What is fexofenadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fexofenadine is an oral, "second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy and hives. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for...
What should you know about jaundice in newborns and babies? Jaundice is the yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and the whites of the eyes (sclerae) caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). The term jaundice is derived from the French word jaune, which means yellow. Jaundice is not technically a...
What should you know about factitious disorders (Munchausen syndrome)? What is the medical definition of factitious disorder? Facticious disorder (previously called "Munchausen syndrome") is characterized by feigning or intentionally producing physical or emotional symptoms in another person in order to place that person in the sick role. What are the symptoms of factitious disorders? Symptoms...
Typhus facts Typhus is a vector-borne bacterial disease; there are two types termed endemic and epidemic. Typhus has a long and deadly history, especially epidemic typhus. Bacteria causes typhus. Rickettsia prowazekii causes epidemic typhus. Rickettsia typhi and, occasionally, R. felis cause endemic typhus and are transmitted to humans by vectors such as lice (mainly epidemic)...
Tuberculosis (TB) facts Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story TB is an infectious disease that's transmitted from person to person. Consumption: an old and once common term for wasting away of the body, particularly from pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) at certain times in the past used interchangeably with TB There are many different types of TB....
Graves’ disease facts Picture of Graves' Disease Graves' disease facts written by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid that results from abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland by a material in the blood referred to as thyroid stimulating immunoglobins (TSIs) that bind to and activate thyrotropin receptors....
What facts should I know about C. diff (Clostridium difficile)? Readers Comments 20 Share Your Story What is a bacterial infection? What is the medical definition of C. diff? Clostridium difficile or C. diff is a bacterium. Microscopically it is referred to as gram positive and rod-shaped. It is exists best in a low oxygen environment....
What is healthy living? Healthy living involves more than physical health, it also includes mental and emotional health. This article is designed to give tips to readers about how they can improve or augment actions in their life to have a healthy lifestyle; it is not meant to be all inclusive but will include major...
What is acarbose, and how does it work? Acarbose is a prescription oral drug that is used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in people type 2 diabetes in conjunction with diet, exercise, and other diabetes drugs, for example, metformin (Glucophage) or insulin. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which also...
What is tetracaine ophthalmic drops, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tetracaine is a topical local anesthetic for the eyes. Tetracaine works by interfering with entry of sodium ions into nerve cells. This reduces the ability of nerves to generate an impulse and send pain sensations. What brand names are available for tetracaine...