Tag: Bronchiectasis

**Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease, meaning it is present from birth, not something a person acquires in their senior years.** However, a late diagnosis of CF, even at age 70, is possible, though rare, and often stems from a milder, atypical form of the condition that was previously misdiagnosed or overlooked for decades.

According to the National Institutes of Health, respiratory infections are the most common cause of acute exacerbations in chronic respiratory conditions. However, understanding the distinction is crucial for proper treatment, as the answer to the question, "Is an exacerbation the same as a chest infection?" is no.

Mucus plays an important role in the body, trapping irritants and protecting the lungs from infection. However, persistent overproduction of mucus, also known as chronic mucus hypersecretion, can be a symptom of various underlying health issues. Read on to learn more about what disease causes overproduction of mucus.

While often confused for a prefix, -ectasis is actually a medical suffix derived from the Greek word *ektasis*, meaning 'extension.' This common terminological component is used to denote the abnormal dilation, expansion, or stretching of a hollow organ or tubular structure in the body. Understanding this distinction is key to accurately interpreting medical terms.

Understanding medical terminology often starts with breaking down its components. This guide will explain **what does ectasis mean in medical terminology**, referring to the abnormal dilation or distension of a hollow organ or tubular structure.

According to a genomic-based analysis, the global prevalence of **primary ciliary dyskinesia** is estimated to be at least 1 in 7,554 individuals, a figure significantly higher than traditional estimates based on patient registries. This suggests that for many years, the condition has been greatly under-recognized and underdiagnosed, with many affected individuals likely remaining without a definitive diagnosis.

The acronym 'dibs' holds no single, universal meaning in the medical world, and its interpretation is highly dependent on the clinical context in which it is used. It is not, for example, a standardized term like CPR or BP. Instead, what is dibs in medical terms typically refers to one of several specific, documented medical concepts or research studies, each with its own unique significance.

It is estimated that Kartagener's syndrome affects approximately 1 in 30,000 live births, making it a rare genetic disorder. This condition, a subset of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), fundamentally affects the body's cilia, leading to a host of respiratory and other health issues.