A healthy pancreas produces substances that are required for digestion A healthy pancreas produces substances that are required for digestion and the breakdown of food. The pancreas produces two types of substances: enzymes and hormones. The pancreas contains exocrine glands that produce enzymes such as: Trypsin and chymotrypsin: needed for proteins to breakdown Amylase: needed …

What is endotracheal intubation? Endotracheal intubation is used for people who can't breathe on their own, whether because of an illness, accident or planned anesthesia for surgery. Endotracheal intubation is the procedure to insert a flexible tube into the airway (trachea) through the mouth or the nose. The endotracheal tube is most often placed through the mouth, especially in emergencies. …

What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Down syndrome is a type of genetic disorder in which a person has an extra chromosome (rod-like structures that contain genes) inside the cells. The syndrome is named after the English physician John Langdon Down who provided the first accurate description of this condition. Down …

Seborrheic dermatitis facts Picture of seborrheic dermatitis along the hairline; photo courtesy of Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD Seborrheic dermatitis is probably the single most common inflammatory skin condition affecting humans aside from acne vulgaris. Seborrheic dermatitis is highly treatable but incurable. The course of seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by spontaneous remissions and exacerbations (flare-ups). Seborrheic dermatitis affects all ages. …

Ruptured (perforated) eardrum definition and facts Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story A ruptured eardrum, also known as a perforated tympanic membrane, is a hole or a tear in the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. A ruptured or perforated eardrum is a hole or tears in the eardrum (tympanic …

What are the different causes of leg pain? Leg pain can occur as a result of various conditions Leg pain can occur as a result of conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, or skin of the leg. Some common causes of leg pain include: Peripheral artery disease: Inadequate blood supply to the leg is …

What is LEEP? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story This LEEP procedure is used most often for treating moderate dysplasia (abnormal changes of the cells lining the cervix or precancers) that have been identified by colposcopy and/or cervical biopsy. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), uses a low-voltage electrical current to remove abnormal tissues of the cervix. It has an advantage, …

What is laryngitis? Generally, laryngitis isn’t a severe condition and should resolve in barely three weeks Laryngitis is the inflammation of the voice box (larynx). If caused by a virus or bacteria, laryngitis may be contagious. Generally, laryngitis isn’t a severe condition and should resolve in barely three weeks with proper treatment, but in some cases, laryngitis lasts longer and …

Hydronephrosis facts Hydroureter describes swelling of the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. It causes pain. Hydronephrosis describes swelling of the kidney resulting from the inability of urine to drain from the kidney into the bladder. Hydroureter describes swelling of the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. The obstruction may occur at …

What is a miscarriage? Miscarriage is a common experience. The loss of a baby within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is called a miscarriage. When the unborn baby's weight is less than 400 grams and the baby dies, it is also considered a miscarriage. About 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage; however, the actual figure …