Description – Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), also called extrinsic allergic alveolitis, is a respiratory syndrome involving the lung parenchyma and specifically the alveoli, terminal bronchioli, and alveolar interstitium, due to a delayed allergic reaction. Such reaction is secondary to a repeated and prolonged inhalation of different types of organic …

Description Sarcoidosis is a disease that results from a specific type of inflammation of tissues of the body. It can appear in almost any body organ, but it starts most often in the lungs or lymph nodes. The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. The disease can appear suddenly and disappear. …

Nail Clubbing – Overview Nail clubbing is a change in the structure of fingernails or toenails in which the finger and nail take on the appearance of an upside-down spoon, and become red and sponge-like. Clubbing is a medical condition first described by Hippocrates in which the fingers (and/or toes) …

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) – Description Interstitial lung disease is a general category that includes many different lung conditions. All interstitial lung diseases affect the interstitium, a part of the lungs’ anatomic structure. The interstitium is a lace-like network of tissue that extends throughout both lungs. The interstitium provides support …

Overview of Sciatica Sciatica is a pain in the lower extremity resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The pain of sciatica is typically felt from the low back (lumbar area) to behind the thigh and can radiate down below the knee. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in …

Definition of Colon Polyps  Colon polyps or colorectal polyps are small, fleshy growths that form in the inner lining of the large intestine or the rectal region. These are usually benign although in some instances they can progress into cancer. In fact, malignant transformation in polyps is one of the …

Hematuria – Overview Blood in urine – known medically as hematuria – is usually not a reason for major alarm. Because blood in urine can be a sign of a serious medical condition, however, it shouldn’t be ignored. All cases of hematuria should be evaluated by a doctor who can …

Definition of Gigantism Gigantism is a rare condition that causes abnormal growth in children. This change is most notable in terms of height, but girth is affected as well. It occurs when your child’s pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone, which is also known as somatotropin. Early diagnosis is …