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Autoimmunity Classification

Several diseases and disorders are caused by autoimmune mechanisms. Autoimmune diseases can generally be divided into those that are systemic and those that are localised and only affect a certain tissue or organ.

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Environmental Factors

The environmental factors that may influence susceptibilty to autoimmune disease form an important part of biomedical research.

21 Nov 2009

Pathogenesis of Autoimmunity

Several pathological mechanisms have been proposed to explain the development of autoimmune conditions. Aside from the roles played by genetic and environmental factors, some of the main pathological processes ...

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Sex

Autoimmunity refers to a failing of the immune system to differentiate between the body’s own tissues and invading bodies.

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Genetic Factors

Autoimmune conditions are multifactorial in their cause, with a mixture of genetic and environmental factors often playing a role.

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Immunological Tolerance

The term autoimmunity refers to a failure of the body’s immune system to recognize its own cells and tissues as “self.” Instead, immune responses are launched against these cells and tissues as if they were foreign or invading bodies.

21 Nov 2009

Angioedema Treatment

In allergic angioedema, avoidance of the allergen and use of antihistamines may prevent future attacks. Cetirizine is a commonly prescribed antihistamine for angioedema. Some patients have reported success with the combination of a nightly low dose of cetirizine to moderate the frequency and severity of attacks, followed by a much higher dose when an attack does appear. Severe angioedema cases may require desensitization to the putative allergen, as mortality can occur. Chronic cases require steroid therapy, which generally leads to a good response.

20 Nov 2009

Angioedema Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the clinical picture. Routine blood tests (complete blood count, electrolytes, renal function, liver enzymes) are typically performed. Mast cell tryptase levels may be elevated if the attack was due to an acute allergic (anaphylactic) reaction.

20 Nov 2009

Angioedema Pathophysiology

Angioedema is basically swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. This is due to accumulation of fluids caused by an allergic reaction.

20 Nov 2009

What is Angioedema?

Angioedema (BE: angiooedema) is the rapid swelling (edema) of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and submucosal tissues. It is very similar to urticaria, but urticaria, commonly known as hives, occurs in the upper dermis. There is usually no associated itch or urticaria, as it is not an allergic response.

20 Nov 2009

Ankylosing Spondylitis Prognosis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a complex chronic disease that causes inflammation in the spine and other areas of the body. Symptoms of the condition develop gradually over months or years. Some individuals can eventually get better, while others find their condition deteriorates. Although patients are at risk of long-term disability, this can usually be prevented with exercise, physiotherapy and medication.

20 Nov 2009

Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment

Ankylosing spondylitis has no cure. Most of the treatments aim to relieve symptoms and delay the progress of the disease and prevent the spinal deformities and disability.

20 Nov 2009

Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis

There are no single tests that can confirm the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. It is diagnosed mainly on the basis of symptoms as well as some tests.

20 Nov 2009

Ankylosing Spondylitis Pathophysiology

The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not clearly understood. However, a genetic association is clear. Pathogenesis of this condition has clear associations with the HLA-B27 gene.

20 Nov 2009

Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis may differ among individual sufferers. Usually the disease is progressive and slow in onset and development.

20 Nov 2009

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a long term painful disease that affects the spine, bones, muscles and ligaments that connect bones. There is presence of joint pain and inflammation akin to arthritis in this condition.

20 Nov 2009

Herpes Simplex History

Herpes simplex is a viral infection that has been known to mankind for centuries. Genital herpes infection is one of the most well known types of herpes and is therefore usually called "herpes" instead of herpes genitalis.

20 Nov 2009

Herpes Simplex Prognosis

After becoming infected with the herpes simplex virus, the epithelial cells of the genitalia and/or oral mucosa are rapidly infiltrated with the virus which quickly replicates within the cells causing their degeneration and necrosis (death).

20 Nov 2009

Herpes Simplex Diagnosis

Most cases of herpes simplex infection are diagnosed on the basis of clinical features and symptoms of the condition, whether the infection is genital herpes or orofacial herpes.

20 Nov 2009

Herpes Simplex Symptoms

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) leads to distinctive symptoms when it infects different parts of the body. The most common sites of infection include the skin and mucous membranes of the face. This is termed orofacial herpes. The second most common type of herpes infection affects the genitalia and is known of as genital herpes.

20 Nov 2009