Constipation
What is constipation? Constipation is a common problem. It means either going to the toilet less often than usual to empty the bowels, or passing hard or painful poo (also called faeces, stools or motions). What are the symptoms of constipation? The symptoms of constipation may include: Feeling like you still need to have a […]
Conjunctivitis
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. Pink eye is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction. It may affect one or both eyes. Symptoms Pink eye may affect one or both […]
Common Cold
Common Cold and Other Upper Respiratory Tract Infections What is an upper respiratory tract infection? A cold is an infection of the nose and upper airways caused by a germ (virus). They are extremely common. An adult can expect 2-4 colds a year, and a young child about 3-8 colds a year. Many different viruses […]
Chronic Hives (Urticaria)
Hives are a skin reaction that causes red or white itchy welts. The welts vary in size and appear and fade repeatedly as the reaction runs its course. Chronic hives are a condition in which the welts last more than six weeks or recur over months or years. Chronic hives usually aren’t life-threatening. But the […]
Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. Cholera causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Left untreated, cholera can be fatal in a matter of hours, even in previously healthy people. Signs and symptoms of cholera in children In general, children with cholera have the same signs and symptoms adults do, but they are […]
Chicken Pox
Chickenpox (varicella) is a viral infection that causes an itchy, blister-like rash. Chickenpox is highly contagious to people who haven’t had the disease nor been vaccinated against it. Symptoms Fever Loss of appetite Headache Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise) Once the chickenpox rash appears, it goes through three phases: Raised pink […]
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of cataracts include: Clouded, blurred or dim vision Increasing difficulty with vision at night Sensitivity to light and […]
Buerger’s Disease
Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs. In Buerger’s disease, your blood vessels become inflamed, swell and can become blocked with blood clots (thrombi). This eventually damages or destroys skin tissues and may lead to infection and gangrene. Buerger’s disease usually first shows in […]
Boils and Curbuncles
Boils and carbuncles are painful, pus-filled bumps that form under your skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more of your hair follicles. Symptoms Boils Boils can occur anywhere on your skin, but appear mainly on your face, neck, armpits, buttocks or thighs — hair-bearing areas where you’re most likely to sweat or experience […]
Bird Flue
Bird flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that rarely infects humans. Symptoms Cough Fever Sore throat Muscle aches Headache Shortness of breath When to see a doctor See your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, cough and body aches and have recently traveled to a part of the world where bird […]