What Is Abscess Formation Causing Lung Cavities? Abscess formation and subsequent lung cavities that develop from necrosis (death) of affected lung tissue constitute severe life-threatening respiratory disease of the lung. Q: What is the difference between lung abscess and lung ...
Read More »Blepharitis, Non-Infectious (Swollen Eyelids)
What Is Non-Infectious Blepharitis? Non-infectious blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids that is NOT caused by an invading organism but rather nutritional deficiencies. It is characterized by non-ulcerative inflammation of the hair follicles and lacrimal glands along the eyelid edges. Q: ...
Read More »Hypotonia
What Is Hypotonia? Hypotonia is impairment of muscle contraction that is characterized by abnormally low muscle tension or flaccid muscles. Normally, even when relaxed, muscles have a very small amount of contraction or tone that gives them a springy feel and provides ...
Read More »Failure To Thrive And Growth Retardation
What Is Failure To Thrive And Growth Retardation? Failure to thrive (FTT) and growth retardation are conditions affecting children characterized by weight consistently below the 3rd percentile for age or a decrease in the expected rate of growth based on ...
Read More »Night Blindness – Nyctalopia
What Is Night Blindness? Night blindness is a visual defect caused by lack of rhodopsin in the rods of the retina located in the back of the eyeball due to inadequate vitamin A. Q: How does inadequate vitamin A cause ...
Read More »Keratomalacia
What Is Keratomalacia? Keratomalacia is a severe non-inflammatory eye condition characterized by a hazy, dry cornea that becomes softened and denuded (loss of protective layer), which when liquified is then irreversibly destroying the eyeball and causing blindness. The conjunctiva and ...
Read More »Lymphomas, Extraintestinal
What Are Extraintestinal Lymphomas? Extraintestinal lymphomas (non-Hodgkin’s) are malignancies that arise in peripheral lymphatic tissue outside the intestinal tract from B-cell and T-cell lymphocytes. Q: What is peripheral lymphatic tissue? A: Peripheral lymphatic tissue includes lymph vessels, lymph, lymph nodes, and ...
Read More »Celiac Disease, Refractory
What Is Refractory Celiac Disease? Refractory celiac disease, formerly called refractory sprue, is a severe complication characterized by persistence of symptoms and intestinal inflammation despite gluten free diet after 12 months.1 Refractory celiac disease appears in two forms, ulcerative jejunitis (RCD ...
Read More »Lymphoma, B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s
What Is B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma? Bcell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a malignant, monoclonal (arising from a single cell) proliferation of lymphocytes that is preceded by lymphadenopathy and characterized by varying, less predictable spread than Hodgkin’s disease. Lymphadenopathy is enlargement of lymph ...
Read More »Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
What Is Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris? Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a chronic generalized exfoliative dermatitis (sloughing skin) characterized by erythema (redness), scaling, dilated plugged hair follicles, and keratoderma (thickened skin) of the hands and feet that is often associated with ...
Read More »Melanoma
What Is Melanoma? Melanoma is a cutaneous malignancy with rapid invasion and metastasis to other parts of the body. Melanoma is characterized by growth from melanocytes appearing as a new mole or enlarging from an exisiting mole, changing shape, size ...
Read More »Hangnail
What Is Hangnail? Hangnail is a broken strip of epidermis (piece of skin) at root or lateral (side) edge of fingernail or toenail that causes sharp pain. A hangnail develops because the skin around the nail is unhealthy due to ...
Read More »Edema
What Is Edema? Edema is an abnormal swollen condition of the skin characterized by excess extracellular fluid volume, meaning there is an increase of the fluid that normally surrounds cells. Edema may be hardly noticeable or it can become extensive. ...
Read More »Diabetic Instability
What Is Diabetic Instability? Diabetic instability, also called brittle diabetes, is poor control of blood sugar characterized by frequent rise (hyperglycemia) and fall (hypoglycemia). These fluctuations can be life-threatening and cause unnecessary complications. Q: What are complications in diabetes? A: Complications ...
Read More »Increased Appetite
What Is Increased Appetite? Increased appetite is the increased desire for food. Q: What causes appetite. A: Appetite is caused by hunger. The brain monitors nutritional needs and employs a hunger mechanism to alert us when fresh food is needed. Hunger is ...
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