Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent heart muscle disorder characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the heart chambers, particularly the ventricles. This condition impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to heart failure. DCM typically originates in the left ventricle, the heart’s primary pumping chamber, and gradually affects other parts of the heart.
Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is a complex disease that profoundly impacts an individual’s brain and behavior. It leads to an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs, medications, or other substances. Notably, substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine also fall within the scope of drug addiction.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) represents the earliest stage of breast cancer. In DCIS, abnormal cells are confined within the milk ducts of the breast, without having invaded the surrounding tissues. Although it is noninvasive, DCIS requires evaluation and consideration of treatment options to prevent progression to invasive breast cancer.
De Quervain tenosynovitis, also known as dih-kwer-VAIN ten-oh-sine-oh-VIE-tis, is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. If you’re experiencing symptoms, such as pain when turning your wrist, grasping objects, or making a fist, you might be dealing with this condition.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins, typically in the legs. It’s essential to understand this condition to prevent serious complications. Let’s explore DVT in depth:
Dehydration takes place when your body loses more fluid than you drink. Common causes include excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. If left unaddressed, dehydration can lead to dangerous complications.
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD), also known as delayed sleep-wake phase syndrome, is a sleep disorder that significantly affects an individual’s internal circadian rhythm. People with DSPD experience a consistent delay in their sleep-wake cycle, making it challenging to align with societal schedules. Let’s delve into the details.
Delirium is a sudden, fluctuating, and usually reversible disturbance of mental function. It results in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of someone’s surroundings. The disorder typically comes on rapidly, within hours or a few days. Delirium can often be traced to one or more factors, including severe illness, imbalances in the body (such as low sodium), certain medications, infection, surgery, or alcohol/drug use or withdrawal.
Dementia is a broad term encompassing various conditions that impact cognitive function, memory, reasoning, personality, mood, and behavior. It leads to a decline in mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Approximately 50% of people aged 85 and older experience some form of dementia.
Dengue fever, also known as “break-bone fever,” is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. While many dengue infections are asymptomatic or cause only mild illness, the virus can occasionally lead to severe cases and even death.
Depersonalization-derealization disorder is a dissociative condition characterized by persistent feelings of detachment from oneself or the external world. Individuals with this disorder experience either depersonalization (feeling detached from their own body or thoughts) or derealization (feeling that their surroundings are unreal). Let’s delve into the details:
Dermatitis is a common skin condition characterized by inflammation, swelling, and irritation. It affects people of all ages and can manifest in various forms. Let’s delve into the different types of dermatitis:
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare type of skin cancer that originates in the middle layer of the skin, known as the dermis. Initially, it may appear as a pimple-like growth or a rough patch of skin. As it progresses, lumps of tissue (protuberans) may form near the skin’s surface. DFSP often develops on the arms, legs, and trunk. Fortunately, it grows slowly and rarely spreads beyond the skin.
Dermatographia, also known as dermatographism or skin writing, is a fascinating skin condition that affects a significant portion of the population. When individuals with dermatographia lightly scratch their skin, the scratches redden into raised wheals, resembling hives. These marks typically disappear within 30 minutes, making it a transient but intriguing phenomenon.