Medical dictionary

What is inflammatory arthritis? Inflammatory arthritis is one of the two major sub-categories of arthritis (the other being osteoarthritis), and, as its name suggests, it is characterised by the inflammation it causes in the joints and surrounding tissue. Most forms of inflammatory arthritis are thought to be autoimmune diseases. There are many di

What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) a medical term used to describe a group of diseases that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Our digestive tract is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and removing waste products from the body. If any part of the digestive tract gets inflamed, it can disrupt the normal flow of digesti

What is being analysed here? Influenza virus is being analysed here. The tests evaluate the presence of the influenza virus in respiratory samples. When is it requested? It is requested when a person presents flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and muscle aches. It is also considered during flu outbreaks or when there is exposure to infected individuals.

What is an infusion pump? An intravenous infusion pump is a device to administer medication or medication for the treatment of high blood pressure. There are three types of pumps: the positive displacement pump, peristaltic linear pumps, and peristalsis pumps. Infusion pumps allow for high viscous medications to be administered through small catheters into the veins. Medication is usually

What is an inguinal hernia?A hernia occurs when part of the internal organs or tissue pushes through a weakness in the muscle wall. An inguinal hernia is said to occur when part of the bowel or fatty tissue pushes into the groin at the top of the thigh. It is also the most common type of hernia, particularly in men. Inguinal hernias are rare in females.  What are the symptoms of an ingui

What are inherited cardiac conditions?   These are a group of heart conditions that are passed on genetically through families. They can affect people of any age, and vary in terms of how serious they are. The following are the main types of inherited cardiac conditions: Inherited cardiomyopathies (disease of the heart muscle, affecting size, structure and shape) Inherited ar

How are sports injuries diagnosed? Some sports injuries are more easily diagnosed than others. More simple cases such as dislocations, cuts and grazes are diagnosed through seeing or feeling the injury. Cases that are more difficult, such as soft tissue damage, fractures and overuse injuries require an examination. The specialist will examine these the complex ones using X-rays, CT or MRI scans

What is an insect sting allergy?   Insects can sting or bite your skin, which can cause it to be irritated. It can also cause more serious symptoms and allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, or spread serious illnesses such as malaria and Lyme disease. Insect bites and stings are a phenomenon which usually occur more frequently in the summer due to the foll

What is insomnia? Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders and is defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, despite having the opportunity to sleep. This lack of rest prevents the body from recovering at night and as a consequence can cause daytime sleepiness, low concentration and an inability to feel active during the day. Insomnia can occur at bedtime, at night or