Endocrinology

Dr. Rob explains · When the word part hepato- meaning liver is combined with the word part –itis meaning inflammation, we have the medical term hepatitis which is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is a condition that is usually caused by a virus. Various strains of hepatitis-causing viruses can be contracted in different ways. Hepatitis A is contracted from a virus by the ingesting of infected feces. An example of this would be drinking from an unclean water source that is contaminated by feces. Hepatitis B is contracted from another infected person by contact with infected bodily fluid either through sexual contact, sharing needles, or through the birth process from mother to baby.

Dr. Rob explains · The medical term hyperglycemia consists of three word parts: hyper- meaning too much, glyco- meaning sugar and –emia referring to a condition of the blood. When put together, we have the term hyperglycemia which refers to a high blood sugar level. Blood sugar levels are regulated by a substance called insulin that is made in the pancreas. If a patient is diabetic, insulin production is not high enough to regulate the body and sugar levels remain too high from food intake. Diabetes must be regulated by diet or medication to keep serious complications from occurring. Typical symptoms of blood sugar levels that are too high include: headache, weakness, thirst, and frequent urination.

Dr. Rob explains · is a condition that is caused by some form of liver malfunction or disease. In the body, a yellowish pigmented substance called bilirubin is created from the normal breakdown of red blood cells. This substance is normally filtered out by the liver. However, if the liver cannot do its job correctly, then unfiltered bilirubin builds up in the system and is usually seen in a yellowish pigmentation of the skin & eyes. Newborn babies can also develop jaundice in the first weeks of life as their liver has not yet begun to fully function after being dependent on the mother in the womb.