Feeling a bit...ill?

All things that can go wrong with the human body. Hypochondriacs beware! **It is also not recommend to diagnose yourself with this blog.**

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Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, eyes, or mucus membranes turn yellow in color. The coloring comes from the byproduct of old red blood cells, called bilirubin. Jaundice usually indicates a more serious health issue.

Causes The liver rids the body of red blood cells that have died, which is a naturally and daily occurring activity. However, if the liver is damaged, these red blood cells may not be cleared. As a result, they release bilirubin, which shows up as yellowing of the eyes or skin. Jaundice also occurs if too many blood cells are dying or if bilirubin is unable to move through the digestive tract. Alcohol abuse may also lead to jaundice, as it impairs liver function.

Symptoms Yellowed skin and eyes, inside of mouth is yellowed, dark/brown-colored urine, or pale or clay-colored stools. 

Treatment Since there are multiple possibilities of the cause of jaundice, a diagnostic is run to see the cause. Once the cause is determined, doctors may administer treatments such as a removal of a gallstone blocking the bile duct or a liver biopsy to determine antibiotics needed. 

Prognosis Unless mistreated or left untreated, patients will make a recovery from jaundice, providing that the underlying symptom is treated. 

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Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes developmental problems. It is mostly known for cardiovascular disease and learning disorders as well as a social personalities and affinity for music, which may be present side-by-side. It affects about 1 in 10,000 people, with an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 in the United states alone.

Causes Williams syndrome is a deletion of about 25 different genetic factors on chromosome 7. One of the deletion codes for elastin, which is found in connective tissue as well as cardiovascular tissue.

Symptoms Delayed speech and/or a speaking disability, developmental delay, ADD, clinodactyly (inward bend of small finger), learning disorders, mild to moderate retardation, shorter than others in family, pectus excavatum (sunken in chest), unusual appearance of face (flattened nasal bridge with upturned nose, long ridges in skin that run from nose to upper lip, prominent lips with open mouth, epicanthal folds (skin that covers inner corner of eye), partially missing teeth/defective tooth enamel/ small, widely spaced teeth). These symptoms may also be accompanied with certain personality traits, such as being very friendly, trusting strangers, fearing loud sounds, fearing physical contact, and/or interest in music.

Treatment There is no known cure for Williams Syndrome. Tests for Williams Syndrome are blood pressure checks, FISH test (tests for missing chromosome), echocardiography with Doppler ultra sound, and a kidney ultrasound. Most patients are warned against diets high in vitamin d and calcium.  Some patients will receive physical therapy if joint stiffness arises. Some patients may also receive treatment for learning disabilities or speech therapy. 

Prognosis It is estimated that 75% of all patients suffer from mental retardation. Most patients will live out a normal lifespan, but may need a permanent caregiver or residential care (supervised group homes).  

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AOA (Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia) Type 1

AOA type 1 is a genetic disorder that affects the nerve cells, resulting in movement problems. Type 1 is a rare form of AOA, affecting about 1 in 55 million. It is autosomal recessive. 

Causes AOA type 1 is inherited in a recessive pattern, which means that the affected offspring would have to receive the mutation. The mutation comes from the APTX gene, responsible for a protein, aprataxin, responsible in DNA repair. Because of this mutation, aprataxin is unable to function properly, resulting in an unstable aprataxin protein that is broken down too quickly within the cell.

Symptoms All symptoms are based on the individual patient and progression of the disease, as well as the age of onset. Typically, symptoms arise at about age seven. These symptoms include: abnormal gait (walking), ataxia (loss of full control of movements), incoordination, neurological function anomalies, speaking difficulty, limb dysmetria, difficulty moving eyes, distal muscle weakness and/or wasting, oculomotor apraxia (inability to move eyes horizontally), intention tremor (tremor during voluntary movement), loss of reflexes, peripheral neuropathy (unusual or abnormal sensations in extremities), quadriplegia, loss of ability to walk, short hands and/or feet, wasted hand and/or foot muscles, increased blood cholesterol levels, and decreased blood albumin levels. 

Treatment There is no known cure for AOA type 1. Many patients receive physical therapy and use a wheelchair if needed. A high-protein and low-cholesterol diet will be recommended once high blood cholesterol or decreased blood albumin levels appear. Genetic counseling and monitoring by a neurologist are also highly recommended. 

Prognosis Most patients will live out a life well beyond 50 years of age, assuming they follow their physician's guidelines for therapy and diet. 

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Sickle-Cell Disease

Sickle-cell disease (or sickle-cell anemia) is an autosomal recessive blood disorder. The name is derived from the blood cells present in the disease (pictured above), which appear to resemble a sickle. In the United States alone, there are an estimation that 1 in ever 500 African-American babies is born with sickle-cell and 1 in every 5,000 African-Americans have sickle-cell. Patients with sickle-cell are almost immune to malaria. The disease mostly afflicts those of African descent. 

Causes Since the disease is autosomal recessive, both carrier parents must pass on the mutation to their children. An abnormal type of hemoglobin, hemoglobin S, is produced because of the mutation. The Hemoglobin S is the factor that causes blood cells to appear to have a sickle-shape. These "sickles" carry less oxygen and can interrupt normal blood flow. 

Symptoms Most patients do not see symptoms until about four months old. Once symptoms are present, they include abdominal pain, bone pain, breathlessness, delayed growth/puberty, fatigue, fever, paleness, rapid heart rate, ulcers, and jaundice (yellowed eyes and skin). More sever symptoms may include chest pains, excessive thirst, frequent urination, painful and/or prolonged erection, poor eyesight or blindness, stroke, or skin ulcers. Almost all patients have crises (painful episodes) which afflict the back, long bones, and chest. 

Treatment There is no known cure for sickle-cell disease. Many patients are administered several tests, such as sickle-cell test or a complete blood count to test them for sickle-cell. Once diagnosed, patients may receive blood transfusions or be put on pain medications. Some patients may require a kidney transplant, gallbladder removal,  hip replacement, or other surgeries. 

Prognosis Most patients will live to about 50 or older. The most common causes of death from sickle-cell are from organ failure or infection. Some patients also experience long-term and frequent episodes that may cause complications (such as anemia, brain damage, tissue damage, etc.) 

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Variegate Porphyria

Variegate Porphyria is a very rare genetic disorder in which acute skin afflictions occur. It results from the body's underproduction of heme, which is an essential component for organs. The specific enzyme responsible for the afflictions is the protoporphyringen oxidase. There is no instance of occurrence in the United States due to how rare the disease is. However, in South Africa, 1 in 300 cases of porphyria are variegate porphyria. In Finland, 1 out of every 75,000 cases of porphyria is variegate porphyria. 

Causes Mutations in the PPOX gene cause the enzyme protoporphyrigen oxidase to become virtually inactive. Because of this low or inactivity, the production of heme is greatly reduced. The inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant (mutation is on a chromosome that is not a sex chromosome and requires only one carrier parent to pass on the mutation for it to present itself). 

Symptoms Many people may never display symptoms of this disorder. However, in some adult cases, acute intermittent porphyria and/or skin damage may occur. Acute attacks also include diarrhea,  vomiting, and constipation. In a severe attack, patients may experience muscle weakness, anxiety, seizure, and/or hallucinations. Some patients may also be very sensitive to sunlight, which would cause their skin to develop discoloration, blistering, hair overgrowth, or scarring. Exposed skin is easily damaged and fragile. 

Treatment There is no known cure, but many outbreaks have been linked to either poor diet, sun exposure, or from a drug given to the patients. Patients are asked to avoid carbohydrate restrictive diets, avoid fasting, take proper precautions in the sun, and check with their doctor for a "safe" list of drugs they are allowed to be given. In some cases, liver transplants have also been effective.

Prognosis Since most attacks are acute, the disease is usually not life threatening. However, if a patient experiences severe or profound attacks and do not get proper treatment, death or serious debilitation may occur. 

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Bruising

While a bruise is not an illness, it is a skin discoloration due to a blood vessel breaking just below the skin's surface. They may feel painful and make the afflicted area difficult to use. There are three types of bruises: subcutaneous (under the skin), intramuscular (within underlying muscle), and periosteal (bone).

Causes Bruising can be caused by a fall, sports injury, car accidents, being hit by another person, or being hit by an object. The discoloration from a bruise is due to the broken blood vessels, which leak their contents on tissue under the skin, making the bruise appear pink at first, then black-blue, then yellowish. 

Symptoms Pain, swelling, and skin discoloration often signify you have a bruise. The area may also be sensitive and hurt to touch.

Treatment Most physicians would recommend a bruise be elevated and iced. If the bruise is due to a sports-related injury, the bruised area may also need to be rested (not running for a few days if the patient is a runner). Acetaminophen may also be recommended. 

Prognosis It's fairly safe to assume that no one has died or become critically ill from bruising. However, bruising may be a sign of a more serious problem. If a patient feels increased pressure around the bruised area, they should seek immediate medical attention. Likewise, if a patient bruises without injury, medical attention should be received. 

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Color Blindness (pictured above is a photo of a test used to determine types of color blindness)

Color blindness is the inability to discern certain shades of a color or the inability to see certain colors. Most color blindness is attributed to a genetic factor, an x-linked mutation. As a result, most of the color blind population is male. It is estimated that about 1 in 10 men have color blindness. About 8% of the males in the world are color blind and roughly .5% of the females in the world are color blind. There are three types of color blindness: total color blindness (only seeing grey, black, and white), red-green color blindness (unable to discern red and green) and blue-yellow color blindness (unable to discern blue and yellow). 

Causes There are several causes to color blindness: genetics (majority), retinal damage, aging, or an eye injury/problems. Genetics: inherited color blindness may remain the same throughout a patient's lifetime or progress as time goes on. A mutation on the x-chromosome causes the patient to be missing a cone (light-perceiving transmitters to optic nerve) or one cone may not properly function, resulting in decreased color discernment. Retinal Damage: Patients exposed to large amounts of ultraviolet light or that have suffered severe enough trauma to damage the occipital lobe of the brain may develop color blindness later in life. Aging: As the body ages, certain cones may become less receptive to light, resulting in color blindness. Eye Injury/Problems: Problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy may attribute to color blindness. Deficiency in Vitamin A may also contribute to color blindness.

Symptoms The inability to see certain colors (green and red, for example), seeing many colors but differently than others (blue may look purple), only being able to see certain shades of a color instead of all shades (seeing pinks but not reds), and seeing in only black white & grey (very rare).  

Treatment There is no known cure for genetic color blindness. However, there are two diagnostic tests performed to see what type of color blindness is present. The first is a test involving many dots of different colors (pictured above) with the patient asked to trace the shape made by the opposite color. Another test uses colored chips where the patient is asked to group each according to color similarity. If a patient is color blind, the shapes will not be correctly grouped. Once diagnosed, if the patient has acquired color blindness (age, retinal damage, etc), surgery may be used to correct some instances (cataracts, for example). Other treatments may include colored contacts or glare-reducing glasses.

Prognosis Color blind patients will live out a normal life span. However, it is recommended they do not go into an electrical field of work (wire colors present danger), painting, fashion design, or cooking (they may not be able to discern if a food item is properly cooked).  

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Acromegaly  Photo above: Afflicted hand (left) versus normal hand (right) 

Acromegaly is a metabolic illness in which abnormal production of growth hormone is produced. It is rare and can be life-threatening, depending on the severity. Acromegaly is known to cause abnormal growth of enlarged fingers, enlarged brow protrusion, enlarged feet, etc. This condition affects roughly 6 in every 100,000 adults.

Causes There are several causes of Acromegaly. The most common is the overproduction of growth hormone resulting from a tumor in the pituitary gland.  Another known cause comes from tumors located in either the pancreas, the adrenal glands, or the or lungs. A final cause stems from pituitary gigantism, which may also gigantism in certain conditions.

Symptoms Symptoms of this disorder are numerous and include (but are not limited to): body odor, carpal tunnel, weakness, easy fatigue, enlarged bones in face, feet, or hands, enlarged sebaceous glands, enlarged jaw and/or tongue, excessive height, excessive sweating, headache, hoarseness, joint paint and/or limited joint movement, thickening of skin/skin tags, widely spaced teeth, and widened fingers or toes. Some females may experience excessive hair growth and some patients have been known to experience unintentional weight gain.  If left untreated: patients will experience arthritis, cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel (if not already present), colonic polyps, glucose intolerance and/or diabetes, high blood pressure, hypopitituism, sleep apnea, spinal cord compression, uterine fibroids, vision abnormalities, and ultimately death. 

Treatment  Since an enlarged pituitary gland accounts for over ninety percent of cases, surgery to remove or shrink the tumor in the pituitary gland is performed. In some cases, radiation may be needed and will be given at the discretion of the patient. 

Prognosis In most cases, surgical removal of the tumor is successful and patients are able to recover and live a healthy life.

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Herpes Encephalitis

Herpes Encephalitis is a virus that causes brain inflammation. It is thought to be caused by Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1). It is rare and affects roughly 1 in 500,000 individuals per year. 

Causes HSV-1 virus may cause cold sores along the mouth, lips, eyelids, or on the eye. The virus then may travel up through the nasal passage and to the brain. An infant may be infected if the mother has genital herpes and the infant comes into contact with genital secretions during birth, but this is uncommon.

Symptoms A patient thought to have Herpes Encephalitis will undergo a spinal tap. 

Early Symptoms: sore throat, fever, headache, stiff neck, and vomiting. 

Progressive Symptoms: Personality changes, hallucinations, paralysis, convulsions, seizures, coma, and death (if left untreated).

Symptoms in Newborns: lethargy, seizures, tremors, irritability, poor feeding, and brain damage to the temporal and frontal lobes.

Treatment Herpes Encephalitis is hard to diagnose, due to it's rarity. However, once diagnosed, an acyclovir (antiviral oral medication that relieves symptoms) therapy is started. 

Prognosis Over half of the patients that have Herpes Encephalitis are untreated cases, which usually result in death.

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Marfan Syndrome

Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder in which the patient has abnormally long limbs, are unusually tall, and have long, thin fingers. The syndrome was first discovered in 1896. The gene FBN1 was discovered in 1991, which is where the mutation lies. It is estimated that 1 in every 5,000 people have Marfan Syndrome.

Causes Marfan Syndrome has a dominant pattern of inheritance. If one parent passes along the mutation to a child, the child will have Marfan Syndrome. The actual syndrome is caused by a mutation of the FBN1 gene, which codes for connective tissue. Because of this deletion, the skeletal system, cardiovascular system, eyes, and skin cannot properly grow and develop. 

Symptoms There are several symptoms of Marfan syndrome. All or some may be present and include: Cardiovascular: enlarged/bulging aorta, aortic dissection, and mirtral valve prolapse (MVP). Skeletal: long arms and/or legs, tall and thin body shape, scoliosis and/or kyphosis, pectus excavatum (sunken chest), pectus carinatum (protruding chest), long and thin fingers, flexible joints, flat feet, and over-crowded teeth. Ocular (eyes): myopia (severe nearsightedness), dislocated lens, detached retina, early glaucoma, and early cataracts.  Other: unexplained stretch marks, spontaneous pneumothorax (spontaneous collapse of lungs),  dural ectasia (swelling of sac around spinal column). 

Treatment Each symptom is treated individually. Patients experiencing ocular problems will have surgeries to correct it as early as they are detected.  Special medications may be administered to help slow the heart rate, though additional surgeries to replace valves may be required. Antibiotics are also administered to prevent endocarditis. 

Prognosis The outlook on Marfan Syndrome is extremely positive -- most patients survive to their sixties and well beyond. The only serious complication that can arise are heart-related problems.  

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Laron Syndrome

Laron Syndrome (Laron-Dwarfism) is a genetic disorder categorized by short stature and a resistance to both diabetes and cancer. It is predominately autosomal recessive, though autosomal dominant inheritance has also been reported in some cases. 

Causes Since the syndrome is autosomal recessive, both the mother and father must be carriers of the mutated gene. There is a twenty-five percent chance that two carrier parents will produce an affected child. 

Symptoms The most common symptom is short stature, though there are others including: Physical: prominent forehead, depressed nasal bridge, under-developed jaw, truncal obesity, and micropenis.  Others may include: seizures, hypoglycemia, decreased mental capacity, delayed puberty, delayed motor development, and high-pitched voice.

Treatment There is no known cure for Laron Syndrome. However, patients may receive treatments of biosynthetic hormone IGF-1 to help reverse or lessen effects of the syndrome. To be effective, this treatment must be done before puberty, so an early diagnosis is crucial.

Prognosis Patients with Laron Syndrome can live out a healthy life despite growth abnormalities. They also benefit from the resistance to cancer and diabetes.  

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Common Cold

The common cold is one of the most common viral infections among humans. On average, adults experience a cold twice per year. Children may experience anywhere from six to twelve per year. 

Causes This pesky ailment usually starts with a viral infection to the upper respiratory system. The most common contributors to the common cold are rhinovirus and picoornavirus. In addition, there are also 200 other known contributors to the common cold. 

Symptoms Runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache, mild fever, fatigue, muscle ache, and loss of appetite.  

Treatment There are many over-the-counter treatments that promise to shorten the length of a cold, but there is no known cure. Zinc and vitamin C are two of the most common treatments for a cold. Other treatments include saline nasal drops to help relieve nasal congestion, cough drops for sore throats, heating pads for aches, and proper hydration. Though many people swear by chicken soup, there is no proof that it cures a cold. 

Prognosis Most colds last about a week and clear up providing the patient takes proper care and stays hydrated.  Patients with a history of respiratory infections or decreased immunity may have an increased duration or develop other illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia. These individuals should seek proper medical attention. 

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Influenza

Influenza (referred to as the flu) is an infectious disease that may be transmitted via air, direct contact with infected surfaces, or contact with bird droppings. It is estimated that between 5 and 20% of the population in the United States are infected with the flu each year. Influenza has also caused a series of pandemics, such has the H5N1("bird flu) in Asia during the 1990s and the H1N1("swine flu") outbreak in several nations during 2009. 

Causes The flu virus is airborne and may be transmitted during coughing, sneezing, or speaking. The virus may also live on surfaces and be transmitted once touched and transferred to the nose, eyes, and/or mouth.  

Symptoms The flu closely resembles the common cold at first, with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughing. The flu is more sudden than a cold, with symptoms suddenly arising. Symptoms specific to the flu are: fever over 100F, aching muscles, chills, sweats, headache, dry cough, fatigue, weakness, and nasal congestion. 

Treatment It is recommended to just get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. In some cases, a patient may be prescribed oseltamivir or zanamivir to help lessen symptoms and reduce the duration.  During an outbreak of a flu, vaccinations are very effective in preventing it. It is also suggested that crowds are avoided, as well as keeping up with good hand washing and containing sneezes and/or coughs.

Prognosis Most strains of the flu tend to clear up after about a week or two. In cases with patients in poor health, the flu may be life threatening. Those at the highest risk for a life-threatening flu are the elderly, those with weak immune systems, those who smoke, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Those in poor health or with weakened immune systems face the risk of developing other illnesses such as pneumonia.

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Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition in which the patient has 47 chromosomes instead of 46. Each patient has different symptoms, though there are common factors to the disease (see symptoms). Down syndrome is the most common birth defect, occurring in 1 out of 733 births. There are several theories of how this occurs: Trisomy 21, Mosaicism, Robertsonian translocation, and a duplication of a portion of chromosome 21. 

Causes Trisomy 21 - Trisomy 21 is the most common cause of Down Syndrome, accounting for about 90 percent of the cases. An extra copy of chromosome 21 is produced during development of a fetus.  Mosaicism - a rare cause of Down Syndrome. During fetal development, an extra copy of chromosome 21 is produce due to mosaic DNA (caused by abnormal cell divisions).   Robertsonian translocation - another rare cause Down Syndrome. This may occur if a portion of chromosome 21 attaches itself to another chromosome during conception. Patients with this have a normal set of chromosome 21, but have another chromosome with an extra long "arm".  Duplication - very rarely, a portion of chromosome 21 will duplicate itself. During the duplication, not all genes are copied. 

Symptoms Decreased muscle tone at birth, excess skin at nape of neck, flattened nose, sutures (separated joints between bones of skull), one crease in the palm of the hand, small ears, small mouth, upward slanted eyes, wide short hands with short fingers, Brushfield spots (white spot on eye), delayed physical development, delayed mental development, delayed social development, impulsive behaviour, poor judgement, short attention span, slow learning. Medical conditions that may arise: heart defects, dementia, cataracts, esophageal atresia, duodenal atresia, hearing problems, hip problems, chronic constipation, sleep apnea, dental issues, hypothyroidism. 

Treatment There is no known cure for Down Syndrome. Surgery may be required at the discretion of a physician, according to which defects are present. A healthy diet and adequate exercise are crucial, as obesity may arise due to poor dieting habits and lack of physical activity. Many patients will also need to be in special education programs. 

Prognosis Most patients are estimated to live to about 50. This could be affected by several factors, such as heart defects or dementia.  

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Diabetes Mellitus 

Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by high levels of blood sugar either due to lack of insulin production or the body's failure to respond to the insulin produced. There are three types of Diabetes: Type 1 - the body's failure to produce insulin; Type 2 - the body's resistance to insulin produced; Gestational Diabetes - high glucose levels in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are incurable. Nearly 3% of the entire world's population is estimated to have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Causes Type 1 - is generally caused by inheritance and then triggered. The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, leaving the body deficient of insulin. As a result, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream. Type 1 generally appears during childhood. Type 2 - Also thought to be genetic as well as heavily dependent on the environment. Obesity is a major factor in Type 2, although not every patient with Type 2 Diabetes is overweight or obese. The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 is in Type 2, the body becomes immune to insulin and the pancreas cannot compensate. As a result (as in Type 1) sugar accumulates in the bloodstream. Type 2 may appear at any age. Gestational - The placenta may overproduce hormones to help sustain the pregnancy and as a result the body becomes resistant to insulin. The pancreas may be unable to compensate, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. 

Symptoms Polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), unexplained/unintentional weight loss, ketones in urine, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, mild high blood pressure, and frequent infection.

Treatment There is no known cure for diabetes. However, if a patient is diagnosed with diabetes, they should follow a healthy diet and exercise plan, though there are no "diabetes specific diets". It is recommended that they stay away from high-glucose foods. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may call for blood sugar monitoring (how often is by discretion of a physician), insulin therapies (such as insulin pumps or insulin injections), medications (pancreas stimulating, glucose-inhibiting, or those that block stomach enzymes from breaking down carbohydrates too fast), pancreatic transplant (Type 1), or bariatric surgery (Type 2).  In gestational diabetes, a healthy diet and exercise plan will be prescribed at physician's discretion, as well as possible blood monitoring equipment.

Prognosis Providing that patients that have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes follow their physician's instructions, they can live out a normal, healthy life. They also greatly reduce their risk of complications that may arise as a result of negligence, such as kidney disease, eye disease, nervous system disease, and stroke.  

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Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome (Progeria)

Progeria is a very rare genetic disorder in which rapid aging occurs. Unlike most genetic disorders, the disease isn't passed from parent to child. The mutation of the LMNA gene happens during development in the womb. The mutation is believed to render cells unstable, causing the protein that holds the nucleus in place to improperly work. Because of this, rapid aging occurs. About 1 in 8 million children are affected with this syndrome.

Causes The LMNA gene undergoes a point mutation at which cytosine replaces thymine. Because of this, the protein Lamin A cannot properly be produced, which leads to unstable cells and limited cell divisions, thus causing rapid aging. 

Symptoms Slowed growth (less than average height and/or weight), narrowed face, beaked nose, alopecia (hair loss), scleroderma (hardening/tightening of skin), head is disproportionate to face, thin lips, visible veins, prominent eyes, micrognathia (small jaw), high-pitched voice, delayed and/or abnormal tooth formation, diminished body fat and muscle, stiff joints, hip dislocation, insulin resistance, and irregular heartbeat. 

Treatment Unfortunately, there is no known cure and very few treatments for progeria. Some doctors recommend low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack and/or stroke, physical therapy to help lessen the stiffening of joins, and a close monitoring of dental development. Other medications may be required to prevent heart problems. 

Prognosis Because of the rapid aging, very few patients live to be older than thirteen years. In some rare cases, some patients have lived to their early twenties. Many patients die between the ages of 9 - 11. The most common death is heart failure or stroke.

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Escherichia Coli      (E. Coli)

Escherichia Coli (commonly known as E. Coli) is a bacteria that can be found in the lower intestine and aids in digestion. However, some strains are known to cause harmful effects, such as diarrhea, kidney damage, vomiting, or death. 

Causes The disease-causing strain, E. coliO157:H7, contaminates food via manure, improperly cooked foods, contaminated water, poor hygiene (unclean hands), processing, or handling of foods. The slaughter process of animals (cattle, deer, sheep, pigs, turkeys, chickens, etc.) is one of the most common ways E. Coli may enter meats. E. Coli may also be transmitted person-to-person via improperly washed hands. Consumption of contaminated meats and produce will likely transmit the viral strain. Contaminated or improperly chlorinated water will also transmit E. Coli as well as drinking from the ocean, lakes, rivers, and streams.

Symptoms/Precautions

Symptoms include: Bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, bruising, fever, pale skin, passing small amounts of urine, and kidney failure (severe cases). 

Precautions: Buy fresh fruits and vegetables; do not purchase (or consume) produce that does not look fresh, is bruised, is rotted, or smells foul. Keep meats and produce separated at home. Clean fruits and vegetables. Properly wash hands. Cook (or order) meats well-done and do not eat under-cooked or raw meats. Drink purified water. 

Treatment Generally, the infection is known to go away on its own, provided the patient stays hydrated. If the strain worsens, blood transfusions or dialysis may be needed. 

Prognosis Most patients infected with E. Coli are cured within a few days after diagnosis, provided they stay properly hydrated. In worst case scenarios, patients have developed anemia or kidney failure. This is not common.