What is ankylosing spondylitis? The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known. A combination of age, sex, and genetic and environmental factors may increase the risk of ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also called Bechterew disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease. Ankylosing spondylitis affects the joints of the body, especially the small joints of …

What is an open appendectomy? An open appendectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix. An appendix is a small, finger-like structure at the junction of the small and large intestine. The function of the appendix is largely unknown and its removal seems to not cause any observable problems. However, its infection can be painful. An …

What exactly is a tumor? Tumors can vary in size, from a tiny swelling to a large lump. Tumors can appear almost anywhere in the body. A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells, which serves no purpose in the body. A tumor develops when cells divide too quickly and without control. Tumors can vary in size, from a tiny …

What is a dermatologist? Dermatologists may often perform specialized procedures for the diagnosis of conditions related to the skin. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the hair, nails, and skin. They can diagnose and treat more than 3,000 diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, as well as cosmetic concerns.  …

Who is an endocrinologist? The most common diseases treated by an endocrinologist include diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2, Thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter. An endocrinologist is a specialist doctor who treats imbalances of hormones or the endocrine system of the body. An endocrinologist is trained for almost two to three years in endocrinology after completing four years …

Who is considered an alcoholic? The exact reason for someone to get an alcohol use disorder (AUD) is not completely understood. The term alcohol use disorder (AUD) refers to a condition in which a person has a strong and compulsive desire to consume alcohol despite the presence of negative consequences or impact on their life. The term alcoholic was previously …

What is sleep apnea? The most common warning signs of sleep apnea include recurrent awakenings or insomnia, loud snoring, and others. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which an individual’s breathing frequently stops during sleep. The inadequate breathing causes oxygen levels in the blood to drop and disturb sleep.  In severe cases, sleep disturbances may happen hundreds of …

What is bipolar disorder? There are three main types of bipolar disorder – bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental condition that causes unusual and extreme shifts in mood.  It is characterized by periods of deep, profound, and prolonged depression that alternate with periods of an excessively elevated …

What is asthma? There is no cure for asthma, however, asthma symptoms can be managed by lifestyle modifications and treatment. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways (bronchi). Bronchi generally allow for the passage of air in and out of the lungs. In asthma, these airways develop hypersensitivity, inflammation, and narrowing. This causes difficulty in breathing. In the …

What are the five classic signs of inflammation? Five classic signs that include redness heat, swelling pain, and loss of function. Inflammation is the body’s response to any harmful stimulus. The stimulus may be an injury, infection, or irritation. The stimulus may be internal or external. Inflammation usually exhibits five classic signs that include: Redness Heat Swelling Pain Loss of …