Gastro-oesophageal reflux (acid reflux)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a condition where the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring at the lower end of the oesophagus) is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's acidic contents to flow back or 'reflux' into the gullet ... [... more]
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Hypoadrenalism (underactivity of the adrenal glands)
The adrenal glands are two small but very important glands, situated one above each kidney, which produce a range of hormones, or 'chemical messengers'. Underactivity of the adrenal glands is called hypoadrenalism. Many of the symptoms of ... [... more]
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HIV and AIDS
HIV means 'human immunodeficiency virus'. As with all other kinds of virus, HIV does not have an individual metabolism and, therefore, has to attack other living cells and use their metabolism to make copies of itself. Unfortunately, HIV attacks ... [... more]
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House dust mite allergy
House mite allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to proteins in the excretion of dust mites. The protein attacks the respiratory passages causing hay fever and asthma. It will aggravate atopic dermatitis in people who have a tendency to this ... [... more]
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Allergy
Allergy or hypersensitivity (type 1 allergy) is an abnormal reaction to protein substances that occur naturally. If an allergic person is exposed to these substances called allergens, the body's immune system gets ready to fight them. White blood ... [... more]
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The antiphospholipid syndrome (Hughes' syndrome)
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is sometimes called 'sticky blood syndrome'. This is because people with it have an increased tendency to form clots in blood vessels (also known as thromboses). Dr MY Karim, lecturer in immunology, St Thomas' ... [... more]
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Bad breath (halitosis)
Most adults suffer from bad breath occasionally, although it may affect up to a quarter of adults on a regular basis. Most people suffer from bad breath occasionally. However, if it becomes permanent you should consult your dentist. Bad breath is ... [... more]
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Male hair loss
Male hair loss is the most common type of hair loss. It is caused by increased sensitivity to male sex hormones (androgens) in certain parts of the scalp, and is passed on from generation to generation. What is male hair loss (male pattern ... [... more]
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Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) in diabetes
Hypoglycaemia is a condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood drops below a certain point - about 3.0mmol/l. The blood sugar level is the amount of glucose in the blood. It is expressed as millimoles per litre (mmol/l). This causes ... [... more]
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Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) in non-diabetic people
Hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose is a condition in which the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, drops below a certain point (about 2.5mmol/l). The condition manifests itself by a number of symptoms that usually disappear 10 to 15 minutes ... [... more]
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Heel pain and calcaneal spurs
A calcaneal spur is a small bony projection that is formed on the calcaneus or heel bone. It is caused by putting too much pressure on the sinew on the soles of the feet, usually over a long period of time. Every time you take a step, one of your ... [... more]
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Hodgkin's disease (lymph node cancer)
Hodgkin's disease is one of a group of diseases called lymphomas. They are all produced by cancers forming in the cells of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a series of microscopic vessels that drain fluid away from the tissues and ... [... more]
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