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
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
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
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
Dry eyes DEFINITION Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) or Dry eye, is a condition where the eyes do not make enough tears, or tears evaporate too quickly. Dry eye is a common cause of eye irritation. DESCRIPTION Our eyes are covered by a thin layer of liquid, known as a… Read Article
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) DEFINITION Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein that is deep inside the body, usually in the legs. DESCRIPTION Clots can form in superficial veins i.e veins close to the skin’s surface, and in deep veins. While… Read Article
Conjunctivitits DEFINITION Infective Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection. DESCRIPTION Conjunctivitis refers to an inflammation (swelling and redness) of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Infective Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria or, in… Read Article
Blood pressure (High) DEFINITION High Blood Pressure, also known as Hypertension, is a consistently high blood pressure reading greater than 140 / 90. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. DESCRIPTION Blood Pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the surrounding arteries…. Read Article
Anaemia DEFINITION Anaemia is a reduction in the number of red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin is a component of red blood cells and allows oxygen to be transported throughout the body. DESCRIPTION The decrease in the number of red blood cells or… Read Article