A common cold is a viral infection affecting the nose and throat. It’s one of the most frequent illnesses, especially in babies. Nasal congestion and a runny nose are the hallmark signs. Babies, due to their exposure to older children and lack of immunity, are particularly susceptible
Common warts are small, grainy skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They most often appear on fingers or hands and may feel rough to the touch. These warts often feature tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. Common warts are benign and usually harmless, but they can be bothersome or embarrassing.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating condition characterized by severe, continuous pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. Let’s delve into the specifics:
What Is CRPS?
CRPS is a post-traumatic disorder that occurs after an injury or surgery. It disproportionately affects the affected limb, leading to intense pain, sensory changes, and other disturbances.
Incidence and Demographics
- Incidence rates vary but can range from 5.5 to 26.2 cases per 100,000 person-years.
- Women are more commonly affected than men, with the highest incidence in women aged 61–70 years.
Compulsive gambling, also known as gambling disorder, is a behavioral condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble. Individuals with this disorder are willing to risk something of value in the hope of obtaining something of greater value. The thrill of gambling can stimulate the brain’s reward system, much like drugs or alcohol, leading to addiction. Compulsive gamblers often chase losses, deplete savings, accumulate debt, and may resort to theft or fraud to support their addiction.
Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions due to a perceived need to save them. Individuals with this disorder experience distress at the thought of getting rid of these items, leading to an accumulation of items, regardless of their actual value. This often results in cramped living conditions with narrow pathways winding through stacks of clutter. In severe cases, it can seriously affect daily functioning.
Kleptomania (klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by recurrent, irresistible urges to steal items. Unlike typical shoplifting, individuals with kleptomania don’t steal for personal gain or financial need. Instead, they experience an overwhelming compulsion to take things they generally don’t need. Let’s delve deeper into this condition.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that temporarily affects brain functioning. It typically occurs due to an impact to the head or body, resulting in altered brain function. Common effects of concussions include headaches, trouble with concentration, memory issues, balance problems, mood changes, and disrupted sleep.
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts appear as small bumps or growths in and around the genital and rectal areas. While there’s no cure for HPV itself, treatments can manage genital warts.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands. These glands, situated above the kidneys, play a crucial role in hormone production. CAH results from enzyme deficiencies that impact cortisol and aldosterone synthesis.
A congenital heart defect (CHD) refers to an abnormality in the heart’s structure that is present at birth. These defects can affect the heart walls, valves, or blood vessels. CHDs vary in complexity, from mild conditions to severe, life-threatening issues.
Congenital heart disease refers to structural abnormalities in the heart present at birth. These defects can impact blood flow and oxygen levels. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Hirschsprung’s disease, also known as congenital megacolon, is a rare birth defect affecting the large intestine (colon). It results from missing nerve cells in the intestinal muscles, leading to impaired bowel movements. The condition is present at birth and can cause significant complications if left untreated.
Congenital mitral valve anomalies refer to structural abnormalities in the mitral valve, which is situated between the heart’s left atrium and left ventricle. These anomalies are present at birth and can significantly impact blood flow and overall heart function.
Craniosynostosis (kray-nee-o-sin-os-TOE-sis) is a disorder present at birth in which one or more of the fibrous joints between the bones of your baby's skull (cranial sutures) close prematurely (fuse), before your baby's brain is fully formed. Brain growth continues, giving the head a misshapen appearance.
Usually, during infancy the sutures remain flexible, allowing a baby's skull to expand as the brain grows. In the front of the skull, the sutures meet in the large soft spot (fontanel) on top of the head. The anterior fontanel is the soft spot felt just behind a baby's forehead. The next largest fontanel is at the back (posterior). Each side of the skull has a tiny fontanel.
Conjoined twins, also known as Siamese twins, are a rare phenomenon where two babies are physically connected to each other. This occurs during early embryonic development when the embryo partially separates but remains attached. Let’s explore this fascinating condition in detail.