Health and Fitness

Primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH) Overview Primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH) is a rare disorder causing bilateral enlargement of the adrenal glands with multiple distinct nodules, leading to the overproduction of cortisol. It usually manifests in a person's 40s or 50s and results in Cushing syndrome Symptoms Because PMAH causes excess cortisol production that is independent of the pituitary gland, patients primarily show symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome: Physical Changes: "Moon face" (rounded face), a "buffalo hump" (fat deposit between the shoulders), and increased abdominal fat. Skin Issues: Thin, fragile skin that bruises easily, slow-healing cuts, and red or purple stretch marks (striae). Bone and Muscle : Muscle wasting (especially in the upper thighs and arms) and bone density loss (osteoporosis). Excess cortisol heavily impacts metabolism and cardiovascular health: Hypertension: High blood pressure is a very co...

Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) Overview Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder where the adrenal glands fail to produce cortisol despite high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is characterized by isolated glucocorticoid insufficiency without mineralocorticoid deficiency, resulting in severe hypoglycemia, hyperpigmentation, failure to thrive, and recurrent infections. Symptoms Hypoglycemic Seizures: Low blood sugar frequently causes seizures (convulsions), which can lead to coma or death if untreated. Hyperpigmentation: Excess ACTH overstimulates skin receptors, causing progressive darkening of the skin and gums, often most noticeable in skin creases, scars, or inside the mouth. Failure to Thrive & Growth Delay: Children may fail to gain weight or grow at the expected rate due to prolonged hypoglycemia and poor metabolism. Recurrent Infections: Patients, particularly older children, often suffer from freque...

HPV infection Overview HPV infection is a viral infection. There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV infection cause skin growths called warts and some types of HPV infection can cause cancer. Most HPV infections don't lead to cancer. But some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, called the cervix. Other types of cancers have been linked to HPV infection. These include cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and back of the throat. Cancer at the back of the throat is called oropharyngeal cancer. These infections are often passed through sex or through other skin-to-skin contact. Vaccines can help protect against the strains of HPV most likely to cause genital warts or cervical cancer. Symptoms Usually, the body's immune system defeats an HPV infection before it creates warts. Different types of HPV produce different warts, including: Genital warts . Some appear flat. Others look...

Borborygmi Overview Borborygmi (pronounced bawr-buh-rig-mai) is the medical term for stomach growling or bowel sounds. It is the rumbling, gurgling, or growling noise caused by gas and fluids moving through the intestines as the body digests food. Symptoms When borborygmi is caused by an underlying condition, it is frequently accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: Abdominal discomfort: Cramping, bloating, and generalized stomach pain. Changes in bowel habits: Frequent diarrhea or constipation. Gas-related symptoms: Flatulence, excess burping, or a feeling of fullness Digestive distress: Nausea, vomiting, or persistent heartburn. Severe indicators: High-pitched stomach sounds, fever, sudden unintentional weight loss, or bloody stools  Causes Hunger: An empty stomach causes muscles to contract more vigorously in preparation for food, leading to loud, audible rumbling. Swallowing Air: Eating too fast, drinking carbonated beverages, chewing gum, or talking while ea...

Body dysmorphic disorder Overview Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can't be seen by others. But you may feel so embarrassed, ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations. When you have body dysmorphic disorder, you intensely focus on your appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day. Your perceived flaw and the repetitive behaviors cause you significant distress and impact your ability to function in your daily life. You may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to "fix" your perceived flaw. Afterward, you may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in your distress, but often the anxiety returns and you may resume searching for other ways to fix your perceived flaw. Treatment of body dysmorphic disorder may include...

Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension) Overview Orthostatic hypotension — also called postural hypotension — is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing after sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness or lightheadedness and possibly fainting. Orthostatic hypotension can be mild. Episodes might be brief. However, long-lasting orthostatic hypotension can signal more-serious problems. It's important to see a health care provider if you frequently feel lightheaded when standing up. Occasional orthostatic hypotension is usually caused by something obvious, such as dehydration or lengthy bed rest. The condition is easily treated. Chronic orthostatic hypotension is usually a sign of another health problem, so treatment depends on the cause. Symptoms The most common symptom of orthostatic hypotension is lightheadedness or dizziness when standing after sitting or lying down. Symptoms usually last less than a few minutes. Orthostatic hypotensio...