A peptic ulcer is a sore or lesion that develops on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine (duodenum), or esophagus due to the erosion of the mucosal barrier by acidic gastric juices. The term encompasses gastric ulcers (in the stomach) and duodenal ulcers (in the duodenum). Rarely, ulcers …
Alzheimer’s Disease: Definition, Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Treatment
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia worldwide. It is characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes, resulting from the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. AD significantly impairs daily functioning and leads to a decline …
Schizophrenia: Definition, Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Treatment
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. It is often classified as a psychotic disorder due to the presence of symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the global population and is one of the …
Depression: Definition, Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Treatment
Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. Clinically referred to as major depressive disorder (MDD), it significantly impairs an individual’s daily functioning and quality of life. Depression is distinct …
Parkinson’s Disease: Definition, Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Treatment
In 1817, British physician Dr. James Parkinson published a case series documenting six patients suffering from “shaking palsy” (paralysis agitans), a chronic and progressive neurological disorder now known as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain, deteriorate or become …
Epilepsy: Definition, Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Treatment
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. These seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can vary in type and severity. It is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide. Pathophysiology of Epilepsy Epilepsy arises from an …
Disorders of Sex Hormones: Definition, Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Treatment
Definition: Disorders of sex hormones refer to conditions that result from imbalances in the production, regulation, or action of sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). These imbalances can affect sexual development, reproductive function, and secondary sexual characteristics. Types of Disorders of sex hormones 1. Hypogonadism: Reduced function of the gonads …
Thyroid Diseases: Definition, Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Treatment
Definition: Thyroid diseases encompass a variety of disorders that affect the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and development. The primary thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Types of Thyroid diseases 1. Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland …
Diabetes: Definition, Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Treatment
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed. Types of Diabetes 1. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system …