Medical dictionary

What is achalasia? Achalasia is a rare disorder that effects the oesophagus (food pipe), making it very difficult to swallow food and drink and for it to pass into the stomach. This happens when the ring of muscle at the end of the oesophagus does not open fully, if at all. As a result, food and drink cannot be squeezed down into the stomach and gets stuck, and is often regurgitated. Wha

What is the Achilles tendon? The Achilles tendon, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is the tendon that connects the calf muscle on the back of the leg to the heel bone. It is a tough band of fibrous tissue that allows the calf muscle to move the foot and is essential for walking, running and jumping. It is the strongest and largest tendon in the body, allowing it to withstand the tension c

What is achondroplasia? Achondroplasia is a bone growth disorder and the most common cause of dwarfism. Although it literally means “without cartilage formation”, the problem is actually in turning the cartilage into bone during early development. The biggest effect of this is that the usually long bones in the arms and legs do not grow to their proper length, although there are usu

What is acidosis? Acidosis is an abnormal state characterised by an excessive amount of acids in the blood and tissues. Here are the different types of acidosis: Diabetic ketoacidosis: occurs when known substances (e.g. ketone bodies or acids) accumulate in the body. Hyperchloraemic acidosis: caused by excessive loss of sodium bicarbonate from the body. Lactic acidosis: c

What are acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?Acid reflux is caused when acid from the stomach leaks back into the oesophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder where acid reflux occurs regularly and causes irritation and discomfort.  It usually occurs because of weakness in the lower oesophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle between th

What is AC joint surgery?AC joint surgery, also known as acromioclavicular joint surgery, is a type of shoulder operation to treat acromioclavicular joint separation, also known as a separated shoulder. An acromioclavicular joint separation occurs when the clavicle (collarbone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). It is not to be confused with a shoulder dislocation as the injury is differ

What is acne? Acne, otherwise known as acne vulgaris is a very common skin condition, usually featuring blackhead and whitehead spots, which happens when hair follicles and pores become blocked by oil and dead skin cells. What are the different types of acne? The six main types of acne are as follows: Blackheads – Small, black or brown spots that are caused when the open p

What are acne scars? Acne scars are produced when acne blemishes become inflamed. Acne spots penetrate the skin at a level that’s deep enough to reach and damage the tissues underneath them. There are several different types of acne scars. Acne scarring is particularly common around the face, where atrophic (depressed) scarring can develop. Variations of this type of scarring incl

What is acoustic neuroma? An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour which grows on the vestibular nerve, the nerve which connects your inner ear to your brain. In some cases, the tumour can grow rapidly and begin to put pressure on the brain, whereas in other cases the tumour can grow very slowly or not at all.   What are the symptoms of acoustic neuroma? Symptoms arise from the