Diseases & Conditions

Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, refers to the incapacity to achieve and sustain an erection robust enough for sexual intercourse. Occasional erection issues are generally not problematic.  Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing persistent erectile dysfunction, it can lead to emotional stress, dent your self-assurance, and result in difficulties within your relationships. It may also indicate an underlying medical issue requiring attention and could be a warning sign for heart disease. Should you have worries about erectile dysfunction, it is advisable to consult your doctor, regardless of any feelings of embarrassment. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition can alleviate the dysfunction. On other occasions, pharmaceutical interventions or other targeted therapies may be necessary.

Your spleen is an organ located just beneath your left rib cage. Various conditions, from infections and liver ailments to certain cancers, can result in a swollen spleen, commonly called splenomegaly. Most of the time, a swollen spleen doesn’t manifest any symptoms. It’s typically identified during a standard medical check-up. In adults, a doctor usually can’t detect the spleen unless it’s swollen. Diagnostic tests, including imaging and blood analysis, are employed to ascertain the reason for the spleen’s enlargement. The appropriate treatment for a swollen spleen is contingent upon its underlying cause. While surgical removal of a swollen spleen is rarely necessary, there are instances where it might be advised.

Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in the body’s tissues, leading to swelling. While edema can manifest in any body area, it frequently appears in the legs and feet. Various factors can induce edema, including medications, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions like congestive heart failure, renal disease, venous inadequacy, or liver cirrhosis. Donning compression garments and decreasing salt intake can typically alleviate edema. If a medical condition is the cause, it’s crucial to address and treat that underlying condition.

An ear infection, or acute otitis media, is an inflammatory process involving the middle ear space. The middle ear lies behind the eardrum and contains delicate bones that transmit sound vibrations from the outer ear canal to the inner ear. The middle ear is more susceptible to infection in children than in adults. This is due to anatomical differences, such as a shorter, more horizontal configuration of the eustachian tubes that connect the middle ear to the throat. In young children, these tubes are also less effective at draining fluid. As a result, ear infections are more common among preschool-aged kids, with peaks between 6-18 months of age. Ear infection The eustachian tubes usually equalise pressure and drain fluid on both sides of the eardrum. In an ear infection, the eustachian lines that connect the middle ear to the throat become swollen and blocked by mucus secretions. Then, a negative pressure develops within the central ear space, impairing the cavity’s ventilation and drainage and allowing mucus to accumulate. Stagnant fluid provides an ideal breeding ground for bacterial overgrowth, leading to infection and associated symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and hearing difficulties.  Recurrent or frequent ear infections during childhood carry a risk of conductive hearing loss over time if left untreated, as repeated bouts can damage the delicate bones in the middle ear. Some children also exhibit anatomic susceptibility, resulting in multiple infections requiring close medical follow-up.

Ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, refers to an infection in the middle ear which is an air-filled space located behind the eardrum and contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Typically, children are more vulnerable to ear infections than adults. In most cases, ear infections can clear up on their own. Hence, the initial approach to treatment may involve pain management and monitoring. However, antibiotics may be required to eliminate the infection. Some individuals may be prone to recurring ear infections, leading to complications such as hearing problems and other serious issues.

When earwax (cerumen) builds up in your ear or becomes too hard to wash away naturally, it can block earwax. However, earwax is a crucial and natural part of your body’s defences as it helps clean, coat, and protect your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. If earwax blockage becomes problematic, your healthcare provider can take simple steps to remove the wax safely.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are typically found in the intestinal tract of healthy individuals and animals. While most strains of E. coli are harmless or only cause mild diarrhea, certain strains like E. coli O157:H7 can result in severe symptoms such as intense abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Exposure to E. coli can occur through contaminated water or food, particularly raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef. In most cases, healthy adults are able to recover from E. coli O157:H7 infection within a week. However, young children and elderly individuals are at a greater risk of developing a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure as a result of the infection.