Meningitis in children
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord. There are two types of meningitis - viral is milder and needs no treatment. Bacterial can be life-threatening and require emergency treatment. Both viral and ... [... more]
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Foreskin functions
In the UK, the majority of circumcisions performed soon after birth are for religious reasons. In north America, circumcision is commonly performed on newborn baby boys because of the belief that it's beneficial to a man's health. But is there ... [... more]
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Body dysmorphia
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a preoccupation with the appearance of a part of the body. We hope this feature will give you a basic understanding of the condition. People with BDD are excessively worried about a part of their body that they ... [... more]
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Nail problems
Although the nails are similar in many respects from time to time their appearance changes, and this often causes unnecessary worry. White spots are extremely common and usually caused by minor trauma such as the nail being knocked. They are more ... [... more]
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Dysentery
Dysentery is extremely infectious and is usually passed on through unhygenic practices. We outline the condition's causes, symptoms and treatment. Dysentery is an infection of the gut caused by a bacterium called Shigella. Dysentery is highly ... [... more]
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Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis occurs when one or both kidneys swell up because something is blocking the urine flow. Put an obstruction anywhere along a water pipe, try and pump water through the pipe, and a build-up of pressure occurs. Unless this pressure is ... [... more]
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Wilson's disease
Wilson's disease, which affects about one in 30,000 people worldwide, is a disorder where copper accumulates in the body. If left untreated the disease can be fatal. Normally the affected gene produces a protein that transfers copper from the ... [... more]
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Pemphigoid and pemphigus
Pemphigoid and pemphigus are autoimmune diseases causing the skin to blister. Neither can be cured and both are very rare. On the surface they may appear similar but they are two different diseases. In autoimmune diseases the body perceives part ... [... more]
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The problems snoring brings
Most people deny they snore. Even if they do admit to it, they'll probably say: "It doesn't bother me and it's not doing me any harm". But the effects of snoring can be more serious than they may seem. More than 3.5 million people in the UK ... [... more]
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Varicose veins
Varicose veins are caused when the one-way valves in the veins don't work so blood flows back down causing them to bulge. The veins become visibly swollen and distorted. They usually start on the calf but can be found right up the leg and into ... [... more]
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Hypercalcaemia
For bodies to work efficiently, they need to be supplied with the right balance of vitamins and minerals. Discover what happens when we get too much or too little of just one essential mineral - calcium. Too little calcium (hypocalcaemia) Too ... [... more]
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder usually develop within three months of a traumatic event. For many people, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) conjures up images of Vietnam war veterans. Although their experiences did bring the ... [... more]
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