Medical science, drawn into focus.

Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Overview Premenstrual syndrome is defined as recurrent moderate psychological and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of menses and resolve with menstruation. Most women of reproductive age experience one or more mild emotional or physical symptoms for one to two days before the onset of menses. These symptoms, such as breast soreness and bloating,…

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Overview Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland. There is an increase in stromal and glandular components. Anatomy The prostate is an male organ that sits inferior to the bladder and surrounds the first part of the urethra. It is oval shaped and approximately 4cm thick. The prostate gland is…

Asthma (Adults)

Clinical features of asthma such as dyspnoea, chest tightness and wheezing can mimic other respiratory conditions. It is important to take a careful history and examination and ideally demonstrate reversible airflow obstruction. Other clinical features of asthma arise during periods of bronchoconstriction (ie. exercise, smoking, stress, cold air). Exacerbation of asthma confounds the breathing difficulty, cough and wheeze in patients.

Tonsilitis

Overview Tonsillitis is inflammation or infection of the tonsils. Tonsils are lymphoid tissues that are situated on both side of the throat. Generally, the palatine tonsil are referred to as "the tonsils". Tonsils: Collections of lymphoid tissue at the entrance to the pharynx, on either side of the uvula (the palatine tonsils). There are also…

Urinary Tract Infection (Children)

Overview Urinary Tract infections (UTIs) in children are common and usually carry low risk. UTIs are often non-specific and can not be diagnosed on symptoms alone. A clean specimen (urine) is required for the diagnosis of UTI. Any child who is unwell, and most children under 6 months, should be admitted for IV antibiotics. The…

Critical Limb Ischaemia

Overview Critical limb ischaemia (CLI) represents grade III and IV chronic limb ischaemia (based on the Fontaine classification). It presents with rest pain, breakdown of skin and inability to heal an injury, which can lead to infection or gangrene. If left untreated it may be necessary to amputate the affected limb. CLI develops in 1%…

Digoxin Toxicity

75 year old presents to emergency with a 2 day history nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. He has not been tolerating oral fluids and is currently confused with a GCS of 14. He has a past medical history of heart failure, atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney injury. He is on digoxin, metoprolol and an…

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