Sigmoidoscopy vs. colonoscopy: What’s the difference? Both sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy examine the lining of the colon, but the colonoscopy can show more of the colon. Both sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are nonsurgical procedures that involve use of a tube (endoscope) with a light and camera to examine parts of the large intestine (colon). A sigmoidoscopy...
Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) definition and facts Symptoms of a high red blood cell count include headache and fatigue. Polycythemia means increased red blood cell volume. Polycythemia is divided into two main categories; primary and secondary. Polycythemia can be linked to secondary causes, such as, chronic hypoxia or tumors releasing erythropoietin. Abnormally increased...
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) definition and facts Readers Comments 37 Share Your Story Symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia may include fatigue, bleeding, and others. Thrombocytopenia or low platelet count is lower than a normal number of platelets (less than 150,000 platelets per microliter) in the blood. Thrombocytopenia may be inherited or acquired when conditions occur,...
Phenylketonuria (PKU) definition and facts* *Phenylketonuria (PKU) medically edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disease that’s inherited that increases the levels of phenylalanine in the blood. If left untreated, high phenylalanine levels can cause intellectual disability and other problems. Phenylketonuria disease was discovered in 1934 by Dr. A. Folling. Signs...
What is a posterior hip dislocation? The reduction of dislocation is a procedure to manipulate the bones back to their normal position. If this is performed externally, i.e., without opening the hip, it is known as a closed reduction. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The socket is formed by the acetabulum, which is part...
Shock facts Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story The main symptom of shock is low blood pressure. Shock is a life-threatening medical condition and is a medical emergency. If shock is suspected call 911 or get to an emergency department immediately. The main symptom of shock is low blood pressure. Other symptoms include rapid, shallow breathing;...
Pycnodysostosis facts Pycnodysostosis is an inherited disorder of the bone. Pycnodysostosis causes short stature. Pycnodysostosis causes abnormally dense brittle bones. Pycnodysostosis causes the "soft spot" of a baby’s skull to stay widely open. Pycnodysostosis is due to a defect in an enzyme: cathepsin K. Growth hormone treatment may increase growth in pycnodysostosis. What is pycnodysostosis?...
Noonan syndrome facts* *Noonan syndrome facts medical author: Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder that may cause short stature, distinctive facial features and heart abnormalities. Aside from face and heart abnormalities, there may be associated bleeding abnormalities, scoliosis, infertility in males, lymphedema, and intellectual disability. It is inherited as an...
Illustration of the kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra.Source: MedicineNet Kidney infection definition and facts Kidney infection is one of a number of infections that can involve the urinary tract. Infection of the kidney is very common, especially in young females. Causes of kidney infection are bacteria that have gained entry to the urinary tract, usually...
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan definition and facts Readers Comments 17 Share Your Story Picture: A medical technician prepares a patient for an MRI to check for a possible brain tumor Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scanning uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. MRI scanning is painless and...