What is polysaccharide iron complex? What is its (mechanism of action)? Polysaccharide iron complex is an iron containing drug used to improve low iron levels. Iron is an essential nutrient. It is a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle cells, proteins that are used to transport oxygen. Iron also is …

POT syndrome definition and facts* *POT syndrome definition and facts medically reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD. POTS is a condition characterized by too little blood returning to the heart when moving from a lying down to a standing up position. Symptoms can include fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness when standing up from a reclining position. The reduced blood flow to …

What is rheumatology? Rheumatology is the field of medicine that is concerned with the evaluation and treatment of people with autoimmune conditions and joint diseases, including arthritis. Branches of rheumatology include basic research and clinical research, as well as clinical diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of patients with these illnesses. What is a rheumatologist? A rheumatologist is a subspecialist in …

*Ricin definition and facts *Ricin definition and facts medically edited by: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Ricin is a toxic protein found naturally in castor beans from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). It can be deadly, but it depends on the dose and route of exposure. If castor beans are chewed and swallowed ricin can be released, however, simply …

Treacher Collins syndrome definition and facts* Share Your Story *Treacher Collins syndrome facts medically edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a condition (genetic disease) that alters the development of bones and other tissues in the face. Signs and symptoms vary from almost unnoticeable face changes to severe facial and ear alterations, cleft palate and …

Viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) facts* *Viral hemorrhagic fever facts by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Viral hemorrhagic fevers are defined as a group of illnesses caused by different families of viruses that cause vascular damage that results in symptomatic bleeding (hemorrhage). For example, Arenaviridae cause Lassa fever (Lassa virus), Argentine hemorrhagic fever (Junin virus), and Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (Machupo virus); …

Hyperparathyroidism definition and facts* Readers Comments 14 Share Your Story *Hyperparathyroid facts medically edited by Melissa Conrad Stöppler Hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by overactivity of the parathyroid glands, four small glands located around the thyroid gland in the neck. Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs when there is a disorder of the parathyroid glands themselves. Secondary hyperparathyroidism results when a condition elsewhere …

Natural remedies for pregnancy changes and body discomforts facts* Share Your Story *Natural remedies for pregnancy changes and body discomfort facts medically edited by: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD A number of body changes can occur during a healthy, normal pregnancy that may be surprising or at times uncomfortable. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the body. Some women notice …

Summary Share Your Story Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is a skin condition characterized by fever, inflammation of the joints (arthritis), and painful skin lesions that appear mainly on the face, neck, back and arms. Although middle-aged women are most likely to develop this condition, it may also affect men, older adults and even infants. The exact cause of acute febrile …

Occupational asthma facts Asthma is a lung disease characterized by and reversible narrowing of the airways, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough. Occupational asthma is caused by a specific agent in the workplace. Many different agents can cause occupational asthma. Symptoms can begin immediately with exposure or years later. Occupational asthma is diagnosed by a thorough …