A severe spasmodic pain that occurs in waves of increasing intensity.

Severe spasmodic pain occurring in waves

Inflammation of the colon, also sometimes used to mean inflammation of the large intestine generally.

The large intestine.

Examination of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope, an imaging instrument that is inserted through the anus.

Surgery that involves bringing part of the large intestine through the abdominal wall, through an opening called a stoma. Faeces are collected by a bag worn over the hole.

A binocular microscope with an attached light source, used to examine the cervix of the uterus.

Close examination of the cervix of the uterus using a magnifying instrument with attached light source, known as a colposcope.

Practices that may complement conventional medicine.

A condition that is linked to, or is a consequence of, another disease or procedure.

The fertilisation of an ovum by a sperm cell: the start of pregnancy.

A temporary brain injury, due to head trauma.

The transmission of, for example, electricity, heat or sound.

Deafness caused by the faulty conduction of sound from the outer to the inner ear.

The removal of a cone-shaped section of tissue from the cervix of the uterus, which is then sent to a laboratory for examination; this may be curative as well as diagnostic.

Any condition present since birth.

An uncommon genetic disorder in which sufferers lack an enzyme that is needed to make the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.

A condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs, resulting in shortness of breath and swelling (oedema) of the ankles. Also known as congestive heart failure.

The transparent membrane covering the white of the eye.

Inflammation of the transparent membrane covering the white of the eye, causing redness, discomfort and discharge.

A type of tissue made up of fibres forming a framework and support structure for body tissues and organs.

a common condition where stools are not passed as frequently as normal

No medical condition.

A reaction of the skin to a substance that it has come into contact with.