What is mometasone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mometasone is a synthetic (man-made) glucocorticoid (steroid) that is used on the skin to relieve itching and inflammation of eczema, dermatitis, allergy and other skin rashes. The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid is cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Drugs...
What is oral bromocriptine? Bromocriptine belongs to a class of medication called anticholinergics that work by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine). This helps decrease muscle stiffness, sweating, and the production of saliva, and helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson's disease. Anticholinergics such as bromocriptine can stop severe muscle spasms of the back,...
What is megestrol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Megestrol is a synthetic female hormone belonging to the progesterone group. It is used for stimulating appetite and treating breast cancer. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the body, especially in women, that helps control the menstrual period as well as other body functions....
Bladder cancer facts Picture of Bladder Cancer The bladder is a hollow organ that collects urine from the kidneys through the ureters for storage and eventual removal from the body through the urethra. Bladder cancer is the abnormal growth of bladder cells and is a common cancer; men have a higher risk of getting bladder...
What is bone cancer? What is metastatic bone cancer? Illustration of Bone Cancer Bone cancer is a malignant tumor that arises from the cells that make up the bones of the body. This is also known as primary bone cancer. Primary bone tumors are tumors that arise in the bone tissue itself, and they may...
Childhood ADD or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) facts Picture of a Boy with ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition. Childhood ADHD symptoms include difficulty concentrating, trouble controlling impulses, and excessive activity. While there is no specific cause of ADHD, there are many social, biological, and environmental factors that may...
E. coli definition and facts Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Picture of E. coli Bacteria Serotype E. coli 0157:H7 is a bacterium that can produce bloody diarrhea due to toxins, especially Shiga (Vero) toxins that it produces, the toxin is secreted when the bacterium infects the human intestine. Other non-E. coli s0157 serotypes like...
What is diabetes? What are the types of diabetes? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Picture of an Immune System Attack Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose), is too high (hyperglycemia). Glucose is what the body uses for energy, and the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that helps...
Enterovirulent E. coli (EEC) facts Picture of E. coli Bacteria Enterovirulent E. coli (EEC) are bacteria that comprise several groups of E. coli serovars, all of which may cause diarrhea and other problems in the intestines. Facts EEC bacteria can cause a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach...
What are the definitions of mild and severe sunburns? What are their symptoms and signs? Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Picture of acute sunburn Sunburn is the result of too much exposure to the sun, or a sun-equivalent (such as a tanning bed or other UV source). Sunburn is most common during the summer...