What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is a disease of blood vessels. In this condition, the innermost layer of the blood vessels (endothelium) is constricted by the deposition of fat, calcium and cellular debris. Atherosclerosis leads to the narrowing of the artery, which in turn reduces the flow of blood passing through it. The reduced blood flow …
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What is Leukemia? It is also one of the most common cancers in children and adults younger than 20 years. The survival rate is higher for younger people. Leukemia is a group of cancers of the blood affecting the white blood cells. White blood cells are the infection-fighting cells of the body. In leukemia, white blood cell production becomes abnormal in …
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What is Lyme disease? Stage 1 early localized disease with a red rash with "bullseye" appearance occurring at or near the site of the tick bite. Lyme disease is a multisystem illness caused by infection with the microorganism, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the body’s immune response to its infection. The illness is transmitted from tick bites when the tick regurgitates the …
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What are antiepileptic drugs? Antiepileptic drugs aim to rebalance the chemo-electric activity in the brain, the dysfunction of which causes seizures. Antiepileptic drugs (AED) are medications given to control epileptic seizures and convulsions. Antiepileptic drugs do not cure epilepsy, but may reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of seizures. Most people must continue taking antiepileptic drugs for their entire lives. …
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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 the spine and the pelvic …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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What is usually the first sign of HIV? The signs and symptoms of HIV may first appear within two to four weeks of infection. The initial presentation of an HIV infection is a flu-like illness which includes: Fever Body ache Sore throat Headache Rash Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are a part of the body’s immune system that helps get …
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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 …
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