Prolactinoma facts A prolactinoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas cause secretion of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the breast to produce milk. The aims of treatment are the reduction of prolactin level to normal, reduction of tumor size, and restoration of normal pituitary function. Most prolactinomas occur sporadically with a low …
Read More »What Is Pain Management? Relief for Back, Knee Pain, Etc.
Introduction to pain management Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain …
Read More »What Is Shaken Baby Syndrome? Symptoms, Signs, Facts
Shaken baby syndrome facts Inflicted trauma (especially shaken baby syndrome) is a leading cause of childhood (especially infant) mortality. There are several risk factors associated with an increased risk for shaken baby syndrome. Multiple behavioral symptoms and physical signs enable physicians to establish the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome. Successful treatment for shaken baby syndrome demands accurate diagnosis and removal …
Read More »Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatments, Stages, Causes & Symptoms
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 detect (find) and diagnose nasopharyngeal …
Read More »Zika Virus Symptoms, Treatment & Infection While Pregnant
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 …
Read More »Phenylketonuria, PKU Causes, Symptoms, Testing, Diet & Stats
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 …
Read More »Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Symptoms, Treatment
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 …
Read More »Kidney Cancer Symptoms, Prognosis & Treatment
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 …
Read More »triamcinolone acetonide inhaler, Azmacort: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
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 …
Read More »nelfinavir, Viracept: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
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 …
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