Asthma is usually diagnosed in childhood. The risk factors for asthma include: a personal or family history of asthma or atopy; triggers (see Pathophysiology above); premature birth or low birth weight; viral respiratory infection in early childhood; maternal smoking; being male, for asthma in prepubertal children; and being female, for persi ...

See also:

Asthma, Asthma - History, Asthma - Signs and symptoms, Asthma - Diagnosis, Asthma - Differential diagnosis, Asthma - Pathophysiology, Asthma - Bronchoconstriction, Asthma - Bronchial inflammation, Asthma - The immune response, Asthma - Pathogenesis, Asthma - Treatment, Asthma - Relief medication, Asthma - Prevention medication, Asthma - Long-acting β2-agonists, Asthma - Emergency treatment, Asthma - Alternative medicine, Asthma - Prognosis, Asthma - Epidemiology, Asthma - Socioeconomic factors, Asthma - Asthma and athletics

Read more here: » Asthma: Encyclopedia II - Asthma - Epidemiology

See also:

Asthma, Asthma - History, Asthma - Signs and symptoms, Asthma - Diagnosis, Asthma - Differential diagnosis, Asthma - Pathophysiology, Asthma - Bronchoconstriction, Asthma - Bronchial inflammation, Asthma - The immune response, Asthma - Pathogenesis, Asthma - Treatment, Asthma - Relief medication, Asthma - Prevention medication, Asthma - Long-acting β2-agonists, Asthma - Emergency treatment, Asthma - Alternative medicine, Asthma - Prognosis, Asthma - Epidemiology, Asthma - US Socioeconomic Factors, Asthma - Asthma and athletics

Read more here: » Asthma: Encyclopedia II - Asthma - Epidemiology

An acute exacerbation of asthma is referred to colloquially as an asthma attack. The clinical hallmarks of an attack are shortness of breath (dyspnea) and wheezing, the latter “often being regarded as the sine qua non.”[4] A cough—sometimes producing clear sputum—may also be present. The onset is often sudden; there is a “sense of constriction” in the chest, breathing becomes difficult, and wheezing o ...

See also:

Asthma, Asthma - History, Asthma - Signs and symptoms, Asthma - Diagnosis, Asthma - Differential diagnosis, Asthma - Pathophysiology, Asthma - Bronchoconstriction, Asthma - Bronchial inflammation, Asthma - The immune response, Asthma - Pathogenesis, Asthma - Treatment, Asthma - Relief medication, Asthma - Prevention medication, Asthma - Long-acting β2-agonists, Asthma - Emergency treatment, Asthma - Alternative medicine, Asthma - Prognosis, Asthma - Epidemiology, Asthma - US Socioeconomic Factors, Asthma - Asthma and athletics

Read more here: » Asthma: Encyclopedia II - Asthma - Signs and symptoms

Asthma is a disease of the human respiratory system in which the airways narrow, often in response to a “trigger” such as exposure to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. This narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which are the hallmarks of asthma. Between episodes, most patients feel fine. The disorder is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the airways develop increased responsiveness to various stimuli, characterized by bronchial hyper-respon ...

Including:

• Asthma - History
• Asthma - Signs and symptoms
• Asthma - Diagnosis
• Asthma - Differential diagnosis
• Asthma - Pathophysiology
• Asthma - Bronchoconstriction
• Asthma - Bronchial inflammation
• Asthma - The immune response
• Asthma - Pathogenesis
• Asthma - Treatment
• Asthma - Relief medication
• Asthma - Prevention medication
• Asthma - Long-acting β2-agonists
• Asthma - Emergency treatment
• Asthma - Alternative medicine
• Asthma - Prognosis
• Asthma - Epidemiology
• Asthma - US Socioeconomic Factors
• Asthma - Asthma and athletics

Read more here: » Asthma: Encyclopedia - Asthma

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD or Alpha-1) is a genetic disorder caused by reduced levels of alpha 1-antitrypsin in the blood. It can lead to emphysema and, in some cases, to liver disease. Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency - Signs and symptoms. Symptoms of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency include shortness of breath, recurring respiratory infections, or obstructive asthma that does not respond to treatment. Individuals with alpha-1 may develop emphysema during their thirties or forties, with ...

Including:

• Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency - Signs and symptoms
• Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency - Pathophysiology
• Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency - Treatment
• Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency - Epidemiology
• Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency - Associated diseases
• Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency - History

Read more here: » Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency: Encyclopedia - Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency

Angina pectoris is chest pain due to ischemia (a lack of blood and hence oxygen supply) to the heart muscle, generally due to obstruction or spasm of the coronary arteries (the heart's blood vessels). Coronary artery disease, the main cause of angina, is due to atherosclerosis of the cardiac arteries. The term derives from the Greek ankhon ("strangling") and the Latin pectus ("chest"), and can therefore be translated as "a strangling feeling in the chest". Worsening ("crescendo") angina attacks, sudden-onset angin ...

Including:

• Angina - Symptoms
• Angina - Diagnosis
• Angina - Pathophysiology
• Angina - Epidemiology
• Angina - Treatment
• Angina - Unstable angina

Read more here: » Angina: Encyclopedia - Angina

Obesity is a condition where the natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of humans and mammals is increased to the point where it may impair health. Obesity in wild animals is relatively rare, but it is common in domestic animals like pigs and household pets who may be overfed and underexercised. In humans it is generally considered to be a leading cause of health problems. Excessive body weight has been shown to predispose to various forms of disease, particularly cardiovascular disease. Interventions, such as weigh ...

Including:

• Obesity - Definition
• Obesity - Etymology
• Obesity - Cultural and social significance
• Obesity - Culture and obesity
• Obesity - Popular culture
• Obesity - Causes
• Obesity - Causative factors
• Obesity - Evolutionary aspects
• Obesity - Neurobiological mechanisms
• Obesity - Societal causes
• Obesity - Poverty link
• Obesity - Complications
• Obesity - Therapy
• Obesity - Controversies
• Obesity - Medicalization of obesity
• Obesity - Health effects of obesity
• Obesity - Medical responses to obesity
• Obesity - Prevalence and public interest
• Obesity - Policy responses to obesity

Read more here: » Obesity: Encyclopedia - Obesity

Acupuncture (from Lat. acus, "needle" (noun), and pungere, "prick" (verb) or in Standard Mandarin, zhēn jǐu (針灸), is one of the main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (others being herbal medicine and tui na). It is a therapeutic technique from that framework intended to restore health and well-being. The term acupuncture is often used by Westerners to refer to Chinese medicine generally. The technique involves the insertion of needles into "acupuncture points" on the body by trained practitioners. Th ...

Including:

• Acupuncture - Theory
• Acupuncture - An example of acupuncture practice
• Acupuncture - Benefits proven and purported
• Acupuncture - Potential risks
• Acupuncture - Controversy as to effectiveness
• Acupuncture - Bibliography

Read more here: » Acupuncture: Encyclopedia - Acupuncture

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) and various other names, is a syndrome of unknown and possibly multiple etiology, affecting the central nervous system (CNS), immune, and many other systems and organs. Most definitions other than the 1991 UK "Oxford", require a number of features, the most common being severe mental and physical depletion, which according to the 1994 Fukuda definition is "unrelieved by rest", and is usually made worse by even trivial exertion (controver ...

Including:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome - History
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Nomenclature
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Symptoms
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Course
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Onset
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Activity levels
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Post-exertion symptom exacerbation
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Duration
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Diagnosis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - CDC 1994 criteria aka Fukuda
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Other systems
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Controversies
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Epidemiology
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Disease associations
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Co-morbidity
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Proposed etiologies and corresponding treatments
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Allergies
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Autonomic nervous system disruption
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Damage to ascending reticular activating system
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Depression
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Hormonal dysfunction
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Immune dysfunction
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Infectious agents
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Inner-ear disorders
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Metabolic disorders
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Nutritional deficiency or imbalance
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Psychosomatic causes
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Spinal problems
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Toxic agents
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Other treatments
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Social issues
• Chronic fatigue syndrome - Notable sufferers

Read more here: » Chronic fatigue syndrome: Encyclopedia - Chronic fatigue syndrome

Eosinophilic pneumonia can develop in several different ways depending on the underlying cause of the disease. Eosinophils are thought to play a central role in defending the body against infection by parasites. Many diseases, such as asthma and eczema, are caused when eosinophils overreact to environmental triggers and release an excess of chemicals (cytokines) such as histamine. The common characteristic among different causes of EP is eosinophil overreaction or dysfunction in the lung. Eosinophilic p ...

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Eosinophilic pneumonia, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Types of eosinophilic pneumonia, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Symptoms, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Medications and environmental exposures, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Parasitic infections, Eosinophilic pneumonia - AEP and CEP, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Diagnosis, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Treatment, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Prognosis, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Epidemiology, Eosinophilic pneumonia - History

Read more here: » Eosinophilic pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Eosinophilic pneumonia - Pathophysiology

Most causes of eosinophilic pneumonia have similar symptoms. Cough, fever, increasing breathlessness, and night sweats are prominent and almost universal. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia typically follows a rapid course. Fever and cough may develop only one or two weeks before difficulties breathing progress to the point of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia usually follows a slower course. Symptoms accumulate over several months and include fevers, cough, breathlessness, wheezing, and weight loss. Individuals with CEP are often diag ...

See also:

Eosinophilic pneumonia, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Types of eosinophilic pneumonia, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Symptoms, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Medications and environmental exposures, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Parasitic infections, Eosinophilic pneumonia - AEP and CEP, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Diagnosis, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Treatment, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Prognosis, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Epidemiology, Eosinophilic pneumonia - History

Read more here: » Eosinophilic pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Eosinophilic pneumonia - Symptoms

When eosinophilic pneumonia is related to an illness such as cancer or parasitic infection, treatment of the underlying cause is effective in resolving the lung disease. When due to AEP or CEP, however, treatment with corticosteroids results in a rapid, dramatic resolution of symptoms over the course of one or two days. Either intravenous methylprednisolone or oral prednisone are most commonly used. In AEP, treatment is usually continued for a month after symptoms disappear and the x-ray returns to normal (usually four weeks total). In CEP, ...

See also:

Eosinophilic pneumonia, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Types of eosinophilic pneumonia, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Symptoms, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Medications and environmental exposures, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Parasitic infections, Eosinophilic pneumonia - AEP and CEP, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Diagnosis, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Treatment, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Prognosis, Eosinophilic pneumonia - Epidemiology, Eosinophilic pneumonia - History

Read more here: » Eosinophilic pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Eosinophilic pneumonia - Treatment

In addition to acute infections already covered, Chlamydophila pneumoniae has been implicated in several chronic diseases. There is evidence that the onset of asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs, is associated with infection with Chlamydophila pneumoniae. However, a definite link has not been established and, as of 2005, investigation is ongoing. Links between infection with Chlamydophila pneumoniae heart attacks (myocardial infarction) and atherosclerosis have also been found. In fact, Chlamydo ...

See also:

Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae - Life cycle and method of infection, Chlamydophila pneumoniae - Pneumonia caused by Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae - Symptoms and diagnosis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae - Treatment and prognosis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae - Epidemiology and prevention, Chlamydophila pneumoniae - Other illnesses caused by Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae - Links between Chlamydophila pneumoniae and chronic inflammatory diseases, Chlamydophila pneumoniae - External link

Read more here: » Chlamydophila pneumoniae: Encyclopedia II - Chlamydophila pneumoniae - Links between Chlamydophila pneumoniae and chronic inflammatory diseases

See main article Immunotherapy The use of immune system components to treat a disease or disorder is known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is most commonly used in the context of the treatment of cancers together with chemotherapy (drugs) and radiotherapy (radiation). However, immunotherapy is also often used in the immunosuppressed (such as HIV patients) and people suffering from other ...

See also:

Immunology, Immunology - Histological examination of the immune system, Immunology - Classical immunology, Immunology - Clinical immunology, Immunology - Immunotherapy, Immunology - Diagnostic immunology, Immunology - Evolutionary immunology

Read more here: » Immunology: Encyclopedia II - Immunology - Immunotherapy

Clinical immunology is the study of diseases caused by the immune system and diseases of the immune system from a medical perspective. Many diseases caused by the immune system fall into two broad categories: immunodeficiency, in which parts of the immune system fail to provide an adequate response (examples include chronic granulomatous disease), and autoimmunity, in which the immune system attacks its own host's body (examples include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's disease and myasthenia gravis). Oth ...

See also:

Immunology, Immunology - Histological examination of the immune system, Immunology - Classical immunology, Immunology - Clinical immunology, Immunology - Immunotherapy, Immunology - Diagnostic immunology, Immunology - Evolutionary immunology

Read more here: » Immunology: Encyclopedia II - Immunology - Clinical immunology

One major disadvantage of case-control studies is that they do not give any indication of the absolute risk of the factor in question. For instance, a case-control study may tell you that a certain behavior might increase the risk of death tenfold, which sounds alarming; but it would not tell you that the actual risk of death would change from one in ten million to one in one million, which is quite a bit less alarming. For that information, ...

See also:

Case-control, Case-control - Case-control studies, Case-control - Study methodology, Case-control - Comparison with cross-sectional studies, Case-control - Problems with case-control studies, Case-control - Conclusion

Read more here: » Case-control: Encyclopedia II - Case-control - Problems with case-control studies

Classical immunology ties in with the fields of epidemiology and medicine. It studies the relationship between the body systems, pathogens, and immunity. The earliest written mention of immunity can be traced back to the plague of Athens in 430 BC. Thucydides noted that people who had recovered from a previous bout of the disease could nurse the sick without contracting the illness a second time. Many other ancient societies have references to this phenomenon, but it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries b ...

See also:

Immunology, Immunology - Histological examination of the immune system, Immunology - Classical immunology, Immunology - Clinical immunology, Immunology - Immunotherapy, Immunology - Diagnostic immunology, Immunology - Evolutionary immunology

Read more here: » Immunology: Encyclopedia II - Immunology - Classical immunology

Classical immunology ties in with the fields of epidemiology and medicine. It studies the relationship between the body systems, pathogens, and immunity. The earliest written mention of immunity can be traced back to the plague of Athens in 430 BCE. Thucydides noted that people who had recovered from a previous bout of the disease could nurse the sick without contracting the illness a second time. Many other ancient societies have references to this phenomenon, but it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries b ...

See also:

Immunology, Immunology - Histological examination of the immune system, Immunology - Classical immunology, Immunology - Clinical immunology, Immunology - Immunotherapy, Immunology - Diagnostic immunology, Immunology - Evolutionary immunology

Read more here: » Immunology: Encyclopedia II - Immunology - Classical immunology

Even before the concept of immunity (from immunis, Latin for "exempt") was developed, numerous early physicians characterised organs that would later prove to be part of the immune system. The key organs of the immune system are thymus, spleen, bone marrow, lymph vessels, lymph nodes and secondary lymphatic tissues such as tonsils, adenoids, and skin. Two major organs, the thymus and spleen, are examined histologically only post-mortem during autopsy. However some lymph nodes and secondary lymphatic tissu ...

See also:

Immunology, Immunology - Histological examination of the immune system, Immunology - Classical immunology, Immunology - Clinical immunology, Immunology - Immunotherapy, Immunology - Diagnostic immunology, Immunology - Evolutionary immunology

Read more here: » Immunology: Encyclopedia II - Immunology - Histological examination of the immune system

The specificity of the bond between antibody and antigen has made it an excellent tool in the detection of substances in a variety of diagnostic techniques. Antibodies specific for a desired antigen can be conjugated with a radiolabel, fluorescent label, or color-forming enzyme and are used as a "probe" to detect it. Well known applications of this include immunoblotting, ELISA and immunohistochemical staining of microscope slides. The speed, accuracy and simplicity of such tests has led to the development of rapid techniques for the ...

See also:

Immunology, Immunology - Histological examination of the immune system, Immunology - Classical immunology, Immunology - Clinical immunology, Immunology - Immunotherapy, Immunology - Diagnostic immunology, Immunology - Evolutionary immunology

Read more here: » Immunology: Encyclopedia II - Immunology - Diagnostic immunology