Guinea worm disease facts* *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 who drinks standing pond water contaminated by persons with GWD is...
tiotropium bromide/olodaterol, Stiolto Respimat: COPD
What is Stiolto Respimat, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Stiolto Respimat is a combination of inhaled medications used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It consists of two medications, tiotropium bromide (Spiriva) and olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat). Tiotropium bromide is an inhaled bronchodilator that enlarges (dilates) airways (bronchi) in the lungs and is used for treating COPD....
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD): Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lewy body dementia facts* Share Your Story *Lewy body dementia (LBD) facts Medically Edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a disease associated with abnormal deposits (Lewy bodies) of a protein called alpha–synuclein that occurs in the brain and results in problems with thinking, movements, behavior and mood; dementia can also occur. Lewy body dementia...
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD): Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lewy body dementia facts* Share Your Story *Lewy body dementia (LBD) facts Medically Edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a disease associated with abnormal deposits (Lewy bodies) of a protein called alpha–synuclein that occurs in the brain and results in problems with thinking, movements, behavior and mood; dementia can also occur. Lewy body dementia...
Stiff-Person Syndrome: Get Facts on the Rare Disorder
What is Stiff-Person syndrome? Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease. What are the signs and symptoms of Stiff-Person syndrome? Readers Comments 16 Share Your Story Stiff-Person syndrome is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which...
Thallium: What Are the Symptoms of Poisoning?
What is thallium? Pure thallium is a bluish-white metal that is found in trace amounts in the earth’s crust. In the past, thallium was obtained as a by-product from smelting other metals; however, it has not been produced in the United States since 1984. Currently, all the thallium is obtained from imports and from thallium reserves. In its pure form,...
Usher Syndrome: Read Treatment and Symptom Information
What is Usher syndrome? Usher syndrome is the most common condition that affects both hearing and vision. A syndrome is a disease or disorder that has more than one feature or symptom. The major symptoms of Usher syndrome are hearing loss and an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa, or RP. RP causes night-blindness and a loss of peripheral vision (side...
Penile Implant Surgery: Get Facts on Risks and Recovery
Penile Prosthesis Introduction A penile prosthesis is another treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). These devices are either malleable or inflatable. The simplest type of prosthesis consists of a pair of malleable (bendable) rods surgically implanted within the erection chambers of the penis. With this type of implant the penis is always semi-rigid and merely needs to be...
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)
Summary Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) occurs when an excessive amount of antidiuretic hormone is released resulting in water retention and a low sodium level. It is most common among older people. It has many causes including, but not limited too, pain, stress, exercise, a low blood sugar level, certain disorders of the heart, thyroid gland, kidneys, or adrenal...
Urodynamic Testing: Facts on Results and Side Effects
What is the urinary tract? The urinary tract is the body's drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. Blood flows through the kidneys, and the kidneys filter out wastes and extra water, making urine. The urine travels down two narrow tubes called the ureters. The urine...