Definition Pleurisy, also called pleuritis, inflammation of the pleura, the membranes that line the thoracic cavity and fold in to cover the lungs. Pleurisy may be characterized as dry or wet. In dry pleurisy, little or no abnormal fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity, and the inflamed surfaces of the …
Read More »Monthly Archives: September 2019
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABC)- Definition, Causes, and Treatment
Definition Bones naturally grow and change as your child gets older. However, throughout a long process, abnormalities can sometimes occur. An aneurysmal bone cyst (which is often abbreviated ABC) is one such abnormality. ABCs are blood-filled, fibrous cysts that expand the bone and can cause pain, swelling, and fractures. They …
Read More »Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)- Definition, Causes and Treatment
Definition Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is an enlargement of the lower part of the aorta that extends through the abdominal area (at times, the upper portion of the aorta in the chest can be enlarged). The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest …
Read More »Ciguatera Fish Poisoning – Overview, Symptoms, and Medication.
Overview – Ciguatera fish poisoning Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a rare disorder that occurs because of the ingestion of certain contaminated tropical and subtropical fish. When ingested, the toxin (ciguatoxin), which is present at high levels in these contaminated fish, may affect the digestive, muscular, and/or neurological systems. More …
Read More »Actinomycosis – Causes, Pathophysiology, and Diagnosis.
Overview – Actinomycosis Actinomycosis is a rare subacute or chronic bacterial infection that causes both suppurative and granulomatous inflammation. Characteristics include localized swelling with suppuration, abscess formation, fibrosis and sinus drainage of pus containing ‘sulfur granules’. Actinomycetes are normal colonizing organisms of the oral cavity and may also be present …
Read More »Tonsillitis – Pathophysiology, Complications, and Diagnosis.
Overview Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck. Most cases of tonsillitis …
Read More »Peripheral Neuropathy- Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Peripheral Neuropathy also called peripheral neuropathy refers to any condition that affects the normal activity of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves that connects the central nervous system the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. …
Read More »Sepsis – Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Prevention.
What is sepsis? Sepsis is a life-threatening illness caused by your body’s response to an infection. Your immune system protects you from many illnesses and infections, but it’s also possible for it to go into overdrive in response to an infection. Sepsis develops when the chemicals the immune system releases …
Read More »