Breastfeeding or nursing is the practice of feeding your baby with breast milk directly from the breast. Experts recommend that new mothers exclusively breastfeed their child within the first 6 months after birth and continue through the infant’s first year of life if possible. The frequency of breastfeeding will depend on the baby’s size and … Read more
MRSA, or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is a bacterium that causes infection to different parts of the body and is challenging to treat as it is resistant to the most commonly-prescribed antibiotics. MRSA can be spread through skin-to-skin contact in the community but can also cause serious bloodstream or respiratory infections in healthcare settings. Staphylococcus aureus … Read more
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low platelet count, measuring below 150,000/mm³ (150 – 400 x10⁹/L). A normal platelet count is 150,000 – 400,000/mm³ for adults. Platelets are blood cells that aid in coagulation efforts for normal blood clotting. Low platelet counts increase the risk of bleeding. Thrombocytopenia occurs when the bone marrow doesn’t make enough … Read more
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disease of the central nervous system. It is characterized by disseminated demyelination of the nerve fibers of the spinal cord and brain. The age of onset is often 20 to 40 years of age. This condition affects women more than men, and caucasian people more than any … Read more
Neutropenia is a condition characterized by decreased levels of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell, specifically a granulocyte, and are crucial to the body’s ability to fight infection. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is calculated by multiplying the white blood cell count by the sum of the percentages of neutrophils (segmented neutrophils … Read more
Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by the inflammation and accumulation of mucus in the lower respiratory tract, specifically the bronchioles. This condition can either be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is a common condition that usually develops from a cold or other respiratory infection and resolves within 7 to 10 days without lasting effects. … Read more
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) occurs when the body releases excessive amounts of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), resulting in the retention of excess water in the body, causing hyponatremia. ADH is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored and released by the pituitary gland. It plays an essential role in various processes in the … Read more
Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the breakdown of muscle fibers that releases muscle components into the blood. This condition can result from trauma, overexertion, toxic substances, ischemia, infections, prolonged bed rest, and other underlying health conditions. Myoglobin, creatine kinase, electrolytes, and other substances are released into the blood when the muscles become damaged. In excess, these … Read more
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction. This condition is characterized by fluctuating weakness of skeletal muscle groups that worsens with use and improves with rest. MG involves an autoimmune process in which antibodies attack the ACh receptors (AChR), resulting in fewer AChR at the neuromuscular junction. When this occurs, ACh … Read more
Leukemia refers to a group of cancers affecting the blood and other blood-forming tissues of the lymphatic system, bone marrow, and spleen. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer but can occur in all age groups. Like other cancers, leukemia results from a mutation in the DNA of cells. The overproduction of abnormal cells crowd … Read more