Tonsils are two masses of tissue located on either side at the back of the throat – in the pharynx region, to be specific. Healthy tonsils are pink in colour and can be seen in the mirror when you open your mouth wide and stick your tongue forward. Tonsils function as part of the immune…
Tag: Infectious diseases
Conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eye (sclera). Conjunctivitis – or pink eye, as it is sometimes known – is a medical condition where the conjunctiva gets inflamed, usually due to a viral/bacterial infection, allergic reaction or being triggered by an…
Why Do We Get Fever?
Fever, or pyrexia, refers to an increase in body temperature beyond its normal range. While our temperature may vary slightly during the course of the day (by not more than 1.0°C – 1.5 °C, usually higher in the evening than in the morning) and due to other factors such as exercise, menstrual cycle phase, hot…
Measles
Measles is caused by a virus that enters the body via the respiratory system. It is a highly contagious disease which has the potential to cause serious complications. Fortunately, the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and subsequent implementation of global vaccination drives has significantly reduced the incidence of measles and/or its complications over…
Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)
Leprosy (or Hansen’s Disease) is a communicable, infectious disease that has, over centuries, been associated with continued social stigma. In ancient times, it was believed to be some form of divine “punishment”, while in more recent history it was thought to cause “limbs to fall off” of affected individuals. In this article, we delve into…
Varicella (aka Chickenpox)
Varicella, or what we commonly call chickenpox, is an infectious communicable viral disease that mostly affects children. However, it can also occur in adults – particularly those who have not had chickenpox during their childhood or have not been vaccinated. Symptoms Chickenpox is typically characterised by the appearance of around 250-500 itchy blisters all over…
Is it a Cold? Is it the Flu?
It can be a bit tricky to differentiate between the common cold and the flu (influenza) – particularly during flu season. They are both infectious diseases that are communicable, and are both caused by viruses that attack the nose, throat and, sometimes, the rest of the respiratory tract or lungs. Let’s take a look at…
The Bio Log 