Medical dictionary

What are attachment issues?   Attachment issues typically develop in childhood. Normal attachment usually results in feelings of security which forms the base for a child to explore their environment, develop relationships, deal with emotions as well as manage stressful situations. Attachment difficulties arise mostly in children who have not had a normal connection with a parental figu

What is atypical pneumonia? Atypical pneumonia is an infection that affects the lower respiratory tract. It is similar to typical pneumonia, but is often less severe and may not require hospitalisation. Many patients recover fully from this condition through the intake of antibiotics and on many occasions may not even realise that they have this type of lung infection. It is called atypical pne

What is audiometry? An audiometry exam evaluates your hearing function in terms of tone, balance and sound intensity. It focuses on the functioning of the inner ear. The human ear can perceive sounds with tones that range between 20 and 20,000 Hertz. The human ear can hear sounds with intensity ranging from 20 decibels upwards. What does audiometry involve? An audiometry exam involves

What is auditory processing disorder?Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a hearing problem that affects the way audio and oral information is taken in, meaning that those with APD have trouble understanding sounds and spoken words.APD is thought to be a neurodevelopmental disorder, as those with the condition tend to have normal ear structure and function, but they are unable to process audible

What is autism? Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a range of similar conditions that affect a person’s social skills, communication, interaction, interests and behaviour. There are many types of autism, which are caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. According to the NHS, it is estimated that about 1 in every 100 people in the

What is an autism spectrum test? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the symptoms and their severity can vary widely among individuals. The diagnosis of ASD is based on the presence of certain behavioural patterns and symptoms, which can be assessed through a va

What is analysed? Autoantibodies refer to antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and attack the body's own cells. These can be specific to certain organs or tissues, leading to autoimmune disorders. Why undergo the analysis? Analysing autoantibodies is crucial for diagnosing autoimmune diseases. Detecting these antibodies helps in identifying the specific

How can autoimmune diseases affect a woman's pregnancy? There are various ways that autoimmune diseases during pregnancy can manifest. Women with a pre-existing autoimmune disease may be considered high-risk during their pregnancy and may require more extensive care. What are autoimmune conditions? Autoimmune conditions affect different parts of

What are autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune diseases are a group of conditions where healthy cells in the body are mistakenly attacked by the immune system. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases that affect any part of the body. This makes diagnosis difficult. The most common autoimmune diseases are: Inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease an