eMedTV Conditions & Diseases A-Z

Achondroplasia

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 genetics plays, possible symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis.

Achondroplastic Dwarfism

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

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

Acne occurs when several oil gland follicles become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This eMedTV page discusses the types, causes, and treatment of this condition, and offers tips for prevention, as well as proper care of your skin.

Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous, slow-growing tumor that grows from certain nerves of the inner ear. This eMedTV article discusses this serious condition in detail, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and more.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. This eMedTV article discusses this condition in detail, including information on possible symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Active Tuberculosis

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.

Acute Glaucoma

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

Acute leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue and progresses very quickly. This eMedTV resource takes an in-depth look at this condition, including possible causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. This part of the eMedTV Web site covers this condition in detail, with information on symptoms, treatment options, prognosis, and more.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Acute lymphocytic leukemia accounts for about 3,800 new cases of leukemia each year. This section of the eMedTV archives describes this type of leukemia, which is the most common type of leukemia in young children but can also affect adults.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Research studies are attempting to determine the causes of 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 the condition.

Acute Pancreatitis

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.

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis refers to sinus inflammation that has been going on for fewer than four weeks. This eMedTV segment provides an overview of this type of sinus infection, with detailed information on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

ADD

ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is a condition that often develops in childhood. As this eMedTV article explains, people who have it typically can't stay focused on a task or sit still. This Web page takes a closer look at this condition.

Addison's Disease

Addison's disease is a condition characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure. This eMedTV article further discusses the causes of the disease, possible symptoms, and treatments that are available.

Addisonian Crisis

As this eMedTV segment explains, an addisonian crisis occurs when a stressful event causes existing symptoms of Addison's disease to become life-threatening. This article explains the symptoms to look for and offers prevention strategies.

ADHD

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.

ADHD

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 the disorder is also given.

Adrenal Insufficiency

In adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands stop making hormones that affect bodily functions. This eMedTV article discusses this condition in detail 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.

Adult ADD

The exact cause of adult ADD is unknown. However, as this eMedTV page explains, most scientists agree that it's a biologically based disorder of the nervous system. This article describes the three types of adult ADD in detail, treatment, and more.

Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD is characterized by restlessness and/or trouble paying attention or completing tasks. This part of the eMedTV library explores key aspects of this condition in adults, including the different forms, symptoms, and treatment options.

Adult AML

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.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a condition that sometimes results in a person becoming housebound. This eMedTV article offers an overview of this type of phobia, discusses the prevalence of the condition, and covers available treatments.

AIDS

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.

AIDS

This eMedTV resource 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 its prevalence, especially among minorities, is also provided.

ALL

As this eMedTV page explains, symptoms of ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) include easy bleeding, loss of appetite, and tiny red spots under the skin. This article provides a list of possible symptoms of this condition in adults and children.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

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.

Allergies

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

An allergic reaction occurs when the body reacts to a substance that is usually harmless. This eMedTV article discusses the different types of allergies, their potential causes and symptoms, and the available treatment options.

Alopecia Areata

Often resulting in sporadic hair loss, alopecia areata is a disease that affects a person's hair follicles. This eMedTV resource offers an in-depth look at alopecia areata and its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

ALS

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.

ALS

Early ALS symptoms, such as muscle cramping or twitching, are often subtle and go undetected. But as this eMedTV segment explains, the symptoms of this condition get worse over time, leading to problems with movement, speech, and breathing.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a disease marked primarily by memory loss, confusion, and poor judgment. This eMedTV article discusses the brain changes associated with this condition, as well as risk factors, symptoms, and related statistics.

AML

In AML, myeloblasts (leukemia cells) are abnormal and do not mature into healthy white blood cells. This eMedTV article describes this condition in detail, offering information on possible symptoms, treatment options, prognosis, and more.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurological disease that destroys neurons controlling voluntary muscles. This eMedTV Web page takes an in-depth look at this condition, including possible symptoms, treatment options, prognosis, and more.

Angina

Angina occurs when the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood for a short 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

An inflammatory disease, ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that most often affects the lower back. This eMedTV article provides an overview of this disease, including information on its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Anorexia

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

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

Anorexia nervosa is a condition in which a person believes that he or she is fat -- even when very thin. This eMedTV article discusses this eating disorder in detail, including symptoms, associated health risks, and treatment options.

Anorexic

People who are anorexic may exercise compulsively and obsess over their weight. This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at anorexia, including signs of this eating disorder, possible causes, and treatment options.

Anthrax

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.

Anthrax

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.

Anxiety

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

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.

Anxiety Disorder

An anxiety disorder is an illness that fills a person's life with overpowering apprehension and fear. This eMedTV Web page offers vital information on this condition, including the different types of disorders, as well as causes and treatment options.

Aortic Regurgitation

In aortic valve regurgitation, the aortic valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward. This eMedTV article points out that most cases are mild. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Treatment options are also discussed.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a condition that is characterized by a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. This eMedTV offers an overview of this condition, including information on its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a serious medical condition, often requiring emergency treatment. This page on the eMedTV Web site provides an in-depth look at this condition, including symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.

Arteriosclerosis

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.

Arthritis

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

Arthritis is a term used to describe many conditions that affect the joints. This eMedTV article describes the different types (such as osteoarthritis and gout), possible symptoms (like redness and swelling in the joints), diagnosis, and treatment.

Asperger Syndrome

Children with Asperger's usually develop an obsessive interest in a single subject. This eMedTV Web page offers a detailed look at this autism spectrum disorder, with information on symptoms, characteristics, and treatment options.

Asthma

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

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 covers this condition in more detail, including its causes, symptoms, and ways to control it.

Ataxia Telangiectasia

Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare disease that breaks down the body's immune system. This eMedTV resource explores the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for this condition, as well as the increased cancer risks people with this disease face.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque buildup causes hardening and narrowing of major arteries. This eMedTV article offers an overview of this topic, including symptoms, diagnosis, and what can happen if the condition is left untreated.

Atopic Dermatitis

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

Atrial fibrillation is when the heart beats irregularly -- it is not a heart attack. This segment from the eMedTV library explains this medical condition in detail, with information on how it is diagnosed and treated, possible risk factors, and more.

Autism

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

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.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder, and Rett syndrome are examples of autism spectrum disorders. This eMedTV Web page provides an overview of these disorders, including their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Autoimmune Diseases

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, which include multiple sclerosis and scleroderma. This eMedTV resource discusses these diseases at length, which occur when your immune cells mistake your body's cells as invaders and attack them.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

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 this disease affects, its common symptoms, and how it 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 fatal condition. This page from the eMedTV library describes this condition with detail, including information on symptoms, treatment options, diagnosis, and more.

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis is a condition that develops when blood supply to the bones is cut off. This section of the eMedTV archives explains this condition in detail, including causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more.

Avian Flu

The avian flu, while rare in humans, is becoming endemic in Asia and Europe. This segment of the eMedTV Web site discusses the H5N1 strain of avian flu in birds and humans, including how it is transmitted and possible vaccines.

Avian Influenza

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

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.

Back Pain

Although most people will not need to see a doctor for back pain, certain symptoms call for a consultation. This eMedTV discusses the types and symptoms of back problems that cause pain and explains what to do if they occur.

Bacterial Meningitis

A serious condition that may result in brain damage, bacterial meningitis is considered a medical emergency. This eMedTV Web page offers an in-depth look at bacterial meningitis and its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Bacterial Vaginosis

BV (bacterial vaginosis) occurs when harmful bacteria disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. This eMedTV resource tells you what you need to know about BV, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more.