Key points Nasopharyngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the nasopharynx. Ethnic background and being exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus can affect the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer. Signs of nasopharyngeal cancer include trouble breathing, speaking, or hearing. Tests that examine the nose and throat are used to …

Zika virus facts Share Your Story Zika virus is a virus related to dengue, West Nile, and other viruses. Zika virus may play a role in developing congenital microcephaly (small head and brain) in the fetus of infected pregnant women. The viral disease was first noted in 1947 in Africa and has spread by outbreaks to many different countries, with …

Phenylketonuria (PKU) definition and facts* *Phenylketonuria (PKU) medically edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disease that’s inherited that increases the levels of phenylalanine in the blood. If left untreated, high phenylalanine levels can cause intellectual disability and other problems. Phenylketonuria disease was discovered in 1934 by Dr. A. Folling. Signs and symptoms of PKU vary …

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) definition and facts Share Your Story PNH is a rare, chronic disease that causes rapid breakdown of red blood cells and can result in reddish or cola-colored urine, often seen in the early morning after urination. PNH is due to a spontaneous mutation in gene material. Signs and symptoms of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria include one or …

Kidney cancer facts* Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story *Kidney cancer facts medical author: Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD Kidney cancer facts medical editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD The kidneys are two organs in the body that filter the blood and remove waste material and excess water by making urine that is expelled as waste. Cancer is the growth of …

What is triamcinolone acetonide inhaler, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Triamcinolone is a synthetic (man-made) steroid of the glucocorticoid family used for treating asthma. It is similar to beclomethasone (Vanceril, QVAR) and fluticasone (Flovent). The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid hormone is cortisol or hydrocortisone produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. Some symptoms of asthma are …

What is nelfinavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nelfinavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors that also includes indinavir (Crixivan), amprenavir (Agenerase), ritonavir (Norvir) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within …

What is Stiolto Respimat, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Stiolto Respimat is a combination of inhaled medications used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It consists of two medications, tiotropium bromide (Spiriva) and olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat). Tiotropium bromide is an inhaled bronchodilator that enlarges (dilates) airways (bronchi) in the lungs and is used for treating COPD. …

Salivary gland cancer facts *Salivary gland cancer facts medically edited by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Salivary gland cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that involves abnormal (malignant) growth of salivary gland cells. Factors that increase the risk of salivary gland cancer include older age, radiation therapy to the head and neck, or exposure to cancer-causing chemicals …

Microcephaly facts* *Microcephaly facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Microcephaly is a condition where the head (circumference) is smaller than normal. Microcephaly may be caused by genetic abnormalities or by drugs, alcohol, certain viruses, and toxins that are exposed to the fetus during pregnancy and damage the developing brain tissue. Unfortunately, a 2015-2016 outbreak of Zika virus in …