The term loose bowel movements refer to watery stool and abnormally frequent bowel movements which are collectively referred to as diarrhea. There are many different causes of diarrhea and it can be difficult to isolate the exact cause in acute cases. Most of the time the diarrhea passes after a few days without any >> Read More ...
What is pharyngitis? A sore throat, or pharyngitis, can vary in intensity from mild discomfort in the back of the throat, to a dull ache or pain in the throat. Although subjective, the term ‘sore throat‘ is used to indicate any irritation in the throat that may also involve the back of the mouth (oropharynx), >> Read More ...
The color, volume and consistency or shape of stool varies from person to person. It is generally accepted that the normal stool is : tan to dark brown in color firm but soft elongated like a sausage passed at least 3 times a week volume of less than 200 ml or 200g per >> Read More ...
We all feel tired at times and sometimes this can be severe whre it is referred to as fatigue. Normally rest, proper hydration and adequate nutrition are sufficient for most of us to recover within a day or more and our normal energy levels are restored. Ongoing fatigue, particularly when there is no clearly identifiable >> Read More ...
What is erosive gastritis? Gastritis is a well known and common condition where the stomach wall is inflamed. It can be broadly classified as erosive or non-erosive. The term ‘erosive gastritis’ refers to a condition where there is minimal inflammation of the stomach wall but instead the wall wears away. This >> Read More ...
The Colon The colon is the part of the large intestine, lying between the cecum and the rectum (Picture 1). It is the muscular tube, which starts in the lower right abdomen as the continuation of the small intestine, runs up as the ascending colon toward the liver, turns left and runs below the rib cage as the >> Read More ...
The urinary system is responsible for the production, storage and expulsion of urine from the body. Urine is a combination of waste products, excess fluid and electrolytes, as well as toxins and other metabolites. The kidneys therefore serve to filter the blood of these substances and maintain homeostasis. In the process, >> Read More ...
Movement through the bowels is constantly occurring to some degree. It ensures that food, fluids and feces move along the bowels at varying speeds where it can be processed and/or expelled. This movement is made possible by the coordinated contraction and relaxation of the small muscles in the bowel walls. It is referred >> Read More ...
What is pericarditis? Pericarditis is the term for inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart and root of the great blood vessels. This protective sac has two layers, between which is a small amount of pericardial fluid that helps with lubrication. Pericarditis may arise as a result of an infection, >> Read More ...
What is asbestosis? Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos particles. It is a type of pneumoconiosis, which are lung diseases that occur as a result of inhalation of mineral dusts, but it is not the only asbestos-related disease. Other diseases like asbestos-related pleural disease >> Read More ...