Author: Sony Sherpa

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterised by recurrent abdominal discomfort, pain during defecation, or a change in frequency or consistency of stool. It is predominantly a disease of the large intestine. The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is still unknown. Epidemiology  Studies have shown that more than a tenth of the worldwide population is living with IBS and many more are still living undiagnosed in this modern era. In Asia, there is an increasing prevalence in the more affluent city-states like Singapore and Tokyo, i.e. at 8.6% and 9.8% respectively, while the prevalence in India…

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that develop in the breasts. Signs may include noticing a lump in one or both breasts, a difference in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly overturned nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin.  Epidemiology  While breast cancer is more common in women, it can occur in both genders and it is the second most common cause of cancer death in women. Most cases are found in women who are 50 years old or older. Due to improved screening and therapeutic programs, the survival…

A slipped disc is when a soft cushion between the bones of the spine pushes out. The centre of the disc, called the nucleus, is soft, spongy and like a spring. This receives the shock of standing, walking and running etc. The structure covering the nucleus is called the annulus, which provides the structure and strength of the discs. A slipped disc can occur in: Neck region Thoracic region (middle back) of the spine Lumbar (lower back) region of the spine Epidemiology Lower back pain has a point prevalence of 37% and a lifetime prevalence of 87%. Spinal disc herniation…

The testes are a pair of organs in the human body located inside the scrotum-a loose bag of skin beneath the penis. They are reproductive organs that produce testosterone, a male sex hormone, and sperm. Although testicular cancer is rare, it is the most common cancer in American men between the ages of 15 and 35. Epidemiology of testicular cancer The incidence has increased over the past 30 to 40 years and it affects mainly Caucasian populations. Incidence rates among young white men in Nordic countries are ten times higher than those among black and Asian men. In children, the…

Rhabdomyolysis is the term used to describe a condition occurring due to direct or indirect muscle injuries. The term means ‘the breakdown of damaged muscles’. Due to the quick breakdown of skeletal muscles, there is an accumulation of the muscle breakdown products in the extracellular fluid and the body’s circulation, ultimately causing kidney failure. Epidemiology  Around 85% of people suffering from trauma also suffer from rhabdomyolysis and about 10-50% amongst them will develop acute renal failure. Victims of rhabdomyolysis have a mortality rate of 20% and in the USA, 26,000 cases of rhabdomyolysis are reported annually with males having a…

Frozen shoulder is a condition that leads to shoulder pain and stiffness. It is also known as adhesive capsulitis or inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule due to thick bands of tissue called adhesions. It results in gradual loss of movement in the shoulder. Normally the shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body. But, when the shoulder is frozen, the joint becomes stuck and its movement is limited. It can affect one or both shoulders. Frozen shoulders can be very distressing and make even daily activities of living difficult; it can become challenging or impossible to get…

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related disability and death in the world. It begins in the lungs and can spread to other organs in the body if left untreated. Humans have a pair of lungs that are located in the chest, through inhalation, the lungs take in oxygen, and release carbon dioxide on exhalation. Epidemiology In 2020, the incidence of lung cancer in the world was 2,206,771 (11.4% of all cancers) and the total number of deaths was 1,796,144 (18%). The incidence of lung cancer is even higher in Asia as it is home to…

Hepatitis is the medical term describing an inflammation of the liver. There are different types and causes of hepatitis, and the severity of each may range from mild to severe. While the most common cause is a viral infection, other causes such as drinking alcohol, consuming harmful medications, drugs, and toxins can also give rise to this condition.  The treatment depends on its type and cause. For example, viral causes can be prevented through vaccine immunisation while hepatitis caused by alcohol consumption can be prevented through lifestyle changes.  Epidemiology Viral infections are the most frequent cause of hepatitis worldwide. In…

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes significant and persistent tiredness (fatigue) usually for ≥6 months, which does not improve with rest. It presents with other non-specific symptoms unrelated to other known medical conditions. It is also known by names like Myalgic Encephalitis (ME) or Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID).  The exact cause and cure are not known.  Epidemiology Chronic fatigue syndrome can affect anyone, including children. It is 4 times more common in women than in men, and develops most often in mid-20s to mid-40s.  One World Health Organization (WHO) multinational study has shown the prevalence of…

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life that indicates the end of her regular monthly menstrual cycle, it is a normal process that mostly occurs after the age of 45. A woman may seek a doctor’s opinion if they suspect menopause if they have not experienced their monthly menstrual cycle for 12 months.   Some symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, decreased energy levels, and weight gain can occur. Asian women experience menopause between the ages of 45 to 55, with the average age being 50. Some studies have shown that Asian women generally report lower rates of physical or …