Definition

Hyperoxaluria is the term for high levels of oxalate in the urine. It is normal to pass oxalate in the urine but these levels are lower than 40mg (milligrams) per day. In hyperoxaluria the urinary oxalate levels exceed 40mg within a 24 hour period. The oxalate is produced within the body and/or sourced from certain foods. High levels of oxalate greatly increases the risk of urinary stones. It can also progress to oxalosis where the blood levels of oxalate is raised and oxalate is deposited in various tissues throughout the body.

 
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Definition

Osteopetrosis is a group of disorders where bone resorption is impaired and the bones become denser than normal but are prone to fractures. It is also known as stone bone, marble bone disease and Albers-Schonberg disease. It should not be confused with osteoporosis, a more common condition where there is loss of bone mass and subsequent weakening of the bones. On the contrary, in osteoporosis there is an increase in bone mass yet the bones are more prone to fracture.

The effects of osteopetrosis extend beyond bone strength. There may also be disruption in bone marrow function, entrapment of nerves, delayed tooth eruption and abnormalities in growth. The condition can be present from infancy or develop later in life, and is sometime only incidentally discovered in adulthood. Overall, osteopetrosis is a rare condition. The more common and usually milder form that tends to develop in adolescence or early adulthood affects only about 1 in 20,000 people.

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Definition

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is a condition where the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the outer side of the upper arm bone are irritated. The muscles of the tendons involved are also strained and both structures undergo some degree of degeneration. Tennis elbow arises with overuse of the hand. Contrary to its common name, tennis elbow more frequently affects people who do not play the sport of tennis. Most cases are due to occupational rather than recreational activities. Tennis elbow causes elbow and forearm pain with the most tender area being at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (upper arm bone) where the affected tendons attach.

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Definition

Methemoglobinemia (met-hemo-globin-emia) is a condition where the quantity of methemoglobin in the red blood cells is higher than normal. It is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present from birth, but can develop in life due to exposure to certain toxins. Although methemoglobin is normally present in red blood cells, its quantity is low. Methemoglobin does not carry oxygen unlike hemoglobin. Therefore a rise in the levels of methemoglobin in red blood cells can compromise the ability of these cells to carry oxygen. Very high levels of methemoglobin can be fatal.

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Definition

Morphea is a rare condition where patches of thick, hardened and discolored patches occur on the skin. Morphea also spelled as morphoea is a form of localized scleroderma, an autoimmune condition of the connective tissue of the body. In morphea, it is only the skin that is affected whereas in other forms the blood vessels, muscles and even internal organs are involved. Although morphea in some cases can affect the flexibility of joint at the affected areas, it does not cause any other significant complications about from aesthetic impact. Morphea is incurable but can sometimes resolve on its own without any treatment.

continue reading Morphea (Hardened Skin Disease)