Medical dictionary

What is adoption? Adoption is the legal process that allows children without a biological parent or guardian to acquire a legal parent and form part of a new family. Many parents who cannot have biological children have adopted because they'd like to create a family or offer a home to a child who needs one. During the adoption process, when a child is adopted, they're subjected to va

What are adrenal gland disorders? Adrenal gland disorders are a group of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, which are endocrine glands located above the kidneys. These glands are responsible for producing a variety of hormones, which include adrenaline, steroid hormones such as androgens, and corticosteroids. These hormones help the body to control blood sugar, react to stress (e.g injury

What are the adrenal glands? The adrenal glands are small glands that are situated on top of each kidney. They are responsible for producing important hormones, such as adrenaline, steroid hormones such as androgens, and corticosteroids. These hormones help the body to control blood sugar, react to stress (e.g injury or illness), regulate blood pressure, and burn fat. The adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are essential for a life that lie at the back of the kidneys. The function of the adrenal glands is, among others, the production of some sex hormones, and particularly hormones that regulate metabolism and cortisol, which helps us respond to stress, and other hormones that control blood pressure and the presence of water and salt in our body. Sometimes there is an excessive or

What is being analysed? The ACTH test measures levels of ACTH in the blood. ACTH is a hormone that stimulates the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands. What does the result mean? The results of the ACTH test can help diagnose disorders of the pituitary and adrenal glands, such as Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Why is t

What is adult ADHD?Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder which affects the brain and is characterised by a short attention span and difficulty controlling impulses. ADHD is a congenital disorder, meaning you are born with it, but it can worsen with age and can be confused with age-related forgetfulness.It is estimated that the rate of ADHD in children is five per

What is adult circumcision? Male circumcision is the surgical removal of the retractable fold of skin that covers the tip of the penis (foreskin). Although the procedure is normally performed in children for religious or cultural reasons, many adults undergo circumcision for medical purposes. Circumcision in women is referred to as female genital mutilation and has been outlawed by the UK gover

What is aerosol therapy? Aerosol therapy is a technique of administering drugs by inhalation through a nebulizer or compressor. The first is used in clinics and hospitals while the second can be used by the patient in daily life. The latter is most commonly used to treat diseases such as bronchitis, respiratory tract infections, asthma, cystic fibrosis or carcinogenic processes.  

What is aesthetic gynaecology?  Aesthetic gynaecology is quite a new branch of medicine that allows women to alter their intimate body parts, whether it is for sexual function or appearance. Procedures may be surgical or non-surgical.     Why might someone have an aesthetic gynaecological procedure? A woman may want to rejuvenate their body and reproductive system