Definition Osteopetrosis is a group of disorders where bone resorption is impaired and the bones become denser than normal but are prone to fractures. It is also known as stone bone, marble bone disease and Albers-Schonberg disease. It should not be confused with osteoporosis, a more common condition where there is loss of >> Read More ...
Definition Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is a condition where the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the outer side of the upper arm bone are irritated. The muscles of the tendons involved are also strained and both structures undergo some degree of degeneration. Tennis elbow arises with >> Read More ...
What is Methemoglobinemia? Methemoglobinemia (met-hemo-globin-emia) is a condition where the quantity of methemoglobin in the red blood cells is higher than normal. It is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present from birth, but can develop in life due to exposure to certain toxins. Although methemoglobin is >> Read More ...
Definition Morphea is a rare condition where patches of thick, hardened and discolored patches occur on the skin. Morphea also spelled as morphoea is a form of localized scleroderma, an autoimmune condition of the connective tissue of the body. In morphea, it is only the skin that is affected whereas in other forms the >> Read More ...
What is Coccidioidomycosis? Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection mainly isolated to the lung that arises with inhaling the airborne spores of the Coccidioides fungi. It is also known as valley fever and is a common infection among people who live in endemic areas. Coccidioidomycosis is often asymptomatic and when >> Read More ...
What is lithium nephropathy? Lithium nephropathy is a kidney disease that occurs as a result of using lithium. Although trace amounts of lithium are present in the human body, it does not seem to serve any specific function. Lithium is used as a medication to treat certain psychiatric disorders and these patients are at >> Read More ...
Definition Acalculous cholecystitis is the term for inflammation of the gallbladder that is not due to the presence of gallstones. Most cases of acute cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder) occurs due to gallbladder stones (within the gallbladder) or biliary stones (lodged in the bile duct). In these cases it is referred to >> Read More ...
Definition Thrombocytosis is a condition where the platelet count in the blood is higher than normal. It is also referred to as thrombocythemia. Platelets are an important component of blood and is an integral factor in the blood clotting process. Most cases of thrombocytosis are transient and the condition does not >> Read More ...
What is Pseudomembranous Colitis? Pseudomembranous colitis is a condition where there is inflammation of the colon due to an overgrowth of certain species of bacteria known as Clostridium difficile. In some rare cases it may be arise with the overgrowth of other microorganisms. Pseudomembranous colitis is also known as >> Read More ...
Definition Tobacco worker’s lung is a condition marked by lung inflammation and subsequent scarring in the air sacs due to inhaling molds present in tobacco. It is not a lung infection but rather an immune reaction within the lungs to these molds. It is a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic >> Read More ...