What is bone TB?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a well known infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary tuberculosis ~ lung TB). However, it can affect various other sites of the body and is then referred to as extrapulmonary TB. When it affects the bone, it is known as tuberculous osteomyelitis or simply bone tuberculosis (TB). The weight bearing bones and joints are most commonly affected – the spinal column, followed by the knees and hips. The joints of these bones are also often involved but TB of the joints (tuberculous arthritis) usually has a predilection for the the hips and knees. Other bones and joints, like that of the wrist, hand and elbow may also be affected typically after an injury to these areas.

continue reading Bone Tuberculosis and Back TB (Pott’s Disease)

What is lupus?

Lupus is a common term to describe a group of autoimmune diseases more correctly known as lupus erythematosus. There are several distinct types of lupus which can be broadly divided into systemic, where the entire body is affected, or cutaneous, where it is restricted mostly to the skin. It may be further categorized by the causative factor or age group that is affected.  The most common type of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and therefore the general term ‘lupus’ is considered to be referring to SLE specifically.

Meaning of Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease meaning that the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. This applies to all types of lupus erythematosus. Since SLE is the most common type, it is worth noting the pathophysiology (disease mechanism) to gain a broad understanding of lupus erythematosus as a whole. There may, however, be slight differences in the pathophysiology particularly associated with the causative factors. The pathophysiology is not completely understood although there is sufficient evidence to support current theories. Lupus seems to be associated with genetic, environmental, hormonal and possibly even infectious factors.

continue reading Lupus Information – Meaning, About Causes and Types of Lupus

What is a sore stomach?

The stomach is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, largely tucked in under the left ribcage and extending across the midline to slightly protrude into the right upper quadrant. It is part of the alimentary tract which is responsible for the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients and expulsion of waste material in the form of feces. The stomach lies just after the esophagus and leads through to the first part of the small intestine known as the duodenum. There are a number of diseases that can affect the stomach, which often involves the neighboring segments of the alimentary tract – the esophagus and/or duodenum. Discomfort or pain may therefore be present in this specific region and it may be referred to as a sore stomach.

The abdominal cavity contains the most amount of organs within any body cavity. Therefore discomfort or pain of the organs surrounding the stomach, including the overlying muscles and skin, may be also be attributed to the stomach.  However, it is not uncommon for a person to refer to the abdomen as a whole as the ‘stomach’. Therefore pain or discomfort of the abdomen may be referred to as stomach soreness despite the stomach not being involved in some instances.

continue reading Sore Stomach in Pregnancy, Adults and Children

What is the stomach?

The human stomach is a walled sac that is a part of the alimentary tract lying between the esophagus (food pipe) and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It plays a central role in both mechanical and chemical digestion of food – the process of breaking down food into simpler compounds for absorption into the body.

What is a stomach problem?

The term stomach problem is broadly used to describe any disorder relating to the stomach. It is also commonly used quite loosely to describe upper gastrointestinal symptoms in general. However, these symptoms may not be emanating from the stomach or be associated with any stomach disorder. The word ‘stomach’ is also at times used to refer to the abdomen in general. In this context, stomach problems may also refer to abdominal problems at large.

Stomach Problem Meaning

It is important to know the basic structure, activity and functions of the stomach in order to understand what may be meant by the term ‘stomach problem’. It is used to describe any upper abdominal symptoms, particularly with discomfort or pain that is left sided, any symptoms shortly after eating or when hungry. Although the symptoms are indicative of a gastrointestinal disturbance, some symptoms like pain is non-specific and may be related to surrounding structures. Technically a stomach problem refers to any disturbance or disease of the stomach. However the stomach does not exist in isolation in the alimentary tract and there can be an overlap of diseases although it is attributed mainly to the stomach.

Stomach Anatomy

The stomach is a dilated portion of the alimentary tract that leads from the esophagus. The four main parts of the stomach are the :

• Cardia at the entrance of the stomach.
• Fundus which is the dilated upper portion of the stomach next to the cardia.
• Body which is the largest section of the stomach lying between the parts at either end.
• Pylorus which is at the end of the stomach leading into the duodenum.

Food travels down the esophagus, is then allowed into the stomach by relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and enters the body of the stomach where it undergoes chemical and mechanical digestion. The pylorus carefully regulates the outflow of partially digested food by the action of the pyloric pump.

continue reading Stomach Problem Causes, Types, Symptoms, Treament

Vision Problems Definitions

What is vision?

Vision is the ability to perceive the surrounding environment by interpreting the images cast by light on the eye. This is possible through the visual apparatus the eyeball, optic nerve and brain. The eyeball is responsible for focusing a sharp image and converting the light into nerve impulses. The optic nerve then carries these signals to the cerebral cortex. The brain then decodes these impulses into images – visual perception.

What is visual acuity?

Visual acuity is the clarity or sharpness of vision. Although the ability to see clearly varies slightly from person to person to some degree, and the visual apparatus attempts to maintain clear and sharp images,  there is a point of reference established which is considered the norm among humans. This is sometimes referred to as 20/20 vision.

What are vision problems?

Vision problems or eyesight problems is a broad term used to describe any defect in the ability to see. It can refer to short sight, long sight, blurred vision, cloudy vision, double vision and other defects in the visual field like floaters, shadows, halos or flashing lights.

What are the common vision problems?

The most common vision problems are nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and presbyopia. These problems are due to an error in refraction – the way light is bent as it passes through the eyeball in order to cast a sharp image.

continue reading Common Vision Problems Causes, Types, Symptoms, Treatment