Sepsis is when the body’s response to a serious infection gets out of control. As the illness progresses, the cells of the immune system release a cascade of chemicals that eventually cause massive inflammation and can lead to very low blood pressures, shock and organ malfunction. Sepsis happens most often from bacterial infections of the lungs (like pneumonia), urinary tract, abdomen, or skin.
No test is currently available that can identify chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis). The diagnosis is guided by criteria established in 2015 that include common features of the condition and exclusion of other explanations for the findings.
The criteria require these 3 symptoms:
• New onset of fatigue that is not improved with rest causing a marked decrease in ability to perform normal activities for at least 6 months without clear explanation
• Fatigue that is made worse by physical exertion or cognitive stress that previously did not cause problems.
• Feeling unrested despite adequate sleep
In addition, at least one of the following two symptoms are required:
• Problems with brain function (such as concentrating or planning ahead) that is made worse by stress or exertion
• Worsened symptoms when upright and improved by lying down or elevating the feet
Routine tests are recommended to rule out other common explanations for these symptoms. Such tests include:
• Blood counts
• Standard chemistry tests (such as electrolytes and tests of kidney and liver function)
• Testing of thyroid function
• Other testing based on symptoms – For example, if muscle pain or weakness are present, muscle enzyme tests should be checked.
Colitis is inflammation of the colon, the lower intestine. The three main causes of colitis are infection, inflammatory bowel disease and a temporary decrease in blood flow to part of the colon. Symptoms of colitis include a frequent need to have a bowel movement, blood or mucus in the stool, lower abdominal pain and cramps, and sometimes fever.
From a health standpoint, the good news for both coffee and tea drinkers is that they are both safe. In fact, many studies suggest that regularly drinking either in moderation might actually have health benefits. The main caveat is related to potential side effects from too much caffeine, such as feeling jittery and having trouble sleeping. Some teas are high in oxalate and potentially could increase the risk of kidney stones.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of disorders that damage the lungs. The most common forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The main symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance.
Psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis develops when the immune system prompts certain areas of your skin to produce new cells more rapidly than usual, which leads to thickening and scaling. It’s not clear what makes this happen. The condition tends to go through cycles. Flare-ups can last weeks or even months, followed by remission for several months or even a year or longer. While psoriasis strikes more men than women, genetics are a more significant factor in who gets it. Most people with psoriasis have inherited one or more genes that affect the immune system in a way to make them prone to it.
Anxiety can be a temporary excessive worry or unease. Or, anxiety can be a more persistent or recurrent psychiatric disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They share some symptoms, but each type has distinctive characteristics. There are also subtypes when the symptoms of anxiety only happen in certain situations. For example, people with agoraphobia have an intense fear about being in crowded or open places or feeling trapped. Just thinking about it, can cause a racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath and sweating.
Strictly speaking attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is neither a mental illness nor disability. Attention problems include daydreaming, difficulty focusing and being easily distracted. Hyperactivity refers to fidgeting or restlessness. A person with the disorder may be disruptive or impulsive, may have trouble in relationships and may be accident-prone. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness often improve as a person matures, but attention problems tend to last into adulthood. Children with ADHD are more likely to have learning issues.
Among the most common causes of calf pain are:
• muscle strain or tear
• tendinitis
• trauma
• muscle cramps
• vascular disease (especially atherosclerosis)
• blood clot in a vein near the calf
The most common cause of upper abdominal distention is retained gas within the stomach or intestines. Eating excessive gas forming foods, lactose or other food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, decreased stomach or bowel motility, or an intestinal obstruction could be the underlying problem. Fluid accumulation in the area between the abdominal organs, known as ascites, would usually cause distention throughout the belly, not just in the upper part of the abdomen.