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bone marrow cancer
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Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
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Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting. Persons with the disease have too few platelets in the blood.ITP is sometimes called immune th...
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Detailed information on idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Is there a link between sarcoidosis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura? I was diagnosed two years ago with sarcoidosis and am now battling idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
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Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP) is a bleeding disorder caused by an abnormally low level of blood platelets, small disc-shaped cells essential to blood clotting(coagulation). ITP describes both the cause and symptoms of the condition: idi...
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Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, is a bleeding disorder caused by an abnormally low level of platelets in the patient''s blood. Platelets are small plate-shaped bodies in the blood that combine to form a plug when a blood vessel is inju...
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Aplastic anemia is a disorder in which the bone marrow greatly decreases or stops production of blood cells.The bone marrow(soft tissue which is located within the hard outer shell of the bones) is responsible for the production of all the types o...
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Detailed information on aplastic anemia, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on aplastic anemia, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment
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Chemotherapy can reduce the number of red blood cells in your body. When you have too few of these cells, anemia can result. Anemia has many symptoms. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the signs listed here. You may need treatment.
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Hemolytic-uremic syndrome(HUS) is a disorder that usually occurs when an infection in the digestive system produces toxic substances that destroy red blood cells. It often affects the kidneys.Hemolytic-uremic syndrome(HUS) often occurs after a gas...
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Detailed information on hemolytic uremic syndrome, including cause, progression, treatment, and statistics
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Hemolytic-uremic syndrome(HUS) is a rare condition that affects mostly children under the age of 10, but also may affect the elderly as well as persons with other illnesses. HUS, which most commonly develops after a severe bowel infection with cer...
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Hemolytic-uremic syndrome(HUS) is a syndrome defined by the presence of acute hemolytic anemia(low red blood cell count caused by the break up of red cells within the blood stream by a person''s own immune system), thrombocytopenia(a low number of ...
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Hemolytic-uremic syndrome(HUS) is a syndrome defined by the presence of acute hemolytic anemia(low red blood cell count caused by the break up of red cells within the blood stream by a person''s own immune system), thrombocytopenia(a low number of ...
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Pregnancy is the condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body. The union of an egg(ovum) with sperm is called fertilization, or conception, and it is this union that produces the embryo.
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Detailed information on pregnancy and childbirth, including information on birth statistics, pregnancy planning, preconception care, prenatal care, pregnancy discomforts, pregnancy tests, pregnancy risks, pregnancy warning signs, labor and delivery, breas
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A great deal of public health resources is spent on pregnancy. It is clear that prenatal and neonatal health play a large role in determining the health of a population, and in fact, pregnancy outcomes are often used as an indicator of a nation''s ...
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For most women, this is called the "golden trimester." You're starting to show. And you're starting to glow.
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More doctors now suggest a pre-conception checkup and pre-conception counseling before getting serious about having a baby. Many problems that can affect a pregnancy can be avoided if addressed and dealt with before becoming pregnant.
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Detailed information on planning a pregnancy, including reducing the risk of pregnancy and delivery complications
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Detailed information on what to do before (and during) your next pregnancy to reduce the chance for birth defects
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Detailed information on planning and preparing for a healthy pregnancy If you are planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks to both you and your baby. Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy.
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Nutrition during the preconception period, as well as throughout a pregnancy, has a major impact on pregnancy outcome. Among prepregnancy considerations, the prepregnancy Body Mass Index(BMI), folic acid status, and socioeconomic status are the mo...
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Your blood sugar will most likely return to normal after delivery. But gestational diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting diabetes later in life. You're also more likely to have gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy.
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Detailed information on planning and preparing for a healthy pregnancy If you are planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks to both you and your baby. Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy.
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Detailed information on caring for the mother physically and emotionally following childbirth, including information on postpartum depression
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As your body changes during pregnancy, your back must work in new ways. This can be painful if your back isn't prepared.
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A friend of mine is six months pregnant and says her baby moves all the time. I am also pregnant (five months) and rarely feel the baby -- maybe every other day. Is it abnormal to not feel the baby moving very often? I get regular check-ups and the baby is fine. At what stage does it become a concern when I don't feel the baby throughout the day?
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Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby. Only you can decide whether you're ready to quit.
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Learning the proper ways to bend, lift, and carry objects may help relieve back strain. It will also help you protect your back after your baby is born. Remember, if you're having trouble protecting your back, it's okay to ask the people around you for help!
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Detailed information on medication use during pregnancy When pregnant, a woman should always check with her physician before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication. All medications affect the fetus differently, depending on the stage of development, the type and dosage of the medication being taken, and the drug tolerance of the mother-to-be.
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Detailed information on post-term pregnancy, including causes, diagnosis, and management
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Did you know that standing, sitting, or lying in certain ways can lead to back pain? To ease pain, use positions that support your body comfortably.
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Detailed information and examples of non-teratogenic agents A non-teratogenic agent is one which does not cause birth defects.
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Detailed information on preparing the family for the arrival of a newborn Preparing for your new baby includes helping other family members adjust. A new baby brings new sounds, new schedules, and new ways of coping for everyone. Most families soon find ways to adjust to the changes that take place. But it is helpful to prepare some family members for what is ahead.
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Following these guidelines can help keep you and your developing child healthy in the months to come.
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No one can say for sure that a medication is safe to use while you're pregnant. But, avoiding medicines may not be a good idea, either. It may be wiser to treat an illness than ignore it.
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Detailed information on blood types in pregnancy Every person has a blood type, (O, A, B, or AB) and an Rh factor, either positive or negative. The blood type and the Rh factor simply mean that a person's blood has certain specific characteristics. The blood type is found as proteins on red blood cells and in body fluids. The Rh factor is a protein that is found on the covering of the red blood cells. If the Rh factor protein is present on the cells, the person is Rh positive. If there is no Rh factor protein, the person is Rh negative.
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Detailed information on medication use during pregnancy When pregnant, a woman should always check with her physician before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication. All medications affect the fetus differently, depending on the stage of development, the type and dosage of the medication being taken, and the drug tolerance of the mother-to-be.
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My partner and I are now trying to become pregnant. I am a young African-American woman and have heard that the chemicals from hair relaxers or straighteners may be harmful to a healthy pregnancy. Is there any truth to this?
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I am in my second trimester and find it very difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. I am most comfortable on my stomach. How harmful is it to sleep on your stomach in your second trimester?
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During the early stages of pregnancy, can you drink coffee? My partner works nights and drinks a lot of coffee. Are there other, safer alternatives to the caffeine from coffee?
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After week 16, sleep and rest on your side instead of your back. Try different positions.
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Does fibromyalgia pain increase when a woman is pregnant?
Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.
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Exercise can help you keep your blood sugar within a normal range. That's because your body uses more blood sugar when you exercise.
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Planning to have a baby? There are steps you can take before you ever become pregnant to help ensure a smooth pregnancy and a healthy outcome for you and your infant.
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If you're pregnant, it's just as important for you to stay away from lead as it is to protect your children from it.
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The healthy choices you make before and during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on you and your unborn child. Experts say one of the most important things a woman or couple can do is to plan for pregnancies.
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At least 90 days before starting to try to conceive, both men and women should take steps to improve their diet and exercise routines, as well as fine-tune any medications they may be taking.
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Some pregnancy changes are caused by hormones. Others are caused by the pressure and weigh of your growing baby.
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A physical exam and lab tests will show if there are any special concerns. Your health care provider can then plan the care that will help prevent problems later.
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Pregnant women in their second or third trimester during influenza season should be immunized.
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You may see signs that your body is getting ready for labor. Be patient. Within a few more weeks, your baby will be born.
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From conception until after the birth of your child, you and your baby will change every day.
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The weight you gain now is not just extra fat. It is also the weight of your baby. And it is the increased blood and fluids to support the baby.
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From conception (fertilization) until after the birth of your child, you and your baby will change every day. To help you understand what is happening, we've outlined how pregnancy begins and some of the changes you may notice.
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Your health can affect your baby's growth. Here are some ways to stay healthy.It's important to develop healthy eating habits while you are pregnant, for you as well as for your baby. Here are some ways to stay healthy.
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Antidepressants, once considered safe during pregnancy, may cause birth defects. Women are warned of the effects and given alternatives.
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Can I continue to take my asthma medication if I am pregnant?
Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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Can cancer be transferred from mother to child in the womb?
Jeffrey Ecker, M.D. is an Associate Professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he practices maternal-fetal medicine.
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Is there a recommended period of time to wait before getting pregnant again after a C-section birth? If so, what are the risks associated with becoming pregnant again too soon?
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During pregnancy, what can be done to remove abnormal cervical cells?
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I am 23 weeks pregnant and I was just diagnosed with genital warts. Will this affect my baby during delivery?
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My first pregnancy ended at eight weeks in a miscarriage. When I get pregnant again, should I try to see my doctor early in the pregnancy as a precaution? Is there anything else I might do to prevent a miscarriage again?
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Is it safe to swim in a chlorinated pool during pregnancy?
Jeffrey Ecker, M.D. is an Associate Professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he practices maternal-fetal medicine.
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If birth defects can result when a pregnant women takes ACE inhibitors, what can happen to the fetus if the father takes ACE inhibitors?
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I am a little over six months pregnant and already lactating. Is this normal?
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What medication can be taken when a yeast infection develops in the last month of pregnancy?
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I am 24 years old and pregnant with my second child. During my first pregnancy I developed toxemia during my last trimester. During labor I was put on oxygen and magnesium. What are my chances of having this reoccur with my second pregnancy?
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Detailed information on hypothyroidism and pregnancy, including symptoms and treatment and thyroid function screening
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Detailed information for the pregnant mother, including information on hormones during pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, nutrition during pregnancy, exercise during pregnancy, work and pregnancy, sex during pregnancy, and sleeping positions during
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Detailed information on sex during pregnancy In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your physician's approval, sexual relations can continue until delivery.
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Detailed information on traveling while pregnancy or breastfeeding Although traveling during pregnancy is normal and occurs rather frequently, it is important for pregnant women to consider potential problems that could arise when considering international travel. Pregnant women should also weigh the availability of quality medical care in the countries they are visiting, before traveling abroad. Preconceptual immunizations are preferred over vaccination during pregnancy.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem, autoimmune, connective-tissue disorder with a broad range of clinical presentations. There is a peak age of onset in young women between their late teens and early 40s and women to men ratio of 9:1.
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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.The body''s immune system is a network ...
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Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder. It may affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.Disseminated lupus erythematosus; SLE; Lupus; Lupus erythematosus.SLE(lupus) is an autoimmune disease.
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Detailed information on systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease with protean clinical manifestations that may affect any organs or system. shows the 1997 revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for the classification of SLE. The disease is characterized by flares, remissions and autoantibodies directed against several intracellular and cell-surface antigens.
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The following Clinical Topic Tour provides an overview of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and was adapted from materials published by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
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Because most therapeutic interventions in patients with SLE are associated with significant undesirable side effects, the physician must first decide whether a patient needs treatment and, if so, whether conservative management is sufficient or aggressive immunosuppression is necessary. Figure 76-1 presents an algorithm for this decision making.
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Nearly all people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a positive (abnormal) ANA -- that is, the sensitivity of the ANA for SLE is quite high. That also means that it is very rare to have lupus with a negative (normal) ANA.
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My mother was diagnosed a few years ago with lupus (non-systemic). Can this turn into systemic lupus?
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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.The body''s immune system is a network of c...
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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....
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An autoimmune disorder is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders.Normally the immune system''s army of white blood cells hel...
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Detailed information on autoimmune diseases and pregnancy Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body makes antibodies against one's own normal body chemicals. In these diseases, antibodies cannot tell antigens in the inside of the cell from antigens outside of the cell. When the antibodies attack the internal cells, the reactions can be local - in just a small area, or systemic - throughout the whole body. The skin and connective tissues (cartilage, bone, tendons) are most affected but other tissues can be affected, as well, including nerve and muscle.
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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. Autoim...
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Doctors divide autoimmune diseases in two categories: Those that attack a specific organ and those that target many organs.
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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 di...
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Blood poisoning, also known as septicemia or sepsis, occurs when the bloodstream becomes infected by bacteria(i.e., staphylococci, streptococci) or fungi introduced through a wound, abscess, or other injury. Septicemia may also originate from a lo...
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Septicemia is the presence of bacteria in the blood( bacteremia) and is often associated with severe disease.Septicemia is a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly. It can arise from infections throughout the body, includ...
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Detailed information on septicemia, including symptoms and treatment Septicemia is the clinical name for blood poisoning. Septicemia that progresses to septic shock has a death rate as high as 50 percent, depending on the type of organism involved. Septicemia is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical treatment.
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Osteomyelitis refers to a bone infection, almost always caused by a bacteria. Over time, the result can be destruction of the bone itself.Bone infections may occur at any age.
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Osteomyelitis is an acute or chronic bone infection, usually caused by bacteria.Bone infection can be caused by bacteria or by fungus. The infection that causes osteomyelitis often starts in another part of the body and spreads to the bone through...
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Detailed information on osteomyelitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on osteomyelitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Hypersplenism is a condition in which the spleen is overactive.
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Hypersplenism is a type of disorder which causes the spleen to rapidly and prematurely destroy blood cells.The spleen is located in the upper left area of the abdomen. One of this organ''s major functions is to remove blood cells from the body''s bl...
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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 comb...
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Drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by allergic reaction to a drug(medication).Adverse reactions to drugs are common, and almost any drug can cause an adverse reaction. Reactions range from irritating or mild side effects such as nausea ...
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Detailed information on different types of drug rashes, including acne, exfoliative dermatitis, fixed drug eruption, hives, morbiliform/maculopapular rash, purpuric eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
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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.Adverse reactions to medication m...
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If you want to be fully informed, you should read the fine print connected with any drug that you intend to use.
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Drug metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down and converts medication into active chemical substances.Drugs can interact with other drugs, foods, and beverages. Interactions can lessen or magnify the desired therapeutic effect of a ...
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Detailed information on food-drug interactions A food-drug interaction can occur when the food you eat affects the ingredients in a medication you are taking, preventing the medicine from working the way it should.
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Chemotherapy and radiation treatments save lives. They also can bring a variety of temporary but unpleasant side effects.
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A guide to information available online and in print about the side effects of prescription drugs.
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Exploring the causes and treatment for loss of taste, which may result from years of taking high blood pressure medications.
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Can the high blood pressure drugs Vasotec and Toprol affect the libido?
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