Medical dictionary

What is a perforated nasal septum? The nose has two cavities (nostrils) which are separated by a septum. This is made from both bone and cartilage and is responsible for separating the nasal cavities and channelling airflow into the nose. A perforated septum described when a hole develops in the septum, which depending on the size of the hole can cause mild to extreme symptoms. Outlook o

What is nasal trauma? Nasal trauma is an injury to the nose or it’s surrounding areas. They can be either internal or external and thanks to the position of your nose, the nasal bones, cartilage and tissue are particularly vulnerable to external injuries.   What are the most common types of nasal trauma? The commonest types of nasal trauma include nosebleeds, fracture

What is being analysed? Natriuretic peptides, including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), are hormones produced by the heart in response to stretching of heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes). These peptides play a crucial role in regulating blood volume and pressure, helping to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis. What does the res

What is natural childbirth? A natural birth is one that occurs without the help of drugs such as an epidural. Some women with low risk pregnancies opt for this natural way of giving birth in order to avoid the possible risks that drugs can pose. Why is it done? Many women choose this form of delivery to avoid the risks that medications can cause in the mother and the baby. Other women

What does Natural IVF involve? Natural IVF, also known as Mild IVF, is an alternative approach to traditional in vitro fertilisation (IVF) that minimises the use of ovarian stimulation medications. In this method, fertility specialists aim to retrieve and fertilise the woman's naturally occurring eggs during her regular menstrual cycle. Unlike conventional IVF, which relies on high doses of

What is naturopathy?   Naturopathy, or natural medicine, is a form of alternative medicine with a deep history of traditional philosophies and practices and natural treatment options for patients. It aims at stimulating the body’s self-healing capacity and promotes a concept of going back to an innate balance. It involves the treatment and prevention of health disor

What is a nebuliser?   A nebuliser is a device that turns a liquid medicine into a mist. This mist travels through a plastic tube that connects to a mask which you place over your mouth. Nebulisers are small and easily transportable devices, and can sometimes be used at home.     Why are nebulisers used?   Nebulisers are useful in the treatment of lung

What is a neck dissection? A neck dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes and surrounding tissues that contain cancer on one or both sides of the neck. There are three types of neck dissection surgery:   Selective neck dissection — if the cancer hasn’t spread too far, then not all the lymph nodes will need to be removed. During this type of surgery, th

What is neck lift surgery?Neck lift surgery is an aesthetic surgical intervention used to rejuvenate the neck, where wrinkles and excess skin usually form and some may wish to correct. This operation is performed under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation.Why would you have neck lift surgery?Sagging and flaccidity of the skin are common with ageing. Ageing starts to visibly affec