A health blog A health blog A web blog on general health related issues, symptoms, causes, treatment options and preventive tips Articles
Asthma - Continuation
2007-07-07 19:49:00 Diagnosis and Treatment Physicians typically diagnose asthma by looking for the classic symptoms: episodic problems with breathing that include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. When symptoms alone fail to establish a diagnosis of asthma, doctors may use spirometry, a test that measures airflow. By comparing a patient?s normal airflow, airflow during an attack, and airflow after the application of asthma medication, doctors determine whether the medicine improves the patient?s breathing problems. If asthma medication helps, doctors usually diagnose the condition as asthma.Identifying the specific trigger of a patient?s asthma is usually more difficult than the initial diagnosis. Triggers may be easily recognizable and consistent; for example, a patient may always develop an asthma attack when using a particular cosmetic or household cleaning product. When the triggers are more difficult to identify, doctors perform a series of allergy skin tests to help determine whether ... More About: Asthma , Conti
Asthma
2007-07-07 19:49:00 Asthma, disorder of the respiratory system in which the passages that enable air to pass into and out of the lungs periodically narrow, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. This narrowing is typically temporary and reversible, but in severe attacks, asthma may result in death. Asthma most commonly refers to bronchial asthma, an inflammation of the airways, but the term is also used to refer to cardiac asthma, which develops when fluid builds up in the lungs as a complication of heart failure. This article focuses on bronchial asthma.More than 17 million Americans suffer from asthma, with nearly 5 million cases occurring in children under age 18. In the United States, asthma causes nearly 5,500 deaths each year. Asthma occurs in males and females of all ages, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic levels. For reasons not completely understood, asthma is generally more common in poor urban neighborhoods, in cold climates, and in industrialized countries.Among all Americans, ... More About: Asthma
Insomnia
2007-07-07 19:49:00 If you experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or enjoying a restful night's sleep, you may be suffering from insomnia, the feeling or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of one or more of the following:difficulty falling asleepwaking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleepwaking up too early in the morningnon-refreshing sleepInsomnia is a common symptom in the US, reported by nearly half of Americans surveyed in a 1995 National Sleep Foundation Gallup Poll.It is classified as:transient (short term) - lasting from a single night to a few weeksintermittent (on and off) - episodes occurring from time to timechronic (constant) - occurring on most nights and lasting a month or moreWhat are the causes of insomnia?Insomnia may be caused by many factors, including:stressdepressionanxietyphysical illnesscaffeine intakeirregular schedulescircadian rhythm disordersdrugs (including alcohol and nicotine)occasional or chronic painGuideli... More About: Omni
Narcolepsy, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS
2007-07-07 19:49:00 Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is a chronic, neurological sleep disorder with no known cause. It involves the body's central nervous system. Narcolepsy is a genetic disorder, but what causes narcolepsy is not yet known.The main characteristic of narcolepsy is excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness, even after adequate nighttime sleep. A person with narcolepsy is likely to become drowsy or to fall asleep at inappropriate times and places, and sleep attacks may occur with or without warning.Attacks can occur repeatedly in a single day, drowsiness may persist for long periods of time, and nighttime sleep may be fragmented with frequent awakenings.What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) - an overwhelming desire to sleep at inappropriate timescataplexy - a sudden loss of muscle control ranging from slight weakness to total collapsesleep paralysis - being unable to talk or move for about one minute when falling asleep or waking uphypnagogic hallucinations - v... More About: Syndrome , Legs , Restless , Narc , Narcolepsy
Sleep Apnea
2007-07-07 19:49:00 Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that is far more common than generally understood. Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both genders. It is more common in men, although it may be under-diagnosed in women and young African-Americans. It is estimated that as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea.Early recognition and treatment of sleep apnea is important because it may be associated with:irregular heartbeathigh blood pressureheart attackstrokeWhat are the different types of sleep apnea?It is a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea:central - occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles to initiate breathing. Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea .obstructive - occurs when air cannot flow into or out of the person's nose or mouth although efforts to breathe continue.Who is affected by sleep apnea?Sleep apnea... More About: Sleep , Sleep Apnea
Respiratory Disease - Sleep Problems
2007-07-07 19:49:00 Why is sleep important?Sleep is not just resting or taking a break from busy routines -- it is essential to physical and emotional health. Adequate sleep may also play a role in helping the body recover from illness and injury.But, the emotional and mental benefits of sleep are also significant. Even occasional sleeping problems can make daily life feel more stressful and less productive. And, some people with chronic insomnia are more likely to develop psychiatric problems. In a recent survey, those who said they had trouble getting enough sleep reported impaired ability to perform tasks involving:memorylearninglogical reasoningmathematical calculationFacts about sleep disorders:Loss of sleep is believed to contribute to strained relationships at home, and unfulfilled potential on the job, and can also be dangerous, leading to serious or even fatal accidents. Consider these facts from the National Sleep Foundation, the National Commission of Sleep Disorders Research, and the Nation... More About: Problems , Disease , Ease , Seas
INFLUENZA - Continuation
2007-07-07 19:49:00 How to prevent the flu A new influenza vaccine is introduced each September. It is usually recommended for specific groups of people (see below), as well as for persons who want to avoid having the flu. The flu vaccine is approximately 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza among healthy adults if it is administered at least 2 weeks before exposure, and if there is a good match between the vaccine and the influenza strain causing the illness.Following these precautions may also be helpful:When possible, avoid or limit contact with infected persons.Frequent handwashing may reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of infection.A person who is coughing or sneezing should cover his/her nose and mouth with a handkerchief to limit spread of the virus.How effective is the flu vaccine?According to the American Lung Association, an influenza vaccination is about 70 percent effective in preventing influenza, or reducing its severity, and is considered safe.However, vaccine effectivenes... More About: Influenza , Conti
Respiratory Problems - Influenza
2007-07-07 19:49:00 Quick FactThe upper respiratory tract includes the:nosenasal cavityethmoidal air cellsfrontal sinusesmaxillary sinuslarynxtrachea The functions of the upper respiratory tract are to move air to and from the lungs, and to filter, moisten, and warm the air.Upper respiratory infection (URI) is an imprecise term that covers any infectious-disease process that usually involves the respiratory system starting with the nose and ending just before the lungs. The infections could be caused by viruses or bacteria, and include conditions such as the common cold, influenza, sinus problems, minor sore throat, and so forth.Sometimes, bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi) is called an upper respiratory infection. However, because the bronchi are found in the lungs, bronchitis is actually a lower respiratory infection or lung condition.INFLUENZA (flu)Influenza ( flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of the population in the US contract influ... More About: Problems , Tory
The Respiratory System
2007-07-07 19:49:00 The SINUSES are hollow spaces in the bones of the head. Small openings connect them to the nasal cavity. The functions they serve are not clearly understood, but include helping to regulate the temperature and humidity of air breathed in, as well as to lighten the bone structure of the head and to give resonance to the voice.The NASAL CAVITY (nose) is the preferred entrance for outside air into the Respiratory System . The hairs that line the inside wall are part of the air-cleansing system.Air also enters through the ORAL CAVITY (mouth), especially in people who have a mouth-breathing habit or whose nasal passages may be temporarily obstructed, as by a cold.The ADENOIDS are overgrown lymph tissue at the top of the throat. When they interfere with breathing, they are generally removed. The lymph system, consisting of nodes (knots of cells) and connecting vessels, carries fluid throughout the body. This system helps resist body infection by filtering out foreign matter, including germ... More About: Tory , Stem
Jaundice, Liver cancer
2007-07-03 14:22:00 JAUNDICEJaundice is characterised by a yellowish tinge to the skin and eyes. About six out of 10 newborns have jaundice to varying degrees, while the condition is more common among premature babies. Jaundice is caused by an excess of a chemical called bilirubin, which is normally eliminated by the liver. However, a newborn's liver takes a few days to process this chemical. If the baby is full term and healthy, mild jaundice is nothing to worry about and will resolve by itself within a week or so. However, a premature or sick baby, or a baby with very high levels of bilirubin, will need close monitoring and medical treatments. Other causes of jaundice in babies include blood group antibodies (Rhesus factor & ABO incompatibilities), haemolytic anaemia, hepatitis and galactosaemia.SymptomsThe symptoms of jaundice depend on the cause and severity, but may include:Yellow tinge to the skin, usually appearing first on the skin of the face and scalp.Yellow tinge to the white parts of the e... More About: Cancer , Liver Cancer , Stomach , Dice , Liver
hepatitis D and E
2007-07-02 22:10:00 Five viruses cause infection of the liver as their main effect (many other viruses cause hepatitis as part of a range of other problems, eg glandular fever). The five are Hepatitis A,B,C,D, and E. This topic looks at hepatitis D.What is hepatitis D?Hepatitis D is caused by a very small virus. (It has the smallest amount of genetic material of all of the known human viruses).Hepatitis D cannot cause an infection unless it is caught at either the same time as hepatitis B, or after the person has already caught hepatitis B.This is because it needs some of the genetic material of the hepatitis B virus to be able to multiply.Effects of infection with hepatitis DIf a person gets hepatitis D viruses at the same time as getting hepatitis B, the person will usually become ill with hepatitis (see the topic 'Hepatitis B' for signs and symptoms). Although the person may become seriously ill, usually he or she will recover. This is called a 'co-infection'.Sometimes a person gets hepatitis D ... More About: Stomach
HEPATITIS
2007-07-02 22:10:00 Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) is an illness that can cause permanent and life-threatening damage.Why your liver is importantThe liver is the largest organ in the body, weighing between 1.5 and 2 kg. It is situated in the upper right side of the abdomen where it is tucked under the ribs. It is a sort of miniature chemical processing laboratory.One of the liver's chief roles is to get rid of poisonous waste products contained in the food we eat. After it has been digested in the intestine, food is absorbed into the bloodstream and taken directly to the liver via the portal vein. The liver gets rid of the unwanted products of digestion and modifies others, before returning the blood to the general circulation.In hepatitis these vital activities are interrupted, producing symptoms that can range from mild to very serious.Types of hepatitisThere are several forms of hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B and C.Hepatitis A is usually the mildest form. It is due to a virus that gets ... More About: Stomach
Cirrhosis of the Liver- Treatment option
2007-07-02 22:10:00 Liver TransplantsA liver transplant is a surgical treatment for severe liver disease. It involves removal of the patient's diseased liver and insertion of a donor liver.The replacement liver may be donated by a live donor (living donor transplantation), or from a person who has just died (cadaveric donation).Who needs liver transplants?Liver transplants are used in the treatment of patients with both acute and chronic liver disease. The most common reason for needing a liver transplant is liver cirrhosis (destruction of normal liver cells and replacement with scar tissue).Acute liver diseasePatients with fulminant hepatic failure (liver failure) due to any cause may be considered for liver transplantation. Common causes of fulminant hepatic failure include viral hepatitis or paracetamol overdose.Chronic liver diseasePatients with the following conditions should be considered for transplantation:Primary biliary cirrhosisPrimary sclerosing cholangitisChronic viral hepatitis (eg. hepa... More About: Treatment , Stomach , Opti , Liver
Liver Diseases - Cirrhosis of the liver
2007-07-02 22:10:00 The liver is an organ that can normally withstand a lot of damage because of its ability to regenerate. However, because of progressive damage due to whatever cause, this damage is often accompanied by fibrosis (scar tissue). As this progresses there is progressive scarring of the liver and distortion of its architecture - termed cirrhosis, which is irreversible.In cirrhosis there is less viable liver tissue which can perform the liver's normal function, hence this can lead to liver failure, and there is also a build up of pressure in the veins that carry blood from the gut to the liver (the portal system) which leads to portal hypertension.Statistics Summary of Cirrhosis of the liverIt is difficult to estimate the incidence as cirrhosis can often be silent until the patient develops liver failure - 30-40% of cases discovered at autopsy were clinically silent. Its incidence is around 2/100,000. It also depends on the prevalence of the various causes - for example the Hepatitis B in... More About: Diseases , Stomach , Ease , Seas , Liver
Hernia
2007-06-30 11:29:00 A Hern ia is any structure passing through another which in doing so ends up in the wrong place. Formally, it is defined as the protrusion of a loop or knuckle of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening.A Inguinal hernia is most common - these occur in the area of where the skin crease at the top of the thigh joins the torso (the inguinal crease) and appear as a bulge.Other Hernias:Femoral hernia - bowel enters the femoral canal presenting as a mass in the upper, inner thigh.Umbilical - through umbilicus (the belly button area).Paraumbilical - just above or below the umbilicus.Epigastric - pass through linea alba (midline abdomen) above the umbilicus.Incisional hernias - follow breakdown of muscle closure after previous surgery.Lumbar - through one of the lumbar trianglesRichter's - this is when the bowel wall only, not the bowle opening is involved.Obturator - through the obturator canal. Typicallly there is pain along the inner side of the thigh in a thin women.Statistics S... More About: Stomach
Diarrhoea
2007-06-30 11:29:00 Food nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The waste is pushed into the large intestine (bowel) where water is removed. The resulting faeces is stored temporarily within the rectum then passed out of the body through the anus. Faeces are usually firm, moist and easy to pass. Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of loose, watery and unformed faeces.The most common cause of diarrhoea is an infection of the intestines, such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Viruses are responsible for most cases. The intestinal lining becomes irritated and inflamed, which hinders the absorption of water from food waste. In severe cases, the intestinal lining may even leak water.Generally, acute diarrhoea resolves after a day or two. Chronic diarrhoea, which lasts four weeks or more, can be caused by a range of conditions that affect the intestines including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).SymptomsThe symptoms of diarrhoea include:Abdominal crampsAbdominal painsUrgency to go to the toiletFreq... More About: Stomach
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
2007-06-30 11:29:00 Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common, genetic (inherited) disease that affects about one in every 3000 babies born. In people with CF, the secretions produced by various glands in the body are thicker and stickier than normal. Usually the respiratory and digestive systems are most affected, but other problems such as osteoporosis (brittle bones) may also occur.Screening and diagnosisAll babies born in Australia are tested for CF as part of the routine day 4 bloodspot test. This test determines the concentration in the blood of a certain chemical made by the baby?s pancreas. If a high concentration of this chemical is found, then the same blood sample is tested for genes commonly associated with CF. However, while newborn screening has improved the early detection of CF, up to 10 per cent of cases will not be picked up.Babies with CF may develop a bowel obstruction (meconium ileus) in the first few days of life. In babies who are not diagnosed early with CF, the first signs of the diseas... More About: Stomach , Cystic Fibrosis , Bros
Bowel Cancer
2007-06-28 17:16:00 Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Bowel cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in some part of the bowel to form a lump or tumour. Bowel cancer is most common in the large bowel which is made up of the colon and rectum.Normally, the body's cells reproduce themselves in an orderly manner so that growth occurs and damaged or worn-out tissues are replaced. Sometimes, however, cells continue growing into a mass of tissue called a tumour which can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). In some cases, the malignant cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph system. New cancers formed in this way are called secondaries or metastases.Bowel cancer is more common in older people, and is the second most common cancer in NSW with about 3,500 new cases being diagnosed in NSW each year, and around 8,700 Australia wide. About 1 in 22 Australians will develop bowel cancer by the age of 75, and about 4,000 Australians w... More About: Cancer , Stomach
Colic
2007-06-28 17:07:00 Some babies at some times between the ages of about two weeks and 16 weeks go through a period of having unexplained and regular crying each day. These bouts of crying may last for three hours or more, and occur mostly in the afternoons and evenings. The baby seems to be suffering from abdominal pain. This is commonly known as ?colic?, and around one in three babies are affected. Usually, cuddling or trying to soothe the baby?s cries does not work.The cause is unknown, but colic stops - without treatment - after a few weeks. Some studies have found that parents under stress are more likely to consider their child as ?colicky?, but it must be remembered that colic is very stressful to live with, and it is very important not to blame a ?stressed? parent for the crying.Symptoms of colicColic tends to appear in the first two to four weeks of life, and peaks at around six to eight weeks of age. Usually, the baby seems quite happy until the late afternoon or early evening. Symptoms includ... More About: Stomach , Child
Appendicitis
2007-06-28 17:03:00 The appendix is a thin tail, tube or appendage growing out of the caecum, which is part of the large intestine located on the lower right side of the abdomen. The precise function of the appendix in the human body is something of a mystery, although it clearly plays a role in digestion for other animal species.Appendicitis means inflammation of the appendix. Food or faecal matter can sometimes lodge in the narrow tube of the appendix, and the blockage becomes infected with bacteria. This is a medical emergency. If the appendix bursts, its infected contents will spread throughout the abdominal cavity. Infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) can be life threatening without prompt treatment. Anyone of any age can be struck by appendicitis, but it seems to be more common during childhood and adolescence. It is less common for anyone over the age of 30 years to develop appendicitis. Treatment options include surgery.SymptomsSymptoms of appendicitis include:Dull pain... More About: Stomach
Abdominal pains - Appendicectomy
2007-06-28 16:56:00 Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, which is located in the right lower side of the abdomen. This operation is usually carried out on an emergency basis to treat appendicitis (inflamed appendix). This may occur as a result of an obstruction in part of the appendix. Some common symptoms of appendicitis are nausea, vomiting, constipation and pain. The pain is initially felt in the centre of the abdomen, and later moves to become a sharper pain in the right lower abdomen. The area is tender to the touch. Occasionally, some of these symptoms may be absent and it becomes necessary to investigate the abdominal cavity to make a diagnosis.Problems associated with appendicitisAppendicitis has no single cause, but may be due to:A bowel adhesionSwelling of the lymphatic tissue of the appendix due to a viral infectionA foreign bodyA faecalith (a small, hard mass of faeces), which causes blockage, inflammation and infection.If appendicitis is left untreated, it may result in ru... More About: Stomach , Domina , Dice , Mina , Domin
Ménétrier's Disease, Rapid Gastric Emptying
2007-06-19 11:29:00 Ménétrier's Disease Ménétrier's disease causes giant folds of tissue to grow in the wall of the stomach. The tissue may be inflamed and may contain ulcers. The disease also causes glands in the stomach to waste away and causes the body to lose fluid containing a protein called albumin. Ménétrier's disease increases a person's risk of stomach cancer. People who have this rare, chronic disease are usually men between ages 30 and 60. The cause of the disease is unknown.Ménétrier's disease is also called giant hypertrophic gastritis, protein losing gasteropathy, or hypertrophic gastropathy.SymptomsSymptoms include pain or discomfort and tenderness in the top middle part of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vomiting blood, swelling in the abdomen, and ulcer-like pain after eating.DiagnosisMénétrier's disease is diagnosed through x rays, endoscopy, and biopsy of stomach tissue. Endoscopy involves looking at the inside of the stomach using a long, lighted tube... More About: Stomach , Rapid , Ease , Seas
Gastritis, Gastroparesis and Diabetes
2007-04-20 21:57:00 Gastritis is not a single disease, but several different conditions that all have inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Sometimes gastritis develops after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia, autoimmune disorders, and chronic bile reflux, can cause gastritis as well.The most common symptoms are abdominal upset or pain. Other symptoms are belching, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting or a feeling of fullness or of burning in the upper abdomen. Blood in your vomit or black stools may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach, which may indicate a serious problem requiring immediate medical attention.Gastritis is diagnosed through one or more medical tests:Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The doctor eases a... More About: Diabetes , Astro , Gastritis , Ares , Pare
Gas in the Digestive Tract
2007-04-20 21:57:00 Everyone has gas and eliminates it by burping or passing it through the rectum. However, many people think they have too much gas when they really have normal amounts. Most people produce about 1 to 4 pints a day and pass gas about 14 times a day.Gas is made primarily of odorless vapors?carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sometimes methane. The unpleasant odor of flatulence comes from bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of gases that contain sulfur.Although having gas is common, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Understanding causes, ways to reduce symptoms, and treatment will help most people find relief.What causes gas?Gas in the digestive tract (that is, the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine) comes from two sources:swallowed airnormal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine (colon)Swallowed AirAir swallowing (aerophagia) is a common cause of gas in the sto... More About: Stomach , Digest , Trac , The D
Stomach Disorders
2007-04-18 17:10:00 STOMACH RELATED PROBLEMDIEULAFOY'S LESION: A rare cause of gastrointestinal bleedingDieulafoy's lesion is an abnormality in a small artery that supplies blood to the gastrointestinal tract, usually in the stomach. The cause isn't known. It occurs most often in middle-aged men.Dieulafoy's lesion is a rare cause of severe gastrointestinal bleeding that requires emergency medical treatment. Signs and symptoms of bleeding depend on where the lesion is located but may include:Vomiting blood Bloody or black, tarry stools Dizziness or lightheadedness A doctor may locate the bleeding with endoscopy. In this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted through your mouth or anus, which allows the doctor to see inside your stomach or colon. Treatment of a bleeding Dieulafoy's lesion may include:Medications injected directly into the lesion through an endoscope Endoscopic procedures to seal the lesion, such as with heat (cauterization), surgical clips, rubber bands ... More About: Stomach , Order , Disorders , Orders , Diso
The Human Stomach
2007-04-18 17:02:00 the stomach is a bean-shaped hollow muscular organ of the gastrointestinal tract involved in the second phase of digestion, following mastication. The word stomach is derived from the Latin stomachus, which derives from the Greek word stomachos (????????). The words gastro- and gastric (meaning related to the stomach) are both derived from the Greek word gaster (??????).FunctionsThe stomach is usually a highly acidic environment due to gastric acid production and secretion which produces a luminal pH range usually between 1 and 4 depending on the species, food intake, drug use, and other factors. Such an environment is able to break down large molecules (such as from food) to smaller ones so that they can eventually be absorbed from the small intestine. The stomach can produce and secrete about 2 to 3 liters of gastric acid per day.Pepsinogen is secreted by chief cells and turns into pepsin under low pH conditions and is a necessity in protein digestion.Absorption of vitamin B12 fro... More About: Human , Stomach , Uman , Mach
Other Skin Treatment Options
2007-04-17 15:34:00 Dermabrasion From the beginning of time, people suffering from the disfigurement of facial scarring have searched for ways to improve these imperfections. Thanks to refinements of a number of dermatologic surgical techniques, there are several safe, effective procedures available today to improve facial scarring, including dermabrasion or scarabrasion.What is Dermabrasion?While more than 100 years old, dermabrasion has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity since the 1960's. The resurfacing technique has been further perfected over the last few decades.During dermabrasion, or surgical skin planning, the dermatologic surgeon freezes the patient's skin, scarred from acne, chicken pox or other causes. The doctor then mechanically removes or "sands" the skin to improve the contour and achieve a rejuvenated appearance as a new layer of remodeled skin replaces the damaged skin. The new skin generally has a smoother and refreshed appearance. Results are generally quite remarkable and long-la... More About: Skin , Treatment , Options , Treat , Opti
Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Disorders
2007-04-16 19:12:00 Many problems that appear on the skin are limited to the skin. Sometimes, however, the skin reveals a disorder that affects the entire body. Consequently, doctors often must consider many possible diseases when evaluating skin problems. They may need to order blood tests or other laboratory tests to look for an internal disease in people who come to them with a skin problem.Medical Names for Marks and Growths on the Skin Atrophic skin:Thinning of the skin that results in a depression and often has a wrinkled "cigarette paper" appearance. Bulla:A fluid-filled spot (vesicle) larger than 1/5 inch (5 millimeters) in diameter.Crust (scab):Dried blood, pus, or skin fluids on the surface of the skin. A crust can form wherever the skin has been damaged.Cyst:A hollow lump in the skin that has a wall. The central hollow area may contain fluid or solid material.Erosion:Loss of part or all of the top layers (epidermis) of the skin. Erosions occur when infection, pressure, irritation, or temperat... More About: Treatment , Treat , Order , Disorders
Viral Skin Infections
2007-04-16 18:45:00 Many viral infections?such as measles, chickenpox, and rubella?result in rashes, spots, or sores on the skin. Herpes viruses often produce rashes and sores. However, in two common infections, warts and molluscum contagiosum, the virus remains solely within the skinMolluscum ContagiosumMolluscum contagiosum is infection of the skin by a poxvirus that causes flesh-colored or white smooth, waxy bumps.The bumps are usually less than ¼ inch in diameter and have a tiny dimple in the center. The virus that causes molluscum is contagious; it spreads by direct skin contact and is common in children (see Problems in Infants and Very Young Children: Rashes). Genital lesions are often transmitted sexually in adults.Molluscum can infect any part of the skin. The bumps usually are not itchy or painful and may be discovered only coincidentally during a physical examination. However, the bumps can become very inflamed (resembling a boil) and itchy as the body fights off the virus. This inflammatory... More About: Skin , Viral , Infections
Sweating Disorders
More articles from this author:2007-04-16 18:41:00 Sweat is made by sweat glands in the skin and carried to the skin's surface by ducts. Sweating helps keep the body cool. Thus, people sweat more when it is warm. They also sweat when they are nervous, under stress, or exercising.Sweat is composed mostly of water, but it also contains salt (mostly sodium chloride) and other chemicals. When a person sweats a lot, the lost salt and water must be replacedExcessive SweatingPeople with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) sweat profusely, and some sweat almost constantly. Although people with a fever or those exposed to very warm environments sweat, people with excessive sweating tend to sweat even without these circumstances. Excessive sweating may affect the entire surface of the skin, but often it is limited to the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, armpits, or genital area.Usually, no specific cause is found. However, medical disorders that can cause excessive sweating include hyperthyroidism, a low level of sugar in the blood, and... More About: Skin , Order , Disorders , Eating , Orders 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
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