Tag: chronic illness

  • Shock

    Shock: Definition and Description of Shock: Shock is a critical medical condition characterized by the body’s inability to deliver adequate blood flow to vital organs, leading to cellular dysfunction and potentially resulting in organ failure. Medically, shock is defined as a state of systemic hypoperfusion, where tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading…

  • Sjogren’s Syndrome

    Sjogren’s Syndrome: Definition and Description of Sjogren’s Syndrome: Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized primarily by dry eyes and dry mouth, resulting from the body’s immune system attacking the glands responsible for producing moisture. This condition can occur on its own, referred to as primary Sjogren’s Syndrome, or alongside other autoimmune diseases, such…

  • Sarcoidosis

    Sarcoidosis: Definition and Description of Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a complex inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of tiny clumps of inflammatory cells, known as granulomas, in various organs, primarily the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, and eyes. The exact cause of sarcoidosis remains unclear, but it is believed to occur in response to environmental factors in…

  • Recurrent Multiple Myeloma

    Recurrent Multiple Myeloma: Definition and Description of Recurrent Multiple Myeloma: Recurrent Multiple Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, which are a kind of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. This disease is characterized by the re-emergence of symptoms after a period of remission. The cancerous plasma cells accumulate in…

  • Refractory Epilepsy

    Refractory Epilepsy: Definition and Description of Refractory Epilepsy: Refractory epilepsy, also known as drug-resistant epilepsy, is a condition where seizures remain uncontrolled despite adequate treatment with at least two antiepileptic medications. This form of epilepsy is particularly challenging as it significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. The term ‘refractory’ refers to the…

  • Prescription Medications

    Prescription Medications: Definition and Description of Prescription Medications: Prescription medications are drugs that require a healthcare provider’s authorization for use. These medications are typically prescribed to individuals to treat specific medical conditions, alleviate symptoms, or prevent diseases. According to the National Institutes of Health, prescription medications differ from over-the-counter (OTC) medications because they are not…

  • Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Definition and Description of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a rare but progressive condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which are the vessels carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. In healthy individuals, these arteries allow blood to flow freely, enabling effective oxygen exchange.…

  • Pulmonary Hypertension, Primary

    Pulmonary Hypertension, Primary: Definition and Description of Pulmonary Hypertension, Primary: Pulmonary Hypertension, Primary (PH) is a severe medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs. Unlike secondary pulmonary hypertension, which results from another medical condition, primary pulmonary hypertension occurs without any identifiable underlying…

  • Pulmonary Hypertension, Secondary

    Pulmonary Hypertension, Secondary: Definition and Description of Pulmonary Hypertension, Secondary: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) refers to elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs. In secondary pulmonary hypertension, this condition is a consequence of underlying health issues rather than occurring as a primary disorder. This type of pulmonary…

  • Pneumonia

    Pneumonia: Definition and Description of Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs primarily caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Medical dictionaries describe pneumonia as an infection that affects the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, leading to respiratory issues. Symptoms often include…