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Irritable bowel syndrome DEFINITION Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic (long-term) digestive disorder causing abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation. DESCRIPTION Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common ‘functional’ digestive disorder. A functional disorder means there is a problem with the function of a part of the body. In IBS,… Read Article

Infertility DEFINITION Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It may be a result of biological factors affecting either the male or female partner. DESCRIPTION For a woman to become pregnant, a number of events need to occur. A woman must produce an egg… Read Article

Heart failure DEFINITION Heart Failure develops when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to provide the body with oxygen and nutrients. Heart Failure is closely associated with many types of heart disease. DESCRIPTION Heart Failure may be left sided, right sided or Congestive Heart Failure (affecting both sides of the… Read Article

Gonorrhea DEFINITION Gonorrhoea (Gonorrhea) is a highly infectious disease acquired by sexual intercourse or other intimate sexual activities and is commonly known as ‘the clap’. It is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. DESCRIPTION Despite the increased attention on STDs such as HIV and genital herpes, Gonorrhoea is still a… Read Article

Glaucoma DEFINITION Glaucoma is the name given to a group of conditions characterised by damage to the optic nerve, usually following an increase in pressure of the fluid within the eyeball. This pressure is called intraocular pressure. This is usually accompanied by a loss of vision which may vary from… Read Article

Gastroenteritis DEFINITION Gastroenteritis is a general term used to describe a condition of known or unknown origin which causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. DESCRIPTION Gastroenteritis may be caused by viral, bacterial, parasitic infections, chemical toxins or even a lactose intolerance. The cause of Gastroenteritis, in… Read Article

Flatulence DEFINITION This is the term given to the condition where an excessive amount of air or gas in the stomach and intestinal tract causes distension of the organs and in some cases mild to moderate pain. This can result in uncomfortable feelings of bloating, as well as increased belching… Read Article

Emphysema DEFINITION Emphysema is a chronic disease of the lungs that prevents adequate oxygen from reaching the blood. There is destruction of the small air sacs in the lungs with over-inflation of the lungs. DESCRIPTION Along with chronic bronchitis and asthma, Emphysema is part of a condition known as chronic… Read Article

Eczema DEFINITION Eczema is an intensely itchy, inflammatory disease of the skin. The skin is thick, dry and often overgrown by bacteria such as staphlycoccus aureus. DESCRIPTION The different types of Eczema have different distinguishing markings but most share general features. Different types of Eczema are presented as individual topics… Read Article