Tag: chronic illness

Prayer

Prayer: Definition and Description of Prayer: Prayer is a spiritual practice that involves communicating with a higher power, deity, or the universe. It is often seen as a means of seeking guidance, comfort, or support. In various religions, it can take many forms, including supplication, thanksgiving, and confession. Medically, prayer may be looked at through…
Psoriasis

Psoriasis: Definition and Description of Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin, leading to the rapid growth of skin cells, which result in scaling on the skin’s surface. This often occurs in patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, characterized…
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.…
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): Definition and Description of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired bone marrow disorder characterized by the destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), which leads to the release of hemoglobin into the urine. This condition occurs due to a mutation in the PIGA gene, resulting in…
Palliative Care

Palliative Care: Definition and Description of Palliative Care: Palliative Care is a specialized area of healthcare focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and their families. It is applicable at any stage of a disease and can be…
Nasal Septal Perforation Repair

Nasal Septal Perforation Repair: Definition and Description of Nasal Septal Perforation Repair: Nasal septal perforation refers to an abnormal hole or defect in the nasal septum, the cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal cavities. Repairing this perforation is a surgical procedure aimed at closing the defect to restore normal nasal function and alleviate…
Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid

Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: Definition and Description of Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid (MMP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of painful blisters and erosions on mucous membranes, primarily affecting areas such as the mouth, eyes, nose, and genital regions. In MMP, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the basement membrane zone, where…
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD): Definition and Description of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD): Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by overlapping features of several connective tissue diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. This condition is marked by the presence of specific antibodies known as U1 ribonucleoprotein (U1 RNP)…
Mind-Body Wellness

Mind-Body Wellness: Definition and Description of Mind-Body Wellness: Mind-body wellness refers to the intricate connection between a person’s mental and emotional health and their physical well-being. It encompasses the understanding that emotional, mental, and physical states are interlinked, and that improving one aspect can positively influence the others. According to the National Institutes of Health…
Lupus

Lupus Definition and Description of Lupus Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This condition can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. The inflammation caused by lupus can lead to a range of…