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.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.