Cirrhosis DEFINITION Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease in which the normal liver tissue is replaced with nodules (small, knob-shaped structures) that are surrounded by fibrous, scar tissue. DESCRIPTION The liver performs an enormous range of very important functions in the body. It helps to process nutrients into substances that… Read Article
Chlamydia DEFINITION Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. DESCRIPTION Left untreated in women, Chlamydia may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can damage the reproductive organs. Symptoms are usually mild or absent so serious complications such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility and… Read Article
Chickenpox DEFINITION Chickenpox is caused by a virus called the varicella-zoster virus DESCRIPTION The incubation period (before the spots appear) is usually 10 to 21 days. The symptoms are a slight fever, headache, fatigue and a loss of appetite for a day or two before pink spots of various sizes… Read Article
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome DEFINITION Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. DESCRIPTION The Carpal Tunnel, surrounded by bones and ligaments, is a narrow passageway located on the palm-side of the… Read Article
Autism DEFINITION Autism or Kanner’s Syndrome is a condition that is characterised by mental introversion (inwardness), where the attention or interest of the person is is fastened upon their own ego, with the exclusion of anything external. DESCRIPTION Autism is a complex, developmental disability that is often talked about as… Read Article
Asperger’s Syndrome Asperger’s Syndrome Asperger’s syndrome, which is also known as pervasive development disorder, is an autism-spectrum disorder (i.e. similar in some ways to autism) and is often referred to as ‘high-functioning autism’. Asperger’s syndrome becomes obvious during early childhood, usually around the age of three years Despite this, the… Read Article
Anorexia DEFINITION Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder. It is a psychological condition that involves a person’s refusal to eat sufficient food to maintain a minimum normal weight for age and height. Anorexia Nervosa is an illness that can have serious effects on many body systems and requires treatment by… Read Article
Anaphylactic shock DEFINITION Anaphylactic Shock (also known as anaphylaxis), is a severe allergic reaction which has a rapid onset following contact with the allergen. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. DESCRIPTION Anaphylactic Shock occurs rapidly (sometimes even explosively) when a sensitive individual comes in contact with… Read Article
Altitude sickness DEFINITION Altitude sickness refers to a group of syndromes that result from the combination of reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen at high altitude. DESCRIPTION Altitude sickness can be classified into acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral oedema… Read Article