Coagulopathy Definition Coagulopathy is commonly referred to as hemorrhage or clotting disorder. It is any deficiency in the human blood system responsible for coagulation that results to a disposition towards very slow or rapid coagulation process. In some instances, coagulopathy can show up with an increased hemorrhage or a propensity towards thrombosis. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (Consumptive Coagulopathy) Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a serious blood disorder in which the proteins that control the blood clotting mechanism become over active. Normally after an injury, the blood clotting proteins are activated and form a clot to stop the bleeding. In case of consumptive coagulopathy or disseminated intravascular coagulopathy disorder or DIS, the over [...]
Torn Meniscus
by on 21. Jun, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions
Torn Meniscus The knee joint has a fibrocartilaginous crescent-shaped structure that serves to distribute the weight of the body uniformly across the three bones that compose the knee joint namely the tibia (shin bone), femur (thigh bone) and the patella (knee cap). This structure is called the meniscus and aside from providing stability, it also acts as a spacer between the knee bones allowing them to move effectively without resulting to any damage. There are two menisci in each knee between the surfaces of the articular cartilage: the medial meniscus (at the inner section) and the lateral meniscus (at the outer section). These structures also act as shock absorbers during [...]
Scabies
by on 21. Jun, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions
Definition An infestation by a tiny, eight-legged burrowing mite known as Sarcoptes scabies is called scabies. The scabies mite burrows into the skin and lays eggs which leads towards tiny blisters and bumps. This does not stop at this but causes intense itching in its existing area and the urge to scratch reaches at peak during night. The mite that causes scabies is invisible to the naked eye but can be seen with the help of microscope or magnifying glass. Scabies is contagious in nature and can spread itself quickly through the close physical contact of the healthy person with the infected one.
Acute and Chronic Pyelonephritis
by on 13. Jun, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions
Pyelonephritis The kidneys are bean-shaped structures in the abdominal cavity that are roughly the size of a human fist. They are one of the most important excretory organs of the body. These renal structures are located at the paravertebral gutter, lying at a retriperitoneal position. The basic unit of this excretory organ is the nephrons – responsible for filtering blood and removing the body’s waste products. These renal structures are complex reprocessing structures that filter approximately 190 liters of blood and process 2 liters of metabolic wastes and excess water per day. The surplus water and wastes would become urine that is stored in the bladder until released through urination. [...]
Rectal Prolapse
by on 01. Jun, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions
What is Rectal Prolapse? This is a condition occurring when the rectum which is the lowest intestinal section, loses internal support and slips outside the body. Symptoms are many and this condition occurs in older adults – normally women and in some cases in young children. Rectal prolapse in infants may be a sign of cystic fibrosis. Rectal Prolapse Symptoms Symptoms of rectal prolapse include some of the following: Constipation Cystic fibrosis Fecal incontinence Feeling a bulge or protrusion thru the anus Anal bleeding The major symptom is a reddish colored mass that can stick out from the anal opening, especially following bowel movements. The lining of the rectal tissue [...]
Obstipation
by on 06. Apr, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions
Obstipation Definition Obstipation is the failure to pass fecal matters or gas, practically a chronic constipation. It is a state where the intestines are never fully emptied and would eventually lead to obstruction. There is no definite diagnostic exam for obstipation. Identification of the condition is frequently made based on the patient’s medical history and the presenting signs and symptoms. A person who is chronically constipated would feel bloated most of the time which could lead to anorexia and abdominal discomfort or tenderness. If not treated as soon as possible, it can develop into more serious problems. If the bowel is not emptied, toxins would accumulate which could lead to [...]
Diaphoresis
by on 03. Apr, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions
Diaphoresis The body performs best if its temperature is around 37º Celsius (98.6º Fahrenheit). The body’s internal temperature is closely monitored by the hypothalamus. Once the temperature reaches a point where homeostasis is compromised, the hypothalamus will try to lower it by the triggering the sweat mechanism. Sweating is the body’s inherent method of regulating temperature that is why people would sweat more if the temperature outside is high, when doing exercises or when responding to circumstances that would make them afraid, embarrassed or angry. The amount of sweat produced would depend on the number of sweat glands a person has. Normally, a person has around 2 – 4 million [...]
Trichomoniasis (Trich)
by on 24. Mar, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions
What is Trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis (commonly referred as “Trich”) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite settles at the urogenital tract and infects sexually active individuals with multiple partners or who fail to use any form of protection. This is the most frequent but curable STD in sexually active young women. Most patients who were diagnosed with gonorrhea and non-gonococcal urethritis were also found to be infected with this disease. The trich culprit survives in the dark moist regions of the body making the female anatomy a suitable host. Moreover, trichomonas can manage to survive outside the host for many hours increasing risk of [...]
Biliary colic (Gallstones pain)
by on 23. Mar, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions
Biliary Colic Bile, a substance that helps in fat digestion, is produced at the liver and stored at the gallbladder. After a meal, bile is secreted from the gallbladder to the common bile duct where it goes into the small intestine and is mixed with partly digested food. An obstruction in its normal flow would cause spasms in the bile duct, an attempt to remove the cause of the blockage. This pain usually occurs a few hours after the consumption of a meal rich in fats and is termed biliary colic. The term “colic” is in fact misleading since the pain felt in this condition is not intermittent but felt [...]
Hypersomnia
by on 22. Mar, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions
Hypersomnia Definition Hypersomnia is the persistent excessive sleeping during daytime or prolonged nocturnal sleeping. The condition is also referred as essential hypersomnolence, non-REM narcolepsy or idiopathic CNS hypersomnia. This is not the same with fatigue felt due to night-time interrupted sleep or lack of sleep. Individuals with hypersomnia tend to frequently take a nap throughout the day at inappropriate times like during a conversation, work hours or even when taking a meal. These naps taken do not relieve the symptoms. Oftentimes, these individuals will have trouble waking up from their long sleep and most of the time would be confused. Idiopathic Hypersomnia Hypersomnia is divided into two categories: Primary hypersomnia [...]
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