Delirium is an acute disturbance of mental status and cognition with an acute onset of hours or days. It is often related to dehydration, infection, medications, alcohol withdrawal, dementia, organ failure, severe pain, or the dying process. Symptoms may include: There are three types of delirium: Older adults with a history of dementia who are … Read more
Accidents and injuries are the leading causes of death among young men, while suffocation is the most common cause of death among infants. Drowning deaths are most common in toddlers. Additional causes of unintentional injuries include motor vehicle accidents, poisoning, drug overdoses, burns, and falls. The following are the risk factors that increase the patient’s … Read more
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes mellitus (DM). Its development correlates with the duration of DM and the patient’s adherence to lifestyle modifications and therapeutic modalities to control their serum glucose levels. Chronically high blood glucose levels lead to cellular damage and inflammation. This damage attracts macrophages to the area, … Read more
One of the most common causes of childhood disability, cerebral palsy (CP), is a group of neurological disorders that lead to motor impairment and limited functional capabilities. Cerebral palsy is divided into several major motor syndromes that are differentiated according to the neurologic structures, pathophysiology, and etiology. Spastic Hemiplegia: Spastic Diplegia: Spastic Quadriplegia: Athetoid: Ataxic: … Read more
Meningitis refers to the life-threatening inflammation of the meninges–the structures found at the vertebral canal and skull enclosing the brain and spinal cord. It is most commonly caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria and viruses and less frequently caused by fungi and parasites. Risk factors for meningitis include extremes in age, those who live … Read more
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Several diseases cause the condition, but more than half of cases are attributed to liver cirrhosis. The worsening vasodilation brought on by an increase in portal pressure and nitric oxide levels leads to the elevation of vasoconstrictor hormones, renal function decline, and third space shifting … Read more
Colorectal or colon cancer occurs when polyps in the large intestine become malignant. The risk of this type of cancer increases with age, with most cases detected in people older than 50. There is an increasing trend of colorectal cancer in people between 20 to 49 years old due to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, … Read more
Premature or preterm labor is described as early labor occurring before 37 weeks gestation. While preterm labor does not necessarily result in a preterm birth, immediate medical attention is needed to prevent complications. If preterm labor results in preterm delivery, the baby will be born premature and may have serious health problems like underdeveloped lungs, … Read more
Osteoporosis is a chronic and progressive disease of the bone characterized by deterioration of bone tissue and low bone mass, leading to increased bone brittleness and fragility. The main concern with osteoporosis is the increased risk of fractures, which can happen very easily since the bones are porous and weak. This condition affects women more … Read more
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the most common type of arthritis. This condition is associated with the gradual loss of cartilage between joints and the formation of osteophytes or outgrowths at the margins of the joints. This is what causes pain and can lead to joint damage. The hands, knees, hips, and … Read more