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Is Kombucha Good for You?

Kombucha is a slightly fizzy and sour, fermented drink made using sweet tea and a culture called ‘symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts’ (SCOBY).

25 Apr 2019

Physiotherapy is often used to help recover motor function and movement of joints, muscles and tendons in individuals who are affected by disability, illness or injury. By keeping the muscles active and the joints flexible, it prevents wasting and deterioration of function, as well as promoting rehabilitation.

25 Apr 2019

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Causes, Symptoms, & Management

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a bulge or dilation of the abdominal aorta, the largest blood vessel in the abdomen.

23 Apr 2019

What is Opioid-Induced Bowel Dysfunction?

Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD) is a group of gastrointestinal symptoms that arise from the prolonged use of opioid analgesics. The treatment options available for it are limited in their effectiveness; however, newly emerging treatment options have a lot of potential.

16 Apr 2019

What is Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia (LGLL)?

Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia (LGLL) is a rare cancer of one type of white blood cells, with less than 1000 new cases reported in the United States each year. These white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, are fundamental for the body’s immune response.

15 Apr 2019

What is Sjogren's Syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is a progressive, multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by sicca.

15 Apr 2019

What is Fundus Flavimaculatus?

Fundus Flavimaculatus is a genetic condition which is considered to represent one of two ends of the spectrum of a disease which is comprised of the presentation of retinal flecks. Research has shown that the ABCA4 and PRPH2 genes may be linked to the onset of the condition, as well as the overproduction of vitamin A.

15 Apr 2019

An Overview of Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (or paraneoplastic neurological disorders), are a class of conditions which arise due to an autoimmune attack on neural tissue (amongst others) in response to cancer progression.

15 Apr 2019

What is Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive arthritis (also called “Reiter syndrome”) is a painful inflammatory joint disease. The condition is relatively rare and is more common in men in their twenties and thirties.

15 Apr 2019

Moving House with Autism: Reducing Stress & Anxiety

Autistic persons often adhere to stereotypical behaviour on daily basis characterised by the need to adhere to a strict schedule or routine in a familiar setting or environment. Examples may include eating from a particular plate on a particular table at a set time each day. Any deviation from such routine and familiarity can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

14 Apr 2019

What Are Rare Clotting Factor Deficiencies?

Rare clotting factor deficiencies are a collection of bleeding disorders associated with issues with clotting factors. These conditions are inherited and target the proteins in the blood that control bleeding. Rare clotting factor deficiencies do not include deficiencies in clotting factor VIII and IX, which are known as hemophilia A and B.

14 Apr 2019

What is Fuchs Heterochromic Iridocyclitis?

Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis is an ocular condition characterized by the presence of keratic precipitates, iris heterochromia and iris atrophy.

14 Apr 2019

Treatment for Genital Warts

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are various treatment and preventative options available for genital warts.

14 Apr 2019

Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition and Joint Problems

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPDD) disease is characterized by the accumulation of calcium crystals in the cartilage tissues of the joints. The crystal deposits cause inflammation of the affected joint, and in severe cases it leads to cartilage rupture.

12 Apr 2019

What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a rheumatic disease characterized by recurrent inflammatory episodes. PMR is usually seen in Caucasians living in Northern Europe and North America. The condition generally affects people over the age of 50 years (with average patient age being above 70 years), and is more common in women than men.

12 Apr 2019

Tendonitis versus Bursitis

Tendonitis and bursitis are common conditions that cause swelling and pain around muscles and bones. Both conditions often occur in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. Although tendonitis and bursitis present similar symptoms, they are two distinct conditions affecting different parts of the body.

9 Apr 2019

What is Adrenoleukodystrophy?

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is rare X-linked genetic disease that affects the adrenal glands (found on top of the kidneys) as well as the myelin in the brain and spinal cord. The incidence of ALD is approximately 1:20,000-50,000 people worldwide, affecting predominantly males.

9 Apr 2019

Treating and Managing Reactive Arthritis (ReA)

Reactive arthritis (ReA) is a painful inflammatory joint disease. ReA occurs as a reaction to infection caused by a gastrointestinal or genitourinary pathogen such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, or Yersinia.

9 Apr 2019

What are Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) occur when cells in the bone marrow that are responsible for blood formation are abnormal. It is a type of cancer in which blood cell production is defective.

9 Apr 2019

Spinal Stenosis Causes, Diagnosis & Management

Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal, a tubular structure which encloses the spinal cord. Narrowing of the spinal canal leads to compression of the spinal cord and the accompanying nerve roots; this, ultimately leads to the development of pain and muscle weakness.

9 Apr 2019