Health Conditions

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to have a distorted view of how they look and to spend a lot of time worrying about their appearance.

Bone cancer

Primary bone cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the bones. Around 550 new cases are diagnosed each year in the UK.

Bone cyst

A bone cyst is a fluid-filled hole that develops inside a bone. They can occur at any age, butmost oftenaffect children and young adults.

Bone marrow donation

A bone marrow donation is a relatively straightforward medical procedure. Diseased or damaged bone marrow can be replaced by donated bone marrow cells, which help treat and often c…

Borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a disorder of mood and how a person interacts with others. It's the most commonly recognised personality disorder.

Bornholm disease

Bornholm disease is an uncommon viral infection of the intercostal muscles, which join the ribs together. The lining of the lungs is also sometimes affected.

Botulism

Botulism is a very rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Bowel cancer screening

If bowel canceris detected at an early stage, before symptoms appear, it's easier to treat and there's a better chance of surviving it.

Bowel incontinence

Bowel incontinence is an inability to control bowel movements, resulting in involuntary soiling. It's also sometimes known as faecal incontinence.

Bowel polyps

Bowel polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the colon (large bowel) or rectum.They are common, affecting 15-20% of the UK population, anddon't usually cause symptoms.

Brain abscess

A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain. It usually occurs whenbacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or severe head injury.

Brain aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall, usually where it branches.

Brain death

Brain stem death is when a person no longer has any brain stem functions, and has permanently lost the potential for consciousness and the capacity to breathe.

Brain tumour, benign (non-cancerous)

A benign (non-cancerous)brain tumour is a mass of cells that grows slowly in the brain. It usually stays inone place and does not spread.

Brain tumour, malignant (cancerous)

A malignant brain tumour is a fast-growing cancer that spreads to other areas of the brain and spine.

Brain tumours

A brain tumour is agrowth of cells in the brain that multiplies in an abnormal, uncontrollable way. It can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).

Breast abscess

A breast abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms in the breast.

Breast cancer

About one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There's a good chance of recovery if it's detected in its early stages.

Breast lump

Breast lumps are commonand have a number of different causes.

Breast reduction on the NHS

Breast reduction surgery can help women who are unhappy with the shape, weight or droop of their breasts by making them smaller and more lifted.

Breath-holding spells in children

"Breath-holding spells" refers to two distinct conditions that can occur when a child is frightened, upset orangry, or experiences a sudden shock or pain.

Broken Leg

A broken leg (leg fracture) will be severely painful and may beswollen or bruised. You usually won't be able to walk on it.

Broken or knocked out tooth

Knocking out a tooth is a medical emergency.

Broken Toe

A broken or fracturedtoe can be very painful, but isn't usually serious and can often be treated at home. Most will heal in four to six weeks.