What is an allergy? An allergy or hypersensitivity is one of the most common ailments that arises due to abnormal functioning of the immune system. It is a result of exposure to a specific antigen (allergen) by a sensitized person who has already developed antibodies against the allergen in question. The interaction of the >> Read More ...
GaryAR72 Asked : I have been experiencing this severe burning sensation in my stomach every now and then which does not seem to be triggered by any foods or anything else that I have spotted. I had an endoscopy about two years ago when it first started and my doctor excluded ulcers and so on. It is not a constant stomach >> Read More ...
Managing diarrhea in HIV/AIDS may be more complicated than in immunocompetent (not immunocompromised) patients as it may be caused by many rare opportunistic infections that would not otherwise be immediately considered. Chronic diarrhea may begin in the mildly symptomatic stage of the infection and persist through to the >> Read More ...
The pancreas plays multiple roles in digestion, absorption, metabolism and storage of nutrients. Its diverse functions can be broadly divided into its dual glandular activity : Exocrine – digestive enzymes secreted into the small intestine. Endocrine – hormones secreted directly into the blood stream. >> Read More ...
Hypothyroidism is the reduced activity of the thyroid gland (underactive thyroid) leading to a decrease in circulating thyroid hormones. This slows the metabolic activity within the body. Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) is the increased activity of the thyroid gland (overactive thyroid) resulting in an increase in the >> Read More ...
What is hematuria? Hematuria is the term for red blood cells (RBC’s) in the urine commonly referred to as blood in the urine. This is not a normal phenomenon and the presence of red blood cells raises the concern about some kidney or urinary tract disease leading to bleeding. Hematuria will not always result in a >> Read More ...
Granulocytes are present in large quantities in the blood of a normal person. These are the policemen of the body who patrol different parts of the body to ensure the absence of any infection or injury. The ready availability of destructive enzymes present within their granules, helps them to act immediately. Thus, it >> Read More ...
The lymphocytes or agranulocytes are of 2 types, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. These cells can be considered higher rank officials of the immune system and have a sophisticated mode of action. They are summoned by the chemical mediators produced by the neutrophils but reach the destination only after 4-7 days. Their >> Read More ...
HaroldG55 Asked : I have been experiencing intense itching while urinating which settles but does not go away completely after I stop urinating. The itching sensation is like inside the penis and no matter how much I rub the area or try to scratch around the penis, nothing relieves it. Sometimes the itching gets quite >> Read More ...
The immune system of our body consists of series of cells, called white blood cells, which act in a sequential manner, like a planned military defense system. The various cells have specialized functions which are performed in a highly accurate and controlled manner. Though, the immune system is known to erroneously >> Read More ...
