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Introduction Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathyDiabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes , caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause Visual impairment if left undiagnosed and untreated. However, it usually takes several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight. To minimise the risk of this
Preventing diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathyYou can reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, or help stop it getting worse, by keeping your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterollevels under control. This can often be done by making healthy lifestyle choices, although some people will also need to take medication. Healthy lifestyle Adopting a few lifestyle
Treatments for insomnia Insomnia
InsomniaInsomnia will often improve by making changes to your bedtime habits. If these don't help, your GP may be able to recommend other treatments. If you've had insomnia for more than four weeks, your GP may recommend cognitive and behavioural treatments or suggest a short course of prescription sleeping tablets as a temporary measure. If it's
Complications of diphtheria Diphtheria
DiphtheriaDiphtheria can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, such as breathing difficulties and problems with the heart and nervous system. Respiratory failure Diphtheria can cause serious breathing difficulties because: the membrane that covers your throat can make breathing difficult small particles of the membrane can fall down into
Introduction Tapeworm infections
Tapeworm infectionsTapewormsareparasites that can live in a person's intestine (bowel). They don't always cause symptoms and when they do they are often mistaken for another illness. Tapeworm infections are most commonly seen in developing countries and are rare in the UK. Tapeworms are known medically as cestodes. They are usually flat and ribbon-like and
Preventing a tapeworm infection Tapeworm infections
Tapeworm infectionsThe best ways to prevent tapeworm infections are to prepare food properly and look after your personal hygiene, particularly around animals.Human and animal wasteIn the UK, human and animal waste (faeces) must be treated to prevent or remove health hazards such as tapeworms. Regulations also govern how human and animal waste is disposed
How is DiGeorge syndrome diagnosed? 22q11 deletion (DiGeorge syndrome)
22q11 deletion (DiGeorge syndrome)The piece of missing chromosome that causes DiGeorge syndrome is so small that it cannot be seen under a microscope. Instead, aspecial test called the FISH test (fluorescence in situ hybridisation) will beneeded to diagnose the condition. This test shows whether the region of chromosome 22 is present. If only one copy of chromosome 22 'lights up'
What are the chances of my next child having it? 22q11 deletion (DiGeorge syndrome)
22q11 deletion (DiGeorge syndrome)A parent with DiGeorge syndrome has a 50% chance of passing on the condition to their child. This applies in each pregnancy. If neither parent has the condition, the risk of having another child with it is around 1%. If you're at risk of having a baby with DiGeorge syndrome, you should be referred for genetic counselling to discuss the level of
Symptoms of a dislocated kneecap Kneecap dislocation
Kneecap dislocationWhen a kneecap dislocates, it will usually look out of place or at an odd angle. But in many cases it will pop back into place soon afterwards. Othersymptoms can include: a "popping" sensation severe knee-pain being unable to straighten the knee sudden swellingof the knee being unable to walk
Introduction Shoulder dislocation
Shoulder dislocationA dislocated shoulder happens when your upper arm pops out of your shoulder socket. The shoulder is one of the easiest joints to dislocate because the ball joint of your upper arm sits in a very shallow socket. This makes the arm extremely mobile and able to move in many directions, but also means it isn't very stable. In some cases, the