Author: Chris Schwerdt
Chris Schwerdt, PharmD is a clinical pharmacist with over two decades of experience in long-term care, pharmacy operations, and regulatory consulting. He has led closed-door pharmacy businesses and serves on Pharmacy & Therapeutics committees for both industry and government programs. His work focuses on medication policy development, formulary strategy, and optimizing patient care through drug utilization review. Chris is affiliated with ASCP, ASHP, and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Published Articles
General Illness Information Common Name: Herpes, Genital Medical Term: Genital Herpes Description: An infection of the genital or anal area caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 2, and occasionally type 1 Herpes simplex virus; It can involve the penis, vagina, cervix, thighs and buttocks and can affect both sexes, and all ages; In women, genital herpes may increase the risk of cervical cancer; Genital herpes is transmitted by sexual…
General Illness Information Medical Term: HERPES SIMPLEX Common Name: Cold Sores, Fever Blister Description: A common, contagious virus (herpes simplex or HSV-1) infection. Usually involves the lips; gums and mouth area; cornea (rare); occasionally genitals. Primary oral herpes infection (primary herpes gingivostomatitis) is an initial infection by the herpes simplex virus which causes very painful sores on the gums and in the other parts of the mouth. Secondary herpes (recurrent…
General Illness Information Common Name: Hiatus hernia, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, GERD Medical Term: Gastro-esophageal reflux Disease. Description: Reflux of stomach and duodenal contents into the esophagus, with or without esophageal inflammation. This is a common condition. 65% of adults have suffered heartburn; 24% have had symptoms for > 10 years. All ages are affected. Males and females suffer equally. Causes: Inappropriate relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter; Familial clustering of GERD…
General Illness Information Common Name: Shingles Medical Term: Herpes Zoster Description: Reactivation of a latent or dormant virus (varicella,or chickenpox virus) in the body. When the virus is activated, it spreads through part of the nervous system called the dorsal root ganglia, causing the characteristic crops of blistering lesions (vesicles) of shingles. Can affect any age, but most common in adults over the age of 50. Causes: Herpes zoster is…
General Illness Information Common Name: Liver Cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) Medical Term: None Specified Description: A malignant tumor arising from liver cells. Although much less common than metastatic liver cancer in most areas of the world, hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common internal malignancy and an important cause of death in certain areas of Africa and Southeast Asia. This is mainly because of the high incidence of Hepatitis B in these…
General Illness Information Common Name: Headache, Cluster Medical Term: Same Description: Constant one-sided headache over and behind the eye, with onset occurring usually within 3-4 hours of falling asleep. 80% of these affected are males. Pain recurs nightly for several weeks or month, followed by no symptoms for months or years. Causes: Unknown. Thought to be related to changes in blood flows to the brain, and to disturbances in RAM…
General Illness Information Common Name: Head Injury Medical Term: None Specified Description: Injury to the head, with or without unconsciousness or other visible signs. Head wound may be “open” or “closed” depending on the nature of the injury. Causes: Trauma to the head. Prevention: Wear protective headgear for contact sports and cycling. Use your auto seat belt always. Place young children in approved safety car seats. Signs & Symptoms Loss…
General Illness Information Common Name: Hay Fever Medical Term: Allergic Rhinitis Description: Allergic response to airborne inhaled allergens affecting the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, throat, bronchial tubes and frequently the eyes). Most common of all allergic diseases. Affects up to 15% of the population in the United States and Canada. Onset of symptoms usually before age 30. Hay fever name is misleading, since symptoms most frequent in the pollen…
General Illness Information Common Name: HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE Medical Term: COXSACKIE VIRUS A-16 INFECTION Description: It is a viral illness presenting with ulcers in the mouth and water blisters or red spots on palms, soles of feet and in groin and buttock area. Mainly occurs in children from 6 months to 4 years. Causes: Coxsackie Virus A-16 Infection Prevention: Prevent exposure of infants and young children to anyone…
General Illness Information Medical Term: GOUT Common Name: None Specified Description: Gout is a disorder characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of very painful joints, caused by deposits of uric acid crystals, which accumulate in the joints because of an abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). Crystals in the joints, cause pain, redness, warmth and swelling and most commonly affect the big toe. It may involve any…
