Best Virgin Island Family Practice Physicians

Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. The bacteria invade the lining of the respiratory tract and airways, causing inflammation and increasing the secretion of mucus. It is very contagious, and in some cases can be serious.

Insect Allergy
Allergies are abnormal or adverse reactions to a substance. Insect allergies are a reaction to insect stings or bites. It can also occur with exposure to such insects in an environment.

Hives
Hives are small, itchy, red swellings on the skin. The swelling occurs singularly or in clusters. Hives tend to fade after a few hours, but new ones can appear. Most cases go away within a few days. But, some last a few weeks or longer.

Fracture
A fracture is a break in any bone in the body. Fractures are usually caused by trauma. This may be falls, twists, blows or collisions. There are different kinds of fracture:

Food Allergy
A food allergy is an adverse or abnormal reaction to a food or a food additive.

Common Cold
The common cold is an infection that can irritate your upper respiratory tract (nose and throat).



Eczema
Eczema is actually just another word for dermatitis, which is an inflammation of the skin. There are many types of dermatitis, but the term eczema has come to be associated with a specific type of dermatitis, called atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, noncontagious condition that causes itchy, inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) most commonly affects the insides of the elbows, the backs of the knees, and the face, but it can affect any area of the body and in rare cases may cover most of the body.

Sinusitis
The sinuses are hollow areas in the skull that are arranged in pairs. Sinusitis occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses in the skull around the nose (the paranasal sinuses) becomes inflamed and infected. Acute sinusitis usually lasts about 1-4 weeks, while chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms last three or more months. The third form, recurrent acute sinusitis, occurs more than three times a year.

Contusion
A contusion is said to have occurred when blood vessels are damaged or broken after an injury. The raised area of the contusion is the result of blood and fluid leaking from those injured blood vessels into the tissue. You usually see a discolored, purplish area that takes 2-3 weeks to go away.

Insect Bites and Stings
Insect bites and stings cause skin reactions. They can include itching, rashes, and sometimes swelling. Most bites and stings can be safely treated at home. Those that cause allergic reactions may require prompt medical attention. If you think that you are having a severe allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.