Dysuria is the medical term for painful, burning, or uncomfortable urination. The discomfort may occur when urine starts to pass, during urination, or immediately afterward. Dysuria is a symptom rather than a disease itself, so identifying the underlying cause is important. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the common causes of painful urination, particularly in women. However, dysuria…

Dyspareunia is the medical term for recurrent or persistent pain during sexual intercourse. The pain may occur before, during, or after sexual activity and can affect the genital area, pelvis, lower abdomen, or surrounding areas. Dyspareunia can affect both women and men, although it is more commonly reported by women. The discomfort may be related to vaginal dryness, infection, inflammation,…

Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. It may feel like you cannot get enough air, cannot take a deep breath, or are experiencing chest tightness or a suffocating sensation. Breathlessness can occur temporarily after strenuous exercise, intense physical activity, or exposure to extreme conditions. However, shortness of breath that occurs at rest, with mild…

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes visible flakes of skin, often accompanied by itching. The flakes may be white, greyish, or sometimes yellowish and greasy. Dandruff is not usually a serious medical condition, and it is not contagious. It also does not mean that a person has poor hygiene. However, persistent or severe scalp flaking may sometimes be…

Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in memory, thinking, reasoning, communication, or other cognitive abilities that interferes with everyday life. It is not a single disease. Different diseases and conditions can cause dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Although occasional forgetfulness can happen with ageing,…

Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV). It is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions. The most common symptoms include high fever, headache, body and joint pain, weakness and skin eruptions. Bleeding can also occur in some cases. Dengue…

Depression is a mental health condition in which a person experiences a persistent feeling of sadness, low mood or loss of interest in activities. It can affect emotional well-being, sleep, appetite, concentration, relationships and everyday activities. Depression can affect people of different ages and backgrounds. It may develop because of a combination of biological, psychological, genetic and environmental factors. Depression…

Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. It is commonly known as ringworm, although it is not caused by a worm. Dermatophytosis can affect different parts of the body, including the scalp, face, abdomen, groin, legs, hands, feet and nails. The infection can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact…

Every child develops at their own pace. Child development refers to the way a child learns and develops skills as they grow. Development is different from physical growth. Growth refers mainly to changes in a child’s physical size, while development includes the acquisition of skills such as movement, communication, learning and social interaction. When a child does not achieve an…

Diabetes mellitus is a group of chronic metabolic conditions in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels remain higher than normal over time. It develops when the body does not produce enough insulin, does not respond properly to insulin, or both. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells, where it can…