What is a Pap test?
What is a Pap test? A Pap test, also called a “Pap smear,” is often part of a pelvic exam. The word “Pap” is short for Papanicolaou, which is the last name of the doctor who studied changes in cervical cells. A Pap test is usually done at age 21 unless you have special risks […]
What Is Placental abruption? Risks, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Overview The placenta is your baby’s support system in the womb. If your placenta doesn’t work properly, your baby is at risk of health problems. Placental abruption is when your placenta comes away from the wall of your womb. The placenta processes your baby’s nutrients, waste and oxygen by bridging your baby’s blood circulation with […]
What Is Ablepharon-Macrostomia Syndrome?
Ablepharon-Macrostomia Syndrome (AMS) – What is it? An Uncommon Hereditary Disorder Involving the Formation of the Skull Face and Limbs Ablepharon-Macrostomia Syndrome (AMS) is an uncommon developmental disorder that primarily involves the craniofacial (head and face) region, skin, fingers, and genitals. It is a birth disorder as well, but is also accompanied by limited language development and, in […]
What is child abuse?
What is child abuse? Child abuse is any action by another person – adult or child – that causes significant harm to a child. It can be physical, sexual or emotional, but can just as often be about a lack of love, care and attention. We know that neglect, whatever form it takes, can be […]
What Is Amniotic Band Syndrome?
Overview Amniotic Band Syndrome occurs when the unborn baby (fetus) becomes entangled in fibrous string-like amniotic bands in the womb, restricting blood flow and affecting the baby’s development. Amniotic Band Syndrome can cause a number of different birth defects depending on which body part(s) is affected. If a band wraps tightly around a limb, the limb […]
What Is Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome?
What Is Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome? Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a disease in which tumors cause the stomach to produce too much acid, resulting in peptic ulcers. Symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea. The syndrome is caused by a gastrinoma, a neuroendocrine tumor that secretes a hormone called gastrin. The tumor causes excessive production of gastric acid, which leads to the growth of gastric mucosa and proliferation of parietal and ECL cells. […]
What Are Aging, Sexuality And Physical Changes?
Aging, Sexuality and Physical Changes Many people want and need to be close to others as they grow older. For some, this includes the desire to continue an active, satisfying sex life. With aging, that may mean adapting sexual activity to accommodate physical, health, and other changes. There are many different ways to have sex […]
What Is Aggressive Mastocytosis?
Aggressive Mastocytosis – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment Learn about aggressive mastocytosis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis, and life expectancy in this complete medical guide. Aggressive Mastocytosis – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Life Expectancy Aggressive mastocytosis is a rare and serious form of systemic mast cell disease in which abnormal mast cells […]
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Learn about age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including symptoms, causes, dry vs wet AMD, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to protect your vision. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Diagnosis, and Treatment Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of vision loss in […]
Acanthocytosis (Spur Cell Anemia): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Guide
Acanthocytosis (Spur Cell Anemia): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Guide Learn about Acanthocytosis and spur cells, including causes like abetalipoproteinemia, neuroacanthocytosis, and liver disease. Understand symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, complications, and treatment options. What Is Acanthocytosis? Acanthocytosis refers to the presence of acanthocytes (spur cells) in the bloodstream. Acanthocytes are abnormally shaped red blood cells […]
MCADD Explained: Genetic Background, Metabolic Crisis Prevention & Long-Term Outlook
MCADD Explained: Genetic Background, Metabolic Crisis Prevention & Long-Term Outlook What Is Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency? Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD) is a genetic metabolic disorder in which the body cannot break down medium-chain fatty acids to produce energy. The condition occurs due to mutations in the ACADM gene, which leads to a […]
What Is Zika Virus?
What Is Zika Virus? The Zika virus, first identified in Uganda in 1947, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same type of mosquito that carries dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya virus. A mosquito bites an infected person and then passes those viruses to other people it bites. Outbreaks did not occur outside of Africa […]