Acute lymphocytic leukemia 03/05/2009
Acute lymphoblastic (or lymphocytic) leukemia
Highlights: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) There are four major types of leukemia. ALL is the most common type of leukemia diagnosed in children, and the least common type diagnosed in adults. About 5,200 people are diagnosed with ALL each year. Children account for two-thirds of these cases. In general, children with ALL have a better prognosis than adults.
Alcoholism 01/22/2009
Alcohol dependence; Alcohol abuse
Highlights: Complications of Alcoholism Chronic alcoholism causes many severe health problems. These include: Liver Disorders . The liver is particularly endangered by alcoholism. Between 10 - 20% of people who drink heavily (five or more drinks a day) develop cirrhosis, a progressive and irreversible scarring of the liver that can eventually be fatal.
Allergic rhinitis 06/01/2009
Hay fever; Nasal congestion - allergies
Highlights: Allergic Rhinitis Allergic rhinitis is an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens. Outdoor triggers of allergic rhinitis include ragweed, grass, tree pollen, and mold spores. Indoor triggers include dust mites, pet dander, or mold that grows in humid indoor places such as carpets. Outdoor allergens cause seasonal allergic rhinitis (also known as hayfever), that typically occurs during the spring and summer.
Alzheimer's disease 06/24/2009
AD
Highlights: Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia is significant loss of cognitive functions such as memory, judgment, attention, and abstract thinking. Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive brain disease. It affects 5 million Americans, and millions more worldwide. Risk Factors Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Most people who develop Alzheimer’s disease are 65 years old or older, and the risk increases with age.
Anemia 02/25/2009
Iron deficiency; Pernicious anemia
Highlights: Overview Anemia is a condition that develops from a lack of healthy red blood cells. There are many different causes and types of anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type, is usually treated with dietary changes and iron supplement pills. Other types of anemia, such as those associated with chronic disease or cancer therapies, require more aggressive types of treatment.
Anxiety disorders 01/22/2009
Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Panic disorder; Phobias; Post-traumatic stress disorder
Highlights: Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders include: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is long lasting and low-grade Panic disorder, which has more dramatic symptoms Phobic disorders, such as agoraphobia and social phobia Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Separation anxiety disorder Causes Genetics, biochemistry, environment, family history, and psychological profile can all contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
Asthma in adults 06/01/2009
Description: An in-depth report on how asthma is diagnosed, treated, and managed in adults.
Highlights: FDA Panel Votes to Ban Two Asthma Drugs In December 2008, an FDA advisory panel voted to ban two long-acting beta2-agonists drugs, salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil), for treatment of asthma in children and adults. These drugs can increase the risk of asthma death unless used in combination with an inhaled steroid. The FDA panel decided that salmeterol-fluticasone (Advair) and formoterol-budesonide (Symbicort), which combine two drugs in a single inhaler, can remain on the market.
Asthma in children and adolescents 06/01/2009
Description: An in-depth report on how asthma is diagnosed, treated, and managed in children and adolescents.
Highlights: FDA Panel Votes to Ban Two Asthma Drugs In December 2008, an FDA advisory panel voted to ban two long-acting beta2-agonists drugs, salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil), for treatment of asthma in children and adults. These drugs can increase the risk of asthma death unless used in combination with an inhaled steroid. The FDA panel decided that salmeterol-fluticasone (Advair) and formoterol-budesonide (Symbicort), which combine two drugs in a single inhaler, can remain on the market.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 01/22/2009
Description: An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ADHD.
Highlights: Heart Testing Before Starting Stimulant Drugs In 2008, the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending that children with ADHD should receive careful heart evaluation and monitoring, including having an electrocardiogram (ECG, also called EKG), before beginning stimulant drug therapy. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a response, stating that routine ECG testing prior to initiating stimulant drug therapy is not necessary.
