Infections & Immune
ACNEThe term acne is used to describe pimples, blackheads, white heads and cysts. These lesions are most problematic during the teenage years, but may also persist into adulthood. Read more... |
BRONCHITIS & COUGHSCoughing is the body's method of removing obstructions of the airways. It is commonly a consequence of infections (such as colds and flu), but when more persistent may indicate the presence of bronchitis or other chronic respiratory disease. Infectious bronchitis usually resolves itself within 7-10 days, but may be more serious in children or elderly patients. Read more... |
CANDIDACandida albicans is a strain of yeast that naturally inhabits the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, respiratory tract and vagina, where it exists in a delicate balance with a number of other organisms. If that balance is disturbed, an overgrowth of candida may occur, resulting in thrush and a wide range of other symptoms. Read more... |
COLD SORESCold sores are lesions that occur around the lips and nose, starting as blisters and progressing to scabbed sores. They are caused by one of the Herpes family of viruses, and consequently share many features with genital herpes, chicken pox, and shingles. Read more... |
COLDS & FLUColds can be caused by any of a large number of viral infections, and normally last 7-10 days. On the other hand, flu is caused by one of the Influenza group of viruses, and tends to last longer than a cold. Read more... |
CYSTITIS & URINARY TRACT INFECTIONSCystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by an infectious organism (such as the bacteria E. coli) travelling up the urethra and attaching itself to the mucous membranes lining the bladder. It is more common in women than men, and in some cases can occur repeatedly, or progress into infection elsewhere in the urinary tract, such as the kidneys. Read more... |
DIARRHOEADiarrhoea is characterised by the passing of watery, loose stools and causes the body to lose large amounts of nutrients and fluids. Read more... |
GASTRITISGastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. The condition may be acute, with symptoms of nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhoea lasting for a few days (for example due to food poisoning) or chronic (with symptoms that are less severe but more persistent). Read more... |
IMMUNITYThe immune system prevents infections taking hold, and helps overcome those that do. It also catalogues infectious organisms so that the body is better equipped to fight them if they're ever encountered again. The components of the immune system range from simple barrier defences (for example the tiny hairs and mucus secretions of the nostrils) to sophisticated cells that recognise and engulf invading organisms. Read more... |
SINUSITISThe sinuses are airspaces within the bones of the face (cheeks, forehead and around the eyes). The term sinusitis is used to refer to inflammation in these areas, which is most commonly caused by allergy or infection. Read more... |
WOUNDSMost skin wounds heal naturally and relatively quickly, but severe or infected wounds may take longer to resolve. Circulatory problems may also delay wound healing. Read more... |
