Diabetes DEFINITION Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels) caused by impairment in insulin secretion and/or action. DESCRIPTION When the food we eat is digested, most of it becomes glucose (sugar), which the body uses for energy. In order for this to happen,… Read Article
Dandruff DEFINITION Dandruff particles are visible flakes of skin that have been continuously shed from the scalp. DESCRIPTION The precise cause of Dandruff is unclear. The top layer of skin is constantly being shed and renewed. Normally this goes unnoticed on the rest of the body, however, on the scalp… Read Article
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) DEFINITION Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a severe, complex, acquired illness with numerous symptoms related mainly to the dysfunction of the brain, immune and endocrine systems. DESCRIPTION The causes of ME/CFS are not yet clearly defined, however, onset most frequently follows an acute viral… Read Article
Chilblains DEFINITION Chilblains are small, itchy, painful lumps that develop on the skin as an abnormal response to cold. DESCRIPTION Chilblains are a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort but do not cause permanent damage. Chilblains have a white or slightly bluish appearance, range in size and… Read Article
Cervical Cancer DEFINITION Cervical Cancer is a cancer which begins in the lining of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, which connects the body of the uterus to the vagina. DESCRIPTION Cervical Cancer is usually diagnosed in middle aged women, but it may occur in… Read Article
Avian influenza DEFINITION Avian influenza (bird flu) is an infectious disease of birds caused by type-A strains of the influenza virus. In rare cases, Bird flu can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected birds. DESCRIPTION Since 2003, cases of humans infected with Avian influenza have been confirmed in… Read Article
Asthma DEFINITION Asthma is a condition that causes sensitivity of the airways in the lungs. When exposed to certain triggers these airways narrow, making it hard to breathe. DESCRIPTION When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their airways (an asthma trigger), the muscles around the… Read Article
Anxiety DEFINITION Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, apprehension, fear, or worry. There are many types of anxiety disorders and people will often have symptoms of more than one. DESCRIPTION Most people feel anxious from time-to-time. Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations. In some cases it can improve… Read Article
Angular cheilitis DEFINITION Angular cheilitis (also known as Angular stomatitis) is a condition that causes inflammation at the corners of the mouth. CAUSE Candida albicans (fungal) and/or staphylococcus aureus (bacterial) infections, which affect about 15 per cent of people who wear dentures. Ill-fitting dentures are a risk factor for developing… Read Article