Health conditions A-Z
Conditions A
45 Conditions A
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an aortic swelling (aneurysm). The aorta is the major blood vessel that transports blood and oxygen throughout your body. If a AAA isn’t detected early on, it can be dangerous. AAAs are more common in men aged 65 and above.
Abscess
Symptoms Include:
Pain | Lump | Redness | Pus
Pain | Lump | Redness | Pus
A bacterial infection frequently causes an abscess, which is a painful collection of pus. Abscesses can form in any part of the body. If you suspect you have one, see your doctor. Without therapy, they normally do not improve.
Related Conditions:
Staph infection
Acanthosis nigricans
Symptoms Include:
Rash | Darkened skin | Thickened skin | Dry Skin
Rash | Darkened skin | Thickened skin | Dry Skin
Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that causes dry, black patches of skin to form in the armpits, neck, and groyne. It should be checked by a doctor because it could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Achalasia
Symptoms Include:
Difficulty swallowing | Regurgitate | Cough | Heartburn
Difficulty swallowing | Regurgitate | Cough | Heartburn
Achalasia is a rare gastrointestinal condition (oesophagus). It may be difficult to swallow meals and liquids as a result of this. Achalasia symptoms might appear at any stage in one’s life (see symptoms section). You will be referred to the hospital for tests if your doctor suspects you have achalasia.
Acne
Symptoms Include:
Spots | Pain
Spots | Pain
Acne is a prevalent skin problem that affects nearly everyone. It results in patches, greasy skin, and sometimes hot or painful skin. Acne affects a large percentage of teenagers and young adults.
Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
Symptoms Include:
Reduced hearing | Tinnitus | Dizziness | Headache
Reduced hearing | Tinnitus | Dizziness | Headache
An acoustic neuroma is a type of benign (noncancerous) nerve tumour. A vestibular schwannoma is another name for it. Adults between the ages of 30 and 60 are the most susceptible. If you have persistent symptoms similar to those of an acoustic neuroma, you should consult your doctor (see symptoms section below).
Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)
Symptoms Include:
Skin lesions | Pain | Itchy | Scaly Skin
Skin lesions | Pain | Itchy | Scaly Skin
Actinic keratoses (also known as solar keratoses) are rough patches of the skin induced by UV damage over time. They normally aren’t a major issue and will go away on their own. It’s critical to have them examined because there’s a potential they’ll develop into skin cancer at some point.
Acute cholecystitis
Symptoms Include:
Pain | Temperature | Nausea | Vomiting
Pain | Temperature | Nausea | Vomiting
An inflamed gallbladder is an acute cholecystitis. It normally happens when a gallstone plugs the cystic duct, however, it doesn’t always. Acute cholecystitis can be dangerous. It typically necessitates hospitalisation.
Related Conditions:
Stomach ache and abdominal pain
Acute kidney injury (AKI)
Symptoms Include:
Pain | Reduced urine | Nausea | Vomiting
Pain | Reduced urine | Nausea | Vomiting
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is when the kidneys are suddenly damaged and stop working normally. It might range from a slight reduction in kidney function to total renal failure. AKI usually develops as a result of another major illness. AKI must be detected and treated as soon as possible.
Acute pancreatitis
Symptoms Include:
Pain | Poor appetite | Nausea | Vomiting
Pain | Poor appetite | Nausea | Vomiting
Acute pancreatitis is a dangerous illness in which the pancreas is inflamed for a brief time. The pancreas is a tiny organ located behind the ribcage and behind the stomach. Acute pancreatitis usually improves within a week for the majority of people. Severe cases can lead to major problems, and in the worst-case scenario, death.
Related Conditions:
Stomach ache and abdominal pain
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Symptoms Include:
Short of breath | Tiredness | Confusion | Fainting
Short of breath | Tiredness | Confusion | Fainting
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening disorder in which the lungs are unable to give enough oxygen to the body’s important organs. It’s frequently a side effect of a major medical condition. By the time they acquire ARDS, the majority of victims have already been admitted to the hospital.
Addison’s disease
Symptoms Include:
Fatigue | Muscle weakness | Tiredness | Low mood | Weight loss
Fatigue | Muscle weakness | Tiredness | Low mood | Weight loss
Addison’s disease is a rare adrenal gland illness. Two hormones are produced by the glands. Addison’s illness is caused by a lack of hormone production. It can strike anyone at any age, but it is most common in those between the ages of 30 and 50. It also affects more women than men.
Age-related cataracts
Symptoms Include:
Reduced eyesight | Blurred vision | Light hurts
Reduced eyesight | Blurred vision | Light hurts
Cataracts are foggy areas on the lens, a little transparent disc inside your eye. These spots normally become larger over time, resulting in impaired, foggy vision and finally blindness. If you experience signs of cataracts, visit your optician (see the section on when to seek medical assistance).
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Symptoms Include:
Reduced eyesight | hallucinations
Reduced eyesight | hallucinations
A frequent disorder that affects the centre region of your vision is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). People in their 50s and 60s are frequently the first to be affected. It does not cause total blindness, but it can make routine tasks challenging, such as reading. If you’re concerned about your vision, see an optician.
Alcohol-related liver disease
Symptoms Include:
Jaundice | Swelling | Temperature | Itch
Jaundice | Swelling | Temperature | Itch
The term “alcohol-related liver disease” (ARLD) refers to liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Regular heavy drinking can lead to liver disease, which can result in significant and permanent liver damage. Drinking within suggested limits prevents liver damage, and abstaining from alcohol can typically prevent or reverse the damage.
Related Conditions:
Liver disease
Allergic rhinitis
Symptoms Include:
Sneezing | Runny nose | Blocked nose | Itch
Sneezing | Runny nose | Blocked nose | Itch
Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which the inside of the nose becomes inflamed. It’s brought on by an allergic reaction to an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or animal fur. It’s a rather frequent ailment. Consult a doctor if the symptoms listed below are preventing you from performing daily tasks.
Related Conditions:
Allergies
Allergies
Symptoms Include:
Redness | Rash | Sneezing | Itch
Redness | Rash | Sneezing | Itch
A reaction to typically harmless items such as pollens, meals, and medicines causes an allergy. In most cases, these drugs are harmless. When you’re allergic to anything, your body recognises it as a ‘danger’ and reacts.
Related Conditions:
Anaphylaxis
Alzheimer’s Disease
Symptoms Include:
Memory loss | Anxiety | Aggression | Confusion | Paranoia | Weight loss
Memory loss | Anxiety | Aggression | Confusion | Paranoia | Weight loss
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that wreaks havoc on memory and thinking skills, as well as the capacity to carry out even the most basic tasks. The late-onset type symptoms develop in the majority of patients with the disease in their mid-60s.
Amyloidosis
Symptoms Include:
shortness of breath | Swelling | Palpitations | Frothy urine
shortness of breath | Swelling | Palpitations | Frothy urine
Amyloidosis is a term used to describe a collection of rare but deadly diseases caused by the accumulation of an aberrant protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body. If you have any of the symptoms of amyloidosis and are concerned, visit your doctor (see symptoms section below).
Anal cancer
Symptoms Include:
Blood | Itch | Pain | Lump
Blood | Itch | Pain | Lump
Anal (bottom) cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that targets the big intestine’s very end. If you acquire any of the symptoms listed, consult a doctor. While anal cancer is unlikely to be the cause, it’s advisable to have it investigated.
Related Conditions:
Cancer
Anal fissure
Symptoms Include:
Blood | Pain
Blood | Pain
A rip or open sore (ulcer) in the lining of the anal canal is known as an anal fissure. It’s located between the rectum (where stools (poo) are held) and the aperture in the bottom of the intestine via which stools are passed (anus). If you have any concerns, see your doctor.
Related Conditions:
Rectal bleeding
Anal pain (proctalgia)
Symptoms Include:
Pain
Pain
Anal pain (pain in the lower abdomen) is unpleasant. However, it is frequently the result of a mild, manageable ailment. Self-care methods can help with a variety of frequent causes of anal pain. If your pain is severe, doesn’t go away after a few days, or you have rectal bleeding, see your doctor.
Anaphylaxis
Symptoms Include:
Shortness of breath | Wheeze | Pale | Rash
Shortness of breath | Wheeze | Pale | Rash
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If not treated promptly, it can be fatal. If someone has anaphylactic symptoms, immediately call 999 for an ambulance.
Related Conditions:
Allergies
Angina
Angina is chest pain caused by a reduction in blood supply to the heart muscle. It usually occurs as a result of hardening and narrowing of the arteries (blood vessels) supplying the heart. Angina is a very prevalent condition. As you become older, your chances of developing angina increase. It affects more men than women.
Related Conditions:
Chest pain
Angioedema
Symptoms Include:
Swelling | Rash | Tummy ache | Nausea
Swelling | Rash | Tummy ache | Nausea
Angioedema is a type of swelling that occurs beneath the skin. It’s frequently a reaction to a trigger, an allergic reaction, or a drug reaction. It is usually not serious, but it can be a recurring issue. It can be life-threatening and cause breathing difficulties. If this happens, call 999 for assistance.
Related Conditions:
Allergies
Animal and human bites
If serious animal and human bites aren’t assessed and treated right away, they can get infectious. If you’ve been bitten by an animal or a person and the bite has broken the skin, seek medical help right away. Bacteria in the lips of both humans and animals can cause infection.
Related Conditions:
Allergies
Ankylosing spondylitis
Symptoms Include:
Pain
Pain
(swelling of the spine’s joints) – this produces discomfort and stiffness that is usually worst in the morning and becomes better with activity.
Anorexia nervosa
Symptoms Include:
Weight loss | Body image issues | Vomiting | Hair loss
Weight loss | Body image issues | Vomiting | Hair loss
Anorexia nervosa is a dangerous mental illness. It’s an eating disorder that results in extremely low body weight, which is harmful to one’s health. Younger ladies are the ones that are most affected. It has become more common in young men, despite the fact that it is ten times less common in young women. It usually starts throughout adolescence.
Related Conditions:
Eating disorders | Binge eating disorder | Bulimia
Antisocial personality disorder
Symptoms Include:
Mood instability | Impulsive behaviour | Relationship instability | Emotionally detached
Mood instability | Impulsive behaviour | Relationship instability | Emotionally detached
Antisocial personality disorder is a personality condition marked by impulsive, reckless, and frequently criminal behaviour. It is common for someone with it to be manipulative, deceptive, and irresponsible. Antisocial personality disorder, like other personality disorders, is a spectrum disorder with varying degrees of severity. It affects more men than women.
Related Conditions:
Personality disorder
Anxiety
Symptoms Include:
Worry | Poor concentration | Fast heartbeat | Pain
Worry | Poor concentration | Fast heartbeat | Pain
Anxiety is characterised by a sense of unease, worry, or fear. Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives, but for some, it can be a chronic issue. Anxiety can manifest itself in both psychological and physical ways.
Related Conditions:
Mental health conditions | Chest pain | Shortness of breath
Aortic Stenosis
Symptoms Include:
Chest pain | Poor concentration | Dizziness | Passed out | Shortness of breath
Chest pain | Poor concentration | Dizziness | Passed out | Shortness of breath
When one of the heart valves thickens and doesn’t open correctly, it’s called aortic stenosis. The aortic valve can be damaged over time, usually over a long length of time. People above the age of 65 are more likely to develop aortic stenosis. There are usually no symptoms, and a cardiologist is usually the one to diagnose it.
Aphasia
Symptoms Include:
Difficulty speaking | Difficulty breathing
Difficulty speaking | Difficulty breathing
Aphasia is a condition in which a person has trouble speaking or understanding language. Damage to the left side of the brain is the most common cause (for example, after a stroke).
Appendicitis
Symptoms Include:
Pain | Nausea | Temperature | Diarrhoea
Pain | Nausea | Temperature | Diarrhoea
Painful swelling of the appendix is known as appendicitis. If you’re having stomach (abdominal) pain that’s growing worse, seek counsel from a GP or a local GP out-of-hours service.
Related Conditions:
Stomach ache and abdominal pain
Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
Symptoms Include:
Abnormal heartbeat | Dizziness | Fainting | Shortness of breath
Abnormal heartbeat | Dizziness | Fainting | Shortness of breath
Arrhythmia is a heart rhythm that is abnormal. It’s possible that your heart is beating too slowly, or, too fast, or even irregularly. When an irregular cardiac rhythm is detected and treated, the majority of people can live a normal life. This article contains information on the most prevalent types of arrhythmia and the symptoms associated with them.
Arthritis
Symptoms Include:
Pain | Inflammation | Red Skin | Weakness and muscle wasting
Pain | Inflammation | Red Skin | Weakness and muscle wasting
Arthritis is a common ailment characterised by joint pain and swelling (inflammation). Pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints are common signs of arthritis. Lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise, physiotherapy, and medications, are the most common therapies for arthritis. In more severe cases, surgery may be required.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a dangerous lung disease that can last a lifetime. Long periods of asbestos exposure are the cause. If you experience any of the symptoms listed in the symptoms of asbestosis section and believe you may have been exposed to asbestos, visit a doctor.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Inflammation of the tiny tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs causes it. Asthma can strike at any age, including youngsters and the elderly.
Related Conditions:
Ataxia
Symptoms Include:
Poor coordination | Difficulty walking | Problems speaking | Difficulty swallowing
Poor coordination | Difficulty walking | Problems speaking | Difficulty swallowing
Ataxia refers to a set of conditions that impact balance, coordination, and speech. If you or your child is experiencing inexplicable symptoms such as trouble walking, talking, or swallowing, consult a doctor.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) has the potential to produce major complications. It causes plaques, or atheroma, to form in the arteries, clogging them with fatty material. A healthy lifestyle can help to reduce it. Treatment can assist to lessen the likelihood of significant complications. If you’re concerned that you could have a high risk of atherosclerosis, see a doctor.
Athlete’s foot
Symptoms Include:
Rash | Itch | Pain | Redness
Rash | Itch | Pain | Redness
Athlete’s foot is a fungus-caused rash. It typically shows up between the toes. Itchy, red, scaly, dry, cracked, or blistering skin may be present. It’s usually not significant, but it should be addressed. This is done to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body or to other persons.
Related Conditions:
Fungal nail infection
Atrial fibrillation
Symptoms Include:
Fast heartbeat | Shortness of Breath | Fainting | Chest pain
Fast heartbeat | Shortness of Breath | Fainting | Chest pain
Atrial fibrillation is a heart ailment in which the heart rate is erratic and often abnormally fast. If you observe a sudden change in your heartbeat that makes you feel sick or if you have chest pain, contact a GP right away or contact the GP out-of-hours service.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Symptoms Include:
Poor concentration | Memory loss | Hyperactive | Impulsive behaviour
Poor concentration | Memory loss | Hyperactive | Impulsive behaviour
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disease that affects around 2% to 5% of school-aged children. Boys are more likely than girls to suffer from ADHD.
Related Conditions:
Mental health conditions
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Symptoms Include:
Delayed development | Behavioural problems | Difficulty speaking | Problems mixing with others
Delayed development | Behavioural problems | Difficulty speaking | Problems mixing with others
ASD is a lifelong condition that affects a person’s social interaction, communication, interests, and behaviour. ASD symptoms can be seen as early as childhood. If you see signs of ASD in your child or are concerned about their development, see a doctor or health visitor.
Autoimmune disorders
A disorder in which your immune system wrongly targets your body is known as autoimmune disease. Normally, the immune system protects us against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. It sends out an army of fighter cells to attack these foreign invaders when it detects them.
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Symptoms Include:
High blood pressure | Blood in urine | Pain | Tummy ache
High blood pressure | Blood in urine | Pain | Tummy ache
ADPKD (autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease) is a genetic disorder. It creates cysts, which are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that grow in the kidneys. It has the potential to cause renal failure. If you suspect you might have ADPKD, see a doctor.
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease
Symptoms Include:
High blood pressure | Swollen tummy | Shortness of breath | Passing a lot of urine
High blood pressure | Swollen tummy | Shortness of breath | Passing a lot of urine
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a rare inherited childhood disorder in which the kidneys and liver develop abnormally. Either of these organs may fail over time. It frequently causes substantial issues shortly after delivery, however less severe cases may not be apparent until the child is older.
