Medical Knowledge - The Med Monk https://www.medmonkedu.com MBBS | BDS | FMGE | NEXT | USMLE Sat, 27 Jul 2024 13:11:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.medmonkedu.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-logo-1-1-32x32.jpg Medical Knowledge - The Med Monk https://www.medmonkedu.com 32 32 Diabetes Insipidus vs. Diabetes Mellitus https://www.medmonkedu.com/diabetes-insipidus-vs-diabetes-mellitus/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:55:39 +0000 https://www.medmonkedu.com/?p=507

Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus have the same first word in their names and share several symptoms. But that’s where the similarities stop. These two diseases are not linked. They produce distinct difficulties and require quite different solutions.

Diabetes mellitus is better known as diabetes. It occurs when your pancreas does not generate enough insulin to regulate the quantity of glucose, or sugar, in your bloodstream.

Diabetes insipidus is an uncommon illness unrelated to the pancreas or blood sugar. Instead, it occurs when your kidneys generate a large amount of urine. Normally, they filter your bloodstream to produce approximately a quart or two every day. When you have diabetes insipidus, it’s closer to 3 to 20 quarts, with the majority being water. 

Some symptoms of Diabetes mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus include:

Symptoms of diabetes insipidus in adults include:

– Being extremely thirsty, with a preference for cold water.

– Producing big quantities of pale urine.

– Getting up several times during the night to urinate and drink water.

A baby or young child with diabetes insipidus may show the following symptoms:

  • Large amounts of pale pee produce heavy, moist diapers.
  • Bed-wetting.
  • Being extremely thirsty, with a propensity for consuming water and cold beverages.
  • Weight loss.
  • Poor growth.
  • Vomiting.
  • Irritability.
  • Fever.
  • Constipation.
  • Headache.
  • Problems sleeping.
  • Vision issues. 

Some symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:

  • Feeling thirstier than usual.
  • Urinating frequently.
  • Losing weight without trying.
  • The presence of ketones in the urine. When there is insufficient insulin, the breakdown of muscle and fat produces ketones.
  • Feeling exhausted and weak.
  • Feeling irritable or experiencing other mood swings.
  • I have blurry eyesight.
  • I have sores that are sluggish to heal.
  • Developing a variety of infections, including gum, skin, and vaginal infections. 

Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus have different causes.

Dehydration might cause you to feel exceedingly weary if you have diabetes insipidus. It could also be because you are low on electrolytes, which are flushed out with all of your pee.If you have diabetes, you may feel extremely exhausted when your blood sugar levels are either low or too high.

Diabetes insipidus causes you to feel extremely thirsty because your body loses so many fluids. Diabetes mellitus causes thirst as a result of an excess of glucose in the blood. If you have diabetes insipidus, prolonged dehydration might cause blurred vision.

While both disorders share the name “diabetes” and certain symptoms, such as thirst and exhaustion, they are not the same. Diabetes mellitus is concerned with the regulation of blood sugar, whereas diabetes insipidus is associated with excessive urine production. Understanding the different causes of these diseases is critical for accurate diagnosis and therapy.

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Viruses that cause Cancer https://www.medmonkedu.com/viruses-that-cause-cancer/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 11:10:37 +0000 https://www.medmonkedu.com/?p=468

Viruses are extremely microscopic organisms. Most cannot be seen under a standard microscope. They are composed of a small number of genes in the form of DNA or RNA encased in a protein covering. To multiply and produce additional viruses, a virus must enter a living cell and seize control of the cell’s machinery. Some viruses achieve this by introducing their own DNA (or RNA) into that of the host cell. When the DNA or RNA influences the host cell’s genes, it can cause the cell to become cancerous.

Several viruses have been associated with human cancers. Our expanding understanding of viruses’ function in cancer has resulted in the creation of vaccinations to help prevent specific human tumors. However, these vaccines can only protect against infections if given before the person is exposed to the cancer-causing virus.

What are these viruses?

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPVs): 

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a family of more than 150 viruses. They’re named papillomaviruses because some of them cause papillomas, sometimes known as warts. Some forms of HPV only develop on skin, whereas others grow in mucous membranes such as the mouth, throat, or vagina. All kinds of HPV are spread by contact (touch). Sexual contact can spread more than 40 different kinds of HPV. At least a dozen of these HPV strains are linked to cancer. HPV infections are common, while HPV-related cancer is rare. Most HPV-infected people do not get cancer as a result of the virus. However, certain persons who have had long-term infections with high-risk HPV strains are at risk for getting cancer. A few kinds of HPV are the primary causes of cervical cancer, the second most frequent malignancy in women globally. HPV is also responsible for certain malignancies of the penis, anus, vagina, vulva, and mouth and throat. Smoking, which has been linked to some of these malignancies, may combine with HPV to raise cancer risk. Other genital infections may potentially raise the risk of HPV-related malignancy.

2. Epstein – Barr Virus (EBV): 

EBV is a herpesvirus. It is most recognized for producing infectious mononucleosis, also known as “mono”. EBV can be transmitted from person to person via coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks or eating utensils. The majority of persons in the United States are infected with EBV by the end of their teen years, albeit not everyone gets mono symptoms. EBV infection, like other herpes virus infections, lasts a lifetime, even if most people show no symptoms after the first few weeks. EBV infects and persists in the body’s B lymphocytes (also known as B cells). There are no medicines or other therapies for EBV, nor are there vaccines to help prevent it, however most people do not develop major symptoms from EBV infection.

3. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCV):

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCV) was found in 2008 in samples from Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Most people become infected with MCV at some point in their lives (typically during childhood), and the infection normally causes no symptoms. However, in a few people with this infection, the virus can alter the DNA inside cells, resulting in Merkel cell cancer. This infection is thought to be responsible for nearly all Merkel cell malignancies. It is unclear how humans become infected with this virus, although it has been detected in several locations throughout the body, including normal skin and saliva.

Though some viruses can hijack human cells and potentially cause cancer, knowing this link has resulted in the creation of preventive vaccinations for specific diseases such as HPV-induced cervical carcinoma. While current research focuses on viruses such as EBV and MCV, this understanding allows us to take control of our health through vaccination and early detection measures.

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Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism https://www.medmonkedu.com/hypothyroidism-vs-hyperthyroidism/ Mon, 27 May 2024 10:24:20 +0000 https://www.medmonkedu.com/?p=453

Thyroid disease refers to a medical disorder that prevents your thyroid from producing the proper amount of hormones. It can impact persons of all ages. Your thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that lies beneath your skin at the front of the neck. It is a component of your endocrine system that produces and releases thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate many of your body’s essential activities.

The primary function of the thyroid gland is to regulate the rate of your metabolism. This is how your body converts the food you consume into energy. Every cell in your body requires energy to function properly. When your thyroid fails to function properly, it can have a negative influence on the rest of your body.

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism are the most common kinds of thyroid diseases. While they may sound similar, they are vastly different. Hyperthyroidism is characterised by an overactive thyroid (the production of excessive thyroid hormone). Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is underactive. Hypothyroidism outnumbers Hyperthyroidism. 

What are some symptoms to look out for?

Hyperthyroidism:

  • Hand tremors
  • Weight loss
  • Nervousness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Brittle skin
  • Muscular weakness
  • Irritability
  • Menstrual periods are lighter or less frequent

Hypothyroidism:

  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Cold sensitivity
  • Weight increase
  • Dry skin
  • Forgetfulness

What are some causes to look out for?

Causes of Hyperthyroidism:

  • small thyroid tumours known as toxic nodular goitres:
  • Thyroiditis is a virally caused thyroid infection
  • Postpartum thyroiditis
  • Taking too much thyroid hormone

Causes of Hypothyroidism are:

  • Previous radioiodine or surgical treatment for hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, or another thyroid disorder
  • Previous radiation treatments for different types of head and neck cancer.
  • Conditions that affect the pituitary gland in the brain Hypothyroidism present at birth, often known as congenital hypothyroidism.
  • Medications such as amiodarone (Pacerone), lithium, and anti-epilepsy medications

Thyroid disorder, which includes both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can impair a variety of body systems. However, with the right diagnosis and therapy, you can manage your thyroid disorder and reclaim control of your health. Remember that maintaining your thyroid health is a continual process. Working with your doctor, you can create a specific treatment plan to recover control of your health and live a more satisfying life.

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