Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes it hard for the patient to breath. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD. These two conditions usually occur together and can vary in severity among individuals with COPD. Types of COPD Emphysema – this results…
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep inside the body. A blood clot is a clump of blood that’s turned to a solid state. DVT can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms. Deep vein thrombosis can…
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate the body’s metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Symptoms Symptoms of an overactive thyroid can include; Nervousness, anxiety and irritability Hyperactivity – patients may find it hard to stay still and have a…
Penile cancer, or cancer of the penis, is when cells grow out of control on or in a man’s penis. It often starts in skin cells and can work its way inside. It’s rare but it can be treated, especially if it’s found early on. Types of Penile Cancer Squamous Cell or Epidermoid Carcinoma –…
Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition, characterized by an itchy, non-infectious rash on the arms and legs. It consists of small, many-sided, flat-topped, pink or purple bumps that develop over several weeks. In the mouth, vagina and other areas covered by a mucous membrane, lichen planus forms lacy white patches, sometimes with painful sores. …
Psychosis is a condition that affects the way a person’s brain processes information. It causes them to lose touch with reality. They might see, hear, or believe things that aren’t real. Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness. A mental or physical illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma can cause it. People who…
Otitis externa is an inflammation of the ear canal. The inflammation is usually caused by infection, although it can sometimes be due to allergy or irritation. It is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal, which is the tube between the outer ear and eardrum. It is often referred…
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a disease that weakens the connective tissues of a person’s body. These are things like tendons and ligaments that hold parts of the body together. EDS can make the joints loose and the skin thin and easily bruised. It can also weaken blood vessels and organs. There’s no cure for EDS,…
Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Symptoms Symptoms of testicular cancer may include; A painless lump or swelling on either testicle. If found early, a testicular tumor may be about…
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that begins in the cells that form bones. Osteosarcoma is most often found in the long bones — more often the legs, but sometimes the arms — but it can start in any bone. In very rare instances, it occurs in soft tissue outside the bone. Osteosarcoma tends…
Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. Once quite common, measles can now almost always be prevented with a vaccine. Also called rubeola, measles can be serious and even fatal for small children. While death rates have been falling worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, the disease still kills more than…
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar (glucose) level is lower than normal. Glucose is the body’s main energy source. Hypoglycemia is often related to diabetes treatment. But other drugs and a variety of conditions – many rare – can cause low blood sugar in people who don’t have diabetes. Hypoglycemia needs immediate treatment…
Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer. Bone marrow cancer. A bone marrow is the spongy tissue found at the center of some bones. It produces the body’s blood cells. Multiple myeloma affects the plasma cells (a type of blood cell) inside the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is a…
Peripheral neuropathy refers to the conditions that result when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord from and to the rest of the body are damaged or diseased. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. Symptoms Every nerve in the peripheral…
Tonsils are the two lymph nodes located on each side of the back of the throat. They function as a defense mechanism and to help prevent the body from getting an infection. When tonsils become infected, the condition is called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. Sometimes along with tonsillitis, the adenoids…
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems – including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Some people are born with a tendency towards developing lupus, which may be triggered…
Muscular dystrophies are a group of diseases that make muscles weaker and less flexible over time. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common type. It’s caused by flaws in the gene that controls how the body keeps muscles healthy. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an inherited muscular disease that involves muscle weakness, which quickly gets…
Polymyositis is an uncommon inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness affecting both sides of a person’s body. Another word for inflammatory myopathy is myositis. Having this condition can make it difficult to climb stairs, rise from a seated position, lift objects or reach overhead. Polymyositis most commonly affects adults in their 30’s, 40’s or 50’s….
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which a person is having trouble falling and/or staying asleep. The condition can be short-term (acute) or can last a long (chronic). It may also come and go. Acute insomnia lasts from 1 night to a few weeks. Insomnia is chronic when it happens at least 3 nights a…
Discoid eczema, also known as nummular or discoid dermatitis, is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that causes skin to become itchy, swollen and cracked in circular or oval patches. A rash appears that looks like red coin-shaped discs, or plaques of eczema. It is extremely itchy and uncomfortable. The plaques affect different parts of the…