Health and Fitness

Bilateral canal atresia Overview Bilateral canal atresia (aural atresia) is the congenital absence or underdevelopment of the external ear canals in both ears. It is frequently associated with microtia and causes bilateral conductive hearing loss. Immediate aural rehabilitation is critical to ensure normal speech, language, and cognitive development Symptoms  Hearing Loss: Bilateral moderate-to-severe conductive hearing loss prevents adequate sound from naturally reaching the brain. Without early intervention, it can lead to speech and language delay's. Microtia : The outer ear (pinna) is typically underdeveloped. It may be completely absent or appear small and peanut-shaped. Associated Craniofacial Anomalies : Atresia can occur as part of a genetic syndrome (e.g., Treacher Collins or Crouzon syndrome), which may involve jaw or facial nerve abnormalities'. Drainage and Infections: If the canal is partially narrowed (stenosis) rather than completely closed, it can trap debris ...

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy type 1 Overview Acute necrotizing encephalopathy type 1 (ANE1) is a rare, severe brain disease usually triggered by viral infections like the flu or SARS-CoV-2. Characterized by a rapid onset of seizures and coma, it is driven by an extreme immune response ("cytokine storm") that causes symmetrical lesions and tissue damage in the brain. Symptoms 1. Prodromal (Viral) Phase Before the brain is affected, the patient generally shows typical symptoms of a viral infection for a few days: Fever  Cough  Nasal congestion Vomiting  Diarrhea 2. Acute Encephalopathy (Neurological) Phase Shortly after the viral symptoms, the condition rapidly affects the brain and central nervous system. Key signs include: Rapidly altered consciousness (ranging from confusion and lethargy to a coma) Seizures Ataxia (difficulty coordinating movements) Abnormal muscle tone (dystonia or rigidity) Hallucinations 3. Systemic and Associated Symptoms ANE1 can affect the rest...

Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) Overview Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) is a common subtype of AML where bone marrow cells show normal chromosomes under a microscope, despite the presence of leukemia. Because standard chromosomal tests appear normal, diagnosis relies heavily on molecular genetic testing to identify specific gene mutations that guide treatment and prognosis. Symptoms Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) symptoms result from a rapid overproduction of abnormal, immature white blood cells in the bone marrow, which crowds out healthy blood cells. The most common indicators are fatigue, increased susceptibility to infections, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, and unexplained weight loss. Because healthy blood cell production is disrupted, the signs and symptoms of CN-AML manifest in three main categories: 1. Low Red Blood Cells (Anemia)Extreme tiredness and weakness Pale skin and lips Shortness of breath, even ...

Activated PI3K delta syndrome (APDS) Overview Activated PI3K-delta syndrome (APDS) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by genetic mutations that lead to a hyperactive PI3K\(\delta \) pathway. This immune system impairment primarily causes recurrent respiratory infections, chronic viral infections, enlarged lymph nodes, and autoimmune issues, significantly increasing the risk of lymphoma. Symptoms 1. Frequent and Severe Infections Because the immune system’s white blood cells (B cells and T cells) fail to function properly, patients are highly susceptible to: Respiratory Tract : Recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, and chronic cough. Ear and Sinus: Frequent ear infections (otitis media) and persistent sinusitis, which can sometimes lead to hearing loss Viral Infections : Chronic or severe viral infections, particularly from the herpesvirus family (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus/EBV, cytomegalovirus/CMV, and herpes simplex). 2. Lymphoproliferation Abnormal clumping and overproduction of whit...

Actin-accumulation myopathy Overview Actin-accumulation myopathy is a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder caused by mutations in the ACTA1 gene. It triggers severe muscle weakness and poor tone (hypotonia), severely impacting breathing and swallowing in infancy. Because of respiratory failure, many individuals do not survive past the newborn stage Symptoms Skeletal Muscle Weakness (Myopathy) Neonatal Hypotonia: Affected newborns appear "floppy," lack spontaneous movement, and struggle to control their head movements. Generalized Weakness: Severe muscle weakness is present throughout the body. Delayed Motor Milestones: Infants and children who survive infancy face severe delays in learning to sit, crawl, stand, and walk. Facial Weakness: Noticeable facial muscle weakness, a weak cry, and drooping eyelids are common. Respiratory and Bulbar Issues Breathing Difficulties: Impaired respiratory muscles cause shallow breathing (hypoventilation), which is often worse during s...

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...