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Gitelman syndrome is an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern characterized by low levels of potassium, low magnesium, and metabolic alkalosis. Gitelman syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation, known as an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, affecting a type of protein needed to transport these and other electrolytes through the membranes of the kidneys. It is estimated that Gitelman syndrome occurs in one to 10 in 40,000 people, affecting males and females of all ethnic backgrounds....

Most cases of testicular cancer can be found early when the tumor is small and hasn’t spread. The first sign of testicular cancer is usually a lump on the testicle or swelling in the testicle, which can generally be detected through a self-exam. Testicular self-exams are quick and easy to do on your own. If you notice anything abnormal during this exam, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis is essential so that treatment can begin as soon as possible....

Triple-digit temperatures have reached the West and Southwest, with temperatures as high as 128 degrees Fahrenheit hitting California in recent weeks. When weather conditions align, sizzling temperatures can last for days as a result of hot ocean air being trapped in the atmosphere, also known as a heat dome. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration in 2015 shows that only about 64% of U.S. households have access to central air conditioning systems....

Psoriasis develops when the immune system, which normally protects the body from infection, becomes dysfunctional or overactive, causing skin cells to over-multiply. There is research to suggest that certain gene mutations may play a role in developing psoriasis. People with a family history of psoriasis may also be at increased risk. This article provides an overview of psoriasis and current gene research on the condition. Is Psoriasis Likely Genetic? Psoriasis affects over 3% of Americans, which is more than 7....

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) you may wonder if you inherited it from one of your parents or if you’ll pass it along to your own children. Strictly speaking, neither scenario is the case: RA is not an inherited condition. However, a person’s individual genetic make-up can increase the risk of developing RA. Researchers have found genetic markers in people with this autoimmune disorder that are tied to chronic inflammation, the immune system, and the disease itself....

Isopto Atropine (atropine sulfate) is a muscarinic antagonist that works to both widen the pupil and relax the eye’s focusing muscles. It does this by blocking the nerve transmitter acetylcholine from working. There are receptors for acetylcholine around the muscle encircling the pupil as well as the one that focuses the lens. It can be used either as a drop or an ointment. Uses Atropine is FDA-approved for expanding the pupil and temporarily paralyzing the muscle of the eye that adapts the lens to sharp vision at different distances....

Plica syndrome, sometimes called “synovial plica syndrome,” is a condition of irritation of the tissue that is the inner lining of the knee joint. Synovium is the type of tissue that forms the lining of a joint. The synovial tissue contains the joint space and helps to make the normal fluid that lubricates the joint. The synovial plica are membranes that separate the knee into compartments during fetal development. These plica bands normally shrink in size during the second trimester of fetal development....

Before the introduction of mass-produced cigarettes in the twentieth century, cancer of the larynx, or laryngeal cancer, was exceedingly rare. Europeans, however, were smoking tobacco as early as the sixteenth century, starting when it was first introduced to Europe by explorers returning from the New World. Therefore, either there’s something about cigarettes that made laryngeal cancer more prevalent after 1900 or more people were smoking tobacco after the mass-production of cigarettes....

Known as the kissing disease, mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious condition caused mainly by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). By age 30, at least 90% of the population will have antibodies for EBV. Additionally, 75% of young adults infected with EBV will be diagnosed with mono. Although it rarely happens, mono can cause severe complications in some cases. This article discusses important facts and statistics you should know about mononucleosis. Mononucleosis Overview The name mononucleosis describes lymphocytosis (increased white blood cells) and abnormal mononuclear (one nucleus) cells resulting from an EBV infection....

Eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), is the fluid pressure inside the eye. Used as a measurement for diagnosing eye disease, periodic measurement of your IOP is essential for your eye health. For example, ocular hypertension (increased IOP) is a clinical indicator of glaucoma with the goal of treatment to lower the pressure. What is Normal Eye Pressure? Intraocular pressure (IOP), is measurement of the fluid pressure inside the eye that can help diagnosis current eye disorders and give you insight into your eye health....

Rachel Charlton-Dailey (she/they) is a journalist specializing in health and disability. Their work is featured in publications such as Healthline, Huffpost, Metro UK, The Guardian, and Business Insider. Charlton-Dailey often uses their platform to spotlight issues that affect disabled people. Earlier this month, a group of anti-vaccine protesters in Kansas were widely condemned after attending a meeting on vaccine mandates wearing yellow stars labeled “unvaccinated.” Jewish people were forced to wear a yellow Star of David when sent to concentration camps during the Holocaust....

Photosensitivity is a skin reaction (i.e., rash) that occurs after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or an artificial light source. Photosensitivity can be caused by various agents, including drugs, perfume, cosmetics, and even the sunscreen that is meant to protect your skin. It is estimated that one in 100 people are affected by photosensitivity. The condition can occur even after brief exposure to sunlight in both warm and cold weather....

If you are an avid golfer who is having a knee replacement, you should use precautions when returning to your sport. While most surgeons will not tell you to avoid golf, it can place extra stress on your new knee. Being diligent in your rehabilitation and making some modifications may help reduce the risks. Making Knee Replacements Last Both patients and doctors are interested in doing whatever they can to help ensure a knee replacement will last as long as possible....

How should you handle body waste at home after chemotherapy? If you have ever received chemotherapy in a hospital or cancer center setting, it is a familiar sight to you. The nurse or doctor comes in, wearing a gown, gloves and maybe even eye protection to shield themselves from exposure to the substances that they are about to inject into your body. It can be very unnerving and frightening! As you already know, cancer-killing medications can cause damage to healthy cells and tissues as well as leukemia or lymphoma cells....

Salicylates are a group of chemicals made from salicylic acid, and they’re found in aspirin and some other painkillers, as well as naturally occurring in certain foods, food preservatives, toothpaste, and other synthetic products. Some people take salicylate drugs for arthritis pain and it is quite common in acne medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the gold standard for arthritis. The three categories of NSAIDs include: SalicylatesTraditional NSAIDsCOX-2 inhibitors Salicylates are further divided into two groups—acetylated and nonacetylated....

Superficial chemical peels are extremely popular treatments offered at day spas, salons and dermatology offices. Are they a good treatment choice for your acne? Before you have your chemical peel done, learn what to expect during treatment. What Is a Light-Duty Chemical Peel? Light-duty peels are the most superficial of all chemical peels. They’re the most popular and widely done chemical peels because there is no downtime. These peels are often called “lunchtime peels” because you can get one done quickly over a lunch hour and return to work directly afterward, with your coworkers being none the wiser....

A visual acuity test is one of the most important parts of an eye exam. Visual acuity is a measure of how well you can see. A visual acuity test helps your eye health provider determine whether or not you need vision correction. While there are visual acuity tests online or even apps that claim to tell you whether you have “20/20 vision,” it’s best to see your eye health provider and have your visual acuity tested....

If your healthcare provider suspects you have too much or too little sodium in your blood, they will order a sodium blood test. A sodium blood test determines whether your sodium levels are in the normal range. A sodium test may also be called “Na test” (Na is the periodic symbol for sodium). Purpose of the Test The use of a sodium test is to determine whether your levels are too low or too high — both of which can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from moderate to severe....

If your menstrual period comes rarely or not at all, you may have the medical condition polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For women with PCOS who are sexually active or trying to get pregnant, waiting until you get your period or not becomes a guessing game. It also makes it difficult to know when you should take a pregnancy test. This article will discuss when to take a pregnancy test if you have PCOS....

Urinary tract problems are common among people with type 2 diabetes, affecting everything from frequency and urgency of urination to sexual function to kidney health. The most significant causes include damage to nerves (autonomic neuropathy) that support the structures of the urinary tract and the effects of high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Because of differences in anatomy, the ways in which type 2 diabetes affects the urinary system can differ between men and women, but regardless of a person’s sex, diabetes-related urinary tract problems can dramatically affect their quality of life on a daily basis....