Typhoid fever arises from infection with a bacteria called Salmonella typhii. This bacterial strain is primarily spread via the feco-oral route. The bacteria are passed from the body of an infected individual in their feces, and can contaminate the drinking water in areas of poor sanitation. Symptoms usually start within one or two weeks after ingestion of the bacteria. If […]
Continue reading »
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the commonest lung disorders seen in smokers. The condition usually takes years to progress and develop so as to manifest symptoms. COPD is characterized by progressive worsening of cough and breathlessness among middle aged smokers. These patients have recurrent and frequent exacerbations brought about often by bouts of infections of the respiratory […]
Continue reading »
The medical term used for chronic fatigue syndrome is myalgic encephalomyelitis. This term can be divided into “myo” for muscle, “algia” for pain and “encephalomyelitis” meaning inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The naming and classification of chronic fatigue syndrome in the medical literature has presented many challenges over the years. This is due to the fact that the […]
Continue reading »
The exact cause of constipation is not clear. However, there are several factors that may lead to an increased risk of constipation. Some of these are irreversible for example age, pregnancy status and post-operative constipation. Some of these, however, are preventable by adopting life style and dietary modifications. Risk factors for constipation Causes and risk factors associated with constipation include:- […]
Continue reading »
Cellulite is a condition that is characterized by a dimpling, puckering, or “orange peel” appearance of the skin that is most commonly seen on the thighs and buttocks. Cellulite is seen in 85% to 98% of all women after puberty and is rare among men. The condition is caused by uneven movement of the fibrous cords that connect the skin […]
Continue reading »
Phenylketonuria or PKU is caused by lack of an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase. The enzyme converts the amino acid phenylalanine into another amino acid called tyrosine. Being deficient in phenylalanine hydroxylase is caused by genetic inheritance of a faulty gene that codes for the enzyme. When the body is deficient in phenylalanine hydroxylase, the amino acid phenylalanine may build up […]
Continue reading »
Not only does dense breast tissue increase the chance that a woman will develop breast cancer, the tissue creates white shadows on mammograms, obscuring the images and making it harder for doctors to identify potentially cancerous growths. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Whiterabbit.ai, a Silicon Valley technology startup partner, have developed software that analyzes […]
Continue reading »
Amnesia is a form of memory loss that is usually temporary and affecting short term memory. Common causes and risk factors of amnesia and memory loss include concomitant psychological problems, trauma or head injury and so forth. (1-6) Concomitant psychological problems Many patients with memory loss present with other emotional problems like depression, stress and anxiety. In these patients memory […]
Continue reading »
Oxygen therapy may be administered in several ways, using several different types of devices. Oxygen therapy may be needed on an emergency basis in an acute setting or on a long-term basis in the home management of chronic illness. Increasing the amount of oxygen supplied to the lungs can benefit the patient by making more oxygen available to the various […]
Continue reading »
Lazy eye or amblyopia is the medical term used to describe reduced vision in one or both eyes due to the brain and eye not working together properly. There may not be any obvious problem with the eye, which may appear to be normal. Vision loss occurs because there is not proper stimulation of the nerve pathways between the brain […]
Continue reading »