T'ai Chich'Uan: Moving Meditation.A technique of dances and exercises developed in ancient China.The basic principles are found in the T'ai-Chi classics, three small volumues written in the 13th centuary AD.It is said to improve health and the general feeling of well-being by releasing untapped reserves of energy or chi.Adepts claim it takes at least ten years to perfect and that it can be used for self-defence

Tapeworm: A Parasitic Worm up to 3,3m long that lives in the human intestines, where it absorb food and grows and produce eggs that are excreted in the faeces.There are 3 types.In pork - Taenia sollum / In Beef - Taenia saginata, In Fish - Diphyllobothruim lactum

Temporal Lobe: Part of the Brain that is responsible for controlling hearing

Tenditis: Inflammation of a Tendon, the fibrous end of a Muscle that attaches it to the bone.Usually occurs together with Tenosynovitis, inflammation of the Sheath surrounding the Tendon

Tennis Elbow: Inflammation of the Tendons that attach the Muscles of the Forearm to the elbow, following sudden excessive use of the forearm

Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the Sheath of tissues around a tendon, a Fibrous cord that attaches Muscle to bone

Testicle - Undescended: Failure of one or both Testicles to descend from the Abdomen to the Srotum before birth.The Testes need to be in th scrotum because there they are at the right temperature for the normal production of Sperm

Testicular Cancer: Testicular cancer is a tumour that develops within the testicle.Men should do testicular self-examination - because testicular cancer is highly curable - when detected at an early state.Many types of testicular cancer can be cured in more than 90% of cases if caught at an early stage.Even when the tumour spreads,it can be cured in 80% of cases.Many men think infertililty and impotence are possible complications of testicular cancer, when in fact,neither has a high risk of occurence

Causes of Testicular cancer: It can have a strong inherited component.First degree relatives (brothers,fathers or sons) of testicular cancer patients have up to a ten-fold increase in the risk of developing the condition.The first cancer gene,probably of many,implicated in testicular cancer was located in the 1990's by an international collaboration of scientists,including the Institute of Cancer Research,the Cancer Research Campaign and Imperial Cancer Research Fund.Scientists don't know what percentage of cases are caused by an inherited genetic susceptibility but some estimates place the figure as high as 30% of all cases

Presentation of Testicular Cancer: It normally shows up as a lump in the testicle.Regular examination of the testes can,in most instances,detect testicular cancer at an early stage, but neglecting self-examination means it can grow and spread.Testicular cancer can affect both yournger and older men.It is important that everyone should be aware of it and how to detect it.As it can affect adolescent boys,there is and important role for parents to play.Wives,girlfriends and partners can also help to try to encourage awareness in their men.Men should perform a regular self-examination

A simple self-examination for first signs of Testicular Cancer:

1. Stand in front of a mirror and look for any swelling on the skin of the scrotum.One testicle may appear larger than the other and one may hang lower,which is usually normal

2.Hold each testicle gently between the thumb and fingertips of both hands and slowly bring the thumb and fingertiops of one hand together while relaxing the fingertips of the othe

3. Alternative this several times so the testicle glides smoothly between both sets of fingers.This lets you assess its shape and texture

4. You must not press too hard and you must be careful not to twist the testicle

5. Each testicle should feel soft and smooth,like a hard-boiled egg without the shell

Self-examination is essential and couldn't be simpler,it only takes a few minutes every month.Self-examination is really worth doing - the latest treatments mean 9 out of 10 men will make a complete recovery.Men need to check their bodies for cancer just like women do.

It's best done in the shower when the scrotum is warm and relaxed as this will increase the chances of detecting any abnormalities or lumps.Men can also ask their partner to give them a hand.The scrotum should be supported in the palm of the hand and the size and weight of each testicle noted.Each testicle should be examined by rolling it between the fingers and thumb.Press gently and feel for any lumps,swelling or changes in firmness.Don't confuse the testicles with the epididymis,the sausage shaped structure that lies along the top and back of each testicle.Lumps found here are likely to becysts or blockages, which become more common as a man gets older.While most lumps in the testicle are benign,any change in size,shape and weight may mean something is wrong,and it is important to discuss it with your doctor as soon as possible

Treatment: The most common type of testicular cancer is treated by removal of the testes followed by radiotherapy and when needed,various drug treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer is helped by substances in the blood (markers) that are found in a large proportion of patients with testicular cancer.There is a new drug, carboplatin, which is highly successful in treating testicular cancer and has led to today's high cure rate.Treatment for testicular cancer may be very intensive,but most patients cured of testicular cancer have no long-term side effects.A small number of patients will become infertile after chemotherapy treatment.Other side effects are uncommon but may include damage to the nerve endings and hearing,spasms in the blood vessels and possibly heart disease.There may be a small risk of developing other cancers, but all risks are lower if testicular cancer is treated early

Younger men are at risk.Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men in the UK and it occurs mostly in those between 19 & 44 years of age,but can develop in boys as young as 15.It is easily treated and if caught at an early stage,testicular cancer is nearly always curable.The risk of developing it has risen by 70% in the past 20 years.Only 3% of young men check their testicles,most are unaware of the simple method of early detection of cancer *see method above* More than 50% of sufferers consult their doctors after the cancer has started to spread.This makes it more difficult to treat successfully and the side effects of treatment becomes more unpleasant

Tetanus: Lockjaw.Very Serious disease.Tetanus is a wound infection caused by a potent toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium Tatani. Resulting in severe muscle contractions particularly of the jaw and neck.The spasm of the jaw muscles gives the disease its common name of Lockjaw

Tetanus bacteria live in soil and in the intestines of human beings and other animals.If the bacteria enter a wound,they multiply and release their toxin,which affects the nerves controlling muscle contraction.The condition is rare in developed countries because most people have been immunized

Symptoms: 1. Usually appear 5-10 days after infection 2. fever 3. headache 4. and muscle stiffness in the jaw,arms,neck and back are typical 5. As the condition progresses,painful muscle spasms may develop.In some people the muscles of the throat or chest wall are affected,leading to breathign difficulties and possible sufocation

Treatment: The disease needs immediate treatment in hospital with antitoxin injections,antibioticks and sedatives to relieve muscle spasm.Mechanical ventilation may be necessary to aid breathing.If given prompt treatment,most people make a complete recovery.If treatment is delayed,tetanus is usually fatal

Prevention: Essential precaution against tetanus include the following things - Vaccination against tetatus.This is usually given as part of early childhood immunization - it is highly effective.Booster vaccinations every 10 years.Cleaning wounds thoroughly especially those caused by animal bites or if those wounds that are contaminated with soil - treating them with antiseptic,Deep puncture wounds which are especially likely to become infected,should be seen by your doctor,who may give you antibiotics to prevent infection.A booster vaccination after any deep wound if your booster vaccinations are not up to date

Tetany: A condition in which an abnormally low level of Calcium in the blood causes Muscle Spasms and twitchings, mainly in the hands, feet an face and sometimes Convulsions.It is distinct from Tetanus, which has some similar symptoms

Thalassaemia Major: A form of Anemia, which occurs in people form the Mediterranean countries or of Mediterranean origin, but can aslo affect people from India and South-East Asia.Can be passed on to a child if both parents carry the faulty gene.In Thalassaemia, the blood cannot make normal Haemoglobin, the substance in the blood that makes the cells red and carries oxygen through the body.The problem reveals itself when a baby is about three months old with symptoms of severe anaemia

Thanatophobia: Fear of death

Thermography: Is used to detect Cysts an Tumours in an early stage, through the Measurement of Heat emitted by different parts of the body.This is carried out by photographing the body with film sensive to infra-red rays

Thigh Bone: Femur.Longest bone in the Human body

Threadworm: Enterobiasis/Pinworm/Seat Worm. Infection by Threadworms is extremely common.The worms are like little stands of white cotton less than 13mm in length and can be seen wriggling in the faeces. The worms infest the Large Bowl.Female worms emerge from the childs rectum when he is asleep an lay eggs on the adjacent skin.This cause itching an the child may reinfest himself by scratching

Thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of a the length of Vein, usually in the Leg.Associated with Trombosis, a blood clot which blocks the vein.It is often accompanies Varicose Veins

Thrombocytopaenia: This is a reduced level of cells called platelets in the blood.Platelets are necessary for blood to clot normally, therefore platelet deficiency causes bleeding into the skin and internal organs.Bleeding into the skin causes bleeding bruising and a rash called purpura where there are tiny haemorrhages (petechiae) into the skin.There are many causes of Thrombocytopaenia, but one worth mentioning is Meningitis.Thrombocytopaenia may be an early complication of Meningitis and show up in the skin as a purpuric rash.The rash is simple to distinguish from all others - beccause it's caused by small Haemorrhages in the skin, it therefore Does Not Disappear on applying pressure - as nearly all other rashes do.If your child is ill with a high temperature and a rash appears, use a glass to press down on the skin.If the rash remains - take your child immediately to hospital.The Thrombocytopaenia of Meningits will correct itself when the infection is treated.It need no specific treatment

Thrombosis: This is the Blocking of a Blood vessel by a Blood Clot or Thrombus, which has formed in the Artery.Usually occcurs in the Legs and Pelvis.But it may also take place in the portal Vein that carries blood to the Liver.When it occurs in the Coronary Artery it is one of the main causes of death in developed countries

Thrush (Candida / Monilia / Fungus): Fungal infection caused by yeast-like fungus called Candida Albicans.Under normal circumstances, this fungus is kept under control by other bacteria that also live in the intestines.If the balance is disturbed, by e.g antibiotics or if the body's natural resistance is low- the fungus overgrow,causing infection in any part of the Gastro-Intestinal tract, the Mouth, Anal or the Female Genital Tract.Discharge from the Vagina is usually white and thick and causes itching in the vagina and vulval areas

Vaginal Thrush is inflammation of the vagina caused by the Candida Fungus.Thrush is a very common,not to mention miserable problem.Three-quaters of all women will get thrush at some stage of their lives.Some suffer one attack,many get it several times a year.Thrush is not life-threatening but ,it can cause a lot of distress & discomfort.Vaginal Thrush is not necessarily a sexual transmitted disease,it results from an imbalance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.The imbalance can allow one type of yeast,Candida Albicans,to breed faster than usual and this can cause thrush.The imbalance that can lead to thrush can be caused by many things,such as hormonal changes experienced during menstruation in pregnancy and at the menopause.Other common triggers are antibiotics,poorly-controlled diabetes,bubble baths & disinfectants & in the bath and vaginal deoderands.Being a thrush sufferer does not mean you are dirty - in fact being over-zealous with doucing can upset the natural balance in the vagina and start an attack of thrush.Men can get thrush as well.Men very often re-infect their partners because usually only women seek medical treatment

*also see Vaginal Thrush & Candida*

Thyrotoxicosis: Graves' Disease.Over-activity of the Thyroid gland due to the over-stimulation by the Pituitary gland at the Base of the Brain.It causes toxic reactions in the body

Tibialis Anterior: Front of the Leg assists with walking and running

Tic: Is a Twitch of the Muscles, and any Habitual movements of parts of the body or any other seemingly Purposeless movement, which may become a nervous habit.May develop at any age and children are especially susceptible to them

Tick Bite Fever: Most tick bites in South Africa cause only local swelling redness and pain.Occasionally a Rickettsial infection develops called Tick Bite Fever.The bite is a local bluish-black scab accompanied by fever and severe headache for several days.Nearly all the glands may be swollen.There is often a blotchy red skin rash on the body.Needs special medical treatment

Tietze's Syndrome: Pain originating in the chest wall or spine may be felt in the breast area.The most usual cause is a form of arthritis, called Costochondritis, which affects the ends of the ribs where they join the breastbone - this condition is called Tietze's Syndrome

Tinnitus: An intermittent or continuous ringing, buzzing or tinkling noise in the ears that has no Extrenal source, heard only by the sufferer.Causes may be ear wax, Otitis Media, Meniere's Disease, Deafness, Otosclerosis, Hypertension or an Overdose of drugs such as aspirin or quinine.Very occasional the condition is caused by an Acoustic Neuroma

Tonsils: Positioned on either side of the back of the Throat.Forms the body's first line of defence by trapping and killing bacteria, thus preventing them form entering the Respiratory tract.In the process the Tonsils themselves can become infected and inflamed, causing sore throat,fever and swollen glands

Tonsillectomy: An operation to remove the Tonsils

Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the Tonsils caused by Viruses or Bacteria (Streptococcus).Most common in children and not serious - unless accompanied by Otitis Media or complication such as Nephritis and Rheumatic fever

Torticollis: Wryneck.A deformity in which the head is tilted to one side while the face is turned to the other

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): This is a septic form of bacterial shock caused by a toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus & certain Streptococcal bacteria.New,rare condition, first described in the 1980's.Although first recognized in women wearing highly absorbent tampons (now taken off the market),but it also may occur in men & toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can aslo arise from skin wounds or infection caused by S.aureus elsewhere in the body.Immeditate medical treatment is vital.Symptoms develop rapidly in a few hours.When the bacteria multiply,large amounts of the toxin enters the blood and lead to the symptoms of shock

Symptoms: In addition to sypmtoms of Septicaemia (see under that name),a characteristic reddening of the palms and soles develops,with peeling two weeks later

Treatment: Is with antibiotics,sometimes by intravenous infusion.There seems to be an individual tendency to TSS,as it can return to women who've had it.These women,therefore,should avoid using tampons,caps,diaphragms and so forth

Toxin: A poisonous substance produced by Bacteria, other Mcrobes and some plants and animals

Toxocariasis: Infection by a Parasitic Worm of the Nematode family (roundworm), which is passed on to humans by cats (Toxocara Cati) or dogs (Toxocara Canis).Toxocariasis is rarely serious in children, although in rare cases a worm may lodge in the eyes,causing blindness

Toxoplasmosis: This is a protozoal infection caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii.It can cause serious illness in the unborn baby and in people who have reduced immunity such as AIDS sufferers - who may develop Encephalitis as a result of this infection.Toxoplasmosis is a serious disease of mammals, birds and reptiles.Humans can be infected through cysts of the parasite that are excreted in the faeces of cats and can be passed on to people by direct contact with cats or by handling cat litter.Another source of infection is raw or undercooked meat of animals - that have eaten cysts from the faeces of infected cats.Contracting the disease during pregnancy - the baby may be miscarried or born prematurely and it may be ill at birth with fever, jaundice, convulsionsand blindness or disease

Treatment: Usually no treatment is necessary,although pyrimethamine and antibiotics may be prescribed for people with reduced immunity or pregnant women.People with reduced immunity may need to take the drug for life to prevent reactivation of cysts.Infection can be prevented by avoiding contact with cats,wearing gloves to handle cat litter and for gardening and by not eating undercooked or raw meat

Trachea: Windpipe.Tube that carries air to the lungs

Tracheotomy: A Procedure to restore normal breathing when hte throat or larynx is blocked. An incision (verticle cut) is made in the neck and a small tube inserted below the blockage - hich allows Air to reach the Lungs without first passing through the Nose, Mouth, Pharynx or Larynx

Trachoma: A Serious disease of the Eyes caused by Chlamydia.If not treated the disease may lead to Blindness

Traction: Means 'pulling apart' and is used as a treatment for broken bones, crushed vertebrae, and prolapsed discs. Damage and compressed parts of the body are held apart and in the correct position (often for some time) until healed

Transverse Fractures: In a transverse fractures - there is a straight break across a bone.Transverse fractures,often in the arm or leg,are usually due to a powerful blow,such as that sustained in a collision during a road traffic accident *also see under fractures*

Trigeminal Nerve: The Trigeminal Nerve links the face and front of the head and the Brain

Trigeminal Neuralgia: This is a Recurrent pain experienced when abnormal electrical discharges arise in the Nerve.Pain may be triggered off by a certain facial movement or by pressure or cold on an area over the Nerve

Triceps: Upper arm muscles.At the back, straightens the arm again

Trichomoniasis: It is a genital infection of the vagina - caused by a parasitic organism - Trichomonas Vaginalis.Often is symptomless,but may cause a discharge that can be yellow,green that tends to be frothy.It usually affects sexually active people on any age and unprotected sex is a risk factor.In women - the infection may cause inflammation in and around the vagina,which may lead to cystitis.In men - the infection sometimes causes mild inflammation of the urethra with or without a pussy discharge.In most cases Trichomoniasis

Symptoms: Some women have no symptoms,and the infection is often detected only on a routine smear test.If symptoms do occur,they may include.Profuse,yellow or green frothy and offensive smelling discharge from the vagina.Itching and soreness of the vulva - skin around the vagina.Burning senstion during urination.Discomfort during intercourse.Men too may not have symptoms,but if present,they may include - discomfort on passing urine.Discharge from the penis.If you or your partner develops any of these symptoms,consult your doctor or go to a clinic specializing in STD's

Treatment: Swabs will be taken from infected areas and tested for the presence of the organism.You will probably also be tested for other STD's at the same time.If you have Trichomonaisis,antibioticks will be prescribed by your doctor.Sexual partners should also be tested even if they have no symptoms and should be treated if necessary

Prevention: You can reduce your own risk of contracting Trichomoniasis by practising safe sex.If you or your partner becomes infected,you should avoid spreading the infection further by abstaining from sexual contact until you have both finished your course of drug treatment and your doctor has confirmed that the infection has completely cleared

Triskaidekaphobia: Fear of the number 13

Tubal Ligation: Sterilization.The Femal Snip. This is a method of female sterilization.To all intents,sterilization is a permanent means of birth control that makes it impossible for an egg to be fertilizes and conception to take place.Tubal ligation closes off the fallopian tubes.This creates an obstruction that stops the ovum moving through the tubes to the uterus or sperm from reaching the ovum via the tubes and conception is prevented.As it is a permanent operation that is very difficult to reverse,doctors usually advise childless women or women under 30 against the operation

Procedure: There is several different methods of female sterilization,using either the abdominal or vaginal approach.Most are carried out under general anaesthetic or occasionally, under an epidural or local anaesthetic.Carbon dioxide gas may be introduced into the abdomen to inflate it so internal organs can be seen more clearly.While all procedures involve tying or closing, a small portion of the tube itself is almost invariably removed.The tubes are either tied or cut,clamped with rings or clips,plugged or frozen.All of these can be done with endoscipic surgery

Risks: Sterilization has a few serious risks or complications except those normally expected of any surgery or anaeshetic.The vaginal route of sterilization has a slightly increased risk of infection,but is rarely used in the UK.Sterilization has a high efficiency rate and it's permanent.Female sterilization has a very low failure rate.It won't affect your sex dirive or sex life.In some cases,microsurgical technique may succeed in restoring fertility in a woman who has been sterilized,but this does involve major surgery.About 70-75 % of women later achieve pregnancy

After effects: After sterilization you won't notice any change in your menstrual pattern, and you'll have a normal menopause when it occurs because your ovaries haven't beem touched.Some women have a routine dilatation and curettage (D&C) when they are sterilized to check the uterus for any abnormailities.Usually there's bleeding from the vagina for 1-2days.If you had a vaginal sterilization,you won't be able to have intercourse for a couple of weeks because of the danger of infection,but you will have noe external scar.You must use contraception during the cycle in which you are sterilized, because there is a risk of a tubal pregnancy if a fertilized egg cannot enter the uterus after the operation

Tuberculosis (TB): Infectious disease caused by the Bacillus Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, in which Nodules - tubercles - form in the body tissue and destroy it.There are two strains.The Human strain and Bovine strain in cattle.Most people in Southern Africa- especially the Western Cape are exposed to these organisms at some time of their life.Tuberculosis is a SERIOUS disease if left untreated.It occurs whenever there is poverty and overcrowded living conditions

Tularaemia: Infectious disease caused by a Bacterium Francisella Tularensis in Wild animals particularly rabbits

Tumour: A swelling, usually denotes one caused by abnormal cell-multiplication within the body

Typhoid Fever: Enteric Fever - Typhoid & Paratyphoid are infections caused by Salmonella bacteria that results in high fever follow by a rash.Typhoid & Parathyphoid are almost identical diseases that are caused by the bateria Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyhi,respectively.The bacteria mutiply in the intestines and spead to the blood and to other organs,such as the spleen,gallbladder and liver.The disease are transmitted through infected faeces and most commonly occur in areas where hygiene and sanitation are poor e.g due to Earthquacks, Tornadoes, extensive Flooding which disrupt sewerage disposal.Infection & contamination is commonly due to food (particularly shellfish) or water contaminated by unwashed hands & flies

Symptoms: Of both diseases apprear 7-14 days after infection and may include 1. headache & high fever 2. dry cough 3. abdominal pain & 4. constipation,usually followed by 5. diarrhoea 6. a rash of rose-coloured spots appearing on the chest,abdomen & back 7. It carries a high mortality rate - if left untreated both infections leads to serious complication,such as intestinal bleeding and rarely perforation of the intestines

Treatment: Typhoid & paratyphoid can be diagnosed by testing blood or faeces samples for the bacteria.The disease are usually treated with antibioticc in hospital.Symptoms usually subside 2-3 days after treatment has begun and most people recover fully in a month.Even with treatment the bacteria are excreted for about 3 months after the symptoms have disappeared.Some people who do not undergo treatment may become life-long carriers of the bacteria and transmit the infection to others,although they appear to be healthy.Good hygiene is the best protection against infection.Several vaccines are availabe and if you intend to travel to a developing country,immunization may be advisable.Consult your doctor before travelling as recommendations change

Typhus: A serious, acute infectious disease caused by a Rickettsia - a minute organism between a Bacterium and a Virus.Various types of Typhus, most of which are transmitted by lice,fleas,ticks and mites

info sources:

South African Family Medical Adviser

Family Health Guide & The Baby & Child Health Care Handbook - Dr.Miriam Stoppard