The red blood cells possess a protein known as hemoglobin that binds and transports oxygen from lungs to other body parts. Therefore, hemoglobin is critical for survival and normal body functioning. Any defect in the gene coding for this oxygen-carrier protein may disrupt all vital body functions and present a spectrum of >> Read More ...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Definition Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease that affects blood vessels and is transmitted by tick bites. The infection is caused by the bacterium, Rickettsiae ricketsii. Infection damages the wall of blood vessels thereby making it leaky. Ruptured blood vessels may >> Read More ...
What is actinic prurigo? Actinic prurigo is an itchy skin condition that arises with sunlight exposure. Small and extremely itchy pimples (papules) appear on the areas exposed to the sun usually without a few days after intense sunlight exposure. Sunlight is the trigger but not the cause of the disease. The exact cause of >> Read More ...
Supraventricular Tachycardia Definition Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a condition where there heart beats rapidly (tachycardia) due to electrical impulses originating the region above the heart’s ventricles, the chambers that push blood of the heart. It is also known as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia >> Read More ...
Vertebral Artery Dissection Definition Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a condition where blood collects within the walls of the vertebral artery and hampers blood flow through it. Since the vertebral arteries carry oxygen rich blood to the brain, most symptoms are a result of reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to >> Read More ...
What is a Hernia? A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of the contents of a cavity through its walls. Hernias are most commonly seen in the abdominal cavity and hence the term hernia is often used synonymously with an abdominal hernia. In this type of hernia, the abdominal contents like parts of the small intestine may >> Read More ...
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Definition Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where there is a tingling pain, numbness, and weakness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers caused by irritation of the median nerve. It is a common condition in this day and age of excessive computer use and video gaming. The median nerve >> Read More ...
What is subclavian artery thrombosis? Subclavian artery thrombosis is a blockage of the subclavian artery by a blood clot. Injury to a vessel and narrowing due to fatty plaques (atherosclorosis) are common predisposing factors of a blockage of an artery with a blood clot. This is typically seen with older people. However, >> Read More ...
What is sleeping sickness? Sleeping sickness, also called African trypanosomiasis, is a caused by a small parasite Trypanosoma brucei. It is confined to sub-Saharan Africa. Although the term sleeping sickness may be associated with other infections which causes similar symptoms, the term is more commonly associated with >> Read More ...
What is hand dermatitis? Hand dermatitis is the term for irritation, inflammation and a rash of the skin on the hands, often including the fingers. The hands are a fairly common site of skin problems since it is exposed to the environment and in contact with various substances that may act as allergens or irritants for the >> Read More ...
