Medical care services in costa del sol (2024)

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Abdominal Adhesions (Scar Tissue)

An adhesion is scar tissue that can make your tissues or organs inside your body stick together. They often occur after you have an operation on your abdomen or pelvis. Most of the time, adhesions don’t cause problems, so you may not even realise you have them.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta – the main blood vessel that leads away from the heart, down through the abdomen to the rest of the body. The abdominal aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body and is usually around 2cm wide – roughly the width of a garden hose. However, it can swell to over 5.5cm – what doctors class as a large AAA. Large aneurysms are rare, but can be very serious. If a large aneurysm bursts, it causes huge internal bleeding and is usually fatal.

Abdominal Hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. A hernia usually develops between your chest and hips. In many cases, it causes no or very few symptoms, although you may notice a swelling or lump in your tummy (abdomen) or groin. The lump can often be pushed back in or disappears when you lie down. Coughing or straining may make the lump appear.

Abdominal Migraines in Children and Adults

In an abdominal migraine, pain is felt in the abdomen rather than the head. Abdominal migraines are rare in adults, but about 4% of all children with migraines experience abdominal migraines. Children who experience abdominal migraines often go on to suffer migraine headaches later in life. Abdominal migraines can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, abdominal cramping and vomiting.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be a symptom of many conditions. Because it could be something serious, you should seek medical advice to evaluate abdominal pain. Treatments will depend on the cause of the pain.

Accumulation of Fluid in the Abdominal Cavity (Ascites)

Inside the abdomen there is a membrane called the peritoneum, which has two layers. One layer lines the abdominal wall and the other layer covers the organs inside the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum produces a fluid that acts as a lubricant and allows the abdominal organs to glide smoothly over one another. Sometimes too much of the fluid can build up between the two layers, and this is called ascites.

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 your stomach. As a result, food gets stuck in your gullet and is often brought back up.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

An Achilles tendon rupture is when you tear the tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. If you rupture your Achilles tendon, you can either partially or completely tear the tendon. This makes it difficult to walk and your ankle will feel weak. Although you can rupture your Achilles tendon at any age, it is common in middle age and amongst those who lack exercise.

Achondroplasia

People with achondroplasia have short stature, (previously known as dwarfism) with an average adult height of 131 centimetres (52 inches) for males and 123 centimetres (48 inches) for females. Achondroplastic adults are known to be as short as 62.8 cm (24.7 in).

Acne

Acne is a very common skin condition characterised by comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules). It usually starts at puberty and varies in severity from a few spots on the face, back and chest, which most adolescents will have at some time, to a more serious problem that may be embarrassing, sap self-confidence and cause scarring. For the majority it tends to resolve by the late teens or early twenties but can persist for longer in some people. Acne can develop for the first time in people in their late twenties or even the thirties. It occasionally occurs in young children.

Acquired Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a condition in which damage to the airways causes them to widen and become flabby and scarred. The airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. Bronchiectasis usually is the result of an infection or other condition that injures the walls of your airways or prevents the airways from clearing mucus. In bronchiectasis, your airways slowly lose their ability to clear out mucus. When mucus can't be cleared, it builds up and creates an environment in which bacteria can grow. This leads to repeated, serious lung infections.

Acquired Epileptic Aphasia (Landau-Kleffner Syndrome)

Is characterized by the sudden or gradual development of aphasia (this is the inability to understand or express language) and an abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG). LKS affects the parts of the brain that control comprehension and speech (Broca's area and Wernicke's area). The disorder usually occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 7 years. Typically, children with LKS develop normally, but then lose their language skills.

Actinic Keratosis

This is a pre-cancerous patch of thick, scaly, or crusty skin. These growths are more common in fair-skinned people and those who are frequently in the sun. They usually form when skin gets damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or indoor tanning beds. AKs are considered potentially pre-cancerous; left untreated, they may turn into a type of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Untreated lesions have up to a 20% risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma, so treatment by a dermatologist is recommended. Development of these growths occurs when skin is constantly exposed to the sun over time. They usually appear as thick, scaly, or crusty areas that often feel dry or rough. In fact, AKs are often felt before they are seen, and the texture is often compared to sandpaper.

Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas) are non-cancerous Schwann cell tumours that typically arise from the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve. The most common presenting symptoms are unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and imbalance. Ninety-five percent of AN are on one side only and occur as a random event.

Acute and Chronic Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation and swelling of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac which forms under the skin, usually over the joints, and acts as a cushion between the tendons and bones. The main symptoms of bursitis are pain, swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Any bursa can become inflamed, but bursitis most commonly occurs in the: Shoulder, Elbow, knee (known as housemaid's knee) hip. Other areas affected can include the ankle, foot and Achilles tendon (the large tendon that attaches the heel bone to the calf muscle). Your risk of developing bursitis is increased if you regularly take part in physical activities that involve a lot of repetitive movement, for example running (bursitis in the ankle) or playing darts (bursitis in the elbow).

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the prostate gland. It can be very painful and distressing, but will usually get better eventually. Acute bacterial prostatitis is an acute infection of the prostate gland that causes pelvic pain and urinary tract symptoms, such as dysuria, urinary frequency, and urinary retention, Unlike other prostate conditions such as prostate enlargement or prostate cancer, which usually affect older men, prostatitis can develop in men of all ages.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (Leukaemia)

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a cancer of the white blood cells. This is characterized by the overproduction and accumulation of cancerous, immature white blood cells, known as lymphoblasts. LL is most common in childhood, with a peak incidence at 2–5 years of age and another peak in old age.

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (Leukaemia)

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterised by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that build up in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. AML is the most common acute leukaemia affecting adults, and its incidence increases with age.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

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. ARDS develops if the lungs become severely inflamed as a result of an infection or injury. The inflammation causes fluid from nearby blood vessels to leak into the tiny air sacs in your lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult.

Addison Disease

Addison’s disease is a rare, potentially fatal condition where the adrenal glands cease to function. People with Addison’s disease require life-long, daily treatment with replacement steroid hormones. With the right balance of daily medication, people with Addison’s can expect to have a normal life span and to lead full and productive lives.

Adenovirus Infection

Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can infect the membranes (tissue linings) of the respiratory tract, eyes, intestines, urinary tract, and nervous system. They account for about 10% of fever-related illnesses and acute respiratory infections in children and are a frequent cause of diarrhoea.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Adults

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty in paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. In turn, this may lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems. Though it's called adult ADHD, symptoms start in early childhood and continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty paying attention may continue.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Most people with ADHD have problems that fall into both these categories, but this isn't always the case.
For example, some people with the condition may have problems with inattentiveness, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This form of ADHD is also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADD can sometimes go unnoticed because the symptoms may be less obvious. Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circ*mstances change, such as when they start school. Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old.

Aganglionosis

This is also known as Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and occurs when part or all of the large intestine or sometimes small intestine lack ganglion cells (nerve endings) and therefore cannot function. The affected segment of the colon cannot relax and pass a stool, creating an obstruction. In most affected people, the disorder affects the part of the colon that is nearest the anus. In rare cases, the lack of nerve bodies involves more of the colon. In five percent of cases, the entire colon is affected. The stomach and oesophagus may be affected too. It is usually discovered in the new born when the baby is unable to pass its first stool. But sometimes the condition will only be picked up when the child is a little older.

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. Many people assume agoraphobia is simply a fear of open spaces, but it's actually a more complex condition. Someone with agoraphobia may be scared of: travelling on public transport, visiting a shopping centre or just leaving home. If someone with agoraphobia finds themselves in a stressful situation, they'll usually experience the symptoms of a panic attack and be unable to leave a perceived safe environment.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

HIV is a virus that gradually attacks the immune system, which is our body’s natural defence against illness. If a person becomes infected with HIV, they will find it harder to fight off infections and diseases. The virus destroys a type of white blood cell called a T-helper cell and makes copies of itself inside them. There are many different strains of HIV – someone who is infected may carry various different strains in their body. These are classified into types, with lots of groups and subtypes. The two main types are:
• HIV-1: the most common type found worldwide
• HIV-2: this is found mainly in Western Africa, with some cases in India and Europe.
If left untreated, it can take around 10 to 15 years for AIDS to develop, which is when HIV has severely damaged the immune system. With early diagnosis and effective antiretroviral treatment, people with HIV can live a normal, healthy life.

Alkaptonuria

Alkaptonuria is an inherited condition that causes urine to turn black when exposed to air. Ochronosis, a buildup of dark pigment in connective tissues such as cartilage and skin, is also characteristic of the disorder. This blue-black pigmentation usually appears after age 30. People with alkaptonuria typically develop arthritis, particularly in the spine and large joints, beginning in early adulthood. Other features of this condition can include heart problems, kidney stones, and prostate stones.

Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an allergy. It's also known as anaphylactic shock. In most allergic reaction, the resulting chemicals are released locally into the tissues of a particular part of the body (skin, eyes etc.). Thus, the symptoms of the allergic reaction usually only occur in this area. In anaphylaxis, the chemicals that cause the allergic symptoms (e.g. histamine) are released generally in the bloodstream. This causes the acute reaction within minutes of exposure to the trigger substance (allergen).

Allergies

An allergy is a reaction the body has to a particular food or substance. Allergies are very common, more so in children. Some allergies go away as a child gets older, although many are lifelong. Adults can develop allergies to things they weren't previously allergic to. Having an allergy can be a nuisance and affect your everyday activities, but most allergic reactions are mild and can be largely kept under control.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles , which is where hair growth begins. The damage to the follicle is usually not permanent. Experts do not know why the immune system attacks the follicles. Alopecia areata is most common in people younger than 20, but children and adults of any age may be affected. Women and men are affected equally.

Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Deficiency is an hereditary genetic disorder characterised by the production in the liver of an abnormal AAT protein. The liver cells cannot secrete this abnormal AAT protein, which accumulates within the cells and results in a marked reduction of circulating AAT levels. Although the mechanisms are not completely known, it is believed that the retained abnormal AAT protein over time leads to liver injury in some affected persons. It also may cause damage to the delicate gas exchange region of the lungs (alveoli), eventually leading to emphysema in people as young as 30 years of age. Thus, people with AAT Deficiency are at high risk of developing life-threatening liver and lung disease.

Alpha Thalassemia

Thalassemias are a group of blood disorders that affect the way the body makes haemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. It's made up of alpha globin and beta globin. The body contains more red blood cells than any other type of cell, and each has a life span of about 4 months. Each day, the body produces new red blood cells to replace those that die or are lost from the body. With thalassemia, the red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate, leading to anaemia, a condition that can cause fatigue and other complications. Alpha thalassemia occurs when the body has a problem producing alpha globin.

Alport Syndrome

Named after a British doctor, Alport Syndrome is an inherited disease of the kidney that can also affect the inner ear (cochlea) and eye. It is caused by genetic mutations that affect the type IV collagen family of proteins. Type IV collagen is a major part of important tissue structures called basem*nt membranes that are present in all tissues including the kidney, inner ear, and eye. People with Alport syndrome experience progressive loss of kidney function. Almost all affected individuals have blood in their urine (hematuria), which indicates abnormal functioning of the kidneys.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer's, which appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia, also called lazy eye, is a disorder of sight due to the eye and brain not working well together. It results in decreased vision in an eye that otherwise typically appears normal. It is the most common cause of decreased vision in a single eye among children and younger adults.
The cause of amblyopia can be any condition that interferes with focusing during early childhood. This can occur from poor alignment of the eyes, an eye being irregularly shaped such that focusing is difficult, one eye being more near sighted or far sighted than the other, or clouding of the lens of an eye. After the underlying cause is fixed, vision is not restored right away, as the mechanism also involves the brain. Amblyopia can be difficult to detect, so vision testing is recommended for all children around the ages of four to five.[

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstrual periods; it may be either primary (meaning a woman never developed menstrual periods) or secondary (absence of menstrual periods in a woman who was previously menstruating). Genetic or inborn conditions are the most common causes of primary amenorrhea, however, Amenorrhea may result from disorders of the ovaries, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, or uterus.Intensive exercising, extreme weight loss, physical illness, and stress may all result in amenorrhea.

Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a rare condition in which an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in your tissues and organs. When it does, it affects their shape and how they work. Amyloidosis is a serious health problem that can lead to life-threatening organ failure.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ELA)

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. A-myo-trophic comes from the Greek language. "A" means no. "Myo" refers to muscle, and "Trophic" means nourishment – "No muscle nourishment." When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away. "Lateral" identifies the areas in a person's spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that signal and control the muscles are located. As this area degenerates, it leads to scarring or hardening ("sclerosis") in the region. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their demise.

Anal Cancer

Many types of tumours can develop in the anus. However, there is an uncommon cancerous malignancy that starts in the anus-- the opening at the end of the rectum. When it is found early, anal cancer is highly treatable.

Anal Fissure

An acute anal fissure looks like a fresh tear, somewhat like a paper cut. Like other small cuts or tears to the skin, an anal fissure will often heal by itself within a few weeks.
However, you should see your GP if you have an anal fissure as they can give you advice and medications to help ease your symptoms and allow the fissure to heal more quickly.Some anal fissures may recur easily

Anal Itching

Anal itching is a common condition. The itch, situated in or around your anus, is often intense and may be accompanied by a strong urge to scratch. You may find anal itching to be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Also called pruritus ani, anal itching has many possible causes, such as skin problems, haemorrhoids, and washing too much or not enough.

Anaphylactoid Purpura (Henoch-Schonlein Purpura)

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a rare condition in which blood vessels become inflamed. It typically results in a rash and joint and tummy pain.HSP can affect people of any age, but the majority of cases occur in children under 10.
The medical term for inflammation of the blood vessels is vasculitis. Blood vessels throughout the body become irritated and swollen, which can cause problems such as bleeding into the skin (resulting in a rash) and occasionally problems affecting the kidneys and bowel.
HSP is not usually serious and most cases get better within a few weeks.

Anaemia

Anaemia is a condition that develops when your blood does not contain enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin. These cells are important for carrying oxygen around the body. When a person is anaemic, their heart has to work harder to pump the quantity of blood needed to get adequate oxygen around their body. During heavy exercise, the cells may not be able to carry enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs and the person can become exhausted.
Anaemia isn’t a disease in itself, but a result of a malfunction somewhere in the body. This blood condition is common, particularly in females. Some estimates suggest that around one in five menstruating women and half of all pregnant women are anaemic.

Angelman Syndrome

Angelman syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system. Characteristic features of this condition include delayed development, intellectual disability, severe speech impairment, and problems with movement and balance (ataxia). Most affected children also have recurrent seizures (epilepsy) and a small head size (microcephaly). Delayed development becomes noticeable by the age of 6 to 12 months, and other common signs and symptoms usually appear in early childhood.

Ankle Pain and Tendinitis

Both ankle pain and ankle tendinitis can be caused by injuries (such as sprains and strains from sports) or diseases and conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout). Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Sprains are injuries to the ligaments of the ankle, causing them to partially or completely tear as a result of sudden stretching. A sprain can occur on either or both of the inner and outer portions of the ankle joint. Tendinitis (also referred to as tendonitis) is inflammation of the tendon. Tendinitis of the ankle can involve the Achilles tendon, the posterior tibial tendon, or the peroneal tendon. Ankle tendinitis usually results from trauma, such as from sudden injury in sports or overuse injury as from running but can result from underlying inflammatory diseases or illnesses such as reactive arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include pain and stiffness from the neck down to the lower back. The spine's bones (vertebrae) fuse together, resulting in a rigid spine. These changes may be mild or severe, and may lead to a stooped-over posture. Early diagnosis and treatment helps control pain and stiffness and may reduce or prevent significant deformity

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition. It's an eating disorder where a person keeps their body weight as low as possible.
People with anorexia usually do this by restricting the amount of food they eat, making themselves vomit, and exercising excessively.
The condition often develops out of an anxiety about body shape and weight that originates from a fear of being fat or a desire to be thin. Many people with anorexia have a distorted image of themselves, thinking they're fat when they're not.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a rare but serious illness caused by a spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax mainly affects livestock and wild game. Humans can become infected through direct or indirect contact with sick animals.
There's no evidence that anthrax is transmitted from person to person, but it's possible that anthrax skin lesions may be contagious through direct contact. Usually, anthrax bacteria enter the body through a wound in the skin. You can also become infected by eating contaminated meat or inhaling the spores.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria and other microorganisms to resist the effects of an antibiotic to which they were once sensitive. Antibiotic resistance is a major concern of overuse of antibiotics. Also known as drug resistance

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome occurs when your immune system attacks some of the normal proteins in your blood. It can cause blood clots in your arteries or veins. And it can cause pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage and stillbirth.
Blood clots in your leg veins cause a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Damage from blood clots in your organs, such as your kidneys, lungs or brain, depends on the extent and location of the clot. For instance, a clot in your brain can cause a stroke.
There's no cure for antiphospholipid syndrome, but medications can reduce your risk of blood clots.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder is a particularly challenging type of personality disorder, characterised by impulsive, irresponsible and often criminal behaviour.
Someone with antisocial personality disorder will typically be manipulative, deceitful and reckless, and won't care for other people's feelings.
Like other types of personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder is on a spectrum, which means it can range in severity from occasional bad behaviour to repeatedly breaking the law and committing serious crimes. Psychopaths are considered to have a severe form of antisocial personality disorder.

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can be beneficial in some situations. It can alert us to dangers and help us prepare and pay attention. Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness, and involve excessive fear or anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives. . But anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective treatments are available. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.

Aortic Dissection

More common in those with high blood pressure, Aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the inside of the aorta causes blood to flow between the layers of the wall of the aorta, forcing the layers apart. In most cases this is associated with a sudden onset of severe pain, often described as "tearing" in character. Also, vomiting, sweating, and light headedness may occur. Other symptoms may result from decreased blood supply to other organs such as stroke or mesenteric ischemia. Aortic dissection can quickly lead to death as a result of not enough blood flow to the heart or rupture of the aorta.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is one of the most common and most serious heart valve disease problems. Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening. Aortic stenosis restricts the blood flow from the left ventricle to the Aorta (The main artery that supplies blood to the heart) and may also affect the pressure in the left atrium.

Aphasia

Aphasia is a condition that affects the brain and leads to problems using language correctly.
People with aphasia make mistakes with the words they use, sometimes using the wrong sounds in a word, choosing the wrong word, or putting words together incorrectly.Aphasia also affects speaking and writing in the same way. Many people with the condition find it difficult to understand words and sentences they hear or read.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix.] Symptoms commonly include right lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. However, approximately 40% of people do not have these typical symptoms. Severe complications of a ruptured appendix include widespread, painful inflammation of the inner lining of the abdominal wall and sepsis.
Appendicitis is caused by a blockage of the hollow portion of the appendix. This is most commonly due to a calcified "stone" made of faeces. Inflamed lymphoid tissue from a viral infection, parasites, gallstone, or tumours may also cause the blockage. This blockage leads to increased pressures in the appendix, decreased blood flow to the tissues of the appendix, and bacterial growth inside the appendix causing inflammation.

Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis is a pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surrounds and protects the nerves of the spinal cord. It is characterized by severe stinging, burning pain, and neurological problems

Arrhythmia

Heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats don't work properly, causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly.
Heart arrhythmias may feel like a fluttering or racing heart and may be harmless. However, some heart arrhythmias may cause bothersome — sometimes even life-threatening — signs and symptoms.
Heart arrhythmia treatment can often control or eliminate fast, slow or irregular heartbeats. In addition, because troublesome heart arrhythmias are often made worse — or are even caused — by a weak or damaged heart, you may be able to reduce your arrhythmia risk by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Arsenic Poisoning

Arsenic poisoning, or arsenicosis, happens when a person takes in dangerous levels of arsenic. Arsenic is a natural semi-metallic chemical that is found all over the world in groundwater.Intake can result from swallowing, absorbing, or inhaling the chemical.
Arsenic poisoning can cause major health complications and death if it is not treated, so precautions exist to protect those who are at risk.
Arsenic is often implicated in deliberate poisoning attempts, but an individual can be exposed to arsenic through contaminated groundwater, infected soil and rock, and arsenic-preserved wood.

Arteriosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (or arteriosclerotic vascular disease) is a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a build up of plaque around the artery wall.
The disease disrupts the flow of blood around the body, posing serious cardiovascular complications. In this article, we will explain how and why atherosclerosis develops; we will also discuss its symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis.

Arteriovenous Malformation

Your circulatory system consists of your heart and blood vessels. There are three types of blood vessels in the circulatory system: veins, capillaries, and arteries. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are defects in the blood vessels of the circulatory system.
A malformation is an abnormal connection between the veins and arteries. This interferes with your body’s ability to circulate blood. It’s usually congenital, which means the condition is present at birth. Although malformations can begin anywhere in your body, some develop in the brain and spinal cord region, causing seizures and headaches.

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that first targets the lining of joints (synovium).
Uric acid crystals, infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis.Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Asbestosis (Asbestos-Related Disorders)

There are four specific diseases that have been directly linked to asbestos exposure:
Pleural Plaque & Thickening
Asbestosis
Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma<

Pleural Plaque/Thickening

Pleural plaque/thickening involves scarring of the lining of the lung indicating that an individual has had lung damage sufficient to be at risk for more serious complications. This condition is not cancerous.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic non-malignant scarring and fibrous hardening of the lungs, which is caused by heavy exposure to asbestos fibres over a period of many years. This scarring is called fibrosis, and the more asbestos fibres inhaled, the worse the scarring or fibrosis tends to become. However, the risk of asbestosis for those who do not work with asbestos is minimal.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer, found in individuals who have sustained prolonged exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer develops through the surrounding tissue, invading and often obstructing air passages.
The combination of smoking and asbestos is particularly dangerous as the two substances interact to greatly increase the risk of lung cancer. It can take 20 to 30 years or more to develop lung cancer after being exposed to large amounts of asbestos over a period of many years, because the inhaled asbestos is trapped in the lungs and can never be removed. Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the thin membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities and surrounding organs, including the gastro-intestinal tract. Virtually all cases of Mesothelioma are linked with asbestos exposure and is life threatening. Symptoms of Mesothelioma are shortness of breath, pain in the lower back or side of the chest, coughing, and weight loss. Mesothelioma is the most menacing of the asbestos-related diseases. It can affect people many years after only small or short-term exposure to asbestos, as well as family members who have been around a worker's contaminated clothing. Mesothelioma is not caused by cigarette smoking.

Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a type of autism. Autism affects how a person interprets language, communicates, and socializes.
The term "autism spectrum" refers to a wide range of developmental disabilities. These disabilities can appear in different combinations with varying degrees of severity: two children with the same diagnosis, though they may share certain patterns of behaviour, can have a wide range of skills and abilities. Kids with AS are generally considered to be on the "high-functioning" end of the autism spectrum. Boys are three to four times more likely than girls to have AS. The incidence seems to be increasing, but this might be because milder cases are being identified more frequently.Although Asperger syndrome is no longer considered to be a diagnosis all on its own, many parents and people in the medical community still use the term.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease involving the airways in the lungs. These airways, or bronchial tubes, allow air to come in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma your airways are always inflamed. They become even more swollen and the muscles around the airways can tighten when something triggers your symptoms. This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common and usually minor eye condition that causes blurred or distorted vision.
It occurs when the cornea or lens isn't a perfectly curved shape. Many people who wear glasses have some degree of astigmatism.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a potentially serious condition where arteries become clogged with fatty substances called plaques, or atheroma.
These plaques cause the arteries to harden and narrow, restricting the blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs, and increasing the risk of blood clots that could potentially block the flow of blood to the heart or brain.Atherosclerosis doesn't tend to have any symptoms at first, and many people may be unaware they have it, but it can eventually cause life-threatening problems such as heart attacks and strokes if it gets worse.

Athle

te’s FootAthlete’s foot — also called tinea pedis — is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet and can spread to the toenails and sometimes the hands. The fungal infection is called athlete’s foot because it’s commonly seen in athletes. Athlete’s foot isn’t serious, but may be difficult to cure.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It's common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.
No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, it helps to avoid harsh soaps, moisturize your skin regularly, and apply medicated creams or ointments.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. A normal heart rate should be regular and between 60 and 100 beats a minute when you're resting. You can measure your heart rate by feeling the pulse in your neck or wrist.
In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate is irregular and can sometimes be very fast. In some cases, it can be considerably higher than 100 beats a minute.

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a disease of the bone. Necrosis is a general term that means a cell has died. AVN is also called:
osteonecrosis
aseptic necrosis
ischemic bone necrosis
bone infarction
AVN can lead to joint pain, especially the hip. The damage to the bone occurs from lack of blood flow to bone cells. That often happens from an injury. It’s also commonly due to damage from drinking too much alcohol or taking corticosteroids to manage a chronic health problem. Without treatment, eventually the space between joints can collapse, and the bones can lose their smooth shape. Osteoarthritis can develop. Some people with AVN will need joint replacement surgery.

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Bacterial Arthritis (Septic Arthritis)

Septic arthritis is inflammation of a joint caused by a bacterial infection. It's also known as infectious or bacterial arthritis. Any joint can be affected by septic arthritis, but it's most common in the knees and hips. More than one joint can be affected at the same time.

Septic arthritis is treated with antibiotics. You'll normally need to stay in hospital for at least two weeks to have antibiotics given to you directly into a vein. Most people make a full recovery after treatment. Without treatment, septic arthritis may lead to permanent joint damage and can become life threatening.

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis can affect 1 person or a group of people who all ate the same food. It is commonly called food poisoning. It often occurs after eating at picnics, school cafeterias, large social gatherings, or restaurants. The germs may get into your food (called contamination) in many ways:

Meat or poultry, Water, Food prepared using unclean cooking utensils, cutting boards, or other tools. Dairy products or food containing mayonnaise, Frozen or refrigerated foods that are not stored at the proper temperature or are not reheated properly, Raw fish or oysters etc..

You may usually recover from the most common types of bacterial gastroenteritis in a couple of days. The goal is to make you feel better and avoid dehydration. Get plenty of rest

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common yet poorly understood condition, in which the balance of bacteria inside the vagin* becomes disrupted. BV doesn't usually cause any vagin*l soreness or itching, but often causes unusual vagin*l discharge. BV isn't serious for the vast majority of women, although it may be a concern if symptoms of BV develop in pregnancy and you have a history of pregnancy-related complications.

Baker Cyst

A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that develops at the back of the knee. It's caused when the tissue behind the knee joint becomes swollen and inflamed. The swelling and inflammation can cause: Pain in the knee and calf, a build-up of fluid around the knee and occasional locking or clicking in the knee joint

However, sometimes a Baker's cyst may not cause any symptoms other than the fluid-filled swelling at the back of the knee. In rare cases, a Baker's cyst can burst (rupture), resulting in fluid leaking down into your calf. This can cause sharp pain, swelling and redness in your calf.

Balance Disorders

A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy. If you are standing, sitting, or lying down, you might feel as if you are moving, spinning, or floating. If you are walking, you might suddenly feel as if you are tipping over.

Balance disorders can be caused by certain health conditions, medications, or a problem in the inner ear or the brain. A balance disorder can profoundly impact daily activities and cause psychological and emotional hardship.

If you have a balance disorder, you may stagger when you try to walk, or teeter or fall when you try to stand up. You might experience other symptoms such as:

Dizziness or vertigo, Falling or feeling as if you are going to fall, Light headedness, faintness, or a floating sensation, Blurred vision, Confusion or disorientation.

There are many causes of balance problems, such as medications, ear infections, a head injury, or anything else that affects the inner ear or brain. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness when you stand up too quickly. Problems that affect the skeletal or visual systems, such as arthritis or eye muscle imbalance, can also cause balance disorders. Your risk of having balance problems increases as you get older. Unfortunately, many balance disorders start suddenly and with no obvious cause.

Barrett's Oesophagus

Barrett's oesophagus occurs as a complication of chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD. GORD refers to the reflux of acidic fluid from the stomach into the oesophagus (the swallowing tube or gullet), and is classically associated with heartburn. The condition is named after a surgeon, Norman Barrett, who described the condition.A connection between adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and Barrett's oesophagus has been made and is a type of tumour is increasing in frequency in most countries in the Western hemisphere.

Bartonella Henselae Infection (Cat Scratch Disease)

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae. It is often caused by a bite or scratch from a cat. Kittens are more likely to pass on the bacteria. Cats who carry B. henselae do not show any signs of illness, so you cannot tell which cats could spread the disease to you. Symptoms and signs of cat scratch disease include a bump or blister at the site of the scratch followed by swollen lymph nodes (especially around the head, neck, and arms), fever, headache, fatigue, malaise, sore throat, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Always Wash cat bites and scratches well with soap and running water. Do not allow cats to lick your wounds. Contact your doctor if you develop any symptoms of cat-scratch disease or infection.

Bed-wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)

The medical name for not being able to control your urine is Nocturnal enuresis. This is involuntary urination that happens at night while sleeping, after the age when a person should be able to control his or her bladder. (Involuntary urination that happens during the day is known as diurnal enuresis.) There are two kinds of enuresis: primary and secondary. Someone with primary nocturnal enuresis has wet the bed since he or she was a baby (primary nocturnal enuresis is the most common form). Secondary enuresis is a condition that develops at least 6 months — or even several years — after a person has learned to control his or her bladder.

Behcet's Syndrome

Behçet's disease, or Behçet's syndrome, is a rare and poorly understood condition that results in inflammation of the blood vessels and tissues.

Confirming a diagnosis of Behçet's disease can be difficult because the symptoms are so wide-ranging and general and they can be shared with a number of other conditions. The main symptoms of Behçet's disease include: genital and mouth ulcers, red, painful eyes and blurred vision, acne-like spots, headaches, painful, stiff and swollen joints

Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in one side of the face. It is the most common cause of facial paralysis. The symptoms of Bell’s palsy vary from person to person. The weakness on one side of the face can be described as either: partial palsy, which is mild muscle weakness or complete palsy, which is no movement at all (paralysis) – although this is very rare. Bell's palsy can also affect the eyelid and mouth, making it difficult to close and open them. In rare cases, it can affect both sides of a person’s face. Around seven out of 10 people with Bell's palsy make a complete recovery, with or without treatment.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostate gland enlargement is a common condition as men get older. Also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate gland enlargement can cause bothersome urinary symptoms. Untreated, prostate gland enlargement can block the flow of urine out of the bladder and cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. There are several effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement, including medications, minimally invasive therapies and surgery.

Bernard-Soulier Disease

Bernard Soulier Syndrome (BSS) is a rare inherited bleeding disorder, rarely acquired with myelodysplasia/acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML), with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 1 million births. BSS is an autosomal recessive disorder, rarely autosomal dominant, with asymptomatic heterozygous carriers. It is seen with increased frequency in consanguineous marriages and typically presents in early childhood, often in infancy. Common bleeding symptoms reported include menorrhagia, ecchymosis without trauma, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, dental bleeding, epistaxis, and petechiae.

Beta Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disorder results in excessive destruction of red blood cells, which leads to anaemia. This is a condition in which your body doesn’t have enough normal, healthy red blood cells. Thalassemia is inherited, meaning that at least one of your parents must be a carrier of the disease. It’s caused by either a genetic mutation or a deletion of certain key gene fragments.Thalassemia minor is a less serious form of the disorder.

Bile Duct Cancer

Cholangiocarcinomas are tumours that arise from the biliary tract, a part of the digestive system. Although rare, these types of tumours have shown a steady increasing in prevalence and now account for 3% of all gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. These cancers are, however, especially devastating as they are difficult to diagnose, are often found late, and are associated with a high death (mortality) rate.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is a common eating disorder where you frequently eat large amounts of food while feeling powerless to stop and extremely distressed during or after eating. Binge eating disorder typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood, often after a major diet. During a binge, you may eat even when you’re not hungry and continue eating long after you’re full. You may also binge so fast you barely register what you’re eating or tasting. Unlike bulimia, however, there are no regular attempts to “make up” for the binges through vomiting, fasting, or over-exercising.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme shifts in mood, from high to low. This condition is also called bipolar disease or manic depression.

People with bipolar disorder may have trouble managing everyday life tasks, at school or work, or maintaining relationships. There is no cure, but there are many treatments that can help you manage the symptoms.

During an emotional high or “mania,” a person with bipolar disorder may feel excited, impulsive, euphoric, and full of energy. During manic episodes, they may engage in behaviour such as: spending sprees, unprotected sex and drug usage

Hypomania differs from mania in that it may not result in any difficulty at work, school, or in social relationships. However, people with hypomania still notice changes in their mood.

During an emotional low or depression, a person may experience: deep sadness, hopelessness, loss of energy, periods of too little or too much sleep and suicidal thoughts. There are several available treatments that can help you manage your bipolar disorder. They include medication, counselling, and lifestyle changes.

Birth Defects

There are more than 4,000 different kinds of birth defects, ranging from minor ones that need no treatment to serious ones that cause disabilities or require medical or surgical treatment. If a baby is born with a part of the body that is missing or malformed, it is called a structural birth defect. Heart defects are the most common type of structural defect. Others include spina bifida, cleft palate, clubfoot, and congenital dislocated hip. When there is a problem with a baby's body chemistry, it is called a metabolic birth defect. Metabolic defects prevent the body from properly breaking down food to create energy. Examples of metabolic defects include Tay-Sachs disease, a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system, and phenylketonuria (PKU), which affects the way the body processes protein.

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are coloured marks that are visible on the skin. They're often present at birth or develop soon afterwards. There are several different types of birthmark and some of them are very common.The two main types of birthmark are:vascular birthmarks (often red, purple or pink) caused by abnormal blood vessels in or under the skinpigmented birthmarks (usually brown) caused by clusters of pigment cellsVascular birthmarks often occur in the head and neck area, mainly on the face. But both types of birthmark can appear anywhere, including inside the body. If surface blood vessels are affected, a vascular birthmark will appear red, purple or pink. If the affected vessels are deep, the birthmark will appear blue. Pigmented birthmarks are tan or brown-coloured skin marks.

Bladder Cancer

In most cases, blood in the urine (called haematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. Sometimes, there is enough blood to change the colour of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, darker red. Sometimes, the colour of the urine is normal but small amounts of blood are found when a urine test (urinalysis) is done because of other symptoms or as part of a general medical check-up. Blood may be present one day and absent the next, with the urine remaining clear for weeks or months. If a person has bladder cancer, blood eventually reappears. In non-invasive bladder cancer, the cancer cells are only in the inner lining of the bladder. They have not spread (invaded) into the muscle layer. Invasive or advanced bladder cancer is when the cancer has spread into the muscle, through the muscle or to other parts of the body. The survival rate for Bladder cancer is generally quite good.

Bladder Incontinence (Urinary Incontinence)

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It's a common problem thought to affect millions of people. There are several types of urinary incontinence, including:stress incontinence – when urine leaks out at times when your bladder is under pressure; for example, when you cough or laughurge incontinence – when urine leaks as you feel a sudden, intense urge to pass urine, or soon afterwardsoverflow incontinence (chronic urinary retention) – when you're unable to fully empty your bladder, which causes frequent leakingtotal incontinence – when your bladder can't store any urine at all, which causes you to pass urine constantly or have frequent leakingIt's also possible to have a mixture of both stress and urge urinary incontinence.

Bladder Infection

A bladder infection is most often caused by a bacterial infection within the bladder. In people with weakened immune systems, yeast can cause bladder infections as well. A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). This refers to an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or the urethra. Most cases of bladder infections are acute, meaning they occur suddenly. Other cases may be chronic, meaning they recur over the long term. Early treatment is key to preventing the spread of the infection. Some of the most common symptoms include: pain or burning when urinating, cloudy or bloody urine and urinating more often than usual, which is called frequency.

Bladder Spasms

Normally, the bladder gently fills with urine and you slowly become aware of the need to urinate. This feeling is your cue to start looking for a bathroom.But in people who have bladder spasms, the sensation occurs suddenly and often severely. A spasm itself is the sudden, involuntary squeezing of a muscle. A bladder spasm, or "detrusor contraction," occurs when the bladder muscle squeezes suddenly without warning, causing an urgent need to release urine. The spasm can force urine from the bladder, causing leakage. When this happens, the condition is called urge incontinence or overactive bladder.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common condition where the edges of the eyelids (eyelid margins) become red and swollen (inflamed).Blepharitis can develop at any age, and symptoms can include:itchy, sore and red eyelids that stick together, crusty or greasy eyelashes, a burning, gritty sensation in your eyes, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), swollen eyelid margins, finding contact lenses uncomfortable to wear, abnormal eyelash growth or loss of eyelashes in severe cases.In most cases both eyes are affected, but one eye can be more affected than the other. The symptoms tend to be worse in the morning.

Blindness

Blindness is the inability to see anything, even light. If you’re partially blind, you have limited vision. For example, you may have blurry vision or the inability to distinguish the shapes of objects. Complete blindness means that you can’t see at all and are in total darkness. Legal blindness refers to vision that’s highly compromised. What a person with healthy eyes can see from 200 feet away a legally blind person can see only from 20 feet away.

Blood Clots

Every year, thousands of people in the UK develop a blood clot in a vein. It's known as venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is a serious, potentially fatal, medical condition.VTE is the collective name for:deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot in in one of the deep veins in the body, usually in one of the legspulmonary embolism – a blood clot in the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungsAlthough serious, most blood clots can be completely avoided. The key is to be aware if you're at risk and take some simple preventative steps.

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis)

Sepsis is a rare but serious complication of an infection. Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Sepsis is often diagnosed based on simple measurements such as your temperature, heart rate and breathing rate. You may need to give a blood test.Other tests can help determine the type of infection, where it's located and which body functions have been affected. If sepsis is detected early and hasn't affected vital organs yet, it may be possible to treat the infection at home with antibiotics. Most people who have sepsis detected at this stage make a full recovery.

Bocavirus Infection

Bocavirus are members of the Parvoviridae virus family that are small (20 nm), non-enveloped viruses with single-stranded DNA. Because bocavirus is usually only found in individuals (usually infants, children, and infrequently in young adults) with lower respiratory infections or diarrhoea, these are the following symptoms and signs associated with the presence of bocavirus:ARTI (also termed RTIs, acute respiratory tract infections), especially in infants and childrenCough, Wheezing, Fever & Cyanosis. The infants and children with these nonspecific symptoms often are very ill and require hospitalization. It is important to note that it is not clear yet that bocavirus is either completely or partially responsible for these signs and symptoms.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental disorder in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that, to others, is either minor or not observable. But you may feel so ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations

Boils (Skin Abscesses)

Boils can develop anywhere on your skin, but you're most likely to get one in an area where there's a combination of hair, sweat and friction, such as the neck, face or thighs.Over time, pus forms inside the boil, making it bigger and more painful. Most boils eventually burst and the pus drains away without leaving a scar. This can take from two days to three weeks to happen.It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a boil and a spot, but boils tend to grow bigger and become more painful. Your GP should be able to diagnose a boil from its appearance

Bone Cancer

Primary bone cancer (cancer that begins in bone) is rare and occurs more often in children and adolescents. The most common type of primary bone cancer is osteosarcoma, which develops in new tissue in growing bones. Another type of cancer, chondrosarcoma, arises in cartilage. Ewing's sarcoma begins in immature nerve tissue in bone marrow. It is not unusual for cancers to metastasize (spread) to bone from other parts of the body, such as the breast, lung, and prostate. This can also be known as a secondary cancer. Pain is the most frequent symptom of primary and metastatic cancer in bone.

Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)

Osteophytes, commonly referred to as bone spurs are bony projections that form along joint margins. The term "bone spurs" is really a bit of a misnomer, as the word "spurs" implies that these bony growths are spurring or poking some part of the spinal anatomy and causing pain. However, contrary to this implication, bone spurs are in fact smooth structures that form over a prolonged period of time. They can cause wear and tear or pain if it presses or rubs on other bones or soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, or nerves in the body. Common places for bone spurs include the spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knees, and feet.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental disorder marked by a pattern of ongoing instability in moods, behaviour, self-image, and functioning. These experiences often result in impulsive actions and unstable relationships. A person with BPD may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last from only a few hours to days. Some people with BPD also have high rates of co-occurring mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders, along with substance abuse, self-harm, suicidal thinking and behaviours, and suicide. While mental health experts now generally agree that the label "borderline personality disorder" is very misleading, a more accurate term does not exist yet.

Botulism

Foodborne botulism is a serious, potentially fatal disease. However, it is relatively rare. It is an intoxication usually caused by ingestion of potent neurotoxins, the botulinum toxins, formed in contaminated foods. Person to person transmission of botulism does not occur.

Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. It often looks like a berry hanging on a stem. A brain aneurysm can leak or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). Most often a ruptured brain aneurysm occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering the brain. This type of haemorrhagic stroke is called a subarachnoid haemorrhage. A ruptured aneurysm quickly becomes life-threatening and requires prompt medical treatment.

Brain Cancer

A malignant brain tumour is cancer that spreads to other areas of the brain and spine. Generally, brain tumours are graded from 1 to 4, according to their behaviour, such as how fast they grow and how likely they are to grow back after treatment. A malignant brain tumour is either grade 3 or 4, whereas grade 1 or 2 tumours are usually classed as benign or non-cancerous. Most malignant tumours are secondary cancers, which means they started in another part of the body and spread to the brain. Primary brain tumours are those that started in the brain.

Brain Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It can occur after an impact to your head or after a whiplash-type injury that causes your head and brain to shake quickly back and forth. A concussion results in an altered mental state that may include becoming unconscious.Anyone can become injured during a fall, car accident, or any other daily activity. If you participate in impact sports such as football or boxing, you have an increased risk of getting a concussion. Concussions are usually not life-threatening, but they can cause serious symptoms that require medical treatment.A concussion is different from a contusion. A concussion specifically affects your brain, but contusions are bruises. Contusions can occur on your head, but they aren’t typically serious and tend to resolve within several days.

Brain Haemorrhage

A brain haemorrhage is a type of stroke. It's caused by an artery in the brain bursting and causing localized bleeding in the surrounding tissues. This bleeding kills brain cells. The Greek root for blood is hemo. Haemorrhage literally means "blood bursting forth." Brain haemorrhages are also called cerebral haemorrhages, intracranial haemorrhages, or intracerebral haemorrhages. They account for about 13% of strokes.

Brain Lesions

A lesion is an area of tissue that has been damaged through injury or disease. So a brain lesion is an area of injury or disease within the brain. While the definition sounds simple, understanding brain lesions can be complicated. That's because there are many types of brain lesions. They can range from small to large, from few to many, from relatively harmless to life threatening.

Brain Tumour

Cancers that start in the brain are called primary brain tumours. Tumours can start in any part of the brain or related structures. Cancers that have spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body are called secondary brain tumours or brain metastases. Brain tumours can affect people of any age, including children, although they tend to be more common in older adults. If you have a brain tumour your recommended treatment will depend on: The type of tumour, where it is in your brain, how big it is and how far it's spread, how abnormal the cells are and your overall level of health and fitness

Branchial Cyst

Branchial cleft cysts are congenital epithelial cysts, which arise on the lateral part of the neck from a failure of obliteration of the second branchial cleft in embryonic development. It can but does not necessarily have an opening to the skin surface called a fistula. These cysts generally appear after age 10. This is the most common type of branchial cleft abnormality. Third branchial cleft sinuses are near the thyroid gland in the front part of the muscle that attaches to the collarbone. This type is very rare.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Contractions are a normal part of the labour process, but before “real” labour starts, you may experience “false” labour contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. While contractions are never fun, Braxton Hicks contractions are generally harmless (discomfort aside). Braxton Hicks contractions are a bit like a dress rehearsal: Your uterine muscles are flexing in preparation for the big job they'll have to do in the near future.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin. In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.

Breathing Disorders

These are some of the most common medical conditions in the world. Smoking, infections, and genetics are responsible for most lung diseases. The lungs are part of a complex apparatus, expanding and relaxing thousands of times each day to bring in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Lung disease can result from problems in any part of this system. They include: Asthma, COPD, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Lung Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Pneumonia, Allergies.

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Brief psychotic disorder is one of the conditions in the group of mental illnesses called the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.Symptoms of brief psychotic disorder can include hallucinations and/or delusions, and they last no longer than a month.The specific causes for brief psychotic disorder are usually not known, but it is thought to be due to a mix of inherited, biological, environmental, and psychological risk factors.

Broken Bones

Your bones are tough stuff — but even tough stuff can break. Like a wooden pencil, bones will bend under strain. But if the pressure is too much, or too sudden, bones can snap. When a bone breaks it is called a fracture. There's more than one way to break or fracture a bone. A break can be anything from a hairline fracture (a thin break in the bone) to the bone that's snapped in two pieces like a broken tree branch.

Doctors describe fractures in the following ways:
A complete fracture is when the bone has broken into two pieces.
A greenstick fracture is when the bone cracks on one side only, not all the way through.
A single fracture is when the bone is broken in one place.
A comminuted fracture is when the bone is broken into more than two pieces or crushed.
A bowing fracture, which only happens in kids, is when the bone bends but doesn't break.
An open fracture is when the bone is sticking through the skin.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a condition where the bronchial tubes of your lungs are permanently damaged, widened, and thickened. These damaged air passages allow bacteria and mucus to build up and pool in your lungs. This results in frequent infections and blockages of the airways.There is no cure for bronchiectasis, but it is manageable. With treatment, you can typically live a normal life. However, flare-ups must be treated quickly to maintain oxygen flow to the rest of your body and prevent further lung damage.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discoloured. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute bronchitis is very common. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking.Acute bronchitis, also called a chest cold, usually improves within a week to 10 days without lasting effects, although the cough may linger for weeks.However, if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Bronchitis and Emphysema

Many people who have been diagnosed with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) wonder what the difference is between chronic bronchitis and emphysema.Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main subtypes of COPD—although, now just "COPD" is the preferred diagnostic term for people, regardless of their prior diagnosis of chronic bronchitis versus emphysema.

Sometimes, it's difficult to understand the differences between the two subtypes, especially because they usually coexist in the same person and both cause difficulty breathing.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection originating in animals that can cause long-lasting flu-like symptoms. It's rare in most developed countries. In mainland Europe, brucellosis has effectively been wiped out from cattle, goats, sheep and pigs through the vaccination of animals, the test and slaughter of infected herds and the pasteurisation of milk.However, brucellosis is still a problem globally – it's the most common bacterial infection spread from animals to humans worldwide.

Bubonic Plague

Plague is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis. These bacteria are found mainly in rodents, particularly rats, and in the fleas that feed on them. Other animals and humans usually contract the bacteria from rodent or flea bites.

Historically, plague destroyed entire civilizations. In the 1300s, the "Black Death," as it was called, killed approximately one-third (20 to 30 million) of Europe's population. In the mid-1800s, it killed 12 million people in China. Today, thanks to better living conditions, antibiotics, and improved sanitation, current World Health Organization statistics show there were only 2,118 cases in 2003 worldwide.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is an eating disorder and mental health condition. People who have bulimia go through periods where they eat a lot of food in a very short amount of time (binge eating) and then are deliberately sick, use laxatives (medication to help them poo) or do excessive exercise, or a combination of these, to try to stop themselves gaining weight.Men and women of any age can get bulimia, but it's most common in young women and typically starts in the mid-to-late teens.

Bullous Pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid is a blistering skin disease that tends to affect the elderly.It's caused by a problem with the immune system, but usually goes away on its own within a few years. In the meantime, blisters can be controlled with medication.

Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It forms when your big toe pushes against your next toe, forcing the joint of your big toe to get bigger and stick out. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore.

Wearing tight, narrow shoes might cause bunions or make them worse. Bunions also can develop as a result of an inherited structural defect, stress on your foot or a medical condition, such as arthritis.Smaller bunions (bunionettes) can develop on the joint of your little toe.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome is the medical term for ongoing (chronic) or recurrent burning in the mouth without an obvious cause. This discomfort may affect the tongue, gums, lips, inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth or widespread areas of your whole mouth. The burning sensation can be severe, as if you scalded your mouth.Burning mouth syndrome can appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. Unfortunately, the cause often can't be determined. Although that makes treatment more challenging, you can often get burning mouth syndrome under better control by working closely with your health care team.

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Calcific Bursitis

A bursa is a thin fluid-filled sac that reduces friction forces between tissues of the body. Chronic (repeated or long-standing) inflammation of the bursa (bursitis) can lead to calcification of the bursa. This is referred to as "calcific bursitis." The calcium deposits (calcification) can occur as long as the inflammation is present and remain after it has resolved. Calcific bursitis occurs most commonly at the shoulder (in the bursa adjacent to the rotator cuff tendons) or hip (in the bursa at the greater trochanter).

Campomelic Dysplasia

Campomelic dysplasia is a severe disorder that affects the development of the skeleton and reproductive system. This condition is often life-threatening in the newborn period. The term "campomelic" comes from the Greek words for "bent limb." Affected individuals are typically born with bowing of the long bones in the legs, and they are occasionally born with bowing in the arms. Bowing can cause characteristic skin dimples to form over the curved bone, especially on the lower legs. People with campomelic dysplasia also usually have short legs, dislocated hips, underdeveloped shoulder blades, 11 pairs of ribs instead of 12, bone abnormalities in the neck, and feet that are abnormally rotated (clubfeet). When affected individuals have features of this disorder but do not have bowed limbs, they are said to have acampomelic campomelic dysplasia.

Canavan disease

This is a progressive, fatal neurological disorder that begins in infancy. It is caused by an inherited genetic abnormality: the lack of an essential enzyme causes deterioration of the white matter (myelin) in the brain, thereby preventing the proper transmission of nerve signals.
Symptoms of Canavan disease vary, but generally include rapidly increasing head circumference, lack of head control, reduced visual responsiveness and abnormal muscle tone such as stiffness or floppiness. Children with Canavan disease cannot crawl, walk, sit or talk. Over time they may suffer seizures, become paralyzed, developmentally delayed or blind and have trouble swallowing. Deafness may also result.

Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumours, which do not spread to other parts of the body. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements. While these symptoms may indicate cancer, they may have other causes. Over 100 types of cancers affect humans.

Canker Sores

A canker sore, or aphthous ulcer, is an open and painful mouth ulcer or sore. It’s also the most common type of mouth ulcer. Some people notice them inside their lips or cheeks. They’re usually white or yellow and surrounded by red, inflamed soft tissue.
Canker sore symptoms include:
a small white or yellow oval-shaped ulcer in your mouth
a painful red area in your mouth
a tingling sensation in your mouth
In some cases, other symptoms may also be present, including:
swollen lymph nodes, a fever, not feeling well. Canker sores aren’t contagious. They usually heal within one to three weeks without treatment,

Carcinoid Syndrome

A carcinoid tumour is a rare cancer of the neuroendocrine system – the body system that produces hormones. The tumour usually grows in the bowels or appendix, but it can also be found in the stomach, pancreas, lung, breast, kidney, ovaries or testicl*s. It tends to grow very slowly.
"Carcinoid syndrome" is the collection of symptoms some people get when a carcinoid tumour – usually one that has spread to the liver – releases hormones such as serotonin into the bloodstream.

Carotid Artery Disease

The carotid arteries supply oxygenated blood to the large front part of the brain. This part of the brain controls thought, speech and personality as well as our sensory (our ability to feel) and motor (our ability to move) functions. Carotid artery disease is the name given to narrowing (stenosis) of one or both of the carotid arteries, located at the front of your neck.
The underlying cause of carotid artery disease is usually atherosclerosis (the build-up of fibrous and fatty material inside the arteries), in this case in the carotids. Over time, this material forms a plaque. This builds gradually over the years, resulting in a bigger plaque and the progressive narrowing of the arteries. As arteries narrow, this can restrict blood flow.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition affecting the hand and arm that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve in your wrist. A number of factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, including the anatomy of your wrist, certain underlying health problems and possibly patterns of hand use.

Cataracts

If you have a cataract, your lens has become cloudy, like the bottom lens in the illustration. It is like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things look blurry, hazy or less colourful with a cataract. Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb your eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a serious condition that comes with extreme pressure and swelling of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Symptoms can vary depending on the degree of nerve compression at the cauda equina. For some, CES develops suddenly while others experience symptoms gradually. If patients with cauda equina syndrome do not receive treatment quickly, adverse results can include paralysis, impaired bladder, and/or bowel control, difficulty walking, and/or other neurological and physical problems.Patients should be aware that acute cauda equina syndrome that results in nerve damage is extremely rare.

Celiac Disease (Gluten Enteropathy)

Celiac disease, is an autoimmune disorder affecting primarily, the small intestine. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine's lining and prevents absorption of some nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anaemia, and can lead to serious complications

Cellulite

Cellulite is a normal occurrence, affecting almost 90 percent of women and 10 percent of men during their lifetime. On the surface, cellulite appears as lumpy or dimpled skin. However, the process of developing cellulite is more than skin deep.
The puckering of skin happens when the layer of fat beneath the skin pushes against connective tissue and bulges, causing the characteristic orange-peel or cottage cheese appearance. For women, the risk of developing cellulite increases with age and peaks near menopause.
Hormonal changes, specifically a decline in Oestrogen levels, may contribute to changes in circulation and a reduction in the production of collagen. A combination of fat cells becoming larger or increasing in number, a thinner collagen layer and change in blood supply may lead to cellulite.
Technically, cellulite is not dangerous or even a nuisance, but it can be cosmetically unappealing to some people.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin and the underlying tissue. It can be serious if not treated promptly. The infection develops suddenly and can spread through the body quickly. Severe infections can spread deep into the body, and can be life threatening.
Most cases are successfully treated with antibiotics at home, although sometimes it needs to be treated in hospital.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way).
CP usually is caused by brain damage that happens before or during a baby's birth, or during the first 3 to 5 years of a child's life. This brain damage also can lead to other health issues, including vision, hearing, and speech problems; and learning disabilities.
There is no cure for CP, but treatment, therapy, special equipment, and, in some cases, surgery can help kids who are living with the condition.

Cervical Cancer (Cancer of the Cervix)

Cervical cancer affects the entrance to the uterus (womb). The cervix is the narrow part of the lower uterus, often referred to as the neck of the womb. The majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). The HPV vaccine successfully prevents HPV and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the vaccine for all preteens.

Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which healthy cells on the cervix undergo some abnormal changes. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that leads into the vagin*. It is the cervix that dilates during childbirth to allow the foetus to pass through.
In cervical dysplasia, the abnormal cells are not cancerous, but can develop into cancer if it is not caught early and treated.

Chagas Disease

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is spread by the bite of reduviid bugs, or kissing bugs, and is one of the major health problems in South America. Due to immigration, the disease also affects people in the United States.
Risk factors for Chagas disease include: Living in a hut where reduviid bugs live in the walls
Living in Central or South America, Poverty, Receiving a blood transfusion from a person who carries the parasite, but does not have active Chagas disease

Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst)

A chalazion is a benign, painless bump or nodule inside the upper or lower eyelid. Chalazia (plural forchalazion) result from healed internal styes that no longer are infectious. These cyst-like nodules form around an oil gland (meibomian) within the eyelid, resulting in red, swollen eyelids.

Chancroid

The bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi causes the chancroid infection. It attacks the tissue and produces an open sore that’s sometimes referred to as a chancroid or ulcer. This sore appears on or near the external reproductive organs. This condition affects men and women.
The ulcer may bleed or produce a contagious fluid that can spread bacteria during oral, anal, or vagin*l intercourse. Chancroid may also spread from skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
Chancroid is a bacterial infection that causes open sores on or around the genitals of men and women. It’s a type of venereal disease, which means it’s transmitted through sexual contact. It’s rarely seen in the United States. It occurs most frequently in developing nations.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth-Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of inherited conditions that damage the peripheral nerves. It's also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN). The peripheral nerves are found outside the main central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). They control the muscles and relay sensory information, such as the sense of touch, from the limbs to the brain.
People with CMT may have:
muscle weakness in the feet, ankles, legs and hands, an awkward way of walking (gait), highly arched or very flat feet, numbness in the feet, arms and hands
The symptoms of CMT usually start to appear between the ages of five and 15, although they sometimes don't develop until well into middle age or later. CMT is a progressive condition. This means the symptoms slowly get worse, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult.

Chest Pain

Chest pain can be caused by anything from muscle pain to a heart attack and should never be ignored.
Call 999 for an ambulance immediately if you develop sudden severe chest pain. This is particularly important if the chest pain: feels heavy, pressing or tight or lasts longer than 15 minutes, spreads to other parts of your body – such as your arms, back or jaw, is alongside other symptoms – such as breathlessness, nausea, sweating, or coughing up blood.
You should also be cautious if you know you're at risk of coronary heart disease – for example, if you smoke, are obese, or have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. If your chest pain is only minor or has resolved itself quickly, it may be more appropriate to either:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes an itchy rash of spots all over the body and flu-like symptoms. It used to be a common childhood illness in the United States, especially in kids under age 12. It's much rarer now, thanks to the varicella vaccine that kids get when they're 12 to 15 months old, followed by a booster shot at 4 to 6 years of age. Chickenpox often starts without the classic rash, with a fever, headache, sore throat, or stomach ache. These symptoms may last for a few days, with the fever in the 101°–102°F (38.3°–38.8°C) range. The red, itchy skin rash usually starts on the abdomen or back and face, then spreads to almost everywhere else on the body (including the scalp, mouth, arms, legs, and genitals).
The rash begins as many small red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites. They appear in waves over 2 to 4 days, then develop into thin-walled blisters filled with fluid. The blister walls break, leaving open sores, which finally crust over to become dry, brown scabs.

Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Globally, in 2016 the number of overweight children under the age of five, is estimated to be over 41 million. Almost half of all overweight children under 5 lived in Asia and one quarter lived in Africa. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Overweight and obesity, as well as their related diseases, are largely preventable. Prevention of childhood obesity therefore needs high priority.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a SUPER common bacterial infection that you can get from sexual contact with another person. Close to 3 million Americans get it every year, most commonly among 14-24-year-olds.Chlamydia is spread through vagin*l, anal, and oral sex. The infection is carried in sem*n (cum), pre-cum, and vagin*l fluids. Chlamydia can infect the penis, vagin*, cervix, anus, urethra, eyes, and throat. Most people with chlamydia don’t have any symptoms and feel totally fine, so they might not even know they’re infected.
Chlamydia can be easily cleared up with antibiotics. But if you don’t treat chlamydia, it may lead to major health problems in the future. That’s why STD testing is so important — the sooner you know you have chlamydia, the faster you can cure it. You can prevent chlamydia by using condoms every time you have sex.

Choledochal Cysts

Choledochal cyst is a problem with the tubes (ducts) that carry bile from your child’s liver to their gallbladder and intestine. The tubes get bigger than normal (dilate) or pouches form on the tubes. This keeps bile from flowing well, which can cause liver problems.
Bile is a liquid that helps the body break down (digest) fats. Normally, bile flows through tiny bile ducts within the liver into larger ducts. Then bile leaves the liver through 2 main ducts. Outside the liver, these ducts join to form the common bile duct.
The common bile duct connects the liver to the gallbladder and the gallbladder to the small intestine. The gallbladder stores bile until the body needs it to digest food. Food triggers the gallbladder to contract and squeeze bile out into the intestine.
Cysts can block the flow of bile. When bile doesn’t flow well, the bile ducts can get swollen and irritated (inflamed) or infected. This is called cholangitis. Over time, it can cause scars in the liver (cirrhosis). Then the liver cannot work well. Children with choledochal cysts may also get an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).

Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. Cholera causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Left untreated, cholera can be fatal in a matter of hours, even in previously healthy people.
Modern sewage and water treatment have virtually eliminated cholera in industrialized countries. The last major outbreak in the United States occurred in 1911. But cholera is still present in Africa, Southeast Asia and Haiti. The risk of cholera epidemic is highest when poverty, war or natural disasters force people to live in crowded conditions without adequate sanitation.
Cholera is easily treated. Death results from severe dehydration that can be prevented with a simple and inexpensive rehydration solution.

Chondromalacia Patella (Patellofemoral Syndrome)

Chondromalacia patella (CMP) involves damage to the articular cartilage which is the smooth hard cartilage under the kneecap.
Symptoms are similar to that of patellofemoral pain syndrome with pain and swelling at the front of the knee especially over and around the kneecap or patella. It is often worse when walking downstairs or after sitting for long periods, known as movie-goers knee or theater knee. A grinding or clicking feeling called cerpitus can be felt when bending and straightening the knee.
CMP results from damage to the cartilage which covers the back of the patella or kneecap. This smooth hard cartilage is known as hyaline cartilage or articular cartilage and its purpose is to allow smooth movement of the patella over the femur or thigh bone in the knee.
The cause can be either acute from a sudden impact or from a long standing overuse injury. Acute injuries normally occur when the front of the knee cap suffers an impact, such as falling directly onto it, or being hit from the front. This results is small tears or roughening of the cartilage. In overuse cases, the cause of the damage is usually repetitive rubbing of part of the cartilage against the underlying bone.
In a healthy knee the movement of the Patella across the knee is a smooth gliding movement. In individuals with CMP, the kneecap rubs against the part of the joint behind it, resulting in inflammation, degeneration and pain.

Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. It causes a cough that often brings up mucus. It can also cause shortness of breath, wheezing, a low fever, and chest tightness. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic.
Chronic bronchitis is one type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The inflamed bronchial tubes produce a lot of mucus. This leads to coughing and difficulty breathing. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause. Breathing in air pollution, fumes, or dust over a long period of time may also cause it. To diagnose chronic bronchitis, your doctor will look at your signs and symptoms and listen to your breathing. You may also have other tests.

Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for eight or more weeks. Most coughs are short-lived. You may catch a cold or the flu, cough for a few days, and then you’ll start to feel better.
Less often, a cough lingers for weeks, months, or even years. When you keep coughing without an obvious cause, you have something more serious.
Although they are distressing, chronic coughs usually aren’t serious. They often are caused by conditions like postnasal drip or allergies. Only rarely are they a symptom of a life-threatening disease like cancer.

Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest.
This condition is also known as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Sometimes it's abbreviated as ME/CFS.
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, although there are many theories — ranging from viral infections to psychological stress. Some experts believe chronic fatigue syndrome might be triggered by a combination of factors.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) makes it hard for you to breathe. The two main types are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The main cause of COPD is long-term exposure to substances that irritate and damage the lungs. This is usually cigarette smoke. Air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust can also cause it. At first, COPD may cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, symptoms usually become more severe. They include
A cough that produces a lot of mucus
Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Doctors use lung function tests, imaging tests, and blood tests to diagnose COPD. There is no cure.

Chronic Rhinitis

Rhinitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the nose and it has many different causes. Rhinitis is a very common condition. Symptoms include:
Runny nose (rhinorrhoea), Nasal itching, Nasal congestion and Sneezing
A significant association exists between rhinitis (allergic), asthma, and chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses for more than 12 weeks) in some individuals. Some evidence suggests that up to 3 of every 5 patients have multiple conditions.
Post-nasal drip is mucus accumulation in the back of the nose and throat leading to, or giving the sensation of, mucus dripping downward from the back of the nose. One of the most common characteristics of chronic rhinitis is post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip may lead to chronic sore throat, chronic cough, or throat clearing. Post-nasal drip can be caused by excessive or thick mucus secretions or impairment in the normal clearance of mucus from the nose and throat.

Churg-Strauss Syndrome

Churg-Strauss syndrome is one of many forms of vasculitis. Vasculitis diseases are characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. Churg-Strauss syndrome, in particular, occurs in patients with a history of asthma or allergy and features inflammation of blood vessels (also referred to as angiitis) in the lungs, skin, nerves, and abdomen. The blood vessels involved in Churg-Strauss syndrome are small arteries and veins.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. Scar tissue forms because of injury or long-term disease. Scar tissue cannot do what healthy liver tissue does - make protein, help fight infections, clean the blood, help digest food and store energy. Cirrhosis can lead to Easy bruising or bleeding, or nosebleeds, Swelling of the abdomen or legs, Extra sensitivity to medicines, High blood pressure in the vein entering the liver, Enlarged veins called varices in the oesophagus and stomach. Varices can bleed suddenly.

Claudication

Claudication is pain caused by too little blood flow, usually during exercise. Sometimes called intermittent claudication, this condition generally affects the blood vessels in the legs, but claudication can affect the arms, too. At first, you'll probably notice the pain only when you're exercising, but as claudication worsens, the pain may affect you even when you're at rest. Although it's sometimes considered a disease, claudication is technically a symptom of a disease. Most often, claudication is a symptom of peripheral artery disease, a potentially serious but treatable circulation problem in which the vessels that supply blood flow to your legs or arms are narrowed.

Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip

A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth (palate). It is present from birth. The gap is there because parts of the baby's face didn't join together properly during development in the womb. A cleft lip and palate is the most common facial birth defect in Europe, affecting around one in every 700 babies. Babies can be born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both.A cleft lip may just affect one side of the lip or there may be two clefts.

Cleidocranial Dysplasia

Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD) is also known as Cleidocranial Dysostosis, Dysplasia Osteodental and Marie-Sainton Disease. CCD stands for Cleidocranial Dysplasia. Cleido refers to the clavicles or collarbones, cranial means head and dysplasia means unusual growth/development. CCD is a genetic disorder which is congenital (meaning it is present at birth). It is a skeletal condition affecting the development of bones and teeth.
The physical signs of CCD can include large wide open fontanelles (soft spots in a baby's head) at birth, which may remain open throughout life. Someone with the condition can have wide set eyes (hypertelorism) and a head shape which could be described as wide (brachcephalic). An under-developed midface can also be a feature of the condition.

Clostridium Difficile Colitis

This is also called C. difficile. These are bacteria that can cause swelling and irritation of the large intestine, or colon. This inflammation, known as colitis, can cause diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
You may get C. difficile colitis if you take antibiotics. C. difficile also can be passed from person to person. But the infection is most common in people who are taking antibiotics or have taken them recently. It is also common in older people who are in hospitals and nursing homes and in people who are getting chemotherapy for cancer.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are excruciating attacks of pain in one side of the head, often felt around the eye. Cluster headaches are rare. Anyone can get them, but they're more common in men and tend to start when a person is in their 30s or 40s.
Cluster headaches begin quickly and without warning. The pain is very severe and is often described as a sharp, burning or piercing sensation on one side of the head. It's often felt around the eye, temple and sometimes face. It tends to occur on the same side for each attack.

Coccydynia

This is a sharp pain felt in your coccyx, which is the last bone at the bottom of the spine (tailbone). You can get it if you injure or strain your coccyx or the surrounding muscles and ligaments.In most cases, the pain will improve over a few weeks or months, but occasionally it can last much longer and severely affect your ability to carry out every day activities.

Cold

The common cold, also known simply as a cold, is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. The throat, sinuses, and larynx may also be affected.[5] Signs and symptoms may begin less than two days following exposure. They include coughing, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, and fever. People usually recover in seven to ten days.[ Some symptoms may last up to three weeks. In those with other health problems, pneumonia may occasionally develop. Well over 200 virus strains are implicated in the cause of the common cold; the rhinoviruses are the most common. They spread through the air during close contact with infected people and indirectly through contact with objects in the environment followed by transfer to the mouth or nose.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are small blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth. They're caused by the herpes simplex virus and usually clear up without treatment within 7 to 10 days.You may not have any symptoms when you first become infected with the herpes simplex virus. An outbreak of cold sores may happen some time later.
Cold sores often start with a tingling, itching or burning sensation around your mouth. Small fluid-filled sores then appear, usually on the edges of your lower lip.

Colic

Colic is uncontrollable crying in an otherwise healthy baby. Your baby is considered colicky if he’s younger than 5 months old and cries for more than three hours in a row on three or more days a week for at least three weeks (phew!). Looking after a colicky baby can be very frustrating and distressing, but the problem will eventually pass and is usually nothing to worry about.

Colitis

Colitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the colon. (small intestine) There are many causes of colitis, for example, infections (food poisoning from E. coli, Salmonella), poor blood supply, and autoimmune reactions.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells which over time, may develop into colon cancers.

Colour Blindness

Colour (color) blindness (colour vision deficiency, or CVD) affects approximately 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women in the world.
There are different causes of colour blindness. For the vast majority of people with deficient colour vision the condition is genetic and has been inherited from their mother, although some people become colour blind as a result of other diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis or they acquire the condition over time due to the aging process, medication etc.

Common Warts

Warts are raised bumps on your skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts have plagued humans for thousands of years — they have been discovered on 3,000-year-old mummies and were mentioned by Shakespeare. Although warts generally aren’t dangerous, they are ugly, potentially embarrassing, and contagious. They can also be painful.

Congenital Absence of Brain (Anencephaly)

Anencephaly is the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp that occurs during embryonic development. It is a cephalic disorder that results from a neural tube defect that occurs when the rostral (head) end of the neural tube fails to close, usually between the 23rd and 26th day following conception. Strictly speaking, the Greek term translates as "no in-head" (that is, totally lacking the inside part of the head, i.e. the brain), but it is accepted that children born with this disorder usually only lack a telencephalon, the largest part of the brain consisting mainly of the cerebral hemispheres, including the neocortex, which is responsible for cognition. The remaining structure is usually covered only by a thin layer of membrane—skin, bone, meninges, etc. are all lacking. With very few exceptions, infants with this disorder do not survive longer than a few hours or possibly days after their birth.

Congenital Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are defects in the blood vessels of the circulatory system. A malformation is an abnormal connection between the veins and arteries. This interferes with your body’s ability to circulate blood. It’s usually congenital, which means the condition is present at birth. Although malformations can begin anywhere in your body, some develop in the brain and spinal cord region, causing seizures and headaches.

Congenital Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes in the lung become damaged from inflammation or other causes and the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes are destroyed. In addition, elasticity of the bronchi is often lost. Bronchiectasis may be acquired or have a genetic origin. Cystic fibrosis is the most common cause of congenital bronchiectasis.

Congenital Dysplastic Angiectasia (Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome)

Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome is a condition characterized by a triad of findings:
Port-wine stain or "birthmark" (capillary malformations in the skin)
Soft tissue and bony hypertrophy (excessive growth of the soft tissue and/or bones) most often involving a single limb.
Vascular anomalies such as varicose veins.
A port-wine stain is a certain type of haemangioma. This capillary haemangioma has a recognizable appearance. It is usually a deep violet ("port-wine") coloured lesion with fairly linear borders. These are most often found on the affected hypertrophied limb. They are generally flat or only slightly raised compared to the surrounding unaffected skin surface. The actual depth of the lesion is unpredictable and less commonly may even affect muscle and bone.
In addition to the port-wine stain, individuals with Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber also develop varicose veins. These often can be seen at birth as a large superficial vein extending from the lower leg all the way up to the buttocks. This vein has been referred to as the "Klippel-Trènaunay" vein and may not be obvious until later in childhood.

Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria

The porphyrias are a group of diseases caused by abnormalities in the production by the body of chemicals called porphyrins. Porphyrins are very important as they form haemoglobin that carries oxygen around the body in the red blood cells. The production of haemoglobin involves a chain of reactions in which one porphyrin is converted to another, and the porphyrias are diseases that result from genetic abnormalities in this process. If there is a block in the chain of reactions, there will be a build-up in the body of a particular porphyrin (which depends on where the block occurs), and porphyrins in high concentration are damaging to tissues. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP), also called Günther’s disease after the doctor who first described it, is the rarest of the porphyrias. It is estimated that about 1 in every 2 – 3 million people are affected by CEP, which affects males and females equally, and occurs in all ethnic groups.

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart defect (CHD, is a problem in the structure of the heart that is present at birth. Signs and symptoms depend on the specific type of problem. Symptoms can vary from none to life-threatening. When present they may include rapid breathing, bluish skin, poor weight gain, and feeling tired. It does not cause chest pain. Most congenital heart problems do not occur with other diseases. Complications that can result from heart defects include heart failure. The cause of a congenital heart defect is often unknown.

Congenital Heart Murmur

Each heartbeat is really two separate sounds. The heart goes "lub" with the closing of the valves that control blood flow from the upper chambers to the lower chambers. Then, as the valves controlling blood going out of the heart close, the heart goes "dub."
A heart murmur describes an extra sound heard in addition to the "lub-dub." Sometimes these extra sounds are simply the sound of normal blood flow moving through a normal heart. Other times, a murmur may be a sign of a heart problem. The most common type of heart murmur is called functional or innocent. An innocent heart murmur is the sound of blood moving through a normal, healthy heart in a normal way. Just as you might hear air moving through an air duct or water flowing through a pipe, doctors can hear blood moving through the heart even when there's no heart problem. Some murmurs can indicate a problem with the heart. In these cases, doctors will have a child see a pediatric cardiologist.

Congenital Hydrocephalus

Congenital hydrocephalus results from a variety of causes, some of the most common include spina bifida (myelomeningocele), aqueductal stenosis, and Dandy-Walker malformation. In addition, a number of cases result from genetic causes, other malformations, postinfectious, or neoplastic conditions. Outcome varies with cause but can be favourable. Most cases still are managed with shunting, although endoscopic modalities also can be considered.

Congenital Kyphosis

Congenital kyphosis is an uncommon, but potentially devastating anomaly of the spine. Without treatment, the tendency is for severe, and sometimes catastrophic deformity. It is the most common etiology for spinal cord compression due to spine deformity, excluding tuberculosis.

Congenital Lymphedema (Milroy’s disease)

The lymphatic system produces and transports fluids and immune cells throughout the body. Impaired transport with accumulation of lymph fluid can cause swelling (lymphedema). Individuals with Milroy disease typically have lymphedema in their lower legs and feet at birth or develop it in infancy. The lymphedema typically occurs on both sides of the body and may worsen over time.
Milroy disease is associated with other features in addition to lymphedema. Males with Milroy disease are sometimes born with an accumulation of fluid in the scrotum (hydrocele). Males and females may have upslanting toenails, deep creases in the toes, wart-like growths (papillomas), and prominent leg veins. Some individuals develop non-contagious skin infections called cellulitis that can damage the thin tubes that carry lymph fluid (lymphatic vessels). Episodes of cellulitis can cause further swelling in the lower limbs.

Congenital Methemoglobinemia

Autosomal recessive congenital methemoglobinemiais an inherited condition that mainly affects the function of red blood cells. Specifically, it alters a molecule within these cells called haemoglobin.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic progressive condition that affects the pumping power of your heart muscles. While often referred to simply as “heart failure,” CHF specifically refers to the stage in which fluid builds up around the heart and causes it to pump inefficiently. CHF develops when your ventricles can’t pump blood in sufficient volume to the body.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a common condition that causes redness and inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye (the conjunctiva). People often refer to conjunctivitis as red eye.Other symptoms of conjunctivitis include itchiness and watering of the eyes, and sometimes a sticky coating on the eyelashes (if it's caused by an allergy).

Connective Tissue Disease (CTD)

A connective tissue disease is any disease that has the connective tissues of the body as a target of pathology. Connective tissue is any type of biological tissue with an extensive extracellular matrix that supports, binds together, and protects organs. These tissues form a framework, or matrix, for the body, and are composed of two major structural protein molecules: collagen and elastin. There are many different types of collagen protein in each of the body's tissues. Elastin has the capability of stretching and returning to its original length—like a spring or rubber band. Elastin is the major component of ligaments (tissues that attach bone to bone) and skin. In patients with connective tissue disease, it is common for collagen and elastin to become injured by inflammation (ICT). Many connective tissue diseases feature abnormal immune system activity with inflammation in tissues as a result of an immune system that is directed against one's own body tissues (autoimmunity.)

Constipation

Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. The stool is often hard and dry. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling as if one has not completely passed the bowel movement. Complications from constipation may include haemorrhoids, anal fissure or faecal impaction.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance.
Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause skin to become irritated and dry.
With treatment, most people with contact dermatitis can expect their symptoms to improve. Some cases will clear up completely.

Corneal Disease

Your cornea is the outermost layer of your eye. It is clear and shaped like a dome. The cornea helps to shield the rest of the eye from germs, dust, and other harmful matter. It also helps your eye to focus. If you wear contact lenses, they float on top of your corneas.
Problems with the cornea include:
Refractive errors
Allergies
Infections
Injuries
Dystrophies - conditions in which parts of the cornea lose clarity due to a buildup of cloudy material
Treatments of corneal disorders include medicines, corneal transplantation, and corneal laser surgery.

Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, the thin clear structure overlying the iris (the coloured part of the eye). Most corneal ulcers are caused by infections.

Corns

Foot corns are hardened layers of skin that develop from your skin’s response to friction and pressure. You may have foot corns if you experience the following symptoms on the tips and the sides of your toes: rough, tough, yellowing patch of lumpy or bumpy skin, skin that’s sensitive to touch, pain when wearing shoes
Foot corns can be safely treated, and you can even prevent future ones. Keep reading to learn tips on how you can manage existing corns and minimize your chances of developing new ones.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

CJD appears to be caused by an abnormal infectious protein called a prion. These prions accumulate at high levels in the brain and cause irreversible damage to nerve cells that worsens rapidly over time. Variant CJD is likely to be caused by consuming meat from a cow that had bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or 'mad cow disease'), a similar prion disease to CJD.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. Inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the back passage, but most commonly occurs in the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon).
Common symptoms can include:
diarrhoea
abdominal pain
fatigue (extreme tiredness)
unintended weight loss
blood and mucus in your faeces (stools)
People with Crohn's disease sometimes go for long periods without symptoms or with very mild symptoms. This is known as remission. Remission can be followed by periods where symptoms flare up and become particularly troublesome.

Croup

Kids with croup have a virus that makes their airways swell. They have a tell tale "barking" cough (often compared to the sound of a seal's bark) and a raspy voice, and make a high-pitched, squeaky noise when they breathe. At first, a child may have cold symptoms, like a stuffy or runny nose and a fever. As the upper airways — the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea)— become irritated and swollen, a child may become hoarse and have the barking cough. If the airways continue to swell, breathing gets harder. Kids often make a high-pitched or squeaking noise while breathing in — this is called stridor. They also might breathe very fast or have retractions (when the skin between the ribs pulls in during breathing). In the most serious cases, a child may appear pale or have a bluish colour around the mouth due to a lack of oxygen. Symptoms of croup are often worse at night and when a child is upset or crying.

Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is disease due to a species of the fungus Cryptococcus. C. neoformans typically infects immunocompromised persons. Most people who develop cryptococcal infections are HIV-positive. However, occasionally persons with no apparent immune system problems develop cryptococcosis. Infections with C. gattii have also occurred in healthy persons without compromised immune systems.

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis, commonly known as Crypto, is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium and gives an infected person diarrhoea (loose stool/poop). The parasite lives in the gut of infected animals and people and spreads to others through drinking contaminated water, swimming or going into contaminated recreational water sources (i.e. pools, waterparks, lakes), eating contaminated food, or contact with infected animals. Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of waterborne disease in the United States. Cryptosporidium's high tolerance to chlorine enables the parasite to survive for long periods in chlorinated drinking and swimming pool water.

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism) is a collection of symptoms caused by very high levels of a hormone called cortisol in the body. The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include:
weight gain, thinning skin that bruises easily, reddish-purple stretch marks on the thighs, stomach, buttocks, arms, legs or breasts, fat deposits that develop in the face, causing it to become roundmuscle or bone weakness, decreased interest in sex (loss of libido)

Cyclospora Infection

Cyclospora is an infection of the bowel caused by a tiny parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. It is usually caught from eating raw fruit and vegetables contaminated with human faeces. Diarrhoea, which can often be severe, is the most common symptom of cyclospora. Symptoms usually appear about a week after catching the parasite.

Cylindrical Bronchiectasis

Cylindrical bronchiectasis is the mildest form of Broncheostasis and reflects the loss of the normal tapering of the airways. The symptoms may be quite mild, like a chronic cough, and usually are discovered on CT scans of the chest

Cyst

Cysts are closed sac-like or capsule structures that may be filled with semisolid material, gaseous material, or liquid.
There are several causes of cysts, including genetic, infectious, and other causes that result in hundreds of types of cysts. Risk factors for developing a cyst are related to the underlying causes of the cyst formation.
Most cysts are asymptomatic and have no signs. However, some cysts on the skin, mucous membranes, and those located in palpable organs often can be felt as a lump or bump; sometimes they are painful.
Some cysts may produce symptoms related to the organs in which they are located (for example, liver, pancreas, or kidneys). It's possible to diagnose cysts by palpation, ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and needle biopsies. Most cysts do not require treatment, however, physicians may use needle aspiration or surgical removal to treat some cysts.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which the lungs and digestive system can become clogged with thick, sticky mucus. It can cause problems with breathing and digestion from a young age. Over many years, the lungs become increasingly damaged and may eventually stop working properly.

Cysticercosis

Cysticercosis is a parasitic tissue infection caused by larval cysts of the tapeworm Taenia solium. These larval cysts infect brain, muscle, or other tissue, and are a major cause of adult onset seizures in most low-income countries

Cystinuria

Cystinuria is a condition characterized by the build up of the amino acid cystine, a building block of most proteins, in the kidneys and bladder. As the kidneys filter blood to create urine, cystine is normally absorbed back into the bloodstream. People with cystinuria cannot properly reabsorb cystine into their bloodstream, so the amino acid accumulates in their urine.
As urine becomes more concentrated in the kidneys, the excess cystine forms crystals. Larger crystals become stones that may lodge in the kidneys or in the bladder. Sometimes cystine crystals combine with calcium molecules in the kidneys to form large stones. These crystals and stones can create blockages in the urinary tract and reduce the ability of the kidneys to eliminate waste through urine. The stones also provide sites where bacteria may cause infections.

Cystitis (Urinary Tract Infection)

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection. It's a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women, and is usually more of a nuisance than a cause for serious concern. Mild cases will often get better by themselves within a few days.
However, some people experience episodes of cystitis frequently and may need regular or long-term treatment.
There's also a chance that cystitis could lead to a more serious kidney infection in some cases, so it's important to seek medical advice if your symptoms don't improve.

Cystocele (Fallen Bladder)

Anterior prolapse, also known as a cystocele, occurs when the supportive tissue between a woman's bladder and vagin*l wall weakens and stretches, allowing the bladder to bulge into the vagin*. Anterior prolapse is also called a prolapsed bladder.
Straining the muscles that support your pelvic organs may lead to anterior prolapse. Such straining occurs during vagin*l childbirth or with chronic constipation, violent coughing or heavy lifting. Anterior prolapse also tends to cause problems after menopause, when oestrogen levels decrease.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus is a common herpes virus. Many people do not know they have it, because they may have no symptoms. But the virus, which remains dormant in the body, can cause complications during pregnancy and for people with a weakened immune system.
The virus spreads through bodily fluids, and it can be passed on from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby.
Also known as HCMV, CMV, or Human Herpes virus 5 (HHV-5), cytomegalovirus is the virus most commonly transmitted to a developing foetus.

-D

Dandruff (Seborrhea)

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes white-to-yellow greasy scales to form on the scalp, ears, and face. If it occurs on the scalp in babies, it is called "cradle cap." If it appears on the scalp in adults, it is known as dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can cause various areas of the skin to be flaky or itchy. It usually affects the scalp, but can also affect other parts of the body. Common sites include the sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest.

De Quervain's Tendosynovitis

This occurs when the tendons around the base of the thumb are irritated or constricted. The word "tendinosis" refers to a swelling of the tendons. Swelling of the tendons, and the tendon sheath, can cause pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist. This is particularly noticeable when forming a fist, grasping or gripping something, or when turning the wrist.

Deafness

Hearing loss, also known as hearing impairment, is a partial or total inability to hear. A deaf person has little to no hearing Hearing loss may occur in one or both ears. In children hearing problems can affect the ability to learn spoken language and in adults it can cause work related difficulties. In some people, particularly older people, hearing loss can result in loneliness. Hearing loss may be temporary or permanent.

Degenerative Disc

Degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine, or lower back, refers to a syndrome in which a compromised disc causes low back pain.Although there is a slight genetic component to individuals who suffer from DDD, the true cause is probably multifactorial. It could be from simple wear and tear, or may have a traumatic cause. However, it rarely starts from a major trauma such as a car accident. It is most likely due to a low energy injury to the disc that progresses with time.

Dehydration

Dehydration (from the Greek hydor (water)) and the Latin prefix de- (indicating deprivation, removal, and separation) occurs when more water and fluids are exiting the body than are entering the body. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much of your body's fluid is lost or not replaced. Severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency.

Dementia

Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Mild dengue fever causes high fever, rash, and muscle and joint pain. A severe form of dengue fever, also called dengue haemorrhagic fever, can cause severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock) and death.Millions of cases of dengue infection occur worldwide each year. Common in Southeast Asia, the disease has been increasing rapidly in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Depression

Depression—also called “clinical depression” or a “depressive disorder”—is a mood disorder that causes distressing symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a general term for skin inflammation. The skin will typically appear dry, swollen, and red. The condition can have many causes, but it’s not contagious. Dermatitis can be uncomfortable for some. How itchy your skin may feel can range from mild to severe. Certain types of dermatitis can last a long time, while others may flare up, depending on the season, exposures, or stress. Some types are more common in children, and others are more common in adults. You may find relief from dermatitis with medications and topical creams.

Dermatomyositis

This rare condition is found mainly in Africa. DM is the easiest type of myositis to diagnose because of the skin rash which is often seen before any muscle weakness is felt. The DM rash looks patchy, dusky, and reddish or purple. It is found on the eyelids, cheeks, nose, back, upper chest, elbows, knees and knuckles. Some people also have hardened bumps under the skin, called calcinosis. The skin rash and weak muscles are caused by inflammation, or swelling, in the blood vessels under the skin and in the muscles, also called vasculitis.

Deviated Septum

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side. In many people, the nasal septum is displaced — or deviated — making one nasal passage smaller.When a deviated septum is severe, it can block one side of your nose and reduce airflow, causing difficulty breathing. The additional exposure of a deviated septum to the drying effect of airflow through the nose may sometimes contribute to crusting or bleeding in certain individuals.

Devic's Syndrome

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), previously known as Devic's syndrome, is a central nervous system disorder that primarily affects the eye nerves (optic neuritis) and the spinal cord (myelitis). Now known in broader terms as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, NMO occurs when your body's immune system reacts against its own cells in the central nervous system, mainly in the optic nerves and spinal cord, but sometimes in the brain.

Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare condition that occurs when your kidneys are not able to conserve water. DI is not related to diabetes mellitus, which is often referred to simply as diabetes. That means you can have DI without having diabetes. In fact, the condition can occur in anyone. DI results in extreme thirst and frequent urination of dilute and odorless urine

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (or diabetes) is a chronic, lifelong condition that affects your body's ability to use the energy found in food. There are three major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. All types of diabetes mellitus have something in common. Normally, your body breaks down the sugars and carbohydrates you eat into a special sugar called glucose. Glucose fuels the cells in your body. But the cells need insulin, a hormone, in your bloodstream in order to take in the glucose and use it for energy. With diabetes mellitus, either your body doesn't make enough insulin, it can't use the insulin it does produce, or a combination of both. Since the cells can't take in the glucose, it builds up in your blood. High levels of blood glucose can damage the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, heart, eyes, or nervous system. That's why diabetes -- especially if left untreated -- can eventually cause heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve damage to nerves in the feet.

Diabetes Type 1

The more severe form of diabetes is type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes. It’s sometimes called “juvenile” diabetes, because type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and teenagers, though it can develop at any age. With type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks part of its own pancreas. Scientists are not sure why. But the immune system mistakenly sees the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas as foreign, and destroys them. This attack is known as "autoimmune" disease.

Diabetes Type 2

Diabetes Type 2 is a medical condition in which sugar, or glucose, levels build up in your bloodstream. There’s not enough insulin to move the sugar into your cells, which are where the sugar is used for energy. This causes your body to rely on alternative energy sources in your tissues, muscles, and organs. This is a chain reaction that can cause a variety of symptoms. Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly. The symptoms may be mild and easy to dismiss at first. Diet management is often one of the first line treatments for the condition.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy refers to the damage that affects the nerves of the body in people who have diabetes. It is a progressive disease, and symptoms worsen over a number of years. People who do not control their blood sugar levels and those who have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or who are overweight are more susceptible.

Diabetic Retinopathy (Diabetes and Eye Problems)

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects eyes. It's caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. Eventually, it can cause blindness.

Diaper Rash (Nappy Rash)

Diaper rash is an irritation of the skin. It occurs mostly in babies, and it is a common condition. Most children suffer from it at least once before they are toilet trained. The skin may also be a little puffy and feel warm when you touch it. Diaper rash can be mild, with just a few prickly red spots in a small area, or extensive, with tender red bumps that spread to your child's tummy and thighs. It is easily treated with an ointment that forms a barrier on the skin to protect your child's irritated skin from stool and urine.

Diarrhoea

Characterised by watery stools more than several times a day. Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of a bowel infection (gastroenteritis), which may be caused by: Virus, Bacteria or Parasites. Chronic diarrhoea continues for a longer period of time, usually more than two weeks. Chronic diarrhoea can be a sign of an inflammatory bowel condition, for example Crohn’s disease, or a chronic bowel infection

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is considered a form of degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis. However, DISH is characterized by unique, flowing calcification along the sides of the contiguous vertebrae of the spine. And, very unlike typical degenerative arthritis, it's also commonly associated with inflammation (tendinitis) and calcification of tendons at their attachments points to bone. This can lead to the formation of bone spurs, such as heel spurs.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, usually starting in your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). The ventricle stretches and thins (dilates) and can't pump blood as well as a healthy heart can. The term "cardiomyopathy" is a general term that refers to the abnormality of the heart muscle itself.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infection caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium. Diphtheria is spread (transmitted) from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. Rarely, people can get sick from touching open sores (skin lesions) or clothes that touched open sores of someone sick with diphtheria. A person also can get diphtheria by coming in contact with an object, like a toy, that has the bacteria that cause diphtheria on it.

Dislocated Ankle

A dislocated ankle is a severe injury which usually happens in conjunction with a fracture or complete rupture of the lateral ankle ligaments. Dislocated ankles are uncommon, and where they exist they are usually associated with a fracture. This is due to the strength and complexity of the ankle, which makes it very difficult to dislocate the joint. When it does occur, it is usually due to an indirect trauma forcing the ankle to flex abnormally. The ankle can dislocate in any direction and in any of those directions it is extremely painful.

Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder is a traumatic and painful injury often caused in contact sports or from a fall.The upper arm bone dislocates out of its normal position with significant damage to the surrounding soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) If you suspect a shoulder dislocation requiring immediate medical attention. A full rehabilitation program is essential if the athlete is to avoid re-injuring the shoulder.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative identity disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder (MPD), is a mental disorder characterised by at least two distinct and relatively enduring identities or dissociated personality states that alternately show in a person's behaviour, accompanied by memory impairment for important information not explained by ordinary forgetfulness. These symptoms are not accounted for by substance abuse, seizures, other medical conditions, nor by imaginative play in children.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is a condition where a large number of small pouches, known as diverticula, develop in the lining of the bowel. They can be small or large and are formed with increased strain during bowel movements, or when gas, waste, or liquid put pressure on the weak portions of the walls of the intestine. This is a common condition that can be found in 10% of people above age 40 and 50% of people over the age of 60. Inflammation and infection of the diverticula is known as diverticulitis. When waste material blocks the diverticula, they can become inflamed due to bacterial invasion. Increased pressure on the colon wall or a block at the entrance of the diverticula can reduce blood supply and lead to infection and inflammation.

Dizziness (Dizzy)

Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, woozy, or unbalanced. It affects the sensory organs, specifically the eyes and ears, so it can sometimes cause fainting. Dizziness isn’t a disease, but rather a symptom of various disorders

Double Vision (Diplopia)

Double vision, also called diplopia, causes a person to see two images of a single object. There are two types of double vision: monocular and binocular. Monocular diplopia is double vision in only one eye. The double vision continues even when the other eye is covered. When two eyes correctly and accurately point and focus at the same time, we see only one image of the world. When they focus differently from each other, double vision may happen. Generally, treatments for double vision can include surgery, vision therapy, prism in the glasses prescription or medication

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (sometimes called Down’s syndrome) is a condition in which a child is born with an extra copy of their 21st chromosome (hence its other name, Trisomy 21). This causes physical and mental developmental delays and disabilities. Many of the disabilities are lifelong and they can also shorten life expectancy. However, people with Down syndrome can live healthy and fulfilling lives. Recent medical advances as well as cultural and institutional support for people with Down syndrome and their families provide many opportunities to help overcome challenges

Drug Induced Liver Disease

Drug-induced liver injury can develop and cause diseases of the liver by using physician-prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, hormones, herbs, illicit ("recreational") drugs, and environmental toxins.

Dry Eye Syndrome (Dry Eyes)

Dry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Consequences of dry eyes range from subtle but constant eye irritation to significant inflammation and even scarring of the front surface of the eye.

Dry Mouth

Common in older people, Xerostomia, or what is commonly referred to as dry mouth is the result of a decrease in the volume of saliva produced and present in the mouth. Saliva can be present, but it may be thick, viscous and even stringy in consistency.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you may notice your skin is usually tight and possibly even flakey. Your pores are almost unnoticeable. After you wash your skin, you can feel it begging for moisture. People with dry skin often deal with more surface wrinkles and fine lines then those with combination to oily skin due to dehydration.

Dupuytren Contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that causes tightening, or contracture, of the palmar fascia, the connective tissue that lies beneath the skin in the palm of your hand. Because of the contracture, the fingers can become permanently bent down, and the function of your hand is impaired.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability in reading. Kids with dyslexia have trouble reading accurately and fluently. They may also have trouble with reading comprehension, spelling and writing. Dyslexia is not a problem with vision or with seeing letters in the wrong direction. A key sign of dyslexia in Children is trouble decoding words. This is the ability to match letters to sounds and then use that skill to read words accurately and fluently.

Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps, or the pain that many women have just before or at the beginning of their periods. This pain usually is not serious. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea - caused by a disorder in the reproductive system. It may begin later in life than primary dysmenorrhea. The pain tends to get worse, rather than better, over time.

Dystonia

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder. Faulty signals from the brain cause muscles to spasm and pull on the body incorrectly. This forces the body into twisting, repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Sometimes the symptoms are accompanied by a tremor. Unfortunately, there is not yet a cure.

-E

Ear Infection

This has the medical name Otitis media, and is an infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. Anyone can develop a middle ear infection but infants between six and 15 months old are most commonly affected. It's estimated that around one in every four children experience at least one middle ear infection by the time they're 10 years old.

Ebola

Ebola, previously known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus species. Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Ebola is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. Signs and symptoms typically start between two days and three weeks after contracting the virus with a fever, sore throat, muscular pain, and headaches. Then, vomiting, diarrhoea and rash usually follow, along with decreased function of the liver and kidneys. At this time some people begin to bleed both internally and externally.

Eczema

Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Scratching the skin can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more. Eczema is not contagious. The cause is not known. It is likely caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Eczema may get better or worse over time, but it is often a long-lasting disease. People who have it may also develop hay fever and asthma.

Edema

Edema is a swelling, usually of the legs, feet, and/or hands due to the accumulation of excessive fluid in the tissues. The edema that occurs in diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys is mainly caused by salt retention, which holds the excess fluid in the body. In certain liver and kidney diseases, low levels of albumin in the blood can contribute to fluid retention. Heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, venous insufficiency, and a kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome are the most common systemic diseases that cause.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

This group of rare inherited conditions affect connective tissue. Connective tissues provide support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs and bones. The different types of EDS are caused by faults in certain genes that make connective tissue weaker. Depending on the type of EDS, the faulty gene may have been inherited from one parent, or both parents.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease caused by damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lung where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. With emphysema, damage to the alveoli results in air becoming trapped, causing them to expand and rupture. Damage to alveoli, and the resultant compromise in air exchange results in a decreased level of oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia) combined with an increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia.)

Encephalitis and Meningitis

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain whilst Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Both encephalitis and meningitis can be caused by bacteria or viruses, and rarely a fungus. Headache and fever are the most common symptoms of encephalitis and meningitis. Stiff neck, confusion, or lethargy can also be present.

Encephalopathy

Encephalopathy is a broad term used to describe abnormal brain function or brain structure. The abnormality may be transient, recurrent, or permanent. The loss of brain function may be reversible, static and stable, or progressive with increasing loss of brain activity over time.

Encopresis

Encopresis is the soiling of underwear with stool by children who are past the age of toilet training. Because each child achieves bowel control at his or her own rate, medical professionals do not consider stool soiling to be a medical condition unless the child is at least 4 years old. This stool or faecal soiling usually has a physical origin and is involuntary -- the child doesn't do it on purpose.

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is inflammation of the heart lining, heart muscles and heart valves. Endocarditis is a rare condition, but can be fatal if not treated. Endocarditis caused by a fungal infection is even more rare than bacterial endocarditis, and usually even more serious.

Endometrial Cancer (Uterine Cancer)

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus. The cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is sometimes called uterine cancer. Other types of cancer can form in the uterus, including uterine sarcoma, but they are much less common than endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer is often detected at an early stage because it frequently produces abnormal vagin*l bleeding, which prompts women to see their doctors. If endometrial cancer is discovered early, removing the uterus surgically often cures endometrial cancer.

Endometriosis

is a condition in which tissue that normally grows inside the uterus (endometrium) grows outside it. Most often this is on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and tissue around the uterus and ovaries; however, in rare cases it may also occur in other parts of the body. The main symptoms are pelvic pain and infertility. Nearly half of those affected have chronic pelvic pain, while in 70% pain occurs during menstruation. Pain during sex is also common. Infertility occurs in up to half of women affected.

Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)

An enlarged spleen, also called hypersplenism or splenomegaly, happens when the spleen grows in size because of infection or other medical conditions, including blood disorders. White blood cells produced in the spleen engulf bacteria, dead tissue, and foreign matter, removing them from the blood as blood passes through it. The spleen also maintains healthy red and white blood cells, and platelets that help your blood clot. The spleen filters blood, removing abnormal blood cells from the bloodstream.A spleen is normally about the size of a fist. A doctor usually can't feel it during an examination, but diseases can cause it to swell and become many times its normal size. Because the spleen is involved in many functions, many conditions may affect it.

Enterovirus

Enteroviruses are so named because they reproduce initially in the gastrointestinal tract after infectionoccurs. They usually do not lead to intestinal symptoms; rather it is their spread to organs and nervous system, heart, skin, and others that causes disease. Enteroviruses are part of a larger group of viruses known as Picornaviruses.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (also known as EoE) is a disease characterized by the presence of a large number of a special type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, that can cause inflammation in the oesophagus. This inflammation can lead to stiffening or narrowing of the oesophagus, which can lead to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or food getting stuck in the oesophagus. Reflux of stomach acid contents into the oesophagus can also cause eosinophils as well as inflammation in the oesophagus. In EoE, the eosinophils are present even after acid reflux has been treated.

Epididymitis

Commonly known as testi*cal Infection, Epididymitis is infection or less frequently, inflammation of the epididymis (the coiled tube on the back of the testicl*). The majority of men that develop epididymitis develop it because of a bacterial infection. Although males of any age can develop epididymitis, it occurs most frequently between ages of 20 to 39.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder, the hallmark of which is recurrent, unprovoked seizures. People with epilepsy tend to have recurrent seizures (fits). The seizures occur because of a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain - there is an overload of electrical activity in the brain. This causes a temporary disturbance in the messaging systems between brain cells. During a seizure, the patient's brain becomes "halted" or "mixed up". The outward effect can vary from uncontrolled jerking movement (tonic-clonic seizure) to as subtle as a momentary loss of awareness (absence seizure).

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection.Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition, particularly in older men. It is estimated that half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 will have it to some degree.

Erythema Nodosum

Erythema nodosum usually is caused by a reaction to a drug, an infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral), or another disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease. It is a form of panniculitis (inflammation of the fat layer beneath the skin) that produces tender red or violet bumps (nodules) under the skin, most often over the shins. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and may be supported by results of a chest x-ray, blood tests, and a biopsy.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. If left untreated, this condition can become very uncomfortable, causing problems with swallowing, ulcers, and scarring of the oesophagus.

External Otitis

Otitis externa is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal, which is the tube between the outer ear and eardrum.Otitis externa is often referred to as "swimmer's ear" because repeated exposure to water can make the ear canal more vulnerable to inflammation. Symptoms of otitis externa include:ear pain, which can be severe, itchiness in the ear canal, a discharge of liquid or pus from the ear and some degree of temporary hearing loss. Usually only one ear is affected.

Eye Floaters

Eye floaters are small spots that drift through your field of vision. Most floaters are small flecks of a protein called collagen. They’re part of a gel-like substance in the back of your eye called the vitreous. They may stand out when you look at something bright, like white paper or a blue sky. They may annoy, but do not interfere with your sight.

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Fabry's Disease

Fabry disease is an inherited disorder that results from the build up of a particular type of fat, called globotriaosylceramide, in the body's cells. Beginning in childhood, this build up causes signs and symptoms that affect many parts of the body. Some affected individuals have milder forms of the disorder that appear later in life and affect only the heart or kidneys.

Face Blindness (Prosopagnosia)

Prosopagnosia, also known as "face blindness", is the inability to recognise faces.Face blindness often affects people from birth and is usually a problem a person has for most or all of their life. It can have a severe impact on everyday life (see below).Many people with prosopagnosia aren't able to recognise family members, partners or friends.They may cope by using alternative strategies to recognise people, such as remembering the way they walk, or their hairstyle, voice or clothing. Developmental prosopagnosia may have a genetic component and run in families.

Facial Nerve Problems

Twitching, weakness or paralysis of the face is a symptom of some disorders involving the facial nerve. It is not a disease in itself. The disorder may be caused by many different diseases, including circulatory disturbances, injury, infection or a tumour. Facial nerve disorders are accompanied at times by a hearing impairment. This impairment may or may not be related to the facial nerve problems.

Fainting (Syncope)

Fainting, "blacking out," or syncope is the temporary loss of consciousness followed by the return to full wakefulness. This loss of consciousness may be accompanied by loss of muscle tone that can result in falling or slumping over. The brain requires blood flow to provide oxygen and glucose (sugar) to its cells to sustain life. For fainting or syncope to occur, either the reticular activating system loses its blood supply, or both hemispheres of the brain are deprived of blood, oxygen, or glucose. If blood sugar levels are normal blood flow must be briefly disrupted to the whole brain or to the reticular activating system for fainting to occur.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (Gardner Syndrome)

Gardner syndrome, also known as Gardner's syndrome or familial colorectal polyposis, is a rare genetic disorder. It usually causes what start out to be benign or noncancerous growths mainly in the colon. However, Gardner’s syndrome can lead to growths on various areas of the body. They tend to increase with age. In addition to polyps on the colon, growths can develop, including fibromas, desmoid tumors, and ebaceous cysts, which are fluid-filled growths under the skin.

Fatigue

Fatigue, also referred to as tiredness, exhaustion, lethargy, and listlessness, describes a physical and/or mental state of being tired and weak. Although physical and mental fatigue are different, the two often exist together - if a person is physically exhausted for long enough, they will also be mentally tired.

Fatty Liver

Fatty liver, or steatosis, is a term that describes the buildup of fat in the liver. While it’s normal to have some fat in your liver, more than 5 to 10 percent of your liver weight is fat in the case of fatty liver.Fatty liver is a reversible condition that can be resolved with changed behaviours. It often has no symptoms and typically does not cause permanent damage.

Faecal Incontinence

Faecal incontinence is an inability to control bowel movements, resulting in involuntary soiling. The experience of bowel incontinence can vary from person to person. Some people feel a sudden need to go to the toilet but are unable to reach a toilet in time. This is known as urge bowel incontinence. Other people experience no sensation before soiling themselves, known as passive incontinence or passive soiling, or there might be slight soiling when passing wind.

Felty's Syndrome

Felty's syndrome is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis This disorder is generally defined by the presence of three conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an enlarged spleen (spenomelgaly) and a low white blood cell count (neutropenia). The presence of RA gives rise to painful, stiff and swollen joints. A low white blood cell count, especially when accompanied by an abnormally large spleen, leads to a greater chance for infections. Other symptoms associated with Felty syndrome may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and/or discoloration of patches of skin (brown pigmentation).

Fibrocystic Breast Condition

Fibrocystic breast disease, commonly called fibrocystic breasts or fibrocystic change, is a benign (noncancerous) condition in which the breasts feel lumpy. Fibrocystic breasts aren’t harmful or dangerous, but may be bothersome or uncomfortable for some women. Around 50% of women will develop fibrocystic breast disease at some point in their lives. Many women with fibrocystic breasts will not have any associated symptoms.

Fibrocystic Disease of the Pancreas (Cystic Fibrosis)

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways including the pancreas.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia have "tender points" on the body. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. These points hurt when pressure is put on them. People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as Trouble sleeping, Morning stiffness, Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Fish Odour Syndrome (Trimethylaminuria)

Trimethylaminuria is an uncommon genetic disorder that causes a strong body odour usually described as like rotting fish, faeces or garbage. The odour is created when the body isn't able to process trimethylamine. This is a smelly chemical that's produced in the gut, particularly when certain choline-rich foods are digested

Flatulence

Flatulence, also known as "passing wind", is the passing of gas from the digestive system out of the back passage.Flatulence is commonly a source of laughter or embarrassment, but excessive flatulence can cause enormous discomfort and distress, mainly when there are other people around. A bout of flatulence can strike at the most undesirable moments – but in the majority of cases, it is not a serious condition. In the majority of cases, excessive gas can be controlled with a change of diet and lifestyle.

Flu

Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times it can be fatal. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly and Colds rarely cause a fever or headaches. Flu almost never causes an upset stomach.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It's usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection

Food Poisoning

Foodborne illness, more commonly referred to as food poisoning, is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Although it’s quite uncomfortable, food poisoning isn’t unusual.

Foot Pain

Your foot is an intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Strong enough to bear your body weight, your foot can be prone to injury and pain.Foot pain can affect any part of your foot, from your toes to your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel.Although mild foot pain often responds well to home treatments, it can take time to resolve. A doctor should evaluate severe foot pain, especially if it follows an injury

Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. Usually, males are more severely affected by this disorder than females.Affected individuals usually have delayed development of speech and language by age 2. Most males with fragile X syndrome have mild to moderate intellectual disability, while about one-third of affected females are intellectually disabled. Children with fragile X syndrome may also have anxiety and hyperactive behaviour such as fidgeting or impulsive actions.

Freckles

Freckles are flat, tanned circular spots that typically are the size of the head of a common nail. The spots are multiple and may develop on sun-exposed skin after repeated exposure to sunlight. These are particularly common in people of fair complexion on upper-body skin areas like the cheeks, nose, arms, and upper shoulders. They may appear on people as young as 1 or 2 years of age.

Frostbite

Frostbite or cold burn is the medical condition in which localized damage is caused to skin and their tissues due to freezing. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart and those with large exposed areas. The initial stages of frostbite are sometimes called frostnip.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is the common name for adhesive capsulitis, which is a shoulder condition that limits your range of motion. When the tissues in your shoulder joint become thicker and tighter, scar tissue develops over time. As a result, your shoulder joint doesn’t have enough space to rotate properly. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, and stiffness. You’re more likely to have the condition if you’re between the ages of 40 and 60.

Fungal Arthritis

Fungal arthritis, also called mycotic arthritis, is a rare condition. This disease can be caused by any of the invasive types of fungi. These organisms may affect bone or joint tissue. One or more joints may be affected, most often the large, weight-bearing joints, especially the knees.

Fungal Meningitis

Swelling of the brain is usually caused by an infection with a bacteria or virus, but meningitis can also be caused by a fungus. Fungal meningitis is rare and usually caused by the spread of a fungus through blood to the spinal cord. It usually occurs when the immune system has been affected by disease, e.g. HIV infection, or by drug therapy Fungal meningitis is not considered to be contagious

Fungal Nails

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolour, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails but usually not all of them.

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Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is very rare. Very few are diagnosed with the condition each year.There are a number of different types of gallbladder cancer, depending on the cells affected.Over 85% of gallbladder cancers are adenocarcinoma, which means the cancer started in the gland cells lining the gallbladder. Cancer that starts in the skin-like cells that line the gallbladder is known as squamous cell cancer.

Ganglion

A ganglion cyst is a soft tissue lump that may be associated with any joint, but most often occurs on, around, or near joints and tendons of the hands or feet. These cysts are caused by leakage of fluid from the joint into the surrounding tissue

Gangrene

Gangrene causes part of your body tissue to die. This often is because the tissue is not getting enough blood from your circulatory system. Gangrene usually affects your extremities — the areas farthest from your heart — such as your toes and fingers. However, it may affect other parts of our body as well - even the internal organs.

Gardner Syndrome

Gardner syndrome is an heredity condition that causes benign, meaning noncancerous, tumours to form in many different organs, such as: colon polyps, sebaceous cysts, epidermoid cysts, fibromas, dermoid tumours and osteomas, People with Gardner syndrome may also have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and other cancers.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut (intestines). It causes diarrhoea and may also cause you to be sick (vomit), and have tummy (abdominal) pain and other symptoms. In most cases the infection clears over several days but sometimes takes as long as two weeks to clear. Gastroenteritis can be due to infections by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungus. The most common cause is viruses.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a disorder that results from stomach acid moving backward from the stomach into the oesophagus. GERD usually happens because the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) — the muscular valve where the oesophagus joins the stomach — opens at the wrong time or does not close properly. When the stomach contents move backward into the oesophagus, this is known as gastroesophageal reflux. (Because the stomach makes acid to help a person digest food, gastroesophageal reflux is also known as acid reflux.) Almost everyone has this type of reflux at some time. Often a person isn't even aware this is happening. Sometimes reflux causes the burning sensation of heartburn that most of us occasionally feel. But although lots of people have heartburn from time to time, that doesn't mean that they have GERD. When a person has GERD, heartburn or other symptoms happen much more often and cause serious discomfort.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. Normally, the muscles of the stomach, which are controlled by the vagus nerve, contract to break up food and move it through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Gastroparesis can occur when the vagus nerve is damaged by illness or injury and the stomach muscles stop working normally. Food then moves slowly from the stomach to the small intestine or stops moving altogether.

Gaucher's Disease

Gaucher disease is a genetically acquired syndrome that results from not having enough glucocerebrosidase (GCase), an important enzyme that breaks down a fatty chemical called glucocerebroside. Because the body cannot break down this chemical, fat-laden Gaucher cells build up in areas like the spleen, liver and bone marrow.

Genital Herpes (HSV)

Genital herpes is a common and highly contagious infection usually spread through sex. This infection is usually caused by the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) or the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the virus usually responsible for cold sores. Genital herpes treatment includes medicines to help sores heal faster and prevent outbreaks.

Genital Warts (HPV)

Genital warts are soft growths that appear on the genitals. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These skin growths can cause pain, discomfort, and itching. They are especially dangerous for women because some types of HPV can also cause cancer of the cervix and vulva.

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is an infection in your small intestine. It’s caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. Giardiasis spreads through contact with infected people. Pet dogs and cats also frequently contract giardia. You can also get giardiasis by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Giardia can be found all over the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, it’s more common in overcrowded developing countries that lack sanitary conditions and water quality control.

Gilbert Syndrome

Gilbert Syndrome is a common, usually harmless, genetic condition in which a liver enzyme essential to the disposal of bilirubin (the chemical that results from the normal breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells) is abnormal. The enzyme abnormality in Gilbert syndrome results in mild elevations of bilirubin in the blood, particularly after starvation, consumption of alcohol, or dehydration. You might not know you have the condition until it's discovered by accident, such as when a blood test shows elevated bilirubin levels.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It’s caused by infection with the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It tends to infect warm, moist areas of the body, including the:urethra ,eyes, throat, vagin*, anus, female reproductive tract (the fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus)Gonorrhoea passes from person to person through unprotected oral, anal, or vagin*l sex. People with numerous sexual partners or those who don’t use a condom are at greatest risk of infection. The best protections against infection are abstinence, monogamy (sex with only one partner), and proper condom usage.

Gout

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. As a complex form of arthritis, it can affect anyone. Men are more likely to get gout, but women become increasingly susceptible to gout after menopause. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. Gout is due to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This occurs due to a combination of diet and genetic factors. At high levels, uric acid crystallizes and the crystals deposit in joints, tendons and surrounding tissues, resulting in an attack of gout

Graves' Disease

In Graves’ disease, your immune system creates antibodies that cause the thyroid to grow and make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. These antibodies are called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs). The TSIs bind to thyroid cell receptors, which are normally “docking stations” for thyroid-stimulating hormone. The TSIs then trick the thyroid into growing and producing too much thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism.

Growth Plate Fractures and Injuries

A growth plate fracture affects the layer of growing tissue near the ends of a child's bones. Growth plates are the softest and weakest sections of the skeleton — sometimes even weaker than surrounding ligaments and tendons. An injury that might cause a joint sprain for an adult can cause a growth plate fracture in a child. Growth plate fractures often need immediate treatment because they can affect how the bone will grow. An improperly treated growth plate fracture could result in a fractured bone ending up more crooked or shorter than its opposite limb. With proper treatment, most growth plate fractures heal without complications.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare but could be a serious condition which affects the nerves.It mainly affects the feet, hands and limbs, causing problems such as numbness, weakness and pain.It can be treated and most people will eventually make a full recovery, although it can occasionally be life-threatening and some people are left with long-term problems. The syndrome affects people of all ages, but your chances of getting it increase as you get older.

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H. Pylori Infection (Helicobacter Pylori)

H. pylori - or Helicobacter pylori - is one of the most common germs that live inside our bodies - usually in the stomach. Most people pick it up during childhood. If you are infected with H. pylori you may get an ulcer or indigestion.

H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu)

Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses (see the image below). Transmission of swine influenza viruses to humans is uncommon. However, the swine influenza virus can be transmitted to humans via contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine influenza viruses.

Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Syndrome

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common infection that causes mouth ulcers and spots on the hands and feet. It's most common in young children – particularly those under 10 – but can affect older children and adults as well. Hand, foot and mouth disease can be unpleasant, but it will usually clear up by itself within 7 to 10 days.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is an infectious disease characterized by flu-like symptoms that can progress rapidly to potentially life-threatening breathing problems. Several types of hantaviruses can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. They are carried by several types of rodents, particularly the deer mouse. You become infected primarily by breathing air infected with hantaviruses that are shed in rodent urine and droppings.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition. This means your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland, causing it to gradually swell and become damaged. As the thyroid gland is slowly destroyed over time, it is unable to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. The medical term for low levels of thyroid hormone in the blood is hypothyroidism.

Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers that are known collectively as head and neck cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck (for example, inside the mouth, the nose, and the throat). These squamous cell cancers are often referred to as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Head and neck cancers can also begin in the salivary glands, but salivary gland cancers are relatively uncommon. Salivary glands contain many different types of cells that can become cancerous, so there are many different types of salivary gland cancer.

Head Lice

Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair. Nits are the empty egg cases attached to hair that head lice hatch from. Head lice are a common problem, particularly in school children aged 4-11.
They're largely harmless, but can live in the hair for a long time if not treated and can be irritating and frustrating to deal with.

Headache

Many people get headaches regularly, making them one of the most common health complaints. But most aren't serious and are easily treated. In many cases, you can treat your headaches at home with over-the-counter painkillers and lifestyle changes, such as getting more rest and drinking enough fluids. However, it's a good idea to see your GP if your headaches aren't relieved by over-the-counter treatments, or if they're so painful or frequent that they affect your daily activities or are causing you to miss work.

Heart Attack

A heart attack happens when your heart muscle is starved of oxygen-rich blood. This causes damage to your heart muscle. This happens because coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood slowly become thicker and harder from a build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances, called plaque. If the plaque breaks open and a blood clot forms that blocks the blood flow, a heart attack occurs. Then the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Damage increases the longer an artery stays blocked. Once that muscle dies, the result is permanent heart damage.

Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This is due to the build up of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls. This build up is called atherosclerosis. As it grows, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle can't get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Most heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the hearts' blood supply, causing permanent heart damage.

Heart Failure

Heart failure means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. It usually occurs because the heart has become too weak or stiff. It's sometimes called "congestive" heart failure, although this name isn't widely used nowadays. Heart failure doesn't mean your heart has stopped working – it just needs some support to help it work better. It can occur at any age, but is most common in older people.
Heart failure is a long-term condition that tends to get gradually worse over time. It can't usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be controlled for many years

Heart Murmur

The "murmur" is the sound of blood flowing. It may be passing through a problem heart valve, for instance. Or it may be that a condition makes your heartbeat faster and forces your heart to handle more blood quicker than normal.
Most are innocent and don't require any treatment. But there are exceptions. Murmurs can be linked to a damaged or overworked heart valve. Some people are born with valve problems. Others get them as a part of aging or from other heart problems.

Heart Palpitation

A heart palpitation is the sensation that your heart has skipped a beat or added an extra beat. It may feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering. You may become overly aware of your heartbeat. This sensation can also be felt in the neck, throat, or chest. It’s also possible that your heart rhythm can change during the palpitations. Most heart palpitations are harmless and resolve on their own without treatment. But in rare cases, heart palpitations can indicate a serious condition.

Heart Rhythm Disorders

A heart rhythm disorder is an abnormal variation from the normal heartbeat. Heart rhythm disorders involve abnormalities of one or more of the following: heart rate, regularity of beats, sites where electrical impulses originate, or sequence of activation of heartbeats

Heart Valve Disease

A diseased or damaged valve can affect the flow of blood in two ways:
If the valve does not open fully, it will obstruct or restrict the flow of blood. This is called valve stenosis or narrowing. This can put extra strain on your heart, making it pump harder to force the blood past the narrowing. If the valve does not close properly, it will allow blood to leak backwards. This is called valve incompetence or regurgitation or a leaky valve. This can put extra strain on your heart and may mean that your heart has to do extra work to pump the required volume of blood.

Heartburn (Reflux)

Sometimes after you eat, you might experience a painful, burning sensation in your chest. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid regurgitates up into the oesophagus. Reflux is the cause of heartburn. However, you may feel no pain at all when reflux occurs. Heartburn is a sensation of tightness, pain or discomfort in the middle of the chest that can -- but doesn't always -- follow an occurrence of acid reflux. Heartburn is exactly what it would feel like if acid ate away at the lining of your oesophagus, because that's what's happening. While you can and do likely have occasional bouts of acid reflux without heartburn, you can't have heartburn without acid reflux. Acid reflux is the cause, and heartburn is a potential sensation.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are intermittent, involuntary spasms of larger muscles that occur in an individual who is physically active in hot weather. They are often associated with dehydration.

Heat Exhaustion

A person with heat exhaustion loses body fluids and salts from being exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue as the body becomes dehydrated, blood volume is reduced and blood pressure drops. Heat exhaustion is a separate condition to heatstroke. The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the environmental temperature climbs to 26C or higher. It's important - especially during heatwaves - to pay attention to the maximum temperatures reported in your local weather forecasts and to remember that it will be hotter in the sun than in the shade.

Heat Rash

Prickly heat rash, also called miliaria, is a rash that can develop after a person sweats far more than usual and sweat glands become blocked. Babies and children can also get prickly heat rash during hot or humid weather because their sweat glands are not fully developed. Prickly heat causes an itchy rash of small red raised red spots with a prickling or stinging sensation. Prickly heat usually affects parts of the body covered by clothes, such as the back, abdomen, neck, upper chest, groin or armpits.

Heatstroke

Heat stroke is a potentially serious medical condition where a person has become so hot that their body can't cool down and their temperature gets dangerously high. Sunstroke is a form of heat stroke caused by being exposed to harsh sunlight. You might think heat stroke and sunstroke are not anything to worry about in this country, but you’d be wrong. Although it normally affects people during a heatwave it can also happen if you’re not drinking enough non-alcoholic liquid and are doing very strenuous physical exercise.Severe heat stroke is life threatening and is a medical emergency.

Hematochezia (Blood in the Stool)

Hematochezia is the medical term when there is a fresh blood found in the stool or just a passage of fresh blood in the anus. Sometimes when a person defecates, they will not notice the bloody streaks in their stool but when wiping the anus, they will see the fresh blood. Hematochezia is not a disease itself but it is a precursor that there is a problem in the lower gastrointestinal tract. it includes diseases like hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, recent trauma, large polyps and even colon cancer.

Hematoma

A hematoma is an abnormal collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. It occurs because the wall of a blood vessel wall, artery, vein, or capillary, has been damaged and blood has leaked into tissues where it does not belong. The hematoma may be tiny, with just a dot of blood, or it can be large and cause significant swelling.

Hematospermia (Blood In sem*n)

Haematospermia is defined as blood in the sem*n. While often perceived as a symptom of little significance, blood in the ejacul*te can cause great concern to the men who experience it. The condition is common, and many episodes go unnoticed; therefore, the prevalence of haematospermia remains unknown.

Hematuria (Blood In Urine)

Seeing blood in your urine can cause anxiety. While in many instances there are benign causes, blood in urine (haematuria) can also indicate a serious disorder. Blood that you can see is called gross haematuria. Urinary blood that's visible only under a microscope is known as microscopic haematuria and is found when your doctor tests your urine. Either way, it's important to determine the reason for the bleeding. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)

Hemochromatosis is a disease in which too much iron builds up in your body. Your body needs iron but too much of it is toxic. If you have hemochromatosis, you absorb more iron than you need. Your body has no natural way to get rid of the extra iron. It stores it in body tissues, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas. The extra iron can damage your organs. Without treatment, it can cause your organs to fail.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition caused by the abnormal destruction of red blood cells. The damaged red blood cells clog the filtering system in the kidneys, which can lead to life-threatening kidney failure.
HUS usually develops in children after five to 10 days of diarrhoea — often bloody — caused by infection with certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Adults also can develop HUS due to E. coli or other types of infection, certain medications, or pregnancy.HUS is a serious condition. But timely and appropriate treatment leads to a full recovery for most people, especially young children.

Hemophilia

Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder in which a person lacks or has low levels of certain proteins called “clotting factors” and the blood doesn’t clot properly as a result. People with haemophilia bleed easily, and the blood takes a longer time to clot. People with haemophilia can experience spontaneous or internal bleeding and often have painful, swollen joints due to bleeding into the joints. This rare but serious condition can have life-threatening complications.

Hemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and anus. Sometimes the walls of these blood vessels stretch so thin that the veins bulge and get irritated, especially when you defacate. Swollen haemorrhoids are also called piles. They often clear up by themselves after a few days. However, there are many treatments that can reduce itching and discomfort.

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a rare condition in which blood vessels become inflamed. It typically results in a rash and joint and tummy pain. HSP can affect people of any age, but the majority of cases occur in children under 10. The medical term for inflammation of the blood vessels is vasculitis. Blood vessels throughout the body become irritated and swollen, which can cause problems such as bleeding into the skin (resulting in a rash) and occasionally problems affecting the kidneys and bowel. HSP is not usually serious and most cases get better within a few weeks.

Hepatic Hemangioma

A liver haemangioma is a tangled network of blood vessels in or on the surface of the liver. This tumour is noncancerous and usually doesn’t cause symptoms. In fact, most people don’t even know they have a liver haemangioma. It’s usually only discovered during a test or procedure for an unrelated condition. Even when they’re diagnosed, most liver haemangiomas don’t require treatment.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.
There are several types: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, Hepatitis E and Hepatitis G.

Hepatitis A

You can catch this disease if you drink water or food that's been contaminated with the stool of someone with the virus. You can also get infected if you: Eat fruits, vegetables, or other foods that were contaminated during handling. Eat raw shellfish harvested from water that's got the virus in it or swallow contaminated ice. It's uncommon in Europe but travellers to other parts of the world with poor levels of sanitation may increase risk. Hepatitis A can be unpleasant, but it's not usually serious and most people make a full recovery within a couple of months.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that's spread through blood and body fluids. It often doesn't cause any obvious symptoms in adults and typically passes in a few months without treatment, but in children it often persists for years and may eventually cause serious liver damage.
Hepatitis B is less common in Europe than other parts of the world, but certain groups are at an increased risk. This includes people originally from high-risk countries, people who inject drugs, and people who have unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners.

Hepatitis C

The hepatitis C virus is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact. During the initial infection people often have mild or no symptoms. The virus persists in the liver in about 75% to 85% of those initially infected. Early on chronic infection typically has no symptoms. Over many years however, it often leads to liver disease and occasionally cirrhosis.
Some ways the infection can be spread include: sharing unsterilised needles – particularly needles used to inject recreational drugs, sharing razors or toothbrushes or from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby.

Hepatitis D (Viral Hepatitis)

Hepatitis D is a form of hepatitis, or liver infection. You can only get it if you already have hepatitis B. Like hepatitis B, hepatitis D is transmitted through exposure to the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as their blood or sem*n. It’s possible to get both hepatitis B and hepatitis D at the same time.

Hepatitis E (Viral Hepatitis)

HEV infection usually results in a self-limited, acute illness. It is widespread in the developing world. Although rare in developed countries

Hepatitis G (Viral Hepatitis)

This form of the virus was discovered as recently as 1996 and is thought to be associated with blood transfusion, those on hemodialysis, and intravenous drug users.

Hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. A hernia usually develops between your chest and hips. In many cases, it causes no or very few symptoms, although you may notice a swelling or lump in your tummy (abdomen) or groin. The lump can often be pushed back in or disappears when you lie down. Coughing or straining may make the lump appear.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks) between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine. A spinal disk is a little like a jelly donut, with a softer centre encased within a tougher exterior. Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the softer "jelly" pushes out through a tear in the tougher exterior. A herniated disk can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.

Heterochromia Iridis

Heterochromia iridis is when one or more regions of the same iris are pigmented differently from the rest of the iris. The iris is a circular structure inside your eyeball that displays your eye colour. It is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. An autosomal dominant trait is a gene on one of the non sex chromosones that is always expressed even if there is only one copy of it present. A single copy of the mutation is enough to cause a difference in eye colouration.

Hiccups

Hiccups occur when your diaphragm (the thin layer of muscle that separates your chest cavity from your abdomen) suddenly and involuntarily contracts (tightens).
As your diaphragm contracts, it causes you to breathe air in very quickly. The incoming air is stopped when your glottis (the opening between your vocal cords) closes suddenly, producing the characteristic sound of a hiccup.

Hirschsprung's Disease

Hirschsprung's disease is a rare condition that causes poo to become stuck in the bowels. It mainly affects babies and young children. Normally, the bowel continuously squeezes and relaxes to push poo along, a process controlled by your nervous system. In Hirschsprung's disease, the nerves that control this movement are missing from a section at the end of the bowel, which means poo can build up and form a blockage.
This can cause severe constipation, and occasionally lead to a serious bowel infection called enterocolitis if it's not identified and treated early on.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by breathing in spores of a fungus often found in bird and bat droppings. Histoplasmosis is most commonly transmitted when these spores become airborne, often during cleanup or demolition projects. Soil contaminated by bird or bat droppings also can transmit histoplasmosis, so farmers and landscapers are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Hives and Angiodema

Hives, also known as urticaria, affects about 20 percent of people at some time during their lives. It can be triggered by many substances or situations and usually starts as an itchy patch of skin that turns into swollen red welts. The itching may be mild to severe. Scratching, alcoholic beverages, exercise and emotional stress may worsen the itching.

Hodgkin's Disease

Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. Clear fluid called lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains infection-fighting white blood cells, known as lymphocytes. In Hodgkin lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a particular type of lymphocyte) start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.
The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease. It's most commonly caught by having sex without a condom. It can also be passed on by sharing infected needles and other injecting equipment, and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus attacks the immune system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease. There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments to enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that affect your skin and the moist membranes lining your body. Examples of this include your: cervix, anus, mouth and throat. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Around 30 types of HPV infection can affect the genital area. Genital HPV infections are common and highly contagious. They are spread during sexual intercourse and skin-to-skin contact of the genital areas. Girls aged 12-13 are offered a vaccination against HPV to help protect them against types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

Huntington's Disease

The clinical features of Huntington's disease can include psychiatric problems and difficulties with behaviour, feeding, communication and abnormal movements. People can start to show the features of Huntington's disease at almost any age, but most will develop problems between the ages of 35 and 55. The condition usually progresses and gets worse for around 10-25 years, until the person eventually dies. Signs and symptoms may vary between individuals and there's no typical pattern. Early features, such as personality changes, mood swings and unusual behaviour, are often overlooked at first and attributed to something else. Some people with Huntington's disease may not recognise that they have any problems.

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is an accumulation of serous fluid in a body cavity. A hydrocele testis is the accumulation of fluids around a testicl*. It is often caused by fluid secreted from a remnant piece of peritoneum wrapped around the testicl*, called the tunica vagin*lis. Provided there is no hernia present, hydrocoeles below the age of 1 year usually resolve spontaneously. Primary hydrocoeles may develop in adulthood, particularly in the elderly and in hot countries, by slow accumulation of serous fluid, presumably caused by impaired reabsorption, which appears to be the explanation for most primary hydroceles, although the reason remains obscure.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid on the brain. The excess fluid puts pressure on the brain, which can damage it. If left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal.

Hydronephrosis

This is a condition where one or both kidneys become stretched and swollen as the result of a build-up of urine inside them. It can affect people of any age and is sometimes spotted in unborn babies during routine pregnancy ultrasound scans (this is known as antenatal hydronephrosis).
Hydronephrosis doesn't generally cause any long-term problems if it's diagnosed and treated promptly. Babies with the condition may not require any treatment at all.

Hypercalcemia

When the calcium level in your blood is too high it is known as Hypercalcemia. Too much calcium in your blood can weaken your bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with the way your heart and brain works. Hypercalcemia most commonly results from overactive parathyroid glands.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is the condition caused by abnormally high blood glucose (blood sugar) level. Blood sugar is measured by taking a small sample of blood. It can be measured in a laboratory either alone or with other blood tests, or it can be measured using a handheld glucometer, a small device that allows frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels without the need for a laboratory. Hyperglycemia is a hallmark sign of diabetes Normal ranges for blood glucose measurements vary slightly but in general a fasting (early a.m. before breakfast) glucose level is considered normal if it is between 70-100 mg/dl.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a common condition in which a person sweats excessively. The sweating may affect the whole of your body, or it may only affect certain areas. Commonly affected areas include the: Armpits, palms of your hands, soles of your feet, face and chest, groin. Both sides of the body are usually affected equally – for example, both feet or both hands. The sweating doesn't usually pose a serious threat to your health, but it can be embarrassing and distressing. It can also have a negative impact on your quality of life and may lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is defined as a blood serum potassium concentration higher than the upper limit of the normal range. Extremely high levels of potassium in the blood can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

Hyperparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism and hyperparathyroidism are rare hormone disorders caused by the parathyroid glands in the neck producing too little (hypo) or too much (hyper) parathyroid hormone.
Parathyroid glands
There are four parathyroid glands, each the size of a grain of rice, in your neck behind the thyroid gland, They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) which helps control the levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D within the bones and blood. This is important because these levels can naturally fluctuate and need to be kept within a healthy range for the body to function properly. For example, calcium levels can rise if you eat a dairy-rich meal, and can fall if you take certain medication. The parathyroid glands are nothing to do with the thyroid gland. 'Parathyroid' means 'near the thyroid'. Parathyroid disorders shouldn't be confused with an underactive thyroid or overactive thyroid.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, formerly called extrinsic allergic alveolitis, happens when your lungs develop an immune response – hypersensitivity - to something you breathe in which results in inflammation of the lung tissue - pneumonitis. One example is farmer’s lung. This is caused by breathing in mould that grows on hay, straw and grain. Another is bird fancier’s lung, which is caused by breathing in particles from feathers or bird droppings. There are many other substances which can cause similar disease patterns. It can be very difficult to find the exact cause.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a long term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms.[1] Long term high blood pressure, however, is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, vision loss, and chronic kidney disease.
High blood pressure is classified as either primary (essential) high blood pressure or secondary high blood pressure. About 90–95% of cases are primary, defined as high blood pressure due to nonspecific lifestyle and genetic factors. Lifestyle factors that increase the risk include excess salt, excess body weight, smoking, and alcohol. The remaining 5–10% of cases are categorized as secondary high blood pressure, defined as high blood pressure due to an identifiable cause, such as chronic kidney disease, narrowing of the kidney arteries, an endocrine disorder, or the use of birth control pills.

Hyperthermia

This is elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation that occurs when a body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissipates. Extreme temperature elevation then becomes a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent disability or death.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle cells have enlarged and the walls of the heart chambers thicken. The chambers are reduced in size so they can't hold much blood, and the walls can't relax properly and may stiffen. Most people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy will be able to live a full, normal life. Some people don't even have symptoms and don't need treatment.
But that doesn't mean the condition can't be serious. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden unexpected death in childhood and in young athletes. The main heart chambers can become stiff, leading to back pressure on the smaller collecting chambers. This can sometimes worsen the symptoms of heart failure and lead to abnormal heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation).

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycaemia, also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar, occurs when the level of glucose in your blood drops below normal. For many people with diabetes, that means a level of 70 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or less. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia tend to come on quickly and can vary from person to person. You may have one or more mild-to-moderate symptoms listed in the table below. Sometimes people don’t feel any symptoms. Severe hypoglycaemia is when your blood glucose level becomes so low that you’re unable to treat yourself and need help from another person. Severe hypoglycaemia is dangerous and needs to be treated right away. This condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes.

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is when blood’s potassium levels are too low. Potassium is an important electrolyte for nerve and muscle cell functioning, especially for muscle cells in the heart. Your kidneys control your body’s potassium levels, allowing for excess potassium to leave the body through urine or sweat. Mild hypokalemia doesn’t cause symptoms. In some cases, low potassium levels can lead to arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythms, as well as severe muscle weakness. But these symptoms typically reverse after treatment.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells. In hyponatremia, one or more factors — ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water during endurance sports — causes the sodium in your body to become diluted. When this happens, your body's water levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. This swelling can cause many health problems, from mild to life-threatening.

Hypotension

If your blood pressure is naturally low, it's unlikely to cause any symptoms or require treatment. However, low blood pressure can sometimes mean there's not enough blood flowing to your brain and other vital organs, which can lead to symptoms such as: dizziness or light headedness and fainting.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of less than 35ºC. Usually, hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature regulation is overwhelmed by a cold environment. However, in the medical and lay literature there are essentially two major classifications, accidental hypothermia and intentional hypothermia. Accidental hypothermia usually occurs from an exposure to cold that results in lowering the body temperature. Intentional hypothermia is body temperature lowering induced usually for a medical procedure.

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Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot normally. This is because the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for the blood to thicken.Impetigo.

This is a common and highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It's not usually serious and often improves within a week of treatment or within a few weeks without treatment. Impetigo is a very common skin infection in young children, but it can affect people of all ages.

Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

This is a general term for pain or discomfort felt in the stomach and under the ribs. Heartburn is when acid moves up from the stomach into the gullet (oesophagus) and causes a burning pain behind your breastbone. Indigestion and heartburn can occur together or on their own.Infant Acid Reflux

Babies often bring up milk during or shortly after feeding – this is known as possetting or reflux. The factors that contribute to infant reflux are common in babies and often can't be avoided. These factors include:

Babies lying flat most of the time, An almost completely liquid diet, Babies being born prematurely

Infertility

Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive), despite having regular unprotected sex. Around one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving. About 84% of couples will conceive naturally within one year if they have regular unprotected sex.

For every 100 couples trying to conceive naturally:

84 will conceive within one year
92 will conceive within two years
93 will conceive within three years
For couples who have been trying to conceive for more than three years without success, the likelihood of pregnancy occurring within the next year is 25% or less.

Influenza

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza, commonly called the flu, is not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhoea and vomiting.

Ingrown Hair

This is a condition where hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. The condition is most prevalent among people who have coarse or curly hair. It may or may not be accompanied by an infection of the hair follicle (folliculitis) or "razor bumps"

Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail is caused by the pressure from the ingrowth of the nail edge into the skin of the toe. Once the edge of the nail breaks through the skin, it produces inflammation. Initially presenting as a minor discomfort, it may progress into an infection in the adjacent skin (cellulitis) and/or become a reoccurring problem.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. You may still feel tired when you wake up. Insomnia can sap not only your energy level and mood but also your health, work performance and quality of life.

How much sleep is enough varies from person to person, but most adults need seven to eight hours a night.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when insulin levels are sufficiently high over a prolonged period of time causing the body’s own sensitivity to the hormone to be reduced. Once the body starts to get resistant to insulin, it can be a difficult process to reverse because the knock on effect of insulin resistance. Higher circulating levels of insulin in the blood stream and weight gain help to further advance insulin resistance.

Internal Bleeding

is bleeding which occurs inside the body. Sometimes the blood will leak from inside the body through natural openings. Other times the blood stays inside the body, causing pain and shock, even though you cannot see the blood loss. Internal bleeding can be caused numerous ways.

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a bladder condition that causes long-term pelvic pain and problems with urination.

It's also known as "painful bladder syndrome" or "bladder pain syndrome". The condition tends to first affect people in their 30s and 40s, and is much more common in women than men. Interstitial cystitis causes urgent, often painful bathroom trips. You may have to pee as many as 40-60 times a day in severe cases. It can even keep you up at night. It can have a significant impact on your lifestyle, work, emotional health and relationships, but a number of different treatments can be tried to help relieve the symptoms.

Intertrigo

The term "intertrigo" commonly refers to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection that has developed at the site of broken skin due to such inflammation. An intertrigo usually develops from the chafing of warm, moist skin in the areas of the inner thighs and genitalia, the armpits, under the breasts, the underside of the belly, behind the ears, and the web spaces between the toes and fingers. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.

Iritis

Iritis is the inflammation of the iris, the coloured portion of the eye. It has been known cause extreme pain, light sensitivity and sight loss, which is often the result of a disease in another part of the body. Most cases of iritis are recurring, in what are small attacks. Once treated the attack will usually respond to various medications. However, the condition may become sight threatening when left untreated. Medication for iritis varies, treatment that works for one will not always work with another.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder in which abdominal pain is associated with a range of symptoms. Typically, these include intermittent abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating episodes of both. Other symptoms may also be present.

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Jaundice in Adults

Bilirubin is formed when hemoglobin (the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen) is broken down as part of the normal process of recycling old or damaged red blood cells. Bilirubin is then carried in the bloodstream to the liver, where it binds with bile and eliminated from the body. If bilirubin cannot be moved through the liver and bile ducts quickly enough, it builds up in the blood and is deposited in the skin. The result is jaundice. Many people with jaundice also have dark urine and light-colored stools.

Jaundice in Newborns

Jaundice, a common condition in newborns, refers to the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes that happens when there is too much bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, it passes through the liver, which releases it into the intestines as bile. Jaundice happens when bilirubin builds up faster than a newborn's liver can break it down and pass it from the body. Here are some reasons why:
- Newborns make more bilirubin than adults do since they have more turnover of red blood cells.
- A newborn baby's still-developing liver might not be able to remove enough bilirubin from the blood.
- A baby's intestines absorb bilirubin that would normally leave the body in the stool (poop).

Joint Hypermobility Syndrome

Hypermobility joint syndrome (BHJS) means your joints are “looser” than normal. It’s a common joint or muscle problem in children and young adults. The condition can cause pain or discomfort after exercise. It’s usually not part of any disease.Children or young adults with hypermobility sometimes have joint pain. The pain is more common in the legs, such as the calf or thigh muscles. It most often involves large joints such as the knees or elbows. But it can involve any joint.Some people also have mild swelling in the affected joints, especially during the late afternoon, at night, or after exercise or activity. That swelling may come and go within hours.

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Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is a rare childhood illness that affects the blood vessels. Most children who are treated recover from the disease without long-term problems. Your doctor will watch your child for heart problems for a few weeks to a few months after treatment. Kawasaki disease is most common among children of Japanese and Korean descent, but can affect all ethnic groups.

Keloid

Keloids are smooth, hard, benign growths that form when scar tissue grows excessively. The cause is not known but it's more common in people who have darker skins. People prone to develop keloid should avoid piercings, tattoos and unnecessary surgery.

Keratitis

This is an eye condition in which the cornea, the front part of the eye, becomes inflamed. The condition is often marked by moderate to intense pain and usually involves any of the following symptoms: pain, impaired eyesight, photophobia, red eye and a 'gritty' sensation

Keratoconus

A bulging of the eye. Keratoconus is caused by a decrease in protective antioxidants in the cornea. The cornea cells produce damaging by-products, like exhaust from a car. Normally, antioxidants get rid of them and protect the collagen fibres. If antioxidants levels are low, the collagen weakens and the cornea bulges out.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition, which appears as tiny bumps on the skin. Some people say these bumps make their skin look like plucked chicken skin. These rough-feeling bumps are actually plugs of dead skin cells. The plugs appear most often on the upper arms and thighs (front). Children may have these bumps on their cheeks.

Kidney Cancer

About 90% of kidney cancers (9 out of 10) are renal cell cancers. Renal cancer usually only affects one kidney. The main types of renal cell cancer are:Clear cell - around 75 out of 100 renal cell cancers (75%)
Papillary - around 10 in 100 renal cell cancers (10%)
Chromophobe - around 5 in 100 renal cell cancers (5%)

More than 35 out of 100 (35%) of kidney cancers are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over. Kidney cancer is rare in people under 50. Kidney cancer is diagnosed more often in men than women. This could be because in the past more men smoked cigarettes. Smoking increases your risk of getting kidney cancer.

Kidney Dysplasia

Kidney dysplasia is a condition in which the kidneys do not develop normally whilst in the womb. During normal development, two thin tubes of muscle called ureters grow into the kidneys and branch out to form a network of tiny structures called tubules. The tubules collect urine as the fetus grows in the womb. In kidney dysplasia, the tubules fail to branch out completely. Urine that would normally flow through the tubules has nowhere to go. Urine collects inside the affected kidney and forms fluid-filled sacs called cysts. The cysts replace normal kidney tissue and prevent the kidney from functioning.

Kidney Failure

Acute kidney injury (also called acute renal failure) means that your kidneys have suddenly stopped working. Your kidneys remove waste products and help balance water and salt and other minerals (electrolytes) in your blood. When your kidneys stop working, waste products, fluids, and electrolytes build up in your body.

Kidney Infection

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a painful and unpleasant illness caused by bacteria travelling from your bladder into one or both of your kidneys. If treated promptly, a kidney infection doesn't cause serious harm, but will make you feel very unwell. If a kidney infection isn't treated, it can get worse and cause permanent kidney damage.

Kidney Stones

Also known as Renal lithiasis or nephrolithiasis, these are small, hard mineral deposits that form inside your kidneys. The stones consist of mineral and acid salts. Kidney stones have many causes and can affect any part of your urinary tract — from your kidneys to your bladder. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.

Passing kidney stones can be quite painful, but the stones usually cause no permanent damage. Depending on your situation, you may need nothing more than to take pain medication and drink lots of water to pass a kidney stone. In other instances — for example, if stones become lodged in the urinary tract or cause complications — surgery may be needed.

Kleine-Levin Syndrome

Sleeping beauty syndrome is a rare disorder that primarily affects adolescent males (approximately 70 percent of those with Kleine-Levin syndrome are male). It is characterized by recurring but reversible periods of excessive sleep (up to 20 hours per day) and listless behaviour. Symptoms occur as "episodes," typically lasting a few days to a few weeks.

Klinefelter Syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome occurs when a boy is born with one or more extra X chromosomes. Most males have one Y and one X chromosome. Having extra X chromosomes can cause a male to have some physical traits unusual for males, such as weaker muscles, greater height, poor coordination, less body hair, smaller genitals, breast growth, and less interest in sex.

Knee Bursitis

Bursae are small, jelly-like sacs that are located throughout the body, including around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. They contain a small amount of fluid, and are positioned between bones and soft tissues, acting as cushions to help reduce friction. Knee bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa located between the shinbone (tibia) and three tendons of the hamstring muscle at the inside of the knee. It occurs when the bursa becomes irritated and produces too much fluid, which causes it to swell and put pressure on the adjacent parts of the knee. Pain and tenderness on the inside of your knee are common symptoms of bursitis of the knee.

Knee Injury and Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Each knee has two menisci (plural of meniscus)-one at the outer edge of the knee and one at the inner edge. The menisci keep your knee steady by balancing your weight across the knee. A torn meniscus can prevent your knee from working right. The tear is usually caused by twisting or turning quickly, often with the foot planted while the knee is bent. They can also occur when you lift something heavy or play sports. As you get older, your meniscus gets worn. This can make it tear more easily.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a forward rounding of the back. Some rounding is normal, but the term "kyphosis" usually refers to an exaggerated rounding of the back. While kyphosis can occur at any age, it's most common in older women.

Age-related kyphosis often occurs after osteoporosis weakens spinal bones to the point that they crack and compress. Other types of kyphosis are seen in infants or teens due to malformation of the spine or wedging of the spinal bones over time

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Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, gas, and nausea and usually develop within a few hours of consuming food or drink that contains lactose.

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome

Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is a childhood disorder. A major feature of LKS is the gradual or sudden loss of the ability to understand and use spoken language. All children with LKS have abnormal electrical brain waves that can be documented by an electroencephalogram (EEG), a recording of the electric activity of the brain. Approximately 80 percent of the children with LKS have one or more epileptic seizures that usually occur at night.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box). In most cases, it gets better without treatment in about a week. Symptoms of laryngitis can begin suddenly and usually get worse over a period of two to three days. Common symptoms of laryngitis include hoarseness and difficulty in speaking. The hoarse voice and speaking difficulties usually get worse each day you're ill and may last for up to a week after the other symptoms have gone. In a few cases, the larynx can swell and cause breathing difficulties.

Legionnaire Disease

Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. You usually get it by breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria. Most cases are due to poor water management. The mist may come from hot tubs, showers, or air-conditioning units for large buildings. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include high fever, chills, a cough, and sometimes muscle aches and headaches.

Leigh's Syndrome

Leigh's disease is a rare inherited neurometabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system. This progressive disorder begins in infants between the ages of three months and two years. Rarely, it occurs in teenagers and adults.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease which typically lives in infected sand flies. There are three forms of the disease. Different species of the parasite cause each form. Cutaneous leishmaniasis affects your skin and is usually not serious. Visceral leishmaniasis damages your internal organs and can be life-threatening. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis can lead to partial or complete destruction of the mucous membranes found in your nose, throat, and mouth.

Leprosy

Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms and legs. The arcane disease is surrounded by terrifying, negative stigmas and tales of leprosy patients being shunned as outcasts. However, leprosy is actually not that contagious. You can catch it only if you come into close and repeated contact with nose and mouth droplets from someone with untreated leprosy. Leprosy is curable with a treatment known as multidrug therapy.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a fairly uncommon bacterial infection caused by a strain of Leptospira. It is most commonly transmitted from animals to humans when people with unhealed breaks in the skin, come into contact with water or soil that has been contaminated with animal urine - the bacterium can also enter the body through the eyes or mucous membranes. Typically, the animals that transmit the infection to humans include rats, skunks, opossums, foxes, raccoons and other vermin.

Leukaemia

Leukaemia is the name given to a group of cancers that develop in the bone marrow. There are different types of leukaemia. If you develop leukaemia it is important to know what type it is. This is because the outlook (prognosis) and treatments vary for the different types.. Leukaemia originates in developing blood cells, which have undergone a malignant (cancerous) change. Instead of maturing properly, these cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled fashion and interfere with normal blood cell production in the bone marrow.Under normal conditions the bone marrow contains a small number of healthy immature blood cells, sometimes called blast cells. These immature blood cells mature and develop into red cells, white cells and platelets, which are eventually released into the blood stream.

Leucoplakia

This is a white or grey patch that develops on the tongue, the inside of the cheek, or on the floor of the mouth. It is the mouth's reaction to chronic irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Leucoplakia patches can also develop on the female genital area; however, the cause of this is unknown. Leucoplakia patches can occur at any time of life, but it is most common in senior adults.

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a non-infectious, itchy rash that can affect many areas of the body. The mouth is affected in around 50% of all cases of lichen planus (oral lichen planus).

Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects the skin of the genitals. It usually causes itching and white patches to appear on the affected skin. Other areas of the body are also occasionally affected, including the upper arms, back, breasts and shoulders. Lichen Sclerosus is most common in women who have been through the menopause, although men and children are also sometimes affected.

Listeria Infection

Listeriosis is a food-borne infection caused by Listeria bacteria. The majority of people who become infected might barely notice the illness, however Listeriosis can be a serious infection; it strikes pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system. It is usually a self-limited illness—which means that a majority of infected individuals will improve without the need for medical care. But for those patients with a high fever, a stool culture and antibiotic-treatment may be justified for otherwise healthy individuals.

Liver Disease

There are more than 100 different types of liver disease. Listed below are some specific types of liver disease. The links provide more detailed information about each type.
Alcohol-related liver disease – where the liver is damaged after years of alcohol misuse, this can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – a build-up of fat within liver cells, usually seen in overweight people or those who are obese
Hepatitis – which is inflammation (swelling) of the liver caused by a viral infection or exposure to harmful substances such as alcohol
Haemochromatosis – an inherited disorder where there's a gradual build-up of iron in the body, usually around the liver
Primary biliary cirrhosis – a rare, long-term type of liver disease that damages the bile ducts in the liver
It’s important to note that all types of liver disease can cause cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), not just alcohol-related liver disease.

Low Back Pain

Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of problems with any parts of the complex, interconnected network of spinal muscles, nerves, bones, discs or tendons in the lumbar spine.

Low Testosterone (Low T)

Testosterone is the most important male hormone and is produced mainly in the testicl*s in men. Its production releases hormones that activate the testicl*s to produce testosterone. In certain circ*mstances, the body is unable to produce and sustain sufficient levels of testosterone. As a result, the man can experience unwanted effects, including a lack of sex drive and reduced sexual performance. Low testosterone is also associated with a feeling of irritability, depression, low motivation and energy levels. Men with this issue may also notice a loss of muscle mass and strength and an increase in fat levels, especially around the waist.

Lumbar Stenosis

The term "stenosis" comes from the Greek word meaning "choking" and is often the result of degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis and/or degenerative spondylolisthesis. When the spinal nerves in the lower back are choked, lumbar spinal stenosis occurs and most often leads to leg pain and other symptoms.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women. Lung cancer claims more lives each year than do colon, prostate, ovarian and breast cancers combined. The general prognosis of lung cancer is poor because doctors tend not to find the disease until it is at an advanced stage. People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you've smoked. Sometimes cancer cells can break away from where the cancer started and travel through the blood or lymphatic system to another part of the body, such as the lungs. This is known as secondary lung cancer.

Lyme Disease

This is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures found in woodland and heath areas. Erythema migrans (a rash) is one of the hallmarks of Lyme disease. Some people develop this rash at more than one place on their bodies. Lyme disease can often be treated effectively if it's detected early on. But if it's not treated or treatment is delayed, there's a risk you could develop severe and long-lasting symptoms

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a potential side effect of breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy that can appear in some people during the months or even years after treatment ends. Lymph is a thin, clear fluid that circulates throughout the body to remove wastes, bacteria, and other substances from tissues. Oedema is the build-up of excess fluid. During the treatment for cancer Surgery and radiation can cut off or damage some of the nodes and vessels through which lymph moves. Over time, the flow of lymph can overwhelm the remaining pathways, resulting in a backup of fluid into the body’s tissues.

Lymphomas

Lymphoma is a cancer of a part of the immune system called the lymph system. There are many types of lymphoma. One type is Hodgkin disease. The rest are called non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas begin when a type of white blood cell, called a T cell or B cell, becomes abnormal. The cell divides again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can spread to almost any other part of the body.

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Macular degeneration

This also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD), is a medical condition which may result in blurred or no vision in the centre of the visual field. Early on there are often no symptoms. Over time, however, some people experience a gradual worsening of vision that may affect one or both eyes. While it does not result in complete blindness, loss of central vision can make it hard to recognize faces, drive, read, or perform other activities of daily life. Visual hallucinations may also occur but these do not represent a mental illness.

Mad Cow Disease

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease (encephalopathy) in cattle that causes a spongiform degeneration of the brain and spinal cord. BSE has a long incubation period, of 2.5 to 5 years, usually affecting adult cattle at a peak age onset of four to five years.

Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It’s typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream.Once the parasites are inside your body, they travel to the liver, where they mature. After several days, the mature parasites enter the bloodstream and begin to infect red blood cells. Within 48 to 72 hours, the parasites inside the red blood cells multiply, causing the infected cells to burst open.Malaria is typically found in tropical and subtropical climates where the parasites can live. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 3.2 billion people are at risk of malaria.

Malignant Hyperthermia

Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to particular drugs that are often used during surgery and other invasive procedures. Specifically, this reaction occurs in response to some anaesthetic gases, which are used to block the sensation of pain, and with a muscle relaxant that is used to temporarily paralyze a person during a surgical procedure. If given these drugs, people at risk for malignant hyperthermia may experience muscle rigidity, breakdown of muscle fibres (rhabdomyolysis), a high fever, increased acid levels in the blood and other tissues (acidosis), and a rapid heart rate. Without prompt treatment, the complications of malignant hyperthermia can be life-threatening.

Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue — the fibres that support and anchor your organs and other structures in your body. Marfan syndrome most commonly affects the heart, eyes, blood vessels and skeleton.People with Marfan syndrome are usually tall and thin with disproportionately long arms, legs, fingers and toes. The damage caused by Marfan syndrome can be mild or severe. If your aorta — the large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body — is affected, the condition can become life-threatening.

Measles (Rubeola)

Measles, also called Rubeola, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that's caused by a virus. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose. 20 million cases happen worldwide every year.Since measles is caused by a virus, there is no specific medical treatment for it and the virus has to run its course. But a child who is sick should drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest, and be kept from spreading the infection to others.

Melanoma

The most dangerous form of skin cancer, these cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours. These tumours originate in the pigment-producing melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanomas often resemble moles; some develop from moles. If melanoma is recognised and treated early, it is almost always curable.

Melasma

Melasma is a very common patchy brown, tan, or blue-gray facial skin discoloration, usually seen in women in the reproductive years. It typically appears on the upper cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and chin of women 20-50 years of age. Although possible, it is uncommon in males. Most of those with melasma are women. It is thought to be primarily related to external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes as seen in pregnancy.

Male Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is often thought of as a condition that only affects women, but men can also develop it. It's much less common in men than women, with only around 1 new case of breast cancer diagnosed for every 100,000 men (about 350 to 400 cases) in the UK each year. The cancer develops in the small amount of breast tissue men have behind their nipples. The most common symptom is a hard, painless lump in one of the breasts.

Melioidosis (Whitmore’s Disease)

It is an infectious disorder caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia pseudomallei, which typically manifests in the lungs. The disease is similar to glanders in which the mucous membranes of the nostrils produce increased secretion and discharge of mucus along with enlargement of the lymph glands. The causative bacterium is largely found in the soil, rice paddies and stagnant water of the tropical regions. Direct contact with contaminated soil is one of the main routes of transmission of the infection.

Meniere's Disease

Meniere’s disease is a disorder that affects the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for your balance, as well as hearing. This disorder causes vertigo (a sensation of spinning), hearing problems, and a ringing sound in the ear. Meniere’s disease usually affects only one ear.

Meningitis Meningococcus

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layer around the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can be caused by a virus, a bacterium, or even a fungus. Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium called meningococcus. In addition to meningitis, meningococcus can cause other serious infections. For example, it can enter the bloodstream and cause an infection called meningococcal sepsis. Meningococcal disease, which includes both meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal sepsis, can progress quickly. It can make the affected very sick and may even be life threatening

Menopause

The menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally.Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly. The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman's oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51. Most women will experience some menopausal symptoms. Some of these can be quite severe and have a significant impact on your everyday activities.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is menstrual blood loss which interferes with a woman's physical, emotional, social and material quality of life, and which can occur alone or in combination with other symptoms. Any intervention should aim to improve her quality of life. Research studies usually take menorrhagia to be a monthly menstrual blood loss in excess of 80 ml. The average menstrual blood loss is about 30-40 ml

Mental Illness

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling or mood. Such conditions may affect someone's ability to relate to others and function each day. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis.Recovery, including meaningful roles in social life, school and work, is possible, especially if treatment is started early and the individual may play a strong role in their own recovery process.

Meralgia Paresthetica

Meralgia paresthetica is an entrapment or "pinching" of the nerve that supplies sensation to the outer portion of the thigh. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes "entrapped" as it passes under the ligament of the groin. The pressure on the nerve causes abnormal sensations of burning, pain, and numbness in the distribution of this nerve, the outer and part of the front of the thigh. Meralgia paresthetica is also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome.

Mercury Poisoning

Mercury poisoning is a type of metal poisoning, due to exposure to mercury. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, poor coordination, numbness in the hands and feet, skin rashes, memory problems, trouble speaking, trouble hearing, or trouble seeing. Symptoms depend upon the type, dose, method, and duration of exposure. The effects of long term low dose exposure to methylmercury is unclear. High level exposure to methylmercury is known as Minamata disease. Exposure in children may result in acrodynia (pink's disease) in which the skin becomes pink and peels. Long term complications may include kidney problems and decreased intelligence.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that primarily develops in the lining of the lungs heart or the abdomen. Caused by asbestos, mesothelioma is most commonly diagnosed in older individuals who worked with asbestos in an industrial setting. It has no known cure and has a poor prognosis.

Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X)

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels — that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and prediabetes are closely related to one another and have overlapping aspects. The syndrome is thought to be caused by an underlying disorder of energy utilization and storage. The cause of the syndrome is an area of ongoing medical research.

Metrorrhagia

Uterine bleeding at irregular intervals, particularly between the expected menstrual periods. Metrorrhagia may be a sign of an underlying disorder, such as hormone imbalance, endometriosis, uterine fibroids or, less commonly, cancer of the uterus. Metrorrhagia may cause significant anaemia.

Microcephaly

Microcephaly is a medical condition in which the brain does not develop properly resulting in a smaller than normal head. Microcephaly may be present at birth or it may develop in the first few years of life. Often people with the disorder have an intellectual disability, poor motor function, poor speech, abnormal facial features, seizures, and dwarfism.

Microscopic Colitis

Microscopic colitis is an inflammation of the colon that a health care provider can see only with a microscope. Inflammation is the body’s normal response to injury, irritation, or infection of tissues. Microscopic colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease—the general name for diseases that cause irritation and inflammation in the intestines.The two types of microscopic colitis are collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. When looking through a microscope, the health care provider may find variations in lymphocyte numbers and collagen thickness in different parts of the colon.

Migraine

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head.Many people also have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound.Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around one in every five women and around one in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.There are several types of migraine, including:migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lightsmigraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine occurs without the specific warning signsmigraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache doesn't developSome people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It's possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

Mitochondrial Disease

When a person has Mitochondrial Disease the mitochondria in the cells are not producing enough energy. Sometimes they are not very efficient or they do not work at all.There is a huge variety in the symptoms and severity of Mitochondrial Disease. It depends on how many cells are affected and where they are in the body.

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

(MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that is characterized by features commonly seen in three different connective tissue disorders: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. Some affected people may also have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Although MCTD can affect people of all ages, it appears to be most common in women under age 30

Moles

The term mole is used to describe a variety of skin imperfections. Many prefer the term beauty mark. The medical term for mole is melanocytic nevus. Moles may be tan, brown, black, reddish brown, red, purple, or skin-coloured and perfectly flat or raised. Most moles are small. Less than 50mm in size. Certain moles become darker and more apparent with sun exposure and pregnancy. Moles can occur anywhere on the skin, including the scalp, ears, eyelids, lips, palms, soles, genitals, and anal area.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection that affects the skin. It most commonly affects children, although it can occur at any age.Usually, the only symptom of MC is a number of small, firm, raised papules (spots) that develop on the skin. They are not painful, but can be itchy.Although the spots can look unpleasant, MC is generally a harmless condition that will normally resolve in a few months without any specific treatment.

Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck. Mono is often spread by saliva and close contact. It is known as "the kissing disease." Mono occurs most often in people ages 15 to 17, but the infection may develop at any age. Mono is usually linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Rarely, it is caused by other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Morton's Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that affects one of the nerves between the toes.It's also known as Morton's metatarsalgia or interdigital neuroma.In Morton's neuroma, a nerve in the foot becomes irritated and thickened, which can cause severe pain.The condition can occur in one foot or both feet. It usually affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes, but sometimes the second and third toes are affected. Morton's neuroma can occur at any age, but most often affects middle-aged women.

MRSA Infection

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an infection caused by a type of Staphylococcus, or staph, bacteria that’s resistant to many different antibiotics. These bacteria naturally live in the nose and on the skin and generally don’t cause any harm. However, when they begin to multiply uncontrollably, a MRSA infection can occur. These infections typically occur when there’s a cut or break in your skin.MRSA is very contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person. It can also be contracted by coming into contact with an object or surface that an infected person has touched. Though a MRSA infection can be serious, it may be treated effectively with antibiotics.

Multiple Personality Disorder (Dissociative Identity Disorder)

Dissociative identity disorder, formerly referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a condition wherein a person's identity is fragmented into two or more distinct personality states. People with this rare condition are often victims of severe abuse.Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or personality states, are present in—and alternately take control of—an individual. Some people describe this as an experience of possession. The person also experiences memory loss that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition which can affect the brain and/or spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild. In many cases, it’s possible to treat symptoms. Average life expectancy is slightly reduced for people with MS.It's most commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, although it can develop at any age. It's about two to three times more common in women than men.

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that used to be common in children before the introduction of the MMR vaccine. It’s most recognisable by the painful swellings at the side of the face under the ears (the parotid glands), giving a person with mumps a distinctive "hamster face" appearance. Other symptoms of mumps include headaches, joint pain and a high temperature, which may develop a few days before the swelling of the parotid glands

Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is a rare, severe infection with fungi of the order Mucorales. These fungi are common environmental organisms that only cause disease when immunity is impaired. The spores grow, and fungal hyphae invade blood vessels and produce tissue infarction. The result can be invasive, life-threatening disease. Severe infection of the facial sinuses may extend into the brain. Less common manifestations are pulmonary, cutaneous and gastrointestinal (GI) infections.

Muscle Cramps

A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of the muscles. Muscle cramps can cause severe pain. Though generally harmless, muscle cramps can make it temporarily impossible to use the affected muscle. Long periods of exercise or physical labour, particularly in hot weather, can lead to muscle cramps. Some medications and certain medical conditions also may cause muscle cramps. You usually can treat muscle cramps at home with self-care measures.

Muscle Pain

Muscle pain is most often related to tension, overuse, or muscle injury from exercise or physically demanding work. The pain tends to involve specific muscles and starts during or just after the activity. It is often obvious which activity is causing the pain.Muscle pain also can be a sign of conditions affecting your whole body. For example, some infections and disorders that affect connective tissues throughout the body can cause muscle pain.One common cause of muscle aches and pain is fibromyalgia, a condition that causes tenderness in your muscles and surrounding soft tissue, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and headaches.

Muscle Spasm

Spasms may affect many different types of muscles in the body, leading to many different symptoms.Spasms of skeletal muscles are most common and are often due to overuse, dehydration, and electrolyte abnormalities. The spasm occurs abruptly, is painful, and is usually short-lived. It may be relieved by gently stretching the muscle. If muscle spasms are especially painful, if they do not resolve or if they recur, medical care should be accessed to look for possible underlying causes.

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a rare long-term condition that causes muscle weakness that comes and goes.It most commonly affects the muscles that control the eyes and eyelids, facial expressions, chewing, swallowing and speaking. But it can affect most parts of the body. It can affect people of any age, typically starting in women under 40 and men over 60.

Myeloma (Multiple Myeloma)

Multiple myeloma is a cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of the immune system.The immune system is made up of several types of cells that work together to fight infections and other diseases. Myeloma does not usually take the form of a lump or tumour. Instead, the myeloma cells divide and expand within the bone marrow, damaging the bones and affecting the production of healthy blood cells.

Myocarditis

Myocarditis is a disease marked by inflammation and damage of the heart muscle. Myocarditis usually attacks otherwise healthy people. It is believed that 5 to 20% of all cases of sudden death in young adults are due to myocarditis. Many types of viral infection can affect the heart muscle. For example, Myocarditis may develop at the same time as, or more often just after, a viral throat or chest infection.

Myxedema Coma

Myxedema coma is defined as severe hypothyroidism leading to decreased mental status, hypothermia, and other symptoms related to slowing of function in multiple organs. It is a medical emergency with a high mortality rate.

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Naegleria Infection

Amoebas are single-celled organisms and the Naeglaria is a nasty one. This is a so-called brain-eating amoeba discovered in 1965. It's formal name is Naegleria fowleri. Although first identified in Australia, this amoeba is believed to have evolved in the U.S. Signs and symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection are clinically similar to bacterial meningitis.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

The hallmarks of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are grandiosity, a lack of empathy for other people, and a need for admiration. People with this condition are frequently described as arrogant, self-centered, manipulative, and demanding. They may also concentrate on grandiose fantasies (e.g. their own success, beauty, brilliance) and may be convinced that they deserve special treatment. These characteristics typically begin in early adulthood and must be consistently evident in multiple contexts, such as at work and in relationships.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and in some cases episodes of cataplexy (partial or total loss of muscle control, often triggered by a strong emotion such as laughter). Narcolepsy occurs equally in men and women and is thought to affect roughly 1 in 2,000 people.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the part of the throat connecting the back of the nose to the back of the mouth (the pharynx). Not to be confused with the throat.

Nausea and Vomiting

Vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. In plain language “being sick,” or “throwing up.” Nausea is a term that describes the feeling that you might vomit, but are not actually vomiting. Both nausea and vomiting are very common symptoms and can be caused by a wide range of factors. They occur in both children and adults, although they are probably most common in pregnant women and people undergoing cancer treatments.

Neck Pain

Many of us experience neck pain or stiffness occasionally. In many cases, it’s due to poor posture or overuse. Sometimes, neck pain is caused by injury from a fall, contact sports, or whiplash. Most of the time, neck pain isn’t a serious condition and can be relieved within a few days. In some cases, neck pain can indicate serious injury or illness and require a doctor’s care. If you have neck pain that continues for more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Disease)

This is more commonly known as “flesh-eating disease”. Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by a number of different bacteria that spread quickly through the tissue, or flesh surrounding the muscles. In some cases death can occur within 12 to 24 hours. Necrotizing fasciitis kills about 1 in 4 people infected with it. It may start from an infection in a minor cut or bruise or follow a chickenpox infection. Sometimes there is no obvious skin wound or injury.

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that starts in certain very early forms of nerve cells found in an embryo or fetus. (The term neuro refers to nerves, while blastoma refers to a cancer that affects immature or developing cells). This type of cancer occurs most often in infants and young children. It is rarely found in children older than 10 years.

Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain)

Neuropathic pain (neuralgia) is a pain that comes from problems with signals from the nerves. There are various causes. It is different to the common type of pain that is due to an injury, burn, pressure, etc. Traditional painkillers such as paracetamol, anti-inflammatories and codeine usually do not help very much. However, neuropathic pain is often eased by antidepressant or anti-epileptic medicines - by an action that is separate to their action on depression and epilepsy. Other pain-relieving medicines and techniques are also sometimes used.

Neutropenia

This is when the body has a low level of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell They are made in the bone marrow - the spongy tissue found inside larger bones. Neutrophils fight infection by destroying organisms that cause infection. These include harmful bacteria and fungi or yeast. This means that people with neutropenia have a higher risk of developing serious infections. It is commonly associated with chemotherapy treatments.

Night Sweats

People who suffer night sweats will typically wake in the night to find their bedclothes and bedding drenched, even if their bedroom temperature is cool. This abnormal sweating is annoying, but usually harmless. It is often associated with menopause in females. However, night sweats can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so you should see your GP if they keep happening and you're worried.

Non-Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Infections)

Herpes simplex infections are common and when they appear around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as "cold sores" and "fever blisters." Air droplets can spread the virus, as can direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. Treatment is simple.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. Clear fluid called lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains infection-fighting white blood cells known as lymphocytes. In non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the affected lymphocytes start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.

Noonan Syndrome

Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder that prevents normal development in various parts of the body. A person can be affected by Noonan syndrome in a wide variety of ways. These include unusual facial characteristics, short stature, heart defects, other physical problems and possible developmental delays.

Noonan syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation and is usually acquired when a child inherits a copy of an affected gene from a parent (dominant inheritance). It may also occur as a spontaneous mutation, meaning there's no family history involved.

Management of Noonan syndrome focuses on controlling the disorder's symptoms and complications. Growth hormone may be used to treat short stature in some people with Noonan syndrome.

Nosebleed (Epistaxis)

Epistaxis, or bleeding from the nose, is a common complaint. It is rarely life threatening but may cause significant concern, especially among parents of small children. Most nosebleeds are benign, self-limiting, and spontaneous, but some can be recurrent. In this case a doctor may need to be consulted.

Norovirus Infection

This is a highly contagious virus that can infect anyone. You can get it from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed. This in turn, causes stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea and severe vomiting.

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Obesity

This is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health. People are generally considered obese when their body mass index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person's weight by the square of the person's height, is over 30 kg/m2, with the range 25–30 kg/m2 defined as overweight. Some East Asian countries use lower values. Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases, particularly heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition in which a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. It affects men, women and children and can develop at any age. Some people develop the condition early, often around puberty, but it typically develops during early adulthood. OCD can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life, but treatment can help you keep it under control.

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis is an infection caused by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus. Humans acquire onchocerciasis through the bite of Simulium blackflies. Symptoms include severe itching, bumps under the skin, and blindness. Because the fly develops and breeds in flowing water, onchocerciasis is commonly found along rivers and is sometimes referred to as river blindness.

Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis It is most often associated with multiple sclerosis, and it may lead to complete or partial loss of vision in one or both eyes. It is a demyelinating inflammation of the optic nerve. Also known as optic papillitis (when the head of the optic nerve is involved) and retrobulbar neuritis (when the posterior of the nerve is involved).

Oral Cancer

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is where a tumour develops in the lining of the mouth. It may be on the surface of the tongue, the insides of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth (palate), or the lips or gums. Tumours can also develop in the glands that produce saliva, the tonsils at the back of the mouth, and the part of the throat connecting your mouth to your windpipe (pharynx).

Oral Candidiasis (Thrush)

Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. It is not contagious and is usually successfully treated with antifungal medication. It is characterised by creamy white bumps on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or tonsils. It is also called oral candidosis (or candidiasis) because it is caused by a group of yeasts called Candida.

Oral Health Problems in Children

There are a number of problems that affect the oral health of children, including tooth decay, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking, and early tooth loss.

Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension — also called postural hypotension — is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, and maybe even faint. Orthostatic hypotension is often mild, lasting a few seconds to a few minutes after standing. However, long-lasting orthostatic hypotension can be a sign of more-serious problems

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

This disease is a painful condition that affects the upper part of the shin bone (tibia). It most commonly occurs in teenagers who play sport. It causes pain and swelling just below the knee. It is not serious and usually goes away in time.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time.Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be effectively managed, although the underlying process cannot be reversed.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis Dissecans is a joint condition whereby a variable amount of bone and its adjacent cartilage loses its blood supply. Osteochondritis Dissecans can involve the bone and cartilage of virtually any joint. Elbows and knees are most commonly affected. Usually, only a small portion of the affected cartilage is involved. Osteochondritis Dissecans most commonly affects boys between 9 and 18 years of age.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is the medical term for a bone infection, usually caused by bacteria.Osteomyelitis most commonly affects the long bones in the legs, but other bones, such as those in the back or arms, can also be affected. Symptoms of osteomyelitis may include:A high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above, bone pain, which can often be intense swelling, redness and a warm sensation in the affected area.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis means thinning bones and may result in painful fractures. Risk factors for osteoporosis include aging, being female, low body weight, low sex hormones or menopause, smoking, and some medications. Prevention and treatment include calcium and vitamin D, exercise, and osteoporosis medications.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer beginning in the ovaries. The ovaries — each about the size of an almond — produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. At this late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and is frequently fatal.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are common, especially with woman who still get their period. They’re solid or fluid-filled pockets in or on your ovary. Most of the time they’re painless and harmless. You might get one every month as part of your cycle and never know it. They usually go away on their own without treatment. Cysts are also common when you’re pregnant. A cyst becomes a problem when it doesn’t go away or gets bigger. In that case it may become painful. There’s also the possibility of cancer, but it’s rare. The chances go up as you get older.

Overactive Bladder

This is a common term for a condition that affects many. Overactive bladder isn't a disease. It's the name of a group of urinary symptoms. The most common symptom of OAB is a sudden urge to urinate that you can't control. "incontinence." Having to go to the bathroom many times during the day and night is another symptom of OAB. There is another common bladder problem called stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which is different from OAB. People with SUI leak urine while sneezing, laughing or doing other physical activities.

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Paget's Disease of Bone

Paget's disease of bone disrupts the normal cycle of bone renewal, causing bones to become weakened and possibly deformed. It's a fairly common condition, particularly in older people. It's rare in people under 50 years of age.

Paget's Disease of the Breast

Paget's disease of the breast affects your nipple and usually the skin (areola) surrounding it. It's easy to mistake the signs and symptoms of Paget's disease of the breast for skin irritation (dermatitis) or another noncancerous (benign) skin condition.

Pancreas Divisum

Pancreatic divisum is a congenital anomaly in the anatomy of the ducts of the pancreas in which a single pancreatic duct is not formed, but rather remains as two distinct dorsal and ventral ducts

Pancreatic Cancer

This cancer comes in two versions The most common type of pancreatic cancer is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). There are also rare types of pancreatic cancer called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) of pancreatic cancer. The symptoms of PDAC can be quite vague and may come and go to begin with. Common symptoms include abdominal (tummy) and back pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice and indigestion.

Pancreatic Cysts

Pancreatic cysts are saclike pockets of fluid on or in your pancreas, a large organ behind the stomach that produces hormones and enzymes that help digest food. Most pancreatic cysts aren't cancerous, and many don't cause symptoms.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. There are two main types, acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis include pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting. The pain often goes into the back and is usually severe.

Panic Attack (Panic Disorder)

Panic disorder is where you have recurring and regular panic attacks, often for no apparent reason.Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times during their lifetime. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.However, for someone with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety, stress and panic occur regularly and at any time.

Paraphilia

The term paraphilia refers to intense sexual attraction to any objects or people outside of genital stimulation with consenting adult partners. A paraphilia is considered a disorder when the paraphilia is causing distress or threatens to harm someone else.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. It is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine in the brain. There is no cure.

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is episodes of rapid heart rate that start in a part of the heart above the ventricles. "Paroxysmal" means from time to time.

Parry-Romberg Syndrome

Parry-Romberg syndrome is a rare, acquired disorder characterized by slowly progressive shrinkage (atrophy) of the skin and soft tissues of half of the face (hemifacial atrophy). In rare cases, both sides of the face are affected. In some people, atrophy may also affect the limbs usually on the same side of the body as the facial atrophy.

Parvovirus Infection

Infection with one of a family of small single-stranded DNA viruses. (Parvovirus means small virus, from the Latin parvus, small.) One type, parvovirus B19, infects only humans. There are also animal parvoviruses, but they do not infect humans. A person cannot catch parvovirus B19 from a dog or cat. The diagnosis of parvovirus B19 can be confirmed by a blood test.

Patellofemoral Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain in the front of the knee. It frequently occurs in teenagers, manual laborers, and athletes. It sometimes is caused by wearing down, roughening, or softening of the cartilage under the kneecap.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the upper part of the female reproductive system and inside of the pelvis. Often there may be no symptoms. Untreated PID can result in long term complications including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and cancer. The disease is caused by bacteria that spread from the vagin* and cervix. Often these are sexually transmitted. Without treatment about 10 percent of those with a chlamydial infection and 40 percent of those with a gonorrhea infection will develop PID.

Pendred Syndrome

This is a rare genetic disorder characterised by severe to profound sensorineural hearing impairment and a malformation of certain bones in the inner ear. The physical changes in the inner ear occur in 85% of the cases of Pendred syndrome. It is a result of a defect in the production of the thyroid hormone, which controls the metabolism and helps regulate body growth.

Penile Cancer (Penis Cancer)

Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs on the skin of the penis or within the penis. In the UK, around 550 men are diagnosed with cancer of the penis each year. It most commonly affects men over 60 years of age.

Peptic Ulcer (Ulcer)

Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn't ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is swelling of the pericardium, which is the fluid-filled sac surrounding your heart.The main symptom of pericarditis is chest pain. This can be a sudden, sharp and stabbing pain behind your breastbone or more of a dull ache. The pain is often worse when lying down or breathing in, and better when sitting up. Pericarditis is not usually a serious condition and may be treated on an outpatient basis

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of a partially erupted tooth, including the gingiva (gums) and the dental follicle.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves in the body's extremities – such as the hands, feet and arms – are damaged. The symptoms depend on which nerves are affected. Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Deposits of fat build-up in the arteries restricting the blood supply to the leg muscles. This process is called atherosclerosis. PAD is more common with age and affects around 1 in 5 over 70s. Men tend to develop PAD earlier than women.

Pernicious Anaemia

Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. Antibodies attack the gastric parietal cells so that not enough intrinsic factor is made. Without intrinsic factor vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed from the stomach.

Phenylketonuria

This is an inborn error of metabolism that results in decreased metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. Untreated PKU can lead to intellectual disability, seizures, behavioural problems, and mental disorders. It may also result in a musty smell and lighter skin.

Pheochromocytoma

A phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour of the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys.They are usually non-cancerous (benign), although around one in 10 are cancerous.Phaeochromocytomas can develop at any age, including in babies and children.

Phimosis and Paraphimosis (Penis Disorders)

Physiologic phimosis occurs naturally in newborn males. Pathologic phimosis defines an inability to retract the foreskin after it was previously retractible or after puberty, usually secondary to distal scarring of the foreskin. Paraphimosis is the entrapment of a retracted foreskin behind the coronal sulcus.

Phobias

A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.Phobias are more pronounced than fears. They develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object. If a phobia becomes very severe, a person may organise their life around avoiding the thing that's causing them anxiety. As well as restricting their day-to-day life, it can also cause a lot of distress.

Pilonidal Cyst

A pilonidal cyst is a small sac inside the skin that is usually located near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks crease. Pilonidal means “nest of hairs.” A pilonidal cyst can contain hair, skin fragments and other abnormal tissue. Anyone can have a pilonidal cyst, but it is more common in young men.

Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when there is "compression" (pressure) on a nerve. The pressure may be the result of repetitive motions. Or it may happen from holding your body in one position for long periods, such as keeping elbows bent while sleeping.

Pinworm Infection

Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infections are the most common worm infection in America.Although any individual may develop a case of pinworms, the infection occurs most frequently in school children between 5 to 10 years of age.

Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition that causes a temporary rash of raised, red scaly patches on the body. It can affect anyone, but it's more common in older children and young adults (aged 10-35).

Plant Thorn Synovitis

Plant thorn arthritis is a noninfectious inflammation of a joint as a result of a thorn puncturing the joint and leaving residual plant matter lodged within the joint. Plant thorn arthritis typically affects only a single joint -- the joint that was pierced by the plant thorn.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is inflammation of the tissue (pleura) between the lungs and ribcage. The most common symptom of pleurisy is a sharp chest pain when you breathe deeply. You sometimes also feel pain in your shoulder.The pain may be worse when you cough, sneeze or move around. It may be relieved by taking shallow breaths.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both lungs. It's usually caused by a bacterial infection. At the end of the breathing tubes in your lungs are clusters of tiny air sacs. If you have pneumonia, these tiny sacs become inflamed and fill up with fluid. Anyone can get pneumonia. It's commonly a complication of a respiratory infection—especially the flu—but there are more than 30 different causes of the illness. Older adults, children and people with chronic disease, including COPD and asthma, are at high risk for pneumonia.

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is the medical term for a collapsed lung. Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the space around your lungs, or the pleural space. Air can find its way into the pleural space when there’s an open injury in your chest wall or a tear or rupture in your lung, disrupting the pressure that keeps your lungs inflated

Polio

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system, and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine.

Polyarteritis Nodosa

Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) is a very rare vasculitic disease which affects the medium sized vessels. It can affect any organ in the body but commonly the muscles, joints, intestines, nerves and skin are affected. It can be associated with Hepatitis B virus infection.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic (polly-SIS-tick) kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease. This means that it is caused by a problem with your genes. PKD causes cysts to grow inside the kidneys. These cysts make the kidneys much larger than they should be and damage the tissue that the kidneys are made of. PKD causes chronic kidney disease (CKD) , which can lead to kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Polycystic Ovary

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects one in 10 women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is also a common and treatable cause of infertility.

Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)

Polycythemia is a bone marrow disorder in which the body produces an excessive amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. Blood is carried throughout the body by a system of veins and arteries. When too many red blood cells exist in your blood, they begin to form clots within the blood vessels.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders. Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica usually begin quickly and are worse in the morning. Most people who develop polymyalgia rheumatica are older than 65. It rarely affects people under 50.

Polymyositis

Polymyositis (PM) is a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles (inflammatory myopathy) related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. Its name means "inflammation of many muscles"

Pontiac Fever

Pontiac fever is a mild flu-like illness caused by Legionella bacteria, often affecting previously healthy and young individuals. Symptoms can include fever, headaches and muscle aches but unlike Legionnaires’ disease Pontiac fever does not cause pneumonia.

Porphyria

Porphyria is a group of diseases in which substances called porphyrins build up, affecting the skin or nervous system. The types that affect the nervous system are also known as acute porphyria. Symptoms of acute porphyria include abdominal pain, chest pain, vomiting, confusion, constipation, fever, and seizures. These symptoms typically come and go with attacks that last for days to weeks. Attacks may be triggered by alcohol, smoking, stress, or certain medications. If the skin is affected, blisters or itching may occur with sunlight exposure

Post-Polio Syndrome

Post-polio syndrome is a poorly understood condition that can affect people who have had polio in the past.Polio is a viral infection that used to be common. Post-polio syndrome is where some of the symptoms return or get worse many years or decades after the original polio infection.

Post-herpetic Neuralgia

Post-herpetic neuralgia is a persistent nerve pain that occurs at the site of a previous attack of shingles.It's estimated up to one in every five people with shingles will go on to develop post-herpetic neuralgia, and older people are particularly at risk.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POT Syndrome)

POTS is a form of dysautonomia that affects the flow of blood through the body, thereby causing dizziness when standing. Technically, someone has POTS if their heart rate increases by 30 beats per minute or their heart rate is greater than 120 beats per minute within 10 minutes of standing up.

Prader-Willi Syndrome

PWS is a complex genetic disorder affecting appetite, growth, metabolism, cognitive function and behaviour. It is typically characterized by low muscle tone, short stature (when not treated with growth hormone), incomplete sexual development, cognitive disabilities, behavioural problems, and the hallmark characteristics – chronic feelings of insatiable hunger and a slowed metabolism that can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity. Those who have PWS need intervention and strict external controls, sometimes including padlocking access to food, to maintain normal weight and to help save their lives.

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is when a woman's ovaries stop working before she is 40. POF is different from premature menopause. With premature menopause, your periods stop before age 40. You can no longer get pregnant. The cause can be natural or it can be a disease, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. With POF, some women still have occasional periods. They may even get pregnant. In most cases of POF, the cause is unknown.

Premature Ventricular Contractions

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra, abnormal heartbeats that begin in one of your heart's two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). These extra beats disrupt your regular heart rhythm, sometimes causing you to feel a flip-flop or skipped beat in your chest. Premature ventricular contractions are very common — they occur in most people at some point.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is similar to Premenstrual tension but different. It causes emotional and physical symptoms, like PMS, but women with PMDD find their symptoms debilitating, and they often interfere with their daily lives, including work, school, social life, and relationships.

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name given to the physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms that can occur in the two weeks before a woman's monthly period. It's also known as premenstrual tension (PMT).

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a condition associated with aging of the eye that results in progressively worsening ability to focus clearly on close objects. Symptoms include a hard time reading small print, having to hold reading material farther away, headaches, and eyestrain. Different people will have different degrees of problems. Other types of refractive errors may exist at the same time as presbyopia

Priapism (Penis Disorder)

Priapism is a condition in which a penis remains erect for hours in the absence of stimulation or after stimulation has ended. There are three types: ischemic (low-flow), non-ischemic (high-flow), and recurrent ischemic (intermittent). Most cases are ischemic

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

Primary biliary cirrhosis, sometimes called PBC, is a disease in which the bile ducts in your liver are slowly destroyed. Bile, a fluid produced in your liver, plays a role in digesting food and helps rid your body of worn-out red blood cells, cholesterol and toxins. When bile ducts are damaged, as in primary biliary cirrhosis, harmful substances can build up in your liver and sometimes lead to irreversible scarring of liver tissue

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

PSC is an uncommon chronic liver disease in which the bile ducts inside and outside the liver progressively decrease in size due to inflammation and scarring (fibrosis). The disease may occur alone, but frequently is associated with inflammatory diseases of the colon, especially chronic ulcerative colitis.

Progeria Syndrome

Progeria also known as Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, is an extremely rare, progressive genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly, starting in their first two years of life.

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland found in men that lies between the penis and bladder. It produces fluid that's mixed with sperm to create sem*n. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs you have it for many years.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the prostate gland. It can be very painful and distressing, but will often get better eventually.

Pseudogout

Pseudogout is a form of arthritis that causes pain, stiffness, tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling in some joints. It can affect one or several joints at once. Pseudogout commonly affects the knee or wrist. Less often, it can involve the hips, shoulders, elbows, finger joints, toes, or ankles.

Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a progressive disorder that is characterized by the accumulation of deposits of calcium and other minerals (mineralization) in elastic fibres. Elastic fibres are a component of connective tissue, which provides strength and flexibility to structures throughout the body.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by skin cells that multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As underlying cells reach the skin's surface and die, their sheer volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white scales.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation in your joints. It happens because your immune system is overactive. It affects mostly people who have psoriasis, a skin disease that's also related to the immune system. Sometimes doctors misdiagnose it as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis.

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) are tiny parasitic insects that live on coarse human body hair, such as pubic hair.As well as being found in pubic hair. Unlike head lice, pubic lice don't live in scalp hair. Pubic lice are spread through close bodily contact, most commonly sexual contact.

Pulmonary Edema

Pulmonary Edema is an abnormal amount of fluid in the lungs. This build-up of fluid leads to shortness of breath. It is often caused by congestive heart failure. When the heart is not able to pump efficiently, blood can back up into the veins that take blood through the lungs.As the pressure in these blood vessels increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs. This fluid reduces normal oxygen movement through the lungs. These two factors combine to cause shortness of breath.

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs known as the pulmonary artery. This blockage – usually a blood clot – is potentially life-threatening because it can prevent blood from reaching your lungs.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which the tissue deep in your lungs becomes gradually scarred. Causing the tissues to get thick and stiff. That makes it hard for you to catch your breath, and your blood may not get enough oxygen. Causes of pulmonary fibrosis include environmental pollutants, some medicines, some connective tissue diseases, and interstitial lung disease. In most cases, the cause cannot be found. This is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a life-threatening condition that degenerates over time. Having pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) means that you have high blood pressure in the arteries that go from your heart to your lungs . It's different from having regular high blood pressure. With PAH, the tiny arteries in your lungs become narrow or blocked. It's harder for blood to flow through them, and that raises the blood pressure in your lungs. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood through those arteries, and after a while the heart muscle gets weak. Eventually, it can lead to heart failure.

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Q Fever

Q fever is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The bacteria are most commonly found in cattle, sheep, and goats. Humans typically get Q fever when they breathe in dust that was contaminated by infected animals. Farmers, veterinarians, and people who work with these animals in labs are at the highest risk of being infected. The highest amounts of bacteria are found in the "birth products" (placenta, amniotic fluid) of infected animals. The disease may cause mild symptoms similar to the flu. However, many people have no symptoms at all. Mild forms of the disease may clear up in a few weeks without any treatment.

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Rabies Virus

Rabies is a life-threatening condition that causes tens of thousands of deaths worldwide every year. Dogs are the most common source. It is caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. The virus is transmitted to humans via bites and scratches from infected animals. Rabies can be treated with the rabies vaccine if you seek medical attention as soon as you think you might have symptoms.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a condition due to a compressed nerve in the spine that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the course of the nerve. Radiculopathy can occur in any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back (lumbar radiculopathy) and in the neck (cervical radiculopathy). It is less commonly found in the middle portion of the spine (thoracic radiculopathy).

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Ramsay Hunt syndrome, or Herpes Zoster Oticus is a neurological disorder in which the Varicella-zoster virus infects specific nerves in the head - it is an infection of the facial nerve.The Varicella-zoster virus can also cause chicken pox. Patients who have had chicken pox carry the dormant virus in their nerves. Some years later it may become active again, infecting the facial nerve, causing Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body – usually the fingers and toes. Raynaud’s is usually triggered by cold temperatures, anxiety or stress. The condition occurs because your blood vessels go into a temporary spasm, which blocks the flow of blood.

Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis (joint disease due to inflammation). It occurs in reaction to an infection by certain bacteria. Most often, these bacteria are in the genitals (Chlamydia trachomatis) or the bowel (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia).. If you develop arthritis within one month of diarrhoea or a genital infection – especially with a you may have reactive arthritis.

Rectal Polyps

Colorectal polyps are commonly found during standard screening exams of the colon (large intestine) and rectum (the bottom section of your colon). Polyps are abnormal growths that start in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps are flat while others have a stalk.

Relapsing Polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis is a multi-systemic condition characterized by inflammation and deterioration of cartilage. The often painful disease can cause joint deformity and be life-threatening if the respiratory tract, heart valves or blood vessels are affected. The exact mechanism is poorly understood, but it is thought to be related to an immune-mediated attack on particular proteins that are abundant in cartilage.

Renal Artery Stenosis

Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of arteries that carry blood to one or both of the kidneys. Most often seen in older people with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), renal artery stenosis can worsen over time and often leads to hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney damage.

Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs)

Repetitive motion disorders (RMDs) are a family of muscular conditions that result from repeated motions performed in the course of normal work or daily activities. RMDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, epicondylitis, ganglion cyst, tenosynovitis, and trigger finger.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It's so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus can also infect adults. In adults and older, healthy children, the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus are mild and typically mimic the common cold. Self-care measures are usually all that's needed to relieve any discomfort.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that causes an urge to move the legs. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder. In most cases, doctors do not know the cause of restless legs syndrome; however, they suspect that genes play a role

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

RCM is a form of cardiomyopathy in which the walls are rigid,[2] and the heart is restricted from stretching and filling with blood properly. Rhythmicity and contractility of the heart may be normal, but the stiff walls of the heart chambers (atria and ventricles) keep them from adequately filling, reducing preload and end-diastolic volume.

Retinal Detachment

This serious eye condition happens when your retina -- a layer of tissue at the back of your eye that processes light -- pulls away from the tissue around it. Since the retina can't work properly when this happens, you could have permanent vision loss if you don’t get it treated right away.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive peripheral vision loss and night vision difficulties (nyctalopia) that can lead to central vision loss. There is currently no cure for RP; therefore, therapies are limited

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare form of cancer that rapidly develops from the immature cells of a retina, the light-detecting tissue of the eye. It is the most common malignant cancer of the eye in children, and it is almost exclusively found in young children. Though most children survive this cancer, they may lose their vision in the affected eye(s) or need to have the eye removed.

Reye's Syndrome

Reye's syndrome is a very rare disorder that can cause serious liver and brain damage. If it's not treated promptly, it may lead to permanent brain injury or death.Reye's syndrome mainly affects children and young adults under 20 years of age. The exact cause of Reye's syndrome is unknown, but it most commonly affects children and young adults recovering from a viral infection – typically, but not exclusively, a cold, flu or chickenpox. In most cases, aspirin has been used to treat their symptoms, so aspirin may trigger Reye's syndrome.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fibre contents into the blood. When muscle is damaged, a protein called myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. It is then filtered out of the body by the kidneys. Myoglobin breaks down into substances that can damage kidney cells.

Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is a serious complication that can develop following an untreated throat infection (by a type of bacteria called group A streptococcus). The symptoms of rheumatic fever include joint pain and swelling (arthritis) and inflammation of the heart, which can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.Symptoms usually last around four weeks, but can sometimes persist for several months.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. It is triggered by a faulty immune system (the body’s defense system) targeting your joint linings and affects the wrist and small joints of the hand, including the knuckles and the middle joints of the fingers

Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, mould, or flakes of skin from certain animals. It's a very common condition, estimated to affect around one in every five people in the UK.

Rib Fracture

Broken (fractured) or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall or blow to the chest, or occasionally by severe coughing. They can be very painful, but will normally improve within about three to six weeks. Ribs can't be easily splinted or supported like other bones, so they're usually left to heal naturally.

Rib Inflammation (Costochondritis)

Costochondritis is inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join the costal cartilage that attaches them to the breastbone (sternum). Costochondritis causes localized chest wall pain and tenderness that can be reproduced by pushing on the involved cartilage in the front of the rib cage. It usually resolves without treatment

Rickets

Rickets is a condition that affects bone development in children. A lack of vitamin D or calcium is the most common cause of rickets. It causes the bones to become soft and weak, which can lead to bone deformities.Rickets in adults is known as osteomalacia or soft bones. Rickets can cause bone pain, poor growth and deformities of the skeleton, such as bowed legs, curvature of the spine, and thickening of the ankles, wrists and knees. Children with rickets are also more likely to fracture their bones

Ringworm

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin. The name “ringworm” is a misnomer, since the infection is caused by a fungus, not a worm. Ringworm infection can affect both humans and animals. The infection initially presents with red patches on affected areas of the skin and later spreads to other parts of the body. The infection may affect the skin of the scalp, feet, groin, beard, or other areas.

Roseola

Roseola is a generally mild infection that usually affects children by age 2. It occasionally affects adults. Roseola is so common that most children have been infected with roseola by the time they enter kindergarten.Two common strains of herpes virus cause roseola. The condition typically causes several days of fever, followed by a rash. Some children develop only a very mild case of roseola and never show any clear indication of illness, while others experience the full range of signs and symptoms.

Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often worsens when you try to sleep on the involved side.Rotator cuff injuries occur most often in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs or sports.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a virus that causes gastroenteritis. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Most children are likely to be infected with rotavirus before their 5th birthday.Infections happen most often in the winter and spring. It is very easy for children with the virus to spread it to other children and sometimes to adults. Once a child gets the virus, it takes about two days to become sick. Vomiting and diarrhoea may last from three to eight days.

Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome (RTS)

RTS is a rare genetic disorder that can affect many parts of the body. The disorder is characterised by distinctive abnormalities of the skin, sparse hair, eyelashes and/or eyebrows, small stature, skeletal and dental abnormalities. People with this condition typically develop redness on the cheeks between ages 3 months and 6 months. Over time the rash spreads to the arms and legs, causing patchy changes in skin colouring, areas of skin tissue degeneration (atrophy), and small clusters of enlarged blood vessels just under the skin (telangiectases). These skin problems persist for life, and are collectively known as poikiloderma.

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Sacroiliac Joint Pain (Sacroiliitis)

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is located at the lower end of the spine(sacrum) and joins the spine to the pelvis (the iliac bones) on either side. The sacroiliac joint is prone to wear and inflammation causing pain. SIJ pain is a common cause of low back pain and/or buttock pain on one side or both with 15-25% of patients with low back pain being affected. Sacroiliac joint pain can be treated in different ways. Some treatments aim to alleviate the pain, others to correct the underlying pathology

Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer is a rare form of cancer that begins in the salivary glands. Salivary gland cancer can begin in any of the salivary glands in your mouth, neck or throat. Salivary glands make saliva, which aids in digestion, keeps your mouth moist and supports healthy teeth. You have three pairs of major salivary glands under and behind your jaw — parotid, sublingual and submandibular. Many other tiny salivary glands are in your lips, inside your cheeks, and throughout your mouth and throat. Salivary gland cancer most commonly occurs in the parotid gland, which is just in front of the ear. Treatment for salivary gland cancer often involves surgery. Other treatments for salivary gland cancer may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Salmonella Food Poisoning (Salmonellosis)

Salmonella bacteria can cause food poisoning. Here's what you should know if you think you've been infected. What are the symptoms and how long do they last? Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. On average, it takes from 12 to 72 hours for the symptoms to develop after swallowing an infectious dose of salmonella. Symptoms usually last for four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. But if you become seriously ill, you may need hospital care because the dehydration caused by the illness can be life-threatening.

SAPHO Syndrome

This is a chronic disorder that involves the skin, bone, and joints. SAPHO is an acronym for the combination of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis.

Synovitis means inflammation of the joint lining (synovium). Typically, this is manifests as warmth, tenderness, pain, swelling, and stiffness of involved joints (arthritis).

Acne is a skin condition featuring tiny areas of inflammation with pus formation at the hair follicles. Acne occurs most commonly on the face and upper back.

Pustulosis is a very inflammatory skin condition resulting in large fluid-filled blister-like areas (pustules), typically on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. The skin of these areas peels and flakes (exfoliates).

Hyperostosis means abnormal excessive growth of bone. The hyperostosis of the SAPHO syndrome frequently is located at the points of the bone where tendons attach, generally in the chest wall.

Osteitis means inflammation of the bone. Patients with SAPHO syndrome can develop inflammation of the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis) as well as inflammation of the spine (spondylitis) which leads to stiffness and pain

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that causes small patches of red and swollen tissue, called granulomas, to develop in the organs of the body. It usually affects the lungs and skin.

The symptoms of sarcoidosis depend on which organs are affected, but typically include:

tender, red bumps on the skin shortness of breath and a persistent cough

For many people with sarcoidosis, symptoms often improve without treatment within a few months or years. For these people, the symptoms aren't usually severe. However, a few people find their symptoms develop gradually and get worse over time, to the point where they become severely affected. This is known as chronic sarcoidosis.

Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects around 3% of the UK’s population and involves the speeding up of the bodies usual mechanism for replacing skin. Scalp psoriasis involves thick scales and redness that appear around the scalp, normally becoming itchy and inflamed. Other symptoms include tightness and soreness around the head. The normal treatment options include shampoo that can be use at home, but severe scalp psoriasis normally has to be treated by a dermatologist, who may prescribe steroid creams or salicylic acid. Although the condition can return multiple times, it rarely lasts for long periods of time and more generally occurs in flare-ups.

Scarlet Fever (Scarlatina)

Scarlet fever, also called scarlatina, is an infection that causes a blotchy, pink-red rash. It's most common in young children, but can affect people of any age. It isn't usually serious and can be treated with antibiotics from your GP. Once you've had it, you're unlikely to get it again. The Symptoms of scarlet fever develop within a week of being infected.Early signs include a sore throat, a headache, a high temperature (38.3C/101F or above), swollen glands in the neck and being sick. This may be followed by a rash on the body, a red face and a white or red tongue:

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis (also known as Bilharzia) is a tropical disease caused by a parasitic infection with worms from the Schistosomatidae family. About 200 million people are infected with schistosomiasis worldwide. Schistosomiasis can be 'acute' or 'chronic'. Many people do not develop symptoms of acute schistosomiasis, or their symptoms may be mild and go unrecognised. Chronic schistosomiasis can produce symptoms months or years after infection. Diagnosis is usually made by testing your urine or faeces or through a blood test.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a medical condition characterized by pain going down the leg from the lower back.[1] This pain may go down the back, outside, or front of the leg. Typically, symptoms are only on one side of the body. Certain causes, however, may result in pain on both sides. Lower back pain is sometimes but not always present. Weakness or numbness may occur in various parts of the affected leg and foot.

Scleritis

The sclera is the protective outer layer of the eye, which is also the white part of the eye. It’s connected to muscles that help the eye move. About 83 percent of the eye surface is the sclera.

Scleritis is a disorder in which the sclera becomes severely inflamed and red. It can be very painful. Scleritis is believed to be the result of the body’s immune system overreacting. The type of scleritis you have depends on the location of the inflammation. Most people feel severe pain with the condition, but there are exceptions. Early treatment with medication is necessary to prevent scleritis from progressing. Serious, untreated cases can lead to partial or complete vision loss.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an uncommon condition that results in hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with internal organs and blood vessels. It is caused by the immune system attacking the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas.There are several different types of scleroderma that can vary in severity. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problem

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side. It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10-15.Scoliosis doesn't normally improve without treatment, but it isn't usually a sign of anything serious and treatment isn't always needed if it's mild.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest. Seborrheic dermatitis may go away without treatment.

Sepsis (Blood poisoning)

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infection when the body's immune defences react in an extreme way. It occurs when the response of the immune system to infection damages the body.Sepsis can occur as a result of problems spreading from other parts of the body, such as chest infections, urinary infections, ulcers bursting in the stomach, or cuts and bites on the skin.Sepsis is sometimes referred to as septicaemia or blood poisoning, but strictly speaking septicaemia means invasion of bacteria into the bloodstream, whereas sepsis can affect organs inside the body without blood poisoning.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by the SARS coronavirus, known as SARS CoV. Coronaviruses commonly cause infections in both humans and animals.There have been two self-limiting SARS outbreaks to date, which resulted in a highly contagious and potentially life threatening form of pneumonia. These both occurred from 2002 to 2004.Since 2004, there haven't been any known cases of SARS reported anywhere in the world.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites, yeast, and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STDs, including Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby. Antibiotics can treat STDs caused by bacteria, yeast, or parasites. There is no cure for STDs caused by a virus, but medicines can often help with the symptoms and keep the disease under control. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken baby syndrome — also known as abusive head trauma, shaken impact syndrome, inflicted head injury or whiplash shake syndrome — is a serious brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking an infant or toddler. Shaken baby syndrome destroys a child's brain cells and prevents his or her brain from getting enough oxygen. Shaken baby syndrome is a form of child abuse that can result in permanent brain damage or death.

Shigella Infection

Shigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal disease caused by a family of bacteria known as shigella. The main sign of shigella infection is diarrhoea, which often is bloody.Shigella can be passed through direct contact with the bacteria in the stool. For example, this can happen in a child care setting when staff members don't wash their hands well enough after changing diapers or helping toddlers with toilet training. Shigella bacteria also can be passed in contaminated food or by drinking or swimming in contaminated water. Children between the ages of 2 and 4 are most likely to get shigella infection.

Shin Splints

Shin splints is the name for pain in the shins, or the front of the lower legs, usually caused by exercise. They're common in people who do a lot of running or other activities that involve repeatedly putting weight on the legs, such as tennis or basketball. They aren't usually serious, but can stop you from exercising and may get worse if you ignore them. It's important not to run through the pain. They can usually be treated at home and should start to get better within a few weeks

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.It's estimated around one in every four people will have at least one episode of shingles during their life. The main symptom of shingles is pain, followed by a rash that develops into itchy blisters, similar in appearance to chickenpox.

Shoulder Bursitis

Bursitis is typically identified by localized pain or swelling, tenderness, and pain with motion of the tissues in the affected area. X-ray testing can sometimes detect calcifications in the bursa when bursitis has been chronic or recurrent. MRI scanning (magnetic resonance imaging) can also define bursitis. Shoulder bursitis is often accompanied by tendinitis of tendons adjacent to the affected bursa in the shoulder. Shoulder bursitis causes focal tenderness of the inflamed tissues. It can also cause a "pinching" pain when the elbow is moved away from the body, referred to as an "impingement" sign

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of inherited conditions that affect the red blood cells. The most serious type is called sickle cell anaemia.Sickle cell disease mainly affects people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Eastern Mediterranean and Asian origin. In the UK, it's particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background.People with sickle cell disease produce unusually shaped red blood cells that can cause problems because they don't live as long as healthy blood cells and they can become stuck in blood vessels.

Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches cause a dull, throbbing pain in the upper half of the face, and are caused by sinus inflammation and infections. Sinus headaches are often mistaken for migraine or tension headaches. The sinuses are the air-filled spaces behind the forehead, cheekbones and the bridge of the nose. When an infection, such as a cold or sinusitis, causes swelling or inflammation, the normal flow of mucus through the sinuses gets blocked. Pressure then builds-up, causing the sinus headache.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition where the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen. Your sinuses are the air-filled spaces within the bones of your face, around your nose.When the lining of your sinuses becomes swollen and inflamed, this can block them and close the openings that lead to your nose. When this happens, air and mucus gets trapped inside your sinuses. This can be painful and gives you a congested or ‘blocked up’ feeling.

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. Sjogren's syndrome often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased production of tears and saliva.Although you can develop Sjogren's syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer includes basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancers and other rare types. They tend to develop most often on skin that's exposed to the sun. There is a high cure rate for these cancers, so it is important that you check your skin regularly.

Skin Pigmentation Problems

Pigmentation means colouring. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the colour of your skin. Your skin gets its colour from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the skin make melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body. If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. Pregnancy, Addison's disease, and sun exposure all can make your skin darker. If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter. Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin. Albinism is a genetic condition affecting a person's skin. A person with albinism may have no colour, lighter than normal skin colour, or patchy missing skin colour. Infections, blisters and burns can also cause lighter skin.

Skin Tag

Skin tags are small, soft, skin-coloured growths that hang off the skin and look a bit like warts. They're very common, harmless, and can vary in colour and size – from a few millimetres up to 5cm (about 2 inches) wide. Skin tags are usually found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. They can also grow on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks.

Skull Fracture

A skull fracture is when bone in the skull has been broken by an injury or trauma. As the skull is very strong, it takes a lot of force to damage it. This might be from falling from a height, a car accident or a direct blow to the head.

Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is defined as the cessation of airflow during sleep preventing air from entering the lungs caused by an obstruction. These periods of 'stopping breathing' only become clinically significant if the cessation lasts for more than 10 seconds each time and occur more than 5 times every hour. OSA only happens during sleep, as it is a lack of muscle tone in your upper airway that causes the airway to collapse. During the day we have sufficient muscle tone to keep the airway open allowing for normal breathing. When you experience an episode of apnoea during sleep your brain will automatically wake you up, usually with a very loud snore or snort, in order to breathe again.

Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is when someone walks or carries out complex activities while not fully awake. It usually occurs during a period of deep sleep. This is at its height during the early part of the night, so it tends to occur in the first few hours after falling asleep.Sleepwalking can start at any age, but is more common in children. It’s thought that at least 20% of children will sleepwalk at least once. Most will grow out of it by the time they reach puberty, but it can sometimes persist into adult life.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Bacterial overgrowth syndrome (BOS) is a term that describes clinical manifestations that occur when the normally low number of bacteria that inhabit the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and proximal ileum significantly increases or becomes overtaken by other pathogens.

Smallpox

Smallpox is a contagious, disfiguring and often deadly disease that has affected humans for thousands of years. Naturally occurring smallpox was eradicated worldwide by 1980 — the result of an unprecedented global immunization campaign. No cure or treatment for smallpox exists. A vaccine can prevent smallpox, but the risk of the vaccine's side effects is too high to justify routine vaccination for people at low risk of exposure to the smallpox virus.

Snoring

Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. In some cases, the sound may be soft, but in most cases, it can be loud and unpleasant. Snoring during sleep may be a sign, or first alarm, of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Research suggests that snoring is one of the factors of sleep deprivation.

Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home.Sore throat symptoms include pain, burning or scratching sensations at the back of the throat, pain when swallowing, and tenderness in the neck. Sore throat symptoms may be accompanied by: coughing, sneezing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Spina Bifida and Anencephaly

The name spina bifida means split or divided spine and is used to describe a neural tube defect that affects the spine. If the neural tube fails to close in an area that goes on to develop into the spine the protective bones surrounding the spinal cord (vertebra) are unable to fuse together properly. As a result the spinal cord and its protective sac (meninges) may be pushed through the open part of the spine.The symptoms associated with spina bifida vary depending on where in the spine the opening has occurred and how much of the spinal cord and/or protective sac are pushed through this opening. Generally, the condition is more severe if the opening is above the base of the spine and if the spinal cord is pushed through the opening.

Spinal Headaches

Spinal headaches are caused by leakage of spinal fluid through a puncture hole in the tough membrane (dura mater) that surrounds the spinal cord. This leakage decreases the pressure exerted by the spinal fluid on the brain and spinal cord, which leads to a headache. Spinal headaches typically appear within 48 hours after a spinal tap or spinal anaesthesia.

Sometimes epidural anaesthesia may lead to a spinal headache as well. Although epidural anaesthetic is injected just outside the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord, a spinal headache is possible if the membrane is unintentionally punctured.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one bone in your back (vertebra) slides forward over the bone below it. It most often occurs in the lower spine (lumbosacral area). In some cases, this may lead to your spinal cord or nerve roots being squeezed. This can cause back pain and numbness or weakness in one or both legs. In rare cases, it can also lead to losing control over your bladder or bowels.

Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis (also known as "rose gardener's disease") is a disease caused by the infection of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. This fungal disease usually affects the skin, although other rare forms can affect the lungs, joints, bones, and even the brain. Because roses can spread the disease, it is one of a few diseases referred to as rose-thorn or rose-gardeners' disease.]Because S. schenckii is naturally found in soil, hay, sphagnum moss, and plants, it usually affects farmers, gardeners, and agricultural workers. It enters through small cuts and abrasions in the skin to cause the infection

Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle occurs when your ankle ligaments are overstretched. Ankle sprains vary in their severity, from mild "twisted ankle" or "rolled ankle" sprain through to severe complete ligament ruptures, avulsion fractures or broken bones.

Staph Infection

Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, types of germs commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even healthy individuals. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or result in relatively minor skin infections.But staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart. A growing number of otherwise healthy people are developing life-threatening staph infections.Treatment usually involves antibiotics and drainage of the infected area. However, some staph infections no longer respond to common antibiotics.

Stiff-Person Syndrome

Stiff-Person syndrome: a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease, characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and an enhanced sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress. Muscle spasms may also be present as a result of the sensitivity to various stimuli, leading to abnormal postures and stiffening. Stiff-Person syndrome (SPS) is more common in women than in men and is often associated with other autoimmune diseases including, pernicious anemia, diabetes, vitiligo, and thyroiditis. The exact cause of Stiff-Person syndrome is unknown, but it appears to result from an autoimmune reaction.

Still's Disease

Adult Still's disease is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis that features fevers, rash and joint pain. Some people have just one episode of adult Still's disease. In other people, the condition persists or recurs. This inflammation can destroy affected joints, particularly the wrists. Treatment involves medications, such as prednisone, that help control inflammation

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a fairly uncommon type of cancer. The initial symptoms of stomach cancer are vague and easy to mistake for other less serious conditions. They include:persistent indigestion and heartburn, trapped wind and frequent burping, feeling very full or bloated after meals, persistent stomach pain, weight lossAs the early symptoms of stomach cancer are similar to those of many other conditions, the cancer is often advanced by the time it's diagnosed. It's therefore important to get any possible symptoms of stomach cancer checked by your GP as soon as possible.

Stool Colour Changes

This is due to the presence of bile in the stool. Normal stool colour can range from light yellow to brown to almost black. If stool is red, maroon, black, clay-coloured, pale, yellow, or green this may signify a problem. Treatment for changes in stool colour depends upon on the cause and can vary widely.

Strabismus

Strabismus, more commonly known as cross-eyed or wall-eyed, is a vision condition in which a person cannot align both eyes simultaneously under normal conditions. One or both of the eyes may turn in, out, up or down. An eye turn may be constant (when the eye turns all of the time) or intermittent (turning only some of the time).

Streptococcal Infections

Streptococcal infections are any type of infection caused by the streptococcus ("strep") group of bacteria. There are many different types of Streptococci bacteria, and infections vary in severity from mild throat infections to life-threatening infections of the blood or organs. Most streptococcal infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Stress

Stress is a response to pressure or threat. Under stress we may feel tense, nervous, or on edge. The stress response is physical, too. Stress triggers a surge of a hormone called adrenaline that temporarily affects the nervous system.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are narrow streaks or lines that occur on the surface of the skin. Doctors often refer to stretch marks as striae, striae or – during pregnancy – striae gravidarum. Stretch marks are often red or purple to start with, before gradually fading to a silvery-white colour. They're usually long and thin.

Stuttering

Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder in which the flow of speech is disrupted by involuntary repetitions and prolongations of sounds, syllables, words or phrases as well as involuntary silent pauses or blocks in which the person who stutters is unable to produce sounds.[1] The term stuttering is most commonly associated with involuntary sound repetition, but it also encompasses the abnormal hesitation or pausing before speech, referred to by people who stutter as blocks, and the prolongation of certain sounds, usually vowels or semivowels.

Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

A subconjunctival haemorrhage occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of your eye (conjunctiva). The conjunctiva can't absorb blood very quickly, so the blood gets trapped. You may not even realize you have a subconjunctival haemorrhage until you look in the mirror and notice the white part of your eye is bright red.

Sunburn and Sun Poisoning

This doesn’t really mean you've been poisoned. It is often the term used for a severe case of sunburn. This is usually a burn from ultraviolet (UV) radiation that inflames your skin.Symptoms of Sun PoisoningWithin just 15 minutes of being in the sun, you can be sunburned. But you might not know it right away. The redness and discomfort might not show up for a few hours.You can become severely sunburned if you stay in the sun a long time and don't wear protection. You are more likely to sunburn if you have light skin and fair hair.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

The superior vena cava is the larger of the two veins that transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The superior vena cava carries used blood from the head and upper body to the right atrium (upper chamber) of the heart. This vein is in the middle of the chest and is surrounded by lymph nodes. Superior vena cava syndrome is the name given to the symptoms that occur when the blood flow through the superior vena cava is blocked or compressed. These symptoms include breathing problems, light-headedness, and swelling in the upper body.

Swollen Ankles and Swollen Feet

Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common and usually not cause for concern, particularly if you have been standing or walking a lot. But feet and ankles that stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms could signal a serious health problem. WebMD looks at some possible causes of foot and ankle swelling and offers advice on when to call the doctor.Various Conditions may cause this:
Pregnancy complications
Foot or ankle injury
Lymphoedema. This is a collection of lymphatic fluid in the tissues that can develop because of the absence of or problems with the lymph vessels or after the removal of lymph nodes.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. They become swollen in response to infection and tumours. Lymphatic fluid circulates through the lymphatic system, which is made of channels throughout your body that are similar to blood vessels. The lymph nodes are glands that store white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for killing invading organisms. The lymph nodes act like a military checkpoint. When bacteria, viruses, and abnormal or diseased cells pass through the lymph channels, they are stopped at the node. When faced with infection or illness, the lymph nodes accumulate debris, such as bacteria and dead or diseased cells.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that's usually caught by having sex with someone who's infected.It's important to get tested and treated as soon as possible if you think you might have syphilis, as it can cause serious problems if it's left untreated. It can usually be cured with a short course of antibiotics.

Systemic Lupus

Lupus is one of many disorders of the immune system known as autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. This leads to inflammation and damage to various body tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Although people with the disease may have many different symptoms, some of the most common ones include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. At present, there is no cure for lupus.

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Tachycardia (Heart Rhythm Disorders)

Tachycardia is a common type of heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) in which the heart beats faster than normal while at rest. It's normal for your heart rate to rise during exercise or as a physiological response to stress, trauma or illness (sinus tachycardia). But in tachycardia, the heart beats faster than normal in the upper or lower chambers of the heart or both while at rest.

Takayasu's Arteritis

Arteritis is a general term that refers to the inflammation of arteries -- blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart and to the rest of the body. A closely related condition called vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels in general -- including veins and arteries. Takayasu's arteritis is an uncommon condition in which inflammation damages large and medium-sized arteries. The arteries most commonly affected are the branches of the aorta (the main blood vessel that leaves the heart), including the blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and travel through the neck to provide blood to the brain. The aorta itself is also often affected.

Taste Disorders

There are three types of taste disorders Ageusia - Inability to taste Hypogeusia - Decreased ability to taste Dysgeusia – Distorted ability to taste Impaired taste means that your sense of taste is not functioning properly. Impaired taste can refer to the absence of taste. It can also refer to an altered sense, such as a metallic taste in the mouth. Most people only experience impaired taste temporarily, and only lose part of their ability to taste. It’s very rare to lose your sense of taste completely. Loss of smell and/or taste has been linked to inadequate nutritional intake, reduced social pleasure, and decreased psychological wellbeing.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth together during the day, or clench or grind them at night (sleep bruxism).Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. People who clench or grind their teeth (brux) during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing (sleep apnoea). Mild bruxism may not require treatment. However, in some people, bruxism can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems

Teething

Teething is a normal process that infants go through as their teeth break, or cut, through their gums. Babies start teething when they are between 4 and 7 months old. By the time a child is 3, they should have a first or primary set of 20 teeth. Having teeth means your child will be able to eat a bigger variety of foods, but the process of tooth cutting can be painful for the baby.

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, means that the hinge connecting the upper and lower jaw isn't working properly. This hinge is one of the most complex joints in the body, responsible for moving the lower jaw forward, backward and side-to-side. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working as it should is called TMJ. Often, TMJ feels like your jaw is popping or clicking or even "getting stuck" for a moment. The exact cause of this misalignment is often impossible to determine.

Tennis Elbow (Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is the common name given to a condition known as lateral epicondylitis. Lateral epicondylitis results from overusing muscles in the arm and forearm. It is usually caused by repeatedly performing a specific motion (such as a tennis backswing), and results in elbow pain that can worsen gradually if not properly treated.

Tension Headache

Tension headache, also known as tension-type headache, is the most common type of primary headache. The pain can radiate from the lower back of the head, the neck, eyes, or other muscle groups in the body typically affecting both sides of the head. Tension-type headaches account for nearly 90% of all headaches.Pain medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are effective for the treatment of tension headache

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men 15-34 years of age. The two main types of testicular tumours are seminoma and nonseminoma. Nonseminomas tend to grow and spread more quickly than seminomas. The most common sign of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in the testicl*. Most testicular cancers can be cured, even if they are diagnosed at an advanced stage

Testicular Disorders

Some of the more common conditions that affect the testicl*s include testicular trauma, testicular torsion, testicular cancer, epididymitis, and hypogonadism.

Tetanus

Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is caused by a bacterium that is mostly present in soil, manure, and in the digestive tracts of animals and humans. Tetanus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. The bacteria often enter the body through a puncture wound, which can be a small as a pin prick, or larger ones made by metal objects.

Tetrahydrobiopterin Deficiency

Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency is a rare disorder characterized by a shortage of a molecule called tetrahydrobiopterin or BH4. This condition also alters the levels of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. Infants with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency appear normal at birth, but medical problems ranging from mild to severe become apparent over time. Signs and symptoms of this condition can include intellectual disability, progressive problems with development, movement disorders, difficulty swallowing, seizures, behavioural problems, and an inability to control body temperature.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a term used to describe a group of disorders that occur when there is compression, injury, or irritation of the nerves and/or blood vessels (arteries and veins) in the lower neck and upper chest area. Thoracic outlet syndrome is named for the space (the thoracic outlet) between your lower neck and upper chest where this grouping of nerves and blood vessels is found.

Throat Cancer (Larynx Cancer)

Throat cancer is often grouped into two categories: pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer. Pharyngeal cancer forms in the pharynx. This is the hollow tube that runs from behind your nose to the top of your windpipe. Laryngeal cancer forms in the larynx, which is your voice box. Men are more likely to develop throat cancer than women. Certain lifestyle habits increase the risk of developing cancer of the throat, including:Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, vitamin A deficiency, exposure to asbestos, poor dental hygiene. If diagnosed early, throat cancer has a high cure rate.

Thrombophlebitis (Vein Inflammation)

Thrombophlebitis is an inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in your legs. The affected vein might be near the surface of your skin (superficial thrombophlebitis) or deep within a muscle (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). Causes include trauma, surgery or prolonged inactivity.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a disease that you get when abnormal cells begin to grow in your thyroid gland.The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located in the front of your neck. It makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy and that help your body work normally. Thyroid cancer is an uncommon type of cancer. Most people who have it do very well, because the cancer is usually found early and the treatments are effective.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. It’s part of an intricate network of glands called the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for coordinating many of the body's activities. The thyroid gland manufactures hormones that regulate the body's metabolism (the process of creating and using energy). There are several different disorders that can arise when the thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism).Four common thyroid disorders include Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, goiter, and thyroid nodules.

Thyroid Nodules

A thyroid nodule is a lump that can develop in your thyroid gland. It can be solid or filled with fluid. You can have a single nodule or a cluster of nodules. Thyroid nodules are relatively common and rarely cancerous.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis refers to several disorders that cause an inflammation of the thyroid, a gland located in the front of your neck below your Adam's apple. The thyroid makes hormones that control metabolism, the pace of your body's processes. Metabolism includes things like your heart rate and how quickly you burn calories.There are several types of thyroiditis.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis: caused by antibodies that attack the thyroid. Results in permanent hypothyroidism, which can be treated.
Subacute thyroiditis: possibly caused by a viral infection.
Silent thyroiditis: shows symptoms of hyperthyroidism, followed by hypothyroidism. Symptoms improve within 12 to 18 months.
Postpartum thyroiditis: caused by antibodies that attack the thyroid after delivery of a child.
Drug-induced thyroiditis
Radiation-induced thyroiditis
Follows treatment with radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism or radiation therapy for certain cancers.
Acute thyroiditis

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor occurs when a yeast, Malassezia grows rapidly on the surface of the skin. Doctors aren’t sure why this happens. Some factors may promote the growth of this yeast on the skin, including:hot and humid weather, excessive sweating, oily skin, a weakened immune system, hormonal changes. Tinea versicolor can occur in people from all ethnic backgrounds, and it’s more common in adolescents and young adults.

Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. A common problem, tinnitus affects about 1 in 5 people. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself — it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder.Although bothersome, tinnitus usually isn't a sign of something serious. Although it can worsen with age, for many people, tinnitus can improve with treatment.

Tongue Problems

Numerous problems can affect your tongue, such as: pain, sores, swelling, changes in taste, changes in colour, changes in textureThese problems often aren’t serious. However, sometimes your symptoms might occur due to an underlying condition that requires medical treatment. You can prevent many tongue problems by practicing good oral hygiene.

Tonsillitis and Adenoids

Tonsils and adenoids are composed of tissue that is similar to the lymph nodes or "glands" found in the neck, groin, and other places in the body. They are part of a "ring" of glandular tissue encircling the back of the throat. The adenoids are located high in the throat behind the nose and soft palate (roof of the mouth) and, unlike tonsils, are not visible through the mouth without special instruments. The tonsils are the two masses of tissue on either side of the back of the throat.

Tonsils and adenoids are strategically located near the entrance to the breathing passages where they can catch incoming infections. They 'sample" bacteria and viruses and can become infected themselves. It is thought that they then help form antibodies to those "germs" as part of the body's immune system to resist and fight future infections.

This function is performed in the first few years of life, but it is less important as the child gets older. In fact, there is no evidence that tonsils or adenoids are important after the age of three. One recent large study showed, by laboratory tests and follow-up examinations, that children who must have their tonsils and adenoids removed suffer no loss whatsoever in their future immunity to disease.

Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess may form if there is tooth decay. It may also occur when a tooth is broken, chipped, or injured in other ways. Openings in the tooth enamel allow bacteria to infect the centre of the tooth (the pulp). Infection may spread from the root of the tooth to the bones supporting the tooth.Infection results in a build-up of pus and tissue swelling within the tooth. This causes a toothache. The toothache may stop if pressure is relieved. But the infection can remain active and continue to spread. This can cause more pain and can destroy tissue.

Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can be a problem for children, teens and adults. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel can break down. This is when cavities can form.

Toothache

A toothache is pain that you feel in or around your tooth. Most often, toothache pain is a sign that there’s something wrong with your tooth or gums. Sometimes, however, toothache pain is referred pain. That means the pain is caused by a problem elsewhere

Torn ACL

An ACL injury is the tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — one of the major ligaments in your knee. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops, jumping or changes in direction — such as basketball, soccer, football, tennis, downhill skiing, volleyball and gymnastics. Many people hear or feel a "pop" in the knee when an ACL injury occurs. Your knee may swell, feel unstable and become too painful to bear weight. Depending on the severity of your ACL injury, treatment may include rest and rehabilitation exercises to help you regain strength and stability or surgery to replace the torn ligament followed by rehabilitation.

Torn Meniscus

A torn meniscus is a painful but treatable knee injury that occurs when the knee is turned with force while also bearing significant weight. Often seen in sports and other physical activities, the injury is a tear of the cartilage in the knee rather than the ligaments themselves. Severe meniscus tears could require some form of surgery on the knee and if so will need specialized rehab before exercise can begin. More minor tears however will take some strengthening, stretching and exercise regimens to return the knee to full form.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Toxic shock syndrome is a sudden, potentially fatal condition. It's caused by the release of poisonous substances from an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, which is found in many women's bodies. Toxic shock syndrome affects menstruating women, especially those who use super-absorbent tampons. The body responds with a sharp drop in blood pressure that deprives organs of oxygen and can lead to death.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Infections with toxoplasmosis usually cause no symptoms in adult humans. Occasionally there may be a few weeks or months of mild flu-like illness such as muscle aches and tender lymph nodes. In a small number of people, eye problems may develop. In those with a weak immune system, severe symptoms such as seizures and poor coordination may occur. If infected during pregnancy, a condition known as congenital toxoplasmosis may affect the child

Trachoma

Trachoma is a contagious bacterial infection which affects the conjunctival covering of the eye, the cornea, and the eyelids. It is often associated with poverty and lack of proper hygiene. Trachoma is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria and is essentially totally preventable and curable. It is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world.Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke)

A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms of a TIA are like other stroke symptoms, but do not last as long. They happen suddenly, and includeNumbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech, Trouble seeing in one or both eyes, Difficulty walking, Dizziness, Loss of balance or coordination. Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may last for up to 24 hours. Because you cannot tell if these symptoms are from a TIA or a stroke, you should go to the hospital right away.

Transverse Fracture

Many different types of fractures or broken bones can occur. One of these is a transverse fracture, which means that the bone is completely broken in a manner that is perpendicular to the way the bone runs. To understand this, a person can stretch out the arm and consider the two main bones in the forearm. A hand on its side across, rather than up and down, the forearm can be used to indicate an imagined bone break; essentially, the break crosses the bone completely, and the bone is separated into two pieces.

Treacher Collins Syndrome

This is a condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues in the face.The signs and symptoms of this disorder vary greatly, ranging from almost unnoticeable to severe. Most individuals have: underdeveloped facial bones, particularly the cheek bones, and A very small jaw and chin (micrognathia).Some people with this condition are also born with an opening in the roof of the mouth called a cleft palate. In severe cases, underdevelopment of the facial bones may restrict an affected infant's airway, causing potentially life-threatening respiratory problems.

Trichinosis

This is a type of roundworm infection. Roundworm parasites use a host body to live and reproduce. The infection is acquired by eating roundworm larvae in raw or undercooked meat. Trichinosis is most widespread in rural areas throughout the world.Trichinosis can be treated with medication, though it's not always necessary. It's also easy to prevent.

Trichom*oniasis Infection

Known as “trich” this is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichom*onas vagin*lis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most women and men who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected. The parasite is passed from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagin*, cervix, or urethra), and in men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra)

Trigeminal neuralgia

This is sudden, severe facial pain. It's often described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums. It usually occurs in short, unpredictable attacks that can last from a few seconds to about two minutes. The attacks stop as suddenly as they start. People with the condition may experience attacks of pain regularly for days, weeks or months at a time.

Trigger Finger

Stenosing tenosynovitis is a condition commonly known as “trigger finger.” And is where one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. The tendons that bend the fingers glide easily with the help of pulleys. These pulleys hold the tendons close to the bone. Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger and stop the tendon doing its job.

Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome)

Trisomy 18, also called Edwards syndrome, is a chromosomal condition associated with abnormalities in many parts of the body. Individuals with trisomy 18 often have slow growth before birth and a low birth weight. Affected individuals may have heart defects and abnormalities of other organs that develop before birth. Other features of trisomy 18 include a small, abnormally shaped head; a small jaw and mouth; and clenched fists with overlapping fingers. Due to the presence of several life-threatening medical problems, many individuals with trisomy 18 die before birth or within their first month

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.Once rare in developed countries, tuberculosis infections began increasing in 1985, partly because of the emergence of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens a person's immune system so it can't fight the TB germs. Many strains of tuberculosis resist the drugs most used to treat the disease. People with active tuberculosis must take several types of medications for many months to eradicate the infection and prevent development of antibiotic resistance.

Tularemia

Tularemia is a rare infectious disease that typically attacks the skin, eyes, lymph nodes and lungs. Tularemia — also called rabbit fever or deer fly fever — is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Tularemia spreads to humans through several routes, including insect bites and direct exposure to an infected animal. Highly contagious and potentially fatal, tularemia usually can be treated effectively with specific antibiotics if diagnosed early.

Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects about 1 in every 2,000 baby girls and only affects females.A girl with Turner syndrome only has one normal X sex chromosome, rather than the usual two (XX). This chromosome variation happens randomly when the baby is conceived in the womb. Almost all girls with Turner syndrome are shorter than average and have underdeveloped ovaries resulting in a lack of monthly periods and infertility.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting many organs. Without prompt treatment, it can cause serious complications and can be fatal. It's caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi, which is related to the bacteria that cause salmonella food poisoning. Typhoid fever is highly contagious. An infected person can pass the bacteria out of their body in their stools (faeces) or, less commonly, in their urine.

Typhus

Typhus, is a series of acute infectious diseases that appear with a sudden onset of headache, chills, fever, and general pains, proceed on the third to fifth day with a rash and toxaemia (toxic substances in the blood), and terminate after two to three weeks. Typhus (actually not one illness but a group of closely related diseases) is caused by different species of rickettsia bacteria that are transmitted to humans by lice, fleas, mites, or ticks.

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Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition, where the colon and rectum become inflamed. The colon is the large intestine (bowel), and the rectum is the end of the bowel where stools are stored. Small ulcers can develop on the colon's lining, and can bleed and produce pus. The primary symptom of active disease is abdominal pain and diarrhoea mixed with blood. Weight loss, fever, and anaemia may also occur.

Upper Respiratory Infection

These are illnesses caused by an acute infection which involves the upper respiratory tract including the nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx. This commonly includes nasal obstruction, sore throats, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and the common cold.

Urethral Cancer

Urethral cancer is a very rare cancer originating from the urethra which is the narrow canal that carries urine from the bladder outside the body The most common type is papillary transitional cell carcinoma.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It's a common problem thought to affect millions of people.Stress incontinence is common, especially among women who have given birth or gone through the menopause. In this case "stress" refers to physical pressure, rather than mental stress. When the bladder and muscles involved in urinary control are placed under sudden extra pressure, the person may urinate involuntarily.urge incontinence when urine leaks as you feel a sudden, intense urge to pass urine, or soon afterwards.

Urinary Retention

Urinary retention, also known as ischuria, is an inability to completely empty the bladder. Anyone can experience urinary retention, but it is most common in men in their fifties and sixties because of prostate enlargement. A woman may experience urinary retention if her bladder sags or moves out of the normal position, a condition called cystocele.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men are. Doctors typically treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics.

Usher Syndrome

Usher syndrome is the most common condition that affects both hearing and vision
Vision: Vision loss in Usher syndrome is caused by a progressive vision disorder known as
Hearing: Children with Usher syndrome are born with or develop hearing loss
Balance: Balance is achieved and maintained through input from your eyes, the vestibular organs in the inner ear and the sensory systems of the body, such as the skin, muscles and joints.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called myomas, uterine fibroids aren't associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer. Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. You may have a single fibroid or multiple ones. In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage.

Uveitis

Uveitis is a general term describing a group of inflammatory diseases that produces swelling and destroys eye tissues. These diseases can slightly reduce vision or lead to severe vision loss. The term “uveitis” is used because the diseases often affect a part of the eye called the uvea. Nevertheless, uveitis is not limited to the uvea. These diseases also affect the lens, retina, optic nerve, and vitreous, producing reduced vision or blindness.

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vagin*l Atrophy

vagin*l atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vagin*l walls due to your body having less estrogen. vagin*l atrophy occurs most often after menopause. For many women, vagin*l atrophy not only makes intercourse painful, but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms.

vagin*l Cancer

Cancer that begins in the vagin* is called primary vagin*l cancer. Cancer that begins in another part of the body – such as the cervix, womb or ovaries – and spreads to the vagin* is known as secondary vagin*l cancer.The vagin* is the canal leading from the cervix (the opening of uterus) to the outside of the body. At birth, a baby passes out of the body through the vagin*.

vagin*l Dryness

vagin*l dryness may be a problem for women at any age, although it occurs more frequently in older women, particularly after menopause.

Vaginitis (vagin*l Inflammation)

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagin* that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the normal balance of vagin*l bacteria or an infection. Reduced oestrogen levels after menopause and some skin disorders can also cause vaginitis.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. The term commonly refers to the veins on the leg, although varicose veins can occur elsewhere. Veins have pairs of leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards (retrograde flow or venous reflux). Leg muscles pump the veins to return blood to the heart (the skeletal-muscle pump), against the effects of gravity. When veins become varicose, the leaflets of the valves no longer meet properly, and the valves do not work (valvular incompetence). This allows blood to flow backwards and they enlarge even more.

Vascular Disease

Vascular disease is an abnormal condition of the blood vessels. Blood vessels (arteries and veins) are the tubes through which blood is pumped throughout the body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to nourish every part of the body, including the brain, kidneys, intestines, arms, legs, and heart itself. Veins carry the blood back to the heart. Problems along this vast network of blood vessels, called the vascular system, can cause severe disability and death.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is an inflammation of your blood vessels. It causes changes in the walls of blood vessels, including thickening, weakening, narrowing and scarring. These changes restrict blood flow, resulting in organ and tissue damage

Ventricular Septal Defect

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) — sometimes referred to as a hole in the heart — is a type of congenital heart defect. In a VSD, there is an abnormal opening in the dividing wall between the main pumping chambers of the heart (the ventricles). VSDs are the most common congenital heart defect, and in most cases they're diagnosed and treated successfully with few or no complications.

Vertebral Fracture

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when the block-like part of an individual bone of the spine (vertebra) become compressed due to trauma. Usually the trauma necessary to break the bones of the spine is quite substantial. In certain circ*mstances, such as in elderly people and in people with cancer, these same bones can be fragile and can break with little or no force. The vertebrae most commonly broken are those in the lower back, but they may break in any portion of the spine.

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu — is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water.

Viral Haemorrhagic Fever

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are illnesses caused by several types of viruses. Some of these viruses cause mild illness. Many others lead to life-threatening diseases with no known cures. One of the best known of this group is the Ebola virus. They generally occur in Africa, South American, and Asia.

Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation due to a viral infection.[ It may present in acute (recent infection, relatively rapid onset) or chronic forms. The most common causes of viral hepatitis are the five unrelated hepatotropic viruses Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E. There is the opportunity to prevent or treat the most common types. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination. Effective treatments for hepatitis C are available.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. We get some of it from food, but most comes from sunlight. Some people don't have enough vitamin D - called vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is also found in oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, eggs, fortified fat spreads, fortified breakfast cereals and powdered milk. However, it is hard to get enough of it just from food.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. It's caused by the lack of melanin, a pigment in the skin. Vitiligo can affect any area of skin, but most commonly occurs on the face, neck and hands, and in skin creases. The pale areas of skin are more vulnerable to sunburn, so it's important to take extra care when in the sun and use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.

Vulvitis (Vulvar Itching)

Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva (the visible external genitalia). It is not a condition or disease; rather, it is a symptom that can result from a number of different causes, including allergies, infections, injuries, and other external irritants. Other vagin*l infections, such as vaginitis or genital herpes, often accompany vulvitis.

Vulvodyni

Women with vulvodynia have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. Until recently, doctors didn’t recognize this as a real pain syndrome.

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Weber-Christian Disease

Panniculitis refers to a broad spectrum of diseases that involve inflammation of the subcutaneous fat layer of the skin. Weber-Christian disease is an eponym for a form of panniculitis. It is characterized by single or multiple, tender or painful bumps below the surface of the skin that usually lead to inflammation of the subcutaneous layer of fat These nodules tend to be 1-2 centimetres large and most often affect the legs and feet. Wegener's Granulomatosis

West Nile Encephalitis

This is a mosquito-borne infection by the West Nile virus. Approximately 80% of West Nile virus infections in humans have few or no symptoms, however it may result an acute inflammation of the brain which requires immediate treatment.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways.It causes repeated coughing bouts that can last for two to three months or more, and can make babies and young children in particular very ill. It is characterised by the sound of the coughing. Whooping cough is spread in the droplets of the coughs or sneezes of someone with the infection.

Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body. This condition is characterised by mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems, unique personality characteristics, distinctive facial features, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) problems.

People with Williams syndrome typically have difficulty with visual-spatial tasks such as drawing and assembling puzzles, but they tend to do well on tasks that involve spoken language, music, and learning by repetition (rote memorization). Affected individuals have outgoing, engaging personalities and tend to take an extreme interest in other people.

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a condition characterized by abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause a disruption of the heart's normal rhythm (arrhythmia).People with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are born with an extra connection in the heart, called an accessory pathway, that allows electrical signals to bypass the atrioventricular node and move from the atria to the ventricles faster than usual

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X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia (XLA)

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a condition that affects the immune system and occurs almost exclusively in males. People with XLA have very few B cells, which are specialized white blood cells that help protect the body against infection. Individuals with XLA are more susceptible to infections because their body makes very few antibodies.

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Yaws

Yaws is a chronic infection common in children which affects mainly the skin, bone and cartilage.

The disease occurs mainly in poor communities in warm, humid, tropical areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America. The causative organism is a bacterium called Treponema pertenue, a subspecies of Treponema pallidum that causes venereal syphilis. However, yaws is a non-venereal infection

Yeast Infection

A vagin*l yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagin* and the vulva — the tissues at the vagin*l opening. It's a type of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagin*. vagin*l yeast infection (also called vagin*l candidiasis) affects up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lifetimes.

Other areas the body can suffer a yeast infection include oral yeast infections which become more common with increased age. Adults also can have yeast infections around dentures, in skin folds under the breast and lower abdomen, nailbeds, and beneath other skin folds. Most of these candida infections are superficial and clear up easily with treatment. Infections of the nailbeds often require prolonged therapy.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection that is spread by certain types of mosquito. It’s mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa, South America and parts of the Caribbean. The condition can be prevented with a vaccination and is a very rare cause of illness in travellers.

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Zika Virus Disease

Zika fever is an infectious disease caused by the Zika virus. Most cases have no symptoms, but when present they are usually mild and can resemble dengue fever. Symptoms may include fever, red eyes, joint pain, headache, and a maculopapular rash. It is more serious in pregnant women Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other brain malformations in some babies