Medical science, drawn into focus.

Diverticular Disease

Overview Diverticula of the colon consist of outpouchings of mucous membrane through the muscle wall of the bowel. In the colon, diverticula are found most commonly in the sigmoid and descending colon, and become increasingly rare in passing from the left to the right side of the colon. They are unusual before the age of 40…

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Overview In the clinical setting, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia. Iron Deficiency is lack of iron in the body resulting from inadequate iron intake, increased iron loss and increased iron demand which can lead to anaemia. Iron is an integral part of haemoglobin the oxygen carrying protein. Without iron, oxygen is unable to…

Croup

Overview Croup, also known as largnotracheobronchitis, is a usually self limiting upper airway viral infection causing upper airway obstruction. Croup is more common in boys than in girls, usually occurs between six and 36 months of age, and peaks during the second year of life. Croup is usually caused by viruses, which are detected in up to…

Community Acquired Pneumonia

Overview Community acquired pneumonia occur in individuals who are not in hospital (or have been in hospital in the past 48 hours) and who are not significantly immunocompromised. The World Health Organization estimates that lower respiratory tract infection is the most common infectious cause of death in the world. Choice of antibiotics are usually empirical…

Cystic Fibrosis

  Overview Cystic fibrosis causes the dehydration of the mucus lumen causing thick sticky mucus to build up. This occurs mainly the lungs, causing productive cough and increasing rates in respiratory infections, and the pancreas causing pancreatic dysfunction. Cystic fibrosis occurs due to a mutation in the CFTR gene. Salty sweat is also another important characteristic…

Nephrotic Syndrome

Overview Nephrotic syndrome is a relatively rare but important manifestation of kidney disease.Nephrotic syndrome classically presents with heavy proteinuria , minimal hematuria, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, edema , and hypertension. In general, all patients with hypercholesterolemia secondary to nephrotic syndrome should be treated with lipid-lowering agents because they are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Nephrotic syndrome…

Acute Limb Ischaemia

Overview Acute limb ischaemia refers to any sudden decrease in limb perfusion that causes a potential threat to viability. It is associated with pain, motor and sensory loss, and cold sensation. It affects one in about 6000 of the population 1 and is more common in the lower limb, with less than 17% of cases…

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