Medical Conditions

Skin cancer is a common type of cancer in Canada. It is estimated that more than 80,000 Canadians develop skin cancer each year, and that number continues to …

Sleep apnea is a condition in which disturbed breathing interrupts sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type of sleep apnea, affects …

Smallpox was an infection that was caused by the virus called variola virus. For thousands of years, smallpox created severe illness and caused the death of …

If you smoke, stopping smoking may be difficult, but it can be done, and there are many ways to make quitting easier. On average 70% of smokers want to quit, and …

Most spiders don't bite humans and only do so if they're provoked. When spiders bite, the vast majority of bites only cause a mild reaction in people, such as minor …

Spina bifida is a type of malformation that occurs during early fetal development. It's known as a type of neural tube defect (NTD), in which either the brain and …

Each year, participation in sports or exercise accounts for approximately 35% of injuries that occur in Canada. People who participate in sports are more likely …

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, affects the stomach, which is found in the upper part of the abdomen and just below the ribs. The stomach is part …

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection, accounting for about 15% of all sore throats that get diagnosed in the doctor's office. It's called …

Stress urinary incontinence is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles or a weakened urethral sphincter leading to urine leaks whenever there is sudden physical …

Stroke is a sudden loss of brain function caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain, as a result of either an ischemic stroke (a blood …

Styes are minor, short-term bacterial infections affecting the edge of the eyelid or eye. A stye is also called a hordeolum. Glands around the edge of the …

A substance use problem is a medical condition. It is substance use that: interferes with a person's relationships with family and friends, interferes with …

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a sudden and unexpected death of a seemingly healthy infant, usually less than one year of age. In order to be …

Note: This article is not intended as a replacement for suicide counselling. If you or someone you know may be at risk of committing suicide, contact emergency …

Sunburn is a kind of radiation damage done by the sun. While most people know that radiation is dangerous, they voluntarily expose themselves to the harmful …

Swine influenza, also called "swine flu," is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs. Just like humans, pigs can get the flu. The swine flu can …

In the vast majority of cases, syphilis is transmitted by sexual contact. It can be transmitted by all forms of sexual contact, including oral and anal sex, …

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complicated joints in your body. You have one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears, …

Tendons are cords of tissue that anchor muscles to bones. They slide back and forth as our muscles contract and our joints flex. To prevent chafing and to keep …

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a very common injury that results from overuse, injury, or strain of the tendon that attaches the …

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer found in men between the ages of 15 and 29 years old, and the incidence of this condition has been increasing …

Tetanus is a condition caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, a cousin of the bacteria that cause gangrene and …

A cold – also called infectious rhinitis – is a very common viral infection of the nose and throat. Doctors call it a …

Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot. The term comes from a combination of thrombus, meaning blood clot, …

The thyroid is a small gland located below the Adam's apple in your neck. It releases hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which increase the amount …

Tinea cruris, commonly referred to as jock itch, is a fungal infection in the groin area. It affects mostly adult men. It's caused by a type of fungus called …

Tinnitus (or "ringing in the ears") is sound or noise that no one but the person with the condition can hear. The noise can be constant or come in …

Onychomycosis (OM) refers to a fungal infection of the nails that may affect one or several of the toenails or fingernails. Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a …

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils that causes inflammation. It is most common in children aged 5 to 15. The tonsils are made of lymphatic tissue. …