Tinnitus DEFINITION Tinnitus is defined as a sound perceived by the ear without the presence of related sound waves. The sound may be a crackling, buzzing, ringing or similar sounds. Tinnitus is very common in adults and is usually not serious. DESCRIPTION Tinnitus can be divided into two categories –… Read Article
Tinea Cruris DEFINITION Tinea is a group of fungal infections caused by fungus of different varieties. Particular varieties of fungus have a preference for specific areas of the body. Tinea cruris is usually found in the crotch, or warm, moist areas of the body. DESCRIPTION Commonly known as jock itch… Read Article
Swine flu DEFINITION Swine flu, also known as influenza A(H1N1), is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by type A influenza viruses that originated in pigs but is now being spread from human to human. DESCRIPTION People do not normally get Swine flu, though the virus does sometimes cross the… Read Article
Pain management – drugs DEFINITION Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. Pain relievers are called analgesics. DESCRIPTION TYPES OF ANALGESICS Analgesics are so-named due to their ability to alleviate pain. Caution – most analgesic… Read Article
Pain – Low back pain DEFINITION Low Back Pain may be caused by a variety of conditions or processes. Low Back Pain is common and is believed to affect up to 90% of people at least once during their lifetime. It can be very uncomfortable but is usually not serious…. Read Article
Pain – Back care tips DEFINITION The following are suggestions for avoiding back injury and pain. DESCRIPTION TIPS FOR A HEALTHY BACK Specific exercises: Abdominal crunches strengthen abdominal muscles. Stretching exercises help relieve tight back muscles. However, they are not useful in the treatment of back pain. The pelvic tilt… Read Article
Osteoarthritis DEFINITION Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that affects the joints. DESCRIPTION In a normal joint, the ends of the bones are covered by a layer of cartilage. Cartilage helps the joint move smoothly and cushions the ends of the bones. In OA, the cartilage breaks down and becomes thin…. Read Article
Mouth ulcers DEFINITION A Mouth Ulcer is the erosion of part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth (mucous membrane). DESCRIPTION Certain medications, chemicals and infectious diseases such as herpes or thrush can cause Mouth Ulcers. The most common cause is injury, such as from ill-fitting… Read Article
Insomnia DEFINITION Insomnia is a term that describes a disturbance of the normal sleep pattern. DESCRIPTION Each person needs a different amount of sleep to function well during the day. The average amount of sleep required by most people is 6 to 8 hours per night. Most people establish a… Read Article
Headache (tension) DEFINITION A Tension Headache is a type of headache caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and head. The muscle tension which causes Tension Headache may be the result of being in an uncomfortable body position, stress or fatigue. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Tension Headache usually begins in… Read Article