Medical dictionary

What is anti-ageing? Anti-ageing is a treatment to delay or stop the ageing process. There are many treatments that can help combat ageing, using both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Damage from too much sun exposure can take its toll and be responsible for most of the visible ageing of the skin. As well as photo-ageing, repeatedly spending time in the sun with lack of sunscreen can lead

How is anxiety defined?Anxiety disorder differs from simply feeling anxious, which is a normal response to a stressful situation, like making an important decision, or taking an exam. When anxiety becomes a medical problem, known as anxiety disorder, it can affect people at any time, causing constant fear and worry, often for intangible reasons, and can often make it difficult to ca

What is aviation medicine? Aviation medicine is a field of preventative or occupational medicine. Pilots, cabin crews and astronauts are patients, and it is also concerned with the health and safety of passengers. It is an essential component of aviation safety as the discipline applies medical knowledge to the human factors of aviation.   Who practises aviation medicine? Ther

What is bariatric surgery?Bariatric surgery uses a set of techniques and surgical procedures that help fight obesity and improve a patient's health. It is not to be mistaken as cosmetic surgery and does not come without risk, so the specialist must always advise the patient of the best type of treatment and optimal aftercare.The procedures available either limit the amount you eat, reduce your bod

What is Barrett's oesophagus?Barrett's oesophagus (spelt “Barrett’s esophagus” in the US) is a condition in which the tissue that lines the bottom of the oesophagus undergoes a change, usually in response to acid reflux from the stomach. It is a relatively common complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).Normally, the oesophagus is lined with squamous epithelial

What is a bloated stomach?A bloated stomach is when the tummy is stretched and puffy, leaving a person feeling uncomfortable. The most common cause of a bloated stomach is gas and air, as gas builds up in the digestive tract when undigested food gets broken down, or from swallowing too much air when eating too fast. For some people, it can be from overindulging but for others, there could be an un

Why are blood tests performed? Blood tests are extremely common and are performed for a variety of reasons. They can be used for general health assessments, checking for infections, evaluating organ functionality and screening for genetic conditions.  How to prepare for a blood test Before your test, you will be given specific instructions to follow to help you prepare for your

What is botulinum toxin (Botox™)? Botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox™, is a neurotoxin that is used to treat various medical conditions. It is also used as a cosmetic treatment and is administered via injection. Botulinum toxin was the first drug developed to use botulinum toxin, but others have also been developed. What is botulinum toxin used for? Th

What is burnout?   The term ‘burnout’ was first used in the 70s by German-American psychologist Dr Herbert Freudenberger to describe the symptoms of exhaustion professionally. He published a book entitled "The High Cost of High Achievement," and defined burnout as: “the extinction of motivation or incentive, especially where one’s devotion to a cau