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General Illness Information Medical Term: EMPHYSEMA Common Name: None Specified Description: Emphysema is a chronic lung condition with abnormal enlargement of the air sacs (alveoli), because of destruction of their walls and with resulting loss of elasticity. The disease occurs in the distal and terminal airways and involves the airways as well as the lung parenchyma ( air sacs). It usually affects adults between 35 and 75. Males are more…

General Illness Information Medical Term: EARDRUM, RUPTURED Common Name: Perforated eardrum Description: A hole in the thin membrane (tympanic membrane) that separates the inner ear from the outer ear. Causes: The eardrum may be perforated when a sharp object is inserted in the ear, such as: a cotton swab or paper clip to clean the ear or relieve an itch; or by an object accidentally entering the ear, such as…

General Illness Information Medical Term: Diaper Rash Common Name: None Specified Description: Rash in the diaper area of infants. It is a form of primary irritated contact dermatitis. Causes: Diaper rash results from skin irritation caused by prolonged contact with substances in the urine and stool. The irritants are caused by the action of bacteria in the stools, reacting with chemicals in the urine. Studies show that the incidence of…

General Illness Information Medical Term: Diarrhea, Acute Common Name: None Specified Description: Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, or increased stool liquidity or increase in the volume. Normally, stool is 60 to 90 percent water: diarrhea mainly results when the percentage exceeds 90. Diarrhea is considered to be acute, when there is passage of three or more loose stools in a 24 hour period, and lasts…

Medical Term: Diphtheria Common Name: None Specified Description: Diphtheria is an acute, highly contagious infection caused by a bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, that usually attacks the respiratory tract but may involve any mucous membrane or skin wound. The diphtheria bacteria are spread by droplets of moisture coughed into the air. Rarely, the bacteria can be spread by contaminated household article, such as clothing or toys. Years ago, diphtheria was one of…

General Illness Information Medical Term: Disk, Ruptured Common Name: Herniated disk, Slipped Disk Description: A herniated disk is a spinal disk which has collapsed and is bulging into the spinal cord, pressing on the spinal cord or the nerves emanating from it. This occurs as a result of  degeneration of the ligaments and tissues surrounding a spinal disk (i.e.. the cushion separating bony spinal vertebrae). The disks of the lower…

General Illness Information Medical Term: DIABETES MELLITUS – NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT (NIDDM) Common Name: Type II Diabetes Description: Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder in which blood levels of glucose are abnormally high due to either an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion, or as a result of reduced effectiveness of insulin, or both. Diabetes Mellitus is classified into two major types – Type I (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus ), and Type II (Non-Insulin…

General Illness Information Medical Term: CYSTITIS IN FEMALES Common Name: Bladder Infection Description: A common problem in women who are otherwise healthy. Caused by inflammation or infection of the urinary bladder. It is particularly common during the reproductive years.  3-8% of women have bacteriuria at any given time and 30% of females have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI). Causes: Commonest cause is bacteria in the vagina that travel to…

General Illness Information Common Name: Dementia Medical Term: None Specified Description: Dementia is a brain disorder characterized by a gradual and progressive mental deterioration  Memory loss is most common, but other mental faculties may be affected including attention, judgment, comprehension, orientation, learning, calculation, problem solving, mood and behavior.  Agitation or withdrawal, hallucinations, delusions, insomnia and loss of inhibitions are common. There are many different causes of dementia but it is essential…

General Illness Information Medical Term: Myasthenia Gravis Common Name: None Specified Description: Autoimmune disorder, characterized by progressive muscle fatigue and weakness, and improved by drugs which inhibit the enzyme choline-esterase. Usually involves muscles around the eyes, mouth, throat and limbs. Usually presents between ages 20-40, and is more common in women Causes: This is an autoimmune disorder. The body produces antibodies to a receptor (acetyl-choline) at the level of the…