Skin rash and muscular weakening are hallmarks of the uncommon immune-mediated muscle disorder known as dermatomyositis. One of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies is how it is categorized (IIM). While muscular weakness is a common manifestation of all idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, their clinical characteristics and histological findings vary. Skin symptoms typical of dermatomyositis include symmetrical proximal skeletal muscle weakening. Moreover, it may have an impact on several organ systems, including the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Dermatomyositis patients frequently have an underlying malignancy, which might change the prognosis of the disease. Although muscle and cutaneous symptoms predominate in most instances, ... Read More

De Quervain tenosynovitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the tendon sheath along with the synovial fluid around it mainly affecting the tendon sheaths of the 1st dorsal compartment of the wrist characterized by degeneration and fibrosis of the tendon sheath. It mainly affects individuals aged between 30 and 50 years. Women are affected up to six times more than men. The condition mainly affects the dominant hand. The condition is caused secondary to excessive use of the thumb and wrist while performing various activities. The patients mainly present with pain during the movements ... Read More

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a variant of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or Prion diseases. Prion diseases are characterized by the deposition of PrPSc, an abnormally misfolded isoform of the normal prion protein, within the nervous system leading to the formation of clumps or deposits of abnormal proteins. These cause damage to brain cells and lead to the characteristic symptoms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is the commonest human prion disease, accounting for around 85% of cases. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a novel human prion disease that occurs predominantly in the UK and has been linked to the consumption of beef ... Read More

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. The most common way to test for TB is through a skin test, also known as the Mantoux test. This test can result in either a positive or negative TB skin test result, and the difference between these two results can have significant implications for an individual's health and treatment plan. Positive TB Skin Test A positive TB skin test result means that an individual ... Read More

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and Small for Gestational Age (SGA) are two terms used to describe fetal growth problems during pregnancy. While they may seem similar, there are important differences between the two. Understanding the difference between IUGR vs. SGA can help healthcare providers diagnose and manage these conditions, which are associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. What is IUGR? IUGR is intrauterine growth retardation or restriction, and it is the condition in which the growth of the fetus in the uterus is poor and restricted. The key feature of IUGR is the appearance of a malnourished ... Read More

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Anorexia are two disorders that are often confused with each other due to their similar features. However, there are some key differences between these disorders, which are important to understand in order to provide effective treatment. What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance. These flaws may be minor or imagined, but they can have a significant impact on the individual's self-esteem and quality of life. People with BDD may spend hours each day checking and comparing ... Read More

Asthma and upper respiratory infection (URI) are two different respiratory conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Understanding the differences between these two conditions can help in their proper diagnosis, treatment, and management. What is Asthma? Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed causing the bronchial tubes to constrict. Excess mucus is also often produced and the person struggles to breathe. Asthma should be taken seriously as it can kill a person if not controlled. Symptoms of Asthma − Symptoms of asthma include a feeling of tightness in the chest, cough, and difficulty breathing. Patients often have ... Read More

Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. It is caused by mutations in the genes that control the production of hemoglobin. There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia. Although they share similar symptoms, they are caused by different genetic mutations and have different degrees of severity. What is Alpha Thalassemia? Alpha thalassemia is the condition where there is a reduced formation of alpha polypeptide chains because of an absence of alpha genes. There are two forms of alpha thalassemia depending ... Read More

Agoraphobia and claustrophobia are two of the most common phobias that people suffer from. While both of these phobias can lead to intense feelings of fear and panic, they are very different from one another. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or embarrassing, whereas claustrophobia is the fear of being in enclosed spaces. What is Agoraphobia? Agoraphobia is based on the Greek word "agora" which means "place of assembly" or "marketplace". Affected individuals often think that they can turn to no one for help when panic attacks would likely occur or they feel ... Read More

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and congestive heart failure (CHF) are two distinct cardiovascular conditions, each with unique symptoms, causes, and treatment options. While both conditions can impact the heart's ability to function correctly, it is essential to understand the differences between AFib and CHF to ensure that patients receive proper diagnosis and treatment. What is Afib? Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder in which the heart's upper chambers (the atria) beat irregularly, leading to an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. AFib can occur in individuals of any age, but it is more prevalent in people over the age of ... Read More