---
title: "Health A–Z | HealthAnswers"
description: "Browse health conditions A to Z. Plain-English information medically reviewed by UK doctors."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/health-a-z/
robots: noindex
---

# Health A–Z | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

Clear information on health conditions, written in plain English and medically reviewed by UK doctors. Choose a letter or scroll to browse.

Filter conditions

## A

- [Acne](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/acne/) A plain-English guide to acne — causes, treatments and when to see a GP or pharmacist.
- [Acute pancreatitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/acute-pancreatitis/) Acute pancreatitis — sudden severe upper abdominal pain, causes including gallstones and alcohol, and emergency hospital treatment.
- [ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/adhd/) ADHD affects focus, impulsivity and organisation in children and adults. How UK assessment works and what helps meanwhile. Reviewed by UK doctors.
- [Age-related macular degeneration](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/macular-degeneration/) Age-related macular degeneration — wet and dry types, symptoms including distorted vision, NHS monitoring, and treatments including anti-VEGF injections.
- [Alopecia areata](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/alopecia-areata/) Alopecia areata — patchy hair loss causes, who it affects, NHS treatments including topical steroids and immunotherapy, and emotional support.
- [Angina](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/angina/) Angina — chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart, stable vs unstable, GTN spray, and when to call 999.
- [Anxiety](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/anxiety/) Anxiety is your body's alarm system stuck on high. Learn what drives it, which treatments work, and how to get NHS help fast. Reviewed by UK doctors.
- [Appendicitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/appendicitis/) Appendicitis — appendix pain location, symptoms, when to go to A&E, and NHS surgical treatment.
- [Arthritis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/arthritis/) Arthritis is not one disease. Use this UK guide to tell osteoarthritis from inflammatory arthritis, know when a hot joint is urgent, and choose the right next step.
- [Asthma](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/asthma/) A plain-English guide to asthma — symptoms, triggers, treatment and recognising an asthma attack.
- [Athlete's foot](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/athletes-foot/) A plain-English guide to athlete's foot — symptoms, treatment and prevention.
- [Atrial fibrillation](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/) Atrial fibrillation (AF) — irregular heartbeat, palpitations, stroke risk, anticoagulation, and NHS rate control treatments.
- [Autism](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/autism/) Autism spectrum disorder — signs in children and adults, assessment pathway on the NHS, and support for communication and sensory needs.

## B

- [Bipolar disorder](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/) Bipolar disorder — manic and depressive episodes, types, NHS treatment with mood stabilisers, and when to seek urgent help.
- [Bladder cancer](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/) Bladder cancer — blood in urine, diagnosis, staging, and NHS treatment including TURBT, BCG, and cystectomy.
- [Borderline personality disorder (BPD)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/) A plain-English guide to borderline personality disorder (BPD) — symptoms, causes, and the talking therapies that help, on the NHS.
- [Bowel cancer](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/) Bowel cancer is very treatable caught early. Know the symptoms, use the free NHS home test kit, and see a GP about any bleeding. Reviewed by UK doctors.
- [Brain tumour](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/brain-tumour/) Brain tumours — primary and secondary cancers, red flag symptoms, diagnosis with MRI, and NHS treatment including surgery and radiotherapy.
- [Breast cancer](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/) Breast changes to discuss with a GP, how NHS screening differs from checking symptoms, and what to expect from breast-clinic tests and treatment discussions.
- [Bronchiectasis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/bronchiectasis/) Bronchiectasis symptoms, airway-clearance treatment, flare-ups, antibiotics and when coughing blood or breathlessness is urgent.
- [Bronchiolitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/bronchiolitis/) Bronchiolitis is a viral chest infection in babies and children under 2, often RSV. Most recover at home. Call 999 if they are working hard to breathe.
- [Bronchitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/bronchitis/) Acute bronchitis is a chesty cough after a cold — why antibiotics are rarely needed, what helps recovery, and when to see a GP.
- [Burns and scalds](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/) Burn first aid, including 20 minutes of cool running water, what not to apply, and which burns need 999 or hospital treatment.

## C

- [Carpal tunnel syndrome](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/) A plain-English guide to carpal tunnel syndrome — numb, tingling hands — and what helps.
- [Cataracts](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cataracts/) A plain-English guide to cataracts — what they are, the symptoms, and how cataract surgery restores clear vision, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon.
- [Cellulitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cellulitis/) A plain-English guide to cellulitis — a bacterial skin infection, symptoms, treatment with antibiotics, and when to seek urgent help.
- [Cervical cancer](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/) Cervical cancer — HPV link, cervical screening (smear test), symptoms, prevention with HPV vaccine, and NHS treatment overview.
- [Chest infection](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/chest-infection/) A plain-English guide to chest infections — bronchitis and pneumonia symptoms, home care, and when to see a GP urgently.
- [Chickenpox](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/chickenpox/) Chickenpox is itchy spots that blister then crust. Stay off until all spots have scabbed. Pregnant, newborn or immunocompromised contacts need advice.
- [Chlamydia](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/chlamydia/) Chlamydia is a common STI. Many people have no symptoms. Free NHS clinic or postal tests, a short antibiotic course, and partner treatment matter.
- [Chronic kidney disease](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/) Chronic kidney disease (CKD) — stages, causes, symptoms, slowing progression, and when dialysis or transplant is needed.
- [Cluster headache](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cluster-headache/) Cluster headache — excruciating one-sided head pain in clusters, triggers, acute treatment with sumatriptan and oxygen, and preventive options.
- [Coeliac disease](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/) A plain-English guide to coeliac disease — symptoms, diagnosis, and living gluten-free on the NHS in the UK.
- [Cold sores](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cold-sores/) Cold sores (herpes simplex on the lips) — triggers, treatment with aciclovir cream, when they are contagious, and difference from genital herpes.
- [Colic](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/colic/) Colic symptoms, ways to soothe a crying baby, treatments that do not help, and warning signs that crying may have another cause.
- [Common cold](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/common-cold/) The common cold is viral, so antibiotics do not help. Use this UK guide to ease symptoms, tell a cold from flu or COVID-19, and know when to call 999.
- [Conjunctivitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/conjunctivitis/) Red, watery or sticky eyes are often conjunctivitis. A pharmacist can often advise. Vision loss, severe pain, newborns and worsening contact-lens red eye need urgent help.
- [Constipation](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/constipation/) Most constipation improves with fibre, fluids and activity. A pharmacist can suggest short-term laxatives. Blood, weight loss or a lasting change in bowel habit needs a GP.
- [Contact dermatitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/) A plain-English guide to contact dermatitis — causes, treatment and when to see a GP.
- [COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/copd/) A plain-English guide to COPD — symptoms, causes, how it is managed and when to seek help.
- [COVID-19](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/covid-19/) COVID-19 often feels like a cold or flu. Stay at home while you have a fever or feel too unwell. Severe breathing difficulty is 999. Check current NHS advice.
- [Crohn's disease](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/crohns-disease/) Crohn's disease explained — symptoms, flare-ups, diagnosis, NHS treatments including medicines and surgery, and living with inflammatory bowel disease.
- [Croup](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/croup/) Croup causes a barking cough in young children. Steam is not NHS-recommended. Call 999 if they are struggling to breathe or going blue or grey.
- [Cuts and grazes](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/) How to stop bleeding, clean and dress a minor cut, tetanus considerations, and when a wound needs urgent medical care.
- [Cystic fibrosis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cystic-fibrosis/) Cystic fibrosis — inherited lung and digestive disease, newborn screening, daily treatments, and NHS specialist centre care.

## D

- [Deep vein thrombosis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — leg blood clot symptoms, pulmonary embolism warning signs, diagnosis, and NHS anticoagulant treatment.
- [Dementia](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/dementia/) Dementia — memory loss, early signs, types including Alzheimer's, diagnosis, and NHS support for patients and carers.
- [Dental abscess](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/) Dental abscess symptoms, how to get urgent dental care, temporary pain relief, and when facial swelling or breathing trouble is an emergency.
- [Depression](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/depression/) Depression is more than low mood — and treatment works. Spot the signs, what the NHS offers, and when to get urgent help. Reviewed by UK doctors.
- [Diabetic ketoacidosis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/) Diabetic ketoacidosis warning signs, ketone testing, sick-day safety and when to call 999.
- [Diverticulitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/diverticulitis/) Diverticulitis — inflamed pouches in the colon causing abdominal pain, fever, and treatment with antibiotics or surgery.
- [Dry eyes](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/dry-eyes/) A plain-English guide to dry eyes — causes, self-care and treatments that help.

## E

- [Ear infection](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/ear-infection/) Most ear infections settle in about three days. Pharmacy First can assess some earache. Babies, discharge, or swelling around the ear need a GP, 111 or 999.
- [Earwax build-up](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/) A plain-English guide to earwax build-up — safe ways to deal with it and what to avoid.
- [Eating disorders](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/eating-disorders/) Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder — symptoms, health risks, and NHS treatment including talking therapies and specialist services.
- [Ectopic pregnancy](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/) Ectopic pregnancy symptoms, including one-sided pain and bleeding, when to call NHS 111, and the rupture signs that need 999.
- [Eczema](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/eczema/) Atopic eczema is dry, itchy skin that flares. Use this UK guide for emollients, steroid creams as directed, infection warning signs, and how it looks on darker skin.
- [Endometriosis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/endometriosis/) A plain-English guide to endometriosis — symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and getting help in the UK.
- [Enlarged prostate](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/enlarged-prostate/) Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — urinary symptoms in men, when to see a GP, and NHS treatments including medicines and surgery.
- [Epilepsy](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/epilepsy/) Epilepsy and seizures — types, triggers, diagnosis, NHS anti-seizure medicines, and when to call 999.
- [Erectile dysfunction](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/erectile-dysfunction/) Erectile dysfunction is common and usually treatable — and can flag heart health issues. What works, and when to see a GP. Reviewed by UK doctors.
- [Eye health](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/eye-health/) How to look after your eyes — regular eye tests, protecting your sight, and spotting problems early, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon.

## F

- [Fatty liver disease](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/fatty-liver-disease/) Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — causes, links to obesity and diabetes, diagnosis, and preventing progression to cirrhosis.
- [Fibroids](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/uterine-fibroids/) Fibroid symptoms including heavy periods and pelvic pressure, how they are diagnosed, and treatment choices.
- [Fibromyalgia](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/) Fibromyalgia — widespread pain, fatigue, and brain fog explained: diagnosis, NHS treatments, and distinguishing from other conditions.
- [Flu (influenza)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/flu/) Flu comes on fast with fever, aches and exhaustion. Learn how it differs from a cold or COVID-19, who needs the vaccine, and when to call 999.
- [Food allergy](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/food-allergy/) Food allergy — common triggers, symptoms from mild to anaphylaxis, NHS diagnosis, management including avoidance and adrenaline auto-injectors.
- [Food poisoning](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/food-poisoning/) A plain-En