MANILA -- A syndrome is different from a disease, and it usually affects more than just one body part.
In an interview on DZMM's "Magandang Gabi Dok," Dr. Joseph Lee, a urologist and surgeon, explained that unlike diseases, syndromes do not usually get treated.
"Ang syndrome kasi, ang classical, sabihin natin, manifestations and symptoms. Ganun naman, lahat naman ng sakit meron tayong any substance or medications na pwedeng gamutin ano, from medications, marami tayo," Lee said.
He added that medications are used merely to manage the symptoms of syndromes.
The causes of most syndromes are usually unknown.
"That's why it is a syndrome. It's never a disease because you are not specific, hindi tayo specific on that point," Lee said.
Diseases, on the other hand, can be treated, with its cause known.
An example of a syndrome is Parkinson's Disease. Although it is called a disease, doctors consider it as a syndrome, since it affects a person's motor system.
Also known as hypokinetic-rigid syndrome, Parkinson's disease is caused by the build up of lewy bodies, abnormal aggregates of protein, inside the nerve cells and the midbrain, or the substancia nigra.
The substancia nigra is a part of the brain that plays an important role in reward, addiction, and movement
Symptoms of Parkinson's include tremors and rigidity. Patients also tend to have what is called the Parkinsonian gait.
Patients also have difficulties in speaking, finding it difficult to move muscles in the mouth.
"Nagsasalita siya pero medyo may kabagalan o hindi mo na naiintindihan ang lenggwahe na lumalabas sa kanyang bibig," Lee said.
Among celebrities suffering from Parkinson's are Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali and Freddie Roach.
The exact cause of Parkinson's is unknown, but is connected to different factors such as genetics, exposure to pesticides and toxins, and in case of boxers, head injury.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
