In cystic fibrosis, dysfunction of the exocrine glands affects multiple organ systems. The disorder is characterized by chronic airway infection…

Bronchitis is acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchi caused by irritants or infection. The distinguishing characteristic of bronchitis is…

Asthma is a reactive airway disorder characterized by inflammation and episodic airway obstruction. Such obstruction results from bronchospasms, increased mucus…

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a form of pulmonary edema that can quickly lead to acute respiratory failure. Also…

Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous veins, engorged with blood and resulting from poor venous valve function. They can be primary,…

In valvular heart disease, three types of mechanical disruptions can occur: stenosis, or narrowing, of the valve opening; incomplete closure…

Shock is a clinical syndrome that leads to reduced perfusion of tissues and organs and organ failure. Shock can be…

A systemic inflammatory disease of childhood, acute rheumatic fever develops after infection of the upper respiratory tract with group A…

Raynaud’s disease is one of several primary disorders characterized by episodic spasms of the small peripheral arteries and arterioles, precipitated…

Pericarditis Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium—the fibroserous sac that envelops, supports, and protects the heart. Acute pericarditis can be…