Kawasaki disease

Sep 03, 2008 - Overview

• Definition
• Alternative Names
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests
• Treatment
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention
• References

Illustrations Kawasaki's disease - edema of the hand HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Definition Kawasaki disease is a rare condition in children that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. Alternative Names Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome; Infantile polyarteritis Causes, incidence, and risk factors Kawasaki disease occurs most frequently in Japan, where the disease was first discovered. In the United States, after congenital heart defects, Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of heart disease in children. - 0 Comments

Kawasaki's disease - edema of the hand

Sep 04, 2008 - Back HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Kawasaki's disease can produce various rashes and skin manifestations. This photograph shows mild swelling (edema) and redness associated with the disease. The hands and feet may be tender to touch and the skin may peel once the redness begins to fade. - 0 Comments

Kawasaki's disease, peeling of the fingertips

Sep 04, 2008 - Back HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Kawasaki's disease causes various rashes and manifestations of the mucous membranes and skin. This photograph shows the skin peeling away from the fingertips. This can also occur on the palms, toes, soles, and around the nails. - 0 Comments

Rheumatoid arthritis

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Complications
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Lifestyle Changes
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Drug Treatment Approaches

• Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who do not respond to single-drug therapy often do better when a combination of drugs is used, indicates a review of 23 clinical trials published in 2007 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. However, the researchers were unable to determine which combinations of drugs work best or which individual drugs are more effective than others.
• Combination drug treatment is now becoming a standard approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis while it is still in its early stages. Another 2007 Annals of Internal Medicine study indicated that initial combination therapies slow progression of joint damage more rapidly than single-drug therapy but, after several years, all treatment strategies produce benefits.

Fish Oil for Joint Pain The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve joint pain, indicates a 2007 review in Pain. - 0 Comments

Gout

Oct 08, 2008 - In This Report

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Symptoms
• Causes and Risk Factors
• Triggers
• Diagnosis
• Treatment: Acute Gout Attac...
• Treatment: Preventing Attac...
• Other Treatments
• Lifestyle Changes
• Complications
• Resources
• References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Highlights Types of Gout: There are two types of gout -- primary and secondary.

• Primary gout: The cause is usually unknown. However, primary gout is likely the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal, and dietary factors.
• Secondary gout: Secondary gout is caused by medications or medical conditions that cause an increase in the serum (blood) levels of uric acid.

Risk Factors: Risk factors for gout include:

• Advancing age
• Male gender
• Family history of the condition
• Obesity
• Use of certain drugs, including diuretics, aspirin, cyclosporine, or levodopa
• Drinking a large amount of alcohol, particularly beer
• Exposure to lead
• Organ transplants
• Thyroid problems

Symptoms of a Gout Attack: Symptoms of a gout attack include:

• Severe pain at and around the joint
  • May feel like "crushing" or a dislocated bone
  • Walking and the weight of bed sheets may be unbearable
  • Usually takes 8 - 12 hours to develop
  • Occurs late at night or early in the morning and may wake you up
• Swelling that may extend beyond the joint
• Red, shiny, tense skin over the affected area, which may peel after a few days
• Chills and mild fever, loss of appetite, and feelings of ill health

Research News A large study found that people with gout are at an increased risk of having metabolic syndrome. - 0 Comments

Uveitis

Sep 03, 2008 - Overview

• Definition
• Alternative Names
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests
• Treatment
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention

Illustrations Eye Visual field test HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Definition Uveitis is an inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the the uvea. The uvea is the layer of the eye between the sclera and the retina. This layer includes the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid. - 0 Comments

Rashes

Sep 04, 2008 - Overview

• Definition
• Alternative Names
• Considerations
• Common Causes
• Home Care
• Call your health care provider if
• What to expect at your health care provider's office
• Prevention
• References

Illustrations Poison oak rash on the arm Erythema toxicum on the foot Acrodermatitis Roseola Shingles Cellulitis Erythema annulare centrifugum - close-up Psoriasis, guttate on the arms and chest Psoriasis, guttate on the cheek Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face Poison ivy on the knee Poison ivy on the leg Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm Erythema multiforme on the leg HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Definition Rashes involve changes in the color or texture of your skin. Alternative Names Skin redness or inflammation; Skin lesion; Rubor; Skin rash; Erythema Considerations Often, the cause of a rash can be determined from its visible characteristics and other symptoms. Common Causes A simple rash is called dermatitis, meaning inflammation of the skin. - 0 Comments

Acute pancreatitis

Sep 03, 2008 - Overview

• Definition
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests
• Treatment
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention
• References

Illustrations Digestive system Endocrine glands Pancreatitis, acute - CT scan HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Definition Acute pancreatitis is swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach. It releases digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon. - 0 Comments