For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Statin medications are prescribed to lower low density lipoproteins or LDL-cholesterol and raise high density lipoprotein or HDL-cholesterol. These two goals are designed to result in a lower risk of arteriosclerois, or the build of plaque in the arteries and resultant cardiovascular disease.
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Periodontal disease includes gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque, and periodontitis, a more serious condition in which the gums erode away from the tooth surface and toxins from the plaque damage the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place.
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Frequent urination can be caused by diabetes, an enlarged prostate, pregnancy, infection, interstitial cystitis, bladder prolapse, hypersensitivity of the nerves in the bladder or urethra, or a developed habit.
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An earache can be a miserable experience for anyone but especially for a young child. Otitis media, a middle ear infection, can cause this pain as can otitis externa, commonly called "swimmers ear." After the infection is over, though, the pain can persist, recurring when cold air touches still-sensitive tissues.
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Colonoscopy is an examination of the large intestine through a scope placed into the body at the rectum. It is performed routinely every 10 years beginning at age 50 unless symptoms require the study be done earlier. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is an examination of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine.
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Menopause is defined as the date 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. The average age for American women to reach menopause is 51 with a normal range of 39 to 59 years of age.
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Stage four breast cancer is diagnosed when distant metastasis is found, normally in the bone, brain, liver or lungs. One to 2 percent of women are diagnosed at this stage, although a study at the University of North Carolina reported in the October 2008 issue of "Academic Radiology"
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Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, relationships and behavior. Although researchers have found evidence that autism begins before birth, and signs appear during infancy as the young person matures, the challenges of adolescence can cause new signs to emerge.
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