Tag Archives: breast cancer

Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever (legionellosis) facts X-ray image of lungs of patient with Legionnaires’; disease Legionellosis is an infection that is caused by a bacterium. The bacterium thrives in droplets of water and moist conditions usually associated with water systems. The bacterium can infest an entire building. The illness takes two distinct forms: Legionnaires' …

What are the differences between indapamide and thiazide diuretics? Indapamide and thiazides are diuretics (water pills) used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and accumulation of excess fluid (edema), which may result from congestive heart failure. Side effects of indapamide and thiazide diuretics that are similar include low blood potassium (hypokalemia), muscle weakness, low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia), increased uric acid …

What facts should I know about pancreatic cancer? Picture of a Man with Pancreatic Cancer by iStock The pancreas, located in the abdomen, has cells with endocrine (hormonal) and exocrine (digestive) functions; cancer cells can develop from both types of functional cells. Most pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas. Few patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have identifiable risk factors. Pancreatic cancer is …

Knee injury facts Picture of Knee Joint The knee is one of the most common body parts to be injured. Types of common knee injuries include sprains, strains, bursitis, dislocations, fractures, meniscus tears, and overuse injuries. Knee injuries are generally caused by twisting or bending force applied to the knee, or a direct blow, such as from sports, falls, or …

What are the differences between Lexapro and Prozac? Lexapro (escitalopram) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants used to treat depression. Lexapro is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Prozac is also used to treat bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Prozac is also prescribed in combination with Zyprexa (olanzapine) to …

What is Zoloft (sertraline)? What is its mechanism of action? Sertraline belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other drugs in this class are: fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva) citalopram (Celexa) fluvoxamine (Luvox CR) Is Zoloft available in generic form? Yes. What doses are available for Zoloft? Fluoxetine is available as …

What is prednisone? How does it work? Prednisone is a drug that belongs to the corticosteroid drug class, and is an anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressant. It's used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions, for example: inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), lupus, asthma, cancers, and several types of arthritis. Common side effects are weight gain, …

Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) definition and facts Symptoms of a high red blood cell count include headache and fatigue. Polycythemia means increased red blood cell volume. Polycythemia is divided into two main categories; primary and secondary. Polycythemia can be linked to secondary causes, such as, chronic hypoxia or tumors releasing erythropoietin. Abnormally increased red cell production in the …

What is a visual field test? Share Your Story A visual field test is an important part of a routine eye exam. A visual field test is a method of measuring an individual's entire scope of vision, that is their central and peripheral (side) vision. Visual field testing maps the visual fields of each eye individually and can detect blind …

What are ACE inhibitors, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical produced by the body that primarily circulates in the blood. It causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the vessels. The narrowing of the vessels increases the pressure within the vessels causing increases in blood pressure (hypertension). Angiotensin …