Asthma DEFINITION Asthma is a condition that causes sensitivity of the airways in the lungs. When exposed to certain triggers these airways narrow, making it hard to breathe. DESCRIPTION When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their airways (an asthma trigger), the muscles around the… Read Article
Autism DEFINITION Autism or Kanner’s Syndrome is a condition that is characterised by mental introversion (inwardness), where the attention or interest of the person is is fastened upon their own ego, with the exclusion of anything external. DESCRIPTION Autism is a complex, developmental disability that is often talked about as… Read Article
Avian influenza DEFINITION Avian influenza (bird flu) is an infectious disease of birds caused by type-A strains of the influenza virus. In rare cases, Bird flu can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected birds. DESCRIPTION Since 2003, cases of humans infected with Avian influenza have been confirmed in… Read Article
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome DEFINITION Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. DESCRIPTION The Carpal Tunnel, surrounded by bones and ligaments, is a narrow passageway located on the palm-side of the… Read Article
Cervical Cancer DEFINITION Cervical Cancer is a cancer which begins in the lining of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, which connects the body of the uterus to the vagina. DESCRIPTION Cervical Cancer is usually diagnosed in middle aged women, but it may occur in… Read Article
Chickenpox DEFINITION Chickenpox is caused by a virus called the varicella-zoster virus DESCRIPTION The incubation period (before the spots appear) is usually 10 to 21 days. The symptoms are a slight fever, headache, fatigue and a loss of appetite for a day or two before pink spots of various sizes… Read Article
Chilblains DEFINITION Chilblains are small, itchy, painful lumps that develop on the skin as an abnormal response to cold. DESCRIPTION Chilblains are a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort but do not cause permanent damage. Chilblains have a white or slightly bluish appearance, range in size and… Read Article
Chlamydia DEFINITION Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. DESCRIPTION Left untreated in women, Chlamydia may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can damage the reproductive organs. Symptoms are usually mild or absent so serious complications such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility and… Read Article