August 2016 - St Mark James Training

Chronic Middle Ear Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A chronic middle ear infection develops when repeated ear infections damage the eardrum or lead to the formation of a cholesteatoma, a growth that encourages ongoing infection. Unlike acute ear infections, chronic infections tend to persist or repeatedly flare up over time. This condition is particularly concerning in children, as untreated infections can lead to […]

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Intussusception in Children: Symptoms, Causes, and Emergency Treatment

Intussusception occurs when one segment of the intestine slides into another, much like a telescope collapsing inward. This causes a bowel obstruction and can significantly reduce blood flow to the affected portion of the intestine. In Canada, intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal blockage in infants and young children between 3 months and

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Barotrauma: Ear Pain and Damage Caused by Air Pressure Changes

Barotrauma refers to pain or injury to the eardrum caused by sudden changes in air pressure. The eardrum separates the outer ear canal from the middle ear and is highly sensitive to pressure differences. Barotrauma commonly occurs during: Air travel (especially during takeoff and landing) Scuba diving Rapid elevation changes (mountain travel) In Canada, barotrauma

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Laryngitis: Voice Loss and Throat Inflammation

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and commonly causes hoarseness or temporary loss of voice. In Canada, most cases are short-lived and linked to viral upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu. The larynx plays a key role in breathing, swallowing, and speech. When it becomes inflamed, the vocal cords

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Neck Lumps: Causes, Warning Signs, and When to Seek Medical Care

An individual may notice an abnormal lump in the neck at some point in life. In many cases, a neck lump is first discovered by a healthcare professional during a routine examination. Neck lumps may be painful or painless, depending on the underlying cause. Painless lumps are often present for a longer period before they

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Artificial Joint Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

An artificial joint can become infected when bacteria enter the body during or after joint replacement surgery. In some cases, these infections can be prevented by taking antibiotics before certain medical or dental procedures. Once an artificial joint becomes infected, treatment is often complex and may require joint replacement surgery and long-term antibiotic therapy. Joint

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Plantar Fasciosis: Heel Pain Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Plantar fasciosis is a painful foot condition that affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue running from the heel bone to the toes. Unlike plantar fasciitis, this condition is caused by repetitive strain and degeneration of the tissue rather than active inflammation. Plantar fasciosis can develop in individuals who: Live a sedentary

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Psoriatic Arthritis: Joint Inflammation Linked to Psoriasis

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint condition that develops in some individuals who have psoriasis affecting the skin or nails. The joints most commonly affected include the knees, hips, spine, and the joints closest to the tips of the fingers and toes. Although psoriatic arthritis closely resembles rheumatoid arthritis, it does not produce

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Polyarteritis Nodosa: A Rare but Serious Vascular Inflammatory Disease

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare form of vasculitis that involves inflammation of the medium-sized arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and damage to vital organs. The condition most commonly develops in middle-aged adults, particularly individuals in their 50s, but it can occur at any age. Although the exact cause remains unknown, polyarteritis nodosa has

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Retinal Detachment: A Vision-Threatening Medical Emergency

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back wall of the eye. Because the retina is responsible for converting light into nerve signals for vision, separation deprives retinal cells of oxygen and nutrients. This can result in partial or complete vision loss, depending on the size and location of the detachment. Retinal

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