Tag: chronic illness

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohn’s Disease

    Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohn’s Disease Definition and Description of Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohn’s Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term primarily used to describe two chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease specifically can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus,…

  • Hospice Care

    Hospice Care Definition and Description of Hospice Care Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. It emphasizes quality of life over curative treatment, helping patients and their families navigate the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges associated with serious health conditions. Typically,…

  • Familial Emphysema

    Familial Emphysema Definition and Description of Familial Emphysema Familial Emphysema is a chronic lung condition characterized by the permanent enlargement of the air sacs within the lungs, known as alveoli. This disease results primarily from a deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein that protects the lungs from inflammation and damage. When levels of this protein…

  • Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

    Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Definition and Description of Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (FPPH) is a genetic condition characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure due to unknown mechanisms. It specifically affects the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to increased resistance to blood flow. As a result, the heart has to work…

  • Fabry Disease

    Fabry Disease Definition and Description of Fabry Disease Fabry Disease is a rare genetic disorder that results from a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (GLA). This enzyme is crucial for the metabolism of certain lipids, specifically globotriaosylceramide. When GLA is deficient, toxic levels of these lipids build up in the body, particularly affecting the…

  • Epilepsy and Seizures

    Epilepsy and Seizures Definition and Description of Epilepsy and Seizures Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizures occur due to sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to a wide range of symptoms that may vary in intensity and duration. According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy affects around…

  • Eaton-Lambert Syndrome

    Eaton-Lambert Syndrome Definition and Description of Eaton-Lambert Syndrome Eaton-Lambert Syndrome (ELS) is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction, where nerve cells communicate with the muscles they control. It is characterized by muscle weakness that improves with exercise. This syndrome is often associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and is classified as…

  • Duodenal Ulcer

    Duodenal Ulcer Definition and Description of Duodenal Ulcer A duodenal ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer that occurs in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine just after the stomach. This condition arises when the protective mucosal lining of the duodenum becomes eroded, often resulting in inflammation and open sores.…

  • Diabetic Sick-Day Guidelines

    Diabetic Sick-Day Guidelines Diabetic Sick-Day Guidelines Definition and Description of Diabetic Sick-Day Guidelines Diabetic Sick-Day Guidelines refer to a set of recommendations that help individuals with diabetes manage their condition during episodes of illness. When facing sickness, individuals with diabetes may experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels, making it crucial to adhere to specific protocols.…

  • Decubitis Ulcers

    Decubitis Ulcers Definition and Description of Decubitis Ulcers Decubitus ulcers, commonly known as pressure sores or bedsores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. These ulcers typically occur over bony areas of the body where the skin is especially thin, such as the heels, tailbone, hips, and…