Browsing: Disease A-Z

When tuberculosis (TB) germs survive and multiply in the lungs, it is called a TB infection. A TB infection may be in one of three stages. Symptoms are different in each stage.Primary TB infection. The first stage is called the primary infection. Immune system cells find and capture the germs. The immune system may completely…

OverviewScleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh), also known as systemic sclerosis, is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin. Scleroderma also may cause problems in the blood vessels, internal organs and digestive tract. Scleroderma is often categorized as limited or diffuse, which refers only to the degree of skin involvement. Both types…

Coping with thalassemia, your own or your child’s, can be challenging. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you have questions or would like guidance, talk with a member of your health care team.You might also benefit from joining a support group, which can provide both sympathetic listening and useful information. Ask a member of…

What are the symptoms of stomach ulcers?A stomach ulcer feels like a sore spot in your stomach, which is located in your upper abdomen, between your breastbone and your belly button, a little to the left.Typical ulcer pain feels like an acid burn in your stomach, or like something is eating it. This feeling isn’t…

Overview Chronic sinusitis Enlarge image Close Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis An infection, growths in the sinuses, called nasal polyps, or swelling of the lining of the sinuses can cause chronic sinusitis. Symptoms might include a blocked or stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe through the nose and pain and swelling around the eyes,…

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) causes the body to destroy healthy tissue. It can change the appearance and texture of your skin and affect other organs in your body.Systemic sclerosis (SS) is an autoimmune disorder that causes atypical growth of connective tissues. Connective tissue gives your tissues (organs and muscles) strength and shape. With SS, your tissue…

What is thyroid disease?Thyroid disease is a general term for a medical condition that keeps your thyroid from making the right amount of hormones. It can affect people of all ages.Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck under your skin. It’s a part of your endocrine system and…

What causes thalassemia?Hemoglobin consists of four protein chains, two alpha globin chains and two beta globin chains. Each chain — both alpha and beta — contains genetic information, or genes, passed down from your parents. Think of these genes as the “code” or programming that controls each chain and (as a result) your hemoglobin. If…