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HEALTH A-Z

Browse conditions, medicines and health advice

NHS Health A–Z Directory

All Topics

Conditions

Symptoms

Tests & Treatments

Condition
Abdominal aortic aneurysm

A swelling (aneurysm) of the main blood vessel that leads away from the heart (aorta).
Condition
Acanthosis nigricans

A skin condition that causes dark, velvety patches in body folds and creases.
Condition
Achalasia

A rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into the stomach.
Condition
Acid and chemical burns

Burns caused by acids, alkalis or other corrosive substances.
Condition
Acne

A common skin condition that causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch.
Condition
Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)

A non-cancerous (benign) brain tumour that grows on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain.
Condition
Acromegaly

A rare condition where the body produces too much growth hormone, causing body tissues and bones to grow more quickly.
Condition
Acute cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder that develops over hours, usually because a gallstone blocks the cystic duct.
Condition
Acute kidney injury

A sudden reduction in kidney function that develops within a few hours or days.
Condition
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

A type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Condition
Acute myeloid leukaemia

A type of blood cancer that affects the myeloid cells in the bone marrow.
Condition
Acute pancreatitis

A serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time.
Condition
Addison's disease

A rare disorder of the adrenal glands where they don't produce enough of certain hormones.
Condition
ADHD in adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour.
Condition
ADHD in children and young people

A group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Condition
Agoraphobia

A fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or help wouldn't be available.
Condition
Alcohol misuse

When your drinking becomes harmful, or when you become dependent on alcohol.
Condition
Alzheimer's disease

The most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking and behaviour.
Condition
Arthritis

A common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint.
Condition
Asthma

A common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.
Condition
Bipolar disorder

A mental health condition that affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another.
Condition
Chickenpox

A common childhood illness that causes an itchy, spotty rash.
Condition
Depression

A mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
Condition
Diabetes

A lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.
Condition
Eczema

A condition that causes dry, rough patches of inflamed skin.
Condition
Fibromyalgia

A long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.
Condition
Gallstones

Small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder.
Condition
Glaucoma

A common eye condition where the optic nerve becomes damaged.
Condition
Gout

A type of arthritis that causes severe joint pain, usually in the big toe.
Condition
Heart disease

A range of conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels.
Condition
High blood pressure (hypertension)

A condition where the force of blood against artery walls is too high.
Condition
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A common condition that affects the digestive system.
Condition
Kidney stones

Hard pieces of stone-like material that form in one or both kidneys.
Condition
Migraine

A common type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain.
Condition
Osteoporosis

A health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.
Condition
Pneumonia

Swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both lungs.
Condition
Psoriasis

A skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.
Condition
Stroke

A serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
Symptom
Anal pain

Pain around your anus (bottom), which can be caused by several conditions.
Symptom
Ankle pain

Pain in the ankle that can be caused by injury, arthritis, or other conditions.
Symptom
Anxiety, fear and panic

Feelings of worry, fear or panic that are stronger than usual and affect your daily life.
Symptom
Back pain

Pain anywhere from your neck down to your bottom, often caused by muscle strain.
Symptom
Bad breath

Persistent unpleasant smell from your mouth, also known as halitosis.
Symptom
Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding)

Blood in your stool or bleeding from your anus that can have several causes.
Symptom
Bloating

Feeling full and swollen in your tummy, often caused by gas or digestive issues.
Symptom
Blood in urine

Blood that can be seen in urine or detected in urine tests.
Symptom
Breast lumps

Lumps or changes in breast tissue that need medical assessment.
Symptom
Breast pain

Pain in one or both breasts, which can be cyclical or non-cyclical.
Symptom
Chest pain

Pain or discomfort in your chest that can have many different causes.
Symptom
Cough

A reflex action to clear your throat and airways of irritants.
Symptom
Coughing up blood (blood in phlegm)

Blood in sputum or phlegm that needs immediate medical attention.
Symptom
Diarrhoea and vomiting

Loose, watery stools and being sick, often caused by infections or food poisoning.
Symptom
Dizziness

Feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or like you or your surroundings are spinning.
Symptom
Earache

Pain inside, around, or behind your ear that can affect one or both ears.
Symptom
Elbow and arm pain

Pain in your elbow or arm that can be caused by injury or overuse.
Symptom
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Sweating more than normal, which can be embarrassing and distressing.
Symptom
Fainting

A temporary loss of consciousness usually caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
Symptom
Fatigue

Extreme tiredness that doesn't go away with rest.
Symptom
Fever (high temperature)

A high body temperature, usually over 37.8°C (100°F).
Symptom
Foot pain

Pain in any part of your foot that can affect your ability to walk.
Symptom
Hair loss

Losing more hair than normal, which can be temporary or permanent.
Symptom
Headaches

Pain in your head that can range from mild to severe.
Symptom
Hearing loss

Reduced ability to hear sounds in one or both ears.
Symptom
Heart palpitations

Feeling your heart beating unusually fast, slow, or irregularly.
Symptom
Heartburn and acid reflux

A burning feeling in your chest caused by stomach acid travelling up to your throat.
Symptom
Hip pain

Pain around your hip joint that can affect mobility.
Symptom
Itchy skin

Skin that feels irritated and makes you want to scratch.
Symptom
Joint pain

Pain in any joint in your body, often caused by arthritis or injury.
Symptom
Knee pain

Pain around your knee joint that can affect walking and mobility.
Symptom
Memory problems

Difficulty remembering things, which can be a sign of various conditions.
Symptom
Nausea

Feeling sick to your stomach and wanting to vomit.
Symptom
Neck pain

Pain or stiffness in your neck that can limit movement.
Symptom
Rash

Changes in skin color, texture, or appearance that can be itchy or painful.
Symptom
Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing or feeling like you can't get enough air.
Symptom
Sore throat

Pain or irritation in your throat that can make swallowing difficult.
Symptom
Stomach pain

Pain anywhere in your abdomen that can range from mild to severe.
Symptom
Swollen glands

Enlarged lymph nodes that can be felt as lumps under the skin.
Symptom
Toothache

Pain in or around a tooth that can be severe and persistent.
Symptom
Weight loss (unexplained)

Losing weight without trying, which can be a sign of underlying illness.
Test/Treatment
Blood tests

Laboratory analysis of blood samples to check for diseases and monitor health.
Test/Treatment
Caesarean section

Surgical delivery of a baby through cuts in the mother's tummy and womb.
Test/Treatment
Cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography

Tests to check how well your heart is working and if your coronary arteries are blocked.
Test/Treatment
Cataract surgery

Surgery to remove cataracts (cloudy patches) from the lens in your eye.
Test/Treatment
Cervical screening

A test to check the health of your cervix and help prevent cervical cancer.
Test/Treatment
Chemotherapy

A treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells.
Test/Treatment
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

A talking therapy that helps you manage problems by changing how you think and behave.
Test/Treatment
Colonoscopy

A test to check inside your bowels using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
Test/Treatment
Colostomy

An operation to create an opening in your tummy so waste can be collected in a bag.
Test/Treatment
Contraception

Methods to prevent pregnancy including pills, condoms, and long-acting reversible contraception.
Test/Treatment
Coronary angioplasty and stent insertion

A procedure to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.
Test/Treatment
CT scan

A scan that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body.
Test/Treatment
ECG (electrocardiogram)

A simple test that measures the electrical activity of your heart.
Test/Treatment
Endoscopy

A procedure used to look inside the body using a flexible tube with a light and camera.
Test/Treatment
Eye tests

Tests to check your vision and the health of your eyes.
Test/Treatment
Hearing tests

Tests to check how well you can hear sounds of different volumes and frequencies.
Test/Treatment
Hip replacement

Surgery to replace a damaged hip joint with an artificial one.
Test/Treatment
Hysterectomy

Surgery to remove the womb (uterus) and sometimes other parts of the female reproductive system.
Test/Treatment
Knee replacement

Surgery to replace a damaged knee joint with an artificial one.
Test/Treatment
MRI scan

A scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body.
Test/Treatment
Pacemaker implantation

Surgery to implant a small device that helps control abnormal heart rhythms.
Test/Treatment
Physiotherapy

Treatment that uses physical methods like exercise and massage to improve movement and reduce pain.
Test/Treatment
Radiotherapy

Treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Test/Treatment
Ultrasound scan

A scan that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body.
Test/Treatment
Vaccinations

Injections that protect against infectious diseases by building immunity.
Test/Treatment
X-ray

A test that uses radiation to create images of the inside of your body.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Find out about abdominal aortic aneurysm, what the symptoms are, how it’s treated, how to lower your risk of getting one and what the causes are.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening

Find out about abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening, including who it’s offered to, why it’s done and what happens.

ABSCESS

Read about skin abscesses and internal abscesses. An abscess is a painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

Acanthosis nigricans is the term for darkened, thickened patches of skin in the armpit and around the groin and neck. Find out about the main causes and treatments.

ACHALASIA

Read about achalasia, 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.

ACID AND CHEMICAL BURNS

Find out about acid and chemical burns including what causes them, where to get help, how to do first aid, and how they’re treated.

ACNE

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that’s hot or painful to touch.

ACOUSTIC NEUROMA (VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMA)

An acoustic neuroma is a type of non-cancerous (benign) brain tumour. Find out about the symptoms, treatments and outlook for this condition.

ACROMEGALY

Find out about acromegaly, a rare condition where the body produces too much growth hormone causing tissue and bone to grow more quickly. Read about symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.

ACTINIC KERATOSES (SOLAR KERATOSES)

Find out more about actinic keratoses, which are patches of skin that have been damaged by the sun.

ACTINOMYCOSIS

Find out about actinomycosis, including how you get it, what the symptoms are, how it’s treated and how to reduce your risk of getting it.

ACUPUNCTURE

Read about acupuncture, a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine in which fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body to relieve or
prevent health problems

ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS

Read about acute cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder. It usually occurs when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct.

ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY

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

ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKAEMIA

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) isa rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA

Read about acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive cancer of the myeloid cells. Information about signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis and
treatment.

ACUTE PANCREATITIS

Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time.

ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (ARDS)

Find out about acute respiratory distress syndrome, including who’s at risk of getting it, the symptoms, how it’s treated and what causes it

ADDISON'S DISEASE

Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism, isa rare disorder of the adrenal glands.

ADENOIDECTOMY

Read about an adenoidectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids. Find out what the adenoids do, when they need to be removed and how the procedure is done.

ADENOIDECTOMY

Find out what an adenoidectomy is, why it’s done, what happens during the operation and the possible complications.

ADENOMYOSIS

Find out about adenomyosis, including symptoms, what to do if you think you have it and how it’s treated.

AGE-RELATED CATARACTS

Read about age-related cataracts. In older people, changes can occurin the lens of the eye, making it less transparent and causing cloudy or misty vision.

AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)

Read more about age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which mainly affects people over 50 years of age and usually leads to a gradual loss of central vision.

AGORAPHOBIA

Read about agoraphobia, a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn’t be available if things go wrong.

AIR OR GAS EMBOLISM

Anair or gas embolism is a serious problem that can happen to scuba divers and during some medical procedures. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatments.

ALBINISM

Albinism is an inherited condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment that colours the skin, hair and eyes.

ALCOHOL MISUSE

Alcohol misuse is where a person consumes excessive amounts of alcoholic drinks.

ALCOHOL POISONING

Find out about alcohol poisoning, what the symptoms are, what to do ifyou think you or someone else has it, what the treatments are and what causes it.

ALCOHOL-RELATED LIVER DISEASE

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) refers to liver damage caused by excess alcohol intake. There are several stages of severity and a range of associated symptoms.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

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

ALKAPTONURIA

Read about alkaptonuria, or “black urine disease’, a rare inherited disorder that can turn urine and parts of the body a dark colour and lead to other problems.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Find out about allergic rhinitis, including what the symptoms are, what you can do about it and when to get medical help.

ALLERGIES

Find out about allergies, including typical symptoms, common allergies, when to get emergency medical help and allergy testing and treatments.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

NHS information about altitude sickness, including symptoms, treatment and how to prevent it.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms associated with a decline in the way your brain functions, affecting your memory and the way you behave.

AMNIOCENTESIS

Read about amniocentesis, a diagnostic test carried out during pregnancy to assess whether your baby could develop a genetic or chromosomal condition.

AMPUTATION

Information about amputation, including why and how it’s carried out, recovery and rehabilitation, prosthetics, stump care and possible complications.

AMYLOIDOSIS

Find out about amyloidosis, including what the symptoms are, when and where to get medical help, the causes and how it’s treated.

ANABOLIC STEROID MISUSE

Read about anabolic steroids, which are prescription-only medicines that are sometimes taken without medical advice to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.

ANAESTHESIA

Find out about different types of anaesthetics, how they work, and the potential side effects. Also, read about the role of the anaesthetist.

ANAL CANCER

Find out about anal cancer, including common symptoms and treatments.

ANAL FISSURE

Read about anal fissures and the importance of seeing a GP. Also, read about the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention ofanal fissures.

ANAL PAIN

Find out what causes anal pain, what you can do to ease the pain and when to get medical help.

ANAPHYLAXIS

‘NHS information about anaphylaxis, including symptoms, when to get help, treatment and prevention.

ANDROGEN INSENSITIVITY SYNDROME

Find out about androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), a rare condition that affects the development of a person’s genitals and reproductive organs.

ANGELMAN SYNDROME

Read about Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and intellectual disability

ANGINA

Read more about angina, which is a type of chest pain caused by not enough blood going to the muscles of the heart. It usually happens when the arteries supplying the heart become hardened and narrowed.

ANGIOEDEMA

Find out what angioedema is, what the symptoms are, why it happens and how it’s treated.

ANGIOGRAPHY

Find out why angiography is used, what happens during the procedure, and the possible risks involved. Also, read about the different types of angiography.

ANIMAL AND HUMAN BITES

Find out what to do if you’ve been bitten by an animal or person, including first aid advice, when to get medical help and what treatment you may need.

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Read about ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other types of axial spondyloarthriti, a long-term (chronic) condition in which the spine and other areas of the body become inflamed.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Find out what anorexia nervosa is, what causes it, the signs to look out for, and the treatment and support available.

ANOSMIA

Anosmia is the medical term for loss of the sense of smell. t’s usually caused by a nasal condition or brain injury, but some people are born without a sense of smell (congenital anosmia)

ANTACIDS:

Find out about antacids, a type of medicine used to control the acid levels in the stomach.

ANTIBIOTICS.

Find out about antibiotics, which are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection.

ANTICOAGULANT MEDICINES

Anticoagulants are medicines that reduce the ability of the blood to clot. Read about why they’re used, how you take them and what you need to bear in mind while taking them.

ANTIHISTAMINES

Antihistamines are a type of medicine often used to treat allergies. Find out about the different types, who can take them and what side effects they can cause.

ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), also known as Hughes syndrome, is a disorder of the immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots.

ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

Find out what antisocial personality disorder is, what the signs are, and how it’s diagnosed and treated.

ANXIETY DISORDERS IN CHILDREN

Read about anxiety disorders in children and teenagers, with links to other useful resources.

AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Read about aortic valve replacement, a type of open heart surgery that replaces faulty or or damaged valves.

APHASIA

Read about aphasia, where a person has problems communicating. Find out about the types of aphasia, what causes it, and how it’s diagnosed and treated.

APPENDICITIS

Find out about appendicitis, including what the symptoms are, what to do ifyou think you have it, how it’s treated and possible complications.

ARTERIAL THROMBOSIS

Arterial thrombosis is a blood clot in an artery. Find out why it happens and how it is treated.

ARTHRITIS

Read about arthritis, a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. Although there’s no cure, treatment can help slow it down.

ARTHROSCOPY

Read about arthroscopy, a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and sometimes treat joint problems. Keyhole surgery is where only small cuts are made.

ASBESTOSIS

Asbestosis is a serious lung condition caused by exposure to asbestos — a building material used mostly from the 1950s to the 1990s.

ASPERGILLOSIS

Find out more about aspergillosis, the name ofa group of conditions caused by a mould called aspergillus.

ASPIRIN

Find out about aspirin, including what it’s used for, who can take it, and what the main side effects are.

ASTHMA

Find out what asthma is, what the symptoms are, what causes it and how it’s treated.

ASTIGMATISM

Find out more about astigmatism, a common eye condition, including the symptoms and how it’s treated.

ATAXIA

Ataxia is the term fora group of disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech. Find out about the main types, what causes them, and how they’re treated.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Find out more about atherosclerosis, what the symptoms are, how you can help stop it getting worse, how it’s treated and what causes it.

ATHLETE'S FOOT

Read about athlete’s foot, a common fungal infection of the foot. Find out about the symptoms, what causes it, and how it’s treated.

ATOPIC ECZEMA

Find out about atopic eczema, including symptoms, causes and treatments.

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Read about atrial fibrillation, which is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

Read about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that affects people’s behaviour.

AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER (APD)

Find out about auditory processing disorder, a condition where you have difficulty understanding sounds including spoken words.

AUTISM

This guide can help if you or someone you care about is autistic or might be autistic.

AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Find out about autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), an inherited condition that causes small fluid-filled sacs called cysts to develop in the kidneys.

AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE

‘Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a rare inherited childhood condition where the development of the kidneys and liver is abnormal.

BABY

This guide includes everything you need to know about caring for a baby.

BACK PAIN

Find out how to relieve back pain, what can cause it, and when to get medical advice.

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

Read about bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).