What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or in the lower rectum. The rectum is the last part of the large intestine leading to the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract where bowel contents leave the body. Types of hemorrhoids …
Read More »Head Lice or Pediculus humanus capitis – Treatment and Prevention
Definition Head lice (Pediculus capitis) are small, wingless, egg laying insects found on the human head. They grow to about 3.5mm (the size of a sesame seed or pin head). It live on the hair and feed by sucking blood from the scalp. They are pale grey in colour before …
Read More »Laryngitis – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.
Definition Laryngitis is inflammation in and around the mucus membranes of the larynx or voice box. The irritated larynx becomes swollen and painful, leading to a sore throat, hoarse voice and even a complete loss of voice. Most cases of laryngitis are caused by an infection. Epidemiology Accurate figures regarding …
Read More »Canker Sore – Causes, Complications, and Prevention.
Definition A canker sore, or aphthous ulcer, is an open and painful mouth ulcer or sore. It’s also the most common type of mouth ulcer. Some people notice them inside their lips or cheeks. They’re usually white or yellow and surrounded by red, inflamed soft tissue. Since canker sores are …
Read More »Bad Breath – Causes, Treatment and Prevention.
Definition Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. Halitosis, or bad breath, most often starts in the …
Read More »Autism – Causes, Epidemiology, and Prevention.
Definition Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of …
Read More »Addison’s Disease – Causes, Prevention, and Treatment.
Definition Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal cortex is damaged, and the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal glands are triangular in shape, roughly up to three inches (7.6 cm) by one inch (2.5 cm) in size, and one gland sits on …
Read More »Glucagonoma: Symptoms, Causes and Prevention.
Definition Glucagonoma is a rare tumor involving the pancreas. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that works with insulin to control the amount of sugar in your blood. Glucagonoma tumor cells produce large amounts of glucagon, and these high levels create severe, painful, and life-threatening symptoms. History Fewer …
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