Clinical Definition Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder can affect adults or infants. In adults, it can be mild and asymptomatic or more involved. Dandruff, which presents with white or yellow greasy scales on the scalp that flake off, is a form of seborrheic dermatitis. In children, seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle…
Secondhand Smoke
Clinical Definition Secondhand smoke is the unintentional inhalation of smoke from a pipe, cigar or cigarette by nonsmokers. Secondhand smoke contains carcinogens and respiratory irritants, which over time can have consequences such as lung cancer and possibly COPD. The two forms of secondhand smoke include mainline smoke and sidestream smoke. Mainstream smoke is smoke exhaled.…
Separation Anxiety
Clinical Definition Separation anxiety can occur in children or adults. In children, it is a normal developmental stage, with anxiety occurring when separated from a primary caregiver, typically the mother. It typically disappears by age 2. Adults can also suffer from separation anxiety. In both adults and children, the condition may be classified as a…
Septicemia
Clinical Definition Septicemia is bacteremia that occurs especially with severe infections of the lungs, abdomen and urinary tract. It may occur before or with osteomyelitis, meningitis, endocarditis or other infections. Chills, high fever, rapid heart rate and respirations are common at the onset, progressing to petechiae and ecchymosis, shock and confusion. Diagnosis is by blood culture,…
Serotonin
Clinical Definition Serotonin is a neurotransmitter made from the amino acid tryptophan. It plays a role in the regulation of sleep, appetite, mood and pain. Serotonin is made and released naturally. Some antidepressant medications act by increasing the availability of serotonin for central signaling to positively affect mood in depressed patients. In Our Own Words…
Sexual Transmitted Diseases
Clinical Definition STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that spread through sexual activity with someone who is already infected. They may be transmitted by mouth, anus, vagina or penis. Many of these infections can be treated with antibiotics. In Our Own Words Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections and viruses spread through unprotected oral,…