The frequency of bowel movement in a normal states can range from three motions per day to one every third day. Normal stool consistency can vary from soft, porridge-like, to hard and pellet-like. Increased stool frequency, more than three times in a day, with passage of loose, unformed, watery stools is known as diarrhoea – runny tummy or loose motion.
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A sore throat is a feeling of discomfort, dryness or scratchiness/ itchiness of the throat that often makes swallowing difficult. Other symptoms that may be present include pain upon swallowing, a hoarse voice and swollen neck lymph nodes.It may be caused by a number of factors with infections being the most common cause. Upon examination, inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis) and surrounding structures looks like there is redness with swelling, making the area more bright and shiny than the normal appearance.
If a sore throat is present with the inability to swallow or difficulty breathing, immediate medical attention is necessary.
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Tearing of the eye is a normal process designed to keep the surface of the eye moisturised and remove any dirt or debris that gets caught in the eye. However, it can at times become excessive where it poses a severe problem in terms of vision, comfort and cosmetic appearance. The medical term for excessive tearing is epiphora and can range from watery eyes to excessive tears to the point where it runs down the cheek. Tearing due to crying is not considered as epihphora.
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The breastbone (or breast bone) is the long flat bone located at the centre of the chest to which the ribs and clavicle (shoulder bone) attach. Pain of the breastbone (sternal pain) is a symptom that most of us will experience in life and while it may often be due to a minor cause, breastbone pain may also be indicative of serious medical conditions requiring emergency treatment.
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A normal period is considered as a moderate bleed that lasts for 3 to 7 days and occurs every 21 to 35 days (menstrual cycle). If you are experiencing an abnormal period, it is important to identify how your period deviates from the norm in order for your gynaecologist to isolate the possible cause. There are different types of abnormal periods with various possible causes.
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Food poisoning is the food-borne illness that you may contract when you eat contaminated food. This is a common ailment which most of us will experience at some time in our life and can be avoided with proper handling and storing of food. It can affect both food and drinks and causes severe symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. If left untreated, food poisoning can be potentially fatal, especially in debilitated and immunocompromised patients.
