Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a childhood degenerative disease of the hip joint, caused by inadequate blood flow. Treatment options include medication, braces, and surgery. The cause is unknown, but exposure to secondhand smoke may be a factor. Early detection is important for a better prognosis. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion. Treatment aims […]
A dry throat can be caused by living in a dry environment, exposure to cold air, diuretic substances, irritation from breathing through the mouth, or an underlying disease. Drinking fluids, using a humidifier, and visiting a doctor for persistent dryness with other symptoms may help. Dry throat is a common medical complaint, but it’s not […]
Leigh disease is a rare neurometabolic disorder that prevents cells in the central nervous system from producing energy, leading to cell deterioration and death. It is a severe form of mitochondrial disease with no known cure, affecting both muscles and the brain. Treatment depends on severity, and dietary supplements may help. Leigh disease, commonly called […]
Glomerular disease damages the blood-filtering units of the kidney, leading to irreversible kidney damage and end-stage renal disease. Glomerulonephritis and glomerulosclerosis are the two categories of kidney disorders that cause destruction of the glomeruli. Autoimmune, hereditary conditions, and infections can cause the development of glomerular disease. Glomerulosclerosis is usually caused by sclerotic diseases such as […]
Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) is a respiratory condition that affects premature babies born at less than 35 weeks of gestation, causing difficulty breathing and a layer of debris and dead tissue to build up in the lungs. Treatment involves giving the baby oxygen-rich air and supporting the baby if they have severe breathing problems. The […]
Adult congenital heart disease is a heart or blood vessel defect present since birth, affecting up to 10 in 1,000 babies. Symptoms and severity vary, and diagnosis includes physical exams and diagnostic tests. Treatment depends on the specific defect and its severity, ranging from medication to surgery. Adult congenital heart disease means that an adult […]
Disease eradication is reducing the incidence of a disease to zero, requiring no human intervention to prevent it. Smallpox is the only disease eradicated due to effective vaccination. Three factors must be present for a disease to be considered eradicable, and collaboration is essential for success. Disease eradication occurs when the incidence of infection of […]
Crohn’s disease inflames the intestines, causing pain, mucus production, and bloody or pus-filled stools. It can go into remission but often requires surgery to remove diseased tissue. People with Crohn’s disease may also experience skin inflammation, allergies, and a suppressed immune system. Surgery may worsen the disease’s course. Crohn’s disease is a condition that inflames […]
Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by prions that attack the brain and central nervous system, leading to ataxia, blindness, dementia, and death. There is no cure, but gene therapy may hold promise in the future. Diagnosis is difficult and treatment is focused on keeping the patient comfortable. Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease is an […]
Disseminated diseases spread from their initial point of origin to other parts of the body, usually through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancer and infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses can become disseminated diseases. Treatment involves a combination of drugs and antibiotics. Some infectious organisms known to cause disseminated disease include amoebae, bacteria, […]
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects arteries in the arms and legs, causing pain, weakness, and slow healing sores. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and is more common in men over 50, African Americans, and those with a family history of heart disease. Treatment includes quitting smoking, exercise, a balanced diet, medication, and […]
Cold agglutinin disease is an autoimmune disease where antibodies attach to red blood cells at low temperatures, causing hemolysis. There are two types, primary and secondary, with symptoms including anemia, discolored fingers and toes, and chronic fatigue. Prevention is the best treatment, but in severe cases, doctors may use monoclonal antibodies or immunosuppressant drugs. Cold […]
Lyme disease is caused by tick bites and has early symptoms of flu-like symptoms and a rash, while late-stage symptoms include fatigue and neurological issues. Treatment involves antibiotics, but some patients may experience ongoing symptoms. Lyme disease is a bacterial disease transmitted by the bites of several species of ticks in the United States, including […]
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease causing hyperthyroidism, more common in middle-aged women. Symptoms include bulging eyes, goiter, and weight loss. Treatment includes medication and surgery, and eye care is important due to the risk of double vision. A thyroid storm is a serious complication. Research is ongoing. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that […]
Graves’ ophthalmopathy is an inflammatory eye disease often seen in hyperthyroidism patients. Symptoms range from redness to bulging eyes. Treatments include ice, medication, and surgery. The autoimmune reaction causing Graves’ disease is still present even if hyperthyroidism is resolved. Graves’ ophthalmopathy is an inflammatory eye disease usually seen in patients with hyperthyroidism, in which the […]
Fifth disease, caused by the parvovirus, is a viral infection characterized by red cheeks and a pale mouth. It is highly contagious and spreads through human-to-human contact. Although generally harmless, pregnant women experiencing their first exposure can experience complications. There is no treatment, but over-the-counter pain medications can help with symptoms. Fifth disease, also commonly […]
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells, most commonly found in individuals with African, Saudi Arabian, or Mediterranean ancestry. Genetics and malaria prevalence are the main factors influencing its frequency, with different regions experiencing varying types of the disease due to spontaneous mutations. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder characterized […]
Truncated arteriosus is a rare congenital heart defect where the pulmonary and aortic valves do not separate, resulting in one large artery. Early repair is necessary to avoid permanent damage, and improved surgical techniques allow for one-step repair with a high success rate. Children with repaired truncus arteriosus require lifetime follow-up by a cardiologist. Truncated […]
Foot and mouth disease is highly contagious and commonly affects young children, especially those in daycare. Adults may be infected if they come into contact with contaminated surfaces or an infected child. Symptoms include fever, rash, blisters, and sore throat. Proper hygiene is important to prevent the spread of the disease. Foot and mouth disease […]
Bicuspid aortic valve disease is a congenital birth defect where the aortic valve only has two leaflets instead of three, causing blood to flow back into the heart and potentially leading to symptoms later in life. Surgery is often required to replace the defective valve. The cause of the disease is not fully understood, but […]
