What is plasmapheresis? Plasmapheresis treats autoimmune diseases, toxins in the blood, neurological diseases, and very high levels of cholesterol that don't lower with medications or dietary changes. Plasmapheresis removes antibodies against the person's own body cells and tissues (autoantibodies) from the blood. Autoantibodies are proteins found in the plasma. They mistakenly attack the body's own tissues. In some cases, this...
Acthar Gel (corticotropin) for MS: Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: repository corticotropin Brand name: Achthar What is Achthar (repository corticotropin), and how does it work? Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age. It is also used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. What are the side effects of Achthar? Acthar Gel...
Should I See a Gastroenterologist or Proctologist for Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus Hemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or the lower part of the rectum (the terminal part of the large bowel). They may be felt as tiny lumps in and around the anus. Hemorrhoids may often get better on their own within a few days,...
What Should a 10-Month-Old Baby Be Doing?
A 10-month-old baby is highly active. At 10 months old, your baby should crawl up steps, hold your hand, climb onto chairs, understand simple sentences, show interest in conversations, imitate people and do many other things. A 10-month-old baby is highly active. The rapid growth of your baby will be continuing at a slower pace from now on. They will...
What Triggers Claustrophobia?
What is claustrophobia? Claustrophobia is the fear of confined spaces. The cause is unknown but may be linked to trauma, genetics, family influence, or environment. Common triggers include elevators, planes, tunnels, MRI machines, and other crowded or closed spaces. Claustrophobia is a specific phobia, an anxiety disorder revolving around the fear of a specific object or situation. Specific phobias lead...
What Should Your Body Fat Percentage Be?
What is body fat percentage? Body fat percentage is the amount of fat in your body compared to the amount of muscle and bone. The ideal healthy body fat percentage depends on your age and gender. Advancements in the field of medical science and technology have brought with them new tools and assessment strategies for maintaining health and fitness. Gone...
What Percentage of Japanese Have Diabetes?
The prevalence of diabetes has been on the rise in Japan in recent years. The increase can be ascribed to a sedentary lifestyle and increased fat consumption. The prevalence of diabetes has been on the rise in Japan in recent years. The increase can be ascribed to a sedentary lifestyle and increased fat consumption. Although obesity rates are lower in...
Why Is an Umbilical Arterial Catheter Used?
What is an umbilical arterial catheter? An umbilical artery catheter allows doctors to monitor a baby's blood pressure, collect blood samples, and perform exchange transfusion. The umbilical cord is a narrow tube-like structure that connects the baby in the womb to the placenta. The umbilical cord and placenta together act as a link between the mother and developing baby. They...
Which Is Worse: Neurosis or Psychosis?
How are neurotic disorders and psychotic disorders different? Neurotic behavior is rooted in reality. Someone with psychosis has lost touch with reality. Psychosis is worse than neurosis because with psychosis you are detached from reality and may be unable to care for yourself. Neurotic disorders and psychotic disorders are different in the fact that neurotic behavior is rooted in reality....
Why Is Speech Audiometry Performed? 3 Purposes
A speech audiometry tests your ability to hear sounds. Speech audiometry is an essential tool to assess hearing loss. It is usually performed for the assessment/examination of the following: Intensity and type of hearing loss Word recognition abilities Discomfort or tolerance to any speech stimuli Speech audiometry also determines the maximum output of sound-amplifying devices. What is speech audiometry? A...