Tag: health awareness

  • Preventing Poisoning in Young Children

    Preventing Poisoning in Young Children: Definition and Description of Preventing Poisoning in Young Children: Preventing poisoning in young children refers to the proactive measures taken to avoid accidental ingestion or exposure to toxic substances. According to the U.S. Poison Control Centers, children under the age of six are at the highest risk for poisoning incidents…

  • Primary Amyloidosis

    Primary Amyloidosis: Definition and Description of Primary Amyloidosis: Primary amyloidosis, also known as AL amyloidosis, is a rare disease that occurs when abnormal proteins, known as light chains, misfold and aggregate into fibrils. These fibrils deposit in various tissues and organs, disrupting normal function. The condition is often associated with an underlying plasma cell disorder…

  • Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

    Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC): Definition and Description of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC): Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the small bile ducts within the liver. This destruction causes bile to build up, leading to liver damage and, subsequently, cirrhosis over time. The liver’s inability to…

  • Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

    Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: Definition and Description of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal ciliary function, which affects the movement of cilia—tiny hair-like structures on the surface of cells. In healthy individuals, cilia play a crucial role in clearing mucus and pathogens from the respiratory tract, assisting in…

  • 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…

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Definition and Description of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects individuals with ovaries, primarily during their reproductive years. Characterized by the presence of multiple cysts in the ovaries, PCOS is associated with an imbalance of reproductive hormones which can lead to various…

  • Polymyositis

    Polymyositis: Definition and Description of Polymyositis: Polymyositis is a rare inflammatory muscle disease characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation. It primarily affects skeletal muscles—those responsible for movement. The condition can lead to significant debilitation, making daily activities challenging. Typically, symptoms manifest gradually and symmetrically, often affecting the shoulders, hips, and neck. In some cases, polymyositis…

  • Premature Ovarian Failure

    Premature Ovarian Failure: Definition and Description of Premature Ovarian Failure: Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), also known as Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), is a condition characterized by the loss of normal ovarian function before the age of 40. In this condition, the ovaries fail to produce adequate levels of hormones, particularly estrogen, and may also result…

  • Purpura, Henoch-Schonlein

    Purpura, Henoch-Schonlein: Definition and Description of Purpura, Henoch-Schonlein: Purpura, Henoch-Schonlein, also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), is a type of small blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults. It is characterized by the presence of purpura, which are small purple spots or bruises that appear on the skin…