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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 …

Definition – Ichthyosis Ichthyosis is a generalized, mostly genetic disorder of the skin. All types of ichthyosis have dry, thickened, scaly or flaky skin. There is no cure, but symptoms are usually mild and manageable with a daily skincare routine. The severity of symptoms can vary extremely, from the mildest …

Definition Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), the lining of the bladder is constantly irritated, causing pain during urination and urinary frequency. It is not certain why individuals have IC/BPS, but it is thought to be due to chronic inflammation of the bladder, possibly from defects in the inside …

Definition Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common knee injury that usually presents with pain and/or tenderness on palpation of the lateral aspect of the knee, superior to the joint line and inferior to the lateral femoral epicondyle. It is considered a non-traumatic overuse injury and is often concomitant with the underlying weakness …

Definition Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) is a lung disorder that complicates the breathing process of newborns. This disorder is more common in premature infants. It occurs due to insufficient surfactant in the lungs. A surfactant is composed of proteins and fats, which helps the lungs to be inflated and …

Introduction Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is caused by three types of RNA viruses called influenza types A, B and C (considered different genera), which all belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae. The disease, colloquially called “flu” in humans, …

Definition Wisdom teeth (also called “third molars”) usually do not push through the gums until people are in their late teens, twenties or even older. Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to come through the gums. Most people have four wisdom teeth. Some people have none. Often, there is …

Definition Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. You may still feel tired when you wake up. Insomnia can sap not only …