What is Diverticulitis? Diverticulosis is the presence of bulges in the colon wall. When these bulges become inflamed and/or infected, the condition is known as diverticulitis. These bulges are more common after age 40 and in the descending colon. Other risk factors for diverticular disease are males, overweight, people who consume a low-fiber diet and […]
What is Pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The main function of the pancreas is to produce the enzymes needed for digestion as well as producing insulin and glucagon, which are the hormones in charge of regulating glucose in your body. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Acute […]
What is Myasthenia Gravis? Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorder characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles, which are the muscles the body uses for various movements. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues resulting in a decreased number of available acetylcholine […]
What is Paget’s Disease? Paget’s disease is a disease of the elderly in which bone breaks down and is not replaced properly by the body. This leads to weaker bones and bone pain. Who is at risk for Paget’s Disease? The cause remains unknown, but it is believed to be a genetic disease, so having […]
What is Hypercalcemia? Calcium is an essential mineral in your body but too much of it in the blood is called hypercalcemia. Having too much calcium can cause issues with your heart and brain as well as kidney stones. What can cause Hypercalcemia? The most common cause is an overactive parathyroid gland. However, hypercalcemia can […]
What is Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)? This condition is characterized by a fat buildup in your liver. NASH is not usually caused by alcohol intake. The excess fat in your liver causes inflammation which can lead to liver cell damage and ultimately lead to either cirrhosis or liver cancer. What are the symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis? […]
What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)? Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive chronic disease that damages the air sacs in the lung and causes the lung to become stiff and thick making it very hard for oxygen to reach the blood. Over time, the thickness and stiffness result in permanent scarring of lung tissue […]
What is Asthma? Asthma is a condition where your airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. This is known as airway hyperactivity, bronchoconstriction, and inflammation. Asthma is reversible and intermittent and symptoms can range from minor to major. There is no cure, but symptoms can be controlled with a range of medications. Who is at […]
What is Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a lung condition where the walls of the bronchi, which are the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs, are scarred, thickened, and widened. Since the airways are scarred, they can’t move secretions effectively and mucus accumulates in the lungs and becomes a perfect environment for infections. […]
What is Von Willebrand’s Disease? Von Willebrand’s disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder affecting 1% of the United States population. It caused by missing or defective Von Willebrand factor, a clotting protein responsible for platelet aggregation at the site of blood vessel injury. It also protects factor VIII from being destroyed which is […]