Browse by condition.

Lactase Deficiency

Lactic acidosis

Lactic acidosis is a serious metabolic condition that occurs when lactic acid builds up in the bloodstream faster than the body can clear it, causing a high anion gap metabolic acidosis often first detected as an elevated lactate level on blood tests. It develops when lactate production increases, clearance by the liver or kidneys decreases, or both—disrupting the body’s normal acid–base balance. Lactate is produced during normal energy metabolism, especially when oxygen delivery is limited or energy demand is high. In lactic acidosis, this balance is overwhelmed, leading to accumulation of acid in the blood. Types and Mechanisms Lactic acidosis is commonly classified in clinical practice into two main types: Type A (hypoxic): Caused by inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to anaerobic metabolism and excess lactate production. This is the most common form and occurs in conditions such as sepsis, shock, severe anemia, or cardiac arrest.

Lactose Intolerance

LADA

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Understanding Leaky Gut: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Management Strategies Do you suspect a ‘leaky gut’ is to blame for your digestive discomfort? Look no further for clarity. Leaky gut, characterized by a weakened intestinal lining, can cause symptoms from bloating to food sensitivities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify its causes, the array of symptoms it can involve, and the most effective ways to restore your gut health. Key Takeaways Leaky gut syndrome, characterized by increased intestinal permeability, allows substances from the digestive tract to leak into the bloodstream, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and bloating. The condition is associated with a spectrum of potential causes, including poor diet, excessive alcohol use, stress, imbalances in gut microbiota, and infections, and can contribute to various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Leukemia / Bone Marrow Disorders

Leukocytosis

Leukopenia

Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis

Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (lcSSc) – Understanding the Condition What is Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis? Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) is a subtype of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), an autoimmune connective tissue disease that causes fibrosis (hardening) of the skin and internal organs. In lcSSc, skin thickening is typically restricted to the hands, forearms, face, and lower legs, distinguishing it from diffuse systemic sclerosis, which affects larger areas of the body. This condition was historically referred to as CREST syndrome, an acronym representing its key features: Calcinosis – Calcium deposits in the skin and tissues Raynaud’s phenomenon – Reduced blood flow causing fingers/toes to turn white or blue in cold temperatures Esophageal dysmotility – Difficulty swallowing due to reduced esophageal movement Sclerodactyly – Thickened, tight skin on the fingers Telangiectasia – Dilated blood vessels appearing as red spots on the skin Causes and Risk Factors The exact cause of lcSSc remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a dysregulated

Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (CREST Syndrome)

Liver Disease

Liver Disease (Acute)

Acute liver disease refers to sudden, significant impairment of liver function that develops over a short period — typically days to weeks. The liver performs hundreds of vital functions including filtering toxins from the blood, producing proteins needed for clotting and immune function, and metabolising drugs and nutrients. When the liver is acutely injured or inflamed, these functions are disrupted, and the effects can range from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening. Acute liver disease is a broad category that encompasses many specific conditions. The most common forms are acute viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, and alcoholic hepatitis. Most cases resolve fully with treatment or removal of the cause; a smaller proportion progress to acute liver failure, which requires urgent specialist care. Causes Acute liver disease has many possible causes. The most clinically important are: Viral hepatitis Infection with hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E viruses is among the most common causes worldwide. Hepatitis A and E typically cause self-limiting acute illness.

Liver failure

Liver failure is a serious condition that occurs when the liver loses its ability to carry out vital functions such as detoxifying the blood, producing key proteins, and regulating metabolism. Abnormal blood tests—like rising bilirubin, low albumin, or prolonged clotting time—often reveal the problem before symptoms become severe. Liver failure can develop suddenly (acute liver failure) or progress gradually over time as a result of chronic liver disease (chronic liver failure). In both cases, impaired liver function leads to toxin buildup, disrupted metabolism, and abnormalities in fluid balance and blood clotting. Types and Disease Progression Liver failure is typically classified into two main forms: Acute liver failure: Develops suddenly, usually within days or weeks, in individuals without prior liver disease. It can progress rapidly and requires urgent medical attention. Chronic liver failure: Develops over months to years, often as the end stage of long-term liver disease such as cirrhosis. Symptoms and lab abnormalities worsen as liver function declines.

Lupus Nephritis

Lyme Borreliosis

Lyme Disease

If you have Lyme test results in hand, this page explains how the Western blot works, what reactive bands mean, and how to find the specific band result you are looking at. How Lyme Disease Testing Works Lyme disease testing in the US follows a two-step process recommended by the CDC: Step 1 — ELISA or EIA (screening test). A blood test that measures the overall level of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. If this test is negative, no further testing is typically recommended. If it is positive or equivocal, a second confirmatory test is ordered. Step 2 — Western blot (confirmatory test). This test separates Borrelia burgdorferi proteins by molecular weight and identifies which specific proteins your immune system has produced antibodies against. Results are reported band by band, with each band corresponding to a specific protein. The Western blot is not ordered or interpretable in isolation — it is a confirmatory test, meaningful only in the context of a positive or equivocal first-tier ELISA. IgG vs.

Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy: Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes Lymphadenopathy refers to the swelling or enlargement of lymph nodes—small, bean-shaped glands that play a crucial role in the immune system. These nodes are found throughout the body, including the neck, armpits, groin, and abdomen. This condition is relatively common and is typically caused by infections, although other factors can contribute. Common Causes of Lymphadenopathy Infections Viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or strep throat, are the most frequent causes. Autoimmune Diseases Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can trigger lymph node swelling. Malignancies Although rare, cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia may present with swollen lymph nodes. Medications Certain drugs may cause lymph node enlargement as a side effect.

Lymphocytopenia

Lymphocytosis

Lymphoma

Lymphopenia