Glossary

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  • Abnormal faeces

    Abnormal faeces refer to stool that deviates from the usual characteristics in terms of color, odor, consistency, or content. Such irregularities may indicate a disorder affecting the digestive system or a related organ, such as the liver. However, more commonly, changes in the character of faeces are the outcome of alterations in one’s diet. Diarrhoea,…

  • Faecal vomiting

    The act of expelling material that bears a resemblance to feces, either in its appearance or smell, or both. Faecal vomiting serves as an indication of a severe intestinal blockage.  

  • Factor IX

    Factor IX is a significant protein present in the blood, crucial for the clotting mechanism. When there is a deficiency of factor IX, it leads to a rare genetic bleeding disorder known as Christmas disease.  

  • Factor V

    Factor V is a blood protein responsible for regulating the balance between blood clotting too easily or too slowly following an injury. Approximately 5 per cent of the population have an inherited mutation in the gene controlling factor V production, known as factor V Leiden. Individuals with this mutation face an elevated risk of deep-vein…

  • Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy

    This genetic disorder is autosomal dominant and leads to muscle weakness and wasting. It typically emerges during childhood or adolescence. The muscle wasting predominantly affects the face, shoulder girdle, and arms initially, and later progresses to involve the pelvis and legs.  

  • Facet joint

    Facet joints are a specific type of joints located in the spine. These joints are formed by the bony projections (processes) of one vertebra fitting into the hollow of the vertebra above. The facet joints play a crucial role in allowing a certain degree of movement between the vertebrae, which contributes to the flexibility of…

  • Eye tumours

    Eye tumors are infrequent occurrences, but when they do happen, they typically manifest as painless growths that are cancerous. Retinoblastoma is a cancerous tumor that develops in the retina, which is the light-sensitive inner layer at the back of the eye. It can occur in one or both eyes and is most commonly found in…

  • Painful red eye

    A frequently encountered set of eye symptoms that could be caused by numerous eye-related conditions. Conjunctivitis, which refers to the inflammation of the transparent membrane covering the white of the eye (conjunctiva), is the primary reason behind redness and irritation in the eye. On the other hand, uveitis involves the inflammation of the iris, choroid,…

  • Eyelashes

    Eyelashes are arranged in rows along the edge of each eyelid and typically curve outward. Their main function is to prevent dust and debris from entering the eye. As a person ages, the eyelashes tend to become finer and less abundant. An abnormal direction of lash growth can be attributed to eyelid injury or, more…

  • Foreign body in eye

    Any substance present on the surface of the eye or beneath the eyelid, as well as any object that manages to penetrate the eyeball. Dust particles are the most frequent foreign bodies that can enter the eye. In some instances, small fragments of metal, plastic, or wood may accidentally find their way into the eye.…

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