5 stages of CKD Below are the 5 stages in the CKD classification. The CKD stage describes the severity of the chronic kidney disease – the higher the grade (stage), the worse the kidney function. The 5 stages are based on something called ‘GFR’ (glomerular filtration rate). Normal GFR is 90-120 mls/min. GFR is a […]
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What are normal U&E levels? What are U&Es? They are a common group of blood tests that assess: Mineral (electrolyte) levels Kidney function – including GFR and CKD stage Acid-alkali balance. Normal U&E values Sodium (Na) = 135-145 mmol/L. A sodium <125 or >150 requires treatment today. Low or high can affect the function of the […]
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Normal bone biochemistry levels Calcium (Ca) = 2.2-2.6 mmol/L – below 1.8 or above 3.0 needs treatment; below 1.4 or above 3.5 needs treatment today. It is the primary mineral in bones and is crucial for bone health. About 99% of your body’s calcium is in your bones and teeth. The other 1% of it […]
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A normal blood cholesterol level Total cholesterol (chol) = 3-5 mmol/L – overall amount of cholesterol in your blood HDL (‘good’) cholesterol. Target level = >1 mmol/L – may make you less likely to have a heart attack or stroke Non-HDL/LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol. Target level = <4 mmol/L – may make you less likely to […]
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What are normal blood glucose and HbA1c levels? What is a normal blood glucose? Normal blood glucose = 4-6 mmol/L – and less than 8 mmol/L, two hours after a meal. Blood glucose in prediabetes and diabetes Prediabetes is diagnosed if your random blood glucose = 7-11 mmol/L Diabetes is diagnosed if you have a […]
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What are the 5 most important hospital acquired infections (HAIs)? In this article we will describe what are the 5 most important hospital acquired infections (HAIs). First of all. How common are HAIs? Quite common. It is estimated that 5-10% of patients in an acute hospital have an HAI at any one time. The most common HAIs […]
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How long do viral infections last for? In most people, most viral infections last 2-3 days. But, at worst, they can also last a lifetime (see below). In this article will describe how long most viral infections last for. What are viruses? Viruses are tiny germs that can only be seen under a microscope. They […]
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10 most common STDs In this article we will describe the 10 most common STDs, and their treatments. 1. Chlamydia Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Symptoms: Chlamydia is mostly asymptomatic with studies suggesting 10% of men and 5-30% women developing symptoms. Women: Pain when urinating […]
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How to prevent STDs In this article we will describe 5 ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Let’s start with the basics. Vaccinations can prevent STDs (see below) What is a STD? Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections usually acquired though unprotected sexual contact with someone who’s infected. But, you cannot always tell if […]
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10 Essential Facts About Fever: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Fever is a common health concern, often signalling an underlying condition. Understanding what causes it, how it affects the body, and when to seek medical attention can help you manage it effectively. Here are 10 key facts about fever in adults. 1. What is a Fever? […]
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