There are several types of digestive system diseases, including GERD, Crohn’s disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and stomach cancer. Symptoms can be similar, so it’s important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options vary depending on the disease and its severity. There are various types of digestive system diseases, many of which […]
Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory system and include lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, as well as upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the US. Respiratory means “of, having to do with, used or influenced breathing, and comes from the Latin word […]
Metabolic diseases are caused by impaired metabolism due to a lack of enzymes needed for metabolic pathways. There are many types of metabolic disorders, including Tay-Sachs, Lesch-Nyhan, and Kearns-Sayre syndromes. Symptoms vary widely, and treatment includes nutrition therapy, physical therapy, medications, and surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can help patients live active lives. Metabolic disease […]
Splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, can be caused by various infections, sickle cell anemia, cancer, cysts, and tumors. Common infections that affect the spleen include Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis, and malaria. Sickle cell anemia can cause the spleen to become enlarged and overloaded with clearing excess debris from the bloodstream. Tumors, both benign and cancerous, […]
Lung disorders affect the respiratory system, including bronchitis, asthma, flu, alveolitis, and emphysema. These ailments can be caused by pollution, viruses, or allergies, and can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Some lung disorders, like the flu, can mutate, making it difficult to develop immunity. Lung disorders are diseases and infections that occur […]
Dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, can be caused by various diseases, including GERD, scleroderma, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. There are two main types of dysphagia: esophageal and oropharyngeal. Treatment options include Botox, medications, and surgery. Several diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and scleroderma, cause dysphagia, a condition that causes a […]
Communicable diseases can be passed from person to person, while noncommunicable diseases cannot. Noncommunicable diseases are chronic and caused by lifestyle factors. Different treatments are required for each type of disease. The line between the two can be blurred, as some chronic diseases are caused by infectious organisms. Communicable disease refers to diseases that can […]
Bone marrow diseases affect blood cell production and can include polycythemia vera, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms vary and treatments include phlebotomy, medication, radiation, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Aplastic anemia can be caused by toxins or medication. There are several bone marrow diseases, but most are directly related to the production of […]
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 […]
Urinary system diseases such as interstitial cystitis, glomerulonephritis, prostatitis, nephrosclerosis, Peyronie’s disease, and bladder cancer can have similar symptoms. Treatment options include prescription drugs, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and surgery. It’s important to visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. There are a variety of urinary system diseases that can affect the […]
The blood-brain barrier prevents most chemicals from reaching the brain, but in diseases like meningitis, HIV encephalitis, and brain tumors, it can be breached. Multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease also affect the barrier. De Vivo’s disease prevents necessary compounds from passing through the brain. The blood-brain barrier prevents many of the chemicals in the bloodstream […]
Tendon disease causes pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Tendonitis affects unsheathed tendons, while tenosynovitis affects sheathed tendons. Common areas of tendon disease include the shoulder, upper arm, wrist, thumb joint, and ankle. Overuse of repetitive motion is the main cause. Home treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Medical treatment may be necessary, […]
The endocrine system produces hormones that allow the body to function normally. Diseases of the endocrine system include polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis, adrenal insufficiency, and growth hormone deficiency. Treatment options vary and should be discussed with a medical professional. The endocrine system consists of several glands that are responsible for producing and […]
Genetic disorders range from single gene mutations to chromosomal abnormalities, and can be inherited or caused by environmental factors. They can be categorized into single gene inheritance, multifactorial inheritance, and mitochondrial inheritance. Genetic testing is available for diagnosis and ruling out certain conditions. Typically, genetic disorders are caused by abnormalities in a person’s genome. This […]
The nervous system can become damaged due to illness, accident, physical defect or malformation. Some well-known nervous system diseases include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Tourette’s syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Some diseases develop in fetuses during pregnancy or in newborns soon after birth, while others are associated with adults. Other well-known nervous system diseases include meningitis, sciatica, and […]
There are various skeletal muscle diseases, including muscular dystrophy, fibromyalgia, cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis. Diagnosis involves blood or imaging tests. Treatment options include physical therapy, medication, and surgery. Some diseases are more common in certain populations, and some are terminal. Consult a medical professional for questions or concerns. There are a […]
Hereditary diseases are caused by abnormal genetic material passed on by one or both parents. They can have different symptoms and degrees of severity, and some common ones are cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington’s disease. Gene therapy is being researched as a way to cure certain genetic disorders. Inherited diseases can be autosomal […]
The lymphatic system can be affected by different diseases, such as lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis, splenomegaly, filariasis, and lymphedema. Causes range from bacterial and viral infections to parasitic worms and genetic conditions. Treatment options vary and should be discussed with a medical professional. There are different types and causes of lymphatic system diseases. Some of these diseases, […]
Deficiency diseases caused by lack of iron, protein, or certain vitamins can be treated by meeting daily nutritional needs. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, while protein deficiency can result in abnormal tissue growth. Lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy, B12 can cause pernicious anemia, and vitamin D can cause rickets and osteomalacia. Beriberi and […]
Epidemiology of infectious diseases focuses on the causes, distribution, and control of diseases transmitted in a community. Infectious disease epidemiologists work in clinical or fisheries environments and collect and analyze laboratory results, geographical distribution, and pregnancy under these conditions. Certification programs are available for postgraduate training in infectious disease epidemiology. Government health departments maintain their […]
