Thyroid Disorders

Identifies the differences between functional gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases. Explains the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and identifies appropriate treatment strategies. Discusses the pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative collitis and identify appropriate treatment strategies. Identifies psychosocial issues in chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Discusses new research on the causes of gastrointestinal disorders, such as peptic ulcer disease.

Identifies the causes and types of autoimmune disease. Identifies common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Describes the issues in diagnosing multiple sclerosis. Identifies possible courses of multiple sclerosis disease progression. Identifies available therapeutic options, including disease-modifying drugs, therapeutic agents for alleviating symptoms, and behavior modifications that may benefit a multiple sclerosis patient.

Inflammation, in its broadest sense, is the body’s response to tissue injury. Acute inflammation is typically of short duration, is nonspecific, and may be triggered by any injury. On the other hand, when the inflammation has a slow onset and persists for weeks or months it is referred to as chronic. A major difference between acute and chronic inflammation is that the former is restricted to a specific tissue or organ, whereas the latter affects the lining of the blood vessels throughout the body. In this sense, chronic inflammation is systemic. Chronic, systemic inflammation has been implicated as a major causative factor for several major diseases, including cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Detection of chronic inflammation is essential in order to prevent and control these disease processes. This course is designed to help clinicians understand the underlying physiological mechanisms that lead to chronic, systemic inflammation so that they may be more capable of assisting patients in avoiding unnecessary suffering, disability, and expense.