Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a medical condition where a person’s spine curves sideways, forming a C or S shape when viewed from behind. This curvature can vary in severity, sometimes being so mild it’s hardly noticeable, while other times it’s quite pronounced. Scoliosis often develops during the growth spurt just before puberty, but its exact cause can be elusive in many cases, although it may be linked to factors such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
People with scoliosis might notice an unevenness in their shoulders or hips, or they may appear to lean to one side. While mild scoliosis might not need treatment, more severe cases could require interventions such as a brace or even surgery to correct or reduce the spine's curvature. In addition to physical symptoms, scoliosis can affect a person's posture and even their confidence, making regular check-ups important for those diagnosed with this condition.
Medical professionals can diagnose scoliosis through physical examinations and confirm it with imaging techniques like an X-ray. With proper management, individuals with scoliosis can often maintain a good quality of life.
An ABG (arterial blood gas) test measures levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity in the blood to assess lung and kidney function.
Absence from work is when an employee is not present during scheduled working hours due to various reasons like illness or personal commitments.
Acetaminophen is a common medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever, often found in over-the-counter and prescription products.
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples and other lesions.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a serious heart condition where blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced, requiring immediate medical attention.
"Acute" refers to a medical condition that appears suddenly and resolves over a short time.
Acyclovir is a medication used to treat infections caused by certain viruses like herpes and shingles, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.
Adalimumab is a medication used to treat inflammatory conditions by reducing inflammation through targeting specific proteins in the body.
Addiction is a compulsive engagement with substances or behaviors that negatively impact one's life.
Addison's disease is a rare condition leading to insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands, causing symptoms like fatigue and low blood pressure.
ADHD is a common condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity level, characterized by symptoms like distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness.
ADL (activities of daily living) refers to essential daily self-care tasks, crucial for maintaining independence and well-being.
The adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped organs on top of the kidneys that produce hormones essential for stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure regulation.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone and medication that helps the body respond to stress and is used in medical emergencies, like severe allergic reactions.
An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in certain people.
Allergies are the immune system's overreaction to typically harmless substances such as pollen or certain foods, causing symptoms from sneezing to potential severe reactions.
An allergist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats allergies and related immune system reactions.
An allergy is an immune system response to a harmless substance, mistakenly identified as a threat.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is an enzyme found in the body that helps in protein breakdown, with its levels indicating liver and bone health.
Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by calming the brain through its effects on natural chemicals in the body.
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