Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) are two species of Lentivirus (a subgroup of retrovirus) that infects humans. HIV is a virus that damages the immune system. The immune system helps the body fight off infections. Untreated HIV infects and kills CD4 cells, which are a type of immune cell called T cells. Over time, as HIV…
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This makes the skin build up into bumpy red patches covered with white scales. They can grow anywhere, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis can’t be passed from person to person….
Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. Epilepsy is characterized by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health problems. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that causes unprovoked, recurrent seizures. A seizure is a sudden rush…
Congenital heart disease is a general term used to refer to a series of birth defects that affects the heart. The problem can affect: The heart wallsThe heart valvesThe blood vessels They can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart. The blood flow can slow down, go in the wrong direction or to…
Meningitis is a rare infection that affects the delicate membranes — called meninges — that cover the brain and spinal cord. This disease could be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache,…
One test for epilepsy diagnosis is a spinal tap (also called a lumbar puncture). This is a procedure in which fluid surrounding the spinal cord (called the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) is withdrawn through a needle and examined in a lab. The main reason for lumbar puncture is to help diagnose diseases of the central…
The cornerstone of a balanced attractive face is a well-defined jawline structure, male or female. Some people are not able to achieve this in natural ways but the technological advances and studies have introduced a way for people to achieve the structure they wish to attain. A chin augmentation, also called genioplasty, improves the contours…
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis, also called a chest cold, usually improves within a week to 10 days without…
Acute Pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas; it may be mild or life threatening but usually subsides. It is painful and develops quickly. Acute pancreatitis is different to chronic pancreatitis, where the inflammation of the pancreas persists for many years. Acute pancreatitis may be a single event; it may be recurrent; or it…
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is a type of lymphoma in which cancer originates from a specific type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system….
Cervical cancer happens when cells change in a woman’s cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. The cancer can affect the deeper tissues of the cervix and may spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), often the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina and rectum. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted…
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a child’s success at school, as well as their relationships. ADHD is generally diagnosed in children by the time they’re teenagers, with the average age for moderate ADHD diagnosis…
Dementia is an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills that affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia has a physical, psychological, social, and economic impact, not only…
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), or coronary artery disease, develops when the coronary arteries become too narrow. The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygen and blood to the heart. CHD involves the reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle due to build-up of plaque in the arteries of the heart. These plaques…
An Aneurysmal Bone Cyst is a benign, blood filled lesion in the bone that tends to expand or grow. While it is referred to a cyst, it is a true benign bone tumor surrounded by a thin wall of bone. Aneurysmal bone cysts can occur in any bone, but are most commonly found around the…
An aneurysm is the enlargement of an artery caused by weakness in the arterial wall, allowing it to balloon out or widen abnormally. This bulge can rupture and cause internal bleeding. Often there are no symptoms, but a ruptured aneurysm can lead to fatal complications. Aneurysm is most common in these areas: brainaortalegsspleen Aneurysm can…
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). It is developed when the walls of these vessels are stretched, they become irritated. Although hemorrhoids can be unpleasant and…
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in males, but it is highly treatable in the early stages. It begins in the prostate (a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm). Usually prostate cancer grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland, where it…
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. The female reproductive system contains two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries — each about the size of an almond — produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in…
Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is vital to health because it’s an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It is also the brain’s main source of fuel. Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is…