Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus that eventually affects the vision after a long duration of disease. Usually, there are no symptoms of diabetic retinopathy that is in the early stages, meaning the condition is often not detected until it has progressed to a more severe stage. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy may lead to a sudden and […]
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The symptoms of diphtheria are caused by a toxin that is released by the bacteria that cause the condition. Two types of bacteria can cause diphtheria and these include: Corynebacterium diphtheriae Corynebacterium ulcerans Infection with C. diptheriae occurs through inhalation of saliva droplets that contain the bacteria, while C. ulcerans can be picked up through contact with cattle that carry […]
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Bronchitis is the result of an infection in the inner walls of the bronchi or airways in the lungs. This infection leads to inflammation, irritation and scarring of the inner mucosal membranes of the airways. Pathology of bronchitis There is hypertrophy of the mucus-secreting bronchial glands. This means there is an increase in size and number of these glands. This […]
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Leprosy, which is now known as Hansen's disease (HD), still ravages many parts of the world, even in developed nations. It is caused by a slow-growing bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, and the eyes. It presents in two forms depending on the immune response of the host, namely, paucibacillary and multibacillary leprosy. The spectrum […]
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Hodgkin's Disease (or Hodgkin lymphoma) is an uncommon cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system. It arises when developing lymphocytes develop a malignant characteristic which results in their dysregulated multiplication. These abnormal lymphocytes (called lymphoma cells) then form tumors in the lymphatic system and may progress to metastasis. Hodgkin disease can begin almost anywhere due to the widespread distribution of […]
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High blood pressure quite often runs in families particularly those of Afro-Caribbean or South Asian origin – it is more common in older people and in people who are obese, do not exercise, eat a diet high in salt, drink high amounts of alcohol and smoke and have high blood cholesterol levels. These factors also significantly increase the risk of […]
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Diverticulitis is a common digestive condition caused by infection and inflammation of the intestinal lining. The intestine is made up of a flexible inner layer that is covered by a large muscular outer layer. After food has been broken down and digested in the small intestine, it enters the large intestine where the remaining nutrients and water are absorbed. This […]
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As with all infectious illnesses, the first line of defence is careful and frequent hand hygiene – most cases of SARS have involved persons who cared for or lived with someone with SARS or had direct contact with infectious material (e.g., respiratory secretions) from a person with SARS. The risk of transmission of SARS on aeroplanes and boats is low […]
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Insulin is used as injections in the treatment of insulin deficiency states (type 1 diabetes) and relative insulin deficiencies (type 2 diabetes). Insulin preparations are of several varieties and the types depend on how quickly they work, when they peak, and how long their actions last. Insulin is available in different strengths; the most common is U-100. All the insulin […]
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There are several skin conditions that affect women during their lifetime. These include acne during adolescence, striae or stretch marks due to drastic weight gain or loss, sun damage, skin cancer and rosacea. All of these conditions require appropriate diagnosis, management and treatment. The increasing life expectancy of the general population means there is also an ever increasing risk of […]
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