Medical dictionary

What is breast pain? Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is pain or tenderness around the breast area. It’s a common complaint among women and can appear as a dull, heavy andaching pain or a sharp burning pain. It can range from mild to severe and the duration varies. Pain may appear: Just before your period - two to three days before you may experience some form of mild to moder

What is breast reconstruction? Breast reconstruction is performed after a mastectomy or a lumpectomy; in some cases, the reconstruction is delayed a few months or years after the breast cancer surgery. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 8 hours. Why is it done? Breast reconstruction is primarily done for aesthetic reasons, and leads to marked improve

What is breast reduction?  Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breasts. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia by a specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Why is it done? Breast reduction may be done for aesthetic reasons, in women who feel that the size of their breasts is not proportional or in harmony with the

What is a breast ultrasound? A breast ultrasound is an imaging technique used to screen for tumours and abnormalities in the breast tissue, such as cysts. An ultrasound uses sound waves to form images of the inside of the body. The sound waves bounce or echo off surfaces in the body which are recorded and transformed into videos or photographs. What does a breast ultrasound involve? P

What are breathing problems? Breathing problems can be defined as sudden shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty (dyspnoea). If you have over-exerted yourself, it would be normal for you to be out of breath. However, when breathlessness comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, it is usually a warning sign of a medical condition.     Breathing problems are usually exper

What is a clavicle fracture?A clavicle fracture affects the long, thin bone also known as the collarbone, which is located in the upper chest, between the sternum and the shoulder. Its function is to join the upper limbs with the thorax and keep the shoulders aligned. An injury that causes the clavicle to be broken can also cause the clavicle to be dislocated or the neighbouring acromioc

What is bronchial disease?Bronchial disease, also known as bronchitis, is inflammation of the bronchi, which are the main airways of the lungs. It causes cough with mucous and breathing difficulties. The mucous is produced by the inner layer of the bronchi and has a characteristically sticky quality. Symptoms may also include panting, chest tightness or mild fever. There are two types: acute bronc

What is bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that damages the major airways of the lungs, causing them to widen. There can be two types: Congenital bronchiectasis: this is present from birth. Acquired bronchiectasis appears later in life.   What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis? Symptoms develop gradually and may appear months or years later. Th

What is bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is a viral condition characterised by the swelling of the small airways. It is most commonly seen in children but in rare cases can develop in adults. Bronchiolitis is usually a self-limiting condition and improves after 2-3 weeks, however if you are concerned about the condition, you should seek a consultation with a specialist pulmonologist or paediatric p