Author: Vicky Lai

Sarcopenia is the age-related degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass which primarily affects the elderly. The resultant loss of muscle strength and function impairs balance, ability to carry out daily activities (e.g. climbing stairs, lifting objects, walking), leading to increased adverse outcomes e.g. falls, morbidity.  Epidemiology  The risk of sarcopenia increases with age, with about 20% in those aged 65 and above, to about 50% for those aged 80 and above. In a study, women had 3.6 fold higher rates of disability and men had 4.1 fold higher rates when compared to healthy elderly of healthy muscle mass. More severe…

Osteopenia is a condition where there is low bone mass, indicating weaker bones more prone to breakage, but not as severe as osteoporosis. Bone mass can keep growing and peak bone mass is usually achieved around 25 to 30 years old. After peak bone mass is reached, the body loses bone mass faster than it builds new bone, especially with ageing. Although everyone will lose bone with age, people who developed a higher peak bone mass when young are better protected against osteopenia, progression to osteoporosis and related fractures later in life. World Osteoporosis Day falls on 20 October this…

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common and serious form of lupus, as discussed in our previous article. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that has a wide array of complications, as vital organs and systems are affected by the increased levels of inflammatory molecules and autoantibodies, as well as medications used in treatment. In this article, we will explore some diseases that patients with SLE are commonly at risk for developing.  Other Autoimmune Diseases  In 80% of patients, lupus presents first before other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis start to manifest. About one in three patients diagnosed…

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes red patches and affects 2-3% of people in the world. Latinos, African Americans and Asians are more affected than Caucasians. What is psoriasis? Psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply rapidly that leads to the formation of bumpy red patches that can sometimes be covered in white scales. In a healthy person, skin cells are replaced every 28 days, but for someone with psoriasis, new skin cells grow every 4 days. This leads to the accumulation of old cells, creating silver scales characteristic of this condition. These scales are often accompanied by…

Atopic dermatitis, or commonly known as eczema, is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by itchy skin accompanied with a red rash. It occurs when patches of skin become itchy, red or cracked. Genetic factors and environmental conditions play a large role in contributing to the pathogenesis of eczema.  Epidemiology  Globally, 15 to 20 percent of children have atopic dermatitis. Children born to Asian parents have the highest eczema risk in the world, with nearly 30 percent of infants developing the condition in the first year. The onset of atopic dermatitis usually presents by five years of age, with…

Lupus is a complex disease that affects at least 5 million people worldwide. It is an autoimmune condition; the body’s immune system, which usually helps fight infections, attacks healthy tissues and organs instead, causing inflammation and pain. Lupus mostly affects women, with the disease commonly appearing during the childbearing ages of 15 to 44.  Types of lupus There are many 4 different types of lupus:  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): the most common form which affects various body systems Cutaneous lupus: a form that is limited to dermatological manifestations e.g. photosensitivity, hair loss, rashes Drug-induced lupus: caused by certain prescription drugs,…

In Asia, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis mainly depends on the geographical location and population. Research has shown that the greatest factor to developing allergic rhinitis is family genetics, compounded by personal factors such as stress levels and personal hygiene. Despite being a mild allergy, children with allergic rhinitis are 19 times more susceptible to hospitalisation when they are exposed to another allergen or co-infected with another rhinoviral disease.  Read on to find out more and what you can do to prevent triggering an allergic episode.  What is Allergic Rhinitis? Rhinitis is the inflammation and swelling of mucous membranes in…

Nutritional deficiencies occur when the body lacks certain micronutrients i.e. vitamins and/or minerals.  Micronutrients are vital to life in many ways e.g.: Optimal growth and development Maintenance of bodily processes such as functioning of major organs like the heart, lungs and brain Supporting the immune system in warding off infections Psychological well-being Causes of nutritional deficiencies may be multifactorial and can include: Malabsorption that is: Drug-induced (e.g. prolonged use of antibiotics, corticosteroids)  Resulting from a disorder (e.g. celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, colon cancer)  Post bariatric surgery (reducing stomach size to achieve weight loss) Inadequate dietary intake e.g. People on restrictive…

Alcoholic beverages like beers, wines and spirits contain ethanol, a strong psychoactive agent which can acutely affect our perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behaviour. It also has multiple implications on our body systems, posing longer-term health risks. Alcohol consumption leads to 3 million deaths each year and is the leading risk factor for premature mortality and disability for those aged 15 to 49.  What happens when you drink alcohol?  Absorption of alcohol A small amount is first directly absorbed by the mucosal lining of the mouth and tongue. Once alcohol reaches the gut, it is absorbed into the blood stream…

Lung cancer accounts for 14.1% of newly diagnosed cancers and 20% of cancer deaths worldwide. 59% of the world’s lung cancer cases occur in Asia. This cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Epidemiological studies also reveal that those who have never smoked make up one-third of all lung cancer patients in East Asia.   In another article, we have discussed the risk factors, diagnosis and treatments of lung cancer. What about the causes and different types? Continue reading to find out more. Aetiology  Genetic predisposition The…