Tag Archives: breast cancer

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). …

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 intravenous insulin therapy? IV insulin is administered as an emergency procedure; it is dangerous and must be done under supervision of a doctor. Intravenous insulin therapy is a treatment procedure to control high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in ICU patients. Rapid and efficient control of hyperglycemia improves recovery rates and reduces mortality in critically ill patients. Intravenous insulin therapy …

Is IV insulin therapy different from daily insulin injections? Intravenous insulin is only administered in a diabetic or other emergency; people with diabetes administer their daily insulin doses subcutaneously. Intravenous insulin therapy is a treatment procedure to manage high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) with intravenous infusion of insulin. Intravenous insulin is administered only in a hospital ICU setting in selected critically …

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 …

What is a stroke? Neuroprotective agents theoretically can reduce secondary brain damage from a stroke. No drug for this purpose has been FDA-approved, but many are under study. A stroke is an interruption in blood supply to a part of the brain causing brain tissue damage. Stroke is a medical emergency and one of the leading causes of death and …

What are palpitations? Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story Sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath may accompany palpitations. Palpations are sensations by a person that they are having hard, rapid, or irregular heartbeats or a combination of these sensations. A brief description of the heart's function that should help readers to better understand palpitations. The heart is a two-stage electrical …

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 is endotracheal intubation? Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure, but it can be traumatic and quite involved. Intubation requires 10 or more pieces of medical equipment, multiple medications and dozens of steps. Endotracheal intubation is the procedure to insert a flexible tube into the airway (trachea) through the mouth or the nose. Endotracheal intubation is performed during general anesthesia …

Herniated disc facts Picture of herniated disc between L4 and L5 The discs are pads that serve as "cushions" between the vertebral bodies, which minimize the impact of movement on the spinal column. Each disc is designed like a jelly donut with a central softer component (nucleus pulposus). Abnormal rupture of the central portion of the disc is referred to …