Medical dictionary

What are breathing problems? Breathing problems can be defined as sudden shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty (dyspnoea). If you have over-exerted yourself, it would be normal for you to be out of breath. However, when breathlessness comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, it is usually a warning sign of a medical condition.     Breathing problems are usually exper

What is a clavicle fracture?A clavicle fracture affects the long, thin bone also known as the collarbone, which is located in the upper chest, between the sternum and the shoulder. Its function is to join the upper limbs with the thorax and keep the shoulders aligned. An injury that causes the clavicle to be broken can also cause the clavicle to be dislocated or the neighbouring acromioc

What is bronchial disease?Bronchial disease, also known as bronchitis, is inflammation of the bronchi, which are the main airways of the lungs. It causes cough with mucous and breathing difficulties. The mucous is produced by the inner layer of the bronchi and has a characteristically sticky quality. Symptoms may also include panting, chest tightness or mild fever. There are two types: acute bronc

What is bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that damages the major airways of the lungs, causing them to widen. There can be two types: Congenital bronchiectasis: this is present from birth. Acquired bronchiectasis appears later in life.   What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis? Symptoms develop gradually and may appear months or years later. Th

What is bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is a viral condition characterised by the swelling of the small airways. It is most commonly seen in children but in rare cases can develop in adults. Bronchiolitis is usually a self-limiting condition and improves after 2-3 weeks, however if you are concerned about the condition, you should seek a consultation with a specialist pulmonologist or paediatric p

What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia? Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease which also once went by the name of chronic lung disease of infancy. The condition affects newborns, generally those who were born premature, who have been on a ventilator and required long-term use of oxygen. This can cause damage to the lungs and while some infants recover, some experience long-term

What is a bronchoscopy? A bronchoscopy is a medical procedure performed to visualise the airways and to detect any lung disease. It may also be carried out during treatment for certain lung problems. What does a bronchoscopy involve? The device used, called a bronchoscope, is a tube measuring roughly one centimetre in diameter and around 60 centimetres in length. The bronchoscope may

What is a brow lift? A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift or browplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to combat sagging brows, which can give the face an older or tired look. The procedure can provide a rejuvenated appearance of the forehead and the brow and eye area.   Why is a brow lift done? As we age, the forehead area naturally begins to move down because the skin and s

What is Brugada Syndrome? Brugada syndrome is a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder that is mostly inherited. It is much more common in men than women and can be diagnosed with an electrocardiogram. An echocardiogram is also needed to find abnormalities in the structure of the heart. There is also a genetic test that can identify any genetic alteration confirmin