A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the large muscle separating the abdomen and chest (diaphragm). The diaphragm has a small opening (hiatus) through which the food tube (esophagus) passes before connecting to the stomach. In a hiatal hernia, the stomach pushes up through that opening and into the…
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch that projects from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis causes pain in the lower right abdomen. However, in most people the pain begins around the navel and then moves. As inflammation worsens, appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes severe. …
Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance. It is a symptom where a person feels as if they or the objects around them are moving when they are not. Often it feels like a spinning or swaying movement. This may be associated with nausea, vomiting, sweating, or difficulties walking. Vertigo can be temporary or…
Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. Fibromyalgia is the second most common condition affecting the bones and muscles. Yet it’s often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Its classic symptoms are widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia can feel similar to osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinis….
Some people are born without a spleen or need to have it removed because of illness or injury. The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper left side of the abdomen, next to the stomach and behind the left ribs. It is an important part of the immune system, but one can survive without…
Laryngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the larynx. The larynx is a part of the throat, between the base of the tongue and the trachea. The larynx contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make sound when air is directed against them. The sound echoes through…
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…