Monday 7 May 2012

Acne

Acne - or Acne Vulgaris - is a common skin condition, identifiable by areas of scaly red skin (seborrhea), blackheads and whiteheads (comedones), pinheads (papules), pimples and nodules (pustules), and possible scarring caused by one or all of the previously mentioned characteristics.

Acne occurs more often during adolescence, and can often continue into adulthood. Acne in adolescence is commonly caused by an increase in testosterone, something that happens in both genders.

Saturday 5 May 2012

Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid Reflux Disease - or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - is a symptom of mucosal trauma caused by stomach acid moving up from the stomach into the esophagus.

GERD can be caused by alterations in the barrier between the stomach and esophagus, including abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. It can also be caused by blocked expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or a hiatal hernia. GERD caused by these problems can be permanent or transient.

An alternative type of acid reflux, that causes respiratory and laryngeal signs and symptoms, is called Extraesophageal Reflux Disease (EERD), or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). EERD. It is not likely to cause heartburn, and is infrequently referred to as "Silent Reflux."