What is Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)? Share Your Story Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) combines endoscopy and ultrasound in order to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissue and organs. Endoscopy refers to the procedure of inserting a long flexible tube via the mouth or the rectum to visualize the digestive tract (for further information, please visit the...
Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PIDD): Symptoms & Treatment
Primary immunodeficiency disease definition and facts Share Your Story Primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) is a disease of the immune system itself, in contrast to secondary immunodeficiency with a weak immune system as a result of another condition, like HIV/AIDS. There are hundreds of different types of primary immunodeficiency disease. Most types of primary immunodeficiency disease are due to inherited (genetic)...
Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PIDD): Symptoms & Treatment
Primary immunodeficiency disease definition and facts Share Your Story Primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) is a disease of the immune system itself, in contrast to secondary immunodeficiency with a weak immune system as a result of another condition, like HIV/AIDS. There are hundreds of different types of primary immunodeficiency disease. Most types of primary immunodeficiency disease are due to inherited (genetic)...
nelfinavir, Viracept: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is nelfinavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nelfinavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors that also includes indinavir (Crixivan), amprenavir (Agenerase), ritonavir (Norvir) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within...
Gluten Free Diet: Learn About Benefits, Plans and Recipes
What is a gluten-free diet? Anyone who has had to follow a gluten-free diet has seen a huge change in the availability of these foods. What was once only found in specialty stores and known by very few people has now become a very popular diet trend. Products and restaurants are proudly displaying their gluten-free status. Many now see this...
Fiber: Get Facts on Diets, Foods and Supplements
A little fiber history Fiber became a household word back in 1970s when Dr. Denis Burkitt, a man nicknamed the Fiber Man, and his colleagues made “the fiber hypothesis” that states that fiber can prevent certain diseases. Through their work in Africa, they discovered that diseases that were common in the Western cultures were not common there. These included heart...
Cleansing and Detox Diets: Learn How Cleanses Work
Cleansing and detox diets introduction If you're looking for a way to lose weight quickly and feel better (and who isn't?), you might be tempted to try a fad "detox" diet or a "cleanse" method." These diets start with a fast, followed by a period of consuming only raw vegetables, fruit, juices and water. Most nutritionists say, "Don't bother." Do...
Recreational Water Illnesses Treatment, Symptoms & Facts
Recreational water illness (RWIs) facts Contrary to popular belief, chlorine does not kill all germs instantly. There are germs today that are very tolerant to chlorine and were not known to cause human disease until recently. Once these germs get in the pool, it can take anywhere from minutes to days for chlorine to kill them. Swallowing just a little...
Dangers of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Plastics: Get the Facts
How is plastic made and identified? How many times a day do you use something made from plastic? I can guarantee that it's more than you think. Plastic has been a part of our lives for over 100 years, and its use continues to grow. In 2002, about 107 billion pounds of plastic were produced in North America. Recently, claims...
Guinea Worm Disease: Facts on Treatment and Prevention
Guinea worm disease facts* Picture 1: CDC drawing of the Guinea worm disease life cycle. *Guinea worm disease facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Dracunculiasis, more commonly known as Guinea worm disease (GWD), is a preventable infection caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis. In 2011, only four countries reported cases of GWD: Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan. Anyone...