Tuberculosis (TB) Overview: Tuberculosis (TB for Tubercle Bacillus) is a common life-threatening lung infection. This infection can also damage the central nervous system, circulatory system, genitourinary system, bones, joints, and lymphatic system. The infection so common that approximately one-third of the world’s population is infected with tuberculosis. A person contracts tuberculosis every second, though he or she may not develop symptoms for many years. Tuberculosis (TB) Causes: Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacterium is spread through… Read More
Mastitis
Mastitis Overview: Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the breast. It usually occurs in women who are pregnant, or breastfeeding, although mastitis can also occur in women who have neither condition. Mastitis Causes: A mastitis infection is caused by bacteria entering the breast, usually from the baby’s nose or throat, while it is nursing. The risk of infection is increased by cracks, or sores in the nipple, using a breast pump, or wearing a bra that is too tight. However,… Read More
Melanoma
Melanoma Overview: Melanoma is a type of malignant skin cancer that is prevalent in Caucasians, particularly those living in sunny climates. Melanoma accounts for approximately 48,000 deaths, worldwide, each year. Melanoma Causes: Over exposure to the sun is one of the primary causes of melanoma, particularly in light haired and fair skinned people who are overly sensitive to the sun. Family history, age and a prior history of melanoma are also risk factors. Melanoma, and other skin cancers, have also… Read More
Lupus
Lupus Overview: Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack vital organs. Lupus can be either suppressive or aggressive. It is characteristic of lupus suffers to experience bouts of inflammation of the disease as well as bouts of total remission. Lupus Causes: Lupus is a genetic disease that is predominately found in women rather than men. Lupus can also be caused by malnutrition, exposure to certain chemicals, and drugs. Lupus Symptoms: Like other immune diseases,… Read More
Lymphoma
Lymphoma Overview: Lymphoma is also known as hematological neoplasm. Lymphoma represents a wide range of cancers of the lymphatic system. When someone is sick with an infection, the lymph nodes, which make up the lymphatic system, swell in order to contain and fight the infection. Lymphoma is when the lymph node cells irregularly swell or aggressively multiply. There are two predominate types of lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Hodgkin’s disease is named after the English doctor Thomas Hodgkin’s (1832). … Read More
I.B.S.
I.B.S. ( Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Overview: IBS is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by abdominal pain, excessive gassiness, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. Most people with IBS suffer from constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both. It is estimated that 20% of the general population suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, and IBS is one of the most common problems addressed by primary care physicians. IBS may also be referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis,… Read More
Yeast Infections
Yeast Infections Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis) is a growth of the fungus Candida albicans. Yeast are organisms that usually live on the skin and inside the vagina. The acidity of the vagina usually prevents yeast infections. When the acidity of the vagina drops, yeast begin to grow and cause a yeast infection. While having a yeast infection is extremely uncomfortable, it is not a serious condition. Yeast infections can go away on their own, or medications can be… Read More
Constipation
Constipation is not a popular topic that people like to talk about. However, if you’ve suffered from this problem you know it can be both painful and frustrating. Almost everyone gets constipated at some time during his or her life. It affects approximately 4% of the population in the U.S. Though not usually serious, constipation can be a concern and may lead to other health problems. The following article reviews the things you should know about constipation. What is Constipation?… Read More
Do Natural Cold Remedies Work?
Are Herbal Remedies Safe? The good news is that, in general, most of natural remedies won’t hurt you (although it can’t hurt to check with your doctor). And there may be several upsides to herbal supplements. “I believe that most of the over-the-counter products just mask symptoms, which is great to get you through the day,” Dr. Leopold says. “But many of the natural oral supplements are working more with the body, maybe stimulating the immune system and also helping… Read More
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
Our bodies are supposed to naturally produce insulin, which converts sugar and starches into energy. Unlike the more common form of diabetes, type 1 results from the pancreas’ inability to produce insulin. Reasoning behind what causes the immune system to destroy the cells that produce this key hormone are currently unknown. Scientists venture that a combination of a genetic mutation and virus result in type 1 diabetes. Nearly one million Americans live with the disease every day. Although there is… Read More