What Is Non-Infectious Blepharitis?

[dropcap]N on-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: What  is the difference between inflammation and an invading organism which causes inflammation?

A: An invading organism such as Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria on the body’s surface, is called a stye. Styes are treated with antibiotics and resolve. Whereas, non-infectious blepharitis does not respond to antibiotics because there is no infection.

The eyelids are an important structural defense against infection and threats to the eye through blinking and tear production. Their continual pattern of blinking every few seconds sweeps away debris and keeps the eye moistened with tears.

Tears are made by the meibomian glands in the eyelids and consist of fatty acids, water and mucous and also contain anti-microbial substances.

Failure of the meibomian glands to function properly, called meibomian gland dysfunction or MGD, is a chronic, diffuse abnormality characterized by terminal duct obstruction (plugs) and/or changes in the amount or quality of the glandular secretion called meibom (tears). This may result in alteration and/or insufficiency of the tear film, symptoms of eye irritation, clinically apparent inflammation, and disease of the eye surface.

What Is Non-Infectious Blepharitis In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

What Is Osteonecrosis?

[dropcap]O steonecrosis is a bone disorder resulting from insufficient blood flow to a part of the skeleton and is characterized by resulting death of bone cells (necrosis).

After a while the bone can collapse. If this condition is not treated, the joint will deteriorate and this will become severe arthritis.

It is most common in the hip and shoulder, but can affect other large joints such as knee, elbow, wrist and ankle.¹

What Is Osteonecrosis In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004519/ [↩]

What Is Inflammatory Vaginitis?

[dropcap]I nflammatory vaginitis, also called desquamative inflammatory vaginitis, is a female genital disorder characterized by non-infectious tissue inflammation of the vagina (birth canal).

Inflammatory vaginitis presents in females of any age including girls with a history of discomfort, irritation, and in those who are sexually active, painful sexual intercourse. Patients may also report an increased vaginal discharge.

Q: How do the tissues appear?

A: Examination of the vulva is normal, but erythematous regions on the vaginal walls are evident with increased vaginal secretion. This secretion is high in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, with an increased number of immature squamous epithelial cells. Repeated cultures are negative for bacteria, viruses and yeast.¹

What Is Inflammatory Vaginitis In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

1. Murphy R. Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(1):47-9. [↩]

What Are Abnormal Blood Values In Childhood?

[dropcap]A bnormal blood studies in childhood are lab results showing blood abnormalities for blood cells and blood components.

What Are Abnormal Blood Values In Childhood in Celiac Disease?

What Is Dermatitis Herpetiformis In Childhood?

[dropcap]D ermatitis herpetiformis in childhood is an inflammatory skin manifestation of celiac disease in which immunoglobulin A (IgA) autoantibodies target components of the skin, leading to blister formation caused by ingestion of gluten in the diet.  

Dermatitis herpetiformis is characterized by multiple intensely itchy, red blisters appearing on the elbows which can extend down the forearm to the wrist and the back of the knees. Less usual areas involve the back, buttocks, scalp, and abdomen. 

Q: Do the blisters leave a mark when healed?

A: Crops of skin eruptions begin with itching or a burning sensation in reddened papules. There are grouped vesicles and tense blisters. The blister contents may be serous or bloody, with symmetrical distribution (eg, both knees or both elbows). Fluid filled elements rupture leaving denuded areas of sore skin and crust. Subsequently, there is residual hypopigmentation (a white area) or hyperpigmentation (dark area).¹

Most conditions in the spectrum of autoimmune blistering disorders are uncommonly seen in the pediatric population, even the most common ones, such as dermatitis herpetiformis.² The true incidence  is unknown. 

What Is Dermatitis Herpetiformis In Childhood In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

1. Mendes FB, Hissa-Elian A, de Abreu MA, Gonçalves VS. Review: dermatitis herpetiformis. An Bras Dermatol. 2013 Jul-Aug;88(4):594-9. [↩]
2. Lara-Corrales I1, Pope E. Autoimmune blistering diseases in children. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2010 Jun;29(2):85-91. doi: 10.1016/j.sder.2010.03.005. [↩]

The tube that carries bile from the gallbladder into the common bile duct.

A condition that occurs when small pouches in the colon called diverticula push outward through weak spots.

A liquid put into the rectum to clear out the bowel or administer drugs.

A family of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract. Some forms may cause diarrhea.

Gas passed through the rectum.