No, pneumococcal is a type of bacteria known as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs caused by various pathogens including pneumococcus. What is pneumococcal disease? Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause a range of illnesses from ear infections and sinusitis to more severe …
Late-stage Parkinson’s disease is characterized by severe movement difficulties that may make it impossible for the person to live independently. Symptoms can include stiffness, rigidity or freezing of limbs, tremors at rest, difficulty walking and maintaining balance, and reduced ability to perform daily activities. Additionally, people with late-stage Parkinson’s may experience cognitive changes such as …
Streptococcus can be highly contagious, spread through direct contact with an infected person or from surfaces contaminated with the bacteria. It is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes, to reduce the risk of spreading infections like streptococcus. Can someone contract Streptococcus by touching contaminated surfaces? It …
Weeks before a stroke, there can be warning signs such as high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness or loss of balance, blurred vision or other visual disturbances, and numbness or weakness in the face or limbs. However, not all strokes have warning signs and some can occur without any noticeable symptoms. It is important to seek …
No, scabies can be completely cured with proper medical treatment. However, without proper treatment, scabies infestation can persist for a long time and cause various complications. If you suspect that you have scabies, it’s important to see a healthcare provider right away for proper diagnosis and treatment. How long does it take for scabies to …
The percentage of ticks that carry Lyme disease can vary based on geographic location and other factors. In some areas, as many as 50% of blacklegged ticks may be infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. However, in other areas, the infection rate may be much lower. It is important to take precautions to …
Yes, it is possible for thyroid swelling to come and go. The most common cause of this type of swelling is a condition called thyroiditis, which causes inflammation of the thyroid gland. In some cases, the inflammation can cause a temporary enlargement of the gland that may last several weeks or months before resolving on …
Mice can carry a number of diseases that are transmissible to humans, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. What illnesses can be caused by contact with mice? Contact with mice can cause a few illnesses such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), Leptospirosis, Plague, salmonellosis among others. Which diseases are associated with …
Fungal infections in the lungs are generally not contagious from person to person. However, some types of fungal infections can be acquired by inhaling fungal spores that exist in the environment such as soil or bird droppings. It is best to take precautions to avoid exposure to these environments if you are at risk for …
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, and it usually doesn’t affect the heart. However, severe cases of acute pancreatitis can often lead to cardiovascular complications such as low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and even heart failure. Chronic pancreatitis may also cause damage to nearby blood vessels which could potentially affect the function of your heart …
There are several diseases that cannot be identified by blood tests alone, such as: – Mental illness – Alzheimer’s disease – Parkinson’s disease – Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Fibromyalgia While blood tests can help diagnose certain aspects of these conditions, they usually require additional diagnostic procedures to confirm them. What are the limitations of blood …
Yes, yellow fever still exists. It is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes in certain parts of Africa and South America. However, it can be prevented through vaccination. What is yellow fever? Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, from …
While there is no cure for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), patients with stage 4 CLL can receive treatment to help manage the disease. There are many therapeutic approaches available including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and stem cell transplantation. The effectiveness of these treatments varies by patient depending on their individual circumstances, so it’s …
While both Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease are autoimmune disorders that affect the thyroid gland, it is unlikely for someone to develop both conditions sequentially. However, in rare cases, individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s) may experience episodes of hyperthyroidism or symptoms resembling those of Graves’ disease due to a temporary inflammatory process or hormone imbalances within …
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or a guaranteed way to prevent flare-ups. However, some steps that may help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups include taking prescribed medication as directed by a healthcare professional, following a balanced diet, managing stress levels, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. It is …
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is not caused by anything a person did or didn’t do -including food choices- and there’s no known way to prevent it. While Type 2 diabetes is …
There is currently no known cure for colitis in any age group, but it can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes. Treatment plans should be discussed with a healthcare professional who can tailor them to the specific needs of the child. What are the symptoms of colitis in kids? Colitis in kids can cause …
Yes, fibromyalgia can cause lower back pain as it is a disorder that affects the muscles and soft tissues throughout the body, including those in the lower back. Lower back pain is a common symptom reported by people with fibromyalgia. How does fibromyalgia affect the muscles and bones in the body? Fibromyalgia is a chronic …
Osteoporosis itself does not directly affect life expectancy. However, individuals with osteoporosis are at a higher risk of experiencing fractures, which can have serious health consequences and potentially contribute to premature mortality. The life expectancy of someone with osteoporosis would depend on various other factors such as age, overall health status, and the severity of …
Undiagnosed asthma can present with symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. These symptoms are intermittent and can be triggered by various factors such as exercise, exposure to allergens or irritants, cold air, stress or respiratory infections. However, these symptoms may be mild or sub-acute in some cases leading to a delayed …