The concept of adrenal fatigue or adrenal exhaustion is highly controversial. However, it continues to attract much media attention and there are scores of websites and books dedicated to the subject of adrenal fatigue. There is much debate as to whether many of the signs and symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue syndrome may not be due to other known medical conditions. Itt is not uncommon for many people to “self diagnose” themselves as having this condition leading to the belief that it prevalent.

The hype around adrenal fatigue detracts from the proper diagnosis of established medical conditions associated with adrenal underactivity or conditions that causes similar clinical features. This includes conditions like depression, diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders.

continue reading Adrenal Fatigue (Exhaustion) Syndrome Causes and Symptoms

Adrenal Glands and Hormones

The adrenal glands, also known as the suprarenal glands, are two small structures that lie on the superior poles of each kidney. It has two distinct portions – the smaller inner adrenal medulla surrounded by the large outer adrenal cortex.

The medulla secretes the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine when stimulated by the sympathetic system. Both these hormones are catecholamines that play significant roles in increasing the body’s ability to cope with sudden changes in the environment like emergency situations as part of the fight-or-flight response. The effects of these hormones include increasing the heart rate and breathing rate, constricting blood vessels and dilating the airways so that a person can react appropriately to the environmental stress. These effects are  usually short-lived.

The cortex secretes a different group of hormones known as the corticosteroids. These are natural corticosteroids and should not be confused with the drugs which have a similar effect. The mineralocorticoids, a type of corticosteroid, affect the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. The main mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. The glucocorticoids are the other type of corticosteroids secreted by the adrenal cortex. It maintains the body’s metabolism – regulates blood pressure, glucose levels and metabolism of nutriente. The main glucocorticoid is cortisol. The corticosteroids have various other roles in the body and are stimulated by ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) from the pituitary gland. A small amount of male sex hormones, androgens, are also secreted by the adrenal cortex.

continue reading Overactive and Underactive Adrenal Gland (Cortex) Diseases

What is a liver abscess?

A liver abscess, also known as a hepatic abscess, is an accumulation of pus within the liver as a result of an infection. Overall liver abscesses are fairly rare and more frequently seen in developing nations. Most liver abscesses are caused by bacteria and amebic parasites (protozoa). However, other protozoa, fungi and helminths (parasitic worms) may also be responsible for hepatic abscesses.

A liver abscess may occur as a single abscess (solitary) or multiple lesions varying in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in a larger abscesses. The term liver or hepatic abscess is also used to refer to a biliary abscess (gallbladder) which are usually multiple. A liver abscess is one type of intra-abdominal abscess and may be associated with other abscesses in the abdomen.

continue reading Liver Abscess Causes, Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

The hands and feet are the periphery of the body and therefore the surface temperature may often be lower particularly in colder environments. It is not an indication of the core body temperature – the temperature deep within the body’s tissues. Sometimes the hands and feet can be  bit colder than the rest of the body even in warm environments and may be nothing more than the body’s temperature regulating mechanisms. However, persistently cold hands and feet especially if it is accompanied by other signs and symptoms needs to be investigated further.

Signs and Symptoms Associated with Cold Hands and Feet

Cold hands and feet may be a sign of various disease both localized and generalized. It should be correlated with other signs and symptoms both of the hands and feet, and elsewhere in the  body, before it can be attributed to any specific conditions.

Some of the localized signs that may be present include :

• Paleness of the hands and feet
• Bluish discoloration of the skin of the hands and feet – peripheral cyanosis
• Loss of fine body hairs on the arms and legs
• Dry rough and itchy skin on the hands and feet
• Darkening and thickening of the skin on the lower arms and legs
• Ulcers (open sores), blisters, boils or abscesses
• Swelling of the hands and feet

continue reading Cold Hands and Feet Causes of Icy Fingers and Toes

What is body lice?

Body lice infestation or pediculosis corporis is caused by Pediculus humanus corporis (also known as Pediculus humanus humanus), a parasitic insect which looks similar to head lice but may be a larger in size. Although called body lice, these parasites are found on the body only when it feeds. At all other times, it lives and lays eggs in the seams of clothing, towels, or bedding. Lice feed on human blood and deposit waste matter on the skin and clothing.

There are three types of lice – head lice, body lice, and pubic lice (crabs). Each louse is slightly different although it belongs to the same species. However, the lice that tend to infest one region may also uncharacteristically affect another site.

continue reading Body Lice Infestation (Pediculosis Corporis) Information