BETTER HEALTH

Myelodysplastic syndrome Definition MDS is a group of diseases that affect the blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones. In MDS, the blood-forming cells (stem cells) in the marrow slow down, or even stop, making the 3 types of blood cells: Red blood cells  – carry oxygen throughout the body White blood cells  – help fight infections Platelets  – help the blood clot and stop bleeding In MDS dysfunctional blood cells fail to develop normally and enter the bloodstream. As a result, individuals with MDS have abnormally low blood cell levels (low blood counts). General symptoms associated with MDS include fatigue, dizziness, weakness, bruising and bleeding, frequent infections, and headaches. In some affected individuals, MDS may progress to life-threatening failure of the bone marrow or develop into acute leukemia. The exact cause of MDS is unknown. There are no clear risk factors but genetics and the environment may play ...

Hypothyroidism Definition Hypothyroidism – also called underactive thyroid – is the most common thyroid disorder. It happens when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, which is essential because thyroid hormone helps regulate important body processes, such as your metabolism. But with low thyroid function, these body processes slow down. Pathophysiology The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are T3 and T4. These hormones have an action on almost all parts of the body. The secretion of these hormones is regulated by TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland. The secretion of thyroid hormone occurs only from this particular gland. The presence of iodine and amino acid tyrosine are a must for the production of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism and low levels of the thyroid hormones can occur if there is a deficiency of iodine for thyroid or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The hypothalamus of the brain secretes...

Anisakiasis Description Anisakiasis is a human parasitic infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood containing larvae of the nematode  Anisakis simplex  (herring worm). Fish, squid, and crustaceans often act as transport host in which larvae grow but do not mature into adults. When larger marine mammal such as seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales consume these smaller fish and crustaceans, the larvae develop into adult worms. In humans, larvae are unable to complete their development and cause infection. In some cases, antigens present in  Anisakis simplex  can produce allergic reactions and hypersensitivity. Characteristics of Anisakiasis The characteristics of anisakids include a long, cylindrical body shape (what is called vermiform, or worm-like). It does not contain segments. The posterior part narrows to a cavity (pseudocoel), with the anus somewhat off-centred. The mouth is encircled by projec...

Ankylosing spondylitis  Description Ankylosing spondylitis or AS, is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. The disease leads to calcification of the spine’s ligaments and discs and causes these soft structures to harden and fuse together with the joints and vertebral bodies. The spine becomes hard, brittle and susceptible to fracture. In some people, AS can also affect the shoulders, ribs, hips, knees, and feet. It can also affect areas where the tendons and ligaments attach to the bones. Sometimes it can affect the eyes, bowel, and very rarely, the heart and lungs. Pathophysiology There are no single agents that have been associated with the causation of ankylosing spondylitis. There seems to be a complex interaction between raised serum levels of IgA (Immunoglobulin A) and acute phase reactants o...

Hyperkeratosis Definition Hyperkeratosis is when the outer layer of the skin is thickened. The outer layer of the skin will contain keratin, which is a protective protein. It is a form of keratosis, which is a skin disorder caused by overproduction of keratin. It occurs most often on skin that has been irritated, has to pressure on it, or has rubbed against something. Less frequently, it will occur on skin that has not been irritated. This often occurs due to heredity if no irritation is seen. Hyperkeratosis often occurs on large portions of the skin. Hyperkeratosis in foot Types of hyperkeratosis  There are many types of hyperkeratosis. They include: Corns and calluses:  Corns and calluses develop in areas of skin exposed to repeated friction or pressure. In response, thick layers of dead skin cells pile up and harden. Corns usually develop on irritated toes. Calluses form on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. For many people, corns and call...

Hyperthyroidism Definition Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces the high level of the hormone thyroxine. In other words, it can be called as overreactive thyroid. The thyroid gland is an organ located in the front of your neck and releases hormones that control your metabolism (the way your body uses energy), breathing, heart rate, nervous system, weight, body temperature, and many other functions in the body. When the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) the body’s processes speed up and you may experience nervousness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, hand tremor, excessive sweating, weight loss, and sleep problems, among other symptoms. Pathophysiology In hyperthyroidism, serum T3 usually increases more than does T4, probably because of increased secretion of T3 as well as the conversion of T4 to T3 in peripheral tissues. In some patients, only T3 is elevated (T3 toxicosis). T3 toxicosis may occur in any of the us...

Fibroadenomas Definition Fibroadenomas are not cancerous. They range in size from smaller than a marble to as large as a golf ball. Most appear suddenly and stay the same size. Some shrink or continue to grow. They are affected by hormones and often change size over the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Fibroadenomas are usually rubbery and firm, but they can be difficult to feel properly. If you push on the lump, you will probably find that it moves away from beneath your fingers. This is why some people call a fibroadenoma a ‘breast mouse’. Fibroadenomas do not move far within the breast. Usually, fibroadenomas are not painful. However, they can be uncomfortable or very sensitive to touch. Often women find that their fibroadenoma gets tender in the days before their period. Pushing or prodding at the lump can also make it tender. Epidemiology They usually occur in women between the ages of 10 and 40 years. It is the most common breast mass in the adolescent and...