Clinical Definition Chagas disease is an infection transmitted by insects, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and common in South and Central America. In acute phases, symptoms may be non-existent or mild, such as fever and malaise. In the chronic phase, which may take 20 years to develop, arrhythmias, tachycardia and enlarged lymph nodes may occur. In…
Chemo Brain
Clinical Definition Chemo brain is the mild cognitive impairment experienced by some cancer patients pre-treatment, during and post-treatment. Characteristics include memory lapses, concentration difficulties and difficulty multi-tasking. Some researchers have found alterations in brain activity patterns on electroencephalograms (EEGs) in those on chemotherapy. Coping focuses on organizational techniques, sleep hygiene and exercise, as well as…
Chemotherapy
Clinical Definition Chemotherapy refers to chemicals used to treat cancer, and commonly involves use of antineoplastic drugs used to treat neoplastic disease. The drugs have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used as a systematic treatment for various forms of malignant neoplasms. In Our Own Words Chemotherapy is a form of cancer…
Cholesterol
Clinical Definition Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced by the liver; it is also an animal sterol found in all foods from animal products. While it is an essential cellular component, cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis (i.e., arterial plaque buildup) when too much exists in the blood stream, leading to heart disease and stroke. In Our…
Chronic Cough
Clinical Definition Chronic cough, or persistent cough, is a cough that persists more than eight weeks. Not a disease itself, it originates from other health conditions, typically related to asthma, smoking, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sinusitis and other problems. Treatment depends on the etiology. In Our Own Words Chronic cough is one that lasts a…
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Clinical Definition COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a term used to refer to a group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. All these diseases involve airflow obstruction and breathing-related problems. The typical course of COPD is gradual progression, with airflow lung function worsening. Because COPD adds to the work of the heart,…