Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which can affect people differently. It is predominantly prevalent in females (9 out of every 10 cases) and occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues or organs, resulting in inflammation. Although there are about four different types of lupus, what we usually simply refer to as…
Tag: Medicine
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Anaemia generally refers to a deficit in the number or oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells (RBCs) in one’s body. There are several types of anaemia, which may result in some similar symptoms and complications, but which arise due to different reasons. The WHO regards anaemia as “a serious global public health problem”, enhanced by…
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that bridges the uterus to the vagina. It is the eighth most common type of cancer globally, and the fourth most common type to occur among women (after breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer). According to a scientific…
Insomnia
Insomnia refers to the condition of having difficulty in falling asleep or remaining asleep. Intensity and frequency may vary from one case to another, and can often be improved with the introduction of certain lifestyle changes. Symptoms The most straight-forward symptoms of insomnia are: difficulty falling asleep at night (delayed sleep onset) waking up intermittently…
Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris – or acne, as it is commonly known – is a skin condition that affects almost every individual at some point in their life. It is mostly incident among adolescents – around 14-17 years of age in girls, and around 16-19 years of age in boys. However, in some cases, it is more…
Polydactyly
Polydactyly affects about 1 in 1,000 individuals around the world. It is a condition where one or more extra fingers or toes are present at birth. Its name is derived from the Greek words for ‘many’ (poly) and ‘digits’ (dactylos). Symptoms There are three different ways in which polydactyly may manifest: Postaxial polydactyly or small…
Is it Gastritis or Acid Reflux (GERD)?
Gastritis and acid reflux – otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – are terms that are often (mis)used interchangeably due to commonalities between them. However, despite overlapping grey areas, they are two different issues that arise from reasons of their own. Symptoms Symptoms for the two diseases may include most or all of the…
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…
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition that results from exposure to some sort of traumatic experience, and is believed to affect around eight out of every 100 people. Trauma (or a traumatic experience) is referred to as a deeply disturbing or distressing event that causes an overwhelming amount of stress to an individual….
Coronaviruses
(Scroll down for an update posted on 29/03/2020.) With the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, TBL felt that it would only be apt to have a discussion on the tiny microbes that are currently making a huge impact on global healthcare, travel, trade and economy. Viruses are tiny infectious microorganisms that can infect any living organism (including…
The Bio Log 