Learn about causes, risk factors, and treatment for type I diabetes mellitus The pathophysiology of type I diabetes is autoimmunity, which is a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and possible viral infection of the pancreas. Due to a faulty immune reaction, the immune system mounts an attack on the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas …

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis is a systemic disease that mainly manifests as intestinal ulcers. A multifactorial autoimmune reaction causes inflammation in the intestinal lining and forms ulcers. Intestine plays a major role in the absorption of water and salts from the waste food that moves through it. Any disruption in the integrity …

Certain factors may trigger an asthma attack in susceptible individuals. Though asthma symptoms may come on suddenly without any prior noticeable change, sometimes, an asthma attack typically starts with a few early warning signs. These are caused by changes in the airways that happen before or at the very beginning of an asthma attack. The earliest signs of an approaching …

Generic Name: ipratropium Brand Names: Atrovent, Atrovent HFA, Atrovent Nasal Spray Drug Class: Anticholinergics, Respiratory; allergy, Intranasal What is ipratropium, and what is it used for? Ipratropium is a medication used to relieve runny nose and nasal inflammation (rhinitis) caused by colds and allergies, and as a bronchodilator to relieve bronchospasm and ease breathing in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), …

What causes chickenpox? Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The difference between chickenpox and shingles is that chickenpox usually occurs first, and shingles are a result of a reactivation of chickenpox later on. Even though chickenpox and shingles are usually spoken of together, they are very different illnesses. Some think only kids get chickenpox, and only …

There are 7 HIV drug classes based on how they fight HIV Effective treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often involves a combination of anti-HIV drugs to lower HIV levels in the body.  HIV therapy is also known as antiretroviral therapy, highly active antiretroviral therapy, or antiretrovirals. Scientists have created medications that prevent HIV from replicating work to slow the …

Generic Name: bupivacaine Brand Names: Marcaine, Sensorcaine, Posimir Drug Class: Local Anesthetics, Amides; Local Anesthetics, Dental; Local Anesthetics, Parenteral What is bupivacaine, and what is it used for? Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic used to prevent pain during dental procedures and as nerve blocks for regional anesthesia during various medical procedures including during labor and delivery. Bupivacaine blocks the nerve impulses that send …

Alternative treatments cannot cure breast cancer. However, alternative medicines can be beneficial to manage side effects. The treatment options for breast cancer are determined by the: Location of cancer Tumor size Stage and grade of cancer Spread to other parts of the body Cancer cells are sensitive to hormones The overall health of the patient Considering these factors, your physician …

What is yellow discharge?  It is normal for women to have discharge throughout their monthly cycle. However, yellow discharge accompanied by a fishy smell may be a sign of a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection. Vaginal discharge is normal. It's the body’s way of cleaning and flushing bacteria out of the vagina. This discharge normally appears milky or clear and …

What is kidney disease? Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys aren't working as well as they should. It's possible to live for many years with kidney disease. If you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you may be concerned about your life expectancy. Such a disease is a lifelong condition, and you will need to manage it carefully. It …