Illness rates track employee illness impact on productivity. Companies and countries calculate their own rates by comparing workdays lost to planned workdays. Human resources analyze data to identify underlying factors and internal issues, such as hygiene and stress, that contribute to illness rates. By addressing these issues, companies can reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. An […]
Degenerative disc disease causes pain in the neck or back, and can also cause tingling or numbness in the arms or legs. It’s not actually a disease and may not get worse over time. Symptoms vary and can be felt in other areas of the body. The most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease include […]
A quarter of all diseases are preventable due to environmental factors, with children under 5 being the most affected. Improved sanitation, fuel use, and building safety could save 13 million lives annually. Poor diet, lack of exercise, tobacco, and alcohol are the main factors in the US, while better water supplies could prevent 90% of […]
End stage renal disease (ESRD) is when the kidneys are failing and will never recover, functioning at no more than 10% capacity. It usually doesn’t come on quickly, and patients may live for years with compromised kidneys. Treatment options include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation. Some choose not to treat ESRD due to quality […]
Cerebrovascular disease affects blood supply to the brain and can lead to stroke or aneurysm. Risk factors include age, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Medical imaging can detect issues, and managing conditions and early detection are important. Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a family of medical conditions that affect the blood supply to the brain. […]
Canavan disease is a genetic neurological disorder affecting the production of myelin sheaths in the brain. Symptoms include mental retardation, blindness, paralysis, seizures, and death. Prenatal screening is available, and research is ongoing for a cure. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are most at risk. Canavan disease is an inherited neurological disorder. It affects myelin, […]
Sandhoff’s disease is a fatal disease that affects the nervous system by allowing lipids to build up in major organs, disrupting functioning and resulting in death. There are three forms of the disease, with the infantile form being the most common and causing death by age three. Symptoms include changes in the shape of the […]
Maple syrup urine disease is a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from processing amino acids properly. It can be fatal if not treated with a lifelong restrictive diet. Symptoms include poor feeding, vomiting, lethargy, and seizures. Treatment involves a limited diet and protein supplements. Genetic counseling can prevent the disease. Maple syrup urine […]
Sickle cell anemia causes hard, sticky, crescent-shaped red blood cells that block blood vessels, leading to painful crises. Management includes blood transfusions, supplements, and bone marrow transplants, but all have associated risks. Bone marrow transplants are the only cure but are not available to everyone. A genetic condition, in sickle cell anemia, the patient becomes […]
Mad cow disease symptoms need clarification as there are types not related to human consumption of infected beef. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is one type, while vCJD is linked to infected cows. Symptoms include psychiatric changes, dementia, insomnia, and impaired cognitive function. There is currently no cure, but medical professionals can provide support. The symptoms of […]
Gallbladder disease includes cholelithiasis and cholecystitis, causing pain, nausea, and vomiting. Chronic symptoms can occur without gallstones, while acute symptoms require hospitalization. Jaundice can also be a symptom, but not all cases require gallbladder removal. Gallbladder disease can refer to certain conditions that affect the gallbladder. The most common types of gallbladder disease and disorder […]
Disease registries track incidence, treatment, and response for specific conditions. Hospitals, private physicians, and government agencies maintain records to evaluate treatment effectiveness, monitor side effects, and predict disease progression. Registries also identify disease clusters, determine causality, and help pharmaceutical companies develop new drugs. A disease registry is a database set up to track the incidence, […]
Celiac disease symptoms in children include failure to thrive, stomach pain, bloating, irritability, and more. A gluten-free diet is the only treatment, and a family history of the disease increases the risk. Diagnosis is through blood tests and a biopsy of the small intestine. Symptoms of celiac disease in children usually include failure to thrive, […]
Osgood Schlatter disease is an inflammation of the growth plate of the tibial tuberosity, causing pain, swelling, and a visible lump. It is most common in active children between 11 and 15 years old, and is treated with rest, pain relief, and stretching exercises. Osgood Schlatter disease is an inflammation of the growth plate of […]
Bone marrow transplants can treat certain cancers, but can also cause graft versus host disease (GVHD), where the body attacks itself. GVHD can occur when using donor cells. Symptoms include rash, stomach problems, and organ failure. Treatment involves steroids and other drugs. The prognosis depends on the severity of symptoms and treatment initiation. Tissue match […]
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacterium, which can thrive in warm, moist environments such as air conditioning systems and hot tubs. Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and a chronic cough. The disease can be fatal if left untreated and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Antibiotic treatment […]
Morgellons disease is a skin disorder similar to scabies that has not been widely accepted by the medical community. The Morgellons Research Foundation is studying the disease to find a way to diagnose and treat it, as patients suffer from skin lesions, unexplained fibers, and a crawling sensation. Most patients are diagnosed with Delusional Parasitosis, […]
Binswanger’s disease, a type of dementia that causes memory and cognitive changes, mood swings, and impaired movement, is caused by lesions in the white matter of the brain. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with medication and physical therapy. Diagnosis can be difficult as it resembles Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts consider it […]
Wolman’s disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the LIPA gene, resulting in the inability to metabolize certain types of fat. Symptoms include an enlarged spleen, liver, and malnutrition. There is no cure, and most babies die during their first year of life. Treatments focus on managing symptoms such as anemia […]
Scheuermann’s disease causes the upper spine to round off, leading to kyphosis. The causes are not well understood, but it may have a genetic component. Early diagnosis can benefit from bracing and physical therapy, but surgery may be needed in severe cases. Juvenile disc disorder is often confused with Scheuermann’s disease. Scheuermann’s disease is a […]