What is Pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax, also sometimes referred to as a collapsed lung or punctured lung, is defined as the presence of air or other gas in the chest between the outside of the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. [1]…
What is Chronic Gastritis?
Chronic gastritis is a long-term condition in which the mucus-lined layer of the stomach, also known as the gastric mucosa, is inflamed or irritated over a longer period of time. Symptoms tend to appear slowly, over time. Some of the…
What is Premenstrual Syndrome?
The term premenstrual syndrome (PMS) describes a variety of physical and emotional changes that may occur in a woman in the days before her menstrual period begins. This condition is very common, and affects the majority of menstruating women in…
What is Myocarditis?
The definition of myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, the myocardium. Myocarditis can reduce the ability of the heart to pump, affecting circulation, and in severe cases it may lead to heart failure and other serious complications. The most…
What is Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection)?
Onychomycosis (also known as tinea unguium) is a fungal nail infection that can affect the toenails and/or fingernails and which occurs in about 10 percent of adults in the United States.[1] Onychomycosis more commonly affects toenails rather than fingernails. There…
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis, also known as Achilles tendinopathy or Achilles tendinitis, is a condition affecting the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a large tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the bony heel of the foot. When the tendon becomes…
What is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?
Developmental dysplasia of the hip, or simply hip dysplasia, is a failure for the normal hip joint to form before birth. It may be caused by poor positioning of the legs in the womb. This doesn’t cause any pain to…
What is Myocardial Infarction?
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious condition where a coronary artery (a blood vessel of the heart) is blocked and can not supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. This causes damage to the…
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an inflammatory condition of the tonsils, the two fleshy glands at the back of the throat. It can be caused by either a virus or, less commonly, a bacterial infection. The condition can affect people of any age…
What is Pediatric Viral Gastroenteritis?
Pediatric viral gastroenteritis often referred to as ‘stomach flu’ or ‘stomach bug’, is inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to a virus when it occurs in a child. It is usually spread through close contact with an infected person.…
What is Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection, often referred to as a UTI or urine infection, is an infection of the urinary system. Usually, a urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria from the anal or genital region spreading to the bladder.[1] If…
What is Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a medical condition that occurs when one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked. When a pulmonary artery becomes blocked, blood flow can be restricted between the heart and the lungs. This can cause…