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Causes of Webbed Fingers and Toes

Syndactyly, an infrequent condition in human beings, is a state where fingers or toes are joined together. The existence of such condition is normal (connected only by skin) in terrestrial mammals such as kangaroos, dogs, and cats, in many water-habitat birds, like ducks, and in amphibians like frogs. However, the similar condition is rare in human beings and it is even rarer for the fingers or toes to be connected by bones. In only 1 among around 3000 children, this condition occurs.

6 Jul 2017

Is Walking Pneumonia Contagious?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue caused by an infection. This may be a bacterial or viral infection. Walking pneumonia is a milder version of the disorder caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and sometimes Chlamydia or Legionella. This is a bacterial infection that can affect children and adults.

6 Jul 2017

Lithotomy Positioning

The lithotomy position is a commonly used position in urologic, gynecologic and proctologic examinations and procedures, but is most well-known because of its widespread adoption in obstetrics. The name of the position goes back to its original use to visualize the perineal area in order to make incisions in this region to gain access for bladder stone extraction.

4 Jul 2017

Genetics of Earlobes

Similar to the human eyes, nose, and lips, the earlobes also have special features.

4 Jul 2017

Natural Childbirth

Natural childbirth is a term coined by the English healthcare practitioner Grantly Dick-Read, who published a short book treating of labor pain in women in 1933. It is not merely a technique of pain relief during labor, but should be seen as a philosophy of life itself, which emphasizes the physiological nature of childbirth rather than the event as an illness.

4 Jul 2017

Heel Prick Test / Guthrie Test

The newborn heel prick test (Guthrie test) is a term used to describe the newborn blood spot screening test that is offered to all newborns at the age of 5-40 days. It is designed to screen the baby for between 9 and 26 rare but potentially lethal diseases, which could lead to unexpected early and serious sickness in children and even developmental problems in many cases.

4 Jul 2017

Dental Crown / Tooth Cap

A dental crown, also sometimes referred to as a “cap,” is a type of dental restoration that fits over the remains of a tooth to restore the appearance of the natural tooth or to protect it from further damage.

4 Jul 2017

Caring for the Umbilical Cord Postpartum

The umbilical cord is the structure that attaches the fetus to the placenta and acts as the medium through which nutrients, gases and waste products travel between the mother and the fetus.

4 Jul 2017

Perineal Tear

A perineal tear is a tear or injury to the skin and/or muscles between the vaginal introitus and the anal opening. The most common setting for a perineal tear is during childbirth. After such incident (especially if perineal tear was severe) there is often a challenge with following pregnancies when deciding on the optimal mode of delivery.

4 Jul 2017

What Does an Optometrist Do?

Optometrists are self-reliant superior healthcare specialists, who are licensed to detect, diagnose, and provide treatment for diseases and disorders related to the eyes and the visual system. Optometrists were formerly known as ophthalmic opticians.

3 Jul 2017

How is Keratitis Diagnosed?

The success rate of keratitis diagnosis depends on the accurate diagnosis, expertise of the physician and microbiologist, and the availability of facilities.

3 Jul 2017

Jaundice in Newborns

Neonatal jaundice is a condition in which there is an abnormal elevation in serum bilirubin levels in a newborn infant.

3 Jul 2017

What is the Role of an Audiologist?

Audiology refers to the branch of medicine dealing with hearing and balance-related disorders. Those working in the field of audiology are known as audiologists. There are a number of different roles that an audiologist can undertake. Here are some primary roles and associated duties for audiologists. This is an indicative list and there are other duties that may be referred to audiologists.

3 Jul 2017

Birthmarks: Vascular and Pigmented

Birthmarks are marks present on the skin from birth. They are mainly of two types: vascular and pigmented.

3 Jul 2017

The Genetics of Coriander's Soapy Taste

Coriander (cilantro) leaves are used as a flavoring agent in varied cuisines and their taste is notoriously divisive.

3 Jul 2017

Blepharitis Diagnosis and Treatment

Blepharitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the eyelids.

3 Jul 2017

Blepharitis Complications

The inflammation of the rims/edges of the eyelids due to obstruction of the oil glands is called blepharitis.

3 Jul 2017

Incidence of Polydactyly

Polydactyly is a fairly common condition in which a child has additional fingers or toes. Most often, the extra digit is smaller than the usual fingers or toes.

29 Jun 2017

What is Psychosomatic Medicine?

Psychosomatic medicine (PM) provides knowledge, practice, and instruction in the relation between mental and physical illness.

29 Jun 2017

Walking Pneumonia

Pneumonia refers to an inflammation of the air sacs, called alveoli, present in the lung. The alveoli may begin to fill up with pus or fluids due to an infection or inflammation. It can be life-threatening. The condition may be caused by many bacterial or viral infections. The affected person will display symptoms such as a cough, fever, difficulty in breathing and chills.

29 Jun 2017