Phobias

Phobias A Phobia is an intense dread of a certain situation or an object. What to look for Phobias are anxiety disorders. Three main types of phobias exist: Specific phobias – a fear of an individual object or situation Social phobia – fear of social situations in which you may be scrutinised Agoraphobia – fear […]

Phlebitis

Phlebitis This is any condition where there is inflammation of a vein. It can refer to superficial veins in the legs or deep veins in the muscles of the leg or pelvis. What to look for For superficial phlebitis: a hard, red vein visible in your leg; it may be warm and tender. fever is […]

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease This describes an infection in a woman’s pelvic region. What to look for With acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): severe pain in the lower abdomen vaginal discharge fever With chronic PID: recurrent pain in the lower abdomen, backache irregular periods pain during intercourse. infertility. heavy, unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge. If not treated promptly […]

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease This disease is characterised by a premature ageing of certain brain cells which are responsible for our movement. It mostly affects the elderly. What to look for the disease takes hold slowly, beginning with a sense of weakness and a slight tremor of the head or hands, then gradually progressing to more generalised […]

Panic Attacks

Panic Attacks These are times of immense anxiety and/or stress, with or without triggers which can occur again and again. What to look for If you have four or more of the following, you are having a panic attack: restlessness shortness of breath palpitations. sweating. shaking. a feeling of choking. chest pain or discomfort. nausea. […]

Pancreatic Problems

Pancreatic Problems These are inflammation and disorders of the pancreas. What to look for For acute pancreatitis: severe pain in the stomach region 12 – 24 hours after digestion of a large meal. fever. nausea or vomiting. clammy skin. abdominal tenderness. fast pulse. For chronic pancreatitis the above symptoms plus: foul, bulky stools. The pancreas […]

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer What to look for Like most cancers, pancreatic cancer usually produces no symptoms until it is advanced. Symptoms that may arise are – weight loss with abdominal pain – these are the common signs. gradually worsening abdominal pain diarrhoea, constipation, gas pains, bloating, or belching. nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. jaundice sudden onset […]

Pain, Chronic

Chronic Pain Pain that tends to last longer than 6 months can be termed chronic. What to look for The condition may include weakness, numbness, tingling, or other sensations, along with sleeping difficulties, a lack of energy, and depression. Some common forms of chronic pain are: this type of pain can include headaches, muscle, back […]