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Who is at risk for Parasites - Taeniasis? ?
The tapeworms that cause taeniasis (Taenia saginata, T. solium, and T. asiatica) are found worldwide. Eating raw or undercooked beef or pork is the primary risk factor for acquiring taeniasis. Persons who don't eat raw or undercooked beef or pork are not likely to get taeniasis. Infections with T. saginata occur w...
Parasites - Taeniasis
How to diagnose Parasites - Taeniasis ?
Diagnosis of Taenia tapeworm infections is made by examination of stool samples; individuals should also be asked if they have passed tapeworm segments. Stool specimens should be collected on three different days and examined in the lab for Taenia eggs using a microscope. Tapeworm eggs can be detected in the stool 2 to...
Parasites - Taeniasis
What are the treatments for Parasites - Taeniasis ?
Treatment is available after accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will provide prescription medication, either praziquantel or niclosamide, which is taken by mouth. The medication is also available in a children’s dosage. Work with your health care provider for proper treatment options for you and your family. More on:...
Parasites - Taeniasis
How to prevent Parasites - Taeniasis ?
One way to prevent taeniasis is to cook meat to safe temperatures. A food thermometer should be used to measure the internal temperature of cooked meat. Do not sample meat until it is cooked. USDA recommends the following for meat preparation. - For Whole Cuts of Meat (excluding poultry) - Cook to ...
Parasites - Taeniasis
What is (are) Parasites - Hookworm ?
Hookworm is an intestinal parasite of humans. The larvae and adult worms live in the small intestine can cause intestinal disease. The two main species of hookworm infecting humans are Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
Parasites - Hookworm
Who is at risk for Parasites - Hookworm? ?
Hookworm is a soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and is one of the most common roundworm of humans. Infection is caused by the nematode parasites Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Hookworm infections often occur in areas where human feces are used as fertilizer or where defecation onto soil happens. Geogra...
Parasites - Hookworm
How to diagnose Parasites - Hookworm ?
The standard method for diagnosing the presence of hookworm is by identifying hookworm eggs in a stool sample using a microscope. Because eggs may be difficult to find in light infections, a concentration procedure is recommended.
Parasites - Hookworm
What are the treatments for Parasites - Hookworm ?
Anthelminthic medications (drugs that rid the body of parasitic worms), such as albendazole and mebendazole, are the drugs of choice for treatment of hookworm infections. Infections are generally treated for 1-3 days. The recommended medications are effective and appear to have few side effects. Iron supplements may al...
Parasites - Hookworm
How to prevent Parasites - Hookworm ?
The best way to avoid hookworm infection is not to walk barefoot in areas where hookworm is common and where there may be human fecal contamination of the soil. Also, avoid other skin contact with such soil and avoid ingesting it. Infection can also be prevented by not defecating outdoors and by effective sewage d...
Parasites - Hookworm
Who is at risk for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)? ?
LCMV infections can occur after exposure to fresh urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials from infected rodents. Transmission may also occur when these materials are directly introduced into broken skin, the nose, the eyes, or the mouth, or presumably, via the bite of an infected rodent. Person-to-person transm...
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
What are the symptoms of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) ?
LCMV is most commonly recognized as causing neurological disease, as its name implies, though infection without symptoms or mild febrile illnesses are more common clinical manifestations. For infected persons who do become ill, onset of symptoms usually occurs 8-13 days after exposure to the virus as ...
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
Who is at risk for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)? ?
Individuals of all ages who come into contact with urine, feces, saliva, or blood of wild mice are potentially at risk for infection. Owners of pet mice or hamsters may be at risk for infection if these animals originate from colonies that were contaminated with LCMV, or if their animals are infected from other wild mi...
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
How to diagnose Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) ?
During the first phase of the disease, the most common laboratory abnormalities are a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Liver enzymes in the serum may also be mildly elevated. After the onset of neurological disease during the second phase, an increase in protein level...
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
What are the treatments for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) ?
Aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis requires hospitalization and supportive treatment based on severity. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, may be considered under specific circumstances. Although studies have shown that ribavirin, a drug used to treat several other viral diseases, i...
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
How to prevent Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) ?
LCMV infection can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild mice and taking precautions when handling pet rodents (i.e. mice, hamsters, or guinea pigs). Rarely, pet rodents may become infected with LCMV from wild rodents. Breeders, pet stores, and pet owners should take measures to prevent infestati...
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
How to diagnose 2009 H1N1 Flu ?
Content on this page was developed during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and has not been updated. - The H1N1 virus that caused that pandemic is now a regular human flu virus and continues to circulate seasonally worldwide. - The English language content on this website is being archived for historic and re...
2009 H1N1 Flu
What are the treatments for 2009 H1N1 Flu ?
Content on this page was developed during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and has not been updated. - The H1N1 virus that caused that pandemic is now a regular human flu virus and continues to circulate seasonally worldwide. - The English language content on this website is being archived for historic and re...
2009 H1N1 Flu
Who is at risk for Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF)? ?
Like all arenaviruses, Lujo virus has a rodent host as its reservoir. Humans can contract LUHF through contact with an infected rodent. Contact can be direct or through inhalation of aerosolized Lujo virus from the urine or feces of infected rodents. Person-to-person transmission of Lujo virus was observed in the sm...
Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF)
What are the symptoms of Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF) ?
The symptoms of Lujo hemorrhagic fever, as described in the five patients in the original cluster outbreak, resemble those of severe Lassa Fever. After an incubation period of 7 to 13 days, the clinical course started by a non-specific febrile illness accompanied by headache and muscle pain. The disea...
Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF)
Who is at risk for Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF)? ?
Lujo hemorrhagic fever (LUHF) occurs in southern Africa. The initial case was certainly infected in Zambia. Field workers Field workers are at greatest risk because of increased human contact with the reservoir rodent population. Sexual partners of field workers may be at greater risk as well. In addition to n...
Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF)
How to diagnose Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF) ?
During the acute febrile phase, Lujo virus was isolated from blood from days 2 to 13 after onset. Virus was also isolated from liver tissue obtained post-mortem. A subsequent complete genomic analysis of Lujo virus facilitated the development of specific molecular detection (RT-PCR) assays. Serologic diagnosis of ...
Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF)
What are the treatments for Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF) ?
Supportive therapy is important in Lujo hemorrhagic fever. This includes: - maintenance of hydration - management of shock - sedation - pain relief - usual precautions for patients with bleeding disorders - transfusions (when necessary) Treatment of arenavirus hemorrhagic fe...
Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF)
How to prevent Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF) ?
Although rodent control would be desirable, it will not be a successful strategy for preventing Lujo hemorrhagic fever cases caused by exposures outdoors. As for other hemorrhagic fevers, full barrier nursing procedures should be implemented during management of suspected or confirmed LUHF cases (no infection occu...
Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever (LUHF)
What is (are) Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection) ?
A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis. While the parasite is found throughout the world, more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person’s immune ...
Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection)
Who is at risk for Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection)? ?
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the United States it is estimated that 22.5% of the population 12 years and older have been infected with Toxoplasma. In various places throughout the world, it has been shown that up to 95% of some populations have been infected with Toxoplasma. I...
Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection)
How to diagnose Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection) ?
The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is typically made by serologic testing. A test that measures immunoglobulin G (IgG) is used to determine if a person has been infected. If it is necessary to try to estimate the time of infection, which is of particular importance for pregnant women, a test which measures immunoglobulin M...
Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection)
What are the treatments for Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection) ?
Healthy people (nonpregnant) Most healthy people recover from toxoplasmosis without treatment. Persons who are ill can be treated with a combination of drugs such as pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, plus folinic acid. Pregnant women, newborns, and infants Pregnant women, newborns, and infants ca...
Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection)
How to prevent Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection) ?
People who are healthy should follow the guidelines below to reduce risk of toxoplasmosis. If you have a weakened immune system, please see guidelines for Immunocompromised Persons. Reduce Risk from Food To prevent risk of toxoplasmosis and other infections from food: - Freeze meat for several days at su...
Parasites - Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma infection)
What is (are) Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings ?
Acinetobacter [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter] is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. While there are many types or “species” of Acinetobacter and all can cause human disease, Acinetobacter baumannii [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter boe-maa-nee-ie] accounts for about 80% of reported infections. Outb...
Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings
What are the symptoms of Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings ?
Acinetobacter causes a variety of diseases, ranging from pneumonia to serious blood or wound infections, and the symptoms vary depending on the disease. Acinetobacter may also “colonize” or live in a patient without causing infection or symptoms, especially in tracheostomy sites or open wounds.
Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings
Who is at risk for Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings? ?
Acinetobacter poses very little risk to healthy people. However, people who have weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease, or diabetes may be more susceptible to infections with Acinetobacter. Hospitalized patients, especially very ill patients on a ventilator, those with a prolonged hospital stay, those who have ...
Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings
How to prevent Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings ?
Acinetobacter can live on the skin and may survive in the environment for several days. Careful attention to infection control procedures, such as hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, can reduce the risk of transmission.
Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings
What are the treatments for Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings ?
Acinetobacter is often resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics. Decisions on treatment of infections with Acinetobacter should be made on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider. Acinetobacter infection typically occurs in ill patients and can either cause or contribute to death in these patients.
Acinetobacter in Healthcare Settings
Who is at risk for Hendra Virus Disease (HeV)? ?
Transmission of Hendra virus to humans can occur after exposure to body fluids and tissues or excretions of horses infected with Hendra virus. Horses may be infected after exposure to virus in the urine of infected flying foxes. To date, no human-to-human transmission has been documented.
Hendra Virus Disease (HeV)
What are the symptoms of Hendra Virus Disease (HeV) ?
After an incubation of 9-16 days, infection with Hendra virus can lead to respiratory illness with severe flu-like signs and symptoms. In some cases, illness may progress to encephalitis. Although infection with Hendra virus is rare, the case fatality is high: 4/7 (57%).
Hendra Virus Disease (HeV)
Who is at risk for Hendra Virus Disease (HeV)? ?
Australia’s “Flying fox” bats (genus Pteropus) are the natural reservoir of Hendra virus. Serologic evidence for HeV infection have been found in all fours species of Australian flying foxes, but spillover of the virus in horses is limited to coastal and forested regions in Australia (Queensland and New South Wales sta...
Hendra Virus Disease (HeV)
How to diagnose Hendra Virus Disease (HeV) ?
Laboratory tests that are used to diagnose Hendra virus (HV) and Nipah virus (NV) include detection of antibody by ELISA (IgG and IgM), real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and virus isolation attempts. In most countries, handling Hendra virus needs to be done in high containment laboratories. Laboratory diag...
Hendra Virus Disease (HeV)
What are the treatments for Hendra Virus Disease (HeV) ?
The drug ribavirin has been shown to be effective against the viruses in vitro, but the clinical usefulness of this drug is uncertain. A post-exposure therapy with a Nipah/Hendra neutralizing antibody, efficacious in animal models is in human preclinical development stages in Australia.
Hendra Virus Disease (HeV)
How to prevent Hendra Virus Disease (HeV) ?
The occurrence of the disease in humans has been associated only with infection of an intermediate species such as horses. Early recognition of the disease in the intermediate animal host is probably the most crucial means of limiting future human cases. Hendra virus infection can be prevented by av...
Hendra Virus Disease (HeV)
How to prevent Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccination ?
At a Glance Vaccine-preventable disease levels are at or near record lows. Even though most infants and toddlers have received all recommended vaccines by age 2, many under-immunized children remain, leaving the potential for outbreaks of disease. Many adolescents and adults are under-immunized as well, missing oppo...
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccination
what are the signs and symptoms of rabies?
The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu including general weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. These symptoms may last for days. There may be also discomfort or a prickling or itching sensation at the site of bite, progressing within days to symptoms of cerebral dysf...
Rabies
what is the risk for my pet for Rabies ?
Any animal bitten or scratched by either a wild, carnivorous mammal or a bat that is not available for testing should be regarded as having been exposed to rabies. Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets exposed to a rabid animal should be euthanized immediately. If the owner is unwilling to have this done, the animal ...
Rabies
how is rabies diagnosed?
In animals, rabies is diagnosed using the direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test, which looks for the presence of rabies virus antigens in brain tissue. In humans, several tests are required. Rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis of rabies in humans and other animals is essential for timely administration of postex...
Rabies
What is (are) Pneumonia ?
Pneumonia (nu-MO-ne-ah) is an infection in one or both of the lungs. Many germssuch as bacteria, viruses, and fungican cause pneumonia. The infection inflames your lungs' air sacs, which are called alveoli (al-VEE-uhl-eye). The air sacs may fill up with fluid or pus, causing symptoms such as a cough wi...
Pneumonia
What causes Pneumonia ?
Many germs can cause pneumonia. Examples include different kinds of bacteria, viruses, and, less often, fungi. Most of the time, the body filters germs out of the air that we breathe to protect the lungs from infection. Your immune system, the shape of your nose and throat, your ability to cough, and f...
Pneumonia
Who is at risk for Pneumonia? ?
Pneumonia can affect people of all ages. However, two age groups are at greater risk of developing pneumonia: Infants who are 2 years old or younger (because their immune systems are still developing during the first few years of life) People who are 65 years old or older ...
Pneumonia
What are the symptoms of Pneumonia ?
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe. Many factors affect how serious pneumonia is, including the type of germ causing the infection and your age and overall health. (For more information, go to "Who Is at Risk for Pneumonia?") See your doctor promptly if you: H...
Pneumonia
How to diagnose Pneumonia ?
Pneumonia can be hard to diagnose because it may seem like a cold or the flu. You may not realize it's more serious until it lasts longer than these other conditions. Your doctor will diagnose pneumonia based on your medical history, a physical exam, and test results. Medical History ...
Pneumonia
What are the treatments for Pneumonia ?
Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia you have and how severe it is. Most people who have community-acquired pneumoniathe most common type of pneumoniaare treated at home. The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and prevent complications. General Treatment ...
Pneumonia
How to prevent Pneumonia ?
Pneumonia can be very serious and even life threatening. When possible, take steps to prevent the infection, especially if you're in a high-risk group. Vaccines Vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and the flu. Vaccines can't prevent all cases of infection. However,...
Pneumonia
What is (are) Immune Thrombocytopenia ?
Immune thrombocytopenia (THROM-bo-si-toe-PE-ne-ah), or ITP, is a bleeding disorder. In ITP, the blood doesn't clot as it should. This is due to a low number of blood cell fragments called platelets (PLATE-lets) or thrombocytes (THROM-bo-sites). Platelets are made in your bone marrow along with other ki...
Immune Thrombocytopenia
What causes Immune Thrombocytopenia ?
In most cases, an autoimmune response is thought to cause immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Normally, your immune system helps your body fight off infections and diseases. In ITP, however, your immune system attacks and destroys your body's platelets by mistake. Why this happens isn't known. ...
Immune Thrombocytopenia
Who is at risk for Immune Thrombocytopenia? ?
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a fairly common blood disorder. Both children and adults can develop ITP. Children usually have the acute (short-term) type of ITP. Acute ITP often develops after a viral infection. Adults tend to have the chronic (long-lasting) type of ITP. Women are t...
Immune Thrombocytopenia
What are the symptoms of Immune Thrombocytopenia ?
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may not cause any signs or symptoms. However, ITP can cause bleeding inside the body (internal bleeding) or underneath or from the skin (external bleeding). Signs of bleeding may include: Bruising or purplish areas on the skin or mucous membranes (such as in the mouth). Th...
Immune Thrombocytopenia
How to diagnose Immune Thrombocytopenia ?
Your doctor will diagnose immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) based on your medical history, a physical exam, and test results. Your doctor will want to make sure that your low platelet count isn't due to another condition (such as an infection) or medicines you're taking (such as chemotherapy medicines or a...
Immune Thrombocytopenia
What are the treatments for Immune Thrombocytopenia ?
Treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is based on how much and how often you're bleeding and your platelet count. Adults who have mild ITP may not need any treatment, other than watching their symptoms and platelet counts. Adults who have ITP with very low platelet counts or bleeding problems oft...
Immune Thrombocytopenia
How to prevent Immune Thrombocytopenia ?
You can't prevent immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but you can prevent its complications. Talk with your doctor about which medicines are safe for you. Your doctor may advise you to avoid medicines that can affect your platelets and increase your risk of bleeding. Examples of such medicines include aspir...
Immune Thrombocytopenia
What is (are) Pernicious Anemia ?
Pernicious anemia (per-NISH-us uh-NEE-me-uh) is a condition in which the body can't make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn't have enough vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient found in some foods. The body needs this nutrient to make healthy red blood cells and to keep its nervous system ...
Pernicious Anemia
What causes Pernicious Anemia ?
Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor or other causes, such as infections, surgery, medicines, or diet. Lack of Intrinsic Factor Intrinsic factor is a protein made in the stomach. It helps your body absorb vitamin B12. In some people, an autoimmune response causes a...
Pernicious Anemia
Who is at risk for Pernicious Anemia? ?
Pernicious anemia is more common in people of Northern European and African descent than in other ethnic groups. Older people also are at higher risk for the condition. This is mainly due to a lack of stomach acid and intrinsic factor, which prevents the small intestine from absorbing vitamin B12. As p...
Pernicious Anemia
What are the symptoms of Pernicious Anemia ?
A lack of vitamin B12 (vitamin B12 deficiency) causes the signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia. Without enough vitamin B12, your body can't make enough healthy red blood cells, which causes anemia. Some of the signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia apply to all types of anemia. Other signs and symp...
Pernicious Anemia
How to diagnose Pernicious Anemia ?
Your doctor will diagnose pernicious anemia based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and test results. Your doctor will want to find out whether the condition is due to a lack of intrinsic factor or another cause. He or she also will want to find out the severity of the condition, s...
Pernicious Anemia
What are the treatments for Pernicious Anemia ?
Doctors treat pernicious anemia by replacing the missing vitamin B12 in the body. People who have pernicious anemia may need lifelong treatment. The goals of treating pernicious anemia include: Preventing or treating the anemia and its signs and symptoms Preventing or ...
Pernicious Anemia
How to prevent Pernicious Anemia ?
You can't prevent pernicious anemia caused by a lack of intrinsic factor. Without intrinsic factor, you won't be able to absorb vitamin B12 and will develop pernicious anemia. Although uncommon, some people develop pernicious anemia because they don't get enough vitamin B12 in their diets. You can take...
Pernicious Anemia
What is (are) Deep Vein Thrombosis ?
Espaol Deep vein thrombosis (throm-BO-sis), or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Blood clots occur when blood thickens and clumps together. Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. They also can occur in other parts of the body. ...
Deep Vein Thrombosis
What causes Deep Vein Thrombosis ?
Blood clots can form in your body's deep veins if: A vein's inner lining is damaged. Injuries caused by physical, chemical, or biological factors can damage the veins. Such factors include surgery, serious injuries, inflammation, and immune responses. Blood flow is sluggish or slow. La...
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Who is at risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis? ?
The risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include: A history of DVT. Conditions or factors that make your blood thicker or more likely to clot than normal. Some inherited blood disorders (such as factor V Leiden) will do this. Hormone therapy or birth control pills also increase ...
Deep Vein Thrombosis
What are the symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis ?
The signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) might be related to DVT itself or pulmonary embolism (PE). See your doctor right away if you have signs or symptoms of either condition. Both DVT and PE can cause serious, possibly life-threatening problems if not treated. Deep Vein Thrombosis ...
Deep Vein Thrombosis
How to diagnose Deep Vein Thrombosis ?
Your doctor will diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT) based on your medical history, a physical exam, and test results. He or she will identify your risk factors and rule out other causes of your symptoms. For some people, DVT might not be diagnosed until after they receive emergency treatment for pulmo...
Deep Vein Thrombosis
What are the treatments for Deep Vein Thrombosis ?
Doctors treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with medicines and other devices and therapies. The main goals of treating DVT are to: Stop the blood clot from getting bigger Prevent the blood clot from breaking off and moving to your lungs Reduce your chance of having anothe...
Deep Vein Thrombosis
How to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis ?
You can take steps to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). If you're at risk for these conditions: See your doctor for regular checkups. Take all medicines as your doctor prescribes. Get out of bed and move around as soon as possible after su...
Deep Vein Thrombosis
What is (are) High Blood Pressure ?
Espaol High blood pressure is a common disease in which blood flows through blood vessels (arteries) at higher than normal pressures. Measuring Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. High ...
High Blood Pressure
What causes High Blood Pressure ?
Changes, either fromgenesor the environment, in the bodys normal functions may cause high blood pressure, including changes to kidney fluid and salt balances, therenin-angiotensin-aldosterone system,sympathetic nervous systemactivity, and blood vessel structure and function. Biology and High Blood Pres...
High Blood Pressure
Who is at risk for High Blood Pressure? ?
Anyone can develop high blood pressure; however, age, race or ethnicity, being overweight, gender, lifestyle habits, and a family history of high blood pressure can increase your risk for developing high blood pressure. Age Blood pressure tends to rise with age. About 65 percent of Ame...
High Blood Pressure
What are the symptoms of High Blood Pressure ?
Because diagnosis is based on blood pressure readings, this condition can go undetected for years, as symptoms do not usually appear until the body is damaged from chronic high blood pressure. Complications of High Blood Pressure When blood pressure stays high over ti...
High Blood Pressure
How to diagnose High Blood Pressure ?
For most patients, health care providers diagnose high blood pressure when blood pressure readings areconsistently 140/90 mmHg or above. Confirming High Blood Pressure A blood pressure test is easy and painless and can be done in a health care providers office or clinic. To prepare for...
High Blood Pressure
What are the treatments for High Blood Pressure ?
Based on your diagnosis, health care providers develop treatment plans for high blood pressure that include lifelong lifestyle changes and medicines to control high blood pressure; lifestyle changes such as weight loss can be highly effective in treating high blood pressure. Treatment...
High Blood Pressure
How to prevent High Blood Pressure ?
Healthy lifestyle habits, proper use of medicines, and regular medical care can prevent high blood pressure or its complications. Preventing High Blood Pressure Onset Healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent high blood pressure from developing. It is important to check your blood pres...
High Blood Pressure
What is (are) Anemia ?
Espaol Anemia (uh-NEE-me-uh) is a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells. Anemia also can occur if your red blood cells don't contain enough hemoglobin (HEE-muh-glow-bin). Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. This p...
Anemia
What causes Anemia ?
The three main causes of anemia are: Blood loss Lack of red blood cell production High rates of red blood cell destruction For some people, the condition is caused by more than one of these factors. Blood Loss Blood lo...
Anemia
Who is at risk for Anemia? ?
Anemia is a common condition. It occurs in all age, racial, and ethnic groups. Both men and women can have anemia. However, women of childbearing age are at higher risk for the condition because of blood loss from menstruation. Anemia can develop during pregnancy due to low levels of iron and folic aci...
Anemia
What are the symptoms of Anemia ?
The most common symptom of anemia is fatigue (feeling tired or weak). If you have anemia, you may find it hard to find the energy to do normal activities. Other signs and symptoms of anemia include: Shortness of breath Dizziness Headache ...
Anemia
How to diagnose Anemia ?
Your doctor will diagnose anemia based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and results from tests and procedures. Because anemia doesn't always cause symptoms, your doctor may find out you have it while checking for another condition. Medical and Family Histories ...
Anemia
What are the treatments for Anemia ?
Treatment for anemia depends on the type, cause, and severity of the condition. Treatments may include dietary changes or supplements, medicines, procedures, or surgery to treat blood loss. Goals of Treatment The goal of treatment is to increase the amount of oxygen that your blood can...
Anemia
How to prevent Anemia ?
You might be able to prevent repeat episodes of some types of anemia, especially those caused by lack of iron or vitamins. Dietary changes or supplements can prevent these types of anemia from occurring again. Treating anemia's underlying cause may prevent the condition (or prevent repeat episodes). Fo...
Anemia
What is (are) Cystic Fibrosis ?
Cystic fibrosis (SIS-tik fi-BRO-sis), or CF, is an inherited disease of the secretory (see-KREH-tor-ee) glands. Secretory glands include glands that make mucus and sweat. "Inherited" means the disease is passed from parents to children through genes. People who have CF inherit two faulty genes for the ...
Cystic Fibrosis
What causes Cystic Fibrosis ?
A defect in the CFTR gene causes cystic fibrosis (CF). This gene makes a protein that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of your body's cells. In people who have CF, the gene makes a protein that doesn't work well. This causes thick, sticky mucus and very salty sweat. Research suggests ...
Cystic Fibrosis
Who is at risk for Cystic Fibrosis? ?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects both males and females and people from all racial and ethnic groups. However, the disease is most common among Caucasians of Northern European descent. CF also is common among Latinos and American Indians, especially the Pueblo and Zuni. The disease is less common among Afr...
Cystic Fibrosis
What are the symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis ?
The signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis (CF) vary from person to person and over time. Sometimes you'll have few symptoms. Other times, your symptoms may become more severe. One of the first signs of CF that parents may notice is that their baby's skin tastes salty when kissed, or the baby doesn't pa...
Cystic Fibrosis
How to diagnose Cystic Fibrosis ?
Doctors diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF) based on the results from various tests. Newborn Screening All States screen newborns for CF using a genetic test or a blood test. The genetic test shows whether a newborn has faulty CFTR genes. The blood test shows whether a newborn's pancreas is ...
Cystic Fibrosis
What are the treatments for Cystic Fibrosis ?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) has no cure. However, treatments have greatly improved in recent years. The goals of CF treatment include: Preventing and controlling lung infections Loosening and removing thick, sticky mucus from the lungs Preventing or treating blockages in the ...
Cystic Fibrosis
What is (are) Holes in the Heart ?
Holes in the heart are simple congenital (kon-JEN-ih-tal) heart defects. Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. These defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart. The heart has two sides, separated by an inner wall called the septum. Wi...
Holes in the Heart
What causes Holes in the Heart ?
Mothers of children who are born with atrial septal defects (ASDs), ventricular septal defects (VSDs), or other heart defects may think they did something wrong during their pregnancies. However, most of the time, doctors don't know why congenital heart defects occur. Heredity may play a role in some h...
Holes in the Heart
What are the symptoms of Holes in the Heart ?
Atrial Septal Defect Many babies who are born with atrial septal defects (ASDs) have no signs or symptoms. However, as they grow, these children may be small for their age. When signs and symptoms do occur, a heart murmur is the most common. A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound...
Holes in the Heart
How to diagnose Holes in the Heart ?
Doctors usually diagnose holes in the heart based on a physical exam and the results from tests and procedures. The exam findings for an atrial septal defect (ASD) often aren't obvious. Thus, the diagnosis sometimes isn't made until later in childhood or even in adulthood. Ventricular septal defects (V...
Holes in the Heart
What are the treatments for Holes in the Heart ?
Many holes in the heart don't need treatment, but some do. Those that do often are repaired during infancy or early childhood. Sometimes adults are treated for holes in the heart if problems develop. The treatment your child receives depends on the type, location, and size of the hole. Other factors in...
Holes in the Heart
What is (are) Fanconi Anemia ?
Fanconi anemia (fan-KO-nee uh-NEE-me-uh), or FA, is a rare, inherited blood disorder that leads to bone marrow failure. The disorder also is called Fanconis anemia. FA prevents your bone marrow from making enough new blood cells for your body to work normally. FA also can cause your bone marrow to make...
Fanconi Anemia
What causes Fanconi Anemia ?
Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited disease. The term inherited means that the disease is passed from parents to children through genes. At least 13 faulty genes are associated with FA. FA occurs when both parents pass the same faulty FA gene to their child. People who have only one faulty FA gene are ...
Fanconi Anemia
Who is at risk for Fanconi Anemia? ?
Fanconi anemia (FA) occurs in all racial and ethnic groups and affects men and women equally. In the United States, about 1 out of every 181 people is an FA carrier. This carrier rate leads to about 1 in 130,000 people being born with FA. Two ethnic groups, Ashkenazi Jews and Afrikaner...
Fanconi Anemia
What are the symptoms of Fanconi Anemia ?
Major Signs and Symptoms Your doctor may suspect you or your child has Fanconi anemia (FA) if you have signs and symptoms of: Anemia Bone marrow failure Birth defects Developmental or eating problems FA is an inherited...
Fanconi Anemia