What Is Cystic Fibrosis (CF)?

Cystic fibrosis (CF)is a hereditary disease that affects the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. However, it can also be diagnosed later in life and into adulthood. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and complications associated with CF. Dusan Atlagic / Getty Images How Is Cystic Fibrosis Inherited? The gene responsible for CF, called CFTR, plays a role in encoding cells known as epithelial ions. If both parents have the same gene mutation, their child has a 25% chance of developing CF....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 437 words · Michelle Morgan

What Is Cystic Renal Cell Carcinoma?

ACKD usually develops in people with advancedchronic kidney diseasewho have been ondialysisfor a significant period of time. Having ACKD is known to significantly raise the risk of developing kidney cancer. And approximately 19% of people with ACKD overall are living with renal cell carcinoma (all types). KatarzynaBialasiewicz /iStock /Getty Images Plus Fortunately, many cystic renal cell carcinoma tumors are relatively slow growing and generally respond well to treatment. Most cases are discovered during routine imaging scans or screening for chronic kidney disease....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 302 words · John Santos

What Is Cytokine Storm Syndrome?

This article discusses cytokine storm syndrome, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. The heart may not pump as well as it normally would. As a result, cytokine storm can affect multiple organ systems. Justin Paget / Getty Images In cytokine storm syndrome, respiratory symptoms may worsen to becomeacute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It might require mechanical ventilation to help a person receive enough oxygen. It is also sometimes called cytokine release syndrome, CRS, or just cytokine storm....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 911 words · Paul Bailey

What Is Dacryocystitis (Tear Duct Infection)?

The tear sac can become inflamed and swell, resulting in dacryocystitis. This condition often triggers watery eyes, redness, and eye discharge. Tears then drain into the puncta, tiny holes in the upper and lower eyelids. Corbis/ VCG/ Getty Images They then pass through the drainage canals and into the lacrimal sac. Each bang out of dacryocystitis has different characteristics: Who Gets Dacryocystitis? Although dacryocystitis can occur at any age, it is more common in newborns and adults over 40....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 342 words · John Smith

What Is Dactylitis Psoriatic Arthritis?

Do you have sausage fingers? The name comes from the Greek word for finger (“dactylos”). Swelling in the toes can make it difficult to get around. Verywell / Jessica Olah It results in inflammation in the finger or toe joints, making digits swell. Researchers say three genes in particular cause inflammatory illnesses. Will a Gene Guarantee a Diagnosis? Associated Conditions Besides PsA, you may have other underlying conditions that contribute to or cause dactylitis....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 310 words · Kyle Page

What Is De Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer?

De novo metastatic breast cancer (also known asStage 4breast cancer) is a relatively rare breast cancer. However, advances in treatment options can improve and prolong the lives of patients. What Is De Novo? FatCamera / Getty Images “De novo” indicates that the cancer is the first diagnosis, not arecurringcancer. The signs and symptoms may depend on which areas the cancer has spread to. Further tests may be conducted to determine where the cancer has spread....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 236 words · Courtney Zimmerman

What Is Decerebrate Posturing?

With decerebrate posturing, a person is not conscious, and they dont have voluntary control over their movements. A stroke, head trauma, or a severe brain infection can cause decerebrate posturing. This article describes decerebrate posturing and what to expect if your loved one has this condition. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health This key in of physical reaction occurs along with many other signs and symptoms of brain damage....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 352 words · Jessica Eaton

What Is Decorticate Posturing?

In some situations, another medical condition, such asseizure, could appear similar to decorticate posturing. An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are important. This article describes decorticate posturing, its causes, treatments, and outcomes. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health When neurons are damaged, reflexes may take over due to an imbalance of activation and inhibition. This is what is happening with decorticate posturing. Is It Permanent? When diagnosed, decorticate posturing can be a sign of permanent brain damage....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 389 words · Suzanne Rush

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

DVT prevents deoxygenated blood from returning to the heart. As a result, circulation is blocked in the leg, which leads to pain and swelling. A blood clot that travels to your lungs is calledpulmonary embolism(PE). Verywell PE can deprive the tissues of blood and damage tissues. DVT is very serious and can be fatal. Vomiting, coughing up blood, and fainting are also signs of a PE. Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 340 words · Kimberly Walker

What Is Dementia?

Although dementia is more common with age, it is not considered a normal part of aging. This article will examine the signs, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dementia. Signs of Dementia Because dementia refers to multiple conditions, symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. shapecharge / Getty Images Amyloidplaques are known to play a role in Alzheimers disease. This build-up of protein causes damage and makes it harder for cells to communicate with each other....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 401 words · Holly Cruz

What Is Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DPDR)?

This article describes the causes and characteristics of depersonalization-derealization disorder, including how it is diagnosed and treated. Depersonalization and derealization are separate experiences. You may experience one of these more profoundly than the other, but they typically occur together in DPDR. Anna Efetova / Getty Images Some people refer to it as an “out-of-body experience.” Depersonalization means feeling like you are outside of your body or mind. Derealization means feeling like what is around you is not real....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 161 words · Crystal Owens DVM

What Is Developmental Psychology?

Developmentalpsychologyis the study of how humans grow, change, and adapt across the course of their lives. As the field grew, so did its focus. Today, developmental psychologists focus on all stages of the human lifespan. seksan Mongkhonkhamsao / Getty Images Depending on their training, a developmental psychologist might focus on a specific theory or approach within the field. These are a few of the major branches of developmental psychology. Conditions Treated Developmental psychologists can help people address developmental issues for reach their full potential....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 232 words · Douglas Diaz

What Is DHEA Used For and Should You Take It?

However, there isn’t strong evidence to support some of these claimed benefits. The DHEA in supplements is derived from a yam steroid calleddiosgenin. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Some people also believe that DHEA can increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and boost athletic performance. However, the evidence supporting these claims is weak. 2014;74(11):1195-1207. doi:10.1007/s40265-014-0259-8 MedlinePlus.DHEA. Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health...

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 93 words · Michael Stewart