For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
The human immunodeficiency virus -- HIV -- causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. You can be infected with HIV for many years and show few if any symptoms before the development of AIDS. However, people who are HIV-infected can transmit the virus to other people.
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Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid levels in your body; it also plays a role in the normal function of nerves and muscles. A blood sodium level below 135 mmol/L is considered low.
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White blood cells (WBCs) are the foot soldiers of the immune system. They help fight infections, limit injury from other harmful substances, and initiate healing if tissue damage occurs. WBCs are made and primarily stored in the bone marrow.
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The 3 classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus are polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia -- also known as the 3 P's. Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia are defined as an increase in urination, thirst and hunger, respectively. The presence of the 3 Pโs is a good indication that your blood sugar may be too high.
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Uric acid is formed in the body from the normal breakdown of chemicals called purines, which arise from normal DNA and RNA turnover, from molecules that are the source of energy in cells or from dietary sources. A higher than normal blood uric acid level is called hyperuricemia.
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Bilirubin is a byproduct of normal hemoglobin breakdown. When old red blood cells are broken down, the hemoglobin within them is converted into bilirubin. The liver then degrades bilirubin into bile and either stores it in the gallbladder or excretes it through the stool.
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Platelets are small cell fragments found in your blood that are responsible for helping blood clot. They release chemicals that signal for blood to clot, as well as stick together to form a plug to stop bleeding. Normal platelet counts generally range from 150,000 to 400,000 per milliliter, or mL, of blood.
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Bacteria are microscopic single-celled organisms that are all around us. They come in many different sizes and shapes, and this is a common way to classify themโby their morphology, or shape and appearance. The three basic shapes of bacteria are spherical, rod shaped and spiral.
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Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone most commonly associated with pregnancy. In females, hCG is typically made in large amounts by the placenta during pregnancy and is detected by a blood or urine test to confirm pregnancy.
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Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which inadequate production of the hormone insulin or a resistance to its actions in the body can lead to high blood sugar levels. Insulin is needed to get sugar into cells of the body, where it is used for energy.
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