42 conditions
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta. The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. An AAA can be dangerous if it isn't spotted early on. Men aged 65 and over are most at risk of AAAs.Abscess
An abscess is a painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Abscesses can develop anywhere in the body. See your GP if you think you may have one. They usually won’t get better without treatment.Related conditions
Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it needs to be checked by a GP.Achalasia
Achalasia is a rare disorder of the food pipe (oesophagus). This can make it difficult to swallow food and drink. Symptoms of achalasia may start at any time of life. If your GP thinks you have achalasia, you will be referred to hospital for tests.Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch. Acne is very common in teenagers and younger adults.Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
An acoustic neuroma is a type of non-cancerous (benign) nerve tumour. It's also known as a vestibular schwannoma. They are most common in adults aged 30-60. You should see your GP if you persistent symptoms like those of an acoustic neuroma.Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)
Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses) are rough patches of skin caused by damage from years of sun exposure. They aren't usually a serious problem and can go away on their own. It's important to get them checked as there's a chance they might turn into skin cancer at some point.Acute cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. It usually, but not always, occurs when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct. Acute cholecystitis is potentially serious. It usually needs to be treated in hospital.Related conditions
Acute kidney injury (AKI)
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is sudden damage to the kidneys that causes them to not work properly. It can range from minor loss of kidney function to complete kidney failure. AKI normally happens as a complication of another serious illness. It's essential that AKI is detected early and treated quickly.Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time. The pancreas is a small organ behind the stomach and below the ribcage. Most people with acute pancreatitis improve within a week. Severe cases can have serious complications and can even be fatal.Related conditions
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition where the lungs can't provide the body's vital organs with enough oxygen. It's usually a complication of a serious existing health condition. Most people have therefore already been admitted to hospital by the time they develop ARDS.Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands. The glands produce two essential hormones. With Addison’s disease, not enough hormones are produced. It can affect people of any age, although it's most common between the ages of 30 and 50. It's also more common in women than men.Age-related cataracts
Cataracts are when the lens, a small transparent disc inside your eye, develops cloudy patches. Over time these patches usually become bigger causing blurry, misty vision and eventually blindness. See your optician if you have symptoms of cataracts, (see ‘when to get medical advice section below).Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It usually first affects people in their 50s and 60s. It doesn't cause total blindness but it can make everyday activities, like reading, difficult. See an optician if you're worried about your vision.Alcohol-related liver disease
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is the name for liver damage caused by excess alcohol intake. Over time, regular heavy drinking can cause liver disease, with serious and permanent damage to your liver. Drinking within recommended limits avoids damage to the liver, or stopping drinking can usually stop or reverse damage.Related conditions
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the inside of the nose. It’s caused by an allergic reaction to an allergen, such as pollen, dust and the hair of certain animals. It’s a common condition. See your GP if your symptoms, see below, are stopping you from doing everyday activities.Related conditions
Allergies
An allergy is a reaction the body has to normally harmless substances, such as pollens, foods and medicines. Usually these substances pose no problem. If you are allergic to a particular substance, your body identifies them as a ‘threat’ and reacts.Related conditions
Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is the name for a group of rare, serious conditions caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body. See your GP if you have any of the symptoms of amyloidosis and are worried, (see symptoms section below).Anal cancer
Anal (bottom) cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the very end of the large bowel. See your GP if you develop any of the symptoms below. While they're unlikely to be caused by anal cancer, it's best to get them checked out.Related conditions
Anal fissure
An anal fissure is a tear or open sore (ulcer) that develops in the lining of the anal canal. It's found between the rectum – where stools (poo) are stored – and the opening in the bottom stools are passed through (anus). See your GP if you think are concerned.Related conditions
Anal pain (proctalgia)
Anal pain (pain in the bottom) can be distressing. But is often just the result of a minor, treatable condition. Many common causes of anal pain will improve with self-care treatments. See your GP if your pain is severe, doesn't improve after a few days or you have rectal bleeding.Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It can be very serious if not treated quickly. If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis (see below), you should call 999 for an ambulance immediately.Related conditions
Angina
Angina is chest pain that occurs when the blood supply to heart muscle is reduced. It usually happens because the arteries (blood vessels) supplying the heart become hardened and narrowed. Angina is common. The risk of having angina increases as you get older. It’s more common in men than women.Related conditions
Angioedema
Angioedema is swelling underneath the skin. It's usually a reaction to a trigger, something you're allergic to, or a reaction to medication. It isn't normally serious, but can be a recurring problem. It can be life-threatening, causing difficulty breathing. If it does, dial 999 and get help (see below).Related conditions
Animal and human bites
Serious animal and human bites can get infected if they're not checked and treated quickly. Always seek medical advice if you've been bitten by an animal or person and the bite has broken the skin. People and animals have bacteria in their mouths, which can cause an infection.Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition. It's an eating disorder causing very low body weight, harming health. It most commonly affects younger women. It has become more common in young men, though it is ten times less common than in younger women. Typically it begins during teenage years.Related conditions
Antisocial personality disorder
Antisocial personality disorder is a type of personality disorder characterised by impulsive, irresponsible and often criminal behaviour. Someone with it will typically be manipulative, deceitful and reckless. Like other personality disorders, antisocial personality disorder is on a spectrum, and can range in severity. It’s more common in men than women.Related conditions
Anxiety in adults
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry or fear. Everyone feels anxious at some point in their life, but for some people it can be an on-going problem. Anxiety can have both psychological and physical symptoms.Related conditions
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis occurs when one of the heart valves thickens and doesn’t open properly. The aortic valve can become damaged, usually over a period of many years. Aortic stenosis is most common in people aged over 65. There are often no symptoms and is usually diagnosed by a cardiologist.Aphasia
Aphasia is when a person has difficulty with their language or speech. It's usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain (for example, after a stroke).Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a painful swelling of the appendix. If you're experiencing tummy (abdominal pain) that's gradually getting worse, contact your GP or local GP out of hours service for advice.Related conditions
Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. The heart may beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. Most people with an abnormal heart rhythm can lead a normal life if it's diagnosed and treated. This page has information on common types of arrhythmia and symptoms linked to the condition.Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious long-term lung condition. It is caused by long periods of exposure to asbestos. See your GP if you have the symptoms in the ‘symptoms of asbestosis’ section below and think you may have been exposed to asbestos.Asthma
Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. It is caused by inflammation of the small tubes, which carry air in and out of the lungs. Asthma can develop at any age, including in young children and older people.Related conditions
Ataxia
Ataxia is a term for a group of disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech. Visit your GP if you or your child have unexplained symptoms such as balance and co-ordination problems or difficulty walking, talking or swallowing.Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis)
Atherosclerosis can potentially cause serious problems. It causes arteries to become clogged with fatty substances called plaques, or atheroma. It’s reduced by having a healthy lifestyle. Treatment can help reduce the risk of serious problems. See your GP if you're worried you may have a high risk for atherosclerosis.Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is a rash caused by a fungus. It usually appears between the toes. The affected skin may be itchy, red, scaly, dry, cracked or blistered. It's not usually serious, but should be treated. This is to stop it spreading to other parts of the body or other people.Related conditions
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. Speak to your GP immediately or contact GP out of hours service if you notice a sudden change in your heartbeat, that makes you feel unwell, or if you have chest pain.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) describes behavioural symptoms which affect about two to five per cent of school-age children.Related conditions
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that affects a person's social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. Signs of ASD are present from childhood. See your GP or health visitor if you notice signs of ASD in your child, or you're concerned about their development, (see section below).Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited condition. It causes small, fluid-filled sacs called cysts to develop in the kidneys. It can cause kidney failure. See your GP if you think you have the symptoms of ADPKD.Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is a rare inherited childhood condition, where development of the kidneys and liver is abnormal. Over time, either one of these organs may fail. It often causes serious problems soon after birth, although less severe cases may not become obvious until a child is older.