Description Hepatomegaly is the medical term of enlarged liver, which means an increase in size of the liver. “Hepatic” refers to the liver and “megaly” refers to an increase in size. The liver is largest organ of the human body and situated in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. …
Read More »Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention.
What is hemolytic uremic syndrome? Hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, is a kidney condition that happens when red blood cells are destroyed and block the kidneys’ filtering system. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin – an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color and carries oxygen from the lungs to …
Read More »Burning Mouth Syndrome – Risk factors, Complications, and Prevention.
Description Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a painful, complex condition often described as a burning, scalding, or tingling feeling in the mouth that may occur every day for months or longer. Dry mouth or an altered taste in the mouth may accompany the pain. BMS is most commonly found in …
Read More »Viral Hemorrhagic Fever – Definition, Symptoms, and Causes.
Definition The term Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) refers to a group of serious illnesses caused by particular viruses. There are four VHFs that are of major concern from an Infection Control Perspective as they can be transmitted directly from humans to humans, and are a hazard for staff handling blood …
Read More »Flatulence – Description, Treatment, and Diagnosis.
Definition Flatulence is the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract through the rectum. Daily, the average person produces one to four pints of gas and expels it up to 14 times. Although flatulence can cause embarrassment to some people, it is a natural occurrence. Eating certain foods or drinking …
Read More »Epiglottitis – Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, and Prevention.
Description Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis – a small cartilage “lid” that covers your windpipe – wells, blocking the flow of air into your lungs. A number of factors can cause the epiglottis to swell – burns from hot liquids, direct injury to your …
Read More »Hirsutism – Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prevention.
What is Hirsutism? Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in certain areas of a woman’s face and body, such as the mustache and beard area, that creates a “male pattern” of hair. Women normally can have fine, pale, faintly visible hair in these areas, but heavy hair growth in a male …
Read More »Delirium – Complications, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
Introduction Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment. The start of delirium is usually rapid — within hours or a few days. Delirium can often be traced to one or more contributing factors, such as a severe or …
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