What is laparoscopic gastric banding? Laparoscopic gastric banding surgery is done under general anesthesia. This procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Laparoscopic gastric banding is a weight loss surgery in which the surgeon places a band around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch to hold food, limiting …
Read More »
What is the ileum? In conditions where the ileum is removed surgically, the duodenum is connected to the colon. This is called anastomosis. The entire small intestine is around 20 feet long and is divided into three parts. The first part is called the duodenum. The stomach opens into the duodenum. The middle part is called the jejunum. The third and final …
Read More »
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. …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
What is a stye? A stye usually resolves in about seven days. However, some cases of stye require medical help. A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is mainly caused due to a bacterial infection. It is a red, painful bump that forms either inside or outside the eyelid. There are two kinds of styes: External stye: A stye looks …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
