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DISEASE INFORMATIONThese definitions are not intended to replace medical advice or explanation from your medical doctors. Please consult your physician for information regarding your own care. Definitions were written by members of SHAD and not all diseases listed are autoimmune diseases, but they are diseases that many of our members have. A-C D-F G-I J-L M-O P-R S-U V-Z A Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is am inflammatory disease of the spine, found more commonly in men. It destroys the bone and cartilage and then leads to fibrous tissue formation. The end result is the fusion of the spine or peripheral joints. Ankylosing Spondylitis usually begins at the base of the spine and works its way up. Women tend to have more of the peripheral joint manifestations and it is harder to diagnose in women.
C Cardiomyopathy: The heart enlarges and does not pump the blood properly resulting in a low blood volume ejecting from the heart. Due to this an abnormal amount of blood remains in the left side of the heart which usually results in congestive heart failure (CHF). The heart becomes large and has an abnormal shape with damaged muscle fibers. Prognosis is usually poor. There are many causes of cardiomyopathy, connective tissue diseases being one of them. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome results from nerve entrapment at the wrist, caused by inflammation or fibrosis (scar tissue) of the tendon sheaths. This often affects a person's ability to perform their job because it results in sensory and motor changes in the hand.
Chrohn's Disease: With Chrohn's Disease there is inflammation of any part of the gastrointestional tract. It includes all layers of the intestional wall and regional lymph nodes. The cause is unknown but allergies, immunologic disorders, infection, lymphatic disorders or genetic predisposition have been suspected. Abscesses, ulcerations, fistulas anf stenosis can occur. Symptoms may mimic appendicitis with lower right abdominal pain, cramping, nausea fecer and diarrhea. Bleeding may occur. Treatment is based upon symptoms. Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction: (CIP) This is a condition caused by a dysfunction of the nerves or muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, causing abnormal gastrointestinal motility. It is a severe, life threatening condition and often affects children. Because of the dysfunction of the gastro intestinal tract, feedings are often done by "feeding tubes" and IV treatments are often needed. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): There are two types of CHF, right and left sided. It is caused by a dysfunction of the heart resulting in "pump" damage. Depending upon the type, symptoms may vary from edema (water retention) in the lower extremities to shortness of breath, wheezing, high blood pressure, abdominal distention, nausea and vomiting. There are various other symptoms depending upon type. With proper treatment the outlook is good, depending upon the underlying disease that produced the heart failure.
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