What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach wall. This usually starts in the inner lining of the stomach known as the gastric mucosa and eventually penetrates deeper into the underlying layers. Most cases of gastritis are due to infection with the H.pylori (Helicobacter pylori) bacteria or the long term and excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Other factors such as stress and spicy foods may exacerbate the symptoms but do not cause gastritis on its own. Gastritis typically presents with a gnawing pain in the upper abdomen.
Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. The word “yellow” is a reference to the yellowing of the skin (jaundice) as a result of the damage to the liver. Yellow fever does not often receive much public attention due to the effectiveness of immunisation, however, the incidence has increased in recent years for various reasons. It is more frequently seen in Africa and South America and about half of all the severe cases will result in death without treatment.
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Prescribed minimum benefits are list of conditions and treatments that a medical aid has to cover for every member on its scheme, irrespective of the individual plan or availability of funds for that year. Basically prescribed minimum benefits are an assurance that every member will have medical aid cover when they need it the most. It comprises any medical emergency, diagnosis and treatment for some 270 medical conditions and full treatment and management of 25 chronic conditions. This required benefit is now part of the Medical Schemes Act and a medical aid may therefore not refuse to pay for at least minimum services for these conditions.
Medical aids are an essential form of financial assistance for any person who wishes to utilise private medical services in South Africa. With the spiralling costs of private healthcare in the country, most of us need a medical aid to ensure that we can meet with the financial obligations should we fall ill or be injured. These costs are not affordable for most of us and the only other option is the public healthcare system. A South African citizen or any person legally residing in South Africa may join a medical aid in the country, irrespective of the health status of the person.
Escherichia coli or E.coli is a group of bacteria that has a close relationship with humans. Several strains of E.coli naturally live in the bowels of humans and other animals and it is passed out in large amounts in the stool. Although harmless when its population is controlled in the bowel, E.coli has the potential for causing serious diseases. It may infect the bowels, urinary tract, lungs, brain lining (meninges) and just about any other site that it gains entry to. However, the vast majority of E.coli outbreaks involves inflammation of the small and large intestines leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea.
