Good health is so much more than an attractive physique; it is a general feeling of well-being that is achieved when your body’s vital organs are performing at optimal capacity, all in unison. Many people are quick to assume that health is largely determined by genetics and very much out of our control. This of […]
What is POTS syndrome? Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an autonomic disorder in which most of the blood stays in the lower body when a person stands ups from a laying position, and in response, the heart rate jumps. Blood usually flows at a steady rate whether a person is sitting, standing, lying down, […]
What is NASH? NASH is liver inflammation (hepatitis) and damage caused by a buildup of fat in the liver. Due to the fat buildup, the liver doesn’t work as well, and more severe cases can lead to scarring and cirrhosis. Although most liver disease is caused by heavy drinking, NASH occurs in people who do […]
What is Sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic, chronic multisystemic inflammatory granulomatous disorder. While Sarcoidosis can affect any organ, it mainly affects the lungs and lymph nodes. Abnormal masses, or granulomas, consisting of inflamed tissues may alter the structure or function of the organ. Risk factors for developing Sarcoidosis include female gender, African-American race, and Northern […]
What is Cirrhosis? Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases. What are the causes of Cirrhosis? Chronic alcohol abuse Chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, and D) Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Hemochromatosis – iron buildup Cystic fibrosis Wilson’s disease – copper buildup Poorly formed bile […]
What is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is spread by the vector Ixodes Scapularis (deer tick). Lyme disease occurs most commonly in Spring and Summer in the Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Transmission is unlikely to occur if tick attachment is […]
What is Multiple Sclerosis? MS is a disease that damages the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. This disease causes Demyelination: damage to the protective covering of the nerve, scarring, and loss of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. What are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis? The earliest sign of MS is usually […]
What is Pulmonary Embolism? A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blot clot in an artery of the lungs which stops blood from flowing to the lung. A clot commonly travels from the legs, but can also come from other veins in the body. What are the symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism? Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism […]
What is Intercostal Neuritis? Intercostal neuritis is often referred to as intercostal neuralgia. It occurs when there is pain amongst the intercostal nerves surrounding the ribs. Such nerves originate from the spinal cord. What are the signs and symptoms of Intercostal Neuritis? The signs and symptoms of intercostal neuritis is an uncomfortable pain, often felt […]
What is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers the never fibers that communicate the brain with the rest of your body. The cause of this condition is unknown and its sometimes considered an autoimmune disease. Since the myelin sheath is damaged the messages that travel […]
What is Myelodysplastic Syndrome and its causes? Myelodysplastic syndrome encompasses multiple conditions that result from blood cells that do not function properly. Normally, the bone marrow produces blood cells that are immature that then mature with time. However, in myelodysplastic syndrome, the bone marrow produces abnormal, otherwise known as dysplastic, immature blood cells that do […]