Acne
Acne is a red, irritating skin rash primarily affecting teenagers and young adults. It can, however, occur at all ages. Typical acne appears in the oil-producing areas of the body—namely, the face, chest, and back. Acne can also occur on the neck and upper arms.
Acne can have a short-term, potentially lasting psychological effect. Decreased self-esteem and self-confidence can lead to social withdrawal and even depression. Left untreated, severe acne can lead to disfiguring scarring, which can ... more
Alzheimer
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in industrialized nations. Dementia is a brain disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities.
The brain of a person with Alzheimer disease (see Multimedia file 1) has abnormal areas containing clumps (senile plaques) and bundles (neurofibrillary tangles) of abnormal proteins. These clumps and tangles destroy connections between brain cells.
This usually affects the parts of the brain that control ... more
Asthma
Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma is caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) inflammation of these passages. This makes the breathing passages, or airways, of the person with asthma highly sensitive to various "triggers."
When the inflammation is "triggered" by any number of external and internal factors, the passages swell and fill with mucus.
Muscles within the breathing passages contract (bronchospasm), causing even further narrowing ... more
ADD/ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention-deficit disorder (ADD), is a condition in which a person's inability to focus and concentrate on a task or purpose interferes with his or her ability to be productive. It also can affect how people develop social relationships or self-esteem.
Children with ADHD often are seen as unable to settle down—impulsive, hyperactive, disruptive, and even aggressive in classroom and social settings.
The medical community recognizes ... more
|