Medical Publications - SynappseHealth

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Gonorrhea overview

As a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, gonorrhea can infect both men and women and is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. Gonorrhea can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Symptoms of gonorrhea can change between men and women. As a very treatable infection, gonorrhea should not be an issue, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. To reduce the risk of gonorrhea infection, it's important to practice safe sex by using condoms during sexual activity, getting tested regularly for STIs, and informing sexual partners if you have been diagnosed with an STI. If you suspect you may have been exposed to gonorrhea, it's important to get tested and treated as soon as possible to prevent further transmission and complications. As a very prevalent illness, it was reported by the WHO that in 2020, over 80 million people were infected.

Khalil Khalaf

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Herpes Simplex Virus overview

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common viral infection that can cause painful sores or blisters on the mouth, lips, genitals, or anus. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1, which is most commonly associated with oral herpes (cold sores), and HSV-2, which is most commonly associated with genital herpes. Both types of HSV can cause sores in either area, and they can also cause infections in other parts of the body, such as the eyes and brain. While there is no cure for HSV, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. The WHO estimated that 67% and 13% of the world population are inflicted with HSV-1 and HSV-2 respectively.

Khalil Khalaf

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) overview

HIV, also known as, human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks and hinders the immune system and can lead to the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. This typically occurs through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV, or transmission from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The prevalence of HIV makes it an important topic of discussion as by the end of 2021, 38 million people were shown to live with the illness.

Khalil Khalaf

Infectious Diseases

Toxoplasmosis overview

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious illness that is brought about by a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. Humans can become infected with this parasite by consuming food or water that has been contaminated, or through exposure to the feces of infected cats. As a very prevalent illness, it is assumed that toxoplasmosis affects about 25% of the world's population. The following is highly dependent upon various regions of the world. The majority of infections do not require treatment, but in some cases, as we'll see below, treatment is required.

Khalil Khalaf

Diseases

Erectile dysfunction overview

Impotence is also known as erectile dysfunction (ED). It is defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection during intercourse. This topic is important as it is ongoing and affects about one-third of males worldwide. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction is expected to rise exponentially by 2025 thus resulting in increased stress, self-esteem issues, and depression. The development of an erection depends on various factors such as hormones, emotions, blood circulation, nerves, muscles, and mental state. It has been shown that impotence can result from both psychological and physical conditions.

Khalil Khalaf

General

Overview of common prostate disorders

As an integral part of the male reproductive tract, the prostate is a gland is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Its main function is to produce seminal fluid, a substance that is required to transport and nourish the sperm; other functionalities include urine flow control and hormone production. A variety of disorders can occur in the prostate as we will discuss in this short article.

Khalil Khalaf

General

Hormonal imbalance overview

Hormones are endogenous chemicals that act as messengers to regulate normal physiologic actions such as reproduction, circadian rhythm, mood, metabolism, sex, and growth. A hormonal imbalance is described as when an individual is producing too little or too much thus resulting in homeostasis disruption. It has been shown that even minor changes (classified as chronic or temporary) in hormones can lead to long-term complications and illnesses.

Khalil Khalaf

Autoimmune Diseases

Allergies: causes, symptoms and complications, diagnostics, and treatments

Allergies develop after a foreign protein (allergen) enters our body and is recognized as a threat by our immune defenses resulting in an allergic reaction. In different individuals, allergens may or may not result in an immune reaction. Once your immune system recognizes the allergen as a threat after first exposure, immune cells will form immunoglobulin E (IgE antibody), called sensitization. Upon re-exposure, the previously formed immunoglobulin E antibodies will bind to immune cells called mast cells and induce a release of histamine which will result in a symptomatic reaction. Mast cells reside in membranes covering the entire gastrointestinal tract, skin, and respiratory tract, explaining how various symptoms can develop during an allergic reaction. It is an important topic of discussion as the prevalence of allergen sensitization affect 40% of the population worldwide.

Khalil Khalaf

Rheumatic Diseases

Osteoporosis overview: factors and types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Osteoporosis is a slow-developing illness that causes bones to be more fragile and thus more susceptible to breaking. The disease is called the "silent illness" because it is generally not painful unless a bone breaks. This disease develops as we age but various other factors can lead to its development. This debilitating illness was shown to affect 18.3% of the population worldwide.

Khalil Khalaf

Respiratory System Diseases

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overview

Unlike restrictive pulmonary diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes it harder for the individual to exhale air from the lungs thus resulting in shortness of breath. Individuals develop this condition because internal respiratory structures become damaged or narrowed resulting in air trapping within the lungs thus, requiring the individual to work harder to expire. COPD is the name of the condition that covers chronic bronchitis (recurring wet cough lasting for an extended period of 3 months for at least two years consecutively) and emphysema (damaged alveoli that become abnormally inflated due to weakened alveolar walls).

Khalil Khalaf