The most complete medical information written by the best doctors

What is a respiratory infection? An acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a disease of the respiratory tract that evolves in a period of fewer than 15 days, often turning into pneumonia. It is usually classified into three types according to the degree of complication: ARI without pneumonia ARI with mild pneumonia ARI with severe...

What is radiofrequency ablation? Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthetic, which uses the application of heat to minimise or completely stop pain transmission. The nerve causing the pain is burned, or ablated, using an electrical current to target a specific area. This ablation stops the transmission of nerve signals to the brain, thus providing relief. Why undergo radiofrequency ablation? Patients who...

Radiofrequency denervation is a procedure to modify and decrease the perception of pain by applying voltage changes tothe nervous tissue that produces it. This technique involves the use of electrodes connected to a broadcast system that manages radio waves to eradicate the nerve responsible for the pain, through the heat emitted. It is a treatment that works well for pain in the joints of the neck, and is also used in the treatment of neck pain or to treat lower back pain. To first...

What is radiofrequency treatment? Radiofrequency is a minimally invasive procedure which can be used to treat varicose veins. It is performed under local anaesthetic, and uses the application of heat to damage tissue, meaning scar tissue forms. This closes the varicose vein and cuts it off, meaning it is destroyed. This type of treatment can be used on large varicose veins.ç

What is radiofrequency turbinate reduction? Radiofrequency turbinate reduction surgery involves the application of high-frequency radio waves which cut through nasal tissue in a controlled way, reducing the turbinates to improve air flow. The waves are applied directly to the targeted tissue using cold electrodes. At the start of the procedure, a thin radiofrequency probe is inserted through the nostrils.

What is radiography? Radiography is an imaging technique used to provide images of the tissues, organs and bones inside the human body. There are two types of radiographers: diagnostic and therapeutic. A diagnostic radiographertakes images of the insides of patients’ bodies to diagnose injury, illness and disease. A therapeutic radiographer is an allied health professionalwho has undergone specific training to be able to deliver radiotherapy for patients...

What is radiology? Radiology is a medical specialty which uses imaging to diagnose and treat conditions, injuries and diseases. In the UK this specialty is listed on the GMC as clinical radiology. Clinical radiology is currently one of the most rapidly advancing specialties in the UK, but radiology has historically always been an innovative specialty due to its strong ties to medical imaging technology.

What is radiosurgery? Radiosurgery is a form of high-precision radiotherapy in which fine beams of high-dose ionising radiation are used to destroy precisely selected areas of tissue, rather than removing them with a blade, as in traditional surgery. It uses much higher doses of radiation in the...

What is radiotherapy? Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to eliminate cancer cells and reduce tumours. There are two main types of radiotherapy: External beam radiotherapy: a beam of radiation is aimed at the tumour from outside the body. Internal radiotherapy: in this type of treatment, the...

Radiotherapy side effects greatly vary depending on the overall administered dose and on the individual’s tolerance. The most common side effects include: Fatigue (asthenia) : it can occur during the treatment, although it can be associated with other disease-related factors or with other...