eMedTV Articles A-Z
Causes of Adrenal Insufficiency
Causes of adrenal insufficiency are linked to a disorder of the adrenal glands or to inadequate secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland. This eMedTV page explains the possible causes of each type of adrenal insufficiency in more detail.
As this eMedTV article explains, the cause of alopecia areata is linked to an autoimmune disease, but it is unknown how the disease slows hair production. This article discusses the possible causes of alopecia areata.
Although the causes of ALS are believed to be linked to genetics, researchers are still looking for a definite answer. This page of the eMedTV archives explores the possible causes of ALS, including factors such as glutamate and autoimmune responses.
Though the exact causes of Alzheimer's disease are unknown, this eMedTV article explores certain factors that may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's. These risk factors include: age, family history, genetics, and possibly high blood pressure.
The causes of angina vary for each type, but all lead to a temporary lack of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This eMedTV page explains the causes of angina and lists triggers, such as physical exertion, that can increase chances of an angina attack.
The exact causes of anorexia are not known; however, as this page of the eMedTV library explains, possible risk factors include biochemistry, personality traits, and genetics. The risk factors will be studied further to determine causes of anorexia.
The causes of appendicitis are usually due to a blockage inside the appendix. Feces can cause such a blockage, as can a bacterial or viral infection. This eMedTV article discusses these and other causes of appendicitis.
The causes of arthritis vary depending on the specific type of arthritis a person has. This eMedTV page describes the causes of several types of arthritis (such as gout) and explains that scientists don't know the causes of most types of arthritis.
While the causes of Asperger syndrome are not known, it is likely that both genetics and environment play a role in the disorder. This eMedTV Web page discusses some of the research being conducted on the causes of Asperger syndrome.
The exact causes of asthma are still unclear. This article from the eMedTV archives explores the possible causes of asthma -- such as common allergens and irritants -- that can trigger asthma attacks.
The causes of atherosclerosis are not yet known. As this eMedTV resource explains, researchers have identified risk factors (such as smoking) that are not causes of atherosclerosis, but do increase one's chances of developing the condition.
This page of the eMedTV library discusses possible causes of atopic dermatitis. For example, research scientists believe that environment and genetics work together to cause the condition; strong emotions can make it worse, but they cannot cause it.
Common causes of atrial fibrillation include heart problems, certain surgical procedures, and smoking. This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at causes of atrial fibrillation, such as excessive alcohol use and uncontrolled high blood pressure.
There are no known causes of autism, but scientists are studying possible genetic and environmental causes of the disorder. This eMedTV page sheds light on current areas of research focused on possible causes of autism.
Causes of Autoimmune Hepatitis
The cause or causes of autoimmune hepatitis may be linked to genetic and environmental factors. This eMedTV article outlines these possible autoimmune hepatitis causes (which could include certain genes, toxins, or drugs).
Causes of avascular necrosis are either traumatic (such as when a joint is injured) or nontraumatic (such as long-term alcohol or corticosteroid use). This eMedTV article explains these causes of avascular necrosis, including possible risk factors.
Certain diseases, injuries, and medical conditions such as scoliosis are possible causes of back pain. This segment of the eMedTV website describes these and other causes of back pain, including infections, tumors, and stress.
Douching or not using a condom, as this eMedTV page explains, while not actual causes of bacterial vaginosis, may cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina. Toilet seats and swimming pools are not causes of bacterial vaginosis.
The causes of Barrett's esophagus are unknown. However, as this eMedTV article explains, certain risk factors may increase the chances of developing the condition. These factors include obesity, age, gender, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Although the causes of Behcet's disease are unknown, inflammation of the blood vessels often causes symptoms to appear. This eMedTV page explains how the environment and genetics, while not causes of Behcet's disease, may lead to its development.
While the exact causes of Bell's palsy are not known, most researchers believe that a viral infection causes the condition. This eMedTV article explores possible causes of Bell's palsy, such as viral meningitis and herpes simplex.
As this eMedTV page explains, the causes of biliary cirrhosis are different for each type of the disease. Secondary biliary cirrhosis occurs when large bile ducts outside the liver are obstructed. The cause of primary biliary cirrhosis is unknown.
Common causes of blepharitis include bacterial infection, scalp dandruff, and acne rosacea. This portion of the eMedTV library describes the causes of blepharitis in detail and explains how they differ for each type.
Body lice is caused by an infestation with a small insect known as Pediculus humanus corporis. This eMedTV segment further discusses the causes of body lice and also provides a detailed description of the insect that causes the infestation.
Although the causes of bone cancer are still unknown, certain factors can increase a person's chances of developing it. This eMedTV segment explores these potential "causes" of bone cancer, such as a family history of cancer or prior chemotherapy.
The Clostridium botulinum bacterium produces nerve toxins that are the causes of botulism. As this section of the eMedTV library explains, this bacterium can produce seven forms of this toxin, only four of which are causes of botulism in humans.
The causes of brain cancer are unknown; however, exposure to certain chemicals may increase a person's chances of developing it. This eMedTV page examines potential causes of brain cancer and how they may act together to increase a person's risk.
The causes of bubonic plague are Yersinia pestis bacteria, which are often found in rats, but, as this eMedTV article explains, are also found in other animals. This page also discusses how the bacteria is transmitted and symptoms of infection.
Increases of harmful bacteria in the vagina are the primary causes of BV. This eMedTV segment discusses the things that, while not causes of BV, can lead to this increase, such as frequent douching or not using a condom.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease
The causes of cardiovascular disease can vary, depending on the disease in question. This page of the eMedTV library lists a few of the most common causes, such as blocked arteries and high blood pressure.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by increased pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel. This eMedTV page further explores the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome and lists factors that may increase your risk for the condition.
The exact causes of celiac disease are not yet known; however, as explained in this portion of the eMedTV library, scientists have identified specific genes that appear to play a role in causing celiac disease.
Causes of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Exposure to radiation or chemotherapy are possible causes of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia. This page of the eMedTV website describes these and other causes of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, including being Caucasian or Hispanic.
This eMedTV page explains that there are several factors that can increase a child's risk for developing obesity, such as genetics and illnesses. This page discusses these "causes" of childhood obesity and explains what to do if your child is obese.
Causes of Childhood Urinary Tract Infections
Causes of childhood urinary tract infections (UTIs) may include abnormalities such as urinary obstructions. This eMedTV Web page discusses some of the abnormalities that may cause UTIs in children and the tests used to identify these abnormalities.
Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O1 and Vibrio cholerae Serogroup non-O1 are the causes of cholera. This eMedTV page explains these types of Vibrio cholerae and discusses the routes of transmission for the causes of cholera: naturally or contaminated feces.
Causes of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
The causes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are not yet known. This section of the eMedTV archives discusses risk factors that increase the chances of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia, such as being middle-aged or older, male, or Caucasian.
Causes of Chronic Pancreatitis
Common causes of chronic pancreatitis are alcoholism, a blocked or narrowed pancreatic duct, and heredity. This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at these and other chronic pancreatitis causes, such as certain autoimmune conditions.
Causes of cirrhosis can include hepatitis C, chronic alcoholism, and congestive heart failure. This eMedTV page explores these and other possible cirrhosis causes -- including certain drugs that can lead to cirrhosis (such as birth control pills).
As this eMedTV segment explains, being a heavy smoker or having a family history of cluster headaches puts you at a higher risk of developing this type of headache. This article discusses some of the possible causes of cluster headaches.
The exact causes of colon cancer are not known. However, as this eMedTV article explains, there are certain risk factors (such as smoking or a history of polyps) that, while not causes of colon cancer, do increase the chances of developing it.
Viruses are the causes of the common cold -- there are more than 200 viruses that can cause colds. This eMedTV resource discusses these causes of the common cold, such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and parainfluenza.
Causes of Congestive Heart Failure
This page from the eMedTV library provides a discussion on the causes of congestive heart failure. Common causes include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, drug or alcohol abuse, and thyroid disorders.
As this eMedTV article explains, physical inactivity, not getting enough fiber, and not drinking enough water are the most common causes of constipation. This page also explains other possible causes, including some colon disorders and medications.
Exposures to soap, solvents, and perfumes are some of the common causes of contact dermatitis. This eMedTV Web page lists other substances that can cause this condition, and also explains the difference between the two types of contact dermatitis.
This page of the eMedTV Web site explores common causes of COPD, such as tobacco smoke, dust, and chemical fumes. It also describes a genetic condition that may predispose people to the disease and cause it to destroy the lungs more quickly.
Causes of Coronary Heart Disease
Causes of coronary heart disease (CHD) involve a narrowing of the coronary arteries. As explained in this eMedTV article, there are also certain risk factors (such as smoking or being overweight) that increase a person's chances of developing CHD.
As this eMedTV article explains, the causes of cystic fibrosis are linked to a defect in a gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This segment discusses this gene in detail.
Causes of dementia include conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Binswanger's disease. This eMedTV resource discusses other potential dementia causes, such as alcohol abuse, brain cancer, and Huntington's disease.
Stress and certain drugs are among the things that may raise the risk of developing depression. As this eMedTV page explains, these risk factors don't guarantee that a person will develop depression. The cause or causes of depression are still unknown.
The causes of diabetes differ, depending on the type of diabetes involved -- type 1, type 2, or gestational. This segment of the eMedTV website explores the causes of diabetes for each of these types of the disease.
The possible causes of diabetes insipidus include damage to the pituitary gland, which disrupts the normal storage and release of ADH. This eMedTV page provides an in-depth look at several possible causes of diabetes insipidus.
This page on the eMedTV website explores the causes of Down syndrome. Most cases are caused by trisomy 21, which means that each cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two copies.