Tag: public health

TB (Tuberculosis)

TB (Tuberculosis): Definition and Description of TB (Tuberculosis): Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, though it can impact other parts of the body. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain inactive in the…
TBM

TBM: Definition and Description of TBM: TBM, or Tuberculous Meningitis, is a severe form of meningitis caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Characterized by its rapid progression and serious nature, TBM is often associated with disseminated tuberculosis, where the infection spreads from the…
Syphilis

Syphilis: Definition and Description of Syphilis: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is characterized by distinct stages, each with its own symptoms and complications. Syphilis can affect multiple systems in the body, manifesting as sores, rashes, and more severe health implications if left untreated. Recognized since the…
Syphilis, Congenital

Syphilis, Congenital: Definition and Description of Syphilis, Congenital: Congenital syphilis is a severe infectious disease that occurs when a mother passes the syphilis bacterium, Treponema pallidum, to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This condition can lead to a range of health issues for the newborn, including developmental delays, deformities, and in severe cases, stillbirth.…
Spinal Meningitis

Spinal Meningitis: Definition and Description of Spinal Meningitis: Spinal meningitis, also referred to as meningitis, is an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be a life-threatening condition, leading to severe neurological complications if not treated promptly. Meningitis is categorized into two primary types: viral meningitis, generally less…
Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea: Definition and Description of Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last for a few seconds to minutes, causing a person to wake up frequently throughout the night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when…
Smallpox

Smallpox: Definition and Description of Smallpox: Smallpox is an infectious disease caused by the variola virus, belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Characterized by fever, body aches, and a distinctive rash that develops into pus-filled blisters, smallpox has a historical significance due to its profound impact on human populations. The disease is highly contagious and was…
Smoking and Life Span Calculator

Smoking and Life Span Calculator: Definition and Description of Smoking and Life Span Calculator: A Smoking and Life Span Calculator is a tool designed to assess the impact of smoking on an individual’s life expectancy. It utilizes various input factors such as age, smoking history, and other health metrics to provide an estimate of how…
Smoking Cessation

Smoking Cessation: Definition and Description of Smoking Cessation: Smoking cessation refers to the process of discontinuing the consumption of tobacco products, primarily cigarettes. This can involve a range of methods and support systems designed to assist individuals in breaking their nicotine dependence. Medical definitions emphasize that smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related…
Shigellosis

Shigellosis: Definition and Description of Shigellosis: Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria known as Shigella. It primarily affects the intestines, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal lining. The infection is characterized by diarrhea, which can be bloody, abdominal cramps, fever, and a strong urge to defecate. Outbreaks of…