Pharyngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the throat (pharynx) and is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor for a sore throat. It usually causes pain, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing. The condition can be short-term (acute), lasting less than three weeks, or long-term (chronic) if symptoms continue beyond that. Most … Read more
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye that helps focus light and protect the inner structures of the eye. The condition can be caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, or it can be triggered by non-infectious factors such as eye … Read more
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, which are small immune organs located at the back of the throat. It is usually caused by viruses such as the common cold viruses or Epstein–Barr virus, but it can also be caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pyogenes (the same bacteria responsible for strep throat). Common symptoms include … Read more
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris (the colored part), the ciliary body (which helps the eye focus), and the choroid (which supplies blood to the retina). The inflammation can also spread to nearby parts of the eye such as the retina, the clear gel-like … Read more
Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. It commonly causes redness, irritation, itching or burning, tearing, and discharge from the eye. The discharge may be watery or thick and … Read more
A boil is a painful skin infection that forms in a hair follicle and fills with pus. It is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a common type of bacteria that can enter the skin when the follicle is damaged or exposed. A boil appears as a red or purplish, swollen bump that becomes larger and … Read more
Folliculitis is a condition where the hair follicles become inflamed or infected, leading to small red or white-tipped bumps that look like pimples and may contain pus. It develops when a hair follicle is irritated, damaged, or blocked, which allows germs, most often the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and sometimes fungi to grow and cause inflammation. … Read more
A carbuncle is a painful skin infection made up of a group of connected boils. It happens when bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, enter and infect several hair follicles at once. The affected area appears red, swollen, and tender, and often has more than one opening where pus drains. In more severe cases, a person may … Read more
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms inside the body, usually because of a bacterial infection. It can appear in the skin, inside organs, or in other tissues. Skin abscesses are easy to see and often cause pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. Abscesses that develop deeper inside the body may be harder to … Read more
Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. It is most often caused by a bacterial infection, usually by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines. Cystitis is considered a form of urinary tract infection (UTI), which affects parts of the body that produce and carry urine. … Read more