Medical Information Forum

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). It is one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism and is named after Irish physician Robert Graves, who described the condition in the 19th century. Signs & Symptoms Thyroid-related symptoms: Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter). Increased appetite despite weight loss. Excessive sweating and heat intolerance. Muscle weakness and fatigue. Cardiovascular symptoms: Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia or atrial fibrillation). High blood pressure. Neurological and psychological symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, or nervousness. Tremors in hands or fingers. Insomnia. Ocular symptoms (Graves' ophthalmopathy): Bulging eyes (exophthalmos). Eye pain, redness, or light sensitivity. Double vision. Dermatological symptoms: Thick, red patches of skin (Graves' dermopathy) on the shins or tops of the feet. Anatomy Affected Thyroid gland: Located at the base of the ne...

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe episodes of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. It most commonly affects the joint at the base of the big toe but can also occur in other joints. Signs & Symptoms Acute gout attacks: Intense joint pain, often starting at night. Redness and warmth around the affected joint. Swelling and tenderness, making movement difficult. Chronic gout: Recurrent flare-ups over time. Formation of tophi (hard uric acid deposits) under the skin. Joint damage and deformities in advanced cases. Systemic symptoms: Fever during severe attacks. Malaise and fatigue. Anatomy Affected Joints: Primarily affects the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the big toe. Other affected joints include ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Kidneys: Chronic hyperuricemia can lead to kidney stones or damage. Cause/Transmission Hyperuricemia: Elevated levels of uric acid in the ...

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is a chronic condition characterized by periodic outbreaks of painful sores or blisters in the genital or anal region. While there is no cure, the condition is manageable with appropriate treatment and preventive measures. Signs & Symptoms Primary symptoms (initial outbreak): Painful blisters or open sores in the genital or anal area. Itching or tingling sensation before sores appear. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin. Fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Recurrent symptoms: Milder and shorter-lasting outbreaks. Prodromal symptoms, such as itching or tingling, signaling the onset of a recurrence. Fewer sores compared to the primary outbreak. Asymptomatic cases: Many individuals may carry the virus without noticeable symptoms, making them unaware of their infection. Anatomy Affected Genital and anal regions: The skin and mucous membranes in these areas are the primary sites of infection...

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition characterized by the backflow of stomach contents, including acid, into the esophagus. This reflux irritates the esophageal lining and often leads to discomfort commonly known as heartburn. Signs & Symptoms Heartburn : A burning sensation in the chest, typically after eating or at night. Regurgitation : The sensation of acid or food returning to the throat or mouth. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): Pain or discomfort when swallowing. Chronic cough or sore throat : Caused by irritation from stomach acid. Laryngitis : Hoarseness or loss of voice. Chest pain : Often mistaken for cardiac issues. Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth. Symptoms tend to worsen after eating large meals, lying down, or consuming specific trigger foods (spicy, acidic, or fatty items). Anatomy Affected Esophagus : The muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach is the primary area affected by acid reflux. Lower esophage...

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside the uterine cavity. This abnormal growth causes pain, inflammation, and often infertility. Endometriosis primarily affects women during their reproductive years and can significantly impact quality of life. Signs & Symptoms The severity and type of symptoms vary, but common ones include: Pelvic pain : Often intense and chronic, particularly during menstruation (dysmenorrhea). Pain during intercourse : Known as dyspareunia, resulting from inflammation or scar tissue. Painful bowel movements or urination : Particularly during menstruation. Heavy or irregular periods : Including spotting between cycles. Fatigue and digestive symptoms : Such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Infertility : Endometriosis is a leading cause of difficulty in conceiving. Some women with severe endometriosis may experience minimal symptoms, while others with mild cases report s...

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This condition is a medical emergency because the growing embryo can cause the tube to rupture, leading to life-threatening complications. Signs & Symptoms Symptoms typically appear between the 4th and 12th week of pregnancy and include: Pelvic or abdominal pain , often sharp and localized on one side. Vaginal bleeding , lighter or heavier than a normal period. Shoulder tip pain , a sign of internal bleeding irritating the diaphragm. Dizziness or fainting , indicative of significant blood loss. Nausea and other pregnancy symptoms may still be present. Severe symptoms such as intense pain or fainting require immediate medical attention. Anatomy Affected Fallopian Tubes : The most common site of implantation (tubal ectopic pregnancy). Ovaries, Cervix, or Abdominal Cavity : Rare implantation sites. Uterus : Although it is not directly affected, it remains empty, complic...

Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small, bulging pouches (called diverticula) in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. These pouches typically form in the lining of the colon and are more common as people age. Diverticulitis can range from mild discomfort to severe complications requiring hospitalization. Signs & Symptoms Common symptoms include: Abdominal pain , often severe and localized on the lower left side. Fever and chills , indicating infection. Nausea and vomiting . Changes in bowel habits , such as constipation or diarrhea. Bloating and a feeling of fullness. In severe cases, complications like abscesses, perforations, or intestinal obstruction may occur. Anatomy Affected Colon (large intestine) : The diverticula primarily develop in the sigmoid colon, the lower portion of the large intestine. Peritoneum : If the diverticula rupture, it can lead to peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal lining. Blood vessels : Inflammation or rupture can oc...

Eisenmenger syndrome is a serious and complex medical condition resulting from untreated congenital heart defects. It represents the late stage of a process in which abnormal blood flow patterns in the heart ultimately lead to severe complications, including cyanosis, pulmonary hypertension, and systemic complications. In this blog, we’ll break down what Eisenmenger syndrome is, how it develops, and its impact on the body. What is Eisenmenger Syndrome? Eisenmenger syndrome is a condition that arises from long-standing congenital heart defects . These defects, such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), allow abnormal communication between the left and right sides of the heart. The hallmark of Eisenmenger syndrome is the reversal of the initial blood flow from left-to-right shunting to right-to-left shunting , leading to oxygen-poor blood bypassing the lungs and entering systemic circulation. This causes cyanosis , or a bluish...

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and a gradual decline in insulin production by the pancreas. It is the most common form of diabetes, often associated with lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition. Signs & Symptoms Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes may develop slowly and include: Increased thirst and frequent urination due to excess glucose in the bloodstream. Fatigue resulting from inefficient glucose utilization. Blurred vision , which occurs as fluid is pulled from the lenses of the eyes. Slow-healing sores or frequent infections , especially in the skin and gums. Unintended weight loss , though less common than in Type 1 Diabetes. Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet (neuropathy). Anatomy Affected Pancreas : Insulin production is insufficient to overcome resistance. Liver, muscles, and fat cells : Resistance to insulin leads to impaired glucose uptake and metabolism. Vascular system : Chronic hyperglycemi...