What is Iron Deficiency (Anemia)?
Iron deficiency refers to inadequate levels of mineral iron in the body. The term is commonly used interchangeably with anemia: a condition often caused by iron deficiency, where the body either cannot produce a sufficient number of healthy red blood…
What are Signs of Shingles: Herpes Zoster?
Shingle is an infection that usually produces a painful skin rash, but the painful tingling sensations which characterize the condition can also occur when no rash is present. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).[1] VZV is the same…
What is Secondary Syphilis?
Venereal syphilis, commonly known as simply “syphilis”, is an infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum (subspecies pallidum). Syphilis is spread by direct contact with an infected individual, such as:[1][2][3] Sexual contact From mother to fetus in utero Via blood…
What is Rickets?
Rickets is a bone disease in children and adolescents. A vitamin D or calcium deficiency weakens the bone substance, making the bones soft and curved. Children with rickets can suffer from bone pain and can grow slower than other children.…
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland, a walnut-shaped gland that sits just below the bladder in males. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It tends to affect men over the age of 50 and…
What is Chronic Pelvic Pain?
Chronic pelvic pain, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a long-term condition characterized by abdominal pain in the area below the belly button. To be classed as chronic, the pain must be present for at least six months and be…
What is a Generalized Seizure?
A generalized seizure occurs when there is a disturbance to electrical activity on both sides of the brain, potentially resulting in a loss of bodily control and, usually, consciousness. There are several different types of generalized seizures, all with varying…
What is Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a common condition where there is a painful tear in the lining of the anus, the backside opening where feces is excreted. It is often described as feeling like passing broken glass.[1] Typical anal fissure symptoms…
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread muscular pain and tenderness. Locations typically fluctuate among the muscles, joints and back. Other symptoms are abdominal pain, headache, generally feeling unwell, morning stiffness, and poor quality of sleep. There is…
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition in which a dysfunctional facial nerve causes persistent or recurring facial pain. Women older than 40 years of age are most commonly affected by this condition. The condition is characterized by attacks of sudden, sharp,…
What is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, typically occurring between weeks 5 and 20. Despite the name, the symptoms of morning sickness can present themselves at any time of the day, and some women may feel sick throughout the day.…
What is Herpangina?
Herpangina is a viral infection of the mouth which is in most cases caused by a particular strain of group A coxsackievirus, but also by group B coxsackievirus, echovirus and enterovirus 71. It affects children more commonly than adults. The…