47 conditions
Cancer
Cancer is a general term used to refer to a condition where the body’s cells begin to grow and reproduce in an uncontrollable way. These cells can then invade and destroy healthy tissue, including organs. Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other parts.Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Breathing it in can make you unwell. It can kill if you're exposed to high levels. Go immediately to your local emergency department if you think you've been exposed to carbon monoxide and have symptoms (see below).Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, where the walls of the heart chambers have become stretched, thickened or stiff. This affects the heart's ability to pump blood around the body.Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist. It causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand and fingers. You can often treat it yourself, but it can take months to get better. It’s more common in women and becomes more likely as you get older.Related conditions
Cartilage damage
Cartilage damage is a common type of injury. It often involves the knees, although other joints can also be affected. Minor cartilage injuries may get better on their own within a few weeks, but more severe cartilage damage may require surgery.Related conditions
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin and below the skin. It can be serious if not treated quickly. This page contains information on the symptoms and causes of cellulitis and when to get medical advice.Related conditions
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination, caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or soon after birth. Speak to your health visitor or GP if you have any concerns about your child's health or development.Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the womb from the vagina). The symptoms aren't always obvious, so it's important to go to cervical screening appointments to detect it. See your GP if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding (see below).Related conditions
Cervical rib
A cervical rib is an extra rib that forms above the first rib, growing from the base of the neck just above the collarbone. It doesn't usually cause problems, but if it presses on nearby nerves and blood vessels, it can cause multiple symptoms, collectively known as thoracic outlet syndrome.Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of inherited conditions that damage the peripheral nerves (they control your muscles and other things like sense of touch). See your GP if you think you may be developing symptoms of CMT, (see symptoms section below).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.Related conditions
Chest pain
Chest pain can be caused by anything from muscle pain to a heart attack and should never be ignored.Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point. Chickenpox is caused by a virus. It's spread quickly and easily from someone who is infected.Related conditions
Chilblains
Chilblains are small, itchy swellings on the skin that occur as a reaction to cold temperatures. They usually affect the body's extremities, such as toes, fingers, ears and nose. Chilblains can be uncomfortable, but rarely cause any permanent damage. They normally heal within a few weeks if cold is avoided.Childhood illnesses
You can treat many common childhood illnesses at home. You can also get advice from your GP, pharmacist or health visitor. It can be difficult to tell when a baby or toddler is seriously ill, but trust your instincts. Get immediate help if you feel your child is seriously unwell.Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells deep inside your ear. They're rare but, if left untreated, can damage the delicate structures inside your ear that are essential for hearing and balance. See your GP if you have problems with your hearing or watery discharge from your ear.Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness. CFS is also known as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis). The condition can affect anyone, including children. It's more common in women. It tends to develop between your mid-20s and mid-40s.Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys don't work as well as they should. It's a common condition often linked with getting older. Anyone can get the condition. It's more common in people with high blood pressure and diabetes.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition that causes difficulty breathing. It is largely a preventable condition. COPD can't be cured or fully reversed, however, for many people treatment can help keep it under control.Related conditions
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by long-term liver damage. It prevents the liver working properly. It can eventually lead to liver failure, where your liver stops working, which can be fatal. But it usually takes years for cirrhosis to reach this stage. Treatment can help slow its progression.Related conditions
Cleft lip and palate
A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth (palate). It is present from birth. The gap is there because parts of the baby's face didn't join together properly during development in the womb.Clostridium difficile
Clostridium difficile is a bacterium (germ) that can infect the bowel and cause diarrhoea. It is also known as C. difficile or C. diff. The infection most commonly affects people who have recently been treated with antibiotics, but can spread easily to others.Club foot
Club foot (also called talipes) is a birth defect that can affect one or both feet. Early treatment usually helps fix it. If your baby has club foot, one or both feet points down and inwards with the sole of the foot facing backwards.Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a common condition. It’s caused by an adverse reaction to gluten in the small bowel, causing it to become inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients. It isn't an allergy or an intolerance to gluten. It can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating.Cold sore (herpes simplex virus)
Cold sores are small blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth. They're caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores usually clear up without treatment within 10 to 14 days.Colour vision deficiency (colour blindness)
People with colour vision deficiency find it difficult to identify and distinguish between certain colours. It's sometimes called being "colour blind", although total colour blindness (an inability to see any colour) is very rare.Common cold
A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It's a common infection and usually clears up on its own within a week or two. If you are fit and healthy, it’s unlikely to be serious. Painkillers can help reduce the symptoms of colds.Related conditions
Compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a painful and potentially serious condition. It’s caused by bleeding or swelling within an enclosed bundle of muscles – known as a muscle compartment. It's important to get urgent medical advice if you think you have the symptoms of acute compartment syndrome, (see symptoms section below).Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a poorly understood condition in which a person experiences persistent severe and debilitating pain. You should see your GP if you have persistent pain that's preventing you from carrying out everyday activities.Concussion
Concussion is a temporary injury to the brain caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. It usually only lasts up to few days or weeks. Although it sometimes needs emergency treatment and some people can have longer-lasting problems.Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease means a heart condition or defect that develops in the womb, before a baby is born. This can affect how the heart works, after the baby is born. Congenital heart disease is one of the most common types of birth defect.Related conditions
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis causes redness and inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye. It is a common condition. People often refer to conjunctivitis as red eye. This page has information on conjunctivitis including causes, symptoms and treatment.Related conditions
Constipation
Constipation is common and it affects people of all ages. You can usually treat it at home with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance. Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause skin to become irritated and dry. See your GP if you have constant, frequent or severe symptoms of contact dermatitis.Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are areas of hard, thickened skin. They develop when the skin is exposed to a lot of pressure or friction. They commonly occur on the feet and can cause pain and discomfort. If you have them on your feet, see a podiatrist (chiropodist) for advice about treatment.Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death both in Northern Ireland and worldwide. CHD is sometimes called ischaemic heart disease. Dial 999 for immediate medical help if you think you're having a heart attack, (see heart attack symptoms).Costochondritis
Costochondritis is inflammation (swelling) of the cartilage joints, at the end of the cartilages that connect your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). Costochondritis may improve on its own after a few weeks, although it can last for several months or more.Related conditions
Cough
Most coughs go away on their own within three weeks. There's usually no need to see a GP.Coughing up blood (blood in phlegm)
Coughing up blood can be alarming, but isn't necessarily a sign of a serious problem. It's more likely to be a cause for concern the older you are, particularly if you smoke. You should see your GP as soon as possible if you cough up blood.Related conditions
Cradle cap
Cradle cap is the greasy, yellow scaly patches that sometimes appear on the scalps of young babies. It usually appears in babies in the first two months and clears up without treatment within weeks to a few months.Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare and fatal condition that affects the brain. It causes brain damage that worsens rapidly over time.Crohn’s disease
Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. It is an uncommon condition. Crohn’s disease can affect people of all ages, including children.Croup
Croup usually affects children between 6 months and 6 years of age, most often during their second year. It’s caused by a virus so antibiotics won’t help. Typically it causes a ‘seal-like’ barking cough. It's usually mild, but you should see your GP if your child appears unwell.Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by having too much of a hormone called cortisol in your body. It can be serious if it's not treated. See a GP if you have symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, especially if you're taking steroids, (see symptoms below).Cuts and grazes
Most cuts and grazes are minor. They can be easily treated at home. Stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound thoroughly and covering it with a plaster or dressing is usually all that's needed. Minor wounds should begin to heal within a few days.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.Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection. It's a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women, and is usually more of a nuisance than a cause for serious concern.Related conditions