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Concept
Systemic conditions refer to diseases or disorders that affect multiple organs or the entire body rather than a single part. They often involve complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, necessitating a holistic approach to diagnosis and management.
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Homeostasis is the physiological process by which biological systems maintain stability and equilibrium in response to changing external conditions. It is essential for the survival of organisms, enabling them to regulate internal environments such as temperature, pH, and ion concentrations to ensure optimal functioning.
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Inflammation is the body's complex biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants, and is a protective attempt to remove the injurious stimuli and initiate the healing process. While acute inflammation is a vital part of the immune response, chronic inflammation can contribute to various diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
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Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, tissues, or organs, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. These disorders can affect almost any part of the body and often require lifelong management to control symptoms and prevent complications.
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Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
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Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that often require ongoing medical attention and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. They are typically characterized by their slow progression and can be influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking.
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Genetic predisposition refers to the increased likelihood of developing a particular disease or condition based on an individual's genetic makeup. It is influenced by specific gene variants inherited from parents, which may interact with environmental factors to trigger the onset of the condition.
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Multisystem involvement refers to the condition where multiple organ systems in the body are affected simultaneously, often complicating diagnosis and treatment. This phenomenon is commonly seen in complex diseases and conditions such as autoimmune disorders, systemic infections, and multi-organ failure, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective management.
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Pathophysiology is the study of the disordered physiological processes that cause, result from, or are otherwise associated with a disease or injury. It bridges the gap between basic biology and clinical medicine by explaining how and why certain symptoms and signs manifest in the body.
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Epidemiology is the study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations, focusing on the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions. It is a cornerstone of public health that informs policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare.
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Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes, states, or conditions that can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of diseases. They play a crucial role in personalized medicine by enabling tailored treatment strategies based on individual biological profiles.
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Gingival hyperplasia is the overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth, often caused by certain medications, hormonal changes, or systemic conditions such as leukemia. It can lead to complications like periodontal disease and requires management through improved oral hygiene, medication adjustment, or surgical intervention.
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Intrinsic discoloration refers to changes in the color of a tooth that originate from within the tooth structure itself, often due to factors such as developmental disturbances, systemic conditions, or certain medications. Unlike extrinsic discoloration, which affects the surface of the teeth, Intrinsic discoloration is more challenging to address and may require professional dental treatments like bleaching or veneers.
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Bilateral pain refers to discomfort or pain occurring on both sides of the body, which can be indicative of systemic conditions or symmetrical anatomical issues. It is crucial to assess the underlying causes, as it might be related to conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or peripheral neuropathy.
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Healing is a complex biological process that restores tissue integrity after injury, involving overlapping phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Complications can arise due to factors like infection, poor blood supply, or systemic conditions, potentially leading to chronic wounds or impaired function.
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Onychology is the scientific study of the structure, growth, and diseases of the nails, focusing on both fingernails and toenails. It plays a crucial role in dermatology and podiatry, aiding in the diagnosis of systemic conditions and local nail disorders.
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Enamel hypomineralization is a developmental defect of dental enamel characterized by insufficient mineral content, leading to softer and more porous enamel that is prone to decay and damage. It often manifests as white, yellow, or brown discolorations on the teeth and can result from genetic, systemic, or environmental factors affecting enamel formation during childhood.
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Leukonychia refers to the white discoloration appearing on nails, often caused by trauma, mineral deficiency, or systemic conditions. It can be classified into different types, such as true leukonychia, apparent leukonychia, and pseudoleukonychia, depending on the underlying cause and appearance.
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Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, is a condition characterized by abnormally thin nails that have lost their convexity, becoming concave in shape. This condition is often associated with iron deficiency anemia but can also be linked to other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
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Dacryoadenitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal gland, which is responsible for producing tears. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or systemic conditions, leading to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and redness in the outer part of the upper eyelid.
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