Definitions and ExplanationsWhat is an ESR blood test? ESR blood test, or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate blood test, is a type of blood testing to check if there is an ongoing inflammatory activity inside the body. This type of test is classified as “non-specific” because it provides inflammatory indications but will not pinpoint the exact location on where [...]
“H. pylori” is short for Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacterium that is present in the stomach. This bacterium is also classified as a gram-negative and micro-aerophilic type which may or may not cause symptoms to people infected with it. In fact, most people that have h. pylori found in their stomachs do not actually [...]
What is HSP? HSP or Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a systemic disease characterized with a type of skin rash that commonly affects children. Specifically, this disease affects the small blood vessels of the skin causing inflammation or vasculitis. The skin lesions usually occur along with arthritic symptoms and are commonly found in the buttocks area and [...]
What is Pneumonitis? Pneumonitis is a general medical term which indicates the presence of inflammation in the lung tissues. This inflammation may be due to several factors including infection from a virus or as an allergic reaction. Certain drugs or materials such as silica or asbestos may irritate the tissues of the lungs and cause [...]
What is Bronchitis? Bronchitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages to the lungs. Inflammation may be due to trauma, irritation, or some form of infection. Usually it is the lining of the tubes that get inflamed. And when this happen, the amount of air in [...]
What is Cystitis? Cystitis refers to an inflammation of the urinary bladder. But cystitis may also be used as the term for any inflammation involving the urinary tract. It is said to be very common in women, but men can also have this condition. A person gets cystitis usually from a bacterial infection. Bacteria typically [...]
What is Gout? Gout is a medical condition characterized by intense pain at the joints (commonly the foot), typically affecting the joint of the big toe. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, causing swelling in joints. With gout, the affected individual experiences severe pain, swelling, tenderness and a burning feeling in [...]
