What is the sweat chloride test? The sweat chloride test is a common and simple test used to evaluate a patient who is suspected of having cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal genetic disease affecting Caucasians. Cystic fibrosis is often clinically suspected when there is poor growth during infancy or recurrent serious intestinal or respiratory diseases in a toddler...
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Symptoms & Ablation
What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome? Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a specific type of abnormality of the electrical system of the heart. This syndrome causes a specific pattern on an electrocardiogram (Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern) and is linked to an episode of rapid heart rates, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or atrial fibrillation. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a treatable medical condition. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is also referred...
Prolactinoma (Pituitary Tumor): Symptoms, Treatment, Surgery
Prolactinoma facts A prolactinoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas cause secretion of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the breast to produce milk. The aims of treatment are the reduction of prolactin level to normal, reduction of tumor size, and restoration of normal pituitary function. Most prolactinomas occur sporadically with a low risk of recurrence in the...
Sweat Chloride Test for Cystic Fibrosis: Results & Procedure
What is the sweat chloride test? The sweat chloride test is a common and simple test used to evaluate a patient who is suspected of having cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal genetic disease affecting Caucasians. Cystic fibrosis is often clinically suspected when there is poor growth during infancy or recurrent serious intestinal or respiratory diseases in a toddler...
What Is Pain Management? Relief for Back, Knee Pain, Etc.
Introduction to pain management Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain...
Insulin Pump for Diabetes Types, Sizes, and Effectiveness
What is an insulin pump? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story The insulin pump is a device for continuous insulin delivery. An insulin pump is composed of a pump reservoir similar to that of an insulin cartridge, a battery-operated pump, and a computer chip that allows the user to control the exact amount of insulin being delivered. How big is...
Body Mass Index (BMI) Body Fat Chart
BMI facts* *BMI facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD BMI stands for body mass index. BMI is calculated by a formula that takes into account both a person's height and weight. BMI is reported as weight in kilograms (kg) divided by height in meters squared (m2). BMI is useful in classification of obesity, overweight, and healthy weight. Obesity is...
16 Remedies for Pregnancy Body Changes (Breasts) & Discomforts
Natural remedies for pregnancy changes and body discomforts facts* Share Your Story *Natural remedies for pregnancy changes and body discomfort facts medically edited by: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD A number of body changes can occur during a healthy, normal pregnancy that may be surprising or at times uncomfortable. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the body. Some women notice...
Gilbert Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Alcohol
What is Gilbert syndrome? Gilbert Syndrome is a common, harmless genetic condition in which a liver enzyme essential to the disposal of bilirubin (the chemical that results from the normal breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells) is abnormal. The condition has also been referred to as constitutional hepatic dysfunction and familial nonhemolytic jaundice. The enzyme abnormality in Gilbert syndrome...
Bioterrorism Definition and Agents Used
What is bioterrorism? Bioterrorism is a form of terrorism where there is the intentional release of biological agents (bacteria, viruses, or other germs). This is also referred to as germ warfare. Terrorism is defined by the United States government as the "unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population,...