What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)? During hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the patient breathes pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber or room. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is breathing 100% oxygen while under increased atmospheric pressure. During this therapy, a person breathes pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber or room. The use of HBOT as a treatment procedure started in the...
Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Symptoms and Pregnancy Concerns
Antiphospholipid syndrome facts Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually any organ. Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome can have a variety of antibodies to phospholipids in their blood. Antiphospholipid syndrome involves excessive blood clotting. Each individual patient with the antiphospholipid syndrome is treated uniquely according to what symptoms are present. The mainstay of therapy is anticoagulation. What is...
Cryptococcosis: Read About Symptoms and Diagnosis
What is Cryptococcus? Cryptococcus is a type of fungus that is found in the soil worldwide, usually in association with bird droppings. The major species of Cryptococcus that causes illness in human is Cryptococcus neoformans. Another less common species that can also cause disease in humans, Cryptococcus gattii, has been isolated from eucalyptus trees in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Since...
Conjoined Twins Separation, Surgery, Causes & Types
What are conjoined twins? Share Your Story Picture of Conjoined Twins Conjoined twins are a rare type of twins in which part of the twins' bodies are fused together. When this happens, the fusion occurs between the same body parts (for example, head to head, chest to chest). The location and extent of the fusion of conjoined twins can vary....
Are Pancreas Transplants Successful?
As per research, pancreas transplants are considered successful. As per research, pancreas transplants are considered successful. Based on 2004-2015 data, patient survival rates for different subtypes of pancreatic transplant ranged from 96 to 99% at 1 year, 89 to 91% at 5 years, and 70 to 80% at 10 years postoperatively. The majority of deaths in the first three months...
How Long Does It Take to Recover from an Appendectomy?
What is an appendectomy? An inflammed or ruptured appendix may be removed through an incision in the abdomen. Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. It is most often performed as an emergency surgery for appendicitis. Occasionally while a patient undergoes an abdominal surgery for other reasons, the appendix might be removed to prevent possible future appendicitis. What is...
What Is Colostomy? Surgery, Bags, Definition
NOTICE I am not a doctor and the information that follows is not intended as medical advice. It is written to give you an idea of how I survived my operation and some of the things I found helpful along the way. All medical advice should be obtained from your doctor. If you have questions about any of this information,...
What Causes Vasculitis? Symptoms (Rash) and Treatment
Vasculitis definition and facts Vasculitis is a group of uncommon diseases, which result in inflammation of the blood vessels. Vasculitis symptoms and signs vary greatly and depend upon the organs affected and the severity of the disease, and may include: Rash Headaches Weight loss Muscle pain Fatigue Seizures Stroke Paralysis Kidney failure Researchers don't know the cause of vasculitis; however,...
Is Strep Throat Contagious? Symptoms, Incubation Period, Treatment & Causes
What is strep throat? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story If strep throat is treated with antibiotics, it is no longer contagious after 24 hours. Strep throat is a contagious throat infection usually caused by group A streptococcal bacteria. The incubation period for strep throat is between 1-5 days after being exposed to the bacteria. Strep throat is often accompanied...
Cholesterol: High, Normal, Low Levels, and Chart
What is cholesterol? Too much cholesterol in the body can clog arteries. Cholesterol is a chemical compound that the body requires as a building block for cell membranes and for hormones like estrogen and testosterone. The liver produces about 80% of the body's cholesterol and the rest comes from dietary sources like meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and dairy products. Foods...