Medical dictionary

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

What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia? Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease which also once went by the name of chronic lung disease of infancy. The condition affects newborns, generally those who were born premature, who have been on a ventilator and required long-term use of oxygen. This can cause damage to the lungs and while some infants recover, some experience long-term

What is a bronchoscopy? A bronchoscopy is a medical procedure performed to visualise the airways and to detect any lung disease. It may also be carried out during treatment for certain lung problems. What does a bronchoscopy involve? The device used, called a bronchoscope, is a tube measuring roughly one centimetre in diameter and around 60 centimetres in length. The bronchoscope may

What is a brow lift? A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift or browplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to combat sagging brows, which can give the face an older or tired look. The procedure can provide a rejuvenated appearance of the forehead and the brow and eye area.   Why is a brow lift done? As we age, the forehead area naturally begins to move down because the skin and s

What is Brugada Syndrome? Brugada syndrome is a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder that is mostly inherited. It is much more common in men than women and can be diagnosed with an electrocardiogram. An echocardiogram is also needed to find abnormalities in the structure of the heart. There is also a genetic test that can identify any genetic alteration confirmin

What is a bruised kidney? A bruised kidney, also known as a renal haematoma, is an injury caused by trauma to the kidney. In most cases, this is due to a road traffic accident or sports accidents. The trauma results in bleeding inside the kidney, which can be serious. 10 per cent of people with abdominal traumatic injury have renal haematoma and about thr

What is it? Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, is when a person clenches or grinds their teeth. This can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems and wear and tear of the tooth surface. The condition affects between 10 and 20 per cent of the population. It may happen during the day or throughout the night, although it is more common when sleeping, when it is much more diff