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Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)

The spleen is an intra-abdominal organ located just below the left side of the ribcage, behind the stomach. It is involved in removing abnormal or worn-out red cells from the blood, and also contributes to the immune function of the body, by providing antibodies and lymphocytes.

15 May 2017

Splenectomy (Spleen Removal)

Splenectomy is the procedure performed to remove the spleen. It may be done for various indications, some of which are detailed in this article.

15 May 2017

Living Without a Spleen

Asplenia, or the absence of a spleen, may be the result of functional or anatomical deficiency in spleen function.

15 May 2017

False Alarm Hypothesis of Food Allergy

The false alarm food allergy theory introduces the association of the westernized diet and increase in food allergies.

12 May 2017

Tarlov Cyst / Perineural Cysts

Tarlov cysts are formed within the nerve root sheath at the posterior root of a spinal nerve. This disease is more common in women than in men. These perineural/perineurial cysts appear as ballooned areas of the outer covering of the nerve root.

10 May 2017

Epidemiology of Hemorrhoids

Also known as a pile, a hemorrhoid is a swelling in the anal canal or around the anus with an enlarged blood vessel inside it. When tissue in these areas becomes swollen, possibly due to constipation and straining too much during a bowel movement, a hemorrhoid can develop. If the hemorrhoid becomes damaged, this can lead to pain and bleeding. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities can also result in hemorrhoids.

10 May 2017

Blue Nevus / Nevi / Mole

Blue nevi are a category of melanocytic tumors, which arise from the proliferation of dermal dendritic melanocytes to form an acquired pigmented mole. They are also called pigmented nevi, nevomelanocytic nevi of acquired origin, or melanocytic nevi.

10 May 2017

Skin Cysts (Sebaceous Cyst)

A skin cyst (Sebaceous cyst) is a fluid-filled protrusion originating from the skin layers, and lying just under the surface of the skin. It is usually harmless, and may be caused by many common conditions, so it does not always require treatment.

10 May 2017

Link Between Chronic Illness and Depression

Chronic illness and pain are generally associated with increased risk for depression, and depression is a common complication of being sick and in pain. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic reports that at least one-third of people living with a serious health condition will experience symptoms of depression.

9 May 2017

Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) and Immune Regulation

Butyrate and propionate are two important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in the human gut. They have been shown to have significant immune system effects in the intestinal mucosa, by inducing the differentiation of T-regulatory cells via inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC). This enzyme keeps chromatin from unwinding and, therefore, inhibits gene transcription.

9 May 2017

Banding, Sclerotherapy and Electrotherapy for Piles (Haemorrhoids)

Also known as hemorrhoids, piles are swellings around the anus or within the anal canal that have enlarged blood vessels inside them. Tissue inside the anal canal may become swollen as a result of straining to defecate, for example. If piles are damaged, this can cause pain and bleeding.

9 May 2017

Miliaria Treatments

Heat rash is the collective name for skin problems that result from exposure to heat or humidity. Commonly referred to as prickly heat or miliaria, heat rash is particularly prevalent during the summer months and when the climate is humid.

9 May 2017

Diagnosis and Therapies for Moebius Syndrome

Moebius syndrome is usually first suspected in newborn infants who are unable to suck. They may also have crossed eyes and drool excessively. Other signs may be present, such as abnormalities of the limbs, palate, and tongue. As the infant grows, smiling does not develop.

8 May 2017

Piles (Haemorrhoids) in Pregnancy

Also referred to as hemorrhoids, piles are swollen veins that occur within the anal canal or around the anus. Piles may not cause symptoms and people can be unaware that they have them. However, they can lead to itching, burning, pain, bleeding and lumps that can be felt around the anus.

8 May 2017

Epidermal Nevus Treatment

An epidermal nevus is a congenital condition in which there is a benign overgrowth of the embryonal ectoderm in the skin, leading to a cutaneous warty or smooth raised lesion. It is present at birth, though it may manifest much later, in childhood. This may be up to several centimeters in length, but may cover a much larger area in some cases.

8 May 2017

Epidermal Nevus Overview

An epidermal nevus is formed of skin cells which proliferate abnormally in a noncancerous way, to produce a benign overgrowth in the outer layer of skin. It is usually present at birth, or is seen in early childhood.

8 May 2017

Miliaria Types

Miliaria is the term used to describe conditions associated with sweat retention in the skin. The flow of sweat is obstructed, meaning it stays trapped within the skin, rather than moving from the sweat glands to the skin’s surface. This gives rise to various symptoms and signs including skin lesions.

8 May 2017

Genetics and Inheritance of Moebius Syndrome

Most cases of Moebius syndrome are spontaneous, with no family history and no known genetic cause. In certain rare cases, the disorder has been associated with defects in chromosomes 3, 10, and 13. The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database lists the gene map locus 13q12.2-q13 as having significance for Moebius syndrome.

8 May 2017

Causes of Blood in Urine

Although blood in the urine or hematuria can be alarming, it is not usually an indicator of a life-threatening condition. It can sometimes be related to a serious health issue.

8 May 2017

How is Conjunctivitis Diagnosed?

The conjunctiva is a layer of pink tissue that overlays the eye and the inside of each eyelid. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, sometimes referred to as pinkeye. It is a very common eye complaint, comprising about 30% of all eye-related emergency department visits. General symptoms include redness, discharge, irritation, and light sensitivity.

8 May 2017