Results for "surgery."
Conditions Encyclopedia Entry 1775544010
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, leading to potential long-term damage and disability.
Health & MedicineConditions Encyclopedia Entry 1779962408
** This encyclopedia entry is about **Gastroparesis**, a chronic condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating. **CONTENT** ### Overview Gastroparesis is a complex and debilitating condition that affects the stomach's ability to empty its contents into the small intestine. This condition is often misunderstood, and its symptoms can be misattributed to other gastrointestinal disorders. Gastroparesis is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue, which can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, medication side effects, and neurological disorders. The symptoms of gastroparesis can vary in severity and may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and weight loss. In some cases, patients may experience severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Gastroparesis can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making everyday activities challenging and affecting their mental health. ### History/Background The term "gastroparesis" was first introduced in the 1960s to describe a condition where the stomach's ability to empty its contents is delayed. Since then, research has focused on understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms of gastroparesis. In the 1980s, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recognized gastroparesis as a distinct clinical entity, and since then, there have been significant advances in diagnosis and treatment. ### Key Information Gastroparesis is a multifactorial condition, and its causes can be broadly categorized into three main groups: 1. **Diabetes**: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that control stomach contractions, leading to gastroparesis. 2. **Medication side effects**: Certain medications, such as anticholinergics and opioids, can slow down stomach emptying. 3. **Neurological disorders**: Conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke can damage the nerves that control stomach function. Diagnosis of gastroparesis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as: 1. **Upper endoscopy**: A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to visualize the stomach and small intestine. 2. **Gastric emptying study**: A patient is given a meal containing a radioactive tracer, and the stomach's emptying rate is measured using a special camera. 3. **Electrogastrography**: A device is used to measure the electrical activity of the stomach. Treatment options for gastroparesis depend on the underlying cause and may include: 1. **Dietary changes**: Eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding fatty or high-fiber foods. 2. **Medications**: Prokinetic agents, such as metoclopramide, can help stimulate stomach contractions. 3. **Pacing therapy**: A device is implanted to stimulate stomach contractions. 4. **Surgery**: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a portion of the stomach or implant a gastric pacemaker. ### Significance Gastroparesis is a significant condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its impact on quality of life is substantial, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications. Research into gastroparesis continues to advance, and new treatments are being developed to improve patient outcomes. **INFOBOX** - **Name:** Gastroparesis - **Type:** Gastrointestinal disorder - **Date:** 1960s (term introduced) - **Location:** Global - **Known For:** Delayed stomach emptying, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating **TAGS:** Gastroparesis, delayed stomach emptying, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, diabetes, medication side effects, neurological disorders, prokinetic agents, pacing therapy, surgery.
Health & MedicineConditions Encyclopedia Entry 1781379148
** This entry is about the rare genetic disorder known as **Erythromelalgia**, a condition characterized by burning pain, redness, and heat in the hands and feet. ## Overview Erythromelalgia is a rare genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 200,000 people worldwide. It is characterized by recurring episodes of burning pain, redness, and heat in the hands and feet. The condition is often described as feeling like walking on hot coals or having a severe sunburn. Erythromelalgia can be a debilitating condition, significantly impacting a person's quality of life. The symptoms of erythromelalgia can vary in severity and frequency. Some people may experience mild episodes, while others may have more severe and frequent episodes. The condition can also be associated with other symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In some cases, erythromelalgia can be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a blood disorder or a neurological condition. There are two main types of erythromelalgia: primary and secondary. Primary erythromelalgia is a genetic disorder, while secondary erythromelalgia is caused by an underlying condition. The exact cause of primary erythromelalgia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a mutation in the **SCN9A** gene. Secondary erythromelalgia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including blood disorders, neurological conditions, and certain medications. ## History/Background Erythromelalgia was first described in the medical literature in the late 19th century. However, it was not until the 1960s that the condition was recognized as a distinct entity. In the 1980s, researchers discovered that erythromelalgia was associated with a mutation in the SCN9A gene. This discovery led to a greater understanding of the condition and the development of new treatments. ## Key Information Erythromelalgia is a rare condition, but it can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. The condition can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery. Medications used to treat erythromelalgia include **anticonvulsants**, **antidepressants**, and **topical anesthetics**. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding heat and cold, can also help to manage the condition. In some cases, erythromelalgia can be a symptom of an underlying condition. If left untreated, the underlying condition can lead to serious complications, such as organ damage or even death. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time. ## Significance Erythromelalgia is a rare condition, but it can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. The condition can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery. Researchers continue to study the condition to better understand its causes and develop new treatments. INFOBOX: - Name: Erythromelalgia - Type: Rare genetic disorder - Date: First described in the late 19th century - Location: Worldwide - Known For: Recurring episodes of burning pain, redness, and heat in the hands and feet TAGS: Erythromelalgia, rare genetic disorder, burning pain, redness, heat, hands, feet, primary erythromelalgia, secondary erythromelalgia, SCN9A gene, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, topical anesthetics, lifestyle changes, surgery.
Health & MedicineConditions Encyclopedia Entry 1780143381
** Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder that affects the heart muscle, causing it to become thickened and potentially life-threatening. **CONTENT:** ## Overview Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, leading to a range of symptoms and complications. It is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes and is often inherited. HCM can affect people of any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in young adults. The condition can be caused by mutations in genes that code for proteins in the heart muscle, leading to abnormal heart function and potentially life-threatening complications. HCM can be classified into several subtypes, including: * **Asymmetric septal hypertrophy**: This is the most common subtype, characterized by thickening of the heart muscle on one side of the heart. * **Symmetric septal hypertrophy**: This subtype is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle on both sides of the heart. * **Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy**: This subtype is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle at the apex (tip) of the heart. ## History/Background HCM has been recognized for centuries, with descriptions of the condition dating back to the 17th century. However, it was not until the 1960s that the condition was formally described and named. In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers began to identify the genetic causes of HCM, and in the 1990s, the first genetic tests for the condition were developed. ## Key Information * **Prevalence**: HCM affects approximately 1 in 500 people in the general population. * **Genetics**: HCM is caused by mutations in genes that code for proteins in the heart muscle, including the **MYBPC3**, **MYH7**, and **TNNI3** genes. * **Symptoms**: Symptoms of HCM can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. * **Complications**: Complications of HCM can include **sudden cardiac death**, heart failure, and arrhythmias. * **Diagnosis**: Diagnosis of HCM is typically made using **echocardiography**, **cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)**, and **electrocardiography (ECG)**. * **Treatment**: Treatment of HCM typically involves **beta blockers**, **anti-arrhythmics**, and **surgery** to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. ## Significance HCM is a significant condition that can have a major impact on an individual's quality of life and life expectancy. It is essential for individuals with HCM to work closely with their healthcare provider to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are crucial to ensure that the condition does not progress and to prevent sudden cardiac death. **INFOBOX:** - Name: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - Type: Genetic disorder - Date: 1960s (first formal description) - Location: Global - Known For: Most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes **TAGS:** Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, genetic disorder, heart muscle, cardiomyopathy, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmias, heart failure, echocardiography, cardiac MRI, electrocardiography, beta blockers, anti-arrhythmics, surgery.
Health & MedicineConditions Encyclopedia Entry 1783065065
Gastroparesis is a chronic medical condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating.