Author: Chance Iradukunda

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the throat and nose but can also impact the skin and other mucous membranes. Although rare in many parts of the world due to widespread vaccination, it remains a significant health concern where immunization rates are low. Diphtheria is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread via contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. The bacteria produce a toxin that causes severe inflammation and damage to the tissues. Diphtheria symptoms typically begin 2 to 5 days after exposure and can…

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects areas rich in sweat glands, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Characterized by painful lumps, abscesses, and the formation of tunnels under the skin, HS can significantly impact quality of life. The exact cause of HS is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve an abnormal immune response leading to inflammation of hair follicles. Genetics, obesity, smoking, and hormonal changes may also play a role in its development. Symptoms often begin with small, painful nodules that can rupture and drain pus, leading to scarring…

In the realm of health myths, one that often raises concern is the belief that getting an X-ray will inevitably give you cancer. This fear, while understandable given the seriousness of cancer, is not entirely grounded in scientific reality. Let’s unpack this myth and explore the facts behind X-rays and cancer risk. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light but with much higher energy. They are used in medical imaging to view the inside of the body without invasive surgery. When you get an X-ray, a small amount of this radiation passes through your body and…

Gastroparesis is a chronic condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying due to impaired motility of the stomach muscles. This condition disrupts the normal digestion process, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms and potential complications. Symptoms of gastroparesis can be quite debilitating and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, early satiety (feeling full after eating only a small amount), and abdominal pain. These symptoms arise because the stomach’s delayed emptying prevents food from moving efficiently into the small intestine, leading to discomfort and potential nutritional deficiencies. Causes of gastroparesis vary and can include both primary and secondary factors. The most common cause is…

Thirty people are presently undergoing treatment at the Kasoa Polyclinic and Mother and Child Hospital after five people were killed in a cholera epidemic in Kasoa.Local officials are worried about the situation and are asking the public to take precautions to stop it from spreading further. Three people passed away on Thursday, October 31, and two more died on Friday afternoon, bringing the total number of fatalities to five, according to Awutu Senya at Municipal Chief Executive Anita Love Obo Amissah.The MCE conveyed profound apprehension over the epidemic and underscored the necessity for inhabitants to uphold hygiene and give priority…

In a significant step toward enhancing public health strategies, the Federation of African Medical Equipment, Disposables, and Devices Manufacturers and Suppliers (FOAMEDDMS) participated in a roundtable discussion organized by Strathmore University Business School in partnership with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD). This event took place last Wednesday at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, focusing on the use of Citizen-Generated Data (CGD) to combat environmentally sensitive infectious diseases, including cholera, dengue fever, schistosomiasis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis, across several countries, notably Ghana, Kenya, and Colombia. Strathmore University, known for its mission to develop ethical and transformational leaders through research,…

Female prostate cancer is a term that may cause confusion, as traditionally, prostate cancer is associated with males due to the anatomical presence of the prostate gland in men. However, there are rare cases where women can develop tumors in tissues analogous to the prostate gland found in males. These tissues are known as Skene’s glands or paraurethral glands, located near the urethra and thought to be homologous to the male prostate. Female Prostate Cancer: To Conclude, while female prostate cancer is exceedingly rare and differs anatomically from prostate cancer in males, it underscores the importance of identifying the diversity…

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. It can occur suddenly after exposure to an allergen, and its rapid progression necessitates swift intervention to prevent serious health complications or death. Anaphylaxis manifests swiftly and severely, presenting a combination of symptoms that can include skin reactions like hives and itching, respiratory distress such as wheezing and throat tightness, cardiovascular symptoms like a rapid pulse and low blood pressure, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms often escalate rapidly and can lead to shock, unconsciousness, and even death if not promptly treated.…

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. While it usually resolves after childbirth, it requires careful management to ensure the health of both mother and baby. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of gestational diabetes, including its risks, management strategies, and tips for a healthy pregnancy. Risk Factors Risk factors for gestational diabetes consist of advanced maternal age (typically over 25), pre-pregnancy obesity or excessive weight gain during pregnancy, family history of diabetes (especially a first-degree relative with diabetes), prior history of gestational diabetes or prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and specific…

Thousands of Ghanaians have participated in a health walk dubbed the “Walk for the cure” to combat breast cancer through the streets of Ejisu in the Ashanti Region. Participants which included workers, students, teachers, and community leaders stressed the value of early detection, education, and community support for individuals afflicted by breast cancer while sporting awareness T-shirts. Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah organized this walkathon to raise awareness about breast cancer. Between 2021 and 2024, 8,000 people with breast cancer died due to missing hospital appointments. Early identification and prompt medical intervention are crucial in the fight against the disease.…