Author: mahima

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system – the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is commonly called the flu. It is the disease of respiratory system. Diagnosis Physical Examination Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing – To identity influenza strain. Types TYPE A – This virus can spread through animals and birds to humans. It is… Continue reading Influenza

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. It is the disease of respiratory system. Types Acute bronchitis – It lasts for less than 10 days, but the coughing can continue for several weeks. Chronic bronchitis – It lasts for several weeks and usually comes back. This condition is… Continue reading Bronchitis

Pleurisy is a type of chest pain. It affects the pleura. The pleura is a thin layer of tissue that wraps the lungs. It is the inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity. Diagnosis Medical History Physical Examination Blood Tests Imaging Tests CT scan Chest X-rays Ultrasound. Thoracentesis –A microscopic test of pleural fluid to detect infections… Continue reading Pleurisy

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi causes it. The infection causes inflammation in the air sacs which may be filled with fluid or pus in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.  This infection can be life-threatening to anyone, but particularly to infants, children and people over 65. Stages Pneumonia has four stages, namely consolidation, red hepatization,… Continue reading Pneumonia

COPD refers to a group of lung disease that block the airflow and makes it difficult to breath. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that make up COPD. It causes lung damage. How is COPD diagnosed? Lung (pulmonary) function tests –  These tests measure the amount of air a person can inhale… Continue reading Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Asthma is a condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow and swells up, and produces extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. Asthma can be minor or it can interfere with daily activities. In some cases, it may lead to a life-threatening attack. It is the disease of respiratory system. Diagnosis Medical history. Physical… Continue reading Asthma

Arthritis is an auto immune disease. It occurs when the immune system of the body attacks the healthy tissue of the body, which in return affects the synovium . Synovium is the soft tissue which is located between the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the joints. Types Osteoarthritis – It’s the “wear and tear” that happens… Continue reading Arthritis

Gout is the accumulation of air or toxin in joints. How is it Gout diagnosed? Physical Examination Medical History Blood Test Uric acid blood test – High uric acid levels are associated with gout. Joint aspiration – This test involves removing a sample of fluid from the affected joint and examining it under a microscope for urate… Continue reading Gout

Being overweight or fat is having more body fat than is optimally healthy. Being overweight is especially common where food supplies are plentiful and lifestyles are sedentary. How is it diagnosed? With a BMI check. Symptoms Fatigue Breathing Problems. Snoring Causes Being overweight is generally caused by the intake of more calories (by eating) than are… Continue reading Overweight

Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. It is a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. How is obesity diagnosed? Medical History. Physical Examination. Calculating BMI Measuring waist circumference Blood Tests Symptoms For… Continue reading Obesity