Chronic renal failure is a condition involving a decrease in the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood. It is chronic, meaning that the condition develops over a long period of time and is not reversible. The…
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition of the inner ear. This condition causes short episodes of dizziness (vertigo) associated with certain head movements. These episodes are caused by particles (crystals) irritating the semicircular canals, the part of…
The Epstein-Barr virus is a common virus that infects only humans. It can cause a condition known as infectious mononucleosis, mono or glandular fever. The Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the human herpesvirus family and is also known as…
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found in the lower neck, just beneath Adam’s apple. The hormones this gland releases control the body’s growth and metabolism. They affect processes like heart rate, digestion and temperature. Thyroid hormones are also essential…
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition causing inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes – the airways through which air passes to and from the lungs. People with chronic bronchitis will typically experience a persistent cough that will often bring…
Varicella-zoster is a virus that can cause an acute infection called chickenpox. This virus also causes shingles. It is a member of the human herpesvirus family, which is made up of eight viruses that affect humans. The varicella-zoster virus is…
Sepsis is a whole-body response to an infection in the blood. This severe condition is also known as blood poisoning or septicemia. Sepsis occurs when an infection spreads from one location, for example, the lungs, the bladder or the skin,…
Laryngitis may be short-lived (acute) or last for a longer time. Chronic laryngitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the larynx (voice box) which persists for more than three weeks. Laryngitis may have infectious or non-infectious causes. It can affect people…
Acute laryngitis is a short-term inflammatory condition affecting the larynx, or voice box, typically lasting less than 3 weeks.[1] Laryngitis which lasts longer than three weeks is called chronic laryngitis; see this resource for more information. Laryngitis can affect people…
Hypothyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland produces less hormone than normal. These hormones regulate the body’s metabolism (turning food into energy and controlling the speed of cell growth). The condition can be congenital (present from birth),…