolonged hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a disorder affecting both humans and animals caused by the insufficiency of thyroid production by the thyroid gland. [read more]
Also known as a digital mucous cyst or pseudocys, a myxoid cyst is a growth usually tissues and may be associated with osteoarthritis. [read more]
Myoxozoa is an exotic disease caused by a group of parasitic individuals called myxozoa. The term is from the Greek ?myx?, meaning slime or mucus, and ?zoa?, meaning animals. The myxozoa were originally believed to be protozoan, but were later distinguished to be metazoan through rDNA testing. [read more]
The Naegeli syndrome, otherwise known as the Naegeli-Franceschetti-Jadassohn syndrome, is a rare skin condition. This genetic defect is autosomal dominant in form, with pigmentation of the reticular skin as the most striking characteristic. Named after Professor Oskar Naegeli, a Swiss dermatologist and master chess player, the Naegeli syndrome often affects the palms and soles of humans. [read more]
Naegleria pertains to a rare infection caused by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri which invades the brain, causing inflammation and destroying the brain tissue. [read more]
Nail fungus results from a fungi infection of the nails which spreads into the nail and causes discoloration and thickening of the nails. Nail Fungal Infection is also called Onychomycosis. [read more]
The nail-patella syndrome (NPS) is a genetic disorder inherited through autosomal dominant pattern. This condition is also popularly known as Iliac Horn Syndrome, Hereditary Onychoostedysplasia, Fong Disease or Turner-Kiser Syndrome. [read more]
Nappy rash is a common ailment experienced by babies. It is characterized by rashes and irritation on the bowel caused by bacteria and fungi due to improper hygiene procedures. [read more]
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition wherein patients exhibit excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). The word itself is derived from the French word narcolepsie. It was Jean-Baptiste-?douard G?lineau, a 19th century French physician, who first coined the term by combining the Greek words ?narke? (meaning numbness) and lepsis (meaning attack or seizure). [read more]
Narcolepsy-Cataplexy is a sleep disorder. Affected individuals are extremely drowsy even during the daytime; they may also fall asleep regardless of the time. After taking a short nap, persons with narcolepsy will feel and look rejuvenated and revived but after a short while will feel drowsy again. [read more]
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the nasopharynx. This tumor blocks the passageways in that open the upper throat. This passage is also where the olfactory tubes open into the throat. [read more]
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is cancer originating in the nasal part of the pharynx, which is the topmost region of the throat; the area where the nasal passes and the auditory tubes join the remaining portions of the upper respiratory tract. [read more]
Naxos Disease is an autosomal recessive modification of Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD, also known as Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or ARVC). It is a very rare syndrome characterized primarily by the heart disease and wooly hair. [read more]
Neck pain is a medical condition where there is an acute and chronic pain in the neck which may be caused by poor posture. [read more]
Necrotizing fasciitis also known as fasciitis necroticans is a rare infection of the deeper skin layers and subcutaneous tissues spreading in the superficial and deep fascia enough to produce thrombosis of the subcutaneous vessels and eventually gangrene in the underlying tissues. This medical condition is commonly known as ?flesh-eating bacteria?. [read more]
Nemaline myopathy is a congenital hereditary neuromuscular disorder that causes muscular weakness that continuously progresses and with varying severity. It is also known as rod myopathy or nemaline rod myopathy. Nemaline myopathy is a clinical and genetical heterogeneous disease. This disorder has two forms: autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms. Autosomal dominant form is produced by a defective gene contributed by one parent while autosomal recessive form is produced by defective genes coming from both parents. [read more]
Neonatal Hemochromatosis is a rare and severe liver disease. It is also known as perinatal hemochromatosis or neonatal iron storage disease. [read more]
Neonatal hepatitis also known as perinatal hepatitis is a rare fulminant liver disease. It is characterized by extremely excessive deposition of iron in the liver, pancreas, endocrine glands, and heart. It is a life threatening condition wherein death is common during the fetal or infant stage. [read more]
Neonatal herpes is a rare but serious medical condition. It is usually the result of vertical transmission of the virus from mother-to-newborn child. There are also cases when the disease is acquired afterbirth from parent, caretaker or sibling. [read more]
Neonatal lupus (short for Neonatal lupus erythematosus) is a rare disease that results from the transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies. [read more]
Neonatal myasthenia is a postsynaptic neuromuscular transmission defect that arises as a complication in the infants of mothers with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that affects the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles. [read more]
Neonatal ophthalmitis pertains to a discharge of pus from the eye of a newborn infant. It is also alternatively known as opthalmia neonatorum. [read more]
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome pertains to a relatively common complication affecting prematurely born infants. Also called infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS), hyaline membrane disease, or respiratory distress syndrome in infants, this condition is characterized by breathing difficulties. [read more]
Neonatal tetanus is a serious tetanus infection of newborn infants. It is also alternatively known as tetatnus neonatorum. In general, tetanus can affect people of all ages; but in babies, this disease is particularly serious and may be fatal. [read more]
Nephritis pertains to kidney inflammation, often as a result of toxins, infections, and auto-immune diseases. The term nephritis is derived from the Greek words ?nephro?, which means ?of the kidney?, and ?itis?, meaning ?inflammation?. [read more]
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer which affects infants and children which usually occurs and develops in the nerve cells of the body. It usually occurs in and around the adrenal glands but it some cases it may also grow in the chest, neck and pelvis. [read more]
Diabetes Insipidus is a medical condition referring to inability of the kidney to concentrate urine; characterized by excretion of large amounts of severely diluted urine that cannot be trimmed down even if you reduce the amount of fluid intake. [read more]
Nerve cancer pertains to a type of carcinoma affecting the nerve cells, often involving a tumor that originates from the cells of the nervous system. Nerve cancer is also usually associated with brain cancer. [read more]
Paraneoplastic syndromes particularly that of the nervous system is a result of the body's reaction to the presence of cancer or to substances that an existing tumor located in the nervous system may produce. [read more]
Neural Tube Defect, folate-sensitive Neural tube defect is a medical condition pertaining to any defect occurring in the neural tube. These are the most common and highly devastating as well as disabling birth defect. Spina bifida is an example of a neural tube defect. Neurolation is a part of organogenesis (development of internal organs of a body) in vertebrate embryos. Any interruption or anomaly during this process will produce neural tube defects in a fetus. [read more]
Postherpetic neuralgia, said to be a complication of shingles and outbreak for the second time of the varicella-zoster virus, is a medical condition characterized by pain which usually produces rashes and blisters in the nerve fibers of the skin. It is said to be the remains of for example a chicken pox which are reactivated several years later after the healing of the chickenpox. [read more]
Neurasthenia is a medical condition also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is characterized by a combination of fatigue, headache, anxiety, headache, neuralgia or painful disorders of the nerve, depression or any turndown in the mood and impotence (the inability to develop erection of the penis). The term ?Neurasthenia? was first used in 1869 by George Miller Beard. [read more]
Neuritis is a term used to describe a general inflammation of the peripheral nervous system, affecting either a single nerve or a series of nerves in various parts of the body. [read more]
Neuroacanthocytosis is also known as Levine-Critchley syndrome or chorea-acanthocytosis). It is a rare movement disorder. This disorder has adult and childhood varieties. Neuroacanthocytosis is typically an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. Occurrence is more prevalent in males than in females. [read more]
Neuroblastoma is a neuroendocrine tumor, originating from any neural crest element of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system. It is a nerve network responsible for carrying messages from the brain throughout the whole body. It is also the part of the brain responsible for fight-or-flight response and adrenaline or epinephrine production. Neuroblastoma commonly begins in one of the adrenal glands. [read more]
Neurocysticercosis pertains to an infection of the central nervous system caused by the larva of a pork tapeworm known as Taenia solium. [read more]
Neurodermatitis, otherwise known as the lichen simplex chronicus or the scratch dermatitis, is a the condition of the skin where the skin becomes thick and leathery due to the cycle of itching and scratching. [read more]
Neuroendocrime Carcinoma of the skin or the Merkel cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that appears as a flesh colored or bluish red nodule on the skin, commonly in the face, head or neck. [read more]
Neuroendocrine cancer is cancer of the interface between the endocrine system and the nervous system. It is also known as gastro-entero-pancreatic or gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Some examples of neuroendocrine tumors are carcinoid tumors, islet cell tumors, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma. These tumors secrete hormones in excess, causing a variety of symptoms. [read more]
Neurofibrillary tangles are pathological protein aggregates found within the neurons of patients identified as having Alzheimer's Disease. Hyperphosphorylation of a protein associated with a microtubule is the one responsible for the formation of these tangles; causing it to gather together and accumulate in an insoluble form. Along with Alzheimer's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Supranuclear Palsy are some of the disease that is proven to be having the presence of neurofibrillary tangles. It was Alois Alzheimer, who described neurofibrillary tangles in one of his patients who have Alzheimer's disease. These abnormal structures are found in various parts of the brain and known to be as one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease. [read more]
Neurofibroma is a type of nerve sheath tumor. Nerve sheath tumors are nervous system tumors which are mostly consist of myelin surrounding nerves. Essentially, Neurofibroma is a benign tumor originating from nerve cells. It usually arises from nerves in the skin or under the skin. [read more]
Neurofibromatosis type 2 is an inherited disorder. It is also known as MISME Syndrome (Multiple Inherited Schwannomas, Meningiomas, and Ependymomas). This disease is characterized by the development of symmetric, benign tumors in the portion of the auditory-vestibular nerve. This nerve is the one responsible for conveying sensory information coming from the inner ear to the brain. [read more]
Neurogenic bladder is a disorder of the muscles and nerves of the urinary system. The nerves is unable to carry the message properly that cause abnormal urinary function. [read more]
Neurogenic bladder is a disorder of the muscles and nerves of the urinary system. The nerves is unable to carry the message properly that cause abnormal urinary function. [read more]
Neuroma is a term generally used to describe any swelling or inflammation of a nerve, but more specifically used in reference to a tumor (usually benign) growing in the nerve cells. [read more]
A Plantar Neuroma or an Intermetatarsal Neuroma is an unusual growth of nerve tissue in the different parts of the body, most especially the third and fourt toes whereby there is a burning pain the ball of the foot. [read more]
Neuropathic pain is a term used in reference to a state of complex, chronic pain accompanied by tissue injury. [read more]
Neuropathy is a peripheral nerve disease; i.e. a disorder of the motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves that connect the spinal cord to the skin, muscles, and internal organs. [read more]
Neurosis pertains to a wide range of mental disorders that, unlike psychosis and certain types of personality disorders, do not generally affect self-awareness and overall rational thought. It is also known as neurotic disorder or psychoneurosis. [read more]
Neurotoxicity syndromes are disorders characterized by altered nervous system functioning due to exposure to natural or man-made neurotoxins. Exposure to these toxic substances can result to nervous system poisoning by destroying or even killing neurons, which are the key cells responsible for transmitting and processing signals in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. [read more]
Nevi otherwise known as the Moles, are clusters of pigmented cells that is usually small, and dark brown in color spots. It is usually not harmless but in some cases they are cancerous. [read more]
This condition is also known referred to as Multiple Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome, Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome or Gorlin Syndrome. This condition can be inherited. A person with this disease has multiple defects. Affected areas of the body include the skin, eyes and bones, nervous and endocrine systems. This condition had its very first definition in 1960. It is an autosomal dominant condition that causes unusual appearance of the face and a higher risk for cancer. 1 case per 56,000-164,000 population had been reported to have this condition. A child who had inherited the defective gene from either his mother or father will most likely have NBCCS. [read more]
Nevus, or nevi in plural form, is the medical term for moles, which are basically clusters of pigmented cells that typically appear as small, dark brown spots on the skin's outer layer (epidermis). Nevi can be found in virtually any part of the body. [read more]
Nezelof syndrome is also a form of thymic dysplasia. This condition is due to a congenital immunodeficiency meaning it is already present at birth. Underdevelopment of the thymus is the major finding among patients. It is also the primary cause of this disease. This condition is an immune deficiency disorder in which the cells that normally fight infections are unable to do their job. As a result, the body becomes sensitive and prone to various forms of infections such as viral and bacterial. Secondary complications affecting the different systems of the body usually arise due to the inability of the immune system to function normally. Nezelof Syndrome is classified as a rare disease mainly affecting the immune system. This condition is strongly considered as a form of combined immunodeficiency in ICD-10 and a deficiency of cell-mediated immunity in ICD-9. [read more]
Nicholas-favre disease, also known as lymphogranuloma venereum, is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by genital ulcers. It can affect the lymph nodes and cause serious problems in the bloodstream. [read more]
Nickel is one of the most common metals that is found in majority of everyday items, such as belt buckles, eyeglasses frames, jewelry, etc. Nickel allergy is a sensitivity to products that contain nickel, triggering an allergic reaction upon contact to skin or what is known as contact dermatitis. This is a type of skin inflammation that results to the swelling and reddening of the skin. [read more]
Nicotine dependence is a condition where the person is vulnerable to a rather addicting chemical known as nicotine that is found in cigars and pipes. [read more]
Niemann-Pick disease is classified as an autosomal recessive disorder that mainly affects the metabolism of lipids in the body. This means that the process of breaking down fats in the body and the manner of utilizing it for daily activities is impaired. This disorder affects the body in a way because it causes excessive and unhealthy amounts of lipids or fats to accumulate in the liver, bone marrow, lungs, spleen and even in the brain. Niemann-Pick disease is classified into three variants ? Types A, B and C. There are two distinct bases for the variants of this disease. First is on the genetic cause and second on the symptoms being presented by the patients. [read more]
Niemann-Pick disease is classified as an autosomal recessive disorder which affects the metabolism of lipids or fats in the body. The process of breaking down fats in the body and fat utilization to support daily activities is abnormal. As a result, excessive and unhealthy amounts of lipids or fats to accumulate in the liver, bone marrow, lungs, spleen and even in the brain. Niemann-Pick disease is classified into three variants ? Types A, B and C. There are two distinct bases for the variants of this disease. First is on the genetic cause and second on the symptoms being presented by the patients. [read more]
Niemann-Pick disease is classified as an autosomal recessive disorder. It primarily affects the way fats or lipids are metabolized in the body. This means that the normal process of breaking down fats within the body and the manner in which they are being utilized for daily activities is impaired. This disorder severely affects the body because it can cause excessive and unhealthy buildup of lipids or fats in the liver, bone marrow, lungs, spleen and even in the brain. There are three variants of Niemann-Pick Disease which are Types A, B and C. Classification is based on the genetic cause and on the symptoms being presented. [read more]
Niemann-Pick disease Type C is classified as an autosomal recessive disorder. It mainly affects the metabolism of fats and lipids in the body. The process of fat breakdown in the body and the manner of utilizing it for daily activities is greatly affected. This disorder which impairs fat metabolism in the body causes excessive and abnormally high amounts of lipids to accumulate in the liver, bone marrow, lungs, spleen and even in the brain. Niemann-Pick Disease Type C usually occurs during the childhood stages. However, it may also manifest during infancy and adulthood. Incidence for this type of disease had been estimated to be 1 in every 150,000 individuals. Niemann-Pick Disease Type C is more common among individuals of French-Acadian descent living in Nova Scotia. [read more]
Night blindness pertains to a difficulty or inability to see well at night or under poor light conditions. Also known as nyctalopia, night blidness is not a disorder in itself, but a symptom of an underlying problem such as untreated nearsightedness. [read more]
Night terror also known as pavor nocturnus, Night terrors are a sleep disorder in which a person quickly awakens from sleep in a terrified state. [read more]
Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome or NBS is also referred to as Berlin Breakage Syndrome and Seemanova Syndrome. This condition is a rare form of disease syndrome. It is mainly characterized by chromosomal instability. Probable reason could be as a result of an abnormality or clinical defect in the Double Holliday junction DNA repair mechanism. Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome is usually manifested by several distinctive characteristics. Major clinical presentation includes microcephaly, distinct appearance and expression of the face, shortness in stature, immunodeficiency and sensitivity to radiation. Patients who are diagnosed with NBS are found to have an increased risk of having lymphoid malignancy. The name, Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome, was derived from the Dutch city, Nijmegen which was where the first description of this disease had been established. Majority of the people afflicted with NBS have origins from the West Slavic. A significant percentage live in Poland. [read more]
Nil disease, also known as minimal change disease, is a kidney illness that affects young children. This illness also affects the blood's hemoglobin levels resulting to abnormalities in the blood serum. [read more]
Nocardiosis is an infectious disease which affects the lungs or the whole body. Affectation of the lungs is termed as Pulmonary Nocardiosis while affectation of the entire body is referred to as Systemic Nocardiosis. Nocardiosis is caused primarily of an infection by bacterium of the genus Nocardia. The common forms are Nocardia asteroides and Nocardia brasiliensis. Men are more commonly affected particularly those whose immune systems are already compromised. Among patients afflicted with brain infection, rate of mortality goes beyond 80%. Among the other forms, mortality rate is at 50% even with therapy. [read more]
Nocturnal Enuresis also known as bedwetting is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which bladder control would normally be anticipated. Primary Nocturnal Enuresis (PNE) is during a child has not yet stayed dry on a regular basis. Secondary Nocturnal Enuresis is when a child or adult starts wetting again after having stayed dry. [read more]
Thyroid Nodules is a condition whereby there is one or more nodules that develop within the person's gland. It is usually a water-filled lump and is usually noncancerous but develops and become large to press on the person's windpipe. [read more]
Noise Induced Deafness may be a full or partial reduction in the ability to determine and understand sounds. This condition is usually caused by a wide range of environmental factors. Sound waves have varying frequencies and amplitudes. A person who has lost his ability to detect some frequencies and some low-amplitude sounds which should normally be detected is a characteristic of this condition. Whenever humans are exposed to harmful noise and sounds that are too loud and last a long time, the sensitive structures found in the inner ear may be damaged thereby causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or Noise Induced Deafness. These sensitive structures which are also called hair cells, are small sensory cells found in the inner ear. They convert sound energy into electrical signals which travel towards the brain. Once the hair cells are damaged, they cannot grow back. [read more]
Noma came from the Greek term numein which means to devour. This condition is also referred to as Cancrum Oris or Gangrenous Stomatitis. Noma is a form of gangrenous disease which leads to destruction of the tissues of the face. Commonly affected areas are the cheeks and mouth. Noma has significantly high rates of morbidity and mortality. A rough estimate of 80% had been reported. Children under the age of 12 years who are living in the poor countries of Africa have high predisposition to this disease. Asian children as well as several countries within South America also present a certain degree of predisposition. Majority of the children who develop Noma are around the ages 2 to 6 years old. An estimated number of 500,000 individuals had developed this disease according to the WHO. 100,000 new cases arise every year. [read more]
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma or NHL is characterized by a certain group of cancers which arise from lymphocytes. NHL has distinctive clinical presentation from Hodgkin Lymphoma based on its pathology and epidemiology. It is also different from Hodgkin Lymphoma based on the commonly involved sites, clinical behavior and medical treatment. Diseases associated with non-Hodgkin Lymphomas presents diversity. The course of the diseases varies as well as the treatments. Prognoses for recovery among patients are also variable. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually develops in the spleen, lymph nodes and tonsils or in other organs which are related to the lymphatic system. Majority of the cases initially present as infiltration of lymph nodes. However, there are some subtypes which are restricted to other organs of the lymphatic system. [read more]
Non-ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH) more commonly known as Glycine encephalopathy is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. Clinical presentation shows abnormally high level of Glycine which is a form of amino acid. This works as a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain. Primary cause of non-ketotic hyperglycinemia is insufficient amounts of the enzyme which normally metabolizes the amino acid, glycine, in the body. Shortage or lack of this enzyme allows abnormally high levels of glycine to accumulate in the organs and tissues. Particularly affected is the brain which leads to complicated medical problems. [read more]
Non-Specific Urethritis (shortened as NSU) is a type of urethritis characterized by inflammation of the urethra that cannot be attributed to Chlamydia, gonorrhea, or any infectious cause. Most cases of non-specific urethritis are sexually transmitted, while some have no evidence of infections at all. [read more]
It is a common ?silent? liver disease. It is similar to alcoholic liver disease but it occurs in individuals who drink little or no alcohol. Its distinctive feature is fat in the liver with swelling and injury. Most individuals do not feel or are not aware that they have a problem in the liver. [read more]
Nonallergic Rhinitis otherwise known as the Vasomotor Rhinitis is a medical condition where there is a continuous and chronic runny nose. It is a condition brought about when the lining of the nose swells as a result of an expanding blood vessels thereby causing the nose to be congested. [read more]
Nontropical Sprue otherwise known as the Celiac sprue, is a condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten whereby the person's immune reaction occurs in the small intestine which results in the damage to the surface of the small intestine and to the inability to take nutrients found in food. Thus, it is an enteropathy which is usually a gluten-sensitive disease which nontropical sprue and gluten-sensitive enteropathy, celiac disease occurs in people who have a susceptibility to gluten intolerance [read more]
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a chronic increase of fluids in the brain due to dysfunctional glands that produce cerebrospinal fluids. [read more]
Norovirus Infections is an infection cause by noroviruses. The infection is an intestinal flu-like illness where it usually occurs in enclosed places such as the hospitals and nursing homes. [read more]
Nose inflammation, or rhinitis, is the swelling of the nose characterized by difficulty in breathing, watery discharge from the nose, and nasal congestion. [read more]
Nosebleeds pertain to bleeding coming from the nose commonly occurring in children between 2-10 years of age. Nosebleeds are also known medically as epistaxis. [read more]
Nummular eczematous dermatitis, or nummular eczema, is a term used to describe an itchy rash that develops patches on the skin. The sores grow bigger as time goes by, and soon becomes a chronic condition. [read more]
Nyctophobia is the unreasonable fear of the dark. [read more]
Nymphomania is a compulsive sexual behavior which is also called hypersexuality or erotomania where there is the constant and overwhelming need or urge to have sex. It is an impulse control disorder where a person cannot resist the temptation to perform sexual intercourse with another person. It is said referred to by many as the sexual addiction. [read more]
Nystagmus is involuntary eye movement that can be part of either the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) or a pathological process. It is characterized by alternating smooth pursuit in one direction and saccadic movement in other direction. [read more]
Obesity is a clinical weight condition in which the body has 20 percent more weight than the recommended weight relative the an individual's height, which results in such illness as diabetes and heart disease. [read more]
Obesity in children is a form of malnutrition in which a child becomes extremely overweight. Obesity can be the cause of problems in maintaining balance as well as growth development of the physical and internal organs of child's body. [read more]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric anxiety disorder. Individuals with this disorder have thoughts that are obsessive, distressing, intrusive, related with compulsions to neutralize their obsessions. [read more]
Obstetric fistula or vaginal fistula is a severe medical condition in which a fistula (hole) develops between the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and vagina after severe or failed childbirth, when adequate medical care is not available. [read more]
Obstructive sleep apnea a sleeping disorder in which a sleeping person's breathing is obstructed by a physical block to the airflow despite the effort to breathe. [read more]
Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by specific working conditions that results in a limited airflow to the lungs or excessive response of the airway. [read more]
Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition of having a painful and inflamed loose joint. The formation of a lesion within the cartilage gives rise to a secondary inflammation. [read more]
The Ochoa syndrome is a congenital syndrome in which an individual has inverted facial expressions. It is also referred to as urofacial syndrome or hydronephrosis with peculiar facial expression associated with obstructive disease of the urinary tract. [read more]
Ocular albinism is a condition in which the iris lacks melanin pigmentation. Persons with ocular albinism inherit their condition from parents. These patients however, retain their normal or near-normal skin and hair color. [read more]
Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome pertains to an eye disease that causes vision loss due to the spread of fungal spores from the lungs to the eye, where they tend to lodge in a layer of blood vessels known as the choroids, which primarily supplies blood and nutrients to the retina. There, these spores cause the growth of fragile, abnormal blood vessels under the retina, consequently forming a lesion called choroidal neovascularization (CNV). [read more]
Ocular Melanoma is a condition which occurs in the uvea or the vascular layer of the eye between the retina and the sclera or the white of the eye. It may occur in in the front part of the uvea or the iris and ciliary body or in the choroid layer or the back part of the uvea. [read more]
Ocular motility disorders are disorders due to the malfunction of the eye's sensory-motor mechanism leading to a faulty alignment of the eyes or impairment of vision. [read more]
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a disease of the retina due to an intracellular protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. [read more]
Oculo dento digital dysplasia is a rare genetic condition resulting in individuals with small eyes, underdeveloped teeth. They also have abnormal fourth and fifth fingers. The condition is also referred to as oculo-dento-digital syndrome, oculodentodigital dysplasia, and oculodentoosseous dysplasia. [read more]
Oculodentodigital syndrome is a rare genetic condition resulting in individuals with small eyes, underdeveloped teeth. They also have abnormal fourth and fifth fingers. The condition is also referred to as oculo-dento-digital syndrome, oculodentodigital dysplasia, and oculodentoosseous dysplasia. [read more]
Oculocerebrorenal syndrome is a congenital disorder wherein the affected individual has hydrophthalmia, cataracts, mental retardation, aminoaciduria, reduced renal ammonia production, and vitamin D-resistant rickets. It is also called Lowe syndrome. [read more]
Oculocutaneous albinism is a condition resulting in the lack of pigmentation in the eyes, skin and hair. Other affected individuals may show an almost-normal level of pigmentation. Oculocutaneous albinism type 1 has the least amount of pigment. [read more]
Oculocutaneous albinism is a condition resulting in the lack of pigmentation in the eyes, skin and hair. Other affected individuals may show an almost-normal level of pigmentation. Oculocutaneous albinism type 2 is the most common type of albinism due to a mutation of the P gene. [read more]
Oculocutaneous albinism is a condition resulting in the lack of pigmentation in the eyes, skin and hair. Other affected individuals may show an almost-normal level of pigmentation. Oculocutaneous albinism type 3 is the result of tyrosinase-related protein-1 gene mutation. [read more]
Oculomelic amyoplasia is a genetic disorder resulting in limb contractures from birth and eye abnormalities. [read more]
Oculopharyngeal dystrophy, which is also called oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, is a condition characterized by deformed eyelids, speech impediment, and swallowing difficulty due to dystrophy of the pharynx. [read more]
Odontophobia is commonly referred to as dental phobia, which is an irrational fear of dentists and dental procedures. [read more]
Oedema, or edema, is the excess fluid that accumulates in tissues and organs in the different parts of the body, except for the bones. The accumulation of fluids often causes major system failures that lead to death. [read more]
Ohtahara syndrome pertains to a neurological disorder characterized by epileptic seizures which affect newborn infants, usually within the first 3 months of life and more commonly within the first 10 days. [read more]
Oikophobia, which is also known as Domatophobia is the irrational fear of houses, in a home environment, or in a house. [read more]
Olfactophobia is also known as osmophobia, which is the fear of smell. [read more]
Oligohydramnios is a condition characterized by a deficiency in the amount of amniotic fluid present in the gestational sac during pregnancy. [read more]
Oligospermia pertains to a deficiency of sperms in the semen. Also known as oligozoospermatism, this condition affects male fertility, but, in some cases, may only be temporary. [read more]
Ollier disease is a non-hereditary abnormality that is commonly seen during childhood. It consists of multiple endochromas that cause the bones to be deformed. It is also known as enchodromatosis. [read more]
Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever is a very contagious infection caused by the Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever Virus. [read more]
Onchocerciasis is an infectious condition in which slender threadlike roundworms invade and are deposited under the skin or in some cases, the eyes. [read more]
Ondine's Curse is a respiratory disorder which results in episodes of respiratory arrest during sleep. It is a serious disorder and fatal if not treated. The disorder is also referred to as congenital central hypoventilation syndrome or primary alveolar hypoventilation. [read more]
Onychomycosis means fungal infection of the nail. It is the very common disease of the nails and constitutes about a half of all nail abnormalities. This condition can affect toe- or fingernails, but toenail infections are particularly common. The prevalence of onychomycosis is about 6-8% in the adult population. Onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes is also called as tinea unguium (tinea of the nails). [read more]
Oophoritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of either one or both ovaries, usually occurring alongside an infection and possibly affecting female fertility. [read more]
Ophthalmitis is a general term encompassing all types of eye inflammation. However, the term is more commonly used in the context of sympathetic ophthalmitis or neonatal ophthalmitis. [read more]
Oppositional defiant disorder is an abnormal pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures. [read more]
Oppositional defiant disorder is a controversial psychiatric category listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders where it is described as an ongoing pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures which goes beyond the bounds of normal childhood behavior. [read more]
Opththalmoplegia pertains an eye abnormality characterized by the paralysis of eye muscles. It may also be spelled alternatively as opththalmoplegia. [read more]
Optic atrophy is the loss of some or most of the fibers of the optic nerve. [read more]
Optic atrophy, autosomal dominant is also called dominant optic atrophy, Kjer optic atrophy, or Kjer's autosomal dominant optic atrophy. It is a condition that affects the optic nerves of both eyes reducing a person's vision and may lead to blindness. [read more]
Optic disc drusen is a condition in which globules of mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharides progressively harden in the optic disc. This condition is associated with vision loss of varying degree. [read more]
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, which may cause a complete or partial loss of vision. It is sometimes referred to as retrobulbar neuritis. [read more]
Oral and throat cancer is a type of cancer affecting the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, salivary glands, and a portion of the throat behind the mouth. It is also alternatively called oropharyngeal cancer. [read more]
Oral candidiasis pertains to a yeast fungus (Candida albicans) infection in the mouth's mucous membranes. [read more]
Leukoplakia is an adherent white plaques or patches on the mucous membranes of the mouth including the tongue. [read more]
Oral lichen planus is a condition of inflammation in the mouth lining. The inflammation may also occur inside the cheeks and may affect other parts of the mouth as well as the throat. [read more]
Orf is described as a viral disease that commonly infects sheep and goats. It can be easily acquired by humans through direct contact of infected animals or contaminated fomites. It was also reported that reindeers have caused similar cuts to humans. [read more]
Orf pertains to an exanthemous zoonotic disease caused by a viral skin virus, which primarily affects sheep and goats, but may also be transmitted to humans. The word ?orf? itself is derived from an Old English term that means ?rough?. It is also alternatively known as pustular dermatitis (CPD), contagious ecthyma, thistle disease, sore mouth, or scabby mouth. [read more]
Ornithosis is a zoonotic infectious disease also known as psittacosis, parrot disease, and parrot fever. [read more]
Oropharyngeal cancer pertains to types of carcinomas occurring in the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, salivary glands, as well as parts of the throat located behind the stomach. It is also alternatively known as oral and throat cancer. [read more]
Orotic aciduria is the excessive excretion of orotic acid in the urine. [read more]
Orthostatic hypotension otherwise known as the postural hypotension is a type of low blood pressure which usually occurs after a prolong lying or sitting down. [read more]
Orthostatic intolerance is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which occurs when a person stands up. [read more]
Osteitis deformans is also known as Paget's disease. It is a chronic disorder that typically results in enlarged and deformed bones. [read more]
Osteochondritis dissecans is a medical condition that is often a result from the loss of supply of blood to a certain area of the bone located just beneath the joint surface. Among the most affected areas are the, although it is also known to manifest in other areas such as the ankle and elbow. Although this condition is largely associated with the aging process, there is a juvenile form of osteochondritis dissecans. Early diagnosis and treatment is highly important to effectively minimize risks of long-term disability. The affected bone and its covering of cartilage may stay in place and may not cause any symptoms. Or a fragment may gradually loosen and cause pain. [read more]
Osteochondroses (singular form: osteochondrosis) pertain to a group of diseases primarily affecting children and adolescents in which necrosis or localized tissue death occurs, often followed by spontaneous regeneration of healthy bone tissue. [read more]
Osteochrondroma, or more commonly known as osteocartilaginous exostoses, is known as the overgrowth of the bone and cartilage located near the end of the bone of the growth plate. Such type of overgrowth usually occurs in bones where the cartilage will eventually form bone. Most of the commonly affected areas are the long bones of the leg, the pelvis, as well as the scapula. [read more]
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by the tendency of the bones to break easily, often with little or possibly no apparent cause. There is a classification system for the different types of OI. This is designed to help describe how severely a patient with OI is affected. [read more]
Osteogenic sarcoma is also called asosteosarcoma and is identified as one of the most common types of cancer of the bones found in children. This medical condition is mostly found in lone bones such as the legs, pelvis and arm bones. This cancer has also been found to be more prevalent among male patients than females. The cancer cells can rapidly spread to other areas of the body and like any other cancer, it is fatal without any medical intervention. [read more]
Osteoid Osteoma pertains to a type of benign bone tumor often appearing in the long bones of the lower extremities. It most commonly affects the thighbone or femur, although it can also affect the hand bones and sometimes the lower part of the spine. Osteoid Osteoma typically affects teenagers and young adults. [read more]
Osteomalacia is a medical condition that only affects adults. Among the children the same condition is known as rickets. Osteomalacia primarily affects the bones as well ass the muscles. This is mainly triggered by the deficiency mineral found in the bones that results to increased risks of pain and fractures. [read more]
Osteomyelitis is a medical condition that is caused by the inflammation or abnormal swelling of bone tissue. This is mainly caused by an infection of an infection. This disease may occur on both adults and children for different reasons. [read more]
Osteonecrosis is rare type of disease that often leads to the inadequate supply of the blood in the patient's bone tissue. As any living tissue, the bone will require a certain quantity of blood to be able to function properly. Without the adequate supply of blood, this condition lead to bone tissue death. [read more]
Osteopenia is a condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal. It is considered by most doctors to be a precursor to osteoporosis. Moreover, not every person diagnosed with osteopenia will develop osteoporosis. Fractures usually experienced in the hip, spine, and wrist. [read more]
Osteopetrosis is the thickening of the bones. These results to an abnormal denseness of the bone that is mainly due to inherited bone resorption, a process under which the old bones breaks bone to be replaced by new ones. [read more]
Osteophytes, otherwise known as bone spurs, are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones. They usually form in the joints, but can also be found where ligaments and tendons connect with bone. Bone spurs are not themselves painful, but may cause pain, when it rubs against nearby nerves and bones. [read more]
Osteosarcoma is a disease characterized by the growth of cancer cells in the bone, commonly affecting adolescents and young adults. While it may occur in any part of the body, a majority of the cases involve a tumor found around the knee. It is alternatively known as ?osteogenic sarcoma?, which literally translates to ?bone forming cancer?. [read more]
Osteosclerosis is a very rare disorder that is characterized primarily by an abnormal increase in the bone density. This means as the old bone is not resorbed and is not replaced with a new bone. This is why it is also known as the marble bone disease. [read more]
An infection of the outer ear and ear canal resulting from the growth of bacteria and fungi which may come from contaminated water or from objects placed in the ear. It is also known as ?swimmer's ear? or external otitis. [read more]
Otosclerosis is defined as a genetically-mediated metabolic bone disoder that primarily affects the otic capsule and the ossicles. The mode of inheritance of this disease is autosomal dominant, and more women are prone to be a victim of this disease than men. Otosclerosis is largely associated with hearing loss that typically develops during the third decade of the patient's life. [read more]
Ovarian insufficiency is a deficiency of the needed functions of the ovaries. These dysfunctions may cause complications such as amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and uterine bleeding. It may also lead to sterility among females. [read more]
Overactive thyroid disease, otherwise known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition which occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, resulting to the significant acceleration of the body's metabolism. [read more]
Occupational overuse syndrome, also known as repetitive stress syndrome, is a behavioral disorder wherein one mechanically works his occupational habits despite changes in his work environment. This can lead to muscle, tendon and nerve injuries in the long run. [read more]
Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection or OPSI is known as the rapidly fatal septicaemia infection that is brought about by the absence of the protection of the spleen against certain types of bacteria. Most patients who either have a non-functional or absent spleens can die in a few hours if exposed by uncommon infections. However, this medical condition can be prevented with the use of antibiotics and vaccinations. [read more]
Oxyphil cell carcinoma, more commonly known as Hurthle cell cancer (HCC) is a rare form of cancer affecting the thyroid gland. [read more]
Pachydermoperiostosis is categorized as a rare disorder that is primarily characterized by clubbing of the fingers, excessive sweating and thickening of the skin of the face. It medical condition typically appears during early childhood or adolescence, and progresses slowly within the next ten year or so. [read more]
Pachygyria is defined as a congenital malformation affecting the cerebral hemisphere. This often results in the unusually thick convolutions that form in the patient's cerebral cortex. Typically, most children with this medical condition may also suffer from developmental delay as well as seizures [read more]
Peripheral artery disease, also known as peripheral arterial disease, is a problem in the circulatory system wherein there is a reduction in the blood flow to the limbs because of narrowed arteries. [read more]
Paget's disease is a medical disease that primarily affects the bone. This condition affects the normal processes of the bones, disrupting the process of growth and renewal. Paget's disease usually affects the skull, spine and pelvic bone causing deformities, pain and fractures. [read more]
Paget's disease of the breast is identified as a highly rare form of breast cancer. This disease accounts of less than five percent of the breast cancers. The disease usually originates in the breast ducts and develops to the nipple's skin and the areola. [read more]
Paget's disease type 1 is the malfunction in the normal process of the remodeling of the human bones. In normal cases, the bone breaks down and growth and rebuild gradually. However, in the case of Paget's disease, this gradual process is somehow altered , where the replacement bone is porous and soft. [read more]
Palate cancer pertains to a rare type of cancer affecting the roof of the mouth. The word ?palate? pertains to the roof of the mouth which has a bony portion in the front (this part is called ?hard palate?) and a muscular portion at the back (this is known as the ?soft palate?). [read more]
Paleness is the dull pigmenting of the skin. This condition is brought about by different reasons, most common of which is iron deficiency. [read more]
Pallister Killian mosaic syndrome is a very rare disease that affects humans. It consists of the development of the isochromosome 12p, which has two abnormally small legs. [read more]
Pallister-Hall syndrome is medical disorder that primarily affects the natural development of several parts of the body. Most people suffering this condition may have extra fingers on the toes and fingers as well as skin between the hands and feet. Other patients may suffer severe malformations. [read more]
Keratoderma is actually a term that literally means a marked skin thickening. On the other hand, Palmoplantar refers to the skin located on the soles of the feet as well as the palms of the hands. More often than not, this medical condition can be a condition of an internal abnormality. [read more]
Palpitation pertains to an abnormal awareness of one's own heartbeat; be it too slow, too fast, irregular, or beating at its normal frequency. The awareness is abnormal to the extent that the rhythm of one's heart interrupts the person's thoughts and consciousness. [read more]
Doctors often use the medical term cerebral palsy to refer to a number of neurological disorders that may manifest in infancy or in early childhood. This medical condition affects the bodily movements as well as the muscle coordination. However, this is not progressive but may cause abnormalities that greatly affect the patient's quality of life. [read more]
Pancreatic cancer usually develops in the pancreas tissues. The pancreas are responsible for secreting enzymes that will aid in the digestion as well as regulate hormones that would help regulate sugar. [read more]
Pancreatic Islet Cell Neoplasms develop into two different categories: the nonfunctional and functional varieties. However, most cases of this medical condition are found functional, which means the neoplasms secrete hormonal products into the patient's bloodstream, leading to the development of more recognizable symptoms. [read more]
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of pancreas. The pancreas is a big gland behind the stomach and just close to the duodenum. [read more]
Pancreatoblastoma is also known as the infantile form of pancreatic carcinoma. This medical condition is considered to be one of the extremely rare types of pancreatic tumor that typically develops during early childhood. In comparison to all other carcinomas, PB has been known to be less aggressive in infants as well as children than the cases found in adult. [read more]
Hypopituitarism is a medical disorder characterized by the failure of the pituitary gland to produce a single or more of hormones, or the inability to produce enough. The pituitary gland secretes certain hormones that greatly influence almost all parts of the human body. This is the reason why in hypopituitarism affects any number of the normal bodily routines such as blood pressure, growth and reproduction. [read more]
Panic disorder is the medical term for a psychiatric condition characterized by recurring panic attacks in combination with significant behavioral change or at least a month of ongoing worry about the implications or concern about having other attacks. [read more]
Papilledema is characterized as the swelling of the optic nerve. This is the point where the option nerve joins the eye, where the swelling causes a fluid pressure within the patient's skull or what is known as the intracranial pressure. This swelling can be due to an inflammatory illness or infection. [read more]
Papilloedema is a disease characterized by optic disc swelling, often as a result of increased intracranial pressure. The characteristic swelling frequently occurs bilaterally over a period of hours to weeks. Papilloedema is also alternatively spelled as papilledema. [read more]
Papilloma pertains to a benign or non-cancerous epithelial tumor that grows in an exophytical fashion in finger-like fronds. More commonly, the word ?papilla? is used in reference to the projection or pattern created by the tumor; not the tumor on an already existing papilla (such as the nipple, for instance). In this context, the word ?papilloma? pertains to infections caused by the human papillomavirus. [read more]
Paracoccidioidomycosis is characterized as an infection primarily caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Paracoccidioidomycosis is a type of fungal infection that typically involves the mouth, skin, lymph nodes and throat, although symptoms sometimes appear in the patient's liver, lungs or spleen. [read more]
Paragangliomas are characterized as glomus tumors that are said to be derived from paraganglion tissue or the carotid body. These tumors are typically benign and usually grow in the mastoid and middle ear. [read more]
Paralysis pertains to the complete loss of muscle function and/or sensation in one or more muscle groups. [read more]
Paralytic ileus pertains to temporary intestinal paralysis. The paralysis itself may not necessarily be complete, but is serious enough to prevent the passage of food through the intestines, consequently causing intestinal blockage. Paralytic ileus is also alternatively known as intestinal volvulus, pseudo-obstruction-intestinal, colonic ileus, or quite simply ?ileus?. [read more]
Paralytic shellfish poisoning (shortened as PSP) pertains to one of 4 known syndromes of shellfish poisoning (along with diarrheal shellfish poisoning, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, and amnesic shellfish poisoning). [read more]
Paramyotonia congenita is categorized as an autosomal dominant disorder affecting the muscle. This medical condition is characterized by paradoxical myotonia, which is a defined as myotonia , which usually appears during exercise as well as during sever exposure to the cold. During episodes, the patient may suffer from difficulty in making voluntary movements and breathing. [read more]
Paranasal sinus cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the paranasal sinuses. This condition is characterized by chronic blocking of sinuses resulting to difficulty in breathing. [read more]
Paraomphalocele is a medical condition that is characterized by a very rare birth anomaly involving a particular defect in the abdominal wall. This disorder causes the contents of the abdomen to be protruded, which typically occurs near the umbilical region. [read more]
Paraphilias is a medical condition that is characterized by uncontrollable impulses relating to sexual urges, fantasies and behaviors that usually involves highly unusual practices, situations and objects. This disorder can greatly impair the normal and sexual functioning of the person. Patients with paraphilias are often referred to by society as perverts because of behaviors that can possibly have serious legal and social consequences. [read more]
Paraphimosis pertains to a rare condition characterized by the foreskin becoming trapped behind the glans penis. Once pulled back behind the glans penis, the foreskin cannot be brought down to its normal flaccid position covering the glans penis. [read more]
Parapsoriasis is a term that refers to a group of disorders involving the skin. These are most of the time characterized as having similar characteristics to psoriasis which usualy is red, with scaly lesions. Neoplasms has also been found to also devleop from parapsoriasis just like in the case when it develops into a fatty tissue which is often cutaneous T-cell. Examples of this disorder includes Pityriasis lichenoides chronica and Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. [read more]
Parapsoriasis is a term that refers to a group of disorders involving the skin. These are most of the time characterized as having similar characteristics to psoriasis which usualy is red, with scaly lesions. Neoplasms has also been found to also devleop from parapsoriasis just like in the case when it develops into a fatty tissue which is often cutaneous T-cell. Examples of this disorder includes Pityriasis lichenoides chronica and Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. [read more]
Parasitophobia is also known in various other terms. These includes fear pf parasites, parasite fear, parasite phobia or phobia of parasite. These is medical o psychological condition of a person who fears or is afraid of any parasite. For a patient with this conditon, parasites could really cause them serious injuries that is why they react so profoundly at just the sight of their feared parasite. [read more]
Paratyphoid fevers is also otherwise known as Enteric fevers. These composed a group of enteric illnesses often stimulated by bacterium Salmonella paratyphi strains. The three species of the Salmonellae which is known to have caused paratyphoid are Salmonella paratyphi A, S. schotmulleri, and S. paratyphi C or S. hirschfeldii. The species are usually transmitted through contact with the contaminated water and food. Paratyphoid fever is also similar to typhoid fever in some aspects but with more benign course. [read more]
Parcopresis is also known as shy bowel syndrome. This is a psychological disorder of a person who doesn't seem to get to remove their bowels or defecate in other places' comfort rooms but their own where they feel a certain level of privacy. [read more]
Parkinson's disease is likewise called Parkinson disease which is described as a degenerative disorder involving the central nervous system. Because of this, the sufferer's motor skills and way of speaking are affected. This disorder is classified under the movement disorders group. This disorder is also chronic and progressive in nature. [read more]
Parkinsonism is also known in many other terms. It is known as secondary Parkinson's, atypical Parkinson's, or Parkinson's syndrome. This is a neurological syndrome often manifested by postural instability, tremor, rigidity, hypokinesia. [read more]
Paronychia is also very commonly called bacterial nail infection. It is charaaterized by an inflammation of the finger or toe region called the proximal nail fold where the nail plate originated. The inflammation due to infection occurs in a short perod of time but in some cases may occur longer and at times reoccurs or chronic in nature. [read more]
Parotid gland cancer pertains to a type of cancer affecting the parotid gland, the biggest of the salivary glands, which primarily produce saliva and release it into the mouth. [read more]
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria is also termed as Donath-Landsteiner syndrome. This is a disease usually affecting humans and is characterized by abrupt presence of the hemoglobinuria in urine especially after being exposed to very cold temperatures. [read more]
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a very rare disease. This often acquired and can be life-threatening for the patient. Patients with Parxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is likely to suffer from anemia caused by the destruction of the red blood cells, red urine caused by the presence of hemoglobin in the urine, and also suffer thrombosis. [read more]
Parry-Romberg syndrome is also sometimes called Romberg syndrome. This is a rare and incurable craniofacial disorder. The characteristics of which is slow atrophy of the muscle under the skin covering usually half of the face area usually occuring to females between the age group from 5 to 15. [read more]
Partial lung collapse is described as a condition where in the lung, partially or entirely is malformed or without air. Alveoli are deflated which is different from pulmonary consolidation. [read more]
Parturiphobia is also known as Tokophobia, which is the fear of childbirth or giving birth. Other terms for Partuphobia also include tocophobia. It is found normal for first time mothers to develop this fear since they find it really a life-threatening process. While it is true to be a life-threatening process some mothers really feel that they will really suffer during childbirth and aren't sure it they could withstand it. [read more]
Paruresis is also known as bashful bladder, pee shyness, urophobia, shy kidney, or shy bladder syndrome. This is a type of fear in which the patient fails to urinate in the presence of other people like in public restroom. It is known to affect both the males and females. [read more]
Parvovirus infection is a viral infection that usually occurs in children and characterized by the bright red rashes on the cheeks. It is also known as erythema infectiosum, the ?Slapped-cheek disease? and the ?fifth disease?. [read more]
It is an infection that is caused by a species of the bacteria genus Pasteurella that is found in animals and humans. The bacteria are carried in the mouth and respiratory tract of animals and humans. [read more]
Patau syndrome is also called trisomy 13. This is an abnormality in the chromosome in which a person has an extra chromosome 13. This condition is often inherited by the sufferers. [read more]
Patellar tendinitis is an injury that affects the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon has a pivotal role in the way you use your legs. It helps your muscles extend your lower leg so that someone can kick a ball, push the pedals on your bicycle and jump up in the air. [read more]
Patellofemoral syndrome is common muscular condition in which chronic pain under the kneecap is felt. [read more]
Patent ductus arteriosus is heart defect evident upon birth. The condition manifests when the ductus arteriosus of the child's heart fails to close right after birth. [read more]
Pathological stealing otherwise known as the condition of kleptomania is an impulse control disorder characterized by the overpowering urge to steal items, usually of little value and not needed by the person afflicted. [read more]
Patterson syndrome is also called pseudoleprechaunism. This is very rare syndrome that first mistakenly diagnosed as Donohue Syndrome or Leprechaunism. [read more]
PCC deficiency, also known as propionic acidermia, is a disease in which the body is unable to produce certain proteins and lipids. Because of this an abnormal accumulation of acids contaminate the blood and become toxic to some tissues. [read more]
Peanut allergy is identified as one of the most common form of food allergy and is often diagnosed during the first years of life. In most cases, children usually outgrow this condition as they grow older, while there are some who tend to develop serious reactions that require emergency medical attention. [read more]
Peanut hypersensitivity or peanut allergy is a form of food allergy but are distinct from that of nut allergies. It is a specific hypersensitivity to some dietary substances found on peanuts which causes a possible overreaction of the body's immune system. This hypersensitivity may also lead to an extremely severe symptoms to countless people, physycally. Peanut hypersensitivity is the most often cause of death related to food. An extremely severe peanut allergy may result to anaphylaxis, which is often an emergency situation that requires real immediate attention from attending physician and should be treated with epinephrine. [read more]
Pectus excavatum a Latin term meaning hollowed chest is the most common congenital deformity of the anterior wall of the chest, in which several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally. It produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. It is often present at birth and progresses during the time of rapid bone growth in the early teenage years, but in rare cases does not appear until the onset of puberty. [read more]
Pediatric T-cell leukemia is a rare type of an acute lymphoblastic leukemia occuring to children. It is a cancer involving the lymphoblasts which forms lymphocyte cells. [read more]
Pediculosis is condition termed for the infestation of parasistic insects called lice. They mostly attact the human bodies. The more popular term for the condition is head lice, pubic lice, or body lice. Pediculus humanus capitis or the head lice in most common term affects children belonging to the age groups of 3-10 as well as their families which occur mostly in females. [read more]
Pediculosis capitis is a highly communicable ?disease? (especially in children) wherein the head of the person suffering therefrom is infested with tiny parasites which live and feed on blood from the scalp, known as head lice. [read more]
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease is a very rare disorder involving the central nervous system. The disease affects the motor abilities, coordination, and intellectual function of the person affected. [read more]
Pellagra is a vitamin deficiency disease caused by dietary lack of niacin (B3) and protein, especially proteins containing the essential amino acid tryptophan. Because tryptophan could be converted into niacin, foods with tryptophan but without niacin, such as milk, prevent pellagra. But, if dietary tryptophan is diverted into protein production, niacin deficiency may still result. [read more]
Pelvic inflammatory disease is term used generally to describe inflammation occuring in the female uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.The disease may also lead to a condition called tissue necrosis without abscess formation or with abscess formation. Pus cells due to the inflammation can be released and affect the peritoneum.Pelvic inflammatory disease is a very vague and broad term which can also refer to any form may it be viral, parasitic, bacterial, or fungal. In most cases, it is often bacterial in nature. [read more]
Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare disease which often occurs to older black men who are obese and with hypertension. In pelvic lipomatosis, dense deposits of normal fat in abnormal amount may be seen in spaces in the pelvic area. Pelvic lipomatosis is often benign overgrowth of some adipose tissue with small fibrotic components as well as inflammatory. Pelvic lipomatosis is commonly found incidentally when doing a routine check up. [read more]
Pemphigus is a medical condition used to describe a vesiculobullous disease affecting the skin and the mucous membranes which then causes vesicles or blisters, raw sores, and bullae. An autoimmune disease which is caused when the body's immune system mistook its own tissues to be a foreign tissue and destroys it. Antibodies attacking his very own cells are autoantibodies. The target of the autoantibodies in the pemphigus condition is the desmoglein which is a form of protein. Desmoglein is the "glue" attaching some epidermal cells adjacent to each other by the desmosomes. [read more]
Pemphigus Foliaceus is the least severe form of the three varieties of Pemphigus. In this case, the antibodies attack Desmoglein 1 protein which is only found in the upper layer of the skin which is usually a dry layer of the skin. Unlike pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus is not as painfull and often times misdiagnosed to be dermatitis or sometimes eczema. [read more]
The pemphigus vulgaris is the most common form of Pemphigus disorder. Pemphigus vulgaris results when the antibodies attack the Desmoglein 3. It causes sores originating in the mouth and making eating difficult and also uncomfortable for the sufferer. Commonly, it occurs to people who are between the ages of 40 and 60 although it can also affect other people not belonging to that age group. In rare cases though, it is linked with myasthenia gravis. [read more]
Penis cancer is a disease where malignant cells are found to originate from the penile tissues. It is also known as Penile Cancer. [read more]
Pentosuria is a condition where xylulose which is a pentose is found in the urine at abnormally high concentrations. The condition is often associated to the deficiency of L-xylulose reductase, which is a reducing sugar. Thus it usually give false diagnosis and lead to misdiagnosis of the condition as diabetes. [read more]
Peptic Ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer disease or PUD, are sores that develop on the stomach lining, esophagus, the upper small intestine and other areas of the gastrointestinal tract, making it extremely painful for the patient. [read more]
Periarteritis nodosa is also popularly called Polyarteritis nodosa. This is condition of a vasculitis of the medium-sized arteries. The arteries become swollen and eventually damaged due to attacks by the rogue immune cells. Another term for this condition is Kussmaul disease or the broader term Kussmaul-Meier disease. [read more]
Pericarditis pertains to the swelling and/or irritation of the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart called the pericardium. [read more]
Perilymph fistula, or PLF, is an abnormal opening in the fluid-filled inner ear. Possible places where PLF can occur are: between the middle ear/mastoid sinus, the intracranial cavity, other spaces in the temporal bone, or the bone of the ear called the otic capsule. In most cases it is a tear in thin membranes called oval window and round window, between the middle and inner ears. Perilymph fistula is generally considered a rare disorder and may occur in one or both ears. [read more]
Perilymph fistula is also known as labyrinthine fistula. This is a condition wherein there is leakage of the inner ear fluid entering into the middle ear. This condition is believed to be a complication due to stapedectomy. Perilymphatic fistula are classified into four categories, namely congenital, iatrogenic, spontaneous, and traumatic. [read more]
Perinatal infection is described as an infection which is caused by less common parasites, bacteria, or viruses passed from the mother to the baby during her pregnancy or at childbirth which the baby can get from the mother's vagina at birth. [read more]
Periodic paralysis is a collective term for the genetic illnesses that cause weakness and paralysis from simple ailments such as stress, high carbohydrate meals, mood changes or any physical activity. [read more]
Periodontitis, is a collective name of inflammatory diseases that affects the tissues which is surrounding and supporting the teeth. Periodontitis is the state involving a progressive loss of bone which surrounds the teeth and could lead to loosening ore eventually loosing the teeth if it remains untreated. Periodontitis is very common disorder. [read more]
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is a form of a dilated cardiomyopathy. It is described as the deterioration in cardiac function usually in periods between the late pregnancy months up to five months of postpartum. Patients usually have no history relating to any heart disease with no other causes of the heart failure. Peripartum cardiomyopathy involves decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction which is associated with congestive heart failure as well as an elevated risk of having atrial and ventricular arrhythmias or even a sudden cardiac death. [read more]
Peripheral neuropathy is the term used to describe damage to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system. The damage may be bue to diseases involving the nerve due to side-effects of some systemic illness. The damage or Peripheral neuropathies may vary on how they are presented and how it originated. [read more]
Peripheral vascular disease also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a collator for all diseases caused by the obstruction of large peripheral arteries, which can result from atherosclerosis, inflammatory processes leading to stenosis, an embolism or thrombus formation. [read more]
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare cancer that normally occurs in the abdominal tissue. [read more]
Peritoneum cancer pertains to cancer originating from the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the insides of the abdomen including all the organs found here like the intestines, liver and stomach. Peritoneum cancer is a rare type of cancer mainly affecting women, similar to ovarian cancer. Peritoneum cancer is also alternatively known as primary peritoneal cancer or PPC. [read more]
Peritonitis is defined as an the swelling or inflammation of the serous membrane which lines a part of our abdominal cavity and the viscera it contains. This mebrane is called peritoneum. The swelling may be localised in just one part or covering generally the whole lining of the cavity. Peritonitis usually manifest an acute course which may depend largely on either localised or generalised infection. People with Peritonitis are usually treated with surgical emergency. [read more]
Periventricular leukomalacia is often characterized by the death of the white matter which is found near the cerebral ventricles. The death of the white matter is caused by the softening of the tissue of the brain. It usually could affect newborn babies or fetuses, with premature babies being at the greatest risk to suffer from the disorder. [read more]
Pernicious anemia is also popularly known as Biermer's anaemia and Addison's anaemia or even Addison-Biermer anaemia. This is a rare form of megaloblastic anemia which is due to deficiency in vitamin B12 which is caused by an impaired absorption of the vitamin because of the absence of some intrinsic factor especially in the setting of the atrophic gastritis, more specifically, loss of the gastric parietal cells. [read more]
Perniosis is also called Chilblains or blain, when it occurs on the feet. This is a medical condition which is often mistaken as frostbite or trench foot. Perniosis are ulcers on the extremities like the toes and fingers that occur especially when a predisposed individual was exposed to cold atmosphere or humidity. [read more]
Persistent cough or also called as chronic cough is not a disease in itself; rather it is a symptom of other disorders. It is a usual problem and the reason for many doctor visits. [read more]
Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome is also known as Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder. This disorder results in a persistent arousal of the genitalia, with or even without orgasm or engorgement which is even unrelated to any feelings of desire sexually. Arousal caused by this syndrome can sometimes be very intense and can persist for over an extended period of time for days or even weeks. [read more]
Persistent truncus arteriosus is otherwise known as Truncus arteriosus. This is an extremely rare congenital heart disease usually present at birth. The embryological structure which is named truncus arteriosus didn't properly divide into two parts which is the aorta and the pulmonary artery. [read more]
Pes planus is also popularly known as flat feet or fallen arches. This is a condition wherein the foot arch collapses making the entire sole of the foot becoming completely or nearly in contact to the ground. Having Pes planus also does not mean decreased in foot speed as it do not affect a person's response to Plantar reflex test. [read more]
Pet allergy is characterized by the extreme sensitivity to pet fur or feather, causing an allergic reaction. However, aside from the fur, the well-known irritant in pet allergies in the animal dander or the dead skin flakes that floats around the air causing watery eyes and other typical reactions to an allergy. [read more]
Petit mal seizure, otherwise known as absence seizure, is a condition which occurs mostly in children, and is characterized by episodes of momentary and sudden lapse of conscious activity. [read more]
Peutz-Jeghers is also popularly known as Hereditary Intestinal Polyposis Syndrome. This is an autosomal disease involving the dominant genes. It is occurs as a development of some hamartomatous polyps in our gastrointestinal tract. [read more]
Peyronie's disease is a disorder of the connective tissue because of the development of some fibrous plaques in the soft tissue found in the patient's penis. Other term for Peyronies Disease is penile induration. [read more]
Pfeiffer syndrome is a disorder often genetic in nature. This disorder is characterized by a premature fusion of the craniosynostosis and prevents the growth of the skull thereby affecting head shape as well as the face. This condition though is extremely rare which can also happen to the healthiest people. [read more]
Phaeohyphomycosis pertains to a group of mycotic (fungal) infection identified by the presence of dematiaceous (brown-pigmented) septate hyphae and, sometimes, yeast, or both in the tissue. The infection can be seen as superficial and deep, and often leads to subcutaneous cyst formations. [read more]
Phantom pain is a feeling of pain coming from a body part that has already been amputated or no longer in existence. [read more]
Pharmacophobia otherwise known as fear of medicine or fear of taking medicines is a persistent and unwarranted fear of taking medicine or drugs. This is an abnormal state of the mind which each year causes many people distress. [read more]
Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder (autosomal recessive) which is due to a deficient phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is essential in metabolizing phenylalanine to tyrosine. [read more]
Phenylketonuria or PKU is a birth defect; more specifically, a mutation of the gene causing to produce the enzyme needed to break down the amino acid phenylalanine. People with this disease are generally advised to limit food with high-protein like cheese, meats and nuts. [read more]
Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor which occur in the medulla found in the adrenal glands. These originated in the chromaffin cells or from the extra-adrenal chromaffin tissues that failed to curl or curve forward after birth. [read more]
Philippine hemorrhagic fever, also known as dengue fever, is an epidemic disease caused by mosquitoes under the Aedes family. It is a common cause of death that has plagued Asian countries especially during rainy days. [read more]
Phimosis is a condition wherein the male foreskin cannot be fully retracted from the head of the penis. There are several types of phimosis which includes: 1) infantile phimosis common among newborns; 2) congenital phismosis, a physiological occurance; 3) acquired phimosis, (relative and full phimosis) usually pathological. Women can also suffer from clitoral phismosis. [read more]
Phlebitis, a short term for thrombophlebitis, is defined as the inflammation of a vein, resulting from a blood clot, caused by prolonged inactivity. It may either be a superficial thrombophlebitis, or deep vein thrombosis. [read more]
Phocomelia is a malformation of the upper appendage of the arm or the leg is omitted with the hands or the legs directly attached to the body. This is a congenital defect also described as seal's flippers. [read more]
Photic sneezing is a genetic autosomal dominant trait, which causes sneezing when exposed suddenly to bright light, possibly many times consecutively. It is also pertains to photic sneeze response, sun sneezing, photogenic sneezing, the photosternutatory reflex, being photo sensitive, or even whimsically as ACHOO syndrome with its related backronym Autosomal dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst syndrome. The condition affects 17 to 35 percent to humans. [read more]
Photosensitive epilepsy (PSE) affects three to five percent of epileptics. Seizures occur when the affected individual is exposed over a period of time or space to images that have patterns, including flashing lights and regular patterns. Attacks are usually caused by certain visuals, with females more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. Symptoms surface in childhood, peaking at the onset of puberty. [read more]
Photosensitivities are people are sensitive to sunlight. [read more]
Coined after the Latin name of magpie, a bird with an indiscriminating and voracious appetite, the medical disorder pica is characterized by an individual's appetite for non-nutritive substances (such as coal, feces, chalk, paper and soil) including raw food or ingredients (like flour, starch and raw potato). An individual affected with the disorder exhibits the behavior for over a month, at the stage where eating these kinds of objects is not developmentally appropriate. Pica is observed among pregnant women, small children, especially those who are developmentally disabled. [read more]
Named after the first doctor to describe it, Pick's disease is an incurable and unique fronto-temporal neurodegenerative disease that causes about 0.4-2 percent of dementia. Symptoms usually appear in people 40 to 60 years slowly leading to declining mental abilities. It gradually destroys the brain cells and damages their function, disturbing cognitive processes such as problem solving, memory and reasoning. One's ability to use as well as understand spoken, written and signed language is also affected. [read more]
Pick's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease that triggers the fronto-temporal area. It is the progressive degeneration of the nerve cells and causes tau proteins to accumulate in an abnormal fashion. It commonly affects adults. [read more]
Pickwickian syndrome, also known as obesity hyperventilation syndrome, is a condition where blood oxygen falls during sleep, causing hyperventilation. Hypercapnia, or the increased amounts of carbon dioxide in the body occurs, as well as difficulty in breathing. [read more]
Piebaldism is a genetic and rare disorder characterized by the presence of white forelock. Caused by lack of pigmentation, it may also affect the eyebrow, eyelash hair, face, trunk and extremities. It usually manifests at birth and remains throughout a patient's lifetime. [read more]
Pierre Robin syndrome is a congenital malformation of the facial attributes. It is not triggered by a genetic defect; rather, the disease is a chain of malformations that develop one after the other. [read more]
The disorder pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) results when the lining of our joints become swollen. Commonly affecting the hip and knee, the lining produces extra fluid that induces swelling and makes motion very painful. PVNS may be localized or diffused. Diffused PVNS usually affects larger joints like the knees, while the localized type damages smaller joints like hands or feet. [read more]
Pilar or trichilemmal cysts are sometimes called wens. These are common fluid-filled cysts growing from the hair follicles on the scalp. These growths are usually smooth and mobile which is filled with keratin. Keratin is a protein component, which is found in the hair, skin, and nails. The cysts are sometimes tender but some are not. It is but rarely that these cysts grow extensively and proliferates. [read more]
Pili multigemini, also compound hairs, is characterized by the growth of several hair fibers in one hair canal. From a single hair canal, several hair follicles combine and develop into the skin's surface. The disease is classified as rare with less than 200,000 affected in the US. There is likewise a dearth of information on the treatment of this disease. [read more]
Pilonidal cysts, or sacroccygeal fistula, is the general term used for skin infections that occur near our tailbone. The infection commonly begins when ingrown hairs press into skin folds, irritating and inflaming skin and resulting to discomfort. The harm however lies when pus fills the infected area, causing pilonidal abscess. Pilonidal cysts are more likely to affect men than women, especially those in their early adulthood. It can also be observed in the navel and armpits. [read more]
Pimples are bumps that appear in the the skin, usually in the face, neck, chest, and back, which results from a blockage in the skin's pore. [read more]
Pinta is a skin disease caused by infection with a spirochete, Treponema carateum, which is indistinguishable from the organism that causes syphilis. [read more]
Pipecolic acidemia is a metabolic disorder caused by a peroxisomal defect. It is also refered to as Hyperpipecolic acidemia or Hyperpipecolatemia. [read more]
Pituitary Cancer pertains to malignant tumor or tumors that originate from the pituitary glands, those pea-sized glands located just above and behind the nose, or at the center of the brain, which primarily control hormone production and regulation for a number of bodily functions. [read more]
Pituitary insufficiency, otherwise known as hypopituitarism, is a rare disorder, in which there is an underproduction by the pituitary gland of one or more of its hormones, or it does not produce them at all. [read more]
Pityriasis Alba is characterized as a benign skin condition which are common in children. It manifests as light-colored patches seen usually on the child's cheeks. The condition also typically lasts for a year or even more without being treated. Pityriasis Alba resolves right after puberty or during adulthood. [read more]
Pityriasis lichenoides chronica is a chronic version of the Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. It is also known as Mucha Habermann's Disease. [read more]
Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash, mainly on the torso. Although the cause remains unknown, it is most likely a virus. Antibiotics like Erythromycin have been found to be completely ineffective. The condition appears to be completely non-contagious. [read more]
Pityriasis rubra pilaris, also referred to as Devergie's disease, is a skin disorder that has a sudden onset. [read more]
Pityriasis versicolor, also called tinea versicolor, is a common fungal infection which affects the skin surface, and manifests as small, scaly, discolored patches on the skin. [read more]
Pleural Cancer is a type of cancer occurring in the layer of tissue covering the lungs and the lining the interior wall of the chest cavity that protects and cushions the lungs. Technically, the pleura is a sac that contains the lungs and a thin membrane called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is cancer of the pleural lining caused by asbestos. [read more]
Pleural effusion is a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity of the lungs, impairing the ability to breath because of the lungs' limited expansion during inhalation. [read more]
Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is defined as the inflammation of the pleura, which is the double membrane that lines the chest cavity and surrounds each of the lungs. [read more]
Pleuritis is an inflammation of the lining of the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs called pleura that can cause painful respiration and other symptoms. The condition is also called pleurisy. [read more]
Plica Syndrome pertains to an irritation to the plica - a fold of tissue lining the knee joint. Plica syndrome appears to occur in females more than in males. This disorder does not appear to damage the knee but can be very painful. [read more]
The Plummer-Vinson syndrome is associated with severe, long-term iron deficiency anemia that causes difficulty in swallowing because of growing web-like tissue membranes in the throat. The disorder is also referred to as Paterson-Brown-Kelly syndrome or sideropenic dysphagia. [read more]
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a type of pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, which is a yeast-like fungus. [read more]
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a type of pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, which is a yeast-like fungus. [read more]
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is a lung disease due to the inhalation of fine silica dust. [read more]
Pneumothorax is a type of lung collapse. [read more]
POEMS syndrome is a disorder of the blood. Its name stands for the syndrome's most common symptoms: Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy/Edema, M-protein and Skin abnormalities. [read more]
Poikiloderma congenita, or Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, is a genetic disease characterized by the degeneration of the skin accompanied by stunted growth, cataracts, deformed nasal bridge, and other malformations in the nails, bones and teeth. [read more]
Poikiloderma of Civatte is described as a chronic, benign condition of the skin usually affecting fair-skinned adults. This condition is believed to have been caused by a long exposure to the sun's heat. This condition usually affects women who are of older ages and it also progresses as the age goes higher. [read more]
Poland syndrome is a physical condition in which an individual has one-sided congenital malformations of the body characterized by underdeveloped chest muscles and webbed fingers. The abnormalities usually occur on the same side of the body. [read more]
Poliomyelitis is a very contagious disease caused by poliovirus. The disease is usually referred to as polio or infantile paralysis. [read more]
Pollen Allergy is more commonly known as Hay Fever. An allergic reaction to pollens of specific seasonal plants, airborne chemicals and dust particles to people who are allergic to these substances. [read more]
Polyarteritis nodosa is an autoimmune disease affecting any organ of the body. It is also referred to as Kussmaul disease or Kussmaul-Meier disease. [read more]
Polyarthritis is a type of arthritis that involves the inflammation of five or more joints. [read more]
Polycystic kidney disease is a kidney disorder due to multiple cysts in the kidneys. The disease may also damage the liver and pancreas. In rare cases, it can also damage the heart and brain. [read more]
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder of women of reproductive age, which may lead to infertility. [read more]
Polycythemia, or erythrocytosis, is a condition where there is a net increase in the total number of blood cells, primarily in the red blood cells, of the body. There are different types of polycythemia: primary polycythemia (polycythemia vera), secondary polycythemia, chuvash polycythemia, and relative polycythemia [read more]
Polycythemia vera is a blood disorder due to the excess of red blood cells or over production of white blood cells and platelets. The excess red blood cells cause the thickening of blood. [read more]
Polydactyly is a physical abnormality in which an individual has more than five fingers or toes. [read more]
Polyendocrine Deficiency is a disease of which there are two classifications. These are simply called Type I and Type II. This disease is a heterogeneous group of rare disorders represented by autoimmune activity alongside more than one endocrine organ. [read more]
Polymorphous light eruption is a common rash that occurs as a result of sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). Several people who are sensitive to sunlight can experience a reaction after an episode of intense sun exposure, usually in the spring or early summer. [read more]
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder causing muscle aches and stiffness such as in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, thighs, and hips. [read more]
Polymyositis is an inflammation of the muscle fibers usually those muscles close to the torso. [read more]
Polyneuritis is a widespread inflammation of several peripheral nerves at the same time. [read more]
Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia is also known as McCune-Albright syndrome. It is a genetic condition with disorder of the bones, pigmentation of skin, and premature puberty with hormonal problems. [read more]
The disease is called Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, also known as Hereditary Intestinal Polyposis Syndrome. It is an inherited condition in which hamartomatous polyps develop in the gastrointestinal tract. [read more]
Pompe's disease is a metabolic disorder in which the body an acid maltase deficiency. [read more]
It is a mild form of legionellosis which is caused by the bacteria that commonly last for two to five days where in treatment is not necessary. [read more]
Poor color vision is a condition wherein the person afflicted is unable to distinguish among certain shades of color, more commonly shades of red and green, caused by the lack of one or more light-sensitive chemicals in the color-sensitive cells at the back of the retina. [read more]
Popliteal cyst, also known as the baker's cyst, is a condition in which a bulge, and a feeling of pain and tightness behind the knee is experienced. The pain gets worse upon extension of the knee. [read more]
Popliteal pterygium syndrome is a condition that affects the face, limbs, and genitalia. It was named based on the popliteal pterygium, which is a weblike membrane behind the knee. The condition is also referred to as the popliteal web syndrome or facio-genito-popliteal syndrome. [read more]
Pterygium Popliteal Lethal Type is a severe form of popliteal pterygium syndrome in which affected individuals often die at the neonatal or intrauterine stages. It is also known as Bartsocas-Papas syndrome. [read more]
Porphyria is a group of various disorders due to abnormalities in the chemical process that produce heme. The largest amounts of heme are found in the blood and bone marrow, in which it carries oxygen. [read more]
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), is a disease characterized by having low levels of the enzyme used in producing heme, a molecule vital to all organs of the body. There are basically two types of PCT, the familial type and the sporadic type. The main difference between the two is that, as its name suggests, the familial type PCT is inherited. [read more]
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), familial type, is the type of PCT that is inheritted. It constitutes 20% of all cases of the disease. In general, PCT is a disease characterized by having low levels of the enzyme used in producing heme, a molecule vital to all organs of the body. [read more]
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), sporadic type, also known as Type I PCT, is characterized by a deficiency of the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) which produces an enzyme that is essential to the production of heme, a molecule vital to all organs of the body. Clinic manifestations of PCT among individuals with TYPE I PCT are usually caused by risk factors such as alcohol abuse and Hepatitis C. [read more]
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a metabolic disorder characterized by decreased level of the enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase. It is a rare disease that affects the production of heme, a prosthetic group of hemoglobin responsible for oxygen binding. [read more]
Portal hypertension is called as such because it is a type high blood pressure condition that occurs in the portal vein and its branches. The condition is often defined by the difference in pressure between the portal vein and the hepatic veins, which is known as the portal pressure gradient, of 5 mm HG or higher. [read more]
Post Polio syndrome (PPS) is a disorder that is experienced by individuals who have suffered from an initial paralytic attack of poliomyelitis, a viral infection that affects the nervous system. [read more]
Post-concussion syndrome is a disorder wherein the symptoms of concussion (a type of mild traumatic brain injury, usually occurring after a blow to the head) remains to be felt for weeks or even months after the impact which caused the concussion. [read more]
Post-nasal Drip or PND (although this tern is deemed obsolete) happens when excessive mucus is produced by the sinus. This excessive mucus can accumulate in the throat or the back of the nose. It is now referred to as Chronic Upper Airway Cough Syndrome. [read more]
Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a disorder characterized by late post-traumatic seizures (PTS) which are caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) or damaged to the brain caused by physical trauma. It is estimated that PTE makes up 5% of all epilepsy cases and 20% of all symptomatic epilepsy. The more sever the trauma the more likely that PTE will develop. [read more]
Posterior urethral valves is a congenital condition characterized by an obstruction in the male urethra. [read more]
Posterior uveitis is a sub-class of uveitis, a condition characterized by an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which is called the uvea. Simply put, it is an inflammatory process involving the interior of the eye. Posterior uveitis refers to the inflammation of the retina and choroid. In the United States, 10% of the blindness cases are attributed to uveitis. Posterior uveitis is the rarer kind of uveitis. [read more]
Postpartum depression is a type of depression occurring in women soon after having a baby. It occurs in 15% of women, usually after a few months upon delivery. A person experiencing postpartum depression worries about her baby's health continuously, develops negative thoughts towards the baby and experiences fears about harming the baby. Obviously, women with postpartum depression may become incapable of taking care of their babies. When women with postpartum depression become suicidal, she may try to kill her baby and other children, thinking that she wouldn't want to abandon them once she successfully commits suicide. [read more]
Postpartum Hemorrage is excessive bleeding following the birth of a baby, particularly more common in cesarean births. It usually happens right after delivery, but it can also happen later. [read more]
Postural hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is a type of hypertension characterized by a sudden decline in blood pressure, usually more than 20/10 mm Hg, that usually happens when an individuals is standing immediately after resting for a significant period of time. The condition is commonly known as head rush or dizzy spell. Oder individuals suffer from the disease more than young ones. [read more]
Potassium defficiency or Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by low concentration of potassium in the blood. About 95% of the potassium in the human body are found inside cells, the rest are found in the blood. Potassium is a very important mineral. It is responsible for muscle and nerve actions. [read more]
Potter's syndrome, also known as Potter's disease, refers to a congenital defect in which the infant is born with missing, incomplete, or deformed kidneys. [read more]
Poxviridae disease is caused by the poxviridae family of viruses which infects both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. [read more]
Prebycusis is more commonly known as the age-related loss of hearing, reducing the ability to hear high frequencies and found mostly in aging people. [read more]
Precocious puberty is a condition characterized by the unusually early onset of puberty which is defined as the process of sexual maturation that is initiated by the brain. The term precocious puberty is used broadly to describe the premature appearance of any signs of puberty. [read more]
Preeclampsia is the term given to the condition where hypertension is present during pregnancy in connection with significant amounts of protein in the woman's urine. It occurs in as many as 10% of all pregnancies. The condition may develop from 20 weeks gestation. It may also occur 6 weeks postpartum. Preeclampsia is considered as one of the most dangerous complications that may happen during pregnancy because it endangers both the life of the woman and of the fetus. [read more]
Pregnancy toxemia /hypertension is the term given to the condition where hypertension is present during pregnancy. When the hypertension is accompanied by significant amounts of protein in the woman's urine, then the condition is diagnosed as preeclampsia. The condition may develop from 20 weeks gestation. It may also occur 6 weeks postpartum. Pregnancy toxemia /hypertension a dangerous pregnancy complications that endangers both the life of the woman and of the fetus. [read more]
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is a condition characterized by the loss of the function of the ovaries before the age of 40. It is also known as primary ovarian insufficiency. In the U.S., approximately 150,000 women, or 1-4% of the total population, is suffering from POF. [read more]
Premature ventricular contractions are abnormal heartbeats disrupt heart's regular rhythm. [read more]
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder also known as PMDD is a condition characterized by severe emotional and physical troubles that are associated closely with the menstrual cycle. Symptoms usually appear during the second half of the cycle and ceases as soon as the menstrual period starts or right after. [read more]
Premenstrual syndrome was originally known as PMT or Premenstrual Tension. It is a collection of symptoms such as psychological, physical and emotional which is related to woman's menstrual cycle. For other women PMS can experience severe pain that can be disabling. [read more]
Presbycusis is a common condition denoting gradual hearing loss. [read more]
Priapism is considered to be a medical condition that is harmful due to the fact that an erect penis does not return to its normal size or form in a span of at least four hours. This condition is often painful though this condition is not accompanied by any sexual arousal. The condition is considered to be an emergency condition because it needs immediate medical attention. [read more]
Prickly heat is also known as heat rash or miliaria. It occurs when sweat sweat ducts are blocked and perspiration is trapped under the skin. [read more]
Primary alveolar hypoventilation or primary alveolar hypoventilation syndrome is a respiratory disorder marked by difficulty in breathing and may tend to get worse when sleeping due to impairment in the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the blood. The condition results to short periods of breathing cessation during nightly episodes of apnea and often occurs in people suffering from obesity hypoventilation syndrome. [read more]
Primary amenorrhea is a condition characterized by absence of menstrual periods by the age of sixteen (16). [read more]
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a medical condition characterized by gradual destruction of the bile ducts in the liver that is responsible for transporting bile, a fluid produced in the liver. Destruction of bile ducts result to accumulation of harmful substances in the liver leading to cirrhosis (permanent liver tissue scarring). [read more]
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a rare congenital disorder, which causes defect in the action of the tiny hair-like structures that lines the respiratory tract and fallopian tube. The disease is also known as immotile ciliary syndrome or Kartagener syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting to reduced or absent mucus clearance from the lungs increasing susceptibility to long-term respiratory infections. [read more]
Primary hyperoxaluria is a rare condition marked by overproduction of the substance oxalate also known as oxalic acid. Extreme oxalate deposits can combine with calcium and forms calcium oxalate leading to kidney damage or failure and injury to other organs in the body. There are two types of primary hyperoxaluria; type 1 primary hyperoxaluria and type 2 primary hyperoxaluria. The first one lacks the liver enzyme alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase while the second type lacks the enzyme glyoxylate reductase/hydroxypyruvate reductase. [read more]
Primary hyperparathyroidism is a disorder of the parathyroid glands characterized by too much secretion of hormones which cause disruption leading to elevated blood calcium levels. [read more]
Primary immunodeficiency is also referred to as primary immune disorders. These conditions refer to the absence of the body's immune defenses making the affected individuals more susceptible to germ- causing infections. [read more]
Primary lateral sclerosis is a progressive degenerative characterized by progressive muscle weakness present in the voluntary muscles. The disease belongs to the category of motor neuron diseases; which usually develops when nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement degenerate and die. [read more]
Primary ovarian insufficiency also referred to as premature ovarian failure, is the abnormal functioning of the ovaries before a woman turns 40 years old, in which the ovaries fail to produce estrogen in normal amounts that may lead to infertility and other problems. [read more]
Primary polycythemia, also called polycythemia vera, is a blood disorder due to the excess of red blood cells or over production of white blood cells and platelets. The excess red blood cells cause the thickening of blood. [read more]
Primary progressive aphasia is a rare neurological syndrome that has the capacity to impair language abilities usually affecting people over the age of fifty. The syndrome is characterized by reduced language skills that lead an individual to suffer difficulties in comprehending and using spoken or written language. [read more]
Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare disease of unknown origin that leads to progressive narrowing of blood vessels of the lungs, which causes high blood pressure in the affected blood vessels resulting to heart failure. [read more]
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts located inside and outside the liver, which causes bile duct blockage, bile accumulation in the liver resulting to damaged liver cells and eventually lead to liver failure. [read more]
Prinzmetal's variant angina also known as variant angina, Prinzmetal's angina or angina inversa is a syndrome characterized by cardiac chest pain at rest usually when lying in bed, which usually occurs in cycles. [read more]
Sensory integration disorder or dysfunction is a neurological disorder resulting from the brain's inability to process information received by the body's five basic sensory systems. [read more]
Proconvertin deficiency, congenital also known as Factor VII deficiency is a rare inherited blood disorder caused by insufficiency of Factor VII blood protein, which can lead to poor blood coagulation. [read more]
Proctalgia is pain due to spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, the muscles of the anal sphincter, or the muscles of the rectum. May also be called Proctalgia fagax. [read more]
Proctitis is a medical condition characterized by inflamed lining if the rectum. [read more]
Progeria also known as Hutchison-Gilford progeria is a rare progressive genetic disorder causing children to age rapidly usually starting in the first two years of life. [read more]
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease; an opportunistic infection occurring in individuals with deficient and ineffective immune response and individuals going through long-term chemotherapy for cancer. [read more]
Progressive spinal muscular atrophy is a disease marked by progressive degeneration of motor neurons located in the spinal cord, which causes weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles. [read more]
Progressive supranuclear palsy also known as Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome is a disorder of the brain resulting to severe problems with regards to walking, balance, and eye movements. [read more]
Prolapsed bladder is the condition in which the bladder bulges into the vagina. It is also called cystocele. [read more]
Prolapse uterus or uterine prolapse is the descent of the uterus into the vagina due to stretched and weakend pelvic floor musles and ligaments. [read more]
Prolidase deficiency is a rare inborn disorder of collagen metabolism characterized by severe ulcerations in the skin, characteristic facial abnormalities, unrelieved joint dislocations, mental retardation, and bacterial infections. [read more]
Prolymphocytic leukemia is a type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia characterized by the presence of excessive immature white blood cells in the blood and bone marrow. Patients with prolymphocytic leukemia often experience feeling of being too tired. Unexplainable weight loss is often observed in most cases. It is also common to develop enlargement of spleen. Blood test results will show abnormally elevated level of prolymphocytes in blood or in the bone marrow. [read more]
This is a disease where in cancer happens in a gland in the male reproductive system which is known as prostrate. This happens when prostrate cells mutate and start to multiply uncontrollably. [read more]
Prostate gland enlargement is a condition in which prostate gland is enlarged putting pressure on the urethra and causing difficulty urinating. Its medical term is benign prostatic hyperplasia. [read more]
Prostate inflammation is the swelling of the prostate gland commonly known as prostatitis. This disease is common among men ages 20 to 50. [read more]
Prostatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflamed prostate gland caused by an infection. The prostate is the walnut-shaped organ in males that is responsible for semen production, the fluid necessary for the nourishing and transportation of sperm. [read more]
Protanopia is also known as Red-Green Color Blindness. Red-green color blindness is split into two different types: People with protan color blindness are less sensitive to red light, and those with deuteranopia or deuteranomly (the second type of red-green color blindness) related to sensitiveness on green light. Males are more prone to this disorder. [read more]
Protein C deficiency is a rare and life-threatening disorder marked by an increased inclination to form blood clots, which places an increased risk to possible thrombosis. [read more]
Protein S deficiency is an inherited condition caused by lack of Protein S in the blood plasma. Individuals with Protein S deficiency have an increased tendency to form blood clots. [read more]
Protein-energy malnutrition also known as protein-calorie malnutrition is a potentially fatal body-depletion ailment developing in children and adults who consumes insufficient amounts of protein and energy to meet the nutritional demands of the body. [read more]
Proteinuria is a condition in which the urine contains a relatively abnormal amounts of proteins or the albumin. This can be because the glomeruli in our kidneys are damaged allowing the protein from our blood to exit to the urine. This condition is also being linked to some cardiovascular diseases. [read more]
Proteus syndrome is a congenital condition characterized by skin overgrowths and abnormal bone developments, which often presents with tumors located in different parts of the body. [read more]
Proximal myotonic myopathy is a inherited muscular disorder that results to muscle weakness, frequent muscle contractions, cataracts, infertility, balding, and cardiac problems. The disorder was only discovered in 2001. It is also known as myotonic dystrophy type 2. [read more]
Prune belly syndrome is a congenital defect that occurs in about 1 in 30,000 newborn babies. It is a rare birth defect of the urinary system. The disease got its name because of the wrinkled skin that develops in the abdomens of those affected. Prune belly syndrome is also known as Abdominal Muscle Deficiency Syndrome, Eagle-Barrett Syndrome, and Obrinsky Syndrome. [read more]
Prurigo nodularis is a skin disease that consists of itchy nodules on the arms and legs. Patients often incur excoriated lesion because of scratching. [read more]
Pruritus is an itchy skin condition that may be the result of rashes or other itchy skin condition. [read more]
Pruritis ani is an itching around the anus. It is also called anal itching. [read more]
Pseudoachondroplasia is a kind of dwarfism that results to shortened limbs. It is an autosomal dominant genetic defect that occurs at the first 2 to 3 years of growth. The disorder is usually observed by a slower walking progress and wadding gait. [read more]
This term refers to the persistent swelling which is caused by shaving. The term means false (pseudo) hair (follicle) inflammation (itis) of the beard (barbae). It is also referred to as PFB or term such as razor bumps. This often affects male faces especially with curly hair though it can also affect other parts of the body where hair is plucked or shaved. [read more]
Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease is a rheumatologic disorder that consists of red, swollen joints that resemble gouty arthritis and acute synovitis. [read more]
Pseudohypoaldosteronism, or hyperchloremic acidosis is a kind of metablic acidosis the results to a reduced plasma bicarbonate concentration and higher levels of plasma chloride concentration (anion gap). [read more]
Pseudohypoparathyroidism is medical state where the body no longer responds to the parathyroid hormone. Persons in this condition have high phosphate and low serum calcium, but the level of parathyroid hormones is high. The disorder leads to abnormalities in the metacarpals. [read more]
Pseudomembranous colitis is the inflammation of the large intestine due to the use of antibiotics, which disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria causing the harmful microorganisms to increase and spread in the colon. It is sometimes referred to as antibiotic-associated colitis or C. difficile colitis. [read more]
Pseudomotor cerebri, also known as intercranial pressure, is the severe headache a person suffers for no specific reason. Sudden pains occur in the different parts of the skull, which is due to pressures happening inside the brain. [read more]
Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a malignant tumor that develops in the abdominal and pelvic areas. In this state tumor cells grow due to the bursting of a certain polyp with the appendix wall. When the tumor cells accumulate they make the abdominal area swollen, and the gastrointestinal functions become impaired. [read more]
Pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias (PPSH) is a abnormal configuration of an infant's external genitalia. The genitalia then appears to be a midway between a male's scrotum and a female's vagina. [read more]
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a rare genetic disease that results to the fragmentation and calcification of the skin's fibers as well as the retina and the cardiovascular organs. In this disease, cutaneous lesions start to develop during childhood, but become more prominent during adulthood. [read more]
Psittacosis is a contagious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, which can be transmitted from infected birds. It is also called parrot disease, chlamydiosis, or ornithosis. [read more]
Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by red spots in the skin that are usually painful and itchy. It is a lifelong condition that heavily affect the lifestyles of those with the disease. It has five types, and its severity can lead to psoriatic arthritis, where joints become affected. [read more]
Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that spawns out of psoriasis. When a psoriasis-infected patient suffers from arthritis and joint pain, psoriatic arthritis has become present. It has five types, symmetric, assymetric, arthritis mutilans, spondylitis, and distal interphalengeal predominant. [read more]
Psoriatic rheumatism is a inter-joint disease similar to psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic rheumatism however attacks the hip joints that causes stress and discomfort to those affected by it. It is as well a muscular effect brought about by psoriasis. [read more]
Psychogenic polydypsia is a kind of psychological disorder characterized by abusive water consumption. Because of this the patient's antiduretic hormones are reduced and urine will have low electrolyte concentration. [read more]
Psychosis refers to a serious medical condition due to disturbed brain functions. A person with psychosis exhibit detachment from his social environment, as well as demonstrate sudden changes in thinking, and behaving. Patients afflicted with psychosis tend to be harmful, thus they are room-restricted for isolation. [read more]
Pterygium of the conjunctiva refers to a small growth in they eye due to the ultraviolet-light exposure. It can also develop in the nasal area when the sun's ray refract when they hit the cornea and become focused on the limbic area. [read more]
Ptomaine Food Poisoning is the obsolete name of food poisoning. It is food poisoning caused by bacteria, viruses, environmental toxins, or toxins present within the food itself. [read more]
Pubic crabs, also known as crab lice or pubic lice, are parasitic insects that thrive on a person's pubic area. The lice cause irritation and itchiness due to bites and scratches, and the wounds due to scratching may lead to infections or typhus. [read more]
Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are small wingless insects that thrive in the pubic region of one's body. They may also live in the armpits, eyelashes, clothing and bedding. Like other parasites, pubic lice feed on sucking blood and lay eggs on the base of the hair follicles. [read more]
Puerperal fever is a bacteria-caused disease a woman can contract during the following conditions: childbirth, abortion, and miscarriage. It is also sometimes known as childbed fever. [read more]
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a lung disease where the abnormal accumulation of surfactants inside the alveoli interfere with respiration. The disease can occur with respect to other diseases such as pulmonary infection, myeloid leukemia and exposure to harmful chemicals. [read more]
Pulmonary anthrax is inhaled lung anthrax. Among the different degrees of sickness, pulmonary anthrax is the most severe. Anthrax is a highly dangerous bacterial infection, ans is most often fatal. Other names of pulmonary anthrax include: Lung Anthrax, Inhaled anthrax, and Inhalation anthrax. [read more]
Pulmonary edema is the abnormal build up of fluid in the lungs or increased blood pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs that forces fluids into the airs sacs. [read more]
Pulmonary edema of mountaineers is a complication of lung problems and mountain sickness due to the lack of oxygen at places of high altitude. Also known as altitude sickness, the condition leads to hypoxemia and hypoxia, where less oxygen reaches the blood. [read more]
When an artery in the lung becomes blocked, Pulmonary embolism may occur. Though the condition is not fatal in most cases, it is still a leading cause of hospital deaths and is an increasing risk to passengers on long airplane flights. [read more]
Pulmonary Heart Disease is a disorder that is sometimes called Cor Pulmonale. It is a modification, or an alteration, of the function and the tructure of the right ventricle of the heart. This rare disease is sometimes called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. [read more]
Pulmonary hypertension is the condition where high blood pressure occurs in the arteries in the lungs. The blood vessels that supply lungs with air and blood thicken, preventing the blood to pass through. Pressure begins to develop and the heart starts to pump harder, creating hypertension. [read more]
Pulmonary incompetence pertains to a structural defect of a heart valve. This disorder happens when the pulmonary heart valve is closes poorly and causes blood from the pulmonary artery to backflow into the right ventricle. It is more commonly known as pulmonary valve insufficiency. [read more]
Pulmonary sequestration is an abnormal growth within the tracheobronchial tree. This cystic growth may become a lung infection and can cause problems in the cardiopulmonary circulation. [read more]
Pulmonary valve stenosis is the malformation of the either of the three leaflets of the pulmonary valve. When the valves become narrowed or leaky, and because of this they won't be able to pick up oxygen to deliver to the lungs. [read more]
Pulmonic stenosis, cafe-au-lait spots is a rare disease also known as the Watson syndrome. It is characterized by reduced intelligence, short stature, and cafe-au-lait spots in the skin. Pulmonary valves also become narrowed. The disease is caused by problematic mutations in the NF1 gene. [read more]
Pulseless disease, also known as Takayasu disease, is an abnormal inflammation of the aorta. The disease is common in women, especially those from Asian countries. [read more]
Pure red cell aplasia is a kind of anemia that affects the red blood cells. In this disease, the bone marrow becomes unable to develop red blood cells. [read more]
Purpura is the term described to the presence of purple discolorations on the skin. It is caused by bleeding underneath the skin. This condition is common with other diseases such as typhus, meningitis and septicemia. [read more]
Purpura simplex is a disorder characterized by the increased bruising from vascular fragility. This disorder affects mostly women, and is very common. This condition, in itself, is not considered serious. This disorder may characterize a heterogeneous group of disorders. [read more]
Schoenlein-Henoch purpura is an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels. It consists of purple spots on the skin and can be an indication of the presence of other diseases such as interstinal hemorrhage, intussusception, and intestinal perforation. [read more]
PVL stands for Panton-Valentine leukocidin which is a cytotoxin. It has been said that the occurrence of PVL is due to the increased virulence of several strains of Staphylococcus aureus. [read more]
Pyaemia is a kind of septicemia that causes the proliferation of abscesses in the different parts of the body. It is caused by the staphylococcus bacteria, and used to be a dreaded disease before the invention of antibiotics. [read more]
Pyelonephritis is a kind of urinary tract infection that affects the pyelum or pelvis. It is sometimes called pyelitis. [read more]
Pyloric stenosis is a serious condition of forceful spitting or vomitting due to the enlargement of pylorus preventing food from entering the small intestine. [read more]
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative cutaneous disease first described in 1930. It can develop after a patient suffers injury to the skin. It has two variants: atypical PG, which occurs on the hands, and the classic PG, which affects the legs. [read more]
Pyomyositis is an infection of the skeletal muscles caused by bacteria. Affected muscles show pain and extreme swelling. It is common in tropical countries but also with patients with HIV. [read more]
Pyridoxine deficiency is also known as B6 deficiency. [read more]
This condition is an impulse to intentionally start fires to help relieve stress and usually includes relief or gratification afterwards. It is also related to arson and similar with those who start fires due to psychosis. Patients with this condition are referred to as Pyromaniacs. This condition often affects male. [read more]
Pyropokilocytosis is a severe congenital disease that affects the red blood cells. It is a kind of hemolytic anemia and is under the disease group homozygous hereditary elliptocytosis. This disease causes a defect in spectrin which leads to an insufficient count of red blood cells. [read more]
Pyrosis is the medical term used to describe heartburn. It is a burning sensation felt in the upper part of the abdomen. It can be brought about by rapid stomach functions as well as cardio-vascular abnormalities. [read more]
Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency is a common neurodegenerative disorder that involves abnormal mitochondrial metabolism. It deprives the body from producing energy due to a dysfunctional lactate buildup. The main feature of this disease is the degeneration of gray matter with foci of necrosis as well as the proliferation of capillaries in the brainstem. [read more]
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is a common enzymatic disorder of the erythrocyte. It involves hematologic abnormalities leading to hemolytic anemia. When not treated, PKD can result to death due to anemia. [read more]
Q fever is an infectious disease spread by infected cattle and other animals. It is caused by specie of bacteria named Coxiella burnetti. It first became known in the United States in 1999. When cultured, the bacteria can be a potential form of biological warfare, just like anthrax. [read more]
Quackery arthritis is a collective term used to describe remedies and treatments that are not scientifically proven to be effective to cure arthritis. These remedies usually claim to have no side effects or made with all natural ingredients; however, the same materials used for the remedies can also impose adverse effects not just with arthritis, but also in the other body systems. Quackery arthritis is one marketing strategy used by firms or individuals to promote their products in the market. [read more]
Quadriplegia or spinal cord injury is the parlysis of most of the body that includes the arms and legs. [read more]
Neuromyotonia, also known as quantal squander syndrome, is a rare disease that consists of abnormal movements due to dysfunctional impulses at the peripheral nervous system. These unusual impulses may continue even during sleep. Intensive cramps, muscle pain and stiffness may be experienced at random instances, making it hard for the muscles to relax. [read more]
Queensland tick typhus - also alternatively known as Spotted Fever or Rickettsial Spotted Fever - is a type of bacterial parasitic disorder. [read more]
Query fever or Q fever is an acute or chronic infectious disease caused by a species of bacteria often found in sheep, goats, and cattle. [read more]
Quinsy is also known as peritonsillar abscess or PTA. This is a pustule between the wall of the throat and the back of the tonsils. [read more]
Rabbit fever is an infectious disease that attacks the skin, eyes, and lungs. It is also referred to as deerfly fever or tularemia. [read more]
Rabies is a viral zoonotic neuro-invasive infection that often causes an inflammation of the brain (a condition known as acute encephalitis). Rabies is from the Latin word ?rabies? meaning ?rage, fury, or madness?. Rabies can be fatal when affecting non-vaccinated humans, especially after neurological symptoms have occurred. However, the effects can be curbed if the patient is promptly vaccinated shortly after exposure to the virus. When the disease becomes symptomatic, however, it becomes invariably fatal. [read more]
Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome is characterized by severe resistance to insulin, abnormal growth and development, acanthosis nigricans, and, in some cases, a hypertrophic pineal gland. In this rare insulin receptor disorder, the patient's body suffers from a disability to use insulin which is needed to control blood sugar levels. [read more]
Radiation exposure is a sickness brought about by long-term exposure to low levels of radiation. This sickness often affects cell division. Radiation exposure is used to treat cancer, as the ionization process destroys cancer cells. [read more]
Radiation sickness the damage to the body due to exposure to a very large dose of radiation usually received over a short period of time. The condition is also referred to as acute radiation sickness, acute radiation syndrome, or radiation poisoning. [read more]
Radiophobia is a type of phobia characterized by an irrational fear of ionizing radiation. Most commonly, the term is associated with an extreme fear of X-rays. In addition, radiophobia is also used in the context of a neurological disorder, in which case the condition is used to reference a specific phobia such as a general fear of the use of nuclear energy. In general, fear of ionizing radiation may be considered natural or normal, since exposure to radiation poses significant risks to humans. However, the fear may escalate to such a degree that it becomes abnormal and irrational. [read more]
Radon Poisoning: Radon is a radioactive gas that will damage cells if left exposed for a lone period of time. It cannot be seen, felt nor smelled and enters the body through respiration and causes the body damage. This condition is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. [read more]
Raine syndrome is a rare disease in newborn infants characterized by intracranial calcification, or an abnormal increase in bone density, which can prove ultimately fatal. Raine syndrome is also alternatively called osteosclerotic bone dysplasia. [read more]
Ramsay Hunt paralysis syndrome comprises three distinct neurological conditions described by James Ramsay Hunt in early 19th century - Ramsay Hunt syndrome type I, Ramsay Hunt syndrome type II, and Ramsay Hunt syndrome type III. [read more]
Rapadilino syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, inherited via autosomal recessive trait, characterized by short stature, radial and patellar aplasia, cleft or arched palate, limb malformation, radial ray defects, and dislocated joints. [read more]
It is also referred to as the Dumping syndrome. This condition is a collection of symptoms which is most likely to happen if an individual had undergone a surgery to remove most if not all of the part of the stomach or a bypass surgery. The condition occurs when the contents of the stomach that has not been digested are dumped in the small intestine too quickly. [read more]
Also known as Chronic Focal Encephalitis (CFE), Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare, progressive neurological disorder affecting a single cerebral hemisphere and usually occurring in children under the age of ten. [read more]
Raynaud's phenomenon, or Raynaud's disease, is a vasospastic disorder characterized by a discoloration of the fingers, toes, and occasionally other extremities. Named after 19th century French physician Maurice Raynaud, Raynaud's disease occurs more commonly in women than in men. When Raynaud's disease occurs without any underlying associated disease, it is known as primary Raynaud's (or simply, Raynaud's disease). If it appears as part of another disease, it is known as secondary Raynaud's or Raynaud's phenomenon. [read more]
Razor bumps are also referred to as shaving bumps. This condition usually affects men who have very curly hairs. It occurs when the tip of the curly hair grows back towards the hair follicle. It is also known as ingrown hairs. The ingrown hair causes a skin reaction and results to razor bumps. The condition is not an infection but is considered as a reaction of a "foreign body". The condition becomes worst when the hair is pulled out while shaving, shaving in a motion against the natural direction of the hair growth, or when using a multi-blade razor. [read more]
Reactive arthritis (acronym: ReA) is a type of seronegative spondyloarthropathy and an autoimmune disorder that results from an infection in another part of the body. It is called ?reactive? because it is caused by another infection; and ?arthritis? because it presents with symptoms very similar to a range of conditions collectively called ?arthritis?. Other names for this condition include venereal arthritis, arthritis urethritica, and polyarteritis enterica. [read more]
Reactive hypoglycemia is characterized by recurrent episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia that occur within 2-4 hours after ingesting a high carbohydrate meal. The condition is believed to be a consequence of excessive insulin release triggered by glucose overload that persist even after the glucose from the meal has been digested or disposed by the body. Literally, hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. Most forms of hypoglycemia occur while fasting. However, reactive hypoglycemia is one that occurs right after eating a meal. [read more]
Rebound headaches are cycles of headaches. They are also referred to as medication overuse headaches. [read more]
Rectal abscess pertains to an abscess buildup in the rectal area, often due to bacterial infections that produce a localized accumulation of pus. The abscess is typically located either at the opening of the rectum or further up the rectum. Rectal abscess is also used alternately with the phrase ?anal abscess?. [read more]
Rectal cancer pertains to carcinoma affecting the last 6 inches of colon or large intestine, which is the lower part of the digestive system. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are sometimes collectively called colorectal cancers. [read more]
Rectal inflammation is a condition in which the lining of the rectum is inflamed. It is also referred to as proctitis. [read more]
Rectal itching is an itching around the anus. It is also called pruritis ani or anal itching. [read more]
Rectal neoplasm is a form of colorectal cancer affecting the rectum. Because it has no early symptoms, the disease is frequently under-diagnosed. When symptoms do occur, both the symptoms and the diagnostic tests required to confirm the diagnosis are considered embarrassing by most patients. However, early diagnosis of rectal neoplasm is crucial because colorectal cancer can prove ultimately fatal. [read more]
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a condition in which a single ulcer typically occurs in the rectum that may cause rectal bleeding with straining or when having bowel movements. [read more]
Rectocele is a condition in which the rectum's front wall bulges into the vagina. [read more]
Rectum cancer is a kind of cancer wherein malignant cells take over the rectal tissues. In this condition the cancer cells that invade the rectal tissues cause abnormal growths in the blood vessels causing rectal obstruction. These cells can also spread in the different organs of the body. [read more]
Red eye also called subconjunctival hemorrhage, is a harmless condition in which the white of the eye appears red due to a broken tiny blood vessel. [read more]
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome is a form of a chronic neurological condition commonly known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is Type I of CRPS and does not demonstrate any distinct nerve lesions. (Conversely, Causalgia or type II CRPS presents with evident nerve damage.) [read more]
Reflux esophagitis is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) characterized by inflammatory changes in the esophageal lining caused by reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus. Esophagitis (also known as Oesophagitis) is a general term for inflammation of the esophagus. When esophagitis is caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), it is known as reflux esophagitis. Reflux esophagitis commonly develops as a consequence of poor functioning of the musculature of the lower esophageal segment, which controls the reflux of the stomach's contents. [read more]
Refsum disease is a group of genetic disorders called leukodystrophies where the white matter of the brain is damaged, affecting motor movements. Refsum disease usually begins in childhood or adolescence and progresses through time. [read more]
Also known as Crohn's disease, regional enteritis is a chronic, episodic, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), believed to be autoimmune in origin. Regional enteritis may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Consequently, symptoms vary among afflicted patients. [read more]
Reiter's syndrome is a medical condition characterized by three seemingly unrelated symptoms: redness of the eyes, arthritis, and urinary tract problems. It is a form of seronegative spondyloarthropathy, causing inflammation throughout the body, particularly in parts of the spine and at joints connecting the tendons and bones. Reiter's syndrome is also referred to as a form of reactive arthritis, because the resulting arthritis occurs as a reaction to an infection that started in a different part of the body. [read more]
Reiters arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops complications in the urinary tract, bowels and genital system. This kind of arthritis has two kinds: one that is sexually transmitted and another that is caused by salmonella. [read more]
Relapsing fever is a type of fever that keeps recurring. It is often joined by headaches, muscle pain, joint aches and nausea. There are two kinds: tick-borne (TBRF) and louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF). [read more]
Relapsing Polychondritis is a rare and chronic condition where the cartilage of different tissues become inflamed. Part of the body affect may include the ears, the nose, windpipe, spine and joints. Because the heat, eyes and blood vessels have similar make-ups, these can also be affected. [read more]
Renal Calculi, more commonly known as kidney stones, refer to crystal aggregations or solid secretions of dissolved minerals in urine. Stones or calculi often form inside the kidneys or bladder. The presence of calculi in kidneys is known as nephrolithiasis; whereas the presence of calculi in the urinary tract is known as urolithiasis. [read more]
Renal cancer means cancer of the kidney; renal being the Latin word for kidney. The most common form of renal cancer is renal cell carcinoma, which starts in the renal tubule. [read more]
Renal carbuncle is the medical term for abscess of the kidney, or a localized collection of pus in the kidney. [read more]
Renal cell carcinoma (acronym: RCC) is the most common type of renal or kidney cancer. It starts in the renal tubule and may spread to other parts of the body if undiagnosed early. [read more]
Renal dysplasia mesomelia radiohumeral fusion, also called Ulbright Hodes, is an extremely rare syndrome characterized by abnormalities in kidney development and various defects in the arm bone. [read more]
Renal glycosuria is also referred to as renal glucosuria. It is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by the excretion of simple sugar glucose in the urine despite low or normal blood glucose levels. When the kidneys function normally, glucose is eliminated in the urine only when glucose in the blood is abnormally high. However, in patients with renal glycosuria, glucose is abnormally excreted in the urine as a consequence of a malfunction in the renal tubules. [read more]
Renal osteodystrophy is described as a bone pathology marked by defective mineralization as a consequence of kidney disease. Renal oseodystrophy has two distinct forms, namely high bone turnover and low bone turnover. [read more]
Simply put, renal tuberculosis is the kidney affected by tuberculosis. This is normally because of some haematogenous seeding from pulmonary diseases, although it is secondary to a tuberculous infection of the gastrointestinal tract or bone. By the time this condition is diagnosed, the primary laceration in the lungs might be calcified. [read more]
Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is characterized by the accumulation of acid in the body as a consequence of the failure of the kidney to adequately acidify urine. The term renal tubular acidosis is attributed mostly to defective urinary acidification in otherwise well-functioning kidneys. There are different forms of renal tubular acidosis, each of which has different causes and symptoms. [read more]
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) pertains to a range of conditions that result from the overuse of certain tools such as a computer, guitar, or knife, or other activities that require movement repetition. RSI commonly affects the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the hands, arms, and upper back. RSI is also alternatively known as occupational overuse syndrome, cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), or work related upper limb disorder (WRULD). [read more]
Respiratory acidosis is the abnormal increase of acidity in the blood as a consequence of decreased ventilation of the pulmonary alveoli, which leads to an increase in carbon dioxide concentration (PaCO2). Respiratory acidosis can be either acute or chronic. [read more]
Respiratory diphtheria pertains to an acute bacterial illness infecting the throat. [read more]
Respiratory Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated disease caused by virus called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. There are 2 main forms: respiratory and cutaneous. This kind of condition lasts for several days. [read more]
Respiratory failure is a medical term describing the inability of the lungs to accurately and properly function. Respiratory failure can be shown by observing the oxygen (too low) and carbon dioxide (too high) levels in the blood due to a break down in gas exchange (the process of exchange between air spaces and blood in the lungs) or the movement of air in and out of the lungs. [read more]
Respiratory infection is more commonly known as upper respiratory infection of (URI). This is a type of infection of the head and chest caused by a virus. The nose, throat, sinuses, ears and airways are affected. This infection usually lasts a couple of weeks. [read more]
This virus causes infections in the lungs and respiratory tract. This virus commonly affects children by the age of 2 and even adults. Infection can severe especially when it infects premature babies and infants with underlying health conditions. [read more]
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Wittmaack-Ekbom's syndrome, is a progressive neurological disease characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's body to halt odd or uncomfortable sensations. This condition usually affects the legs, but can also affect the arms and torso. [read more]
Reticuloendotheliosis is characterized by a lymphoma (or cancer that arises from the lymphocytes) of a part of the immune system known as the reticuloendothelial tissue. Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis, also known as hairy cell leukemia, is the most common type of reticuloendotheliosis. In this form of chronic leukemia, the malignant B-lymphocytes are observed in the spleen, bone marrow, and peripheral blood. When analyzed under a microscope, the malignant cells appear to be covered with minute hair-like protrusions. [read more]
Retinal degeneration refers to the deterioration of the retinal tissue. The degeneration of the retina may occur as a consequence of a number of factors, including vein or artery occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and hereditary RLF/ROP disease, among others. Several types of progressive retinal degeneration exist in varying degrees or severities. Examples are retinoschisis, retinitis pigmentosa, lattic degeneration, and macular degeneration. [read more]
Retinal detachment is an eye disorder there the retina peels away from the core layer of supporting tissue. At first, detachment may be localized, but if not treated quickly the whole retina may be detached. This can lead to loss of vision or blindness. [read more]
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) pertains to a group of genetic eye conditions characterized by progressive night blindness preceded by an extended period of tunnel vision. In retinitis pigmentosa, abnormalities of the photoreceptors or the presence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cause progressive visual loss in affected patients. [read more]
Retrograde ejaculation is release of semen into the bladder instead of through the penis during orgasm resulting in the ejaculation of very little or no semen. [read more]
Also known as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), retrolental fibroplasia (RLF), is an eye disease that primarily affects prematurely born babies. [read more]
Retroperitoneal fibrosis, also known as Ormond's disease, is a condition in which the fibrous tissue proliferates in the retroperitoneum, or the compartment of the body containing the renal tract, kidneys, aorta, and various other structures. [read more]
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder mostly affecting females. This disease is categorized as a pervasive development disorder by the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). [read more]
Reye's syndrome is a disease commonly occurring in children characterized by a range of several detrimental effects to many organs in the body, particularly the liver and the brain. If undiagnosed and untreated early, it can be potentially fatal. [read more]
Rh disease, a condition affecting pregnant mothers, is one of the identified causes of hemolytic disease of the newborn (or HDN), and may range from mild to severe. In mild forms, Rh disease may cause mild anemia with reticulocytosis in the fetus. In moderate or severe forms, Rh disease can cause a more distinct anemia as well as erythroblastosis fetalis in the fetus. In its most severe form, the disease can lead to hydrops fetalis, morbus haemolyticus neonatorum, or even stillbirth. Rh disease is also alternatively called Rh (D) disease, RhD Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, Rhesus disease, Rhesus D Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn or RhD HDN. [read more]
Rhabdoid tumor pertains to a very rare and extremely aggressive tumor commonly occurring in children ages 2 to 13 years. Initially, rhabdoid tumor was believed to be a variant of Wilms' tumor. However, recent studies have shown that rhabdoid tumor is an entirely separate entity. The location of this highly malignant tumor may be intraventicular, supratentorial, or infratentorial. [read more]
Rhabdomyolysis is described as the rapid breakdown (i.e. lysis) of the skeletal muscle tissue (i.e. rhabdomyo) as a consequence of a prior injury to muscle tissue. [read more]
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare form of cancer of the sarcoma (or connective tissues) commonly occurring in children ages 1 to 5 and, in some cases, teenagers ages 15 to 19. The malignant cells are believed to originate from skeletal muscle progenitors. The cancer may also attach itself to muscle tissues, wrap around intestines, or affect any other areas. The cancerous mass may resemble a 6-8 week old embryo in younger children. In teens and older children, the cancer may be as large as a 10-12 week old embryo. [read more]
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, also alternatively called sarcoma botryoides, is a rare form of vaginal cancer affecting female infants and children under 8 years old. [read more]
Rheumatic fever pertains to an inflammatory disease which develops as a consequence of complications from a Group A streptococcal infection (e.g. scarlet fever and strep throat, etc.). Rheumatic fever commonly affects children 6 to 15 years old. [read more]
Rheumatic Heart Disease pertains to a complication of rheumatic fever. This disease damages the entire heart and its membranes. It is a permanent damage to the heart due to a damaged heart valve. This disease used to be a serious form of heart disease for children and adolescents. [read more]
Rheumatism, also known as rheumatic disorder, is a general term encompassing medical problems affecting the bones, kidney, joints, skin, heart, and lungs. While rheumatism is used colloquially or in a historical context, the word no longer appears in strict medical or technical literature. To date, the word ?rheumatism? does not apply to a recognized disorder in modern medicine. While the term covers a wide range of medical problems, it is most commonly used in reference to fibromyalgia syndrome and/or arthritis-like symptoms. However, it is important to note that rheumatism itself is neither a recognized disease nor a distinct entity. [read more]
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, potentially disabling autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacks the joints, causing an inflammation in the joints (i.e. arthritis) as well as in other parts of the body (commonly in the lungs and the skin). [read more]
Rheumatoid spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory arthritis. It is also referred to as ankylosing spondylitis or spondylitis. [read more]
Rhinitis is a condition describing the irritation and swelling of the inner part of the nose. This condition is also seen to affect the throat, eyes and ears. It is also associated with sleeping problems. Rhinitis can also be triggered by an allergy. There are two types: allergic and no-allergic rhinitis. [read more]
Hay fever is a condition resulting from an allergic reaction to indoor or outdoor airborne allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, or pet dander. [read more]
Rhinophyma is a medical condition identified by an overgrowth of the sebaceous glands of the nose. It is part of a skin disorder called rosacea. In women, sensitive capillaries result in flushing and dilated small red veins made visible on the surface of the skin. [read more]
Rib-gap syndrome, also known as cerebrocostomandibular syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that features an abnormally small jaw, deformed upper jaw, a refracted tongue, and rib dysplasia. These deformities usually lead to respiratory problems as well as moderate to severe mental retardation. [read more]
Rib cage inflammation, also known as costochondritis, is the swelling of the ribs due to injuries and other abnormalities experienced by the chest. [read more]
Riboflavin deficiency pertains to a lack of Riboflavin, which is another name for vitamin B2. This disorder occurs when the patient does not have sufficient amount of vitamin B2 in the body. This deficiency is also known as ariboflavinosis. [read more]
Richter syndrome is an extremely rare disease characterized by the transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) into a rapidly progressive form of lymphoma. Also known as Richter transformation, this disorder is a type of high grade non Hodgkin's lymphoma affecting patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. To date, only 1 in 20 documented cases of CLL leads to Richter syndrome. [read more]
Rickets is a disease characterized by the softening of the bones in children, which can potentially lead to fractures and deformity. Although rickets can affect adults, most documented cases are those of malnourished or undernourished children living in developing countries. [read more]
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a type of viral zoonosis; meaning, it primarily affects domestic livestock, but can be transmitted to humans. It is most commonly spread among humans through bites of infected mosquitoes or direct contact with infected animals. [read more]
Riley-Day syndrome, more commonly known as familiar dysautonomia (FD), is characterized by a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. Riley-Day syndrome commonly affects the survival and development of sympathetic, (some) parasympathetic, and sensory neurons of the autonomic and sensory nervous system. [read more]
Ringworm, also called Tinea, pertains to a skin infection characterized by a reddish or brownish bumpy patch of skin that's usually lighter at the center, thus resembling a ring-like appearance. Ringworms can exist in any part of the body. [read more]
Ringworm of the body is a fungal infection affecting the top layer of the skin. It is also referred to as tinea corporis. [read more]
Ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection affecting the scalp, skin, and nails. It is also known as tinea capitis. [read more]
Robinow syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder defined by vertebral segmentation, short-limbed-dwarfism, as well as distinct abnormalities in the face, head, and external genitalia. Robinow syndrome has two known forms, dominant and recessive. The dominant form is most common and present with moderate manifestations of known symptoms. Recessive Robinow, on the other hand, presents with more distinct skeletal abnormalities. Robinow syndrome is also alternatively called Robinow dwarfism, Robinow-Silverman-Smith syndrome, fetal face syndrome, fetal facies syndrome, mesomelic dwarfism-small genitalia syndrome, or acral dysostosis with facial and genital abnormalities. [read more]
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most severe form of rickettsial illness. It is most frequently reported in the USA, but has also been known to occur in Central and South America. [read more]
Also known as nemaline myopathy and nemaline rod myopathy, rod myopathy pertains to a congenital, hereditary neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive and non-progressive muscle weakness of varying severity. Rod myopathy is clinically classified into several groups, ranging from mild (typical), intermediate, severe, to adult-onset. However, this categorization is somewhat ambiguous, with categories commonly overlapping. [read more]
Romano-Ward syndrome is a major variant of a heart condition known as long QT syndrome, a condition that causes the cardiac muscle to take abnormally longer to recharge between beats. Romano-Ward syndrome is characterized by a disruption of the heart's normal rhythm. [read more]
Rosai-Dorfman disease pertains to a rare, benign condition characterized by an excess in the production of histiocytes, which build up in the lymph nodes throughout the body. The elevated histiocytes typically accumulate in the lymphadenopathy of the neck. In addition, histiocytes may also build up outside the lymph nodes, particularly in the skin, bone, and upper respiratory tract. Rosai-Dorfman disease presents with a variety of symptoms depending on the site or area of histiocyte accumulation. [read more]
Rotator cuff injury involves any type of irritation or damage to the rotator cuff muscles or tendons. [read more]
Also known as German measles, Rubella pertains to a relatively common childhood infection which literally means ?little red? in Latin. While it is more common in children, it also affects adults. Affected adults recover more slowly than children. [read more]
Congenital rubella syndrome (or CRS) can affect a developing fetus of a pregnant woman who has been infected by rubella during the first trimester of her pregnancy. If the mother is infected 0-28 days before conception, there is a 43% risk of the fetus being affected. If infection occurs 0-12 days after conception, chances of CRS affecting the infant are 51%. If the infection occurs 13-26 weeks after conception, the chances of CRS affecting the fetus are 23%. However, if the infection occurs in the last trimester, specifically in the 26th to 20th week after conception, the infants are not generally affected. [read more]
Rubeola, more commonly known as measles, is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus and spread through respiration. [read more]
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, also called Broad Thumb-Hallux syndrome, is a condition characterized by moderate to severe mental retardation, short stature, broad thumbs and first toes, distinctive facial features, and short stature. A distinction can be made between Rubinstein-Taybi like syndrome and Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome; the latter has gene promoter involvement. [read more]
Rumination disorder is a type of eating disorder in which the affected patient brings up partially digested food, and then chews it again before either swallowing or spitting it out. Originally named ?childhood rumination disorder?, this chronic condition commonly affects children 3 to 12 months of age and may cause malnutrition. But while rumination primarily occurs in infancy or childhood, it may also affect adults. In some animals known as ruminants, rumination is a normal part of digestion. However, in humans, this behavior is distinctly abnormal and can be potentially dangerous because the esophagus can be damaged by frequent exposure to stomach acids. Rumination is linked to other eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, and is believed to be related to the sufferer's apprehension or stress after eating a normal meal. For individuals with bulimia or purging compulsions, rumination may occur when the patient is unable to throw up. To date, there is no known cure or case for rumination. In some cases, the patients may simply ?grow out of it? (or outgrow the condition), but there is no guarantee the affected patients will do so. [read more]
Chondormalacia patellae, commonly known as runner's knee is a degenerative disorder of the cartilage that protects the knee cap. This disease is characterized by extreme pain on the knees that is felt mostly by people who are into athletic sports such as basketball, running and soccer. [read more]
Ruptured spleen causes a life-threatening bleeding. [read more]
Sabinas brittle hair syndrome is a hereditary disease, autosomal recessive in pattern, affecting the integumentary system (the organ system that primarily protects the body from damage - including skin, nails, hair, sweat glands, etc.). Also alternatively known as Sabinas syndrome or brittle hair-mental deficit syndrome, this disease is named after a small community in northern Mexico (Sabinas) where it was first observed. Classic presentations of Sabinas brittle hair syndrome include brittle hair, nail dysplasia, and mild mental retardation. In addition, affected patients show increased copper/zinc ratio, reduced hair cystine levels, and presence of arginosuccinic acid in the urine and blood. [read more]
Saccharopinuria, also known as saccharopinemia or saccharopine dehydrogenase deficiency, pertains to an excess of saccharopine in the urine. Saccharopinuria is a variant form of hyperlysinemia and attributed to a partial deficiency of saccharopine dehydrogenase, a type of enzyme that plays a secondary role in lysine metabolic pathway. The result is a dangerous accumulation of urinary saccharopine. Individuals with saccharopinuria typically have short stature, elevated urinary lysine, increased urinary citrulline, excessive urinary histidine, and spastic diplegia. [read more]
Sacral agenesis, also known as hypoplasia of the sacrum or caudal regression syndrome, is a rather obscure and extremely rare congenital condition characterized by spinal deformity in the sacrum (i.e. the spine's caudal partition). It affects an estimated one in 15,000 births. [read more]
Sacral dimple is a congenital indentation in the skin on the lower back, which is often located above the crease between the buttocks. It is also known as pilonidal dimples. [read more]
Sacroiliitis is a condition in which one or both of the joints that connect the lower spine and pelvis are inflammed. [read more]
Saethre-Chotzen syndrome is an extremely rare congenital condition inherited via the autosomal dominant trait. The most characteristic feature of this disease is caraniosynostosis, a symptom described as premature closure of 1 or more of the sutures between the bones of the skull, occurs. [read more]
Salivary gland cancer is a rare carcinoma affecting the salivary glands of the mouth, throat, or neck. [read more]
Salla disease is an autosomal recessive congenital disease affecting lysosomal storage, resulting in early physical impairment and mental abnormalities. It is also alternatively known as Finnish type sialuria or sialic acid storage disease. [read more]
Salmonella food poisoning is a type of food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacterium. Its effect is the inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines called gastroenteritis. [read more]
Salmonellosis (Salmonella infections) is a type of infection caused by Salmon ella bacteria. [read more]
Salpingitis is an infection in the fallopian tubes, often synonymous to PID. There are 2 types: acute and chronic salpingitis. Acute salpingitis happens when the fallopian tubes are swollen and stick together causing a blockage. Chronic salpingitis is milder but lasts longer that acute salpingitis. It may also result in hydrosalpinx. Salpingitis usually involves many types of organisms or is polymicrobal. [read more]
San Joaquin Valley fever is an alternative name for coccidiodomydiosis. This is a fungal infection that once became endemic in the areas of California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and New Mexico. [read more]
Sandhoff disease is a genetic autosomal recessive disorder affecting lipid storage, leading to progressive damage in the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. [read more]
Sanfilippo syndrome pertains to a hereditary metabolism disorder characterized by the body's inability to properly break down complex sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans. Sanfilippo syndrome belongs to a group of diseases called mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), and is sometimes called MPS II. [read more]
Santavuori disease is a form of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses, a genetic disorder marked by an excessive accumulation of lipopigments (lipofuscin) in the tissues. It is also alternatively known as Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (INCL). Santavuori disease is extremely rare, with only 60 documented cases worldwide. Inherited via the recessive autosomal trait, this disease is degenerative, progressive, and often fatal. [read more]
SAPHO syndrome encompasses a range of chronic inflammatory bone diseases usually associated with skin changes. [read more]
Sarcoidosis, also known as Besnier-Boeck disease, pertains to a disorder of the immune system characterized by non-caseating garnulomas that mostly affects young adults. The term is from the Greek words ?sark? and ?oid?, meaning ?flesh-like?. [read more]
Pulmonary sarcoidosis is a chronic form of sarcoidosis, a rare systemic disorder characterized by inflammation of the lungs. Approximately 90% of documented sarcoidosis cases occur in the lungs (i.e. pulmonary sarcoidosis); however, the disease can affect almost any organ in the body. [read more]
Sarcoma is one form of primary bone cancer that primarily results in immature tissue in bone marrow. It is also called Ewing's sarcoma, which often occur in children, adolescents, and young adults, from 10 to 20 years old. [read more]
Granulocytic sarcoma is a form of chloroma, characterized by the appearance of a solid tumor consisting of myeloblasts (i.e. or white blood cells that are described as immature and malignant). It is also alternatively known as granulocytic sarcoma or (more appropriately) extramedullary myeloid tumor. Basically, a chloroma is a solid collection of leukemic cells found outside the bone marrow; in particular, it is an extramedullary symptom of acute myeloid leukemia. [read more]
Sarcosinemia is a condition in which the concentration of sarcosine in the blood plasma and urine are abnormally elevated. Sarcosine is a type of amino acid found in muscles and other body tissues. [read more]
Satoyoshi syndrome is an extremely rare progressive disease believed to be of autoimmune etiology. To date, there are less than 40 documented cases of Satoyoshi syndrome worldwide. [read more]
Sometimes this condition is referred to as savantism. Savant syndrome is a rare condition where in person with developmental disorder has one or more fields of expertise, brilliance or ability that are different from an individual's overall limitation. This condition can be hereditary and can also be acquired and coexists with other developmental disabilities. [read more]
Say Meyer syndrome is a familial condition characterized by short stature, trigonocephaly, motor impairment, and mental retardation. Say Meyer syndrome is named after Burhan Say, a Turkish medical geneticist, and Julia Meyer, an American physician, who both discovered the disorder. [read more]
Scabies is a contagious ectoparasite infection of the skin characterized by intense itching, superficial burrows, and secondary infections. The term comes from the Latin word ?scabere? which literally means ?scratch?. [read more]
Scabies is an infectious skin disease that is caused by small itch mites that thrive on the skin's epidermis. The waste products of these mites often cause irritation. This is a common parasitic disease among children especially with those living in poor sanitary environments. [read more]
SCAD deficiency (short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency) pertains to a defect in the oxidation of fatty acids in the body. This disorder affects enzymes that are necessary in breaking down a group of fats known as short-chain fatty acids. [read more]
Scalded mouth syndrome is a condition in which the tongue, lips, or most areas of the mouth feels a burning pain without obvious reasons. It is sometimes referred to as burning mouth syndrome, stomatodynia, burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, and glossodynia. [read more]
SCARF syndrome is a very rare disorder characterized by skeletal defects, cutis laxa, ambiguous genitalia, craniostenosis, mental retardation, and facial abnormalities. SCARF syndrome shares some clinical features of Lenz-Majewski hyperostotic dwarfism syndrome. [read more]
Scarlatina or scarlet fever covers the body with rashes, turns the tough into a strawberry-like appearance, and results in high fever. [read more]
Scarlet fever is an exotoxin illness characterized by a red ?strawberry-like? tongue, sore throat, fever, and a rash on the upper body that may spread to other parts of the body. A distinction must be made between scarlet fever and rheumatic fever, although the former can progress into the latter. [read more]
Schamberg's disease pertains to a chronic skin discoloration affecting people of all ages but mostly occurring in males. It usually affects the legs, gradually spreading throughout the body. Schamberg's disease is also alternatively called progressive pigmented purpuric dermatitis. [read more]
Scheie syndrome is the mildest form of MPS I, the most frequently occurring type of Mucopolysaccharidosis, or a group of hereditary metabolic diseases that result from the malfunctioning or absence of lysosomal enzymes necessary for breaking down long chains of sugar carbohydrates known as glycosaminoglycans. [read more]
Schinzel-Giedion syndrome is an extremely rare neurodegenerative terminal disease characterized by severe mid-face retraction, renal abnormalities, skull deformities, and other anomalies. [read more]
Schistosomiasis pertains to a parasitic disorder caused by several species of fluke found mostly in Asia, South America, Africa, as well as in areas with water contaminated by parasite-carrying snails. Although it has a relatively low mortality rate, schistosomiasis is definitely a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that can lead to severe damage to the liver and intestines. Schistosomiasis is also called bilharzias, bilharziosis or snail fever. [read more]
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasites with several species of fluke of the genus Schistosoma. The parasite is commonly found in Africa, Asia, and South America particularly in regions with water that is polluted with freshwater snails that may carry parasite. [read more]
Schizencephaly is a rare cephalic disease characterized by anomalous clefts (or slits) in the cerebral hemispheres. [read more]
Schizoaffective disorder is a kind of schizophrenia associated with other psychiatric disorders. A person with a schizoaffective disorder can also show signs of mania as well as depression. This condition can also go with other schizophrenic conditions such as schizopherniform and schizotypal disorders. [read more]
Schmidt syndrome is an adrenal defect that commonly occurs with another glandular disorder. Schmidt syndrome is also known as ?autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 2?, a more heterogeneous form of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome which affects one or more endocrine organs but has also been known to invade other non-endocrine organs. Schmidt syndrome is a more commonly occurring type of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome. [read more]
Schmitt Gillenwater Kelly Syndrome is a rare disease classified as an autosomal dominant syndrome. This rare syndrome is characterized by radial hypoplasia, triphalangeal thumbs, hypospadias, and maxillary diastema. Individuals afflicted with Schmitt Gillenwater Kelly Syndrome usually have thumbs that look like a finger and short radial bone. Males suffering from this syndrome have an abnormally positioned urethral opening. Other afflicted patients may exhibit the presence of a condition known as Prognathism, wherein one jaw is larger than the other, which eventually causes the other jaw to protrude in front of the other one. [read more]
Sciatica is a painful condition due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the main nerve that branches off and continues down to the thighs, legs, feet, and ankles. [read more]
Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital heart defect wherein one or more of the four veins transporting oxygenated blood from the lungs drain to the right atrium of the heart instead of the left atrium. In this medical condition, the right pulmonary vein is connected to the inferior vena cava instead of the left atrium. This rare medical condition is also known as pulmanory venolobar syndrome. [read more]
Scleritis is an inflammatory disease that usually targets and affect the sclera or the outer coating of the eye. [read more]
Limited scleroderma is a condition that affects the body's connective tissue specifically only on the skin of the lower arms and legs, neck and face. It is also called CREST syndrome. [read more]
This is a medical condition wherein the person's spine is curved sideways and may also be rotated. When the spine is seen in x-rays, it may look more like a letter ?S' or a ?C'. It is categorized as congenital, idiopathic or developed due to a secondary symptom of another condition like celebral palsy. [read more]
Scombrotoxic fish poisoning, otherwise known as the Scombroid or the Histamine fish poisoning, is a medical condition that is usually caused to the bacterial spoilage of fish that breakdowns fish protein and produce byproducts like histamine. [read more]
Scrapie is a fatal and degenerative disease involving the nervous systems of goats and sheep. It is a contagious form of spongiform encephalopathy associated with chronic wasting disease of deer and mad cow disease. This contagious disorder can't infect humans. Scrapie is somehow similar to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and kuru in humans. This communicable disease predominantly affecting goats and sheep have a very long incubation period. [read more]
Scratch dermatitis is medically known as neurodermatitis, which is actually the tendency of a person to scratch simply out of habit. This cycle is brought about by a stubborn skin condition that causes the skin to become leathery and thick. [read more]
Scrotal masses are fluid or solid materials found in, on, or around the testicles. It may also indicate a serious condition such as cancer. [read more]
Scrub Typhus is a form of typhus that is usually caused by Orientia Tsutsugamushi that is usually transmitted by chiggers that are commonly founds in scrubs. [read more]
Scurvy is a severe disease due to insufficient Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) intake. In infants, scurvy is occasionally referred to as Barlow's disease. It is one of the diseases that are associated as a result of malnutrition or poor dietary choices by people living in more progressive and industrialized nations. [read more]
Sea sickness is a type of motion sickness which is characterized by a feeling of nausea and sometimes vertigo which is experienced after spending time on a craft on water. This is usually because of the rocking motion of the craft such as boat. Some can instantly feel sea sick when they set foot on a boat. [read more]
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression people experience at certain seasons. The depression usually begins in autumn and winter, and lift during springtime. [read more]
This disorder is also known as winter depression wherein sufferers feel normal mental health all through most of the year but feels depressed during the winter. People experiencing this disorder, tend to sleep too much, have less energy, and craves for sweets and starchy foods. There are three types of this disorder which are Fall and Winter SAD, Spring and Summer SAD and Reverse SAD. [read more]
A common skin disorder called seborrheic dermatis mainly affects the scalp causing a scaly, red skin, itchy and dandruff. It can also affect the upper chest, face, back and oily areas of the body. [read more]
Seckel syndrome is a rare medical condition marked by fetal and postnatal growth retardation, mental retardation and characteristic or distinguishing facial features. [read more]
Temporal lobe seizure is a type of complex partial seizure that is usually localized to one part of the brain. [read more]
Senile Purpura, otherwise known as the Purpura Senilis, is the medical condition that refers to the bruising of the skin inasmuch as the blood vessels of the skin are more fragile. It is usually dark and purplish are are most commonly seen in the forearms and backs of the hand of the old perople. asy skin bruising in older people. [read more]
Sensorineural hearing loss is hearing loss caused by damage to the auditory nerve or the cochlea, which is the part of the brain that processes sound. It may be present at birth or congenital. It may also be acquired as a result of aging, excessive noise, diseases like meningitis. [read more]
Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID) is the inability of the brain to accurately process information conveyed by the senses. It is also referred to as Sensory Processing Disorder. In this medical condition, the sensory information sensed by the person with SID tends to be analyzed by the brain in a different manner causing upset and confusion. [read more]
Sensory neuropathy type I is a kind of neuropathy that affects the sensory nerves; which are responsible for sensations all over the body. Oftentimes, involved body parts include the legs, feet, hands and ankle. [read more]
Separation anxiety is a kind emotional stress experienced by children who face separation from their parents or primary caregivers. When not treated, this may lead to anxiety and dependence disorders upon adulthood. [read more]
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition marked by a whole-body inflammatory state caused by the presence of pathological microorganisms in the blood. Sepsis can affect an individual of any age but is most common in infants (neonatal sepsis). This is because the immune systems of infants are not yet fully developed to fight off infections. [read more]
Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection in a joint. [read more]
This is a serious medical condition that is the result from decreased tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery which is caused by sepsis and infection. In severe cases it can cause death and numerous organ failures. This condition greatly affects, children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals for the reason that their immune system cannot handle such infection. [read more]
Septicaemia is a medical condition in which the blood is contaminated with high levels of bacteria, thus resulting to infection of tissues and other organs. It is a life-threatening disease that has caused fatalities all throughout history. [read more]
Serotonin syndrome is the presence of dangerous levels of serotonin in the body. [read more]
Serum sickness is a type of delayed sensitivity response. It usually appears four to ten days after exposure to the triggering substance which can be either antibiotics or antiserum. Antiserum is the portion of the serum containing antibodies like gamma globulin. Allergic reactions have rapid response while serum sickness reaction is delayed because it takes a long time for the body to produce antibodies to the new protein. [read more]
SARS is an infectious respiratory illness that had an outbreak in February 2003. SARS starts with flu-like symptoms and either the condition develops or subsides to chronic respiratory phase. When SARS develops to the second phase the condition can be deadly. [read more]
Severe brain injury is a condition in which an individual has been unconscious for a prolonged length of time due to a variety of problems such as a stroke, traumatic head injury, brain tumor, or an underlying illness such as an infection or diabetes. [read more]
Severe combined immunodeficiency refers to a group of genetically inherited disorder which causes severe abnormalities in the immune system. These disorders result to reduced or impaired functions of the T and B lymphocytes. These are the specialized white blood cells processed in the bone marrow that fights infection. It is also known as the Boy in the Bubble Syndrome and referred to as the ?bubble boy? disease because victims are extremely vulnerable to infectious diseases. This group of life-threatening diseases is present at birth and if left untreated may cause death in the first years of the child. [read more]
Sexual Dysfunction is a sexual problem which refers to a problem during any phase of the cycle of sexual response that usually prevents the individual from experiencing sexual satisfaction. [read more]
Sexual Headache is a medical condition whereby a person experience severe headache just before or during orgasm. [read more]
Sexual Neuropathy is a medical condition where there is damage in the nerves that results in to a reduced or less sexual function both in men and women. [read more]
Sezary syndrome also referred to as Sezary's disease is a rare type of cutaneous lymphoma characterized by skin redness, leukemia and enlarged lymph nodes. It is a form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which is a cancerous disease involving the skin. This is a disease marked by a great increase of the white blood cells known as T-lymphocytes. [read more]
Sezary's lymphoma is a type of cutaneous lymphoma that usually starts in or on the skin. The cancer is marked by the excessive propagation of T-cells which are a type of white blood cell. The extent of skin involvement is uneven and most of the time patchy. [read more]
This syndrome is a type of child abuse that is thought to rise when the abuser brutally shakes an infant or a small child that creates a whiplash kind of motion that results to the acceleration-decelaration injuries. The distinctive lack of external evidence of trauma is a remarkable feature of SBS. [read more]
Shapiro syndrome is a rare medical condition marked by recurring periods of hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature), hyperhidrosis (too much sweating), and partial or complete absence of the corpus callosum. Corpus callosum is the band of tissue connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. In other cases, there is also absence of sweating, slow heart rate and low blood pressure. [read more]
Sharp Syndrome is a rare connective tissue disorder affecting a range of body tissues and organs. It is also referred to as mixed connective tissue disease. Sharp syndrome is a serious auto immune disease, wherein the body's defense system attacks and damage itself. [read more]
Sheehan syndrome is a rare condition that happens in women who suffered a severe uterine bleeding during and after childbirth. In this medical condition the resulting blood loss and hypovolemic shock may cause damage to the pituitary gland leading to hypopituitarism. Sheehan syndrome is also known as postpartum hypopituitarism or postpartum pituitary necrosis. [read more]
Shellfish allergy is known to be one of the most common forms of food allergies and typically found in most adults. The allergic reactions to shellfish allergy can range from mild to severe and possible fatal symptoms. Shellfish are known as animals with shells such as clams, shrimp, lobster and even squid. General avoidance to shellfish is the most effective preventative treatment of this type of allergy. [read more]
Shigellosis is an infectious disease affecting the intestinal tract, which can be transmitted through oral and fecal route. It is mainly considered as a food borne illness. The condition may be severe especially with child patients. It is usually predominant in places with poor hygiene because the causative organism is mostly found in water contaminated with human feces. [read more]
Shin splints is a form of running-related injuries. It is also known as medial tibial stress syndrome. [read more]
Shingles is the common name for Herpes Zoster. It is an infectious viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash positioned in a limited area on one side of the body. [read more]
Shock is a serious and life-threatening medical condition that happens when the body does not receive sufficient amount of blood causing the cells of the body to receive inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. Medical shock is a critical medical emergency and has been reported as one of the leading causes of death for seriously-ill patients. There are four types of shock namely: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive and distributive shock. The most recent type of shock classified is endocrine shock, which is based on endocrine disruptions. [read more]
Short bowel syndrome is a malabsorption disorder which is caused by the surgical removal of the small intestine, which is the absorptive region of the gastrointestinal tract. This disorder is also known as short gut syndrome or short gut. Most cases of Short bowel syndrome are acquired; rare cases include children born with congenital short bowel. [read more]
Short QT syndrome is a congenital abnormality in the normal rhythm of the heart. The heart of an individual with Short QT Syndrome takes less time than normal to recharge between beats. Left untreated, the irregular heartbeats will manifest signs and symptoms starting from dizziness and fainting, later on cardiac arrest and worse may lead to sudden death. [read more]
Short stature or dwarfism caused by a medical condition resulting in an adult height ranging from 2 feet 8 inches to 4 feet 8 inches. [read more]
Shoulder Arthritis is a medical condition that is characterized by the excessive pain in the shoulder due to the grinding of the bones against each other due to the absence of cartilage. [read more]
Shoulder Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa or that tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between the body's tissue. [read more]
Shprintzen Syndrome goes by different names like velocardio-facial syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This medical condition is a rare inherited syndrome of cardiac deficiencies and craniofacial abnormalities. [read more]
Shulman-upshaw syndrome is a hereditary form of Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), which is a rare blood condition marked by the formation of blood clots known as thrombi within the circulation. This condition results in the consumption of platelets therefore leading to low platelet counts. [read more]
Sialadenitis is inflammation of salivary gland due to obstruction of the salivary gland or duct. Sialadenitis is very common among the elderly with salivary gland stones. There are also cases occurring in infants in the first few weeks after birth. Without proper treatment, Sialadenitis can progress into serious infection most especially in the injured and elderly. [read more]
Sialidosis is a very rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by an insufficiency of the enzyme alpha-neuraminidase. This insufficiency leads to the abnormal accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) and mucolipids (fatty substances) in most tissues of the body. Sialidosis belongs to a group of disorders that are known as lysosomal disorders. It is also known by other names like Mucolipidosis I, Sialidase deficiency, and Alpha-neuraminidase Deficiency. [read more]
Sick sinus syndrome is the abnormal functioning of the sinus node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart. [read more]
Sickle cell anemia is a serious blood disorder wherein the red blood cells can assume the shape of the letter ?C? (sickle-shaped). Normal red blood cells are smooth and shaped like a doughnut. Sickle cell anemia is a chronic and life-long condition most sufferers are often well but with a shortened life expectancy and risk for various complications and periodic attacks of pain related to the disorder. [read more]
Siderosis is a medical condition characterized by abnormal amount of iron deposits in body tissues. It is caused by exposure to iron oxide present in welding material, foundries and iron ore mining. Symptoms that are usually observed in individuals with siderosis include retarded growth in children, endocrine dysfunctions, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and symptoms affecting the liver. It is also referred to as an environmental disease of the lung because of the causative agent that is associated with the disorder. [read more]
Silicosis is an occupational lung disease due to inhalation of silica dust. The disease is characterized by inflamed and nodular lesion scars in the upper lung lobes. Silicosis was first described in 1705 and is also known by other names like Grinder's disease and Potter's rot. Silicosis is the most common occupational lung disease in the world. [read more]
Silver-Russell dwarfism is another type of less common dwarfism. It is also known as Silver ? Russell Syndrome and Russell ? Silver syndrome. [read more]
Silvery hair syndrome is a rare genetic condition marked by a partial nonexistence of pigmentation in the eye, skin and hair; cluster of pigmentation in hair shafts, immunodeficiency and neurological manifestations. [read more]
Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome is a rare genetic congenital disorder marked by accelerated growth and other abnormalities. The syndrome is also known as Sara Agers Syndrome and Bulldog Syndrome. The syndrome somehow resembles another overgrowth syndrome referred as Beckwith- Wiedemann syndrome; another syndrome concerned with insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). [read more]
Sin nombre virus infection or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a disease causing flu-like symptoms that may be severe and pose life-threatening breathing problems. [read more]
Sino-auricular heart block is a rare heart condition due to an abnormality in the electrical system of the heart rather than an arterial disease, which is regarded as a disease of the blood vessels of the heart. [read more]
This condition is also referred to as Sinusitis. It is the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses which can be a result of infection from fungal, bacterial, viral allergic or autoimmune issues. [read more]
Sipple syndrome is a group of rare inherited disorders that causes the growth of tumors in several glands. It is also known as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2. Tumors produced by this syndrome can either be benign or malignant. Sipple syndrome is a subtype of multiple endocrine Neoplasia producing tumors that generally occur in endocrine glands and sometimes in endocrine tissues. [read more]
Sirenomelia is a very rare congenital defect wherein infants are born with one lower extremity characterized by totally fused legs and the possibility of wide ranging abnormalities. It is also referred to as the Mermaid syndrome because the legs of an affected infant suggest the appearance of a mermaid. Incidence is very rare appearing roughly one out of every 70,000 births. Sirenomelia is a life-threatening condition because of an increased risk of developing complications involving kidney and bladder development and activity. [read more]
Situs Inversus, X-linked is a congenital condition wherein major visceral organs of the chest and abdomen are located in the wrong position. It occurs only in males because it is an X-linked disorder. For example, instead of being positioned on the left; the heart is located on the right side of the chest. In general, situs inversus, X-linked causes no problem but may tend to be relevant during medical examination or surgery because the internal organs are located in the wrong side of the body. [read more]
Sixth disease, also known as roseola, is an infectious disease that affects infants. It is mainly characterized by rashes and high fever, and is caused by two subtypes of the herpes virus. [read more]
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder wherein immune cells attack and destroy the tear and salivary ducts causing dryness in the mouth and eyes. It is a chronic and slowly progressing disorder marked by inability to produce tear and saliva. It is also associated with rheumatic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis. [read more]
Sjogren's syndrome is a disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues affecting the eyes and mouth that result in decreased production of tears and saliva. [read more]
Skeletal dysplasia is the medical term used to describe persons with short stature. It is also referred to as dwarfism. [read more]
Skin cancer builds up in the epidermis so the tumor is usually evident which makes cancer detectable in early stage. There are types of skin cancer which are named after the kind of skin cell that is affected. Types: - Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) - Malignant Melanoma [read more]
Skin cancer is a type of cancer characterized by abnormal growth of skin cells commonly affecting areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight, including the lips, face, scalp, neck, ears, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. However, skin cancer may also occur in skin areas that are rarely exposed to the sun, such as the palms of hands, genital area, and spaces between toes. [read more]
Skin tags or fibroepithelial polyp is a tiny benign tumor that forms mainly in areas where the skin forms creases, like in the neck, groin and armpits. The size of the tumor may range from a grain of rice to the size of a golf ball. Its surface maybe smooth or has an unusual appearance. It is raised in the skin on a fleshy stalk referred to as peduncle. [read more]
Skin tags, also known as acorchordons, are small benign growths that arise on the creased areas of the skin, such as the face, neck and armpits. These can be removed by surgery. [read more]
Slapped cheek disease is a condition that results in face rashes that look like slapped marks. milar rashes. [read more]
This is a disorder that is distinguished by pauses in breathing during sleep. Episodes known as apneas lasts long enough that one or more breathes is missed which occur frequently during sleep. Episodes happen between a minimum of 10 minutes interval. [read more]
It is a condition distinguished by momentary paralysis of the body shortly after waking up. The condition is related to the paralysis that happens as a natural part of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep also referred to as REM atonia. The condition happens when the brain awakes from a state of REM though the bodily paralysis persist which leaves the person consciously awake but is unable to move. [read more]
It is a condition distinguished by momentary paralysis of the body shortly after waking up. The condition is related to the paralysis that happens as a natural part of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep also referred to as REM atonia. The condition happens when the brain awakes from a state of REM though the bodily paralysis persist which leaves the person consciously awake but is unable to move. [read more]
Sleepwalking, also referred to as somnambulism, is a condition during which an individual is unaware of walking while sleeping. [read more]
Small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer which is characterized by malignancy of the lungs originating from small cells. It is also known as small cell carcinoma and oat cell cancer. Small cell lung cancer is very different from other kinds of lung cancer, wherein metastases are already present upon discovery. It is called small cell lung cancer because the cancer cells are mostly small and filled with the nucleus. [read more]
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is an illness in which the bacteria found in the small intestine have grown to abnormally large proportions, which can cause infections and obstruction of the intestinal lining. [read more]
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is a rare developmental abnormality that affects the various parts of the human body. In this condition, persons exhibit unusual facial features, a small head size, learning disabilities as well as behavioral problems. Children with the disorder also suffer from autism, problems with the lungs, liver and gastrointestinal tract, and have poor interactive abilities. They also display fused toes or have extra fingers or toes. [read more]
Smith-Magenis syndrome is a unique and clinically identifiable genetic medical condition marked by a specific pattern of physical, behavioral and developmental characteristics and presentations. It is a rare disorder estimated to occur in roughly one out of every 25,000 births. [read more]
Smith-Theiler-Schachenmann syndrome, also known as rib-gap syndrome or cerebrocostomandibular syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a deformed upper jaw, a refracted tongue, and rib dysplasia. These malformations usually lead to respiratory problems as well as moderate to severe mental retardation. [read more]
Snoring is an annoying condition that may indicate a serious medical condition. It occurs when air flows past cause the tissues in the throat to vibrate, which creates hoarse or harsh sounds. [read more]
Social phobia is also referred to as social anxiety. This disorder causes social anxiety or stress which makes the sufferer incapable to function in at least several areas of everyday life. Sufferers have a constant fear of being judged by other people and being embarrassed or disgraced with their actions. This disorder can actually arise from being actually scrutinized by others. Some sufferers turn to drugs or alcohol to decrease panic and embarrassment in social gatherings. [read more]
Soft tissue sarcoma is a type of malignant or cancerous tumor that grows in mesenchymal tissues including all muscles, connective tissues and bones present in the body. It can invade surrounding tissue and can spread to other organs of the body to form secondary tumors with cells similar to primary tumors. [read more]
Solar keratosis is skin condition in which an individual has rough and scaly patches on face, lips, ears, back of the hands, forearms, scalp, and neck. It is also referred to as actinic keratosis. [read more]
Solar lentigines are flat, dark spots on the areas of the skin most exposed to the sun. They may be gray, brown or black spots with varying sizes. They are also called liver spots and age spots. [read more]
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a condition in which a single ulcer typically occurs in the rectum that may cause rectal bleeding with straining or when having bowel movements. [read more]
The medical term for this kind of infection is pharyngitis. It is the swelling of the pharynx and in most cases is painful. It is regarded to be caused by viral infection (90%) while the remainder is caused by bacterial infection and in rare cases oral thrush. Irritation due to pollutants or chemical substance, sometimes cause sore throat. [read more]
Soto's syndrome is a rare genetic disorder wherein excessive physical growth is observed during the first two to three years of life. This is the probable reason why this disorder is also named as cerebral gigantism. Children with this syndrome are often large at birth and often presents with larger heads and taller and heavier than what should be considered as normal for their age. [read more]
Spasmodic dysphonia is a condition where instability in contraction of the vocal chords during speaking has an effect on the voice quality of an individual. It is a chronic voice disorder. In spasmodic dysphonia, movement of vocal chords is forced and labored causing a jerky, hoarse or tight voice. Another name for spasmodic dysphonia is laryngeal dystonia. [read more]
Spasticity is a motor system disorder, especially of the central nervous system, wherein certain muscles are continuously contracted, which results to stiffness or tightness of the muscles, and may affect movement and speech. [read more]
A Spermatic cyst is a type of cysts that develops in the epididymis, this is a tiny, coiled tube that is situated in the upper section of the testicle that is responsible for collecting and transporting sperm. Generally this condition is often painless and known to be noncancerous, as a spermatic is often filled with a clear or milky fluid that usually contains sperm. [read more]
Spermatocele is a painless and noncancerous cyst that has developed in the epididymis. [read more]
Spermatogenesis arrest is a rare, usually genetic disorder involving abnormal sperm development and resulting in infertility. It is possible to treat hormonal and toxic causes at the same time fertility can also be restored. It is usually caused by genetic factors that result to azoospermia or the medical condition pertaining to males without any measurable level of sperm in the semen. [read more]
A spider angioma is a group of small blood vessels seen at the surface of the skin. The pattern of the blood vessels will sometimes resemble the threads like that of a spider's web. This condition is usually common to young children and to pregnant women. People suffering from liver diseases are likely to have spider angiomas. [read more]
Spielmeyer-Vogt disease is a progressive genetic disorder where defective lipid metabolism that causes blindness, neurological deterioration, dementia leading to total incapacitation within years and death within 10-15 years. It is the most common type of a group of disorders called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs). The disease is also known as Batten disease. [read more]
Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the brain spinal cord and their protective coverings. This neural tube defect occurs at the end of the first month of pregnancy when the two sides of the embryo's spine were unable to join together, which leaves an open area. This medical condition is one of the most common congenital defects. [read more]
Spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord resulting in a partial or complete loss of function like mobility or feeling. The spinal cord does not have to be disengaged to arrive at loss of function. In some cases, the spinal cord is integral but the effect of the damage results to loss of functioning. Even if a person breaks his back or neck no loss of functioning will occur if the spinal cord did not suffer any form of injury. [read more]
Spinal cord neoplasm is a growth or tumor located in the spinal cord which can be either benign or malignant. Spinal cord neoplasms often originate in other parts of the body and metastasize (spread or travel) to the spinal cord. [read more]
Spinal shock is a rare medical condition that can occur after spinal cord injury and involves a period of absent reaction. This state can either be permanent or last for hours to weeks. After this period episodes of excessive impulses may follow. It can be accompanied by temporary paralysis of the legs that is often linked to injury in the spine. [read more]
Spinal Stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition puts pressure on the spinal cord. If the narrowing is located on the lower part of the spinal cord, it is referred to as lumbar spinal stenosis. Cervical spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing on the upper part of the spinal cord. However, there are also cases wherein stenosis can be found in any part of the spine. [read more]
Spinocerebellar Ataxia is a genetic disease wherein a person suffering from this disorder experience spinal cord and cerebellum degeneration. Degeneration of cerebellum will lead to muscle coordination loss. Spinocerebellar ataxia is a genetically inherited disorder marked by anomalous brain function representing multiple types of the disorder. [read more]
Splenic-flexure syndrome is a chronic disorder producing symptoms of pain that appears to be caused by trapped gas in the splenic flexure or bends of the colon. The pain that a suffering individual can experience is similar to the pain of a heart attack; can be defined as unbearably severe and debilitating. Passage of gas or stool may somehow diminish the abdominal pain. [read more]
Splenomegaly is enlargement of the spleen afar from its regular size. The spleen is an organ that plays an important role in the production and maintenance of red blood cells and in the production of some circulating white blood cells. The spleen is also part of two systems in the human body; the immune and lymph systems. [read more]
Spondylarthropathy refers to a group of closely related inflammatory conditions affecting the sacroiliac joints, spine and in some cases other joints as well. Also referred to as seronegative arthropathy, this condition also involves other conditions such as inflammation of the urethra, alternating buttock pain, acute diarrhea, psoriasis, sacroiliitis or inflammatory bowel disease. Ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and reactive arthritis are some of the disorders within this group. [read more]
Spondylitis is inflammation of one or more of bony vertebrae of the spine. In addition to this definition, spondylitis is also used to refer to any spinal column disorder. This also refers to a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that are forms of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, joints of the spine and other organs. The spondylitis family consists of the following conditions: ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile spondyloarthropathy, undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy, reactive, enteropathic and psoriatic arthritis; and Pott's disease. [read more]
Spongiform encephalopathy is a rare inherited prion disease with a wide range of symptoms which are actual results of degeneration of the nervous system. [read more]
Sporotrichosis is a fungal disease affecting the skin but there are rare forms wherein the lungs, joints, bones and even the brain are affected. It is also referred to as rose-thorns or rose-gardener's disease because of the incidence that rose can spread the disease. SYMPTOMS Sporotrichosis progresses slowly and initial symptoms may present one to twelve weeks, usually at the average of three weeks after first fungal exposure. Symptoms may include the following ? Appearance of small painless skin bump, which may appear in the finger, hand or arm ? Boil-like lesions ? Firm skin nodules which can be ulcerative or suppurative ? Open sores ? Skin ulcerations located along lymph nodes [read more]
Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of malignant cancer arising from epithelial cells which often affects various organs like skin, lips, esophagus, mouth, lungs, prostate, urinary bladder, cervix and vagina. [read more]
Squints, or strabismus, are an eye malfunction in which a child's eyes are not focused on the same direction. [read more]
St. Anthony's fire is a very painful burning sensation in the arms and legs due to excessive exposure to ergotamines. Ergotamines are produced by particular fungi known as Claviceps purpurea, which usually contaminates rye and wheat. Ergotamines is a drug used for controlling migraine and in inducing abortion. Ergotamines are nerve toxins and can cause blood vessel constriction resulting in tissue death (gangrene). [read more]
St. Louis Encephalitis is defined as a disorder caused by the St. Louis Encephalitis virus borne by mosquitoes. This disease mainly affects the United States, but there were also a few reported cases from Canada and Mexico. [read more]
Stable angina, which is also known as chronic stable angina, is a type of angina which causes chest pain and discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. [read more]
Stammering or stuttering is a disorder that results in repeating or prolonging a word, syllable or phrase, or stopping during speech and making no sound for certain syllables. [read more]
Staph infections are skin infections caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. [read more]
Stargardt's disease is a rare medical condition referred to as an autosomal recessive condition which causes juvenile macular degeneration leading to progressive loss of vision. This medical condition is also known as fundus flavimaculatus and Stargardt macular dystrophy. This severe form of macular degeneration begins onset in late childhood. [read more]
STARI is an acronym for "Southern tick-associated rash illness", and is a bacterial infection which is spread by tick bites. [read more]
Steatocystoma multiplex is a congenital inherited medical condition resulting to the presence of multiple cysts on the body usually on the chest but may also present in the upper arms or face. There are also reported cases of presence of cysts in the entire body. [read more]
Steatorrhea is a medical condition wherein there is an increased fat excretion in feces. It is characterized by the formation of non-solid feces, floating stools due to excess fat from malabsorption, or the occurrence of an oily anal leakage, or some level of fecal incontinence. [read more]
Steatosis is a mildest type of a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It is the accumulation of fat in the liver but usually does not causes liver damage. [read more]
Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome, also known as progressive supranuclear palsy is a disorder of the brain that causes problems with walking, balance, and eye movements. [read more]
Stein-Leventhal syndrome is the clinical name for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a disorder of the endocrine affecting approximately 10% of all women. Stein-Leventhal syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age and has been associated as the leading cause of infertility. [read more]
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a serious life-threatening skin condition marked by inflammation and blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. The syndrome is thought to be an allergic reaction in response to certain drugs and infectious diseases. [read more]
Stickler syndrome (also known as David-Stickler syndrome or Stickler-Wagner syndrome) is a group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissue, specifically collagen. Stickler syndrome is marked by a distinctive facial appearance, eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and joint problems. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [read more]
Stickler syndrome (also known as David-Stickler syndrome or Stickler-Wagner syndrome) is a group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissue, specifically collagen. Stickler syndrome is marked by a distinctive facial appearance, eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and joint problems. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [read more]
Stickler syndrome (also known as David-Stickler syndrome or Stickler-Wagner syndrome) is a group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissue, specifically collagen. Stickler syndrome is marked by a distinctive facial appearance, eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and joint problems. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [read more]
Stickler syndrome, type I also known as David-Stickler syndrome and Stickler-Wagner syndrome is a group of rare genetically inherited disorders, which affect connective tissue particularly collagen. Distinctive facial features, aye anomalies, loss of hearing, and joint problems are the main traits of Stickler syndrome. [read more]
This condition usually seen on people that were abducted, it is psychological response wherein hostages display signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker despite of the danger where the hostage has been placed. This syndrome is also associated to other situations that have similar tensions like battered person syndrome. It was named after the bank robbery that happened in Norrmalmstorg, Stockholm, Sweden where in the people were held hostage from August 23-28, 1973. The syndrome usually affects hostages if the hostage taking took several days. [read more]
Stomach cancer can arise in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs; particularly the esophagus and the small intestine. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [read more]
Stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestine causing watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. [read more]
Stomach lining inflammation, or gastritis, is the swelling of the stomach lining tissues. This is brought about by the obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract due to bacterial and viral infections, stress from other diseases, or side effects of other anti-inflammatory drugs. [read more]
Stomatodynia is a condition in which the tongue, lips, or most areas of the mouth feels a burning pain without obvious reasons. It is sometimes referred to as burning mouth syndrome, scalded mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, and glossodynia. [read more]
Strep throat is an infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, and it's very frequent among kids and teens. [read more]
Infection with Group B Streptococcus (GBS), also called Streptococcus agalactiae, can cause serious illness and sometimes death, especially in newborn infants and the elderly. Group B streptococci are also important pathogens in veterinary medicine, because they can result to bovine mastitis (inflammation of the udder) in dairy cows. The species name "agalactiae" meaning "no milk", refers to this. Streptococcus agalactiae is a gram-positive streptococcus marked by the presence of Group B Lancefield antigen, and so takes the name Group B Streptococcus. [read more]
Stretch marks are also termed as striae. These are stripe-like marks on the skin which resulted from rapid gain and loss of weight. It forms when the skin was stretched. In some cases it can also be a result of several skin diseases. [read more]
Striae are also commonly termed as stretch marks. These are stripe-like marks on the skin which resulted from rapid gain and loss of weight. It forms when the skin was stretched. In some cases it can also be a result of several skin diseases. [read more]
The quick developing failure of brain functions because of a disturbance in the blood vessels that provide blood to the brain. This may happen because of ischemia which is caused by thrombosis or embolism or because of hemorrhage. Medically, stroke can be referred to as ictus which means ?to strike? in Latin. [read more]
The common feature of these syndromes is progressive, often severe, spasticity in the lower extremities of the patient's body. Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is also known as familial spastic paraparesis and Strumpell-Lorrain syndrome. A number of clinical reports have documented that HSP syndromes are heterogeneous. Syndromes are categorized as uncomplicated or pure when only spinal involvement occurs, and they are classified as complicated when they are associated with neurologic abnormalities such as ataxia, mental retardation, dementia, extrapyramidal dysfunctions, visual or hearing dysfunctions, adrenal insufficiency, and ichthyosis. Inheritance of the disease may be X-linked, autosomal recessive, or autosomal dominant. The most useful classifications now are based on inheritance and genetic linkage. Clinical distinctions between pure and complicated forms of HSP have some utility; however, age of onset usually has no clear relation to the HSP genotype. [read more]
It is also called as stammering which a speech disorder that includes saying a word, phrase or syllable in a repeated or prolonged manner. What makes stuttering worse are stress, excitement and fatigue though when the patient is relaxed stuttering is decreased. [read more]
Sty or hordeolum is a painful, red bump located on the edge or inside of the eyelid that may also look like a pimple or boil. Sty is usually filled with pus. If several sties appear it may cause a swelling of the eyelid known as blepharitis but fortunately sty disappears after a few days. [read more]
Subfertility, also known as infertility, is the inability of a couple to get pregnant despite a year of frequent and unprotected sex. [read more]
Sucrose intolerance, also known as Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID) or Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, is the condition in which sucrase, an enzyme needed for proper metabolization of sucrose, is not produced in the small intestine. The result of consuming sucrose is excess gas production and typically diarrhea and malabsorption. [read more]
SADS is a medical term used to explain unexpected death because of cardiac arrest caused by arrhythmia. Around 300,000 people die from SADS every year in the US. [read more]
Sudden cardiac arrest pertains to a sudden, unexpected loss of breathing, heart function, and consciousness. Also known as sudden cardiac death, this condition is a medical emergency that, if untreated, can be fatal. [read more]
Sudden cardiac death (also known as sudden arrest) is death resulting from an abrupt loss of heart function (cardiac arrest). The victim may or may not have already been diagnosed with heart disease. The time and mode of death are both unexpected. It occurs within minutes after symptoms arise. [read more]
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is the unexplained death in infants ages 1 to 12 months old. This phenomenon is common among infants with low birth weight. SIDS is the third main cause of death among infants in the United States. [read more]
Sudeck's atrophy, or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) is the inflammation of the muscle joints due to an incurred injury. This condition arises after a patient has undergone treatment for the affected joint. [read more]
Sugarman syndrome (also known as Sugarman brachydactyly) is the common name of oral-facial-digital syndrome type III, one of ten distinct genetic disorders that are involved in the developmental defects to the mouth [read more]
Sulfite oxidase deficiency is a congenital error of the metabolism of sulfated amino acids. Individuals affected with sulfite oxidase deficiency typically present in the neonatal period with intractable seizures, characteristic dysmorphic features, and profound mental retardation. [read more]
Sun stroke is a condition where the body responds to extreme heat through high body temperature and abnormal sweat functions. This is usually caused by prolonged exposure under the sun. [read more]
Sunburn is a condition in which the skin becomes red, painful skin that feels hot to the touch resulting from intense sun exposure. [read more]
Superficial thrombophlebitis is the inflammation of a superficial vein, resulting from a blood clot, often caused by prolonged inactivity. [read more]
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), also called Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cognition, eye movements, and posture. [read more]
Supraspinatus tendonitis is the inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon due repetitive stress. [read more]
Surfer's nodules are skin lesions that grow on the ankles, soles and dorsal areas of the foot. This is common ailment among surfers. Surfer's nodules are caused by trauma and skin injuries suffered by the foot. Inflammation also occurs when the nodules begin to develop. [read more]
Suriphobia (also called musophobia) is a fear of mice or other small rodents, from the French "souris" meaning mouse and the Greek "phobia" meaning fear. It is a specific phobia, unlike social phobias or agoraphobia, and like all phobias, the fear must be intense, irrational and persistent to be considered a true clinical phobia. [read more]
Susac's syndrome (Retinocochleocerebral Vasculopathy) is a microangiopathy marked by encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusions and hearing loss. [read more]
Difficulty swallowing may be a medical condition in which an individual needs more time and effort to move his or her food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. The condition may also be associated with pain. The condition is also known as dysphagia. [read more]
Sweaty sock syndrome or medically termed as juvenile plantar dermatosis is a condition of the skin. In this condition, the skin on the soles becomes scaly and red which usually affects children and young teenagers. [read more]
Sweeley-Klionsky disease (also known as Anderson-Fabry disease, Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, Ceramide trihexosidosis, and Fabry disease) is an X-linked recessive (inherited) lysosomal storage disease. [read more]
Sweet's syndrome is a skin disorder marked by fever and painful skin lesions. [read more]
Swift disease is another name for mercury poisoning. It is a disease caused by exposure to the metal mercury. This can cause serious health problems ranging from liver and gastrointestinal poisoning. [read more]
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal. It can be associated with a middle ear infection (otitis media) if the eardrum gets ruptured. [read more]
Swimmer's itch is an immune reaction also is only short-term that occurs in the skin of individuals that have been infected by water-borne trematode parasites. [read more]
Swimmers' itch is an itchy rash due to parasites that has burrowed in the skin while swimming in parasite-infested water. The condition is also called cercarial dermatitis. [read more]
Swyer syndrome, or XY gonadal dysgenesis, is a kind of female hypogonadism in which no functional gonads are present to induce puberty in an otherwise normal girl whose karyotype is then found to be XY. [read more]
Sydenham's chorea (also known as "Saint Vitus Dance") is a disease marked by rapid, uncoordinated jerking movements affecting primarily the face, feet and hands. [read more]
Sympathetic ophtalmitis or SO for brevity is a medical condition referring to the granulomatous Uveitis which is a kind of inflammation of both eyes as a result of a trauma to one eye. [read more]
Syndactyly is a condition where two or more digits are fused together. It happens normally in some mammals, such as the siamang but is an unusual condition in humans. [read more]
Syndrom x (also known as Metabolic syndrome) is a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It affects a great number of people, and prevalence increases with age. [read more]
Synesthesia is a condition in which one sense (like hearing) is simultaneously perceived as if by one or more additional senses such as sight. [read more]
Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect resulting to an abnormally developed brain and misshapen head. [read more]
Synovial osteochondromatosis (SOC) is a rare disease that creates a harmless change or proliferation in the synovium or joint lining tissue which changes to form bone forming cartilage. Typically there is only one joint affected, mostly either the knee, hip, or elbow. [read more]
A synovial sarcoma is a rare form of cancer which typically occurs near to the joints of the arm or leg, and is one of the soft tissue sarcomas. [read more]
Synovitis is the medical term for inflammation of a synovial membrane, which line the joints which possess cavities, called synovial joints. The condition is typically painful, particularly when the joint is moved. The joint usually swells because of fluid collection. [read more]
Syphilis is a bacterial infection typically transmitted by sexual contact. The disease affects the genitals, skin and mucous membranes, but it may also involve many other parts of the body, including the brain and the heart. [read more]
Syringobulbia is a neurological disorder marked by a fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord that extends to involve the brainstem (medulla). It typically occurs as a slit-like gap within the lower brainstem that may affect one or more of the cranial nerves, causing facial palsies of various kinds. Additionally, sensory and motor nerve pathways may be affected by compression and/or interruption. This disorder is closely associated with syringomyelia, in which the syrinx is limited to the spinal cord, and to the Chiari I malformation. [read more]
Syringomas are harmless adnexal tumors derived from the intraepidermal portion of eccrine sweat ducts. Generally, they present as soft, flesh-colored to slightly yellow dermal papules on the lower eyelids of healthy individuals. [read more]
Syringomyelia (SM) is a disorder in which a cyst develops within the spinal cord. This cyst, known as a syrinx, expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the cord. [read more]
Carnitine deficiency is a metabolic state in which carnitine concentrations in plasma and tissues are less than the levels needed for normal function of the organism. Biologic effects of low carnitine levels may not be clinically significant until they reach less than 10-20% of the norm. [read more]
A heart rate over 100 beats a minute is known as tachycardia. Some tachycardias are relatively benign and need no treatment, but others can be life-threatening. [read more]
Tachypnea otherwise known as tachypnoea is a medical condition that is characterized by rapid breathing and is usually necessary for the body's need for gas exchange. [read more]
Taeniasis is a tapeworm (cestode) infection that is acquired by the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat of infected animals. Although many species exist, two species, Taenia saginata and Taenia solium, result to pathology in humans. T. saginata is linked with the ingestion of the worm's larval form found in infected beef while T. solium is associated with that of infected pork. [read more]
Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, refers to the inflammation of the coccyx, the bone located in between the buttocks. [read more]
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is classically defined as a chronic, progressive, occlusive, inflammatory disease of the aorta and its branches. The pulmonary arteries may also be concerned. Takayasu arteritis is a systemic disease that can have isolated, atypical, and catastrophic manifestations. [read more]
A clubfoot, or talipes equinovarus (TEV), is a birth defect wherein the foot is twisted in (inverted) and down. [read more]
Tangier disease is a rare inherited disorder marked by a severe reduction in the amount of high density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as "good cholesterol," in the bloodstream. [read more]
Tapeworm infection is the occurrence of tapeworms that may form into cysts affecting other tissues such as the lungs and liver, or the develop into adult tapeworms inside the intestines. [read more]
Tardive dyskinesia is a symptom caused by the long-term or high-dose use of dopamine antagonists, usually antipsychotics, but also those such as antiemetic metoclopramide. These neuroleptic drugs are typically prescribed for psychiatric disorders. [read more]
Taurodontism is a condition of teeth where the body of the tooth and pulp chamber is enlarged. Because of this, the floor of the pulp and the furcation of the tooth is moved apically down the root. The term means "bull like" teeth coming from similarity of these teeth to those of ungulate or cud chewing animals. [read more]
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD, also known as GM2 gangliosidosis, Hexosaminidase A deficiency or Sphingolipidosis) is a genetic disorder, fatal in its most common variant known as Infantile Tay-Sachs disease. [read more]
Teeth grinding, which is also known as bruxism is the unconscious clenching, grinding, or gnashing of teeth. [read more]
In medicine, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also called Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that leads to vascular malformations. [read more]
Temporal arteritis is a condition in which the lining of the arteries is inflamed. Affect arteries may be in the neck, upper body and arms, but usually occurs in the head especially the arteries in the temples. The condition is also called giant cell arteritis, cranial arteritis, or granulomatous arteritis. [read more]
Temporal lobe epilepsy is a form of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition marked by recurrent seizures. [read more]
Temporal lobe seizure is a type of complex partial seizure that is usually localized to one part of the brain. [read more]
TMJ syndrome is used to refer to the problems occurring in the temporomandibular joint which is the joint of the jaw and the tendons, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels and other tissues related with the joint. It is also referred to as disc displacement where in the articular disc is not in place. [read more]
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TJD), also known as myofacial pain dysfunction, is problematic state of the jaw muscles used for chewing, or of the temporomandibular joint, which links the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. [read more]
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), also known as Lyell's syndrome, is a life-threatening dermatological condition that is commonly induced by a reaction to medications. It is marked by the detachment of the top layer of skin (the epidermis) from the lower layers of the skin (the dermis) all over the body. [read more]
Tendinitis is the condition in which a tendon is inflamed or irritated causing pain and tenderness just outside a joint. [read more]
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, is an injury to the elbow resulting from overuse. [read more]
Teratomas are tumors made up of more than a single cell type derived from more than one germ layer. [read more]
Terminal ileitis, or enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the small intestine. It is characterized by swelling and perforated small intestines due to ruptures and acidic reactions. [read more]
Undescended testicle, also referred to as cryptorchidism, is a condition in which the testes did not completely descend into the scrotum. [read more]
Testicular cancer is characterized by a growth of a malignant mass in the testicles or testes, which are located inside the scrotum below the penis of males. [read more]
Testicular cancer is known as disease wherein the cells become cancerous either in one or both testicles. The testicles are a pair of male sex organs that produce and store sperm and the main source of testosterone in men. [read more]
Testicular torsion is a condition in which blood flow to the testicle is cut off causing sudden and severe pain and swelling due to the rotation of a testicle on the spermatic cord. [read more]
Testosterone deficiency or male hypogonadism is the body's insufficient production of the sex hormone testosterone. [read more]
Familial male precocious puberty (also called testotoxicosis) is a form of gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty in which boys experience early onset and progression of puberty. Signs of puberty can start as early as an age of 1 year. [read more]
Tethered Spinal Cord is an uncommon neurological disorder. [read more]
It is a congenital heart defect that originally has four anatomical components and also it is the most common cyanotic heart defect and most usual cause of blue baby syndrome. [read more]
Tetrapelgia, also known as quadriplegia or spinal cord injury, is the parlysis of most of the body that includes the arms and legs. [read more]
Thalassemia, also called as Mediterranean Anemia, Cooley's Anemia or Homozygous Beta Thalassemia, is a group of inherited disorders in which there is a fault in the production of hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying pigment found in red blood cells). [read more]
Thalassemia major is an inherited form of hemolytic anemia, marked by red blood cell (hemoglobin) production abnormalities. This is the most extreme form of anemia, and the oxygen depletion in the body becomes apparent within the first 6 months of life. If left untreated, death generally results within a few years. [read more]
Thalassemia minor is an inherited form of hemolytic anemia that is less extreme than thalassemia major. These small red blood cells (RBCs) carry less oxygen than normal RBCs. [read more]
While everyone has a rational fear of personal death built in as original equipment, thantophobia or necrophobia is extreme and irrational fear of personal death, situations involving death (such as funerals) or dead things. [read more]
Thiamin Deficiency otherwise known as Beriberi, is a medical condition that refers to the lack of thiamine pyrophospate, which is the active form of vitamin known as Vitamin B-1, which acts as a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism and the formation of glucose. [read more]
Throat cancer is a type of carcinoma affecting the pharynx (which connects the mouth and the nasal cavity), vocal cords, and/or the larynx or voice box. [read more]
Thromboangiitis obliterans also known as Buerger's disease is a condition in which blood flowing in the blood vessels are impaired due to inflammation and clots. The disease affects arms and legs damaging destroying the tissues, which may lead to infection and gangrene. [read more]
It is a disorder distinguished by the non-appearance of the radius bone in the forearm and severely decreased platelet count that leads to marking and potentially life-threatening haemorrhage. [read more]
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding condition in which the blood doesn't clot as it is supposed to. This is because of a low number of blood cells called platelets. [read more]
Thromboembolism is the medical condition whereby there is a formation of clot or thrombos is the blood vessels that breaks loose and carried by bloodstream to plug another vesses in the lungs, brain,gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and leg. [read more]
Thrombophlebitis or phlebitis is a condition in which a vein is inflamed due to a blood clot. [read more]
It is the development of a clot or thrombus inside the blood vessel, blocking the flow of blood through the circulatory system. The general term is thromboembolism which describes both thrombosis and its primary complication that is embolisation. [read more]
Thymic carcinoma is a rare type of thymus gland cancer. It often spreads, has a high risk of recurrence, and has a poor survival rate. Thymic carcinoma is divided into subtypes, depending on the types of cells in which the cancer developed. [read more]
It is generally known to be the swelling of the thyroid gland which is located on the front of the neck below the Adam's apple. The most common kind of thyroiditis is the Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The other kinds are postpartum thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, silent thyroiditis, drug-induced thyroiditis, radiation-induced thryroiditis and acute thyroiditis. [read more]
Tic Douleureux is another name for short-lived trigeminal neuralgia. This condition still affects the trigeminal nerve, but rather than feeling painful sensations for long periods of time, the pain only lasts for a few minutes. [read more]
Tic douloureux or trigeminal neuralgia is a condition in which the trigeminal nerve function is disrupted. Sensation from the face to the brain is carried by the trigeminal nerve. [read more]
Usually caused by ticks where in it's the general name for small arachnids in the Ixodoidea superfamily together with other mites that comprises the Acarina. [read more]
Tick-borne encephalitis, or TBE, is a human viral infectious disease concrened with the central nervous system. The disease most often manifests as meningitis (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of both the brain and meninges). Although TBE is most commonly recognized as a neurologic disease, mild febrile illnesses can also arise. [read more]
Tietze syndrome, also known as costochondritis, is the swelling of the rib cage due to injuries and other underlying diseases that affect the rib cage cartilage. [read more]
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection affecting the scalp, skin, and nails. It is also known as ringworm of the scalp. [read more]
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection resulting in abnormal skin pigmentation. The condition is also known as pityriasis versicolor. [read more]
Tiredness in children is an effect of too much stress caused by strenuous activities children engage in such as sports and contact games. [read more]
Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) is a rare disorder marked by severe and unilateral headaches with extraocular palsies, usually involving the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cranial nerves, and pain around the sides and back of the eye, along with weakness and paralysis (ophthalmoplegia) of certain eye muscles. [read more]
Tonic-clonic seizure, also known as grand mal seizure, is a condition in which an individual lose consciousness and experience violent muscle contractions. [read more]
Torn meniscus is a condition in which the knee is forcefully twisted or rotated due to certain activities. [read more]
Touraine-Solente-Gol? syndrome is marked by cutis verticis gyrata (corrugated overgrowth of the scalp, or so-called "bull-dog scalp" lesions) also involving the forehead, face, and extremities; clubbing of the digits due to soft tissue hyperplasia; elephantiasis of long bones, enormously large hands and feet; periosteal lesions, fatigability, blepharitis, arthralgia, periosteal overgrowth, and occasionally pulmonary osteoarthropathy. This syndrome occurs almost exclusively in males, though it is more severe in females. It occurs at the time of puberty, up to third decade, with the general health and mental status not affected. It is inherited dominantly with variability of expression. This condition is distinguished from the Brugsch syndrome by the presence of acromegaly. [read more]
Tourette syndrome is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by the presence of multiple physical (motor) tics and at least one vocal (phonic) tic; these tics characteristically wax and wane. [read more]
Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS) is a rare genetic disease that affects fewer than 200 people in the whole world. It is a genetic condition that affects several parts of the body. [read more]
Toxemia is also called preeclampsia occurs during pregnancy in which the patient has high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. [read more]
Toxic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which occurs when toxic chemicals, drugs, or certain poisonous mushrooms has damaged the liver. [read more]
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that has been most often linked with the use of superabsorbent tampons and occasionally with the use of contraceptive sponges. [read more]
A parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, Toxoplasmosis infects most warm-blooded animals, including humans. This primary host of the disease however is the felid (cat) family. It is estimated that up to one third of the world's population carries a Toxoplasma infection. [read more]
Congenital toxoplasmosis is the infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii that is transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy. [read more]
Also known as TEF, tracheoesophageal fistuka is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea, and is a common congenital abnormality. [read more]
The leading cause of blindness around the world, Trachoma is an infectious eye disease that resulted to about 8 million, visually-impaired people around the world. According to studies, the disease results to an estimated US $ 2.9 billion in lost productivity every year. [read more]
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is procedure wherein a device sends electrical current to the nerves. This is a painless procedure used to relieve pain, stiffness and immobility of the muscles that give the patient muscle pain. It can also be used to administer steroids into inflamed muscles as well enhance the production of endorphins in the body. [read more]
This disease is a slowly developing anemia of early childhood, which is characterized by a gradual onset of pallor. It is also known as TEC. The disease means new red blood cells are temporarily not produced. [read more]
Also known as TGA, this disease is an anxiety-producing temporary loss of short-term memory. Patients typically will not remember events for the past few hours and not be able to retain new information for more than a few minutes. [read more]
Transient ischemic attack is a temporary or intermittent neurological event, which serves as a warning of an impending stroke. [read more]
Originating in the kidney, bladder or ureter, Transitional cell carcinoma is a type of cancer and is the most common type of bladder cancer. The disease arises from the transitional epithelium lining found in said organs. [read more]
Transposition of the great vessels or TGV involves an abnormal spatial arrangement of the primary blood vessels including the superior and/or inferior vena cavae (SVC,IVC), pulmonary artery, pulmonary veins, and aorta. It also belongs to a group of congenital heart defects (CHDs) involving only the primary arteries, belonging to a sub-group called the transposition of the great arteries. [read more]
Caused by an inflammatory process of the grey and white matter of the spinal cord, Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder that can also cause axonal demyelination. [read more]
Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, is a psychosomatic disorder wherein people are subject to yawing, pitching and swaying motions. This can be observed while traveling in ships, airplanes and even in automobiles. [read more]
Also known as Franceschetti-Zwahlen-Kleain syndrome or mandibulo facial dysostosis, Treacher Collins syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial deformities. Found in 10,000 births, the disease's typical features include downward slanting eyes, a small lower jaw, and malformed or absent ears. [read more]
Also known as essential tremor or ET, Tremor hereditary essential is a neurological disorder characterized by shaking of hands and sometimes the other parts of the body such as the head, induced by intentional movements. Though the exact incident is unknown, ET is presumed to be the most common type of tremor and also the most commonly observed movement disorder. The disease was also previously known as ?benign essential tremor? but the ?benign? was removed due to the sometimes disabling nature of the disorder. [read more]
Trench mouth is a severe form of gingivitis that results to painful, infected, bleeding gums, and ulcerations. It is also referred to as Vincent's stomatitis and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. [read more]
Transmitted through sexual contact, treponema is a rare infection caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. The bacteria enters the host via breaches in squamous or columnar epithelium. It can also be transmitted to a fetus by transplacental passage during the later stages of pregnancy. [read more]
Also known as trichinosis or trichiniasis, Trichinillosis is an infection due to the roundworm Trichinella spiralis. [read more]
Also known as trichinellosis or trichiniasis, Trichinosis is an infection due to the roundworm Trichinella spiralis. [read more]
Sometimes referred to as ?trich,? Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Trich is primarily an infection of the genitourinary tract. The disease is most common among women and uncircumcised men. [read more]
Trichothiodystrophy is a characterization of the recessive hereditary disease Tay syndrome. Trichothiodystrophy means sulfur-deficient brittle hair with photosensitivity, ichthyosiform erythroderma (fish-like scales on skin), dystrophic or abnormal finger and toe nails, progeria-like faces or prematurely aged looking face, growth and mental retardation, infertility, and variable other defects. [read more]
Commonly known as ?trich,? Trichotillomania or TTM is an impulse control disorder characterized by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, facial hair, nose hair, pubic hair, eyebrows or other body hair, that may result in noticeable bald spots. Though classified in the DSM-IV as an impulse control disorder, there are still questions about how it should be classified. [read more]
Also known as Tic Douloureux or prosopalgia, Trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic disorder of the trigeminal nerve that causes episodes of intense pain in the eyes, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, and jaw. The disease usually develops after the age of 40 but there have been cases where patients are as young as 3 years old. [read more]
Trigger finger is a condition where a person suffers from extreme pain due to the twitching of tendons especially when one snaps his fingers. [read more]
Trigger finger or trigger thumb is a stenosing tenosynovitis disorder where the sheath around the tendon in a thumb or finger becomes swollen, or nodules from on the tendon. Though it usually affects the thumb, more than one finger may be affected at a time including the middle finger or ring finger. [read more]
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) or fish odor syndrome or fish malador syndrome is a metabolic disorder, in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a compound derived from the diet that has a strong odor of rotting fish. [read more]
Triple-A syndrome or Allgrove syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder discovered by Jeremy Allgrove and colleagues in 1978. The name Triple A stands for achalasia-addisonianism-alacrima syndrome. This means that affected individuals have adrenal insufficiency, alacrima (absence of tear secretion), and achalasia. The latter means failure of a ring of muscle fibers such as the sphincter, to relax. [read more]
A form of chromosomal variation, Triple X syndrome is characterized by the presence of X chromosome in each cell of a human female. The condition also known as triplo-X, trisomy X, XXX syndrome, and 47, XXX aneuploidy, it results during a division of a parent's reproductive cells, which occurs once in every 1,000 births. [read more]
This disorder is an extremely rare chromosomal disorder. Affected individuals have 3 chromosomes for a total of sixty-nine rather than the normal 46 chromosomes. Unborn children with Triploid syndrome are usually lost through early miscarriage but those who make it survive for as long as five months. [read more]
This disorder is a rare lethal chromosome abnormality caused by the presence of an entire extra set of chromosomes. Unborn children with triploidy has 69 chromosomes rather than 46. Most fetuses are miscarried during pregnancy and those that survive usually have severe growth retardation and multiple birth defects. [read more]
This disorder is a form of aneuploidy that has a presence of 3 copies instead of the normal 2, of a particular chromosome. An extra chromosome 21, found in Down syndrome, is called trisomy 21. [read more]
Trisomy 21 syndrome is a form of down syndrome, which is caused by the abnormal cell division involving the 21st chromosome during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell. [read more]
Gestational trophoblastic disease or also known as Trophoblastic neoplasms is a quick growing form of cancer that occurs in a woman's uterus after a pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion. The disease is usually metastatic, which means it spreads to other places in the body. It is also known as choriocarcinoma. [read more]
Also known as Gestational trophoblastic disease or Trophoblastic neoplasms a Trophoblastic tumor is a quick growing form of cancer that occurs in a woman's uterus after a pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion. The disease is usually metastasizes and spreads to other places in the body. It's other name is choriocarcinoma. [read more]
Commonly found in the tropical regions, Tropical sprue is a malabsorption disease marked with abnormal flattening of the villi and inflammation of the lining of the small intestine. [read more]
Called Trypanophobia, this disorder is the extreme and irrational fear of medical procedures involving injections or hypodermic needles. It is occasionally referred to as aichmophobia, belonephobia, or enetophobia but are technically incorrect because they simply denote a ?fear of pins/needles? and do not refer to the medical aspect of trypanophobia. The most commonly used name is simply needle phobia. There are four types of Trypanophobia namely vaso-vagal, associative, resistive, and hyperalgesic. [read more]
A parasitic disease in people and animals, Trypanosomiasis or also known as Sleeping sickness is endemic in certain regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. The region covers 36 countries and 60 million people. Presently, it is estimated that about 50,000 to 70,000 people are infected with the disease. [read more]
Another type of African trypanosomiasis, the West African type is also called Gambian sleeping sickness. About 20,000 new cases are reported of both East and West African trypanosomiasis are reported annually and a few cases of the West type have been reported in the United States. [read more]
TB or Disseminated tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that has spread from the lungs to other organs of the body through the blood or the lymph system. [read more]
The most common form of CNS tuberculosis, Tuberculosis meningitis is an infection of the meninges, or the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a very rare disorder. [read more]
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is very common and attacks the lungs. The disease can also affect the central nervous system, the lympathic system, circulatory system, genitourinary system, bones, joints, and even the skin. About one-third of the world's population has been infected with the disease and new cases are added at a rate of one per second. [read more]
Tuberous sclerosis is also known as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). It is a rare, multi-system genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and on other vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. The disease also has a predilection to tumor and the names are named after a characteristic abnormal growth in the brain, which takes the shape of a tuber root. [read more]
An infection common among wild rodents, is also known as ?rabbit fever,? ?deer fly fever,? ?Ohara fever,? and ?Francis disease.? The bacterium causing the disease has several subspecies with varying degrees of virulence. Ticks and deer flies are the primary vectors of the disease but can also be spread through other arthropods. Its name was derived from Tulare County, California. [read more]
Tularemia (deliberate release) is a serious infection caused by Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) bacterium, a tiny gram-negative non-motile coccobacillus. Deer-fly fever, Francis disease, rabbit fever, and Ohara fever are other names for Tularemia (deliberate release). [read more]
Tungiasis is a skin infestation of the Tunga penetrans flea. The flea is also known as chigoe flea, jigger, nigua, or sand flea and is found in the tropical parts of Africa, Caribean, Central and South America, and India. The disease is endemic in NIgera and Trinidad and Tobago where during the 1980s, tungiasis among children reached 40%. The disease is also rarely found outside said areas. [read more]
A genetic disease characterized by polyps in the colon in additions to tumors in the brain, Turcot syndrome is the association between familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. The first reported case was done by Canadian surgeon Jacques Turcot, hence, the name. Turcot syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner with both parents carrying a Turcot gene and a 1 in 4 risk for each of their boys and girls of receiving both parental Turcot genes and suffering from the syndrome. [read more]
Also known as Feto-Fetal Transfusion Syndrome, Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a complication with high morbidity and mortality that can affect identical twins or higher multiple pregnancies where two or more fetuses share a common placenta. Severe cases have a 60-100% mortality rate. [read more]
Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, bilious fever or Yellow Jack, is a bacterial infection characterized by diarrhea, systemic disease, and a rash. [read more]
Typhus is an infectious disease caused by louse-born bacteria that is spread by lice or fleas. Its name is derived from the Greek typhos that means smoky or lazy, which describes the state of mind of those affected with the disease. It is often mistaken for dengue fever in tropical countries. The disease has 3 types namely epidemic typhus, endemic typhus and scrub typhus. [read more]
Tyrosinemia is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated blood levels of the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine is a building block of most proteins. There are three types of tyrosinemia namely Type I, Type II, and Type III. [read more]
A genetic metabolic disorder, Galactosemia affects an individual's ability to properly metabolize the sugar galactose. In 1917, Goppert first described the disease, citing a defect in galactose metabolism that was identified by a groups led by Herman Kalckar in 1956. The disease's incidence is about 1 per 47,000 births (classic type) and is much rarer in Japan and much more common in Italy, particularly the traveler region. The disease is also very common within the Irish Traveler population. This is credited to consanguinity within a relatively small gene pool. [read more]
Duodenal ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the first part of the small intestine. [read more]
Gastric ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer that occurs in the stomach. [read more]
Pressure ulcer or bedsores are the areas of damaged skin and tissue due to sustained pressure. [read more]
Stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer that occurs in the stomach. [read more]
Ulcerative colitis or colitis ulcerosa is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine and rectum. A systemic disease affects many parts of the body outside the intestine, it is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). [read more]
Ulerythema ophryogenesis is a rare genetic disorder that involves a slowly spreading redness of the eyebrows and cheeks followed by damage to the skin and loss of eyebrows. It is also classified as a type of genodermatosis. [read more]
Uncombable Hair Syndrome, also referred to as spun-glass hair, was discovered by French researchers in the early 1970s and was termed ?cheveux incoiffables.? Uncombable hair syndrome is characterized by scalp hair that has an irregular structure and that is arranged in jumbled bundles, making it impossible to comb. UHS however, is not a common phenomenon. Between 1973 and 1998, there have only been 60 reported cases of the disorder. [read more]
An extremely rare malformation disorder, Upington disease only has one published source that claims its existence in three generations from South Africa. It is characterized by pelvic anomalies and multiple bone tumors. [read more]
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections or URTI or URI refers to the sickness caused by an acute infection that usually involves the upper respiratory tracts like the nose, pharynx, larynx and the sinuses. [read more]
Urachal Cancer is a rare form of bladder cancer that can occur at any site along the urachal tract. First described in 1863 by Hue and Jaequin, the most common locations of the cancer are the umbilicus and the dome of the bladder. The urachus develops inside the womb and after birth, it is no longer needed and normally closes off. Though sometimes there are still traces of it from the bladder to the umbilicus, there is often a small bit left at the bladder end. [read more]
Urachal cyst is a sinus that remains from the allantois during embryogenesis. [read more]
Also simply known as Urban syndrome, Urban Rogers Meyer syndrome is an extremely rare congenital disease has only been reported in two cases. The first to describe the disease was Urban et al. in 1979. [read more]
A term used to loosely describe the illness accompanying kidney failure, Uremia is also known as prerenal azotemia. Urea and other waste products are usually retained in the blood in kidney failure cases. [read more]
Ureter Cancer or the Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis or ureter is a cancer that grows in the urinary system that is either on the kidney which is responsible for collecting urine or the pelvis which empties the urine into a tube called the ureter that leads to the bladder. [read more]
Urethral stricture is a medical condition where there is an abnormal narrowing of the urethra which is responsible for releasing the urine in the body. [read more]
Urethral Syndrome otherwise known as the Frequency-Dysuria syndrome is a medical condition that is characterized by frequency, dysuria and suprapubic discomfort without any finding of urological abnormalities. [read more]
Urge incontinence is the condition in which an individual involuntarily losses his or her urine. [read more]
Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are solid, crystal aggregations of dissolved minerals in urine. They typically form inside the kidneys or bladder. nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis refer to the presence of calculi in the kidneys and urinary tract, respectively. [read more]
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control which is often become embarrassing to the individuals affected by this condition where in an individual cannot control the release of urine from the bladder. Urinary incontinence severity ranges from urine secretion from simply coughing or sneezing to sudden, random episodes of strong urinary emergencies. [read more]
Urinary incontinence in children is a condition whereby the child is incapable of controlling urination. [read more]
Urinary retention is the opposite of urinary inconstinence or the inability of a person to empty his bladder. It's because the patient will have problem starting to urinate or completely emptying the bladder. Anyone can suffer from urinary retention but mostly men who are in their fifties. [read more]
Urinary System Cancer is a the cancer that affects the urinary system that is consist of the ureter, bladder and kidneys which regulates the water and chemical balance in the body. [read more]
UTI is a bacterial infection that greatly affects any part of the urinary tract. The most common kind of UTI is called cystitis which is a bladder infection and pyelonephritis which is a kidney infection. [read more]
A urinary tract infection or UTI is categorized as an infection that primarily affects the urinary system. This infection is basically limited to the bladders and can be very painful an annoying. Complications may occur when the infection will spread to the kidneys. Women are known to be more at risk of urinary tract infection than men. [read more]
Urinary tract neoplasm means that a tumor that develops anywhere along the urinary tract. The urinary tract involves the kidneys, urethra and ureters. The tumor may be malignant or benign. [read more]
The normal color of the urine typically ranges from yellow to deep amber, which is the result of a certain pigment called urochrome. However, urine color is not always not and can be a potential signs of other underlying health conditions. There are certain food that can affect the color of the urine but unusual color should prompt the person to seek medical attention. [read more]
Also known as Urocanic aciduria or urocanate hydratase deficiency, Urocanase deficiency is a rare disease characterized by the deficiency of the urocanase enzyme. [read more]
The skin disorder physical urticaria (or urticaria) usually results from allergic reactions to certain substances. It is characterized by the swelling of the skin, called welts or uredo, on different parts of the body, such as the face, throat, ears, lips, and tongue. The welts, whose sizes may grow up to that of one dinner plate, commonly itch severely, burn or sting. [read more]
Urticaria pigementosa is a rare disease and is the most common form of cutaneous mastocytosis. [read more]
Also known as Muckle-Wells syndrome, Urticaria-deafness-amyloidosis (UDA) was first described in 1962 by Thomas James Muckle and Michael Vernon Wells. It is a rare autosomal disease, which causes sensorineural deafness, recurrent hives, and can lead to amyloidosis. MWS happens when a mutation in the CIAS1 gene leads to increased activity of the cryopyrin protein. The disorder is closely related to two other syndromes, familial cold urticaria and neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease. [read more]
Usher syndrome is probably the most common condition that affects both hearing and vision. Usher syndrome also has three clinical types: type 1, type 2, and type 3. The most common types in the United States are type 1 and type 2. They account for approximately 90 to 95 percent of all cases of children who have Usher syndrome. [read more]
Uterine cancer is a most common form of carcinoma that begins in the endometrium or the lining of the uterus. Also called endometrial cancer, this type of cancer typically appears after the reproductive years, mostly in the sixth or seventh decade of life. [read more]
Uterine fibroids are seen in the muscle layers of the uterus which are benign tumors. During the reproductive years it affects about 25% of white women and 50% of black women it also the most common neoplasm in females. [read more]
Uterine fibroids are characterized as noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus that appear within the childbearing years. Uterine fibroids are also known as fibromyomas and are not elated with uterine cancer. Generally, these growths do not pose any real problem and would seldom require any treatment. [read more]
Uterine growths, also known as endometriosis, are benign growths that come from the tissues of the uterine lining. These tissues develop into cysts on the pelvic area. When not treated, these growths can form scars and adhesions which can bind reproductive organs together. [read more]
Uterine prolapse is characterized by the movement of the uterus farther into the vagina and is primarily caused by the weakening and stretching of the muscles and ligaments. This condition mostly affects menstrual women because of the uterus damage during childbearing years. [read more]
Uterus didelphys is medical anomaly where the two tubes of the uterus do not join completely and develops into two separate cavities. This is also known as double uterus, which each uterus having its own cervix and a divided or double vagina. This condition has been known to be quite rare and may not even be diagnosed at times. [read more]
Uveitis specifically refers to inflammation of the uvea or the middle layer of the eye. The term uvea however may also refer to any inflammatory process involving the interior of the eye. The disease is estimated to be responsible for approximately 10% of blindness in the United States. [read more]
An inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, anterior uveitis includes the iris (colored part of the eye) and the ciliary body, an adjacent tissue. If it remains untreated, it can cause permanent damage and loss of vision from the development of glaucoma, cataract or retinal edema. Though it usually responds well to treatment, there is still a tendency for recurrence. [read more]
Also known as PU, retinitis, Choroidoretinitis, or Choroiditis, posterior Uveitis is the inflammation of the choroids and the retinal layer leading to vision problems. [read more]
Vaginal cancer is a rare form of carcinoma that affects the vagina, or the muscular tube connecting the uterus to the outer genitals. Most cases of vaginal cancer occur in the birth canal. [read more]
Vagina cancer is considered to be a very rare form of cancer that affects the vagina, especially the cells that use to line the surface of the vagina or otherwise known as the birth canal. This cancer usually affects women with ages 60 and up and can spread to other parts of the body. [read more]
Vaginal atrophy is characterized by the thinning as well as inflammation of the vaginal walls. This condition usually occurs after menopause, but may also develop during breast-feeding stage or at any time the estrogen production declines. [read more]
Vaginal discharge, also known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an inflammation of the female genital tract. It is a result of various sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea. [read more]
Vaginal dryness is characterized by the lack of natural lubrication of the vagina, causing irritation and itchiness as well as discomfort during sexual intercourse. This is quite a common condition found in most women, especially during and after the menopausal stage. [read more]
The German equivalent of the word Vaginism, Vaginismus is a condition that affects a woman's ability to engage in any form of vaginal penetration, including sexual penetration, insertion of tampons, and the penetration involved in gynecological examinations. The spasm is not controlled by the vaginismic woman since the vagnismic reflex can be compared to the response of the eye shutting when an object comes towards it. The severity of the condition varies from woman to woman. [read more]
Vaginitis is characterized as the inflammation of the vagina, which can often result to discharges, as well as itching and pain. Vaginitis is usually triggered by the change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or caused by an infection. [read more]
Valley fever is caused by fungi in the soil, which can be stirred into the air by anything that disrupts the soil such as farming, construction, and wind. A form of coccidioidomycosis or cocci infection, the fungi causing the disease can be breathed into the lungs. [read more]
Van der Woude syndrome is a condition affecting the development of the face. It is known for the acronym VDWS. [read more]
Van Goethem syndrome is a birth defect that is also called radiodigitofacial dysplasia. [read more]
Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is a group of bacterial species of the genus Enterococcus, which is resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. The aid bacteria are enteric and can be found in the digestive and urinary tracts of some humans. Even healthy people can carry VRE if they have been exposed to the bacteria. Hospitals are the most likely places whewre such contacts can occur although it is thought that a significant percentage of intensively-farmed chicken can also carry VRE. [read more]
Varadi Papp is a syndrome of polydactyly of the fingers and toes, cleft lip/palate or lingual nodule, somatic and psychomotor retardation, and occasional internal abnormalities. It is also known as hyperdactyl, which is a congenital physical anomaly consisting of supernumerary fingers or toes. [read more]
TORCH or TORCHES infections are a group of infections that can lead to sever fatal anomalies or even fetal loss among pregnant women. Varicella virus antenatal infection is one of the infections in this syndrome. These infections are rarely bacterial and gain access to the fetal bloodstream via the placenta or the chorionic villi. TORCH stands for Toxoplasmosis, Other agents (Varicella zoster virus and human parvovirus), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus/HIV, and Syphilis. [read more]
One of eight herpes viruses, Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is known to infect humans and other vertebrates. The virus commonly causes chicken pox in both children and shingles and postherpetic neuralgia among adults. [read more]
Varicose veins looks like gnarled, enlarged veins. The veins that are usually affected are those found in the legs and feet. For other people pain and discomfort can be felt. Varicose veins can also indicate other disorders especially in the circulatory system. [read more]
Varicose veins are characterized as gnarled and enlarged veins that usually develop in the legs and feet. While this condition is mostly seen as a cosmetic concern and a medically insignificant condition, in some cases it can cause serious discomfort and pain and increase the risk of other circulatory complications. [read more]
An autosomal dominant porphyria, Variegate porphyria can have severe, but usually not long-lasting symptoms along with symptoms that affect the skin. [read more]
Variola is a virus that causes smallpox which can be highly contagious as often a deadly disease. Based in history, smallpox have been known to have such a profound effect in the human health and has caused about 300 million deaths all over the world. [read more]
Congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD) or congenital bilateral aplasia of vas deferens is a condition in which both vas deferens, fail to form properly prior to birth. [read more]
Vascular dementia is medical umbrella term that generally describes mental impairments and disorders that affect the cognitive functioning of the brain. This is usually caused by abnormalities in the blood vessels that are responsible in feeding the brain. Blockages in the blood usually cause stroke that causes dementia. [read more]
A group of diseases featuring inflammation of the wall of blood vessels including veins (phlebitis), arteries, and capillaries due to leukocyte migration and resultant damage, Vasculitis is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own blood vessels. Vasculitides generally affect several organ systems and can cause severe disability. [read more]
A condition characterized by a reaction that results in the inflammation of the blood vessels, hypersensitivity vasculitis happens when immune complexes lodge in the vessel wall, attracting polymorphonuclear leukocytes that in turn release tissue-degrading substances leading to an inflammatory process. [read more]
There are several types of fainting but the most common is Vasovagal syncope. is the most common type of fainting. There are a number of different syncope syndromes; all which falling under the umbrella of vasovagal syncope. The central mechanism leading to loss of consciousness is the common element among these conditions. The only difference among them is the triggering factors. [read more]
Vater Syndrome, sometimes called Vacterl Association, refers to the non-random association ofv ertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiovascular anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, renal and/or radial anomalies and Preaxial limb anomalies (Weaver, David and Brandt, Ira (1999). Catalog of Prenatally Diagnosed Codition, JHU Press, pp. 248). More specifically , it refers to the abnormalities in structures deduce from the embryonic mesoderm. [read more]
Velocardiofacial Syndrome, otherwise known as the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, DiGeorge Syndrome Strong Syndrome, is a disease or a condition that is characterized by the deletion of a chromosome that occurs near the middle of the chromosome at a location named or designated as q11.2 It usually one of the causes which causes hypemasality, language delays and speech sound errors (D'Antonio LL, Scherer NJ, Miller LL, Kalbfleisch JH, Bartley JA (2001). "Analysis of speech characteristics in children with velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) and children with phenotypic overlap without VCFS". Cleft Palate Craniofac. J. 38 (5): 455-67). [read more]
Velopharyngeal incompetence is a disease which is used to describe the functionality of the velopharyngeal valve. Specifically it is the malfunctioning of the velopharyngel mechanism of a person which is responsible for directing the transmission of sound energy and air pressure in both the oral cavity and the nasal cavity. [read more]
Venereal warts is more commonly known as warts in the genitals is categorized as one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases. As its name suggests, this disease primarily affects the moist tissues found in the genitals. While these warts can be treated with medications and surgery, it poses a health risk that should be treated seriously. [read more]
Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation or V-fiB or VF, for brevity, is a term which is most frequently used to describe the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation in the intact heart (Aliot, E., Clement, J., Prystowsky, E. (2008). Fighting Sudden Cardiac Death: A World Wide Challenge, Blackwell Publishing, p.240). It is characterized by the uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle of the ventricles located in the heart. It usually causes cessation of blood circulation which eventually leads to death. [read more]
Ventricular septal defect or VSD for brevity is a defect in the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart called the ventricular septum which consists of an inferior muscular and superior membranous portion which is close to the atrioventricular node, It is the most common congenital heart defects in adults and older children (Hoffman JI, Kaplan S. (2002) The Incidence of congenital heart disease, p 39). [read more]
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is the recurrent, bilateral, interstitial inflammation of the conjunctive that occurs more frequently in warm or dry climates. [read more]
Veruccas, also known as plantar warts, skin lesions that grow on the soles of the feet. These warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), but they are not harmful to the body's internal organs. [read more]
Vibrio is a gram-negative bacteria, usually a curved rod shape, is most often associated with gastroenteritis and septicemia. It usually thrive in living animals living in salt walter including prawns and crabs. [read more]
Vibrio Parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative bacteria that is usually found in brackish salt water, commonly associated with the gastrointestinal illnesses. [read more]
Vibrio Vulnificus is a gram negative bacteria, most commonly rod shaped, belongs to the genus vibrio which usually present in estuaries and coastal areas and is commonly associated with the vibrio cholera which causes cholera. [read more]
Vincent's stomatitis is more commonly known as Trench mouth, which has been known to be quite prevalent among soldiers who were are stuck during the World War I in the trenches. This is caused by a severe form of gingitivis caused by poor living conditions and poor nutrition. [read more]
VIPoma, otherwise known as the Verner Morrison Syndrome (Verner, J. V., and Morrison, A. B. (1958) Islet cell tumor and a syndrome of refractory watery diarrhea and hypokalemia. Am J Med 1958; 374) or Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide-oma, is a rare functional tumour of the pancreas which is characterized by the over production or producing excess amounts of VIP, which results in sever watery diarrhea, hypokalaemia and hypochlothydria (Buther, G. (2003) Gastroenterology: An Illustrated Colour Text, p. 60). [read more]
Viral exanthem is also called non-specific viral rash. This is a type rash which is caused by infection due to virus. There are, however, many viruse that causes similar rashes making it difficult to distinguish it from another. [read more]
Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestine characterize by watery diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen, vomiting or nausea, and sometimes fever. It is also often referred to as stomach flu. It usually happens if an individual have ingested a contaminated water or food. [read more]
Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestine characterize by watery diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen, vomiting or nausea, and sometimes fever. It is also often referred to as stomach flu. It usually happens if an individual have ingested a contaminated water or food. [read more]
Viral Gastroenteritis is the medical term that is used to refer to an intestinal infection that is usually caused by virus that is found on contaminated food and water. [read more]
Viral haemorrhagic fevers is actually categorized as a group of illnesses that are primary caused by a number of highly distinct virus families that includes filoviruses, arenaviruses, , flaviviruses and bunyaviruses. Some of these virus may cause some relatively mild illnesses, while others can result to life-threatening diseases. [read more]
Viral hemorrhagic fever, VHF for brevity, is a group of illnesses that are caused by a taxonomically diverse group of simple RNA viruses with lipid envelopes (Gravenstein, N., Lobato, E., Kirby, R. (2007) Complications in Anesthesiology, p.446). It is an illness which is commonly detected or seen in both human and animals. [read more]
Viral Hepatitis is the medical condition that is characterized by the inflammation of the liver caused by viruses such as the cytomegalovirus. [read more]
Viral Meningitis is the medical condition whereby there is an inflammation of the meninges or the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord caused by viruses. [read more]
Vision problems are anomalies that affect normal eye function. These disturbances are caused by a variety of factors ranging from genetic defects to environmental exposure. Among the main forms of vision problems are cataracts, blurry vision, refractive errors and swelling corneal blood vessels, as well as partial or total blindness. Vision problems can also be an effect of severe conditions such as eye cancers and other malignant growths. Vision problems can be detected by physical eye examinations and be treated with prescription glasses, contact lenses or eye surgery to restore normal vision. [read more]
In developing countries Vitamin A deficiency is common and often seen in developed countries. This deficiency contributes to blindness because it can make the cornea very dry and destroying the retina and cornea. Pregnant women are at risk because there is a high possibility that they acquire this deficiency. [read more]
Vitamin A Deficiency is the medical condition that refers to the person's inability to take the required or the minimum level of Vitamin A which helps the body to fight infections. itamin A deficiency also diminishes the ability to fight infections. In countries where children are not immunized, infectious disease like measles have relatively higher fatality rates. As elucidated by Dr. Alfred Sommer, even mild, subclinical deficiency can also be a problem, as it may increase children's risk of developing respiratory and diarrheal infections, decrease growth rate, slow bone development, and decrease likelihood of survival from serious illness. [read more]
Vitamin B 6 Deficiency is a deficiency due to the poor absorption of nutrients particularly Vitamin B6 in the gastrointestinal tracts as in the case of chronic diarrhea and alcoholism or due to intake of isoniazid, hydrolazine and penicillamine [read more]
Vitamin B12 deficiency is the deficiency which usually result from the failure of the digestive tract to absorb Vitamin B12 or Cobalomin which is necessary for making red blood cells and which is responsible for keeping the nervous system functioning. It is said that this deficiency may cause irreversible damage to the person's nerve (Insel, P., Turner, E., Ross, D. (2005). Discovering Nutrition, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, p. 353). [read more]
Vitamin D Deficiency is the medical condition whereby there is inadequate intake of vitamin D accompanied with the person's less exposure to sunlight. [read more]
Vitamin D Overdose is the medical condition where there is an excessive ingestion of Vitamin D which may cause abnormal calcium metabolism. [read more]
Vitamin D Resistant Rickets is the clinical condition characterized by the person's prevalent body resistance to the vitamin D treatment generally used in deficiency rickets. [read more]
It is a condition whereby the person is unable to absorb dietary fat due to an inability to secrete bile. It is characterized by neurological problems associated with nerve degeneration in hands and feet (Institute of medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. (2000) Dietary Reference intakes: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium and Carotenoids, National Academy Press, Washington D.C). [read more]
Familial Isolated Vitamin E Deficiency which is synonymous to Ataxia with Vitamin E Deficiency or to isolated Vitamin E Deficiency is a rare and autosomal recessive neurodegenrative disease. It is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that is often characterized by the inability to coordinate voluntary movements and disease of the peripheral nervous system. It is a progressive disorder. [read more]
Vitamin E Overdose is the medical condition characterized by too much consumption of vitamin E supplements. [read more]
Vitiligo is a rare skin condition characterized by the loss by color pigmentation of the areas of skin resulting to an irregular white patching. It is associated with systematic diseases like the Pernicous anemia, hyperthyroidism and Addison's disease. [read more]
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome or Uveodematologic Syndrome or just VKH for brevity, is an immune-mediated disease. It is a rare condition which may affect both dogs and human and involves melanocyte-containing organ, which is characterized by the inflammation of the inside of the eye or the uveitus, occurrence of poliosis or the whitening of the hair, vitiligo or the loss of the pigmentation of the skin and even meningitis. The mechanism of the disease is said to be the T helper cell mediated autoimmune attack of melanocytes in the skin and uvea and in the central nervous system and inner ear of human (Sigle K, McLellan G, Haynes J, Myers R, Betts D (2006). "Unilateral uveitis in a dog with uveodermatologic syndrome". J Am Vet Med Assoc 228 (4): 543-8). [read more]
Very long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency or VLCAD for brevity is a disorder of the fatty acid oxidation disorder that hinders the normal conversion of certain fats to energy by the body especially during period without food intake. [read more]
Vocal cord paralysis is a medical condition that primarily affects the person's ability to produce a sound and can be quite life-threatening since it affects the way you breathe. The paralysis usually occurs after a throat or neck surgery. Cancer of the thyroid, and lung tumors may also cause vocal cord paralysis. [read more]
Glycogen storage disease type I otherwise known as the Von Gierke's disease, is a genetic disease that is said to be a most common glycogen storage disease. It impairs the person's ability of the liver to produce free glucose from glycogen and from gluconeogenesis. [read more]
Von Hippel-Lindau disease or VHL for brevity is a rare genetic condition which usually involves the unusual and abnormal growth of tumors in different parts of the body which is usually rich in blood supply. [read more]
Von Recklinghausen Disease otherwise known as the Neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by pigmented skin lesions, skin tumors that develop along the peripheral nerves, multiple spiral and cranial nerve tumors and associated gliomas and intracranial meningiomas (Bruce Ostlertt, et al. (2003) Disease of the Eye and Ski n: A Color Atlas, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, p.95). [read more]
Von Willebrand Disease or VWD for brevity, is a common hereditary bleeding disorder. It is a coagulation abnormality which can be acquired as a result of medical conditions. [read more]
Voyeurism is a kind of deviant behavior in which a person fulfills his sexual desires by watching a sexual encounter without necessarily engaging in it. This behavior also involves the acquisition of items used to satisfy one's sexual fantasies, such as female underwear. It is classified as a paraphilia under the code 302.82 under the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual-IV. [read more]
Vulvar cancer pertains to a rare carcinoma affecting the vulva, the outer part of the female genitalia. It usually occurs in women aged 55-85, although it may sometimes affect females under 40 years old. [read more]
Vulvodynia is a medical condition which refers to the disorder which causes vulvar pain and discomfort. [read more]
Vulvovaginitis is the infection of the vulva which may be accompanied with the inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. [read more]
Waardenburg syndrome is a medical condition characterized by differing degrees of deafness, minor defects in structures which arises from the neural chest and anomalies in skin pigmentation. It is associated with various congenital disorders such as defects in the intestine and spine, elevated scapula and the cleft lip palate. [read more]
Waardenburg Syndrome Pierpoint is one of the variation in the name used to refer to the Waardenburg Syndrome or the Klein-Waardenburg syndrome, Van der Hoeve-Halbertsma-Waardenburg syndrome, Mende's syndrome II, Ptosis-Epicanthus syndrome,Van der Hoeve-Waardenburg-Klein syndrome, Van der Hoeve-Halbertsma-Gualdi syndrome, or the Vogt's syndrome, is an unusual disorder of the gene where it is characterized by moderate to severe impairment in the sense of hearing, defects or abnormalities which usually due from the neutral crest and anomalies in the pigmentation of the skin. It is first defined in 1951 by a Dutch Opthalmologist Petrus Johannes Waardenburg (Waardenburg PJ (1951) "A new syndrome combining developmental anomalies of the eyelids, eyebrows and nose root with pigmentary defects of the iris and head hair and with congenital deafness". Am J Hum Genet 1951; 3: 195-253). [read more]
Waardenburg Syndrome type 1 is the most common type of Waardenburg Syndrome that is also is also characterized by varying degree of deafness, abnormality in the structure arising from the neutral crest and anomalies in pigmentation. The genetic variation involved in this type of syndrome is the paired box 3 or the PAX3 gene which is placed on 2q35. It symptoms include hypertelorism or distinctive wide-set eyes as a result of a prominent and broad nasal root or the dystopia canthorum. The type 1 of Waardenburg Syndrome usually inherited as an autosomal dominant pattern or where a copy of the altered gene is enough to cause the disorder. No treatment is discovered for the treatment of this type of Waardenburg Syndrome. [read more]
Waardenburg Syndrome type 2 otherwise known as the WS2 is also one of the most common type of Waardenburg Syndrome that is characterized by deafness and abnormality in the structure which usually occur from the neutral crest. It was first identified in 1971 and used to describe a situation where the dystopia canthorum was not present (Arias S (1971). "Genetic heterogeneity in the Waardenburg syndrome". Birth Defects Orig. Artic. Ser. 07 (4): 87-101). Waardenburg Syndrome 2 has a sub-classification namely WS2A and WS2B, which are based on the causative gene involved. Its' symptoms includes moderate to profound hearing impairment. WS2 appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive pattern where in there must be two copies of the altered gene for a person to be affected. There is no treatment for this type of Waardenburg Syndrome. [read more]
Waardenburg Syndrome type 2 or WS2A for brevity, is a subtype of Waardenburg Syndrome 2 where the variation in the gene involves the MITF or the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor located at the 3p14.1-p12.3. It is also manifest by hearing impairment. It is also said to be an autosomal recessive inasmuch as it need two copies of altered gene to make a person affected with the disorder. [read more]
Waardenburg Syndrome type 2B or WS2B for brevity, is a subtype of Waardenburg Syndrome 2 where the gene involved is the WS2B located at the 1p21-p13.3. Its symptoms also includes moderate to severe lost of hearing. Type 2B of Waardenburg Syndrome is usually inherited as an autosomal recessive pattern where two copies of the altered gene is needed in order that a person may be said to be affected with the disorder. [read more]
Wagner's Disease is rare familial eye disease or disorder of the connective tissue in the eye that eventually causes blindness. It is frequently confused with the Sticler's syndrome but just lacks the feature of high incidence of retinal detachments. [read more]
Wagner-Stickler Syndrome or Srickler Syndrome or David-Stickler syndrome, is a genetic disorder which primarily affect the connective tissue particularly the collagen. It is characterized by distinctive facial appearance, eye abnormalities and loss of hearing and problems in the joint areas. [read more]
WAGR syndrome otherwise known as the WAGR complex, Wilms tumor-aniridia syndrome, aniridia-Wilms tumor syndrome, is a genetic disorder which affect children and made them to developed Wilms tumor, Aniridi, Genitourinary disorders and mental retardation. (Fischbach BV, Trout KL, Lewis J, Luis CA, Sika M (2005). "WAGR syndrome: a clinical review of 54 cases". Pediatrics 116 (4): 984-8). [read more]
Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia , WM for brevity, is a type cancer disease which involves the lymphocytes or the subtype of white blood cells. It is usually a type of lymphoproliferative disease, and is often said to share the same characteristics with the non-Hodgkin Lymphomas ( Cheson BD (2006). "Chronic Lymphoid Leukemias and Plasma Cell Disorders", in Dale DD, Federman DD: ACP Medicine. New York, NY: WebMD Professional Publishing). [read more]
Wallis Zieff Goldblatt syndrome otherwise known as the cleidorhizomelic syndrome is a medical condition which can be described as an inherited skeletal disorders which is manifest mainly through the rhizomelic short stature and defects in the lateral clavicular of the person affected (Wallis C, Zieff S, Goldblatt J (1988). "Newly recognized autosomal dominant syndrome of rhizomelic shortness with clavicular defect". Am J Med Genet 31 (4): 881-5). [read more]
Wandering spleen otherwise known as the Pelvic spleen is a rare medical disease that is often linked to the loss or the weakening of the ligaments that help hold the spleen. [read more]
Warts are small, rough tumor that is typically located on the hands and feet and can resemble a cauliflower or a solid blister. [read more]
Water on the knee is the common term used to describe the accumulation of fluid around and in the knee joint. This can be a result of a trauma, injury due to overuse and other medical conditions. [read more]
Water intoxication is also referred to as hyperhydration or simply water poisoning. It is the potential disturbance of the brain function where in normal balance of electrolytes is forced outside of safe limits by water. It is also the extreme retention of water with sodium reduction. [read more]
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, WFS for brevity is usually bilateral and massive, hemorrhage into the adrenal glands caused by fulminant meningococcemia (Kumar V, Abbas A, Fausto N (2005). Robins and Coltran: Pathological Basis of Disease, 7th, Elsevier, pp. 1214?5) [read more]
Watermelon Stomach or the Gastric antral vascular ectasia, GAVE for brevity, is a condition where there is improper function especially in the antrum or the last part of the stomach. It is a rare condition which is cause by the chronic gastrointestinal bleeding or iron deficiency anemia. [read more]
Weber Sturge Dimitri Syndrome otherwise known as the encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis is a rare congenital neurological and skin disorder. It is a phakomatoses and usually associated with port-wine stains on the face, glaucoma, seizures, ipsilateral leptomeningeal angioma and mental retardation. [read more]
Weber Christian Disease or otherwise known as the idiopathic lobular panniculitis is a disorder affecting the skin whereby there is a recurring inflammation of the fat layer of the skin. [read more]
Wegener's granulomatosis is a form of the vasculitis disorder that primarily affects the lungs, kidneys and other organs. Because it mainly affect the organs, it requires a long term immune suppression (Seo P, Stone JH. The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides. Am J Med 2004;117:39-50). [read more]
Weil Syndrome, otherwise known as the Leptospirosis or the canicola fever, canefield fever, nanukayami fever or the 7-day fever among other names, is a bacterial zoonotic disease which affects both human and animals like mammals, reptile, amphibians and birds. It is an infection that is commonly transmitted to human through allowing fresh water that is contaminated with animal urine to came in contact with the broken skin. It was first observed in 1907 from a post mortem renal tissue slice (Stimson AM (1907). "Note on an organism found in yellow-fever tissue." Public Health Reports 22:541). [read more]
Weil's Disease is more commonly known as leptospirosis, which is a term used to identify certain forms of diseases that are caused by microorganisms of the genus Leptospira. These viruses can usually contracted from urine of rats and other farm animals, most commonly found in cave environment in mud and water. [read more]
Weissenbacher Zweymuller Syndrome is a genetic disorder where there is abnormalities in the skeletal system of the person. [read more]
Werdnigg-Hoffman Disease otherwise known as the Sever Infantile Spinal Muscular Atropy or simply Spinal Muscular Atropy Type I is an sutosomal recessive condition that presents either neonatally as floppy baby or with progressive weakness and wating within the first year of life owing to widespread lower motor neuron degeneration (Souhami, R. and Maxham,J. (2002) Textbook on Medicine, p 1391). [read more]
Werner's Syndrome otherwise known as the Adult premature aging syndrome or the adult progeria, is a rare genetic disorder which can be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Its signs and symptoms of the disorder may only be manifest usually during the third and fourth decade of life. [read more]
West Nile virus is an RNA virus which is also a member of the Flaviviridae family that is transmitted through culicine mosquitoes which usually bite birds and infect horses and humans (Guharoy R. Noviasky JA, et al. (2004) West Nile Virus Infection, AmJ Health Syst. Pharm. Jun 15:61 (12). [read more]
West Syndrome also known as the ?Infantile Spasms? is a rare form of epilepsy in infants. The syndrome is related to the age of the person and usually occur in the 3rd and 12th month especially the 5th month of the infant. [read more]
Westphall disease otherwise known as the Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare channelopathy where there is weakness in the muscle and even cause paralysis accompanying a fall in the level of potassium in the blood. It often begins in adolescence and is usually triggered of strenuous exercise followed by rest, high carbohydrate meals and sudden changes in the temperature. [read more]
Wet lung syndrome, also known as Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), is an acute obstruction of the lungs. Inflammation of the lungs occurs when the air passages become to narrow for the oxygen to enter. This syndrome is common among people exposed to chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine for a long period of time. The condition is characterized by rales and cough. It may also lead to more severe respiratory problems and can be life-threatening. [read more]
Wheat is identified as one of the most common allergy-causing foods that mostly affect children. The allergic reactions typically occurs a few minutes after eating the food products that contains wheat, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and possibly life-threatening reactions. [read more]
Wheat Hypersensitivity otherwise known as the Wheat allergy is a kind of food allergy which involves IgE and mast cell response. [read more]
Whiplash usually happens during rear-end car collisions which results to a neck injury which is common in this kind of situations. [read more]
Whiplash is characterized as one of the most common neck injury that is usually a result of a rear-end collisions on automobile when the head suddenly jerks back and forward. This extreme motion can cause the ligaments and the muscles to move out of its range. [read more]
Whipple disease is a systematic and rare disease which is often described as a gastrointestinal disorder that causes mal-absorption and affect other part of the including the heart, lungs, brain and eyes. [read more]
White Sponge Nevus otherwise known as the Cannon's Disease or Hereditary leukokeratosis of mucosa which follow a hereditary pattern as an autosomal dominant trait. It usually occur during childhood or adulthood of the person. [read more]
Whitemore disease, also known as melioidosis, is a contagious illness similar to glanders disease. It is caused by the bacterium Burkhoideria pseudomallei. This disease is endemic in Southeast Asia, South America and some parts of Australia. [read more]
Whooping cough is medically known as pertussis, which is characterized as a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract. While whooping cough may initially resemble an ordinary cold, it may eventually turn more serious, especially among infants. [read more]
Von Willebrand disease or VWD for brevity, is an inherited bleeding disorder which affects the body's ability to clot open wounds which causes heavy and continuous bleeding. [read more]
Acquired Willebrand disease otherwise known as the Von Willebrand disease is the a hereditary coagulation abnormality which arises from a quantitative or qualitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor which is a multimeric protein that is usually required for platelet adhesion. [read more]
Williams syndrome otherwise known as the Williams-Beuren syndrome is a genetic disorder that is characterized by a an unusual ?elfin? facial appearance with a low nasal bridge a different and unusual cheerful demeanor and unpredictable negative outbursts. It is first described by Dr. J.C.P Williams of New Zealand (Dobbs, David. The Gregarious Brain, New York Times, July 8, 2007, Retrieved on September 25, 2007.) [read more]
Wilms tumor-aniridia syndrome otherwise known as the WAGR complex, aniridia-Wilms tumor syndrome, is a genetic disorder which affect children and made them to developed Wilms tumor, Aniridi, Genitourinary disorders and mental retardation. (Fischbach BV, Trout KL, Lewis J, Luis CA, Sika M (2005). "WAGR syndrome: a clinical review of 54 cases". Pediatrics 116 (4): 984-8). [read more]
Wilms' tumor otherwise known as the nephroblastoma, is a tumor which often leads to cancer of the kidneys that more frequently occurs in children. It is frequently detected to children between the ages of two and three and often manifests as a lump in the abdomen. [read more]
Wilson's disease or hepatolenticular degeneration is said to be an autosomal recessive genetic disorder wherein there is accumulation of copper in the tissues and manifest itself with neurilogical symptoms and liver disease. [read more]
Winged scapula is a medical condition in which the border of a person's shoulder blade is placed in a lateral posterior position (outward-backward). The back then appears to be wing-like because of the deformed protrusion of the scapula. [read more]
Winter vomiting disease is a contagious illness caused by the Norwalk virus. It is common in Englands, Sweden and Norway. [read more]
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome otherwise known as the eczema-thrombocytopenia-immunodeficiency syndrome (Aldrich RA, Steinberg AG, Campbell DC (1954). "Pedigree demonstrating a sex-linked recessive condition characterized by draining ears, eczematoid dermatitis and bloody diarrhea". Pediatrics 13 (2): 133-9) is a x-linked recessive disease that is characterized by eczema, thrombocytopenia of low platelet counts, immune deficiency and blood in diarrhea. [read more]
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome otherwise known as the deletion 4p and 4p- syndrome was first studied in 1961 by H. Cooper and U. Wolf (Cooper H., Hirschhhorn K.(1961). Apparent deletion of short arms of one Chromosome (4 or 5) in a child with Defects of Midline Fusion. Mammalian Chrom Nwsl.4:14) It is said to be a phenotype resulting from a deletion of chromosomal material of the short arm of the 4th chromosome. [read more]
Wolman disease otherwise known as the Wolman's syndrome or acid lipase deficiency is a rare disorder that is a neonates and usually results to death of the infant within the first year of life. It was first observed in 1956 by Moshe Wolman, an Israeli neuropathologist (A. Abramov, S. Schorr and M. Wolman, Generalized xanthomatosis with calcified adrenals, Am J Dis Child 91 (1956), pp. 282?286). [read more]
Worms are parasites that may thrive inside the human gastrointestinal tract. In this condition worms eat up the nutrients of their host causing weakness and malnutrition and sometimes, death. [read more]
Worms in children are an infestation of certain worms on children's gastrointestinal tract. These worms can be ingested through eating contaminated food as well as playing games on the ground with only bare feet. [read more]
Worster-Drought syndrome otherwise known as the congenital suprabulbar paresis, is a kind of cerebral palsy which primarily affects the bulbar muscles which in turn, causes problems with the mouth and tongue including impairment in swallowing. [read more]
Wrinkles are natural signs of aging and are largely considered a cosmetic problem and not a serious medical condition. As a person ages, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, creating fine lines and creases on the skin. There are a number of medications and skin resurfacing techniques available today to help people retain their youthful skin. [read more]
Writer's cramp otherwise known as the mogigraphia is the cramping or the spasm of the hands and the fingers. It is a focal dystonia of the hand. [read more]
X-linked agammaglobulinemia otherwise known as X-linked hypogammaglobulinemia, or the XLA, Bruton type agammaglobulinemia is a medical condition that is characterized by the disorder in the X-link genes that results into the body's ability to fight infection. [read more]
Palpebrarum is a small plaque which is ofte yellowish in color that presents on the eyelids. Palpebrarum usually occurs in diabetes patients and to people having high cholesterol levels or lipid in their blood. The plaques usually contain high fat deposits. This condition is also called xanthelasma palpebrarum. [read more]
Xeroderma pigmentosum or XP for brevity, is said to be an autosomal recessive genetic disorder of DNA repair where it is characterized by the inability to repair Ultraviolet or UV damages. More often it usually leads to the multiple basaliomas and skin malignancies. [read more]
Xerophthalmia, a Greek term used to refer to Dry Eyes, is a condition whereby there is an unusal failure of the eye to produce tears. [read more]
Yeast infection is medically known as candidiasis it is an infection caused by fungi of any of the Candida species where in the most common type is the Candida albicans. Yeast infection can range from superficial to systemic which can be a dangerous disease. [read more]
Yellow nail syndrome is a medical condition which includes the pleural effusions, lymphoedema, discoloration of the nails. [read more]
Yersinia is a gram-negative rod-shaped genus of bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. They are usually a few micrometers in length and fractions of a micrometer in diameter. The natural reservoirs of Yersinia are rodents and, though less likely, other mammals. In humans, some species of Yersinia are pathogenic and cause infections through the blood or via the alimentary tract. Yersiniosis is the name of the disease caused by Yersinia in humans. [read more]
Yersinia pestis otherwise known as the Pasteurella pestis is a gram-negative facultative and anaerobic bipolar staining that makes it look as a safety pin bacteria which belongs to the family of Enterobacteriaceae (Collins FM (1996). Pasteurella, Yersinia, and Francisella. In: Baron's Medical Microbiology (Baron S et al, eds.), 4th ed., Univ of Texas Medical Branch). Yersinia Pestive have three distinct forms namely: the bubonic, the pneumonic, and the septicemic plague. [read more]
Yolk sac tumor, YST for brevity, and which is otherwise known as the Endodermal sinus tumor or the infantile embryonal carcinoma, is a type of germ cell tumor group of cancers and is said to be common to children under three years old. [read more]
Young's syndrome is a condition of combined syndromes such as bronchiectasis, rhinosinusitis, and reduced fertility. It is also referred to as Azoospermia sinopulmonary infections, Sinusitis-infertility syndrome, and Barry-Perkins-Young syndrome. [read more]
Yunis-Varon syndrome is a congenital disorder that affects the skeletal system, ectodermal tissue, and cardiorespiratory systems. [read more]
Yusho disease, which literally means oil disease, is due to PCB poisoning. In 1968, a mass poisoning caused by PCBs occurred in northern Kyushu, Japan. A similar case that occurred in Taiwan was known as Yu-Cheng disease. [read more]
Zadik Barak Levin Syndrome is a congenital disorder resulting from a defect in the mesodermal-ectodermal midline development of the embryo. [read more]
Zellweger syndrome is a congenital disorder caused by reduced or absent peroxisomes in the cells of the liver, kidneys, and brain. Peroximes are cell structures that get rid of toxic substances in the body. The syndrome belongs to a group of peroxisomal diseases, which affect brain development and the growth of the myelin sheath on nerve fibers in the brain. [read more]
Zimmerman-Laband syndrome is a genetically inherited congenital disorder, which is also referred to as Laband's Syndrome. [read more]
Zinc deficiency is a medical condition whereby there is a low intake of zinc which is an essential mineral in every cell. [read more]
It is a rare condition related with a variety of disease and symptoms like Pectus excavatum, macrocephaly and dysplastic nails, familial short stature, delay in development and distinctive facies. The name of the syndrome came from the researchers who first described and determined the syndrome and its clinical signs. It is also believed that the syndrome is inherited in a pattern known as autosomal dominant and there are no new researches regarding this disease. [read more]
Zunich-Kaye syndrome is also known as Zunich neuroectodermal syndrome. It is a unique congenital ichthyosis first described in 1983. It is also allude to as CHIME disorder. It is a hereditary syndrome with only a scarce cases studied and published. Zunich-Kaye syndrome has an autosomal retreating pattern of inheritance. [read more]
Zuska's Disease, also known as lactiferous fistula, is a rare recurrent condition characterized by draining abscesses around the nipple. This disease is often misanalyzed and miscured, occasionally resulting in unnecessary mastectomy. [read more]