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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: 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: 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 Medical Term: GONORRHEA Common Name: None Specified Description: Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infectious disease of the reproductive organs, caused by the bacterium Niesseria gonorrhea. It usually infects urethra in males and in females urethra, vagina, cervix and/or fallopian tubes. It may also involve anus, throat, joints and eyes. It is spread by sexual contact. It may spread through the blood stream to other parts of the…

General Illness Information Common Name: Hives Medical Term: Urticaria Description: Disorder characterized by a skin rash with raised areas with redness and itching. Commonly allergic but may also occur on a non-allergic basis. Causes: Allergic or non-allergic; massive histamine release from mast cells in skin. Drug reaction especially Aspirin, Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs. Food or food additive allergy. Allergy to peanuts and/or tree nuts a leading cause of severe (sometimes…

General Illness Information Medical Term: INCONTINENCE, STRESS Common Name: None Specified Description: Involuntary loss of bladder control and passage of urine in conditions of high abdominal pressure or stress (coughing, sneezing, lifting, etc.). Commonest in post-menopausal women. Causes: Loss of pelvic support with age, childbirth and surgery. Damage to sphincter control mechanisms in males (rare). Prevention: Eat a normal, well-balanced diet and exercise regularly to build and maintain muscle strength….

General Illness Information Medical Term: THYROIDITIS (DE QUERVAIN’S THYROIDITIS, SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS, LYMPHOCYTIC THYROIDITIS, PAINLESS THYROIDITIS, POSTPARTUM THYROIDITIS) Common Name: None Specified Description: Thyroiditis is an acute inflammation of the thyroid gland. This inflammation often leads to destruction of cells of the thyroid gland. It may lead to hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) -as the thyroid gland cells are destroyed, thyroid hormone is released, thus often rendering the…

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 Medical Term: PSORIASIS Common Name: None Specified Description: Psoriasis is a recurrent skin condition which is characterized by macules and patches (flat areas of altered coloration), as well as papules and plaques (elevated areas of skin). It is recognizable by silvery scaling bumps and various sized plaques. There are many different forms of psoriasis, including: Plaque psoriasis; Guttate psoriasis; Erythrodermic psoriasis; Pustular psoriasis; Psoriatic arthritis; Psoriasis is…