Diseases
Tips for Preventing Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are twisted, swollen veins that are filled after an accumulation of blood. They have a particular expansion that does not allow adequate blood to return to the heart. Any vein can become varicose. However, they often become those this type that are those of the legs and feet, as when standing in an...
Progestin-only contraceptives
What is a progestin-only contraceptive? A progestin-only contraceptive is a type of pill for birth control. It is often called the “mini pill”. Regular pills for birth control have two female hormones: estrogen and progesterone. The mini pill contains only progesterone. Because this pill contains no estrogen, it may not have many side effects. Progestin and progesterone are the same...
Down Syndrome
What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes mental retardation and physical defects. It is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This condition is called trisomy 21. What are the physical signs and birth defects of Down syndrome? Some of the most common physical signs of Down syndrome...
Facts about Skin Cancer
The most common cancer among all Africans is the skin cancer. This includes melanoma and non-melanoma. Approximately 13,000 cases are reported annually. A tan is a sign of good health, but it can also be a sign that the skin has been damaged by ultraviolet radiation. When the sun damages the skin cells, melanin is...
Herpes: Symptoms and Risk Factors
What is herpes? Herpes is the name of a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. A type of herpes (herpes simplex virus) causes both cold sores in the area around the mouth and genital herpes. Shingles is another type of herpes and can cause chickenpox and shingles. What about how I feel...
Herpes: Treatment, Complications and Prevention
What should I do if I think I have herpes? Consult your doctor promptly. Herpes is easier to diagnose when there are sores. You can start treatment earlier and perhaps feel less pain from the infection. Is there a cure for herpes? No. But medicines can help. The drug acyclovir can be made faster healing and can lessen...
Reactive Arthritis
What is reactive arthritis? Reactive arthritis is a rare condition that can cause joints to swell and hurt, causing pain similar to arthritis. The term “reactive arthritis” means that the immune system is reacting to an infection that the person already has. One type of reactive arthritis called Reiter’s syndrome. What are the symptoms of reactive arthritis?...
Amblyopia
What is amblyopia? Amblyopia is an eye problem that causes loss of vision or poor vision in one or both eyes of a child. Generally, amblyopia affects only one eye, but sometimes it can affect both. Amblyopia is the most common cause of vision problems in children. What is the cause of amblyopia? Any factor that causes...
Dysphagia
What is dysphagia? Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. People with dysphagia have pain when swallowing solids, liquids or even saliva. Or to make things worse, you may not be able to swallow anything. What are the symptoms of dysphagia? If you have dysphagia, you may also have some of the following symptoms: Pain on swallowing Choking Feeling...
Croup
What is croup? Croup is an infection caused generally by a virus. It causes the trachea and the larynx (voice box) to swell, causing a harsh cough similar to a “barking”. Generally, croup lasts 5 to 6 days and is most common during the winter and early spring. Children who are 5 years or less are more...
Anemia: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors
What is anemia? Anemia is a condition that affects red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen. The body needs iron to produce hemoglobin. People with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin. The most common...
Anemia: Diagnosis and Treatment
How is anemia diagnosed? Talk to your doctor if you think you could have anemia. To diagnose anemia, your doctor may perform a blood test. If you have anemia, your doctor may need to perform other tests to find out the cause. Normocytic anemia is most commonly detected by routine tests that are part of...
