Posts

Pheochromocytoma

Image
Symptoms Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytomas often include: High blood pressure Heavy sweating Headache Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) Tremors Paleness in the face (pallor) Shortness of breath (dyspnea) Less common signs or symptoms may include: Anxiety or sense of doom Constipation Weight loss Triggers of symptomatic spells Spells may occur spontaneously or may be triggered by such factors as: Physical exertion Anxiety or stress Changes in body position Labor and delivery Surgery and anesthesia Causes Researchers don't know what causes a pheochromocytoma. The tumor develops in specialized cells, called chromaffin cells, situated in the center of an adrenal gland. These cells release certain hormones, primarily adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), that help control many body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar. The role of hormones Adrenaline and noradrenaline are hormones that trigge...

Dyslipidaemia

Image
                    1 Familial (primary) dyslipidaemia ● Due to gene mutation(s). ● Should be suspected in patients with premature IHD (age <55 in men, <60 in women). ● WHO classifies them type 1-5 (T1-5).        2 Acquired (secondary) dyslipidaemia Most cases of dyslipidaemia are acquired in later life. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes are common risk factors, though many cases are essentially idiopathic. Other causes: ● Endocrine: hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism. ● Hepatic: alcohol excess, cholestasis. ● Renal: nephrotic syndrome, chronic kidney disease. ● Others: pregnancy, anorexia, gout, antipsychotics.      Signs and symptoms Usually detected through CVD risk assessment, or when presenting with complications such as IHD or stroke. The only specific sign is lipid deposits (xanthomas). Their presence and extent are a sign of disease severity. Locations: ● ...

Polyhydramnios

Image
Polyhydramnios  is the excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid — the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus during pregnancy. Polyhydramnios occurs in about 1 to 2 percent of pregnancies. Most cases of polyhydramnios are mild and result from a gradual buildup of amniotic fluid during the second half of pregnancy. Severe polyhydramnios may cause shortness of breath, preterm labor, Symptoms Polyhydramnios symptoms result from pressure being exerted within the uterus and on nearby organs. Mild polyhydramnios may cause few — if any — signs or symptoms. Severe polyhydramnios may cause: Shortness of breath or the inability to breathe Swelling in the lower extremities and abdominal wall Uterine discomfort or contractions Fetal malposition, such as breech presentation Your health care provider may also suspect polyhydramnios if your uterus is excessively enlarged and he or she has trouble feeling the baby. Causes Some of the known causes of polyhydramnios ...

Hemorrhoids

Image
Hemorrhoids (HEM-uh-roids), also called piles, are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids have a number of causes, although often the cause is unknown. They may result from straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids may be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids), or they may develop under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). Hemorrhoids are very common. Nearly three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids from time to time. Sometimes they don't cause symptoms but at other times they cause itching, discomfort and bleeding. Occasionally, a clot may form in a hemorrhoid (thrombosed hemorrhoid). These are not dangerous but can be extremely painful and sometimes need to be lanced and drained. Fortunately, many effective options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Many people can get relief from symptoms with home treatments and lifestyle changes. ...

Incompetent cervix

Image
An incompetent cervix, also called a cervical insufficiency, occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. Before pregnancy, your cervix — the lower part of the uterus that opens to the vagina — is normally closed and firm. As pregnancy progresses and you prepare to give birth, the cervix gradually softens, decreases in length (effaces) and opens (dilates). If you have an incompetent cervix, your cervix might begin to open too soon — causing you to give birth too early An incompetent cervix can be difficult to diagnose and treat. If your cervix begins to open early, or you have a history of cervical insufficiency, your doctor might recommend preventive medication during pregnancy, frequent ultrasounds or a procedure that closes the cervix with strong sutures (cervical cerclage). Symptoms If you have an incompetent cervix, you may not have any signs or symptoms during early pregnancy. Some women h...

Hypoglycemia

Image
Hypoglycemia is a condition caused by a very low level of blood sugar (glucose), your body's main energy source. Hypoglycemia is often related to the treatment of diabetes. However, a variety of conditions — many rare — can cause low blood sugar in people without diabetes. Like fever, hypoglycemia isn't a disease itself — it's an indicator of a health problem. Immediate treatment of hypoglycemia is necessary when blood sugar levels are at 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or below. Treatment involves quick steps to get your blood sugar level back into a normal range either with high-sugar foods or drinks or with medications. Long-term treatment requires identifying and treating the underlying cause of hypoglycemia. Symptoms If blood sugar levels become too low, signs and symptoms may include: An irregular heart rhythm Fatigue Pale skin Shakiness Anxiety Sweating Hunger Irritability Tingling sensation around th...