What’s acute monocytic leukemia?

Acute monocytic leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, leading to anemia and reduced resistance to infections. It is treated with chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. The subtype AML-M5b is specifically affected. Diagnosis is done through various blood tests and hematology studies. Risk factors include […]

What’s acute angle-closure glaucoma?

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can cause permanent vision damage or blindness if not treated immediately. It occurs when the angle between the iris and the trabecular meshwork is narrowed, leading to blockage in the canals. Symptoms include eye pain, headache, and blurred vision. Treatment involves reducing intraocular pressure and surgery […]

Causes of acute ear pain?

Ear pain can be caused by various factors, including ear infections, fluid buildup, ruptured eardrums, airplane ear, toothache, and temporomandibular joint syndrome. Middle ear infection is the most common type of ear infection, while barotrauma can lead to ruptured eardrums. Toothache and TMJ syndrome can also cause ear pain. Sharp ear pain can have a […]

What’s acute urticaria?

Urticaria is a skin disorder characterized by raised, red, and itchy wheals. It can be acute or chronic and is often caused by reactions to foods, medications, chemicals, insect bites, infections, physical stimulants, or chronic inflammatory diseases. Diagnosis is based on history and physical exam, and treatment involves identifying the cause and managing symptoms with […]

What’s acute pharyngitis?

Acute pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, chemical irritants, and allergy-causing foods. Symptoms include a sore throat, hoarse voice, fever, and body aches. Treatment includes rest, hydration, and antibiotics if necessary. Surgery may be needed in severe cases. Acute pharyngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the throat. Most […]

What’s acute sinusitis?

Acute sinusitis is a type of sinusitis caused by an upper respiratory tract infection or fungal invasion. Symptoms include congestion, headaches, and malaise. Over-the-counter medications and saline solution can help, but antibiotics and corticosteroids may be needed for severe cases. Acute sinusitis is a form of sinusitis that usually begins with an upper respiratory tract […]

What’s acute diabetes?

Acute diabetes, also known as type 2 diabetes, is caused by insulin resistance and can lead to life-threatening complications. It is often triggered by genetic and behavioral factors, and symptoms include excessive thirst, hunger, weight loss, and fatigue. Treatment involves monitoring blood sugar levels, making dietary and lifestyle changes, and in some cases, using insulin […]

What’s acute thyroiditis?

Acute thyroiditis is a rare bacterial infection that causes an inflamed, pus-filled abscess in the thyroid gland. Symptoms include swelling and tenderness in the neck, fever, and fatigue. Antibiotics are the standard treatment, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases. The infection can spread and cause serious complications if left untreated. Acute thyroiditis is […]

What’s acute dystonia?

Acute dystonia is a temporary condition causing involuntary muscle spasms and a hunched or twisted posture, often caused by antipsychotic drugs. Primary dystonia is a genetic neurological disorder with no cure. Anticholinergic drugs can treat acute dystonia, and men with a family history are more likely to experience it. Acute dystonia, also known as acute […]

Causes of acute knee pain?

Acute knee pain can indicate a variety of knee problems, including ligament tears, cartilage tears, chondromalacia patella, patellar tendinitis, Baker’s cyst, bursitis, gout, and arthritis. Seeking medical attention is recommended. Runner’s knee is a common cause of sharp knee pain that comes and goes. Arthritis of the knee is a common cause of acute knee […]

What’s acute hypoxia?

Acute hypoxia is a condition caused by a rapid decrease in tissue oxygen delivery, commonly caused by high altitudes. Symptoms include lethargy, poor coordination, and air hunger. It can be difficult to diagnose, but common signs include fast breathing, unusual mental impairment, and cyanosis. It is more likely to occur among pilots and passengers of […]

Acute vs. chronic inflammation: what’s the difference?

Acute inflammation is short-lived and has five main traits, while chronic inflammation is persistent and can cause tissue damage over time. Acute inflammation is caused by infections, burns, and injuries, while chronic inflammation occurs in autoimmune diseases and can play a role in progressive diseases. The difference between acute and chronic inflammation is that acute […]

What’s an acute illness?

Acute illnesses are short-lived but can be dangerous and require medical attention. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. Severe pain, high fever, and difficulty breathing require medical attention. Chronic diseases have a slow onset and require long-term management. An acute illness is an illness that comes on very quickly and is of short […]

What’s acute edema?

Acute edema causes sudden swelling in various parts of the body and can be caused by heart, kidney, or liver problems. Ankle swelling can be a sign of congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or circulation problems. Diagnosis may require blood tests and medical imaging, and treatment may include diuretics or surgery. Acute edema is characterized […]

What’s acute dehydration?

Acute dehydration is a medical emergency caused by fluid loss, often due to diarrheal disease or lack of water intake during exercise. Treatment involves restoring fluids and monitoring for complications, with hospitalization sometimes necessary. Blood tests and neurological evaluations may be needed to check for organ damage. Acute dehydration is the severe and rapid onset […]

What’s an acute allergy?

Acute allergic reactions release histamines causing symptoms such as sneezing, rash, and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Antihistamines can help control reactions, but avoidance is the best prevention for severe allergies. An acute allergic reaction occurs when the body reacts to a certain substance by releasing histamines. Signs of […]

What’s acute angina?

Acute angina is a condition caused by narrowed coronary arteries, resulting in sudden chest pain, nausea, dizziness, and heart palpitations. It is different from a heart attack and can be relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. There are two types: stable and unstable angina, with the latter requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms include chest pain, heart […]

What’s acute lupus?

Lupus is a disease of the immune system that can affect various parts of the body and cause pain and inflammation. Acute lupus is a temporary severe reaction, while chronic lupus is lifelong pain. There are several types of lupus, including discoid lupus, systemic lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus. There is no cure for […]

What’s acute poisoning?

Acute intoxication can be caused by any drug that impairs a person’s cognitive, perceptual, behavioral, and motor functions. It can lead to vomiting, coma, and other serious conditions. Seeking medical help is recommended, especially if a person appears to be suffering from acute poisoning. The physical reactions to drugs can be opposite to what is […]

Acute vs. chronic diseases: what’s the difference?

Acute illnesses last a short time but can be mild or severe, while chronic diseases persist for three months or more and require medical attention. Subacute diseases fall between acute and chronic illnesses. Examples include colds, flu, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. Many people confuse the difference between an acute illness and a […]

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