Health Conditions

22q11 deletion (DiGeorge syndrome)

DiGeorge syndrome is a genetic disorder that'susually noticeable at birth. Children with the condition can have heart defects, learning difficulties,a cleft palateand potentially m…

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a way of detecting a dangerous swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta the main blood vessel that runs from the heart, down through the abdome…

Abscess

An abscess is a painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Abscesses can develop anywhere in the body.

Acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is the medical term for darkened, thickened patches of skin that usually develop in the armpit and around the groin and neck.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a disorder of the gullet (oesophagus) where it loses the ability to move food along. The valve at the end of the gullet also fails to open and allow food to pass into…

Acid reflux

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition, where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus (gullet).

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, leading to the excess growth of body tissues over time.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatmentderived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes.

Acute appendicitis

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the small intestine, where it meets the colon (in fact, it is a rudimentary extension of the gut, the function of which is yet unknown).

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is a temporary inflammation of the airways, causing a cough and mucus production, lasting up to three weeks; acute bronchitis can affect people of all ages.

Acute gastritis

Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of the mucosa of the stomach. In cases of food poisoning or viral conditions, acute gastritis can be quickly diagnosed by means of acquirin…

Acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury(AKI) is sudden damage to the kidneys that causes them to not work properly. It can range from minor loss of kidney function to complete kidney failure.

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time. Acute pancreatitis is a condition which occurs when the pancreas gland be…

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening medical condition where the lungs can't provide enough oxygen for the rest of the body.

Acute rheumatic myocarditis

Acute rheumatic myocarditis occurs when during a rheumatic attack (during which the articulations may or may not be affected), and inflammation of the myocardium occurs.

Addison's disease

Addisons disease (also known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism) is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands.

Adenoids and adenoidectomy

An adenoidectomy is an operation to remove the adenoids.

Aganglionosis

Hirschsprung's disease is a rare condition that causes poo to become stuck in the bowels. It mainly affects babies and young children.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong.

Air embolism

An air or gas embolism is a bubble that becomes trapped in a blood vessel and blocks it. This can lead to many different symptoms depending on where the blockage occurs. It's one o…

Alcohol misuse

Alcohol misuse means drinking excessively more than the lower-risklimits of alcohol consumption.

Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person drinks a toxic amount of alcohol, usually over a short period of time ( binge drinking ).

Alexander technique

The Alexander technique teaches improved posture and movement, which is believed to help reduce and prevent problems caused by unhelpful habits.

Alkaptonuria

Alkaptonuria, or 'black urine disease', is a very rare inherited disorder that prevents the body fully breaking down two protein building blocks (amino acids) called tyrosine and p…