Diarrhoea, which is loose, watery stools, happens when your digestive system can’t absorb enough water from what you eat and drink. While it’s common and usually not serious, ongoing or severe diarrhoea can signal a health problem.
Herpes is a very common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which comes in two main types: HSV-1 (often causing oral herpes) and HSV-2 (primarily causing genital herpes). It’s widespread globally, affecting billions of people.
Constipation is when you have infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. It’s common and can be caused by factors like a low-fibre diet, not drinking enough fluids, or certain medications. Most of the time, constipation can be managed with dietary changes and over-the-counter remedies.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic condition where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, gradually replacing normal kidney tissue. There are two main types: autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD).
If you’re currently dealing with pain caused by your IBS, try following this simple step-by-step guide to help reduce your pain. Try to follow it as closely as possible, and it should help you feel better quickly…
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety. They often happen without warning and can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and sweating. During a panic attack, you might feel detached from reality, fear losing control, or worry about having a heart attack or dying.
Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition known as atopic dermatitis, affects individuals of all ages, with symptoms ranging from redness and inflammation to intense itching. While eczema can manifest anywhere on the body, its occurrence around the eyes poses unique challenges due to the sensitivity of the skin in this area.
Bloating is a common discomfort many people experience, marked by a feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen. It can be caused by various factors like diet, swallowing air, digestive conditions, fluid retention, or constipation.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV-1. They’re highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with a sore or infected saliva.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a long-term condition that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, wind, diarrhoea, and constipation. These symptoms can vary in intensity and often come and go. IBS is a functional disorder, meaning the symptoms result from changes in how the gut works, rather than any clear physical problems.
Ever been hit by an intense wave of fear or anxiety out of the blue? That’s what a panic attack feels like. Surprisingly, they’re quite common, affecting about 2-3% of adults in the UK each year. They often start showing up in late teens or early adulthood.
Ever had to deal with head lice? Those bothersome little bugs that love to set up camp on your scalp? They’re more common than you might think, especially among kids aged 3 to 11. But here’s the thing: they don’t care who you are or how often you wash your hair.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that targets the skin on your feet, causing itching, burning, and redness. It’s quite common and spreads easily in warm, damp places like gym changing rooms and swimming pools.
Piles, or haemorrhoids, are swollen veins in your rectum and anus. They can be internal, inside the rectum, or external, under the skin around the anus. Internal haemorrhoids often cause painless bleeding during bowel movements, while external haemorrhoids can be painful and may bleed. If a blood clot forms in an external haemorrhoid, it can become a thrombosed haemorrhoid, which is extremely painful and might need medical treatment.
Stomach ulcers, also called peptic ulcers, are like open sores in your stomach lining. They can cause pain, bloating, nausea, and other discomforts. While they can affect anyone, they’re more common in adults, especially those over 60.
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix, a small pouch located in the lower right abdomen, becomes inflamed. It’s quite common, especially among people aged 10 to 30, but it can affect anyone.
Prescription medications can impair your ability to drive safely by affecting your coordination, reaction times, and judgement. Even if you don’t feel impaired, the medication could still be affecting you.
A private prescription is a medication you pay for in full, prescribed during a private medical consultation. Unlike NHS prescriptions, which are subsidised by the government, private prescriptions are not.
Bedbugs are small insects that feed on blood, and often live on bedding, furniture, or even cracks in walls. They reproduce rapidly, with females laying hundreds of eggs, and their bites can cause itching and discomfort.
Prescriptions are like written orders from your doctor that allow you to get specific medications from a pharmacy. They’re important because they help make sure you get the right medicine for your condition. Not all drugs are safe for everyone, so your doctor considers things like your medical history and other medications you might be taking before prescribing something.
Kidney disease covers a range of conditions that mess with how your kidneys work. Things like diabetes, high blood pressure, or even certain medications can cause it. It progresses through stages, from mild to severe, and can lead to kidney failure if not caught early.
Migraines aren’t your typical headache. They’re complex neurological conditions that can seriously disrupt your life. Unlike regular headaches, migraines bring on intense throbbing pain, along with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
A stye is a small, painful bump that forms on your eyelid, often near the base of an eyelash or within an oil gland. It’s caused by a bacterial infection, usually from bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition where skin cells build up rapidly, causing thick, red patches with silvery scales. It affects around 2-3% of people globally.
Beyond its visible symptoms, like red, inflamed skin, psoriasis can lead to itching, discomfort, and even pain, making daily life challenging.
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions in the UK, causing joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Arthritis comes in different forms, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage between bones wears down, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing joint inflammation.
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition, which mainly affects the face, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes acne-like breakouts. It typically starts after 30 but can occur earlier.
While people with fair-skinned are more prone, it can affect anyone. Flare-ups can be triggered by various factors like sun exposure and stress, making management crucial.
Lower back pain is incredibly common, affecting up to 80% of people at some point in their lives. It can be caused by muscle strain, structural issues, poor posture, or injuries.
It can disrupt your daily life, making even simple tasks challenging. That’s why finding the right medicine is important. These medicines offer targeted relief from pain and inflammation, helping you get back on your feet.
Haemorrhoids (piles) are a common condition, where veins become swollen and inflamed. They can be uncomfortable, itchy, and even painful.
Around half of adults over 50 have experienced them at some point. But they can affect people of any age, especially if you’re pregnant, overweight, or have a lifestyle that involves a lot of sitting.
Whether it’s simply that you’ve forgotten, you’re too busy, or something else popped up – knowing how long your pharmacy will hold your prescription for can give you the peace of mind that you’re not going to go without your medication.
We know how it is – not knowing how long your prescription takes can be a real pain. Especially if you’re due to run out of your existing medicine, or you’re about to go on holiday and need to stock up.
A repeat prescription is a handy service that lets you refill your ongoing medications without visiting your doctor every time. You will usually be given a repeat prescription if you require your medication for a long period of time.
If you’ve run out of your prescription medicine and need more urgently, or you’re simply dealing with a common condition, you may be able to get the medication you need without seeing a doctor.
Knowing how much your prescription costs (if you need to pay for your medication) can help you plan your budget, especially if treating a long-term illness that requires an ongoing prescription.
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is something you might hear about, especially if you have young children. It’s a viral infection that mostly affects kids under 5, but adults can get it too. It causes sores or blisters in the mouth, on the hands, and on the feet. These sores can be uncomfortable but usually go away on their own within a week or two.
Vitamins and minerals help your body to carry out basic functions, and prevent potential health issues. Among them, vitamin C is particularly important.
Unfortunately, our bodies aren’t able to produce enough vitamin C on their own, so we need to get it from our diets regularly to avoid having a deficiency.
The morning after pill, also known as emergency contraception or Plan B, is a type of birth control you can take after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It’s not meant for regular use but as a backup option if your usual contraception fails or you have unprotected intercourse.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. It’s named after Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first identified. While not extremely common, cases have been increasing in recent years, especially in certain regions of the United States and other parts of the world.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormonal disorder affecting around 1 in 10 women of childbearing age in the UK. It’s caused by a mix of genetics and environmental factors, often involving insulin resistance.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological condition causing uncomfortable sensations in the legs, often prompting an irresistible urge to move them. While its exact cause isn’t fully known, it’s believed to involve brain abnormalities, genetics, and certain health conditions like anaemia or kidney problems.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the ovaries. They’re very common, and usually do not cause any symptoms.
Virtually all women who still have a period, and 1 in 5 women who go through menopause will have one or more ovarian cysts without experiencing any symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. It’s a lifelong condition that affects people differently, with the symptoms sometimes causing serious disabilities.
Sepsis is a serious condition where the body’s response to infection can harm its own tissues and organs. Without quick treatment, it can lead to severe complications, including death.
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, occurs when your blood pressure falls below normal levels. Typically, a reading below 90/60 mmHg is considered low, but this can also vary based on your health and other factors.
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It mainly affects kids, but adults who haven’t had it can get it too. The main sign is a rash that turns into itchy blisters, which then crust over and heal in about one to two weeks.
Most people feel bloated at some point, it’s very common and happens when gas builds up in your digestive system.
Though it’s usually temporary and harmless, it can feel a little disconcerting, especially if you’re feeling bloated regularly.
Herpes is a very common viral infection. There are millions of people in the UK living with it right now, but due to the stigma surrounding it – it’s not being spoken about.
Learning about fibromyalgia and its symptoms isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about empowerment. It helps you navigate the challenges of the condition and ensures you receive the care you need.
Feeling tired all the time isn’t just about being sleepy after a late night or experiencing a mid-day slump. It’s about a constant state of exhaustion that affects your daily life. You’re not alone in wondering why you’re feeling tired from the moment you wake up to when your head hits the pillow in the evening.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the force of blood against artery walls is too high, stressing the heart and blood vessels. Despite often showing no symptoms, high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes.
The duration of insomnia can vary wildly, depending on factors like its causes and differences in the type of insomnia you have.
