A lightning injury occurs after short-term contact to the powerful stream of the strike. It is important to note that lightning delivers a significant electrical pulse in a fraction of a millisecond. The brief length of the contact often curbs the damage to the exterior skin layer. Additionally, lightning is not likely to trigger internal […]
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Tularemia is infection triggered by the bacteria Francisella tularensis which is obtained upon direct exposure to diseased wild animals, typically rabbits or bitten by an infected deer fly, tick or flea. Francisella tularensis is usually present in animals especially rabbits, rodents and hares. An individual can become infected by the following: Handling infected animal carcasses
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It is important to note that relapsing fever is caused by strains of the Borrelia species and spread by infected tick or lice. Tick-borne relapsing fever – an individual might be bitten by infected ticks that are usually carried by rats. Since the ticks feed at night and do not stay attached for long, many
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Anthrax is a potentially deadly infection caused by the Bacillus anthracis which can affect the lungs, skin or even the digestive tract in rare cases. Anthrax can be present in both wild and domesticated animals that graze such as sheep, cattle and goats. The bacteria generate spores that are capable of surviving for years in
Aspergillosis is an infection involving the lungs which is caused by the fungus Aspergillus. Aspergilli are quite common in the environment both outdoors and indoors, usually in air vents, compost heaps and airborne dust. In most cases, aspergillosis is caused by inhaling the Aspergillus spores. Many individuals inhale these spores daily without being affected. If
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There are various factors that increases the risk for an adverse drug reaction. The hereditary factors can make some individuals prone to the toxic effects of certain medications. There are also certain diseases that can alter the drug absorption, metabolism, elimination as well as the bodily reaction. What are the usual risk factors for an
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Hiccups are characterized as recurrent involuntary spasms of the diaphragm that is followed by rapid, noisy closing of the glottis. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen responsible for each breath. The glottis is the opening amidst the vocal cords which closes to prevent the flow of air to the
Diverticulitis involves inflammation or infection of one or several balloon-like sacs or diverticula. This usually occurs among those who have diverticulosis in which a diverticulum develops a small-sized hole that enables bacteria from the intestines to be released. Diverticulitis usually affects the sigmoid colon which is the last region of the large intestine prior to
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Rotavirus is a prevalent and highly contagious virus that trigger episodes of diarrhea and vomiting. It is responsible for causing severe diarrhea among young children ages 3-15 months. It is one of the viruses that causes gastroenteritis and quite common in developing countries. How rotavirus spreads One individual to another particularly if one who has
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Cluster headaches trigger intense pain that can manifest at the temple or area around the eye on one side of the head and lasts for a short period of time, typically 30 minutes up to 1 hour. The episodes tend to occur on a regular basis during a 1-3-month period and then followed by a
