Diseases and Genetic Disorders - Assignment Example

There are various parts of the body, and we refer to them as systems. We have our Cardiovascular, Lymph, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive systems just to name a few of them. Each system is responsible for performing a specific function. Sometimes things go wrong due to health or genetics and the particular system is unable to continue to carry out the function that it is responsible for. Sometimes we can change our diet and we will be able to improve the function of our system, and it will begin to work normally, other times an improvement in our diet will not have an effect either way with the problem that one may be experiencing, but it will increase the function of the other systems. Unfortunately there are many different factors that can affect the functionality of the system; ranging from our family history, to the environment that we live in. That is why it is important to be aware of our surroundings, and environmental factors. It is also very imperative that we pay attention to what our body systems are telling us. For example if one begins to experience unexplainable pain, or notice a lump in an area that does not go away, then it becomes important to get a check up and to see what is causing the problem. Many look over the warning signs and they get to the point of experiencing so much pain, or to the point where they notice that something is not right, then it is too late, and there is nothing that can be done to reverse what has occurred within the particular system. Our Cardiovascular system is one of the systems that are very important to paying close attention to what we are feeling. Our cardiovascular system is also known as the circulatory system. Our heart is within the system, which is responsible for pumping the blood throughout our bodies. The heart is a muscle that is about the size of one's fist. If the heart is not functioning properly then there will be problems with the other systems within the body. There are multiple problems that can occur with the heart. Some can be genetic and present at birth while other conditions can occur as we live from day to day. Carotid Artery disease is one of the heart diseases that can occur. We have two arteries on either side of our neck, and they are called our carotid arteries. The function of these two arteries is to take blood that is rich in oxygen outside the heart and to bring blood to the frontal section of one's brain, which is responsible for such things as thought, speech, who we are, senses and motor skills. When you place your hands on either side of your neck, the pulsation that you feel is from your carotid artery. Another function of these arteries is to create deposits which contain fat and cholesterol. The scientific term for these deposits is plaque. As time passes the plaque begins to collect on the arteries, and as a result the amount of blood that is able to pass through the arteries decreases and the amount of blood that is able to get to the brain also decreases, and can result in a stroke. A stoke can occur is the artery becomes too narrow for blood to pass through, if some of the plaque breaks off and enters into the blood stream and travels to the brain, or if a lump forms, also called a clot, and the clotted artery has already become narrow. It has been discovered that one with carotid artery disease can also become susceptible due to a family history. Other factors are how old you are, rather or not one smokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol problems. If ones notices and pays attention to the signs of carotid artery disease and seeks treatment in time then there are various steps that can be taken to keep carotid artery disease from having a bad end. Some of the treatments are changing one's lifestyle, such as completely stop smoking, and take control of diabetes and high blood pressure, by taking medications and watching one's diet. There are also various medications that can be taken, as well as treatments that can be done by the patient's doctor. Hodgkin's disease is also known as cancer of the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are classified within the Lymph system. This system is responsible for transporting fluid from the tissues and carrying the fluid into the blood or the circulatory system. There are lymph nodes in various parts of the body, such as in our neck, and armpits. Hodgkin's disease is the production of cancerous cells that have formed within the cells of the lymphatic system ["Hodgkin's Disease (lymph node cancer); 1998-2000 ] Signals of Hodgkin's disease, and signs that one needs to visit the doctor are inflammation of the lymph nodes. The swelling can be in the lymph nodes of the neck, armpits, or the groin. The exact reason as to why one may develop Hodgkin's disease's is not one that has been pinpointed. It is believed that it could be a result of a virus. Once it has been determined that one has Hodgkin's disease treatment can be received by the means of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. ["Hodgkin's Disease (lymph node cancer); 1998-2000 ] Hodgkin's disease is a severe disease, but if caught and treated in time there is a high probability that one can be completely cured. The respiratory system is responsible for the air flow that goes in and out of the lungs. The lungs are responsible for changing carbon dioxide, which enters into our body when we breathe in, into oxygen, which is what we breathe out. The flow of air in and out of the body is made possible by our diaphragm. Sometimes one may develop a condition called pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism happens when the arteries that are located within the lungs forms a blockage. This blockage, which could be a result of blood clots from possibly the legs, travels to the lungs and stops the correct flow of air that is able to flow in and out of the lungs. It has been found to occur within passengers on long airplane rides. It has also been noticed to be one of the top causes of deaths in hospitals. Possibly one of the reasons for so many deaths as a result of pulmonary embolism is because there are so many different signs, and the signs depend on how the lung has been affected by the blockage. Some of the signs that one needs to visit an emergency room or their doctor is the inability to breathe at a regular pace, it doesn't matter if you are running or sitting. Some experience chest pain which can be mistaken for a heart attack. Blood that is coughed up or a change in the rate of one's heartbeat. Some of the causes of pulmonary embolism are the lack of activity, let it be because someone is bed ridden or just the lack of mobility. Surgery, such as in the lower limbs, medical problems, obesity, various catheters or pacemakers, birth control pills, genetics, and smoking. Once it has been determined that one has pulmonary embolism via various test, then it is very important that treatment be started immediately. One form of treatment is receiving blood thinners through an IV. The blood thinners assist in thinning out the clots, with the hopes that the clot causing the problem will dissolve. If the blood thinners do not assist with the clots then there is a second option in which a fitter can be inserted within one of the main veins of the body, the inferior vena cava in the abdomen leading from the legs and pelvis to the right side of your heart. This is done by inserting the fitter on the tip of a catheter through a vein in your groan or neck. ["Pulmonary Embolism:Treatment." 28 Sep 2007 ] Once treated it is important to make sure to not do what was done to receive the first pulmonary embolism. If one was inactive it is important to become inactive. If the pulmonary embolism was received from a long flight, it is important to get up during the flight and move around. Crohn's Disease is a Digestive disorder in which the digestive track becomes inflamed. Crohn's disease can include any part of the digestive system. Crohn's disease is disease that has no cure, there is no proven theory as to why one develops Crohn's disease, there is, however, one popular belief that deals with the immune system. The immune system produces white blood cells, and these cells gather within the intestine lining and produce very serious swelling. And the results of the swelling are ulcers and damage to the bowel system. Sufferers of Crohn's disease have pain usually in the lower right side of their stomach as well as diarrhea. They may also experience bleeding of their rectum, unintentional weight loss, inflammation of the joints, various skin troubles, fever, and anemia. Patients with Crohn's disease take medications such as inflammatory reduction medication, steroids, and immune system suppressors. There are also various supplements that can be taken and a last result will be surgery. The main purpose of the various treatments are to control the amount of inflammation that one has, as well as maintain a balanced nutritional intake, assist with the pain felt in the stomach as well as diarrhea and bleeding. Since there is no cure, it is important to make sure to keep the symptoms under control. Another one the body systems is the Urinary System. This system is responsible for the removal of waste from our body. There is a condition that results from the lining in the main artery of the kidney becoming narrower. As a result the kidneys receive less blood than what is needed and an increase in renin. Renin a hormone that is responsible for maintaining blood pressure, when renin increases one's blood pressure also increases. Patients who suffer from renal artery stenosis often have a decrease in the amount of blood flow and as a result the kidney usually decreases in size. The second kidney then becomes at risk for damage. Some of the causes of renal artery stenosis are carotid and coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight, vascular disease, and smoking. Some of the warning signs for renal artery stenosis are the kidneys being different sizes, pain in the calf when walking, getting high blood pressure when you are over fifty with no previous signs of high blood pressure, and those who have had blood pressure problems, a notice in the increase in the pressure. In order control renal artery stenosis it is important to take the prescriptions that are prescribed by one's doctor. These medications can include high blood pressure medications, various blockers such as beta, and calcium channel, just to name a few. There is a possibility of surgery. Some patients of renal artery stenosis have a very good diagnosis after treatment. Sometimes there can be a recurrence but less medication is needed. The reproductive system is one of the most important systems as it assists in the reproduction of our mankind. There are various diseases that can affect the reproduction system which can cause one to not be able to reproduce or cause problems in doing so. One such reproduction problem can arise from Turner Syndrome. Turner Syndrome is a condition that affects young girls. The question still arises as to why the syndrome occurs. The syndrome affects the X chromosomes, in which most females have two X chromosomes, and males have an X and a Y chromosome. With Turner Syndrome, the female is born with one complete X chromosome, and a partial second X chromosome. The symptoms noticed by the young girls vary, depending on which part of the body is affected by the syndrome. Girls who have Turner syndrome do not reach normal heights. They are usually shorter only reaching 4'7. When Turner Syndrome is recognized in a female still growing they can be given medications which consist of hormones that will assist with her growth. Another problem that is experienced by those who have Turner Syndrome is a lack of development of the ovaries, which can affect her complete sexual progress. Those who reach puberty without receiving treatment do not develop as an average female. As a result most females with Turner Syndrome will not be able to have children. A few noticeable affects of Turner Syndrome are extra skin on the neck connected to the shoulder, a low hairline on the back of the neck, the eyelids droop, their ears are lower on the side of their head, the bones in such areas of the hands and elbows do not develop normally, and an increased number of moles. Due to Turner Syndrome being a chromosomal condition and not a disease, it can not be cured. Even though it can not be cured, there are treatments that the girls can receive that will assist with some of the noticeable conditions. One such treatment is giving the young girl growth hormones that will assist with height; estrogen can also be given which assist with the lack of puberty, which can produce female development. The future of a female with Tuner Syndrome can be a positive one. Even though there may be some physical differences, and some learning difficulties, there are various treatments that can assist the female in feeling like a female. It has also been recognized that females with Turner Syndrome excel in writing, memorization, and language. They are also able to remember what they have heard. In conclusion, as noticed, most of the conditions that occur within our systems can either be completely treated or there are various treatments that can assist the patient with living with the disease. There is hope with most conditions, but the key to all diseases is to get treated in time. Sources: Ethan A Holm, M.D., M.P.H., Edward L. Hannan, Ph.D., Mary Rojas, Ph.D. "Certain An Surgical Factors Affect A Patient's Risk of Death Or Stroke Following Carotid Endoarterectomy" Sep 2005: pp 420-428 "Carotid Artery Disease." March 2002 "Hodgkin's Disease (lymph nodes cancer)" "Pulmonary Embolism: Treatment" 28 Sep 2007 "Crohn's Disease" Feb 2006 "Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS) & Renal Vascular Hypertension (RVH) - Nephrology Channel" 23 Jan 2008 Read More