Author: Vicky Lai

Infectious mononucleosis is commonly seen in patients aged 15 to 24. The disease is transmitted through saliva. Learn more

Organ transplant has a hefty process before taking place. Post-transplant, complications such as transplant rejection may occur. Read more

A chronic, rare autoimmune rheumatic connective tissue disease. Learn more about Scleroderma, a Systemic Sclerosis.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is caused by inflammation of the digestive tract that results in severe diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Inflammation can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. What causes Crohn’s Disease? There are many factors that contribute to the disease that can range from genetic predisposition, infection, sensitivity of an individual’s immune system and the environment. 1 in 5 patients have family members who also suffer from the disease.  Inflammation can involve the entire gastrointestinal tract but mostly attacks the ileum and right colon.…

Conjunctivitis, or more commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the transparent membrane lining the eyelids and the white part of the eyeball. As blood vessels become inflamed, they engorge and become more visible over time.  Symptoms of Conjunctivitis Swelling of the conjunctiva (layer that lines the white part of the eye) and eyelids Increased tear production, itching, irritation and burning Discharge in the form of mucus or pus  Large amount of crusting of the eyes  Blocked tear ducts Swollen lymph nodes – indicative of a viral infection  Types of Conjunctivitis 1. Viral Conjunctivitis  Viral conjunctivitis usually occurs…

What are enteric viruses? Enteric viruses are viruses that enter via the intestinal tract and are usually spread by contaminated food, water, or indirect contact with contaminated faeces. There are two types of enteric viruses:  True gut inhabitant viruses: These viruses replicate in the enteric tract and cause specific gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. Viruses that spread to other parts of the body: Viruses that are capable of spreading to other parts of the body include poliovirus that destroys motor neurons that causes paralysis and Hepatitis A and E viruses that cause liver disease.  Aetiology  Viruses are responsible…

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder which causes hyperthyroidism, the overproduction of thyroid hormones. The disease usually affects young and middle-aged women who are genetically predisposed.  What causes hyperthyroidism? Graves’ disease occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing it to become overactive. Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs) are circulating auto-antibodies that bind to receptors in the thyroid gland called thyrotropin receptors. This causes the thyroid gland to grow and thyroid follicles to secrete large amounts of thyroid hormones. The two main thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are being excessively produced in Graves’ disease.  Symptoms  Graves’ disease has…

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic multi-systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells, resulting in the painful swelling in affected parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis usually attacks multiple joints all at once.  What is rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis develops when a genetically predisposed individual experiences a trigger that causes an autoimmune reaction. The specific causes are unknown but environmental triggers such as infection, trauma and cigarette smoking can contribute to disease onset.  In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake to cause painful swelling in affected body parts. It…

Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is a thyroid autoimmune disease and a condition where the immune system attacks and damages the cells of the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and affects more women than men, appearing between the ages 40 and 60. It was first reported by a Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912. Although it is estimated that about 1-2% of people suffer from Hashimoto’s disease in the United States (U.S.), there has been a lack of data for the actual prevalence in Asian countries. A separate study based on active military personnel in…

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most cases of infection occur in the urethra and bladder, which make up the lower urinary tract. UTIs are one of the most common microbial infections in the world, affecting up to 150 million people per year.  Aetiology  UTIs are more common in females, with up to 40 percent of women experiencing UTI within their lifetime. Women are more susceptible to UTIs as the urethra (tube that connects the bladder to the urethral opening) is shorter women as compared to men. This makes it easier for microorganisms to…