Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are 2 types of Herpes Simplex Virus: Type 1 and Type 2. HSV type 1 causes Oral Herpes infection and HSV type 2 causes genital herpes. It must be noted that there is a considerable overlap in this- HSV type 1 can also cause genital herpes in some cases and vice-versa; this usually occurs due to transmission via oro-genital contact. Some of the patients exhibit the symptoms [...]
What is Hemiplegia ? The word ‘plegia‘ means weakness so severe that it is nearly complete. ‘Hemi‘ implies one side of the body. Hence, ‘hemiplegia‘ means complete paralysis of one half of the body, including one arm and leg. Any disease or injury in the motor centers of the brain can cause hemiplegia. Hemiplegia is a more severe form of ‘hemiparesis‘ wherein one half of the body is only weakened. It is also very different from the conditions of paraplegia [...]
Hematuria means the presence of blood in the urine. Due to the presence of blood in the urine, the color of the urine becomes reddish, brownish or cola colored Types of hematuria: Hematuria is divided into two types. Gross hematuria: When there is the presence of frank blood in the urine, it can be seen with the naked eye. This is called as gross hematuria. Microscopic hematuria: This kind of hematuria is characterized by the presence of RBC (red blood cells) in the urine. But [...]
Gynecomastia is a condition where males have abnormally enlarged breasts, due to increased proliferation of breast tissues. Causes: All men have both androgen and estrogen hormones, that is male and female hormones. When there is an alteration in androgens and estrogens balance then it results in Gynecomastia. Hormones (androgens, anabolic steroids, estrogen agonists) Anti-ulcer medications such as cimetidine Antibiotics (isoniazid, ketoconazole, metronidazole) Cardiovascular drugs, such as captopril and digitoxin Cancer chemotherapeutics for prostrate cancer. Psychoactive agents, such as diazepam and tricyclic antidepressants Symptoms: Enlargement of male breast Tenderness and sensitivity [...]
Guillain Barré Syndrome Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute illness which is caused by inflammation of peripheral nerves leading to loss of sensation, muscle weakness and, in more serious cases, complete paralysis and breathing difficulty. In almost eighty percent of children, these symptoms follow a recent illness (usually viral). This infection is thought to trigger a faulty response in the immune system. The disease varies in a speed of onset with children reaching their maximal disability over a matter of days or, [...]
Granulomatous Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory popular skin condition affecting mostly the upper part of the face, particularly developing around eyes and nose. This is an uncommon disease. Sometimes the papules can be nodular surrounded by marked erythema or redness. It may sometime cause scarring of the skin. Causes: It is caused by deranged immunity of the body. It is an immune system disorder where the white blood cells or phagocytes which are supposed to fight against the infection causing organisms, [...]
Definition: A gout is a form of arthritis which is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. In this condition, due to a metabolic dysfunction, there is deposition of uric acid in and around the joints causing severe painfulness, swelling and restricted mobility of the affected joint. Causes: The underlying cause of gout is a disturbance in Purine metabolism of the body. Purine is a substance found plenty in the living cells as well as in many food articles. [...]
A glaucoma is a group of eye disorders due to loss of cells which are present in the retina and affection of the optic nerve which is the nerve supplying the eye caused by raised pressure in the eye. Untreated Glaucoma can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve and loss of visual field where a person cannot see beyond a particular angle. Glaucoma is the third most common cause of blindness worldwide. Symptoms: It is usually without symptoms, hence [...]
Definition: Gastritis is defined as the inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. This may be caused due to various reasons and the condition has become rampant with today’s stressful and modernized life. Causes: Any factor that injures the wall (protective lining) of stomach provokes the symptoms of gastritis. Common causes of Gastritis include: Infection: Most commonly Bacterial H-Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori) and occasionally due to Fungal, parasitic or viral infection Drugs: NSAIDs, Steroids, Aspirin, etc Stress Smoking Excessive alcohol consumption Backflow of bile into the stomach (Bile [...]
Definition: Ganglion is a small sac filled with fluid and is formed from the lining of a joint or tendon. It usually forms when the tissues surrounding certain joints become inflamed and swell up with lubricating fluid. Causes: It is generally caused due to some kind of trauma to the joint but the cause may not be evident in all cases. Ganglion formation is more common in women (M:F = 1:3) and 70% occur in the late teens and young adulthood. Some [...]