Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy)

Lymphadenopathy is a term meaning “disease of the lymph nodes.” It is, however, almost synonymously used with “swollen/enlarged lymph nodes”. It could be due to infection, auto-immune disease, or malignancy.

Sjögren’s syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome (also known as “Mikulicz disease” and “Sicca syndrome”) is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva.

Scorpion Bite

All known scorpion species possess venom and use it primarily to kill or paralyze their prey so that it can be eaten; in general it is fast-acting, allowing for effective prey capture. It is also used as a defense against predators. The venom is a mixture of compounds (neurotoxins, enzyme inhibitors, etc.) each not only causing a different effect, but possibly also targeting a specific animal. Each compound is made and stored in a pair of glandular sacs, and is released in a quantity regulated by the scorpion itself. Of the over thousand known species of scorpion, only 25 have venom that is dangerous to humans; all belong to the family Buthidae.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the synovium (synovitis) secondary to hyperplasia of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development of pannus in the synovium. The pathology of the disease process often leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, pericardium, pleura, and sclera, and also nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue under the skin. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, autoimmunity plays a pivotal role in its chronicity and progression.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is the formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. It can be described as “scarring of the lung”.

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