Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The other is Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis is a fairly common condition: approximately 907,000 people in the U.S. are believed to be affected.[1] The term…
Bacterial gastroenteritis is a type of gastroenteritis – a common condition sometimes called stomach flu or food poisoning. Gastroenteritis is the result of irritation and inflammation in the stomach and intestines. It can have many different possible causes, including infection…
Influenza infection, also known as the flu, is a common viral infection of the airways that most often occurs in fall and winter. It can cause multiple symptoms, including fever, cough, a runny nose, and muscle aches.[1] Influenza can be…
Aphthous mouth ulcers (aphthae) are a common variety of ulcers that form on the mucous membranes, typically in the oral cavity (mouth). Other names for aphthous ulcers include aphthous stomatitis and canker sores.[1] Aphthous ulcers are generally round in shape…
Diverticular disease (also diverticulosis) is a condition in which the bowel (large intestine) forms small pouches (diverticula) that bulge outward through the bowel wall. This typically develops due to increased pressure in the bowel, weakness of the bowel wall, or…
A herpesvirus family is a group of viruses that can infect both animals and humans. Over 130 species of herpes virus are known, but only eight of these are known to infect humans. These, collectively, are known as human herpesvirus,…
Asthma is a disease that primarily affects the bronchial tubes in the lungs, called the airways. Children affected by asthma typically experience breathing difficulties due to the inflammation of the airways. Asthma can cause acute discomfort – such as an…
Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. When children have this condition, it is known as pediatric (or childhood) otitis media. This is a very common childhood condition, especially in children younger than 5 years of age.…
The signs of herpes are the observable manifestations of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).[1] Herpes, also referred to as herpes simplex and HSV is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus and generally transmitted through interpersonal contact. There…
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart and the heart valves, called the endocardium. The infection is caused by certain bacteria or, less often, fungi entering the bloodstream. Infective endocarditis usually affects people who have…