Low Neutrophil Count : Risk Factors

Drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by allergic reaction to a drug (medication).

Drug interactions are changes in the effect of one drug due to the effect of either another drug taken at the same time (drug-drug interactions) or food consumed while the drug is being taken (drug-food interactions). Some drugs are deliberately combined for administration because there are beneficial effects to be derived.

A drug allergy is an adverse reaction to a medication, often an antibiotic, that is mediated by the body ' s immune system. A drug sensitivity is an unusual reaction to a drug that does not involve the immune system.

Drug metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down and converts medication into active chemical substances. Precautions Drugs can interact with other drugs, foods, and beverages.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final and most serious stage of HIV disease , which causes severe damage to the immune system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AIDS begins when a person with HIV infection has a CD4 cell count below 200. (CD4 is also called "T-cell", a type of immune cell.) AIDS is also defined by numerous opportunistic infections and cancers that occur in the presence of HIV infection.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It was first recognized in the United States in 1981.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the final and most serious stage of the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. Symptoms begin when an HIV-positive person presents a CD4-cell (also called T cell, a type of immune cell) count below 200.

A person with HIV can look and feel perfectly healthy. But that person can give HIV to others as soon as he or she is infected with the virus.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS is the advanced form of infection caused by HIV and typically only manifests itself after a long latency period after initial HIV infection.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It was first recognized in the United States in 1981.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) by infecting helper T cells of the immune system. The most common serotype, HIV-1, is distributed worldwide, while HIV-2 is primarily confined to West Africa.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is the final, life-threatening stage of infection with any of the human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1, its many subtypes, or HIV-2), which are transmitted from person to person sexually (including via anal, oral, and vaginal intercourse, both heterosexually and homosexually), through contact with blood (mainly via equipment used to inject illicit drugs and, rarely, via medical uses of blood), and perinatally (from mother to fetus or newborn during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, or after birth through breast-feeding). ORIGIN AND HISTORY HIV-1 and HIV-2 both appear to have been transmitted to humans from primates in Central and West Africa, probably to hunters or processors of carcasses of primates consumed as food (referred to as " bush meat " ).

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) was identified in 1983 by the French scientist Luc Montagier and his staff at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Ever since that discovery, scientists have been searching for ways to treat those infected with HIV, and to produce a vaccine to prevent its spread.

Autoimmune disorders are conditions caused by an immune response against the body's own tissues.

Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which a person ' s immune system attacks the body ' s own cells, causing tissue destruction. Autoimmunity is accepted as the cause of a wide range of disorders, and it is suspected to be responsible for many more.

Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which a person's immune system attacks the body's own cells, causing tissue destruction. Autoimmunity is accepted as the cause of a wide range of disorders and suspected to be responsible for many more.

Diseases in which the immune system attacks the body ' s own healthy tissues, forming antibodies in an assault on mistakenly identified " foreign invaders. " Autoimmune disorders occur when the body ' s immune system loses its ability to recognize the differences between self and nonself tissues.

Cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that have mutated from normal tissues. This growth can kill when these cells prevent normal function of vital organs or spread throughout the body, damaging essential systems.

Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost 100 diseases. It is a genetic disease, with two main characteristics of uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of those cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites.

Cancer is the end product of a multistep process (carcinogenesis) that occurs over many years. The term " cancer " actually refers to numerous distinct diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and differentiation.

The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer: A Guide to Cancer and Its Treatments is a unique and invaluable source of information for anyone touched by cancer. This collection of over 450 entries provides in-depth coverage of specific cancer types, diagnostic procedures, treatments, cancer side effects, and cancer drugs.

A group of diseases characterized by uncontrollable cell growth. Cancer is a family of diseases in which cells replicate at an extremely rapid pace.

Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute is the most authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. Established in 1973, SEER originally provided cancer incidence data for Connecticut, Iowa, New Mexico, Utah, and Hawaii, and for the metropolitan areas of Detroit and San Francisco-Oakland.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of tissue cells in the body and the invasion by these cells into nearby tissue and migration to distant sites. Cancer results from alterations (mutations) in genes that make up DNA, the master molecule of the cell.

Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.

Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost one hundred diseases. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites.

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the body and the ability of these malignant cells to spread (metastasize) to distant sites within the body. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Around the world, over 10 million cancer cases occur annually.

A continuous process in which multiple alterations occur in genes that control cell division and differentiation that leads to cancer- the uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells. These genetic alterations are referred to as mutations, which are changes in the normal DNA sequence of a particular gene.

Pesticides are substances that protect plants against molds, fungi, and insects. The term pesticide refers to all pest control substances, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The use of pesticides helps prevent crop loss and potential human disease. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are currently more than 865 registered pesticides. Less than half of those are used to protect our food supply. (Overall, most experts agree the United States has a safe food supply.) Man-made pesticides are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This agency controls how much man-made pesticide can be applied on crops, and how much can remain on the food you buy.

Felty's syndrome is a disorder characterized by rheumatoid arthritis , an enlarged spleen, a decreased white blood cell count , and recurrent infection.

Folate, also called folic acid, is a type of B vitamin. Folic acid is found naturally in dark-green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains. Not getting enough folate results in a form of megaloblastic anemia . In addition, folic acid is required for the development of a healthy fetus. It plays an important part in the development of the fetus' spinal cord and brain. Women should begin eating foods and supplements containing folic acid 2-3 months prior to conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy. Folic acid deficiency can cause severe birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, known as neural tube defects. In some cases, there may be no noticeable signs of folic acid deficiency, and it is diagnosed in pregnant women only after a child is born with a neural tube defect. Usually, though, your health-care provider can detect the defect with blood work and ultrasound during your prenatal checkups. If women were to take the recommended amount of folic acid before they conceived and through the first trimester of pregnancy, 50-70% of these cases could be prevented. Yet recent research by March of Dimes shows that many women are unaware of the importance of folic acid. The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board recommends that adults should have 400 micrograms of folate daily. Women capable of becoming pregnant should receive this amount with folic acid supplements, not just fortified foods, to ensure the proper daily intake. Mothers who are at high risk for having a baby with spinal defect usually will be told to take 10 times the recommended dose of folic acid. This higher dose (4 mg) is only recommended for women who have had family members with spina bifida or who are on drugs that increase their risk, such as some epilepsy medicines. High doses like these have not been shown to help mothers at average risk.

It is common knowledge that a person's appearance -- height, hair color, skin color, and eye color -- are determined by genes . Mental abilities and natural talents are also affected by heredity, as is the susceptibility to acquire certain diseases. An inherited, abnormal trait (anomaly) may: Have no consequence to a person's health or well being -- for example, a white patch of hair or an extended ear lobe. Be of minor consequence -- for example, color blindness . Have dramatic effect on the quality or length of life. For most genetic disorders, genetic counseling is advised. Many people may also want to seek prenatal diagnosis. The terms anomaly, abnormality, disorder, defect, disease, and syndrome are not used consistently, and do not have precise definitions.

Dialysis is a method of removing toxic substances (impurities or wastes) from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so. Dialysis is most frequently used for patients who have kidney failure , but may also be used to quickly remove drugs or poisons in acute situations. This technique can be life saving in people with acute or chronic kidney failure .

Dialysis treatment replaces the function of the kidneys, which normally serve as the body ' s natural filtration system. Through the use of a blood filter and a chemical solution known as dialysate, the treatment removes waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, while maintaining the proper chemical balance of the blood.

HemodialysisHemodialysis is one kind of dialysis. It uses a machine that holds a filter called a dialyzer.

Dialysis treatment replaces the function of the kidneys , which normally serve as the body ' s natural filtration system. Through the use of a blood filter and a chemical solution known as dialysate, dialysis removes waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, while maintaining the proper chemical balance of the blood.

Dialysis treatment replaces the function of the kidneys, which normally serve as the body ' s natural filtration system. Through the use of a blood filter and a chemical solution known as dialysate, the treatment removes waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, while maintaining the proper chemical balance of the blood.

Central Vein Access: Placing the CatheterYour kidneys remove waste from your blood. When your kidneys fail, they can no longer do this important work.

A hemodialysis shunt, graft, or fistula provides vascular access for hemodialysis, a treatment that cleans the blood by removing wastes and excess water from the body. Purpose Kidneys remove wastes from the blood through the urine, regulate the amount of water and minerals needed by the body, and produce hormones.

Creating a Hemodialysis AccessBefore hemodialysis can be done, anaccess(way for blood to leave and return to your body) is needed. A hemodialysis access is usually created in your arm.Creating Your AccessThe hemodialysis access provides a large vo...

Mononucleosis is a viral infection causing fevers, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck. It is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but can also be caused by other organisms such as cytomegalovirus (CMV). Both viruses are members of the herpesvirus family.

Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that can affect the liver, lymph nodes, and oral cavity. While mononucleosis is not usually a serious disease, its primary symptoms of fatigue and lack of energy can linger for several months.

Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which can affect the liver, lymph nodes, and oral cavity. While mononucleosis is not usually a serious disease, its primary symptoms of fatigue and lack of energy can linger for several months.

Malaria is a parasitic disease characterized by fever, chills, and anemia.

Malaria is a serious, infectious disease spread by certain mosquitoes. It is most common in tropical climates.

Malaria is the most clinically important parasitic disease worldwide. It kills as many as 2.

Malaria is a serious, infectious disease spread by certain mosquitoes. It is most common in tropical climates.

Malaria is a serious infectious disease spread by certain mosquitoes. It is most common in tropical climates.

A treatment approach that uses radiation to destroy cancer cells.

Radiation therapy, sometimes called radiotherapy, x-ray therapy radiation treatment, cobalt therapy, electron beam therapy, or irradiation uses high energy, penetrating waves or particles such as x rays, gamma rays, proton rays, or neutron rays to destroy cancer cells or keep them from reproducing. Purpose The purpose of radiation therapy is to kill or damage cancer cells.

Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy penetrating radiation (x rays, gamma rays, proton rays, and neutron rays) to kill cancer cells. Purpose The primary purpose of radiotherapy is to eliminate or shrink localized cancers.

Understanding Radiation TherapyRadiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.What Is Cancer?

Radiation therapy, sometimes called radiotherapy, x-ray therapy radiation treatment, cobalt therapy, electron beam therapy, or irradiation uses high energy, penetrating waves or particles such as x rays, gamma rays, proton rays, or neutron rays to destroy cancer cells or keep them from reproducing. Purpose The purpose of radiation therapy is to kill or damage cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy TreatmentRadiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.Radiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. It begins with a planning visit to map out your treatment.

Radiation Therapy TeamRadiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.Radiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. Your radiation therapy team will work with you.

Radiation Therapy: Resources to HelpRadiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to treat your cancer.From the moment you found out you had cancer, you most likely have had questions about treatment. You are not facing cancer treatment alone.

Radiation Therapy: Your Daily LifeRadiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. To feel better, get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat well.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder . It may affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus or SLE) is a disease where a person ' s immune system attacks and injures the body ' s own organs and tissues. Almost every system of the body can be affected by SLE.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus or SLE) is a disease in which a person ' s immune system attacks and injures the body ' s own organs and tissues. Almost every system of the body can be affected.