TThrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. The medical term for this infection is candidiasis. Thrush can affect different parts of the body, including the mouth and throat, genital area, and skin folds. When it affects the mouth or throat, it is called oral or oropharyngeal candidiasis. It can cause white patches, burning, soreness, redness,…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints. It can cause pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness, and over time may damage the joints and affect mobility. RA commonly affects the same joints on both sides of the body, such as both hands, wrists, feet or knees. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition…
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), commonly referred to as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), is a hormonal condition that can affect women of reproductive age. It may cause irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal changes, acne, unwanted facial or body hair, weight changes and difficulty with ovulation. Some women may also experience difficulty in conceiving. Despite the name, not every woman with PCOS has…
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, the area at the back of the throat. It commonly causes a sore or painful throat and may occur along with fever, cough, difficulty swallowing and general weakness. Pharyngitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Throat irritation can also be associated with allergies, smoking, environmental irritants or acid reflux. Most uncomplicated…
Pemphigoid is a group of autoimmune blistering disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks structures that help keep the layers of the skin and mucous membranes attached. This can lead to itchy, painful or tense blisters on the skin or, in some forms, the mouth, eyes, nose, throat or genital areas. Pemphigoid is more common in older adults, although…
Morning sickness is also known as nausea gravidarum, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), emesis gravidarum and pregnancy sickness. It refers to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. It is common during early pregnancy and is generally associated with the normal physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. A severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and…
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can occur at any age and may be caused by infections such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and, less commonly, other organisms or conditions. Viral meningitis is often less severe than bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical treatment. Because meningitis…
Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, occurs when blood pressure is lower than the range expected for an individual. A reading around 90/60 mmHg or lower is commonly considered low blood pressure, although a low reading does not always mean there is a medical problem. Some people naturally have low blood pressure without symptoms, while in others it can be…
Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the cornea progressively becomes thinner and develops an irregular, cone-like shape. This change in the shape of the cornea can cause blurred and distorted vision. It usually develops between the ages of 8 and 30 years and can affect both men and women. What Is Keratoconus? The cornea is the outer protective layer…
Heartburn is a burning sensation or pain felt in the chest, just below the breastbone or sternum. It is commonly associated with acidity and may become worse after eating oily or fatty foods, in the evening, or while lying down. Heartburn may occur occasionally, particularly after continuously consuming fatty foods. Some people experience improvement by changing their eating habits and…
