eMedTV Conditions & Diseases A-Z
Achondroplasia occurs when cartilage has difficulty converting to bone, which usually results in dwarfism. This eMedTV article discusses the condition in detail, including the role of genetics, symptoms, and treatment options.
Achodroplastic dwarfism is a bone growth disorder that affects 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. This eMedTV article explores the causes and symptoms of achondroplastic dwarfism and lists the health conditions associated with this disorder.
Acne is a skin disease that causes oil glands to become clogged. This eMedTV health channel offers an overview of acne and serves as a portal to a variety of articles focused on acne-related topics.
Acne occurs when several oil gland follicles become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This eMedTV article discusses the types, causes, and treatment of acne, and offers tips for preventing acne and properly caring for your skin.
An acoustic neuroma is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor that grows from certain nerves of the inner ear. This eMedTV article discusses acoustic neuroma in detail, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. This eMedTV article discusses acromegaly in detail and provides links to additional information about acromegaly.
Active tuberculosis is the more serious form of tuberculosis. As this eMedTV page explains, it affects 8 million people worldwide each year. Active tuberculosis occurs when the immune system is unable to stop the tuberculosis bacteria from growing.
Although acute glaucoma occurs in less than 10 percent of glaucoma cases, it can cause rapid loss of vision. This eMedTV resource offers an in-depth look at this serious condition and its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Acute leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue and progresses very quickly. As explained in this eMedTV article, there are two main types of acute leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Common symptoms of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia include fever, fatigue, and frequent infections. This eMedTV article describes childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which accounts for 3,800 new cases of leukemia each year.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia accounts for about 3,800 new cases of leukemia each year. This section of the eMedTV archives describes acute lymphocytic leukemia, which is the most common type of leukemia in young children but can also affect adults.
Research studies are attempting to determine what causes acute myeloid leukemia. This eMedTV article explains how certain risk factors, such as past chemotherapy treatment and a history of blood disorders, may be what causes acute myeloid leukemia.
Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly, lasts for a short period of time, and usually gets better. This eMedTV article provides an in-depth look at acute pancreatitis by discussing the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition.
ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is a condition that develops in childhood in which people can't stay focused on a task, sit still, or act without thinking. This eMedTV article offers in-depth information on ADD and links to other ADD topics.
Addison's disease is a condition characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure. This eMedTV article further discusses what causes Addison's disease, symptoms of the illness, and treatments that are available.
An addisonian crisis occurs when a stressful event causes existing symptoms of Addison's disease to become life-threatening. This eMedTV article explains how an addisonian crisis develops and identifies symptoms to look for and prevention strategies.
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a complex psychological disorder frequently occurring in children. This article from the eMedTV archives explains ADHD in detail, including symptoms, challenges, and treatment options.
This eMedTV article offers an in-depth discussion of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD -- a common childhood condition characterized by inattention, fidgeting, and lack of organization. A brief history of ADHD is also given.
In adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands stop making hormones that affect bodily functions. This eMedTV article discusses adrenal insufficiency and includes information about the role the adrenal glands play in the body.
Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (also known as ALL) accounts for about 3,800 new cases of leukemia each year. This eMedTV article discusses the risk factors, symptoms, stages, and treatments of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The exact cause of adult ADD is unknown, but most scientists agree that it's a biologically-based disorder of the nervous system. This eMedTV article describes the three types of adult ADD in detail: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
Adult ADHD is characterized by restlessness and/or trouble paying attention or completing tasks. This part of the eMedTV library explores key aspects of adult ADHD, including the different forms of adult ADHD, their symptoms, and treatment options.
Adult acute myeloid leukemia is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts, red blood cells, or platelets. This eMedTV article describes adult acute myeloid leukemia, which affected an estimated 11,960 people in 2005.
As this eMedTV article explains, a person with agoraphobia has an overwhelming fear of situations in which he or she would feel helpless should a panic attack occur. This article discusses the prevalence of the condition and available treatments.
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a worldwide epidemic that is caused by a virus known as HIV. This eMedTV resource tells you more about the topics that are covered in the AIDS Health Channel on eMedTV.
This eMedTV page explains how AIDS is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when microbes that don't normally infect healthy people can be life threatening. Information on the prevalence of AIDS, especially among minorities, is also provided.
Symptoms of ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) include easy bleeding or bruising, loss of appetite, and tiny red spots under the skin. This section of the eMedTV archives provides a list of possible symptoms of ALL for adults and children.
Allergic contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation caused by contact with an allergen. This eMedTV segment takes a look at the symptoms and treatment of this condition, and also lists several substances that are likely to cause it.
Over 50 million people suffer from allergies. The symptoms, as this eMedTV page explains, range from sneezing and watery eyes to wheezing and shortness of breath. If you can't avoid things that trigger allergies, your doctor may prescribe shots.
Allergies occur when the body reacts to a substance that is usually harmless (like dust, pollen, or medications). This eMedTV article discusses the different types of allergies, their potential causes and symptoms, and the available treatment options.
Alopecia areata is a condition that affects a person's hair follicles and causes sporadic hair loss. This eMedTV resource offers an in-depth look at alopecia areata and its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a condition characterized by muscle atrophy and weakness. This eMedTV segment describes what you will learn on eMedTV's ALS Channel, such as some of the possible causes and symptoms of the disease.
Early ALS symptoms, such as muscle cramping, twitching, or weakness, are often subtle and go undetected. But as this eMedTV segment explains, the symptoms of ALS get worse over time, leading to problems with movement, speech, and breathing.
Alzheimer's is a disease marked primarily by memory loss, confusion, and poor judgment. This eMedTV article discusses the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's, the risk factors for this condition, its symptoms, and related statistics.
In AML (acute myeloid leukemia), the myeloblasts (or leukemia cells) are abnormal and do not mature into healthy white blood cells. This eMedTV article describes AML in detail and has links to information about other types of leukemia, such as ALL.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurological disorder that destroys the neurons controlling voluntary muscles. This page of the eMedTV website takes an in-depth look at amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and explains how motor neurons work.
Angina occurs when the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood for a short period of time. This section of the eMedTV archives provides an in-depth look at the three types of angina, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that most often affects the lower back. This eMedTV article provides an overview of ankylosing spondylitis, including information about symptoms of the condition and treatment options for the disease.
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with one's weight and avoiding food. As this page of the eMedTV archives explains, both men and women develop anorexia. Therapy and medications are often part of an anorexia treatment plan.
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an irrational fear of gaining weight -- even when dangerously thin. As this eMedTV article explains, anorexia can lead to severe health risks, including cardiac arrest, brittle bones, and brain damage.
Anorexia nervosa is a condition in which a person believes that he or she is fat -- even when dangerously thin. This eMedTV article explains anorexia nervosa in detail, including symptoms and associated health risks, and treatment options.
People who are anorexic may exercise compulsively and obsess over their weight. Women tend to become anorexic more than men. This eMedTV article describes signs that someone may be anorexic and offers treatment options.
Anthrax is a serious disease affecting animals and humans, which is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This eMedTV resource discusses anthrax, its causes, its symptoms, how it's transmitted, and how it's treated.
More common in animals than humans, anthrax is a serious disease caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacterium. This eMedTV article offers an overview of anthrax, offering information about transmission, symptoms, and diagnosis of the disease.
Everyone feels anxious from time to time. Anxiety disorders, however, cause people to feel overwhelmingly anxious all the time. As this eMedTV page explains, there is no cure for this type of anxiety, but drugs and therapy can help manage symptoms.
Anxiety is a normal emotion that people may feel occasionally. As this eMedTV article explains, however, excessive worry and fear that is chronic, unremitting, and grows progressively worse is a sign of a more serious condition.
As this eMedTV page explains, an anxiety disorder is an actual illness in which people's lives are filled with overpowering senses of apprehension and fear. This page offers vital information on the condition, including causes and treatment.
In aortic valve regurgitation, the aortic valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backwards. This eMedTV article points out that most cases of aortic valve regurgitation are mild. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Aortic stenosis is a condition that is characterized by a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. This eMedTV segment explores possible causes and symptoms of aortic stenosis; it also outlines several treatment options for this condition.
Appendicitis is a serious medical attention, often requiring emergency treatment. This page of the eMedTV website provides an in-depth look at appendicitis, including symptoms, and includes links to additional information.
The term "arteriosclerosis" is used to refer generally to all forms of narrowing or thickening of arteries. This eMedTV Web page describes the different types of arteriosclerosis, including atherosclerosis and focal calcific arteriosclerosis.
Characterized by joint inflammation, arthritis refers to over 100 diseases that affect the joints. The eMedTV Arthritis Health Channel provides in-depth articles on arthritis topics such as risk factors, prevention, treatment options, and more.
Arthritis is a term used to describe many conditions that affect the joints. This eMedTV article describes arthritis types (such as osteoarthritis and gout), symptoms (like redness and swelling in the joints), diagnosis, and treatment.
Children with the autism spectrum disorder known as Asperger's usually develop an obsessive interest in a single subject. This eMedTV Web page offers a detailed look at symptoms and characteristics of Asperger's.
Asthma is a condition brought on by certain triggers, such as smoke and mold, that causes a person to have difficulty breathing. This eMedTV resource provides an overview of asthma, including symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips.
Asthma is a chronic illness in which your airways are inflamed, making it difficult to carry air in and out of the lungs at times. This eMedTV page describes asthma in more detail, including its causes, symptoms, and ways to control the condition.
Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare disease that breaks down the body's immune system. This eMedTV resource explores the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for this condition, as well as the increased cancer risks people with ataxia telangiectasia face.
Atherosclerosis, as this eMedTV article explains, is a condition in which plaque buildup causes hardening and narrowing of major arteries. If left untreated, atherosclerosis can lead to serious medical problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Atopic dermatitis is a noncontagious skin rash that is often made worse by allergens like wool or pet hair. This eMedTV article discusses this form of eczema in detail, including possible causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly -- it is not a heart attack. This eMedTV article explains atrial fibrillation in detail and provides links to additional information.
Autism is a brain disorder that can result in repetitive behavior or narrow, obsessive interests. This eMedTV resource discusses the topics covered on the Autism Health Channel, ranging from causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.
Autism is a developmental disorder that results in impaired thinking, feeling, and social functioning. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at autism, including information about characteristic behaviors, symptoms, and treatment.
Children with autism spectrum disorders have problems with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. This eMedTV Web page provides an overview of the autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, which include multiple sclerosis and scleroderma. This eMedTV resource discusses autoimmune diseases, which occur when your immune cells mistake your body's cells as invaders and attack them.
In a person who has autoimmune hepatitis, the body's immune system attacks liver cells. This part of the eMedTV archives provides information on who autoimmune hepatitis affects, its common symptoms, and how the disease may be diagnosed and treated.
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a condition that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys. This eMedTV page explains the gene mutation that causes autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and also discusses symptoms and treatment options.
Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is a rare and often lethal condition. This eMedTV page covers autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease symptoms, treatment options, and diagnosis -- as well as how the disease can cause kidney failure.
Avascular necrosis is a condition that develops when blood supply to the bones is cut off -- either temporarily or permanently. This section of the eMedTV archives explains avascular necrosis in detail, including causes, symptoms, and treatment.
The avian flu, while rare in humans, is becoming endemic in Asia and Europe, especially the H5N1 strain. This page on the eMedTV website discusses the avian flu in birds and humans, including how it is transmitted and possible vaccines.
Avian influenza is highly contagious among birds, especially domestic birds, but rarely infects people. This eMedTV article discusses avian influenza in detail, including subtypes, how it is transmitted, and the danger, if any, it poses to people.
Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated. This eMedTV resource explores the causes of back pain and provides information about treatment options and current areas of research.
Although most people will not need to see a doctor for back pain, numbness and tingling could be signs of a more serious condition. This segment of the eMedTV website discusses symptoms, treatment, and types of back pain, including acute and chronic.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious form of meningitis that requires immediate medical attention. This part of the eMedTV library offers an in-depth look at bacterial meningitis and its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
This eMedTV article discusses bacterial vaginosis in detail, including causes, symptoms, and treatment. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overabundance of harmful bacteria in the vagina, which disrupts the normal balance of healthy bacteria.