5538 articles for *
What causes age-related cataracts? Cataracts
CataractsThe reasons why age-related cataracts develop aren't fully understood. Like grey hair, cataracts are an inevitable part of ageing that affect different people at different ages. Cataracts are the result of changesin the structure of the lens over time. It's thought that the cloudy areas in the lens may be caused by changes inthe proteins that make
What causes catarrh? Nasal congestion
Nasal congestionCatarrh is usually caused by the immune system reacting to an infection or irritation, which causes the lining of your nose and throat to become swollen and produce mucus. Thiscan be triggered by: a cold or other infections hay fever or other types of allergic rhinitis non-allergic rhinitis nasal polyps It'sunclear what causes
Diagnosing high cholesterol Hyperlipidemia - High Cholesterol
Hyperlipidemia - High CholesterolBlood cholesterol levels are measured with a simple blood test. Getting a cholesterol test A blood sample is taken that will be used to determine the amount of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) andother fatty substances (triglycerides) in your blood. You may be asked not to
What is 'normal' cholesterol level? – A handy guide to understanding cholesterol Hyperlipidemia - High Cholesterol
Hyperlipidemia - High CholesterolWhat is cholesterol? Cholesterol is part of a class of indispensable substances present in your body. It is waxy and fat-like. Cholesterol is a component found all over your body, playing crucial vital roles. Our bodies can make cholesterol in the liver, or we can have cholesterol in our bodies by consuming foods that are rich in cholesterol, such
Introduction Statins
StatinsStatins are a group of medicines that can help lower thelevel of low- density lipoprotein ( LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol", and statinsreduce the production of it inside the liver. Whyhave I been offeredstatins? Having a high level of LDL cholesterol is potentially dangerous, as it can
Recovering from gallbladder removal surgery Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomyHow long it takes to recover from gallbladder removal surgery ( cholecystectomy) depends on whether you had a laparoscopic (keyhole) or open procedure. Most people who have keyhole surgery are able toleave hospital on the same day as the operation. It will usually take around two weeks to return to your normal activities. After open surgery,
Patient story: "I was having my appendix out and the surgeon spied the gallstones - all 19 of them." Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomyPhyllis Long had surgery to remove her gallstones after doctors discovered 19 of them when removing her appendix. "In 1994, during a medical by my GP, she noticed that I had quite a few gallstones (about seven) and advised that I get them and my gallbladder removed. She said that the condition is called cholecystitis and that once my body had
What causes cholesteatomas? Cholesteatoma
CholesteatomaAcholesteatoma can develop if part of the eardrum collapses because of problems equalising the pressure across it. This occurs when the Eustachian tube is not working properly.This is a thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose. One of its main functionsis to help maintain normal air pressure within the ear. Dead skin cells
Seeingyour GP Cholesteatoma
CholesteatomaYou should see your GP if you have problems with your hearing or persistent discharge from your ear. Your GP may diagnose or suspect a cholesteatomaafter examining your ear with an otoscope,an instrument with a light and magnifying glass that allows doctors to see inside your ear. If it's possible you just have an ear infection, you may
Symptoms Herpes zoster virus
Herpes zoster virusThe main symptom of chickenpox is a red rash made up of spots or blisters. It usually takes between one and three weeks for symptoms to appear after becoming infected (the incubation period). Early symptoms Sometimes other symptoms may start a day or two before the rash appears. These can include: feeling tired and generally unwell a high