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Symptoms and Causes of Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)

The spleen is an organ tucked away behind the stomach, on the left side of the abdomen. It has several immune and hematologic functions. Enlargement of the spleen is called splenomegaly. In the vast majority of cases, splenomegaly is secondary to other disorders because of its role in many metabolic processes.

16 May 2017

Sports Nutrition

Sports nutrition is a very highly regarded field of modern sports medicine, which helps athletes to keep their bodies in good condition before, after and during exercise, so as to achieve the optimal performance. In that sense, different nutrients are explored for their potential to optimize athletic performance, especially when engaged in high-intensity sports which involve repetitive activity.

16 May 2017

Creatine Research

Creatine represents an endogenous amino acid produced in the body, as well as obtained through dietary sources - especially meat and fish. It is used widely as a supplement to produce lean muscle mass. Approximately 95 percent of the creatine in the body is present in skeletal muscle.

16 May 2017

Leptin Mutations

Leptin is a peptide hormone produced by adipocytes. It is a key part of the regulatory mechanism for appetite and energy stores, acting via central and peripheral actions. This hormone shows effects on metabolism, endocrine system, immunity and energy balance.

16 May 2017

Peptide YY (PYY)

Many hormones that are important to energy homeostasis have been found to be secreted by the gastrointestinal tract, which is thus the largest endocrine organ in the body. These hormones regulate food intake and energy expenditure, and have been studied extensively in the context of treating obesity.

16 May 2017

How is an Enlarged Spleen Diagnosed?

The normal spleen is usually not palpable but is tucked beneath and above the left costal margin, between the fundus of the stomach and the diaphragm, with its long axis parallel to and running along the course of the tenth rib. When it enlarges, its lower border moves downwards and medially towards the middle of the anterior margin of the left ribcage.

16 May 2017

Creatine Supplements

Creatine is an endogenous amino acid which is synthesized in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Approximately 95 percent of creatine is stored in the skeletal muscle where it takes part in regeneration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) produced through the oxidative phosphorylation cycle.

16 May 2017

What is Creatine?

Creatine is an endogenous amino acid which is synthesized from simpler amino acids, namely glycine, arginine and the sulfur-containing amino acid methionine. Approximately 95 percent of creatine in the body is stored in skeletal muscle.

16 May 2017

Low FODMAP Diet

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been receiving a lot of attention, especially from dietary specialists. One component of food which has been found to aggravate IBS symptoms turns out to be FODMAPs (which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols).

16 May 2017

Audiology Diagnostic Tests

The loss of hearing is often the first sign people pay heed to when it comes to audiology. The person tends to turn on the volume of the television louder than other family members, or tends to find it difficult to hear someone speaking right next to them.

16 May 2017

Causes of Spleen Pain

The spleen is an organ situated behind the stomach, in the upper left part of the abdomen known as the left hypochondrium. It is located under the ribcage and therefore is not usually felt by the palpating finger. However, in abnormal conditions it may give rise to pain felt as an aching sensation deep behind the left ribcage. This area may also hurt when it is touched. This could signal splenic damage, splenic rupture, or splenomegaly. Severe pain arising from the spleen often signals the presence of splenic infarction.

16 May 2017

What is Audiology?

The word audiology is made up of two roots: Audio and Logy. ‘Audio’ refers to ‘hear’ and ‘logy’ to ‘the study of’. In essence, audiology is the study of hearing - as the inner ear is also required for balance, this is also included in the study. In medical terms it is the branch of science dedicated to the study of hearing, balance and their associated disorders.

15 May 2017

Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)

The spleen is an intra-abdominal organ located just below the left side of the ribcage, behind the stomach. It is involved in removing abnormal or worn-out red cells from the blood, and also contributes to the immune function of the body, by providing antibodies and lymphocytes.

15 May 2017

Splenectomy (Spleen Removal)

Splenectomy is the procedure performed to remove the spleen. It may be done for various indications, some of which are detailed in this article.

15 May 2017

Living Without a Spleen

Asplenia, or the absence of a spleen, may be the result of functional or anatomical deficiency in spleen function.

15 May 2017

False Alarm Hypothesis of Food Allergy

The false alarm food allergy theory introduces the association of the westernized diet and increase in food allergies.

12 May 2017

Tarlov Cyst / Perineural Cysts

Tarlov cysts are formed within the nerve root sheath at the posterior root of a spinal nerve. This disease is more common in women than in men. These perineural/perineurial cysts appear as ballooned areas of the outer covering of the nerve root.

10 May 2017

Epidemiology of Hemorrhoids

Also known as a pile, a hemorrhoid is a swelling in the anal canal or around the anus with an enlarged blood vessel inside it. When tissue in these areas becomes swollen, possibly due to constipation and straining too much during a bowel movement, a hemorrhoid can develop. If the hemorrhoid becomes damaged, this can lead to pain and bleeding. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities can also result in hemorrhoids.

10 May 2017

Blue Nevus / Nevi / Mole

Blue nevi are a category of melanocytic tumors, which arise from the proliferation of dermal dendritic melanocytes to form an acquired pigmented mole. They are also called pigmented nevi, nevomelanocytic nevi of acquired origin, or melanocytic nevi.

10 May 2017

Skin Cysts (Sebaceous Cyst)

A skin cyst (Sebaceous cyst) is a fluid-filled protrusion originating from the skin layers, and lying just under the surface of the skin. It is usually harmless, and may be caused by many common conditions, so it does not always require treatment.

10 May 2017