What is Lupus? Lupus, also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. This inflammatory condition affects different organs throughout the body such as the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, skin, blood cells, and joints. Mostly seen in young females between 20-40 years of age. There is an increased risk factor in African-Americans, Hispanics, […]
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition that causes an imbalance in woman’s hormone levels and usually occurs during the reproductive age (ages 15 to 45). Although the exact cause of PCOS is unknown. It is believed that women with PCOS produce elevated male hormones called androgen than usual […]
What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver usually due to a virus, but other infections, drugs, alcohol, and autoimmune diseases can cause hepatitis as well. There are 5 types of viral hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. What is Hepatitis A? It is transmitted through the fecal-oral route and is associated with […]
What is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease is a serious digestive disorder in which the immune system responds abnormally to a protein called gluten, which then leads to damage to the lining of the small. The damage to the lining of the small intestines prevents its normal function from absorbing important nutrients leading to malabsorption. Gluten […]
What is Chronic Urticaria? Urticaria is a skin condition that appears as red, itchy welts due to a skin reaction. This is also known as hives. This condition is considered chronic if the reaction appears frequently over months, a year, or if the welts are present for more than six weeks. The cause of this […]
What is Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome? Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) also known as Pickwickian syndrome is a breathing disorder in obese people that leads to low oxygen levels and too much carbon dioxide in the blood during wakefulness in the absence of an alternative neuromuscular, mechanical or metabolic explanation for hypoventilation. Daytime hypoventilation is developed because […]
What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder where one involuntarily stops breathing while sleeping. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea when the throat muscles relax and obstruct during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles […]
What is Infective Endocarditis? Infective endocarditis is when bacteria travels through the blood to the heart valves and grows on the heart valves. When not caught and treated quickly infective endocarditis can irreversibly damage the heart valves and cause life-threatening complications and even death. Who is at risk for Infective Endocarditis? Increased age, rheumatic heart […]
What is Gout? Gout is a metabolic disease and a form of inflammatory arthritis that is caused by excessive buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint. It usually affects one joint at a time often the big toe. Uric acid is a product of purine breakdown from many foods we eat and alcohol. Underexcretion […]
What is Fibromyalgia? This condition is mainly characterized by pain throughout the body. The cause of this condition is not clearly known but research suggests there is an involvement of the nervous system. The pain tends to come and go. Fibromyalgia is more common in women and it tends to start in middle adulthood. Also, […]