ACNE
3 forms – Vulgaris, Conglobata & Rosacea. Acne Vulgaris, the most common form is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands and characterised by whiteheads, blackheads and pustules on the face, back and chest. Often occurs around puberty due to hormonal changes.
ALCOHOLISM
Syndrome due to dependence on alcohol and usually associated with change in behaviour. Withdrawal symptoms can be manifested as anxiety, tremors, delirium, hallucinations.
ALLERGY
Abnormal response by the body to a particular antigen which provokes symptoms when inhaled, ingested or on contact due to hypersensitivity of the immune system. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, hives, rashes, wheezing, congestion, headache, diarrhoea and vomiting. Hereditary and environmental factors can contribute.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
A progressive deterioration of mental and intellectual performance characterised by loss of memory and cognitive function. Higher risk with increased age.
ANAEMIA
A condition caused by reduced carrying capacity of oxygen in the blood resulting from a deficiency in red blood cell or haemoglobin (contain iron) quality or quantity. Symptoms include tiredness, pallor, dizziness, breathlessness, palpitations and slow healing.
ANGINA
Pain in the centre of the chest due to inadequate blood supply to the chest muscle often precipitated by exercise. Commonly caused by atherosclerosis or other heart disease. Symptoms include suffocating pain which can spread to neck, jaws, shoulder and left arm.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
Psychological condition motivated by a disturbed perception of body image and fear of obesity often resulting in severe weight loss and starvation, usually occurring in adolescent females. Can be preceded by depression and social withdrawal.
ANXIETY
A condition of apprehension, nervousness or inappropriate fear resulting in symptoms including palpitations, excessive sweating, hyperventilation, sleep disturbances, headaches, tight muscles and digestive disturbances.
ASTHMA
A inflammatory disease manifested by narrowing of the air passages and increased mucous secretion resulting in difficulty in breathing, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. May be precipitated by a wide range of allergens.
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Accumulation of fatty deposits inside blood vessels, which can cause progressive blockage to arteries. Unfortunately the condition may not be diagnosed until complications such as angina, hypertension or stroke occur.
ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER
A persistent behavioural pattern mostly of children, that can be characterised by hyperactivity, inattentiveness, impulsiveness or aggressiveness and slow learning, all inappropriate for the age of the child.
AUTISM
A psychiatric disorder in infants, more common in boys and marked by inability to relate to others, difficulties with speech, compulsive behaviour and repetitive movements. May be associated with brain injury or infection.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
A disorder of the immune system whereby antibodies are produced by the body against its own tissues causing tissue specific or systemic inflammation and destruction- may include conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome and Hasimoto’s disease.
BED-WETTING
Involuntary urinating, Nocturnal enuresis -the most common form of bedwetting in children occurring past the age ( usually 3-4) when the urinary bladder control is mastered.
BIPOLAR DISORDER
A severe mental disorder in which the sufferer may alternate between episodes of depression and mania. Sufferers may be impulsive, aggressive or cause injury to themselves.
BOILS & CARBUNCLES
A painful inflammation of the hair follicle usually caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria. Normally appears as a rounded nodule, becoming painful, red and containing pus. Carbuncles a collection of adjacent boils, may be deeper and slower to heal.
BRONCHITIS
Inflammation progressing from the trachea to the bronchi. Acute bronchitis is often caused by a virus and symptoms include fever, cough and malaise. Chronic bronchitis is characterised by a productive cough with excess mucous, breathing difficulties, wheezing and exhaustion.
BURSITIS
Inflammation of a bursa (sac of fluid contained in fibrous tissue, normally found where tendons pass across bone. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling and reduced movement.
CANDIDIASIS
A common disorder caused by the overgrowth of the yeast – Candida albicans, usually in mucous membranes such as the mouth and vagina. There are a number of factors which may favour this overgrowth including stress, prolonged antibiotic use, diabetes, hormonal changes and use of the contraceptive pill.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
A painful complaint caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes between the ligaments and bones of the wrist. Symptoms include weakness, burning, tingling and numbness of the hand and forearm.
CATARACTS
Degenerative opaque blemishes on the lens of the eye which may cause painful loss of vision.
CELLULITE
A cosmetic condition resulting from weakened connective tissue below the skin’s surface. Commonly seen as pitting on women’s thighs.
CERVICAL DYSPLASIA
A disorder involving the development of abnormal cells on the cervix. Generally no symptoms, but diagnosed with a Pap smear.
COELIAC DISEASE
Chronic malabsorption syndrome due to gluten intolerance. May result in malnutrition as the gluten irritates and may eventually destroy the villi necessary for absorbing nutrients in the small intestine. Usually occurs in the first 3 years of life after introduction to cereals or in the third decade. Symptoms include pale, frothy, foul-smelling stools, distended stomach and weight loss.
COLDS AND FLU
Colds – viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, contagious and spread by sneezing or coughing.Influenza– many different strains of viruses but spread the same as colds. Symptoms include fever, malaise, headache, aches and pains, cough and catarrh and can last up to a week.
COLIC
Severe pain and cramping in the abdomen, usually seen in babies under 4 months of age. May be associated with wind in the intestine due to feeding difficulties or immature digestive systems.
CONSTIPATION
Condition where bowel evacuations are infrequent, and/or faeces are hard and difficult to pass. Developing constipation after having regular bowel habits for many years may indicate intestinal disease. Other symptoms may include headaches, coated tongue and mental dullness.
CRAMPS
A prolonged involuntary contraction of muscle, often painful, may be caused by salt imbalance in the body, fatigue or stress.
CHRONIC FATIGUE
A condition characterised by severe disabling fatigue of at least 6 months duration, with symptoms which may include lack of energy, mental and physical weakness and inability to perform ordinary duties, usually accompanied with muscle and joint pain, recurrent sore throats, low grade fever and tender lymph nodes and depression.
CYSTITIS
Inflammation of the urinary bladder, often caused by Escherichia coli bacteria. Symptoms usually include increased urinary frequency with burning pain. May also be accompanied by lower abdominal pain and cloudy or dark urine.
