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22 May 2012 | Last updated 9 hours, 19 minutes ago.

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Treating Pneumonia

By Dr Lieske Kuitert, Consultant Respiratory PhysicianContact
Barts and the London NHS Trust, The Lister Hospital

Pneumonia has been recognised as a significant illness for many centuries. Indeed, it was the ancient Greek Hippocrates, who first described what he could hear on listening to the chest of a person suffering from pneumoniaInflammation of one or both lungs.! Prior to the antibiotic-era, which began with sulphonamide antibioticsMedication to treat infections caused by microbes (organisms that can't be seen with the naked eye), such as bacteria. in 1938 and then penicillin in 1944, popular treatments included bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid.-letting, leeches, emetics to encourage vomitingExpusion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. and enemas. Recognition that the illness was caused by bacteriaA group of organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye, which are usually made up of just a single cell. did not occur until the late 1800’s with the identification of Friedlander’s bacillus. In actual fact, most of the bacteria he identified were pneumococcus, which we now recognise to be the most common cause of pneumonia.

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totalhealth news

Consultant Gynaecologist thinks fertility guidelines will have little impact

Consultant Gynaecologist and totalhealth author, Mr Adrian Lower, comments on the new draft guidelines for fertility treatment on the NHS.

IVF could be offered up to the age of 42 years

New NICE guidelines recommend that those patients awaiting treatment for cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body., a sexually-transmitted or infectious disease (such as HIVThe abbreviation for human immunodeficiency virus, which is the cause of AIDS. or hepatitisInflammation to the liver with accompanying damage to liver cells.), same sex couples, and those with a disability should be offered fertility preservation treatment. The recommendation will also offer in vitro fertilisationFertilisation of the female reproductive cell (ovum) outside the body, before implantation into the uterus (womb). Abbreviated to IVF. (IVFIn vitro fertilisation. Fertilisation of the female reproductive cell (ovum) outside the body, before implantation into the uterus (womb).) to some women aged up to 42 years.

Featured conditions

Bowel Cancer (including colorectal cancer)

There are a number of important things we all need to know about bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body., including its prevention, screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to, symptoms, diagnosisThe process of determining which condition a patient may have. and treatment, particularly during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Bowel cancer is a classic example of where early detection is critical, but clearly there is sometimes a stigma attached to being screened. So what are the latest diagnostic options, and if something is detected, what treatment option is most likely to succeed?

One of the UK's leading internationally recognised authorities on colorectal cancer is Mr Austin Obichere, who heads these pages explaining everything from the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme to metastatic bowel cancer.

Top articles

Knees

Our Consultant Knee and Orthopaedic Surgeons discuss the treatment options for common knee injuries, whether of the bone or soft tissueA group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function., and degenerative knee complaints such as osteoarthritisA disease mainly of the large joints of the body, as a result of wear and tear of the surface cartilage. and rheumatoid arthritisA type of autoimmune arthritis featuring chronic inflammation of the small joints, especially in the hands and feet, and eventually leading to joint destruction and deformity. Modern medicine means that a variety of treatments are available for today's patient and vary from non-surgical orthoticsThe fitting of an appliance designed to support joints or correct deformity, known as an orthosis. or special footwear, to partial knee replacements, all the way through to total knee replacements.

Knee pain can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the sufferer does not know which treatment might be appropriate for them. It is important that patients are informed about the range of treatments available to them.

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Adult Urinary Incontinence

It is thought that one in three women, and one in twenty men in the UK are suffering from some form of urinary incontinenceThe involuntary passage of urine or faeces.. While this is a very common problem, many people are reluctant to discuss the matter with their doctor and without treatment, bladderThe organ that stores urine. problems can have a major impact on every day life.

An overactive bladder is not an inevitable part of ageing and there are a variety of modern treatments. In these pages our Consultant Urologists present the latest treatment options for overactive bladder including urethralRelating to the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the genitals. bulking, surgical suspension procedures and the revolutionary and minimally invasive sacral neuromodulation.

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Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroidsBenign tumours, most often in the uterus., non-cancerousMalignant, a tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. tumours found around the uterusThe womb, where embryo implantation occurs and the growing foetus is nourished. in up to 50% of women, are treated through a variety of methods. The options used to be limited to hysterectomyThe surgical removal of the uterus (womb). but depending on individual circumstances, patients now have a choice of minimally invasive (Uterine Fibroid Embolisation), laparoscopicA keyhole surgical procedure. or open surgical treatments.

If you are concerned about diagnosing or treating fibroids, it is important to be aware of these options – and this involves dealing with different types of specialists. Here both an expert gynaecologist and an expert radiologistA doctor specializing in the interpretation of imaging techniques for the diagnosis and assessment of disease. discuss symptoms, diagnoses and treatments for fibroids.

Latest articles:

Pain Management

Ever since ancient man discovered that headaches miraculously disappeared after chewing on a piece of willow tree bark, ‘pain management’ has been one of the most fundamental of medical disciplines. Pain is generally subjective and can be very difficult to manage. Pain is unpleasant and presents itself in a variety of form. Our series of articles on pain management are written by top UK consultants to help patients understand the causes of and treatments for their pain.

Latest articles:

Head and Neck Lumps

Lumps in the neck are an extremely common symptom and they are usually quite harmless. Occasionally, however, the underlying cause of a neck lump will be head or neck cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. and it is therefore important for any neck lump to be assessed as quickly as possible. Mr Francis Vaz, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon, explains how neck lumps are investigated in a modern Rapid Access Neck Lump Clinic and what the various treatment options are.

Latest articles:

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. is cancer of the neck of the wombThe uterus. and it is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, second only to breast cancer; however in the UK it is relatively uncommon. The reason for this is the National Screening Programme for Cervical Cancer, which scientists believe saves 5000 women’s lives in the UK each year. Consultant Gynaecologist Adeola Olaitan, who specialises in the diagnosisThe process of determining which condition a patient may have. and treatment of all types of gynaecological cancers, discusses the causes of cervicalRelating either to the cervix (the neck of the womb) or to the cervical vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). cancer, the importance of screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to and the possible treatment options for the disease.

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Healthy Interests

MS Awareness Week: What is the best treatment for multiple sclerosis?

For MSmultiple sclerosis Awareness Week, senior doctors have advised that people are not sufficiently educated on the symptoms and treatments of multiple sclerosisA progressive disease of the central nervous system., the most common neurological Associated with the nervous system and the brain. condition in the UK. Huge advances in neurosurgery have led to new successful treatments for MS.

Metal on Metal Hip Replacements – should I be concerned?

Following the news that some Orthopaedic Surgeons are calling for a ban of metal on metal hip replacements, Hip Specialist, Mr Warwick Radford provides advice for those patients who believe they have received a metal on metal implant.

Cancer
Childhood Conditions
Diabetes
Ear, Nose and Throat
Heart Disease
Immune Disorders
Infectious Diseases
Mental Health
Men’s Health
Neurological Conditions (Brain and Nerves)
Nutrition
Ophthalmology
Oral Health
Orthopaedic Conditions
Pain Management
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Reproductive Health
Respiratory Disorders
Speech Disorders
Sports Medicine
Stomach, Abdomen, Intestines and Bowel Disorders
Urology
Vascular Conditions
Women’s Health

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Medical Consultation Checklist

Modern medicine and technology are enabling patients to be better informed when diagnosed with a medical condition. It is important to make yourself aware of all the treatment options available and that your GP or Consultant answers any questions you may have. By planning for your medical consultation you can ensure that both you and your doctor will get all the necessary information and you will be treated in the most efficient and effective way possible.

This handy checklist provides a list of questions you may wish to ask your doctor and those questions which your doctor is likely to ask you, such as ‘How long have you been experiencing your symptoms?’ and ‘Do your symptoms vary on a daily or weekly basis?’

 
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