A disease is a particular abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of all or part of an organism, and that is not immediately due to any external injury. Diseases are often known to be medical conditions that are associated with specific signs and symptoms. A disease may be caused by external factors such as pathogens or by internal dysfunctions. For example, internal dysfunctions of the immune system can produce a variety of different diseases, including various forms of immunodeficiency, hypersensitivity, allergies and autoimmune disorders.

Health Statistics

• Human potential that is lost due to poor health is immense: The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project aims to quantify this loss by estimating the number of healthy life years lost globally. This metric takes into account both, the human life years lost due to early death and the life years compromised by disease and disability.
• 9 million people died in 2017. If we sum up all life years lost due to premature death – the sum of the differences between each person’s age of death and their life expectancy at that age – we find that the world population lost 1.65 billion years of potential life due to premature death in that year. Disease and disability meant that an additional 853 million years of healthy life years were lost.
• At a global level, in 2017 more than 60 percent of the burden of disease results from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with 28 percent from communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional diseases, and just over 10 percent from injuries.
• At a global level the largest disease burden in 2017 comes from cardiovascular diseases which account for 15 percent of the total. This is followed by cancers (9 percent); neonatal disorders (7 percent); muscoskeletal disorders (6 percent); and mental and substance use disorders (5 percent).
• Overall we see a continued decline in health burden in children under 5 years old; both in relative terms (falling as a share of the total by more than half, from 41 in 1990 to 20 percent in 2017), and in rates per 100,000 (falling more than 50 percent from over 160,000 to less than half in 2017).
• At a global level, collective rates across all ages have been in steady decline. This shows that global health has improved considerably over the course of the last generation.
• Most countries across these regions have DALY losses greater than 25,000 per 100,000 individuals, reaching over 50,000 in the Central African Republic. Rates in Europe and North America, in contrast, are typically greater than ten times lower, below 2500 per 100,000.

Diseases list a-z and their symptoms:

A

1. 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.

The bulging occurs when the wall of the aorta weakens. Although what causes this weakness is unclear, smoking and high blood pressure are thought to increase the risk of an aneurysm.

AAAs are most common in men aged over 65. A rupture accounts for more than 1 in 50 of all deaths in this group.

2. Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, causing the muscles and reflexes in the body to work abnormally. This type of condition is not new. Anyone can get AFM or neurologic conditions like it. There are different possible causes, such as viruses, toxins, and genetic disorders.

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

Acne most commonly develops on the:

• face acne this affects almost everyone with acne
• back acne this affects more than half of people with acne
• chest acne this affects about 15% of people with acne

4. Acute cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis is swelling (inflammation) of the gallbladder. It is a potentially serious condition that usually needs to be treated in hospital.

The main symptom of acute cholecystitis is a sudden sharp pain in the upper right side of your tummy (abdomen) that spreads towards your right shoulder.

The affected part of the abdomen is usually extremely tender, and breathing deeply can make the pain worse.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Leukaemia is cancer of the white blood cells. Acute leukaemia means it progresses rapidly and aggressively, and usually requires immediate treatment.

Acute leukaemia is classified according to the type of white blood cells affected. The 2 main types of white blood cells are:

lymphocytes cholecystitis mostly used to fight viral infections myeloid cells cholecystitis which perform a number of different functions, such as fighting bacterial infections, defending the body against parasites and preventing the spread of tissue damage

5. Allergies
An allergy is a reaction the body has to a particular food or substance.

Allergies are very common. They’re thought to affect more than 1 in 4 people in the UK at some point in their lives.

They are particularly common 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. Severe reactions can occasionally occur, but these are uncommon.

6. Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting an estimated 850,000 people in the UK.

Dementia is a progressive neurological disease which affects multiple brain functions, including memory.

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, although a number of things are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition. These include:

• increasing age
• a family history of the condition
• previous severe head injuries
• lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease

7. Anal cancer
The symptoms of anal cancer are often similar to more common and less serious conditions affecting the anus, such as piles (haemorrhoids) and anal fissures (small tears or sores).

Symptoms of anal cancer can include:

• bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding)
• itching and pain around the anus
• small lumps around the anus
• a discharge of mucus from the anus

8. Anxiety disorder (GAD)
GAD is a long-term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event.

People with GAD feel anxious most days and often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed. GAD can cause both psychological (mental) and physical symptoms. These vary from person to person, but can include feeling restless or worried and having trouble concentrating or sleeping.

9. Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint.

In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, including children (see below).

Types of arthritis
The two most common types of arthritis are:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis

10. Asthma
Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness.

The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time, although some people may have more persistent problems.

Occasionally, asthma symptoms can get gradually or suddenly worse. This is known as an ‘asthma attack’, although doctors sometimes use the term ‘exacerbation’.

Severe attacks may require hospital treatment and can be life-threatening, although this is unusual.

B

1. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection. It’s an imbalance of the usual bacteria found in the vagina. It can cause an abnormal vaginal discharge which can smell fishy and unpleasant.

2. Baby acne
Baby acne is acne that develops on a newborn’s skin — often on the face and neck. The condition is common and temporary. There’s little you can do to prevent baby acne. It usually clears up on its own without scarring.

Symptoms
Baby acne is small, inflamed bumps on a baby’s face, neck, back or chest. It often develops within 2 to 4 weeks of birth.

Many babies also develop tiny, pimple-like bumps on the face. These harmless spots, called milia, disappear on their own within a few weeks.

3. Back pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help or miss work. Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Fortunately, measures can help prevent or relieve most back pain episodes, especially for people younger than age 60. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and using the body correctly often will heal the back within a few weeks. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.

4. Balance problems
Balance problems can make you feel dizzy, as if the room is spinning, unsteady, or lightheaded. You might feel as if the room is spinning or you’re going to fall down. These feelings can happen whether you’re lying down, sitting or standing.

Many body systems — including your muscles, bones, joints, eyes, the balance organ in the inner ear, nerves, heart and blood vessels — must work normally for you to have normal balance. When these systems aren’t functioning well, you can experience balance problems.

5. Bedbugs
Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown blood-sucking, wingless insects. Bedbug bites usually clear up without treatment in a week or two. Bedbugs aren’t known to spread disease, but they can cause an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction in some people.

6. Bedsores
Bedsores — also called pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers — are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone.

People most at risk of bedsores have medical conditions that limit their ability to change positions or cause them to spend most of their time in a bed or chair.

Bedsores can develop over hours or days. Most sores heal with treatment, but some never heal completely. You can take steps to help prevent bedsores and help them heal.

7. Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

8. Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow muscular organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine.

Bladder cancer most often begins in the cells (urothelial cells) that line the inside of your bladder. Urothelial cells are also found in your kidneys and the tubes (ureters) that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Urothelial cancer can happen in the kidneys and ureters, too, but it’s much more common in the bladder.

9. Bone cancer
Bone cancer can begin in any bone in the body, but it most commonly affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs. Bone cancer is rare, making up less than 1 percent of all cancers. In fact, noncancerous bone tumors are much more common than cancerous ones.

The term “bone cancer” doesn’t include cancers that begin elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasize) to the bone. Instead, those cancers are named for where they began, such as breast cancer that has metastasized to the bone.

10. Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts.

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.

Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped create advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease.

11. Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in young children and infants. It causes inflammation and congestion in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lung. Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a virus. Typically, the peak time for bronchiolitis is during the winter months.

Bronchiolitis starts out with symptoms similar to those of a common cold, but then progresses to coughing, wheezing and sometimes difficulty breathing. Symptoms of bronchiolitis can last for several days to weeks.

C

1. Carcinoid syndrome and carcinoid tumours

 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 testicles. 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.

2. Catarrh

Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity of the body.

It usually affects the back of the nose, the throat or the sinuses (air-filled cavities in the bones of the face).

It’s often temporary, but some people experience it for months or years. This is known as chronic catarrh.

Catarrh can be a nuisance and may be difficult to get rid of, but it’s not harmful and there are treatments available.

3. 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.

4. Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the womb from the vagina).

Cancer of the cervix often has no symptoms in its early stages. If you do have symptoms, the most common is unusual vaginal bleeding, which can occur after sex, in between periods or after the menopause.

Abnormal bleeding doesn’t mean that you definitely have cervical cancer, but it should be investigated by your GP as soon as possible. If your GP thinks you might have cervical cancer, you should be referred to see a specialist within 2 weeks.

5. Chest infection

Chest infections are common, especially after a cold or flu during autumn and winter.

Although most are mild and get better on their own, some can be serious or even life-threatening.

6. Constipation

Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can mean that you’re not passing stools regularly or you’re unable to completely empty your bowel.

Constipation can also cause your stools to be hard and lumpy, as well as unusually large or small.

The severity of constipation varies from person to person. Many people only experience constipation for a short time, but for others, constipation can be a long-term (chronic) condition that causes significant pain and discomfort and affects quality of life.

7. 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.

Most cases of cystic fibrosis in the UK are now identified through screening tests carried out soon after birth. It’s estimated that 1 in every 2,500 babies born in the UK has cystic fibrosis.

A number of treatments are available to help reduce the problems caused by the condition, but unfortunately average life expectancy is reduced for people who have it.

8. 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).

Conjunctivitis can affect one eye at first, but usually affects both eyes after a few hours.

9. Common heart conditions

There are many different heart conditions and problems which are collectively called heart disease.

It’s always best to discuss your heart condition with your health professional or heart specialist who can advise you on the correct diagnosis and name of your condition and treatment plan.

Heart disease and different conditions affect the heart’s ability to work efficiently.

It can be worrying and confusing to be diagnosed with a heart condition, but there’s a lot of information and support available to you. Sometimes understanding what is happening can help you worry less.

10. Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work effectively.

CKD does not usually cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. It’s usually detected at earlier stages by blood and urine tests.

D
1.Deafblindness: Deafblindness is a combination of sight and hearing loss that affects a person’s ability to communicate, access information and get around.
It’s also sometimes called “dual sensory loss” or “multi-sensory impairment”.
A deafblind person won’t usually be totally deaf and totally blind, but both senses will be reduced enough to cause significant difficulties in everyday life.
These problems can occur even if hearing loss and vision loss are mild, as the two senses work together and one would usually help compensate for loss of the other.
2.Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in.
When the normal water content of your body is reduced, it upsets the balance of minerals (salts and sugar) in your body, which affects the way it functions.
Water makes up over two-thirds of the healthy human body. It lubricates the joints and eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste and toxins, and keeps the skin healthy.
Some of the early warning signs of dehydration include:
• feeling thirsty and lightheaded
• a dry mouth
• tiredness
• having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine
• passing urine less often than usual
A baby may be dehydrated if they:
• have a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on their head
• have few or no tears when they cry
• have fewer wet nappies
• are drowsy
The body is affected even when you lose a small amount of fluid.
3.Dementia with Lewy bodies: Dementia with Lewy bodies, also known as Lewy body dementia, is a common form of dementia estimated to affect more than 100,000 people in the UK.
The term “dementia” describes a loss of mental ability (cognitive impairment) associated with gradual death of brain cells. It’s rare in anyone younger than 65.
Symptoms usually develop gradually and become more severe over the course of several years.
4. Dental abscess: A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It’s caused by a bacterial infection.
An abscess at the end of a tooth is called a periapical abscess. An abscess in the gum is called a periodontal abscess.
Dental abscesses are often painful, but aren’t always. In either case, they should be looked at by a dentist.
It’s important to get help as soon as possible, because abscesses don’t go away on their own. They can sometimes spread to other parts of the body and make you ill.
5. Depression: Everyone has spells of feeling down, but depression is more than just spending a few days feeling sad or unhappy. Depression can make you feel persistently sad and down for weeks or months at a time.
While some people believe that depression is trivial or not a genuine health problem, it’s actually a real condition that affects around one in 10 people over the course of their lives. It impacts people of all genders and ages – including children. Studies show that around 4% of children in the UK between the ages of five and 16 are depressed or anxious.
With the right support and treatment, most people recover fully from depression.
6. Diabetes: Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood glucose (sugar) level to become too high.
There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2.
There are 4.7 million people living with diabetes in the UK. That’s more than one in 15 people in the UK who has diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed).
This figure has nearly trebled since 1996, when there were 1.4 million. By 2025, it is estimated that 5 million people will have diabetes in the UK.
7. Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea is passing looser, watery or more frequent poo (stools) than is normal for you.
It affects most people from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. It can be distressing and unpleasant. It normally clears up in a few days to a week.
Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
8. Down’s syndrome: A baby with Down’s syndrome is born with more of chromosome 21 in some or all of the cells that make up their DNA. It’s also known as Trisomy 21.
People with Down’s syndrome may lead active, healthy and independent lives into their 60s, 70s and beyond.
Most will have mild to moderate learning disabilities and some may have more complex needs.
It cannot be known before birth if a person will need any additional help and support.
9. Dry mouth: It’s normal to occasionally have a dry mouth if you’re dehydrated or feeling nervous, but a persistently dry mouth can be a sign of an underlying problem.
You should see your dentist or GP if you have an unusually dry mouth (known as xerostomia) so they can try to determine the cause.
10. Dystonia: Dystonia is a medical term for a range of movement disorders that cause muscle spasms and contractions.
The spasms and contractions may either be sustained or may come and go.
Movements are often repetitive and cause unusual, awkward and sometimes painful postures. Tremor (shaking) can also be a characteristic of some types of dystonia.
Dystonia is thought to be a neurological condition (caused by underlying problems with the brain and nervous system). However, in most cases, brain functions such as intelligence, memory and language remain unaffected.
E
1.Earache: Earache is a common problem, particularly in children. It can be worrying, but it’s usually only caused by a minor infection and will often get better in a few days without treatment.
Earache can be a sharp, dull or burning ear pain that comes and goes or is constant. One or both ears may be affected.
2. Ebola virus disease: Ebola virus disease is a serious illness that originated in Africa, where a large outbreak occurred in 2014 to 2015. In June 2016, the outbreak was officially declared over.
The 2014 to 2015 outbreak of Ebola mainly affected 3 countries in west Africa: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Some cases also occurred in parts of central Africa.
Around 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths were reported by the World Health Organization. This was the largest known outbreak of Ebola.
3.Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg develops outside the womb.
This usually happens in one of the fallopian tubes which lead from your ovaries to your womb. If an egg implants there, it can’t develop into a baby.
Ectopic pregnancy puts your health at risk too, and can be very serious if it isn’t treated.
About 1 in 100 pregnancies are an ectopic pregnancy.
4. Endometriosi: Endometriosis is a long-term (chronic) condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found elsewhere in the body. It’s very common, affecting around 1 in 10 of those who menstruate. For some people, it can have a significant impact on their physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily routine.
5. 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.
6.Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and is defined by repeated seizures.
Epilepsy affects more than 600,000 people in the UK. Almost one in every 100 people has the condition.
7. Ewing sarcoma: Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer.
The 3 main types of primary bone cancer are chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.
Ewing sarcoma most commonly affects people who are 10 to 20 years old.
8. Ewing sarcoma: Ewing sarcoma is a type of bone cancer in children and young people. This information describes Ewing sarcoma, its symptoms, diagnosis and possible treatments.
More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are now new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past.
It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer. At times it can feel overwhelming but there are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has, and the treatments that may be used, can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information and if you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
9. Eye cancer: There are a number of different types of cancer that affect the eyes, including:
• eye melanoma
• squamous cell carcinoma
• lymphoma
• retinoblastoma – a childhood cancer
Cancer can also sometimes develop in the tissues surrounding your eyeball or spread to the eye from other parts of the body, such as the lungs or breasts.
This topic focuses on melanoma of the eye, one of the most common types of eye cancer. The Cancer Research UK website has more information about other types of eye cancer.
10. Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157: Escherichia coli O157, sometimes called VTEC, is a bacterial infection. It can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea and kidney failure.
E. coli O157 is found in the gut and faeces of many animals, particularly cattle. It’s an uncommon cause of gastroenteritis but can be caught by:
• eating contaminated food, such as raw leafy vegetables or undercooked meat – always wash all vegetables, including salad leaves, that will be eaten raw, unless they have been pre-prepared and are labelled ‘ready to eat’ (washing may reduce the risk of infection, but will not eliminate any risk of infection completely)
• touching infected animals or accidentally coming into contact with their faeces
• contact with people who have the illness, particularly if you do not wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet or before handling food
• drinking water from inadequately treated water supplies
• swimming or playing in contaminated water, such as ponds or streams

F
1. Febrile seizures: A febrile seizure is a fit that can happen when a child has a fever.
Febrile seizures are also sometimes called febrile convulsions. They are relatively common and, in most cases, aren’t serious.
Around one in 20 children will have at least one febrile seizure at some point. They most often occur between the ages of six months and three years.
During a febrile seizure, the child’s body usually becomes stiff, they lose consciousness and their arms and legs twitch. Some children may wet themselves. This is known as a tonic clonic seizure.
2. Fever in adults: Your normal body temperature is approximately 37°C. A fever is usually when your body temperature is 37.8°C or higher. You may feel warm, cold or shivery.
You can find out if you have a fever by using a thermometer to take your temperature.
3. Fever in children: As a parent it can be extremely worrying if your child has a high temperature. However, it’s very common and often clears up by itself without treatment.
A quick and easy way to find out whether your child has a fever is to take their temperature using a thermometer.
4. Fibroids: Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the womb (uterus).
These growths are made up of muscle and tissue and can be different sizes. Some can be the size of a pea, others can be the size of a melon. They’re sometimes known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas.
Fibroids are common. Around 1 in 3 people who menstruate develop them at some point in their life. They’re more common as you get older.
5. Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.
As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also have:
• increased sensitivity to pain
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• muscle stiffness
• difficulty sleeping
• problems with mental processes (known as “fibro-fog”) – such as problems with memory and concentration
• headaches
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating
If you think you have fibromyalgia, visit your GP. Treatment is available to ease some of its symptoms, although they’re unlikely to disappear completely.
6. Flatulence: Flatulence is passing gas from the digestive system out of the back passage. It’s more commonly known as “passing wind”, or “farting”.
Farting is often laughed about, but excessive flatulence can be embarrassing and make you feel uncomfortable around others. However, it can usually be controlled with changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Flatulence is a normal biological process and is something everyone experiences regularly. Some people pass wind only a few times a day, others a lot more, but the average is said to be about 5 to 15 times a day.
7. Flu: Flu (influenza) is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you’ll usually begin to feel better within about a week.
You can catch flu all year round, but it’s especially common in winter, which is why it’s also known as seasonal flu.
Flu isn’t the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses and the symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer.
8. Fetal alcohol spectrum: There’s no known safe limit of drinking during pregnancy.
Some people will tell you that having the odd drink when you’re pregnant is okay.
The safest option is to stop drinking when you’re trying to get pregnant or as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
9. Food poisoning: Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. It’s not usually serious and most people get better within a few days without treatment.
In most cases of food poisoning, the food is contaminated by bacteria, such as salmonella or Escherichia coli (E. coli), or a virus, such as the norovirus.
10. Fungal nail infection: Many people develop a fungal nail infection at some point in their life. It’s not usually serious, but can be unpleasant and difficult to treat.
The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted.
Toenails are more frequently affected than the fingernails.
The medical name for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis.
G
1.Gallbladder cancer: Gallbladder cancer is very rare.
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.
The Cancer Research UK website has more information about the different types of gallbladder cancer.
Cancer of the gallbladder is more common in women than men, with around 7 out of 10 cases diagnosed in women. It’s also more common in older people, particularly those over 70 years of age.
2. Gallstones: Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. In most cases they don’t cause any symptoms and don’t need to be treated.
However, if a gallstone becomes trapped in a duct (opening) inside the gallbladder it can trigger a sudden intense abdominal pain that usually lasts between 1 and 5 hours. This type of abdominal pain is known as biliary colic.
Some people with gallstones can also develop complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), which can cause:
• persistent pain
• jaundice
• a fever
When gallstones cause symptoms or complications, it’s known as gallstone disease or cholelithiasis. Read more about:
• symptoms of gallstones
• complications of gallstones

3. Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.
It affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children.
Most cases in children are caused by a virus called rotavirus. Cases in adults are usually caused by norovirus (the ‘winter vomiting bug’) or bacterial food poisoning.
Gastroenteritis can be very unpleasant, but it usually clears up by itself within a week. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home until you’re feeling better.
Try to avoid going to your GP, as gastroenteritis can spread to others very easily. Phone 111 or your GP if you’re concerned or need any advice.
4. Genital herpes: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are 2 different types of the virus (type 1 and type 2), both of which can affect the genitals. One of the types is the same virus that causes cold sores around the mouth (type 1).
Genital herpes causes painful blisters and sores on and around the genitals. It can also sometimes cause problems if it’s caught for the first time either very early or very late in pregnancy.
5.Genital warts: Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
This virus is passed on through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV on their skin. It can be passed from person to person during vaginal and anal sex. It’s also rarely passed on through oral sex.
6.Germ cell tumours: Most children who develop germ cell tumours will be cured.
More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past.
It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer. At times it can feel overwhelming but there are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information, and if you have any questions, it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
Germ cell tumours can appear at any age. They develop from cells that produce eggs or sperm so germ cell tumours can affect the ovaries or testes. However, it’s possible for a germ cell tumour to develop in other parts of the body.
As a baby develops during pregnancy, the cells producing eggs or sperm normally move to the ovaries or testes. However, occasionally they can settle in other parts of the body where they can develop into tumours. The most common places for this to happen are the bottom of the spine (sacrococcygeal), the brain, chest, and abdomen.
Germ cell tumours are sometimes given different names based on their characteristics. These include yolk-sac tumours, germinomas, embryonal carcinomas, mature teratomas and immature teratomas.
They may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Malignant tumours have the ability to grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Benign tumours do not spread but may cause problems by pressing on nearby tissue and organs.
Immature teratomas fall between benign and malignant. They can spread within the abdomen but not beyond, and can be removed with an operation.
7. Glandular fever: Glandular fever is a type of viral infection that mostly affects young adults.
It is also known as infectious mononucleosis, or “mono”.
Common symptoms include:
• a high temperature (fever)
• a severely sore throat
• swollen glands in the neck
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
While the symptoms of glandular fever can be very unpleasant, most of them should pass within two to three weeks. Fatigue, however, can occasionally last several months.
8.Gonorrhoea: Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria. The number of people getting gonorrhoea in Scotland has doubled over the last 5 years.
9. Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis in which small crystals form inside and around the joints. It causes sudden attacks of severe pain and swelling.
It’s estimated that between one and two in every 100 people in the UK are affected by gout.
The condition mainly affects men over 30 and women after the menopause. Overall, gout is more common in men than women.
Gout can be extremely painful and debilitating, but treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms and prevent further attacks.
10. Gum disease: Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected.
Most adults in the UK have gum disease to some degree and most people experience it at least once. It’s much less common in children.
If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may have bad breath. This early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, a condition called periodontitis can develop. This affects more tissues that support teeth and hold them in place.
If periodontitis isn’t treated, the bone in your jaw may be damaged and small spaces can open up between the gum and teeth. Your teeth can become loose and may eventually fall out.
H
1.Haemorrhoids (piles): Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels that are found inside or around the bottom (the rectum and anus).
In many cases, haemorrhoids don’t cause symptoms, and some people don’t even realise they have them. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
• bleeding after passing a stool (the blood is usually bright red)
• itchy bottom
• a lump hanging down outside of the anus, which may need to be pushed back in after passing a stool
• a mucus discharge after passing a stool
• soreness, redness and swelling around your anus
Haemorrhoids aren’t usually painful, unless their blood supply slows down or is interrupted.
2. Hay fever: Hay fever is a common allergic condition. It affects up to 1 in 5 people at some point in their life.
You’ll experience hay fever symptoms if you have an allergic reaction to pollen.
Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. It contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.
You can have an allergy to:
• tree pollen, released during spring
• grass pollen, released during the end of spring and beginning of summer
• weed pollen, released late autumn
Many people find their symptoms improve as they get older.
Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
3. Headaches: Most headaches are not serious. In many cases, you can treat your headache at home.
Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
4.Heart failure: Heart failure means that your heart isn’t pumping blood around your body as well as it should.
5. High cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid. It’s vital for the normal functioning of the body. Cell membranes, hormones and vitamin D are created by your body using cholesterol.
There are 2 main sources of the cholesterol in your blood:
• cholesterol in the food you eat
• cholesterol produced by your liver
Having an excessively high level of lipids in your blood (hyperlipidemia) can have an effect on your health.
High cholesterol, on its own, doesn’t usually cause any symptoms but increases your risk of serious health conditions.
6. HIV: HIV is a long term health condition which is now very easy to manage. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus targets the immune system and if untreated, weakens your ability to fight infections and disease.
Nowadays, HIV treatment can stop the virus spreading and if used early enough, can reverse damage to the immune system.
HIV is most commonly transmitted through having unprotected sex with someone with HIV who isn’t taking HIV treatment. Unprotected sex means having sex without taking HIV PrEP or using condoms.
HIV can also be transmitted by:
• sharing infected needles and other injecting equipment
• an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding
All pregnant women are offered an HIV test and if the virus is found, they can be offered treatment which virtually eliminates risk to their child during pregnancy and birth.
People who take HIV treatment and whose virus level is undetectable can’t pass HIV on to others. Although there is no cure for HIV yet, people living with HIV who take their treatment should have normal lifespans and live in good health.
Without treatment, people with HIV will eventually become unwell. HIV can be fatal if it’s not detected and treated in time to allow the immune system to repair. It’s extremely important to test for HIV if you think you’ve been exposed.
7. Huntington’s disease: Huntington’s disease is a condition that damages nerve cells in the brain causing them to stop working properly. It’s passed on (inherited) from a person’s parents.
The damage to the brain gets worse over time. It can affect movement, cognition (perception, awareness, thinking, judgement) and mental health.
8. 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.
9. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar): Hypoglycaemia, or a “hypo”, is an abnormally low level of glucose in your blood (less than four millimoles per litre).
When your glucose (sugar) level is too low, your body doesn’t have enough energy to carry out its activities.
Hypoglycaemia is most commonly associated with diabetes, and mainly occurs if someone with diabetes takes too much insulin, misses a meal or exercises too hard.
In rare cases, it’s possible for a person who doesn’t have diabetes to experience hypoglycaemia. It can be triggered by malnutrition, binge drinking or certain conditions, such as Addison’s disease.
10. Hiatus hernia: A hiatus hernia, or hiatal hernia, is when part of the stomach squeezes up into the chest through an opening (“hiatus”) in the diaphragm.
The diaphragm is a large, thin sheet of muscle between the chest and the abdomen (tummy).
I
1.Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult.
It’s not clear what causes it, but it usually affects people around 70-75 years of age and is rare in people under 50.
Several treatments can help reduce the rate at which IPF gets worse, but there’s currently no treatment that can stop or reverse the scarring of the lungs.
2. Impetigo: Impetigo 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 the most common skin infection in young children in the UK, but it can affect people of all ages.
3. Indigestion: Indigestion can be pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or burning pain behind the breastbone (heartburn).
Dyspepsia and heartburn may occur together or on their own. Symptoms usually appear soon after eating or drinking.
Common associated symptoms include:
• feeling full or bloated
• feeling sick (nausea)
• belching
• bringing up (regurgitating) fluid or food into the gullet (oesophagus)
Indigestion is a common problem that affects many people, but in most cases it’s mild and only occurs occasionally.
4. Ingrown toenail: An ingrown toenail develops when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin.
The big toe is often affected, either on one or both sides. The nail curls and pierces the skin, which becomes red, swollen and tender.
Other possible symptoms include:
• pain if pressure is placed on the toe
• inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe
• a build-up of fluid (oedema) in the area surrounding the toe
• an overgrowth of skin around the affected toe (hypertrophy)
• bleeding
• white or yellow pus coming from the affected area

5. Insomnia: Insomnia is difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep for long enough to feel refreshed the next morning.
It’s a common problem thought to regularly affect around one in every three people in the UK, and is particularly common in elderly people.
If you have insomnia, you may:
• find it difficult to fall asleep
• lie awake for long periods at night
• wake up several times during the night
• wake up early in the morning and not be able to get back to sleep
• not feel refreshed when you get up
• find it hard to nap during the day, despite feeling tired
• feel tired and irritable during the day and have difficulty concentrating
Occasional episodes of insomnia may come and go without causing any serious problems, but for some people it can last for months or even years at a time.
Persistent insomnia can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can limit what you’re able to do during the day, affect your mood, and lead to relationship problems with friends, family and colleagues.
6. Iron deficiency anaemia: Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition where a lack of iron in the body leads to a reduction in the number of red blood cells.
Iron is used to produce red blood cells, which help store and carry oxygen in the blood. If you have fewer red blood cells than is normal, your organs and tissues won’t get as much oxygen as they usually would.
There are several different types of anaemia, and each one has a different cause. Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type.
Other types of anaemia can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or folate in the body – read more about vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia.
7. Irritable hip: Irritable hip is a common childhood condition that causes symptoms such as hip pain and limping.
Doctors sometimes refer to irritable hip as transient or toxic synovitis.
Hip pain isn’t usually severe, but your child may be reluctant to place weight on the affected leg.
Occasionally, an irritable hip may also cause:
• pain in the knee or thigh
• restricted movement in one of the hip joints
• a slightly higher temperature than normal – a normal temperature is around 37C (98.6F)
In younger children who are unable to speak, the only noticeable symptom may be crying at night.
8. Itchy bottom: Itchy bottom (pruritus ani) is characterised by a strong urge to scratch the skin around your anus.
The anus is the opening at the lower end of the digestive system, where solid waste leaves your body.
9. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term condition of the digestive system. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation.
The condition is often lifelong, although the symptoms may change over time. With the right strategies, IBS can be successfully managed.
IBS does not pose a serious threat to your physical health and does not increase your chances of developing cancer or other bowel-related conditions.
The exact cause of IBS is unknown. Many causes have been suggested but none have been proven to lead to IBS.
10. Inherited heart conditions: An inherited heart disease is one which has been passed on through your parents’ genes.
Inherited cardiac conditions (ICC) is an umbrella term covering a wide variety of relatively rare diseases of the heart. They are also referred to as genetic cardiac conditions.
ICCs are caused by a fault – also known as a mutation – in one or more of our genes. If someone has a faulty gene, there’s a 50/50 chance it can be passed on to your children.
The effects of these conditions on you and your family can be enormous. These conditions can – in some cases – become life-threatening. Around 500 young people die every year in the UK as a result of a genetic heart disorder.
These conditions do not always have symptoms, so you can be unaware you have the conditions. Sadly, this can sometimes mean that the first time a family is aware of being affected is after a sudden cardiac death (SCD).
However, great improvements are being made in the detection of ICCs and also how you can live with your condition. There are effective treatments which allow you to lead a normal life.
K
1. Kaposi’s sarcoma: Kaposi’s sarcoma is a rare type of cancer caused by a virus. It can affect the skin and internal organs.
It’s mainly seen in people with a poorly controlled or severe HIV infection. It can also affect some people who have a weakened immune system for another reason, as well as people who have a genetic vulnerability to the virus.
2. Kidney cancer: Kidney cancer is the eighth most common cancer in adults in the UK.
Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer can include:
• blood in your urine
• a constant pain in your side, just below the ribs
• a lump or swelling in the kidney area (on either side of the body)
Speak to your GP as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. They will examine you and may refer you to a specialist clinic for further tests.
In around half of all cases of kidney cancer, there are no symptoms, and the condition is detected during tests for other unrelated conditions.
3. 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.
It’s more serious than cystitis, a common infection of the bladder that makes urinating painful.
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.
Symptoms of a kidney infection often come on within a few hours. You can feel feverish, shivery, sick and have a pain in your back or side.
4. Kidney stones: Kidney stones can develop in one or both kidneys and most often affect people aged 30 to 60.
They’re quite common, with around three in 20 men and up to two in 20 women developing them at some stage of their lives.
The medical term for kidney stones is nephrolithiasis, and if they cause severe pain it’s known as renal colic.
L
1. Labyrinthitis: Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection. It causes a delicate structure deep inside your ear called the labyrinth to become inflamed, affecting your hearing and balance.
The most common symptoms are dizziness, hearing loss (from mild to total loss of hearing) and vertigo – the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some people feeling that they are unable to remain upright. Other symptoms include:
• a feeling of pressure inside your ear(s)
• ringing or humming in your ear(s) (tinnitus)
• fluid or pus leaking out of your ear(s)
• ear pain
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick
• a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
• changes in vision, such as blurred vision or double vision
• mild headaches
Certain things can make the dizziness worse, including:
• colds or illness
• the dark
• being in crowded areas or small rooms
• tiredness
• a women’s period
• walking
See your GP if you have these symptoms.

You should also avoid driving, using tools and machinery, or working at heights if you’re feeling dizzy.
2. 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 of lactose intolerance usually develop within a few hours of consuming food or drink that contains lactose. They may include:
• flatulence (wind)
• diarrhoea
• bloated stomach
• stomach cramps and pains
• stomach rumbling
• feeling sick
The severity of your symptoms and when they appear depends on the amount of lactose you’ve consumed.
Some people may still be able to drink a small glass of milk without triggering any symptoms, while others may not even be able to have milk in their tea or coffee.
3. Laryngeal (larynx) cancer: Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the larynx (voice box).
The larynx is part of the throat found at the entrance of the windpipe (trachea). It plays an important role in helping you breathe and speak.
The condition is more common in people over the age of 60. It’s about 4 times more common in men than women.
4. 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
• difficulty speaking
• sore throat
• mild fever
• irritating cough
• a constant need to clear your throat

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. This isn’t common in adults but can occur in young children who have smaller, narrower windpipes.
Laryngitis is often linked to another illness, such as a cold, flu, throat infection (pharyngitis) or tonsillitis, so you might also have other symptoms such as:
• a headache
• swollen glands
• runny nose
• pain when swallowing
• feeling tired and achy

5. Leg cramps: Leg cramps are a common and usually harmless condition where the muscles in your leg suddenly become tight and painful.
It usually occurs in the calf muscles, although it can affect any part of your leg, including your feet and thighs.
After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours.
Three out of four cases occur at night during sleep.
6. Liver cancer: Primary liver cancer is an uncommon but serious type of cancer that begins in the liver.
This is a separate condition from secondary liver cancer, which occurs when cancer that first develops in another part of the body spreads to the liver.
The rest of this article refers to primary liver cancer only. The Macmillan Cancer Support website has more information about secondary liver cancer.
7. Liver disease: There are more than 100 different types of liver disease, which together affect at least 2 million people in the UK.
The liver is the second largest organ in the body. It works hard, performing hundreds of complex functions, including:
• fighting infections and illness
• removing toxins (poisons), such as alcohol, from the body
• controlling cholesterol levels
• helping blood to clot (thicken)
• releasing bile, a liquid that breaks down fats and aids digestion
Liver disease doesn’t usually cause any obvious signs or symptoms until it’s fairly advanced and the liver is damaged.
At this stage, possible symptoms can include loss of appetite, weight loss and jaundice.
8. Lung cancer: Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer.
There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer, but many people with the condition eventually develop symptoms including:
• a persistent cough
• coughing up blood
• persistent breathlessness
• unexplained tiredness and weight loss
• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
You should speak to your GP if you have these symptoms.
9. Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. It’s also known as Lyme borreliosis.
Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures found in woodland and moorland areas. They feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans.
Lyme disease is usually easier to treat the earlier it’s diagnosed.
10. Lymphoedema: Lymphoedema is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs.
Other symptoms of lymphoedema can include an aching, heavy feeling in affected body parts and difficulty moving them.
Lymphoedema can get worse if it’s not treated, so you should speak to a doctor if you think you may have the condition.
M
1. Malaria: Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. If it isn’t diagnosed and treated quickly, it can be fatal.
A single mosquito bite is all it takes for someone to become infected.
2. Malignant brain tumour (cancerous): A malignant brain tumour is a fast-growing 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.
These pages focus on high-grade brain tumours. For information about grade 1 or 2 tumours, read our pages on low-grade (benign) brain tumours.
3. Malnutrition: Malnutrition means “poor nutrition” which can be caused by undernutrition or overnutrition.
The term is most commonly used to describe undernutrition, which is the focus here. Please see obesity for more information about overnutrition.
A balanced diet should provide enough nutrients such as calories, protein and vitamins, to keep you healthy. Without this, you may not be getting all the nutrients you need and this can lead to malnutrition.
Malnutrition can result in unplanned weight loss, a low body mass index (BMI) and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This can leave you feeling tired, weak and affect your ability to recover from an illness.
In the UK, evidence suggests that:
• 29% of people admitted to hospital are malnourished
• 35% of people admitted to care homes are malnourished
• 12% of people aged 65 and over, living at home in the community are malnourished

4. Meningitis: Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.
5. Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs. It’s usually linked to asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma mainly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), although it can also affect the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart or testicles.
Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 60 to 80 and men are affected more commonly than women.
Unfortunately, it’s rarely possible to cure mesothelioma, although treatment can help control the symptoms.
6. Migraine: Migraine is a common health condition. It affects around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.
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 like nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound.
There are several types of migraine, including:
• migraine with aura – where there are warning signs before the migraine begins, like seeing flashing lights
• migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine occurs without warning signs
• migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, without a headache
Some people have frequent migraines up to several times a week. Other people only have occasional migraines. It’s possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.
7. Mouth cancer: Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is where a tumour develops on the surface of the tongue, mouth, lips or gums.
Tumours can also occur in the salivary glands, tonsils and the pharynx (the part of the throat from your mouth to your windpipe) but these are less common.
Symptoms of mouth cancer include:
• red or white patches on the lining of your mouth or tongue
• ulcers
• a lump
Speak to your GP if these symptoms do not heal within 3 weeks, especially if you’re a heavy drinker or smoker.
8. Multiple myeloma: Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer.
Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found at the centre of some bones. It produces the body’s blood cells. Multiple myeloma affects the plasma cells (a type of blood cell) inside the bone marrow.
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.
Myeloma often affects many places in the body, which is why it is called multiple myeloma. Commonly affected areas include the spine, skull, pelvis and ribs.
9. 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.
10. Meniere’s disease: Ménière’s disease is a rare disorder that affects the inner ear. It can cause vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of pressure deep inside the ear.
People with Ménière’s disease usually experience some or all of these symptoms during sudden attacks, which typically last around two to three hours, although it can take a day or two for the symptoms to disappear completely.
It’s worth noting, however, that the symptoms and severity of Ménière’s disease vary widely from person to person. Some people may experience frequent attacks of vertigo along with hearing loss, while others may have severe tinnitus with minor vertigo. Other symptoms include sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) or distorted sound.
See your GP if you experience any of the symptoms of Ménière’s disease, so they can try to identify the problem and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
N
1. Nasal and sinus cancer: Nasal and sinus cancer affects the nasal cavity (the space behind your nose) and the sinuses (small, air-filled cavities inside your nose, cheekbones and forehead).
It’s a rare type of cancer that most often affects men aged 50 to 60.
Nasal and sinus cancer is different to cancer in the area where the nose and throat connect. This is called nasopharyngeal cancer.
2. 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).
Nasopharyngeal cancer shouldn’t be confused with other types of cancer that also affect the throat, such as laryngeal cancer and oesophageal cancer.
3. Neuroblastoma: Children: Most children who have neuroblastoma are younger than 5 years old. It’s the most common solid tumour in children that occurs outside of the brain and makes up 8% of the total number of children’s cancers.
More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past.
It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer. At times it can feel overwhelming, but there are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has, and the treatments that may be used, can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information and, if you have any questions, it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
Neuroblastoma develops from the cells left behind from a baby’s development in the womb. The cells that it develops from are called neuroblasts.
• ‘Neuro’ means nerve
• ‘Blast’ means cells in early development
• ‘Oma’ means a group of cells, or a tumour
Neuroblastoma can occur anywhere in the body. The site of origin is either in 1 of the 2 adrenal glands situated in the abdomen (tummy) or in nerve tissue that runs alongside the spinal cord, in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis. The adrenal glands are specialised glands that are found above the right and left kidney. The adrenal glands normally release hormones to maintain blood pressure, and enable us to respond to stress. In some cases, neuroblastoma can spread to tissues beyond the original site such as the bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes, liver, and skin.
4. Neuroendocrine tumours: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare tumours that can occur in the cells of the neuroendocrine system.
The neuroendocrine system consists of nerve and gland cells. It produces hormones and releases them into the bloodstream.
NETs are tumours (abnormal growths) that develop in the cells of the neuroendocrine system.
NETs can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) and often – but not always – grow slowly. There are a number of different types of NET, depending on the specific cells affected.
5. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the term for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver. It’s usually seen in people who are overweight or obese.
A healthy liver should contain little or no fat. It’s estimated that up to 1 in every 3 people in the UK has early stages of NAFLD where there are small amounts of fat in their liver.
Early-stage NAFLD doesn’t usually cause any harm, but it can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, if it gets worse. Having high levels of fat in your liver is also associated with an increased risk of problems such as diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.
If detected and managed at an early stage, it’s possible to stop NAFLD getting worse and reduce the amount of fat in your liver.
6. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: 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.
The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin.
7. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Children: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer. It’s more common in boys than girls.
More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past.
It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer. At times it can feel overwhelming and there are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information. If you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, the body’s natural defence against infection and disease. This is a complex system made up of the bone marrow, thymus,
spleen, and lymph nodes throughout the body. The lymph nodes are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels.
Lymph nodes are also known as lymph glands, and the ones that you’re most likely to notice are those in the neck, armpit and groin.
The number of lymph nodes varies from one part of the body to another. In some parts there are very few, whereas under your arm there may be 20 to 50 nodes.
Cancers that start in the lymphatic system are called lymphomas. There are 2 main types of lymphoma:
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Although they’re both types of lymphoma, there are differences between them, which means they need different treatment.
There are 2 main types of NHL. B-cell NHL usually involves the lymph nodes in the abdomen and intestines, but may involve nodes in the head and neck. T-cell NHL usually affects lymph nodes in the chest.
Occasionally, NHL can develop in unusual places outside the lymph nodes. This is called extranodal lymphoma.
8. Norovirus: Norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting and is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK. It’s also called the ‘winter vomiting bug’ because it’s more common in winter, although you can catch it at any time of the year.
Norovirus can be very unpleasant but usually clears up by itself in a few days.
You can normally look after yourself or your child at home.
Avoid going to your GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily. Phone your GP practice or NHS 24 on 111 if you’re concerned or need advice.
9. Nosebleed: Nosebleeds can be frightening, but they aren’t usually a sign of anything serious. You can often treat them at home.
The medical name for a nosebleed is epistaxis.
During a nosebleed, blood flows from one or both nostrils. It can be heavy or light. It can last from a few seconds to 15 minutes or more.
O
1.Obesity: The term ‘obese’ describes a person who’s very overweight, with a lot of body fat.
It’s a common problem in the UK that’s estimated to affect around one in every four adults and around one in every five children aged 10 to 11.
2. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive activity.
An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.
A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental act that someone feels they need to carry out to try to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.
For example, someone with a fear of their house being burgled may feel they need to check all the windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave the house.
OCD symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people with OCD may spend an hour or so a day engaged in obsessive-compulsive thinking and behaviour, but for others the condition can completely take over their life.
3. Obstructive sleep apnoea: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a relatively common condition where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting normal breathing.
This may lead to regularly interrupted sleep, which can have a big impact on quality of life and increases the risk of developing certain conditions.
4. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the joints to become painful and stiff. It is the most common type of arthritis in the UK.
The severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and between different affected joints. For some people, the symptoms may be mild and may come and go, whereas others can experience more continuous and severe problems.
Almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but the condition most often causes problems in the knees, hips, and small joints of the hands.
The pain and stiffness in the joints can make carrying out everyday activities difficult for some people with the condition.
5. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a minor fall or sudden impact causes a bone fracture.
The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis are:
• wrist fractures
• hip fractures
• fractures of the spinal bones (vertebrae)
However, they can also occur in other bones, such as in the arm or pelvis. Sometimes a cough or sneeze can cause a rib fracture or the partial collapse of one of the bones of the spine.
Osteoporosis isn’t usually painful until a fracture occurs, but spinal fractures are a common cause of long-term (chronic) pain.
Although a fracture is the first sign of osteoporosis, some older people develop the characteristic stooped (bent forward) posture. It happens when the bones in the spine have fractured, making it difficult to support the weight of the body.
6. Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. Osteosarcomas occur more commonly in older children and teenagers and are very rarely seen in children under 5.
More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments. But it remains devastating to hear that your child has cancer, and at times it can feel overwhelming. There are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information. If you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
Osteosarcoma often starts at the end of the long bones, where new bone tissue forms as a young person grows. Any bone in the body can be affected. The most common sites are in the arms and legs, particularly around the knee and shoulder joints.
There are several different types of osteosarcoma. Most occur in the centre of the bone. There are also rare subtypes, such as parosteal, periosteal, telangiectatic, and small cell osteosarcoma.
7. Otitis externa: 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
• some degree of temporary hearing loss
Usually only one ear is affected.
With treatment, these symptoms should clear up within a few days. However, some cases can persist for several months or longer.
8. Ovarian cancer: Several possible causes of ovarian cancer have been identified, along with risks that may make developing the condition more likely.
Cancer begins with a change (mutation) in the structure of the DNA in cells, which can affect how they grow. This means that cells grow and reproduce uncontrollably, producing a lump of tissue called a tumour.
In ovarian cancer, cells in the ovary start to change and grow abnormally. If the cancer isn’t identified at an early stage, it can spread to the abdomen and pelvis, including other parts of the female reproductive system.
9. Ovarian cyst: An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. They are very common and do not usually cause any symptoms.
Most ovarian cysts occur as part of the normal workings of the ovaries. These cysts are generally harmless and disappear without treatment in a few months.
10.Overactive thyroid: Overactive thyroid (also known as hyperthyroidism) is a relatively common hormonal condition that occurs when there is too much thyroid hormone in the body.
Excess levels of thyroid hormones can then speed up the body’s metabolism, triggering a range of symptoms, such as:
• nervousness and anxiety
• hyperactivity – where a person can’t stay still and is full of nervous energy
• unexplained or unplanned weight loss
• swelling of the thyroid gland, which causes a noticeable lump, known as a goitre, to form in the throat
The severity, frequency and range of symptoms can vary from person to person.
P
1. Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer is caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the pancreas – a large gland that’s part of the digestive system.
Around half of all new cases are diagnosed in people aged 75 or over. It’s uncommon in people under 40 years of age.
2. 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.
3. Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.
The three main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:
• involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (tremor)
• slow movement
• stiff and inflexible muscles
A person with Parkinson’s disease can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms, including:
• depression and anxiety
• balance problems – this may increase the chance of a fall
• loss of sense of smell anosmis
• problems sleeping (insomnia)
• memory problems

4. Penile cancer: Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs on the skin of the penis or within the penis.
Over the last 30 years, the number of penile cancer cases has increased by more than 20%, possibly due to changes in sexual practices.
However, improvements in diagnosis, staging and treatment have led to a similar reduction in the number of deaths resulting from the condition.
5. Personality disorder: Personality disorders are conditions in which an individual differs significantly from an average person, in terms of how they think, perceive, feel or relate to others.
Changes in how a person feels and distorted beliefs about other people can lead to odd behaviour, which can be distressing and may upset others.
Common features include:
• being overwhelmed by negative feelings such as distress, anxiety, worthlessness or anger
• avoiding other people and feeling empty and emotionally disconnected
• difficulty managing negative feelings without self-harming (for example, abusing drugs and alcohol, or taking overdoses) or, in rare cases, threatening other people
• odd behaviour
• difficulty maintaining stable and close relationships, especially with partners, children and professional carers
• sometimes, periods of losing contact with reality
Symptoms typically get worse with stress.
People with personality disorders often experience other mental health problems, especially depression and substance misuse.
6. 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.
7. Post-polio syndrome: Post-polio syndrome is a slow progressive condition that affects some people that have had polio. It’s not life threatening but it can cause problems in your ability to carry out daily activities.
Polio is a serious viral infection that used to be common in the UK and worldwide. It’s rarer now because it can be prevented with vaccination.
In around 1 in 100 people, the polio virus causes paralysis, which in rare cases can be life threatening.
Cases of polio in the UK fell dramatically when routine vaccination was introduced in the mid-1950s.
8. Postnatal depression: Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.
It’s a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners, although this is less common.
It’s important to seek help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.
With the right support, which can include self-help strategies and therapy, most women make a full recovery.
9. Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and anyone with a prostate in the UK.
Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs you have it for many years.
Symptoms often only become apparent when your prostate is large enough to affect the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis).
When this happens, you may notice things like an increased need to urinate, straining while urinating and a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied.
These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, but they do not mean you definitely have prostate cancer. It is more likely that they are caused by something else, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (also known as BPH or prostate enlargement).
10. Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops in some people with the skin condition psoriasis. It typically causes affected joints to become inflamed (swollen), stiff and painful.
Between 20-40% of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis affecting the skin affects around 3% of people.
In most cases, people will experience problems with their skin before they notice any symptoms affecting their joints. In a minority of cases, skin problems may develop after or at the same time as joint problems.
Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is thought to be a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue. It’s not clear why some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis and others don’t.
R
1. Rare tumours: More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past.
It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer, and at times it can feel overwhelming, but there are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information, and if you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
2. 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.
It’s often referred to as Raynaud’s syndrome, Raynaud’s disease or just Raynaud’s.
3. Reactive arthritis: Reactive arthritis, formerly known as Reiter’s syndrome, is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) in various places in the body.
It usually develops following an infection, and in most cases clears up in a few months without causing long-term problems.
The three most common places affected by reactive arthritis are:
• the joints (arthritis), which can cause pain, stiffness and swelling
• the eyes (conjunctivitis), which can cause eye pain and redness
• the urethra (non-gonococcal urethritis), which can cause pain when urinating (the urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body)
However, most people will not experience all of these problems.
4. Restless legs syndrome: Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming, irresistible urge to move the legs.
It can also cause an unpleasant crawling or creeping sensation in the feet, calves and thighs. The sensation is often worse in the evening or at night. Occasionally, the arms are affected too.
Restless legs syndrome is also associated with involuntary jerking of the legs and arms, known as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS).
Some people have the symptoms of restless legs syndrome occasionally, while others have them every day. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In severe cases, restless legs syndrome can be very distressing and disrupt a person’s daily activities.
5. Retinoblastoma: Children: Retinoblastoma is an uncommon eye cancer that usually affects children under 5, although it can affect children of any age. Treatment is very effective and nearly all children with retinoblastoma are cured.
More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past.
It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer, and at times it can feel overwhelming. There are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information and if you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
Retinoblastoma develops in the light-sensitive lining of the eye (called the retina).
There are 2 forms of retinoblastoma:
• a heritable form – this is genetic or inherited; there are often tumours in both eyes (bilateral) or sometimes only in 1 eye
• a non-heritable form – this is not passed on in the family; there’s 1 tumour in only 1 eye (unilateral)

6. Rhabdomyosarcoma: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma (tumour). Most children with rhabdomyosarcoma are younger than 10 years old. It’s more common in boys than girls.
More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past.
It’s devastating to hear that your child has cancer, and at times it can feel overwhelming. There are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information and if you have any questions it is important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
Sarcomas are rare types of tumour that develop in the supporting tissues of the body, such as bone, muscle or cartilage. There are 2 main types of sarcomas:
• soft tissue sarcomas can develop in muscle, fat, blood vessels, or in any of the other tissues that support, surround and protect the organs of the body
• bone sarcomas can develop in any of the bones of the skeleton
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common of soft tissue sarcomas in children. These tumours develop from muscle or fibrous tissue and can grow in any part of the body.
The most common areas of the body to be affected are around the head and neck, bladder, testes, womb, or vagina.
Sometimes tumours are also found in a muscle or a limb, in the chest or in the abdominal wall. If the tumour is in the head or neck area, it can occasionally spread into the brain or the fluid around the spinal cord.
7. Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
The hands, feet and wrists are commonly affected, but it can also cause problems in other parts of the body.
There may be periods where your symptoms become worse, known as a flare-up or flare. A flare can be difficult to predict, but with treatment it is possible to decrease the number of flares and minimise or prevent long-term damage to the joints.
8. Ringworm and other fungal infections: Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can cause a red or silvery ring-like rash on the skin. Ringworm commonly affects arms and legs, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body. Despite its name, ringworm doesn’t have anything to do with worms.
Other similar fungal infections can affect the scalp, feet, groin and nails. These fungal infections, medically known as “tinea”, are not serious and are usually easily treated. However, they are contagious and easily spread.
9. Rosacea: Rosacea is a common but poorly understood long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face.
It can be controlled to some degree with long-term treatment, but sometimes the changes in physical appearance can have a significant psychological impact.
S
1. Scabies: Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.
The main symptom of scabies is intense itching that’s worse at night. It also causes a skin rash on areas where the mites have burrowed.
2. Scarlet fever: Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children. It causes a distinctive pink-red rash.
The illness is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, also known as Group A Streptococcus, which are found on the skin and in the throat.
Generally, scarlet fever is much less common than it used to be but in recent years there have been a number of significant outbreaks.
This year we have seen higher than usual numbers of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections in Scotland and persistently high numbers of cases of scarlet fever among children.
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever so that early treatment with antibiotics can be given.
3. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms, including:
• hallucinations – hearing or seeing things that do not exist
• delusions – unusual beliefs not based on reality that often contradict the evidence
• muddled thoughts based on hallucinations or delusions
• changes in behaviour
Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a psychotic illness. This means sometimes a person may not be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.
4. Shortness of breath: Sudden shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty (dyspnoea), is the most common reason for visiting a hospital accident and emergency department.
It’s also one of the most common reasons people phone 999 for an ambulance.
It’s normal to get out of breath when you’ve overexerted yourself, but when breathlessness comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, it’s usually a warning sign of a medical condition.
The information below outlines the most common reasons for:
• sudden shortness of breath
• long-term shortness of breath
This guide shouldn’t be used to self-diagnose your condition, but should give you an idea of what’s causing your breathlessness.
5. Skin cancer (melanoma): Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body.
The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. This can happen anywhere on the body, but the back, legs, arms and face are most commonly affected.
In most cases, melanomas have an irregular shape and more than 1 colour. They may also be larger than normal moles and can sometimes be itchy or bleed.
An ‘ABCDE checklist’ has been developed for people to tell the difference between a normal mole and a melanoma.
Read more about the symptoms of melanoma.
These pages mainly cover a type of melanoma known as superficial spreading melanoma, which accounts for around 70% of all melanomas in the UK.
6. Skin cancer (non-melanoma): Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to a group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin.
The term ‘non-melanoma’ distinguishes these more common kinds of skin cancer from the less common skin cancer known as melanoma, which spreads faster in the body.
The first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer is usually the appearance of a lump or patch on the skin that doesn’t heal after a few weeks.
In most cases, cancerous lumps are red and firm, while cancerous patches are often flat and scaly.
Speak to your GP if you have any skin abnormality that hasn’t healed after 4 weeks. Although it is unlikely to be skin cancer, it is best to be sure.
7. Slapped cheek syndrome: Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19) is a viral infection that’s most common in children. But it can affect people of any age. It usually causes a bright red rash on the cheeks.
Although the rash can look alarming, slapped cheek syndrome is normally a mild infection that clears up by itself in 1 to 3 weeks. Once you’ve had the infection, you’re usually immune to it for life.
However, slapped cheek syndrome can be more serious for some people. If you’re pregnant, have a blood disorder or a weakened immune system and have been exposed to the virus, you should get medical advice.
8. 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
Symptoms of advanced stomach cancer can include:
• blood in your stools, or black stools
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
As 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.
9. Stroke: A stroke is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage to the brain is likely to occur.
Even if the symptoms of a stroke go away, you or the person having a stroke should still go to hospital for an assessment.
10. Sunburn: Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week.
The skin will normally start to flake and peel after a few days and will usually fully heal within 7 days.
While sunburn is often short-lived and mild, it’s important to try to avoid it, because it can increase your chances of developing serious health problems, such as skin cancer, in later life.
It’s easy to underestimate your exposure to the sun when outside, as the redness doesn’t usually develop for several hours. Breezes and getting wet (such as going in and out of the sea) may cool your skin, so you don’t realise you’re getting burnt.
You should always be aware of the risk of sunburn if you’re outside in strong sun, and look out for your skin getting hot.
T
1. Testicular cancer: Cancer of the testicle is one of the less common cancers. It tends to mostly affect men and anyone with testicles between 15 and 49 years of age.
The most common symptom is a painless lump or swelling in one of the testicles. It can be the size of a pea or it may be much larger.
Other symptoms can include:
• a dull ache in the scrotum
• a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
It’s important to be aware of what feels normal for you. Get to know your body and speak to your GP if you notice any changes.
2. Testicular lumps and swellings: Lumps and swellings in the testicles are a relatively common symptom in boys, men and anyone with testicles and can have a number of different causes.
The vast majority of testicular lumps and swellings are caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions that may not need treatment, but it’s important to know what’s normal for you and to see your GP if you notice any changes in your testicles so they can try to identify the cause.
3. Thirst: Feeling thirsty all the time and for no good reason isn’t normal and should be investigated by your GP.
Thirst is normally just the brain’s way of warning that you’re dehydrated because you’re not drinking enough fluid. But excessive and persistent thirst (known as polydipsia) could be a sign of an underlying problem such as diabetes.
4. Threadworms: Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are tiny parasitic worms that infect the large intestine of humans.
Threadworms are a common type of worm infection in the UK, particularly in children under the age of 10.
The worms are white and look like small pieces of thread. You may notice them around your child’s bottom or in their poo.
They don’t always cause symptoms, but people often experience itchiness around their bottom or vagina. It can be worse at night and disturb sleep.
5. Thrush: Thrush is usually caused by a yeast fungus called candida albicans. It is not a sexually transmitted infection.
Candida albicans usually lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina.
Occasionally there can be too much yeast and it can cause symptoms. This is commonly known as thrush, thrush infection or candida.
6. Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a small gland at the base of the neck.
The most common symptom of cancer of the thyroid is a painless lump or swelling that develops in the neck.
Other symptoms only tend to occur after the condition has reached an advanced stage, and may include:
• unexplained hoarseness that lasts for more than a few weeks
• a sore throat or difficulty swallowing that doesn’t get better
• a lump elsewhere in your neck
If you have a lump in your thyroid gland, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have thyroid cancer. About 1 in 20 thyroid lumps are cancerous.
7. Tinnitus: Tinnitus is the term for hearing sounds that come from inside your body, rather than from an outside source.
It’s often described as “ringing in the ears”, although several sounds can be heard, including:
• buzzing
• humming
• grinding
• hissing
• whistling
Some people may hear sounds similar to music or singing, and others hear noises that beat in time with their pulse (pulsatile tinnitus).
You may also notice that your hearing is not as good as it used to be or you’re more sensitive to everyday sounds (hyperacusis).
8. Trigeminal neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia is a sudden, severe facial pain, described as sharp, shooting or like an electric shock.
It usually occurs in sudden short attacks lasting from a few seconds to about two minutes, which stop just as abruptly.
In the vast majority of cases it affects part or all of one side of the face, with the pain most commonly felt in the lower part of the face. Very occasionally it affects both sides of the face, but not normally at the same time.
People with the condition may experience attacks of pain regularly for days, weeks or months at a time. In severe cases, attacks may occur hundreds of times a day.
It’s possible for the pain to improve or even disappear altogether for several months or years at a time (known as a period of remission), although these periods of remission tend to get shorter with time. Some people may then go on to develop a more continuous aching, throbbing and burning sensation, sometimes accompanied by the sharp attacks.
Typically, the attacks of pain are brought on by activities that involve lightly touching the face, such as washing, eating and brushing the teeth, but they can also be triggered by wind (even a slight breeze or air conditioning) or movement of the face or head. Sometimes, the pain can occur without any trigger whatsoever.
Living with trigeminal neuralgia can be very difficult and it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, resulting in problems such as weight loss, isolation and depression.
9. Trichomonas infection: Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a small parasite.
It infects the genitals and may also lead to infection in the:
• vagina
• urethra (the passage carrying urine from the bladder)
• prostate gland

10. Transverse myelitis: Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition. It’s caused by inflammation (swelling) of the spinal cord. The swelling damages the nerves and can leave permanent scars or lesions.
The scars or lesions interrupt the communication between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body.
‘Transverse’ refers to the swelling being across the width of the spinal cord. It’s also sometimes used to describe swelling that only affects part of the width of the spinal cord.
U
1. 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.
2. Underactive thyroid: An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones.
Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed.
An underactive thyroid can often be successfully treated by taking daily hormone tablets to replace the hormones your thyroid isn’t making.
There’s no way of preventing an underactive thyroid. Most cases are caused either by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damaging it, or by damage to the thyroid that occurs during some treatments for an overactive thyroid or thyroid cancer.
3. Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It is a common problem and is thought to affect millions of people worldwide.
It’s not clear exactly how many people are affected, but it’s estimated that between 3 and 6 million people in the UK may have some degree of urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence affects both men and women, but it tends to be more common in women overall.
4. Urinary tract infection (UTI): Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connected to them.
Anyone can get them, but they’re particularly common in women. Some women experience them regularly (called recurrent UTIs).
UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, but usually pass within a few days and can be treated with antibiotics.
5. Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children are fairly common, but not usually serious. They can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
A UTI may be classed as either:
• an upper UTI – if it’s a kidney infection or an infection of the ureters, the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder
• a lower UTI – if it’s a bladder infection (cystitis) or an infection of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body

6. Urticaria (hives): Urticaria – also known as hives, weals, welts or nettle rash – is a raised, itchy rash that appears on the skin. It may appear on one part of the body or be spread across large areas.
The rash is usually very itchy and ranges in size from a few millimetres to the size of a hand.
Although the affected area may change in appearance within 24 hours, the rash usually settles within a few days.
V
1. Vaginal cancer: Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the vagina.
Cancer that begins in the vagina is called primary vaginal cancer. Cancer that begins in another part of the body – such as the cervix, womb or ovaries – and spreads to the vagina is known as secondary vaginal cancer.
This topic is about primary vaginal cancer. There are separate topics on cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and womb cancer.
2. Varicose eczema: Varicose eczema is a long-term skin condition that affects the lower legs and is common in people with varicose veins.
It is also known as venous eczema, gravitational eczema and stasis eczema.
3. Venous leg ulcer: A leg ulcer is a long-lasting (chronic) sore that takes more than 4 to 6 weeks to heal. They usually develop on the inside of the leg, just above the ankle.
The symptoms of a venous leg ulcer include pain, itching and swelling in the affected leg. There may also be discoloured or hardened skin around the ulcer, and the sore may produce a foul-smelling discharge.
See your GP if you think you have a leg ulcer, as it will need specialist treatment to help it heal.
Your GP will examine your leg and may carry out additional tests to rule out other conditions.
4. Vertigo: Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. It’s the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning.
This feeling may be barely noticeable, or it may be so severe that you find it difficult to keep your balance and do everyday tasks.
Attacks of vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds, or they may last much longer. If you have severe vertigo, your symptoms may be constant and last for several days, making normal life very difficult.
Other symptoms associated with vertigo may include:
• loss of balance – which can make it difficult to stand or walk
• feeling sick or being sick
• dizziness

5. Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia: Vitamin B12 or B9 (commonly called folate) deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of vitamin B12 or folate causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that can’t function properly.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body using a substance called haemoglobin.
Anaemia is the general term for having either fewer red blood cells than normal or having an abnormally low amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell.
There are several different types of anaemia, and each one has a different cause. For example, iron deficiency anaemia, which occurs when the body doesn’t contain enough iron.
6. Vomiting in adults: Nausea and vomiting in adults isn’t usually a sign of anything serious. It tends to only last 1 or 2 days.
Vomiting is the body’s way of getting rid of harmful substances from the stomach, or it may be a reaction to something that has irritated the gut.
One of the most common causes of vomiting in adults is gastroenteritis. This is an infection of the gut usually caused by bacteria or a virus. It’ll normally improve within a few days.
Vomiting can occasionally be a sign of something more serious, such as appendicitis.
7. Vulval cancer: Cancer of the vulva is a rare type of cancer that affects women and anyone with a vulva.
The vulva is a woman’s external genitals. It includes the lips surrounding the vagina (labia minora and labia majora), the clitoris (sexual organ that helps reach sexual climax), and the Bartholin’s glands (2 small glands each side of the vagina).
Most of those affected by vulval cancer are older women and anyone with a vulva over the age of 65. The condition is rare in women and anyone with a vulva under 50 who have not yet gone through the menopause.
W
1. Warts and verrucas: Warts are small lumps that often develop on the skin of the hands and feet.
Warts vary in appearance and may develop singly or in clusters. Some are more likely to affect particular areas of the body. For example, verrucas are warts that usually develop on the soles of the feet.
Warts are non-cancerous, but can resemble certain cancers.
Most people will have warts at some point in their life. They tend to affect children and teenagers more than adults.
2. Whooping cough: 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.
Whooping cough is spread in the droplets of the coughs or sneezes of someone with the infection.
3. Wilms’ tumour: Wilms’ tumour is a type of kidney cancer in children. It most often affects children under the age of 5.
More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments, and we can now also work to reduce the after-effects of having had cancer in the past.
It is devastating to hear that your child has cancer, and at times it can feel overwhelming. There are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. Your child’s specialist will give you more detailed information. If you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
Wilms’ tumour is a type of kidney cancer that was named after Dr Max Wilms, who first described it. It’s thought to come from very specialised cells in the embryo known as metanephric blastema. These cells are involved in the development of the child’s kidneys while they are in the womb. The cells usually disappear at birth, but in many children with Wilms’ tumour, clusters of primitive kidneys cells, called nephrogenic rests can still be found.
The kidneys are a pair of organs found at the back of the abdomen. They clean the blood by removing excess fluids and waste products, which are then converted into urine.
4. Womb (uterus) cancer: Cancer of the womb (uterus) is a common cancer that affects the female reproductive system. It’s also called uterine cancer and endometrial cancer.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of womb cancer.
If you have been through the menopause, any vaginal bleeding is considered abnormal. If you have not yet been through the menopause, unusual bleeding may include bleeding between your periods.
You should speak to your GP as soon as possible if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding. While it’s unlikely to be caused by womb cancer, it’s best to be sure.
Your GP will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They will refer you to a specialist for further tests if they suspect you may have a serious problem, or if they are unsure about a diagnosis.
Y
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.
Between 1999 and 2018, there were 12 cases of yellow fever reported among European travellers. None of these travellers were vaccinated, 5 of these cases occurred in 2018.