Dermatomyositis (dur-muh-toe-my-uh-SY-tis) is a rare inflammatory disease that affects both the skin and muscles. It primarily manifests as muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. Here are the key points:
-
Skin Changes:
- A violet-colored or dusky red rash typically appears on the face, eyelids, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and back.
- The rash can be itchy and painful, often serving as an early sign of dermatomyositis.
-
Muscle Weakness:
- Progressive muscle weakness affects muscles closest to the trunk, including hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms, and neck.
- Weakness occurs on both sides of the body and tends to worsen gradually.
-
Age and Gender:
- Dermatomyositis usually occurs in adults aged 40 to 60 and children between 5 and 15 years.
- It affects more females than males.
Desmoid tumors, also known as aggressive fibromatosis, are noncancerous growths that develop in the connective tissue. Unlike malignant tumors, desmoid tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can be locally aggressive, invading nearby structures and organs. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics:
Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT) are rare and aggressive cancers that primarily originate in the abdomen. Although they can occur elsewhere in the body, they most commonly affect the peritoneum—the tissue lining the abdominal cavity. Let’s delve into the various aspects of DSRCT.
DSRCTs begin as abnormal growths of cells within the peritoneum. These tumors consist of small, round cancer cells surrounded by scar-like tissue. While they predominantly occur in the abdomen, they can also affect other areas.
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side. In many people, the nasal septum is off-center, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This condition can lead to various symptoms and complications.
Diabetes mellitus encompasses a group of chronic conditions affecting blood sugar (glucose) regulation. Glucose serves as the primary energy source for our cells, but in diabetes, its utilization is impaired. Let’s explore the different types, causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and when to seek medical attention.
Diabetes insipidus is characterized by extreme thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination with large volumes of diluted urine (polyuria). It is essential to understand the types, causes, symptoms, prevention, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and the role of specialists in managing this condition.
A diabetic coma is a critical medical emergency that results in unconsciousness due to either dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). When a person enters a diabetic coma, they remain alive but cannot wake up or respond to stimuli. Without prompt treatment, a diabetic coma can be fatal.
Diabetic hypoglycemia occurs when an individual with diabetes experiences low blood sugar levels (glucose) due to various factors. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms, understand the causes, and take preventive measures to manage this condition effectively.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin, leading to a buildup of acids called ketones in the bloodstream. If left untreated, DKA can be life-threatening. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of DKA.
Diabetic nephropathy, also known as diabetic kidney disease, is a serious complication that affects both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. It is the leading cause of kidney disease in individuals starting renal replacement therapy. The condition is characterized by increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) in the absence of other renal diseases.
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that occurs in individuals with diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels (glucose) can injure nerves throughout the body, with the most commonly affected areas being the legs and feet. Let’s explore the different types of diabetic neuropathy:
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
Diaper rash is a common skin condition characterized by inflamed patches of skin on the buttocks, thighs, and genital area. It primarily affects infants and toddlers who wear diapers regularly. Although diaper rash is usually not serious, it can cause discomfort and distress for both the child and the caregiver.
Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by loose, watery stools. It can range from mild and self-limiting to severe and life-threatening. Let’s delve into the specifics:
Diarrhea involves an increase in stool frequency, weight, or volume, resulting in loose or watery bowel movements. It’s essential to recognize the following points:
- Prevalence: Globally, approximately 2 billion cases of diarrheal disease occur annually, with around 1.9 million deaths in children under 5 years old.
- Symptoms: Besides loose stools, other symptoms may include abdominal cramps, urgency, and nausea.
DiGeorge syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder caused by the deletion of a small segment of chromosome 22. This missing genetic material leads to a wide range of developmental abnormalities affecting multiple organ systems. Let’s delve into the details of this complex condition.