Definition Rhinophyma is a benign condition of the nasal skin that results in abnormal growth and enlargement of the nose. While this is not cancerous, it results in a reddened, “bumpy” appearance of the nose that can be highly disfiguring. The etiology of this condition is multifactorial, but it is …
Read More »Peritonsillar Abscess – Pathophysiology, Causes and Prevention
Definition Peritonsillar abscess, or Quinsy are typically a complication of tonsillitis. They most often are caused by “strep throat” bacteria (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci). The peritonsillar space lies between each tonsil and the wall of the throat. An infection can cause a pus-filled swelling (abscess) to develop in this space. …
Read More »Exotropia – Symptoms, Management, and Prevention
What is Exotropia? Exotropia is a type of strabismus (eye misalignment), where one eye turns, or deviates, outward (away from the nose). The deviation may be constant or intermittent, and the deviating eye may always be one eye or may alternate between the two eyes. The deviation or eye turn …
Read More »Anisometropia – Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Definition of Anisometropia Anisometropia: The condition in which the two eyes have unequal refractive power. One eye may be myopic (nearsighted) and the other hyperopic (farsighted) or one eye may be markedly stronger than the other. Anisometropia is a serious concern in newborns and young children because it can lead to amblyopia (impaired …
Read More »Deviated Septum – Description, Symptoms, and Causes
What is a Deviated Septum? A deviated septum is a condition in which the nasal septum (the bone and cartilage that divide the nose in half) is crooked, making one nasal passage smaller. If severe, breathing through the nose can be difficult. Most people naturally have some deviation – only …
Read More »Meningococcal Disease – Signs, Symptoms, and Risk factors
What is Meningococcal Disease? Meningococcal disease is any type of infection that’s caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, which is also called meningococcus. The bacteria can infect the meninges and the blood. These infections can be serious, even fatal. They’re called meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal septicemia. The word “meninges” means the …
Read More »Long QT Syndrome – Overview, Types, Causes and Risk Factors
Overview of Long QT Syndrome Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disease that can cause a dangerous rapid heart rate and irregular rhythm involving the bottom pumping chambers of the heart (ventricles). The heart has both muscular and electrical components. Electricity flowing through the heart muscle triggers the muscle to …
Read More »Commotio Cordis – Pathophysiology, Causes and Prevention
What is Commotio Cordis? Commotio cordis can happen to a person with a normal heart and occurs when a blunt trauma to a person’s chest often while playing sports leads to cardiac arrest where their heart stops pumping blood. Commotio cordis typically occurs in children and adolescents. The impact needs …
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