Dry mouth DEFINITION Dry Mouth occurs as a result of an inadequate flow of saliva from the salivary glands into the mouth. DESCRIPTION Saliva is a fluid that is secreted continuously into the mouth by the salivary glands. Just enough saliva is secreted to keep the mucous membrane (skin tissue… Read Article
Earache DEFINITION Earache is a pain that is experienced in and around the ear. This pain may be due to a number of different causes. See the topics Otitis Media and Otitis Externa. DESCRIPTION Earache may be caused by infection or a tumour or it may be a referred pain… Read Article
Fever – Adults DEFINITION Fever is an abnormally high body temperature of over 37.8 C (100 F) orally or 38.2 C (100.8 F) rectally. For children, see the Fever – Children topic on the Healthpoint. DESCRIPTION Average body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius/98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Readings slightly outside this… Read Article
Fungal nail infections DEFINITION Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis) are infections of the nail. DESCRIPTION The nail unit is made up of several structures. These include the nail matrix, the nail plate (the surface of the nail), the cuticle (eponychium), the nail bed (the skin underlying the nail matrix) and the… Read Article
Gout DEFINITION Gout is an arthritic condition of the body connected with an excess of uric acid in the blood. It causes the joints to become red, swollen and painful. Uric acid crystals are deposited in joints, tendons, kidneys and other tissues where they cause inflammation and damage. The most… Read Article
Haemorrhoids DEFINITION Haemorrhoids (also known as piles) occur when a vein or veins found in the anus (the lower end of the bowel) become dilated and inflamed. Haemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins, but occur in the region of the anus. DESCRIPTION There are three types of haemorrhoids:. External haemorrhoids… Read Article
Head lice DEFINITION Head lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that live and feed on blood from the scalp. DESCRIPTION Head lice are tiny greyish brown insects, about the size of a sesame seed. Head lice cling to hairs, close to the scalp which they feed off. Head lice lay… Read Article
Headache DEFINITION Headaches can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary Headaches include migraine, cluster and tension Headaches. Secondary Headaches are a symptom of an underlying disorder such as infection; tumour; hypertension and diseases of the eyes, nose and throat. DESCRIPTION PRIMARY HEADACHES INCLUDE: Migraine: is a severe form of… Read Article
Headache (migraine) DEFINITION A Migraine is a severe form of headache that lasts from 4 to 72 hours. DESCRIPTION Migraine attacks are usually unilateral (on one side only), involve moderate or severe pain and are pulsating. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and avoidance of light (photophobia). Between 10 and… Read Article
Headache (tension) DEFINITION A Tension Headache is a type of headache caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and head. The muscle tension which causes Tension Headache may be the result of being in an uncomfortable body position, stress or fatigue. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Tension Headache usually begins in… Read Article