Posted on September 21st, 2008
Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the development and growth of tiny clumps of inflammatory cells in different areas of your body. Sarcoidosis can affect virtually any organ, but most commonly it affects your lungs, lymph nodes, eyes and skin. It often goes away on its own, but in some people symptoms of sarcoidosis may last a lifetime. If you have minor symptoms of sarcoidosis, you may only need to be monitored until the condition improves. But if symptoms bother you or put vital organs at risk, treatment with anti-inflammatory medications can help.
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Posted on September 6th, 2008
The peritoneum is a silk-like membrane that lines your inner abdominal wall and covers the organs within your abdomen. Peritonitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of this lining. The infection may come from fluid buildup within the peritoneum, from another infection, inflammation or injury within your body, or it may be a complication of peritoneal dialysis. Â
If peritonitis is left untreated, the infection can extend beyond your peritoneum. Bacteria from peritonitis may infect your bloodstream (bacteremia) and once there, cause the infection to spread throughout your body (sepsis). Sepsis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause shock and organ failure.
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Posted on September 5th, 2008
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial infection of the intestinal tract. Salmonella typically live in the intestines of animals and humans and are shed through feces, where the bacteria remain highly contagious. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated food sources, such as poultry, meat and eggs. Typically, people with salmonella infection develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours. Signs and symptoms of salmonella infection generally last four to seven days. Most healthy people recover without specific treatment. In some cases, diarrhea can be extremely dehydrating and require prompt medical attention. Life-threatening complications may also develop should the infection spread beyond your intestines. our risk of salmonella infection is higher if you travel to countries with poor sanitation. Preventive measures include proper cooking, good hygiene such as hand washing, and avoiding raw or undercooked eggs and meat.
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Posted on September 5th, 2008
Anemia — a condition in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues — can make you feel tired.  There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term, and it can range from mild to severe.  Anemia is a common blood disorder. Women and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk of the condition.  Anemia can be a sign of serious illnesses. Treatments for anemia range from taking supplements to undergoing medical procedures. You may be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet.
The main symptom of most types of anemia is fatigue. Other anemia symptoms include:
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Posted on September 3rd, 2008
Pneumonia — an inflammation of the lungs that’s usually caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms. Pneumonia is a particular concern for older adults and people with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems, but it can also strike young, healthy people. Worldwide, it’s a leading cause of death in children. There are many kinds of pneumonia ranging in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia acquired while in the hospital can be particularly virulent and deadly. Although signs and symptoms vary, many cases of pneumonia develop suddenly, with chest pain, fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath. Infection often follows a cold or the flu, but it can also be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own.
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