Health A–Z

Conditions, A to Z

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

A

Acne A plain-English guide to acne — causes, treatments and when to see a GP or pharmacist.
Acute pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis — sudden severe upper abdominal pain, causes including gallstones and alcohol, and emergency hospital treatment.
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) 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 Age-related macular degeneration — wet and dry types, symptoms including distorted vision, NHS monitoring, and treatments including anti-VEGF injections.
Alopecia areata Alopecia areata — patchy hair loss causes, who it affects, NHS treatments including topical steroids and immunotherapy, and emotional support.
Angina Angina — chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart, stable vs unstable, GTN spray, and when to call 999.
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 Appendicitis — appendix pain location, symptoms, when to go to A&E, and NHS surgical treatment.
Arthritis Common types of arthritis, joint symptoms, when to seek help, diagnosis and treatments that protect movement and quality of life.
Asthma A plain-English guide to asthma — symptoms, triggers, treatment and recognising an asthma attack.
Athlete's foot A plain-English guide to athlete's foot — symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation (AF) — irregular heartbeat, palpitations, stroke risk, anticoagulation, and NHS rate control treatments.
Autism Autism spectrum disorder — signs in children and adults, assessment pathway on the NHS, and support for communication and sensory needs.

B

Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder — manic and depressive episodes, types, NHS treatment with mood stabilisers, and when to seek urgent help.
Bladder cancer Bladder cancer — blood in urine, diagnosis, staging, and NHS treatment including TURBT, BCG, and cystectomy.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) A plain-English guide to borderline personality disorder (BPD) — symptoms, causes, and the talking therapies that help, on the NHS.
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 Brain tumours — primary and secondary cancers, red flag symptoms, diagnosis with MRI, and NHS treatment including surgery and radiotherapy.
Breast cancer Most breast lumps are not cancer — but all need checking. Symptoms, NHS screening, and when to see a GP urgently. Reviewed by UK doctors.
Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis symptoms, airway-clearance treatment, flare-ups, antibiotics and when coughing blood or breathlessness is urgent.
Bronchiolitis A plain-English guide to bronchiolitis in babies — symptoms, home care, and when to seek urgent help.
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 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 A plain-English guide to carpal tunnel syndrome — numb, tingling hands — and what helps.
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 A plain-English guide to cellulitis — a bacterial skin infection, symptoms, treatment with antibiotics, and when to seek urgent help.
Cervical cancer Cervical cancer — HPV link, cervical screening (smear test), symptoms, prevention with HPV vaccine, and NHS treatment overview.
Chest infection A plain-English guide to chest infections — bronchitis and pneumonia symptoms, home care, and when to see a GP urgently.
Chickenpox A plain-English guide to chickenpox in children and adults — symptoms, treatment at home, and when to seek medical advice.
Chlamydia Chlamydia — the most common STI in the UK: symptoms, testing, NHS treatment with antibiotics, and why partners must be treated.
Chronic kidney disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD) — stages, causes, symptoms, slowing progression, and when dialysis or transplant is needed.
Cluster headache Cluster headache — excruciating one-sided head pain in clusters, triggers, acute treatment with sumatriptan and oxygen, and preventive options.
Coeliac disease A plain-English guide to coeliac disease — symptoms, diagnosis, and living gluten-free on the NHS in the UK.
Cold sores Cold sores (herpes simplex on the lips) — triggers, treatment with aciclovir cream, when they are contagious, and difference from genital herpes.
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 A plain-English guide to the common cold — symptoms, how to ease them, and when to seek advice.
Conjunctivitis A plain-English guide to conjunctivitis (red or pink eye) — causes, treatment and when to see a GP.
Constipation Constipation is common and often improves with fibre, fluids and activity — when pharmacy laxatives help and when a change in bowel habit needs a GP.
Contact dermatitis A plain-English guide to contact dermatitis — causes, treatment and when to see a GP.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) A plain-English guide to COPD — symptoms, causes, how it is managed and when to seek help.
COVID-19 A plain-English guide to COVID-19 — symptoms, how long it lasts, how to recover at home, and when to seek help.
Crohn's disease Crohn's disease explained — symptoms, flare-ups, diagnosis, NHS treatments including medicines and surgery, and living with inflammatory bowel disease.
Croup A plain-English guide to croup in children — the barking cough, home treatment, and when to seek urgent help.
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 Cystic fibrosis — inherited lung and digestive disease, newborn screening, daily treatments, and NHS specialist centre care.

D

Deep vein thrombosis Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — leg blood clot symptoms, pulmonary embolism warning signs, diagnosis, and NHS anticoagulant treatment.
Dementia Dementia — memory loss, early signs, types including Alzheimer's, diagnosis, and NHS support for patients and carers.
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 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 Diabetic ketoacidosis warning signs, ketone testing, sick-day safety and when to call 999.
Diverticulitis Diverticulitis — inflamed pouches in the colon causing abdominal pain, fever, and treatment with antibiotics or surgery.
Dry eyes A plain-English guide to dry eyes — causes, self-care and treatments that help.

E

Ear infection A plain-English guide to ear infections — outer, middle and inner ear symptoms, treatment, and when to see a GP.
Earwax build-up A plain-English guide to earwax build-up — safe ways to deal with it and what to avoid.
Eating disorders Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder — symptoms, health risks, and NHS treatment including talking therapies and specialist services.
Ectopic pregnancy Ectopic pregnancy symptoms, including one-sided pain and bleeding, when to call NHS 111, and the rupture signs that need 999.
Eczema Atopic eczema causes dry, itchy inflamed skin in flares — how to moisturise, reduce triggers, and when steroid creams or a GP review help.
Endometriosis A plain-English guide to endometriosis — symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and getting help in the UK.
Enlarged prostate Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — urinary symptoms in men, when to see a GP, and NHS treatments including medicines and surgery.
Epilepsy Epilepsy and seizures — types, triggers, diagnosis, NHS anti-seizure medicines, and when to call 999.
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 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 Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — causes, links to obesity and diabetes, diagnosis, and preventing progression to cirrhosis.
Fibroids Fibroid symptoms including heavy periods and pelvic pressure, how they are diagnosed, and treatment choices.
Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia — widespread pain, fatigue, and brain fog explained: diagnosis, NHS treatments, and distinguishing from other conditions.
Flu (influenza) A plain-English guide to flu — symptoms, how it differs from a cold, treatment and prevention.
Food allergy Food allergy — common triggers, symptoms from mild to anaphylaxis, NHS diagnosis, management including avoidance and adrenaline auto-injectors.
Food poisoning A plain-English guide to food poisoning — symptoms, how long it lasts, home treatment, and when to seek help.
Frozen shoulder A plain-English guide to frozen shoulder — symptoms, stages, treatment and recovery timeline.

G

Gallstones Gallstones can cause severe upper-right tummy pain after fatty meals — symptoms, when they need hospital care, and NHS treatment options.
Gastroenteritis A plain-English guide to gastroenteritis (tummy bug) — symptoms, self-care, and when to seek help.
Genital herpes Genital herpes (HSV) — symptoms, outbreaks, transmission, NHS antiviral treatment, and living with recurrent herpes.
Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes — high blood sugar in pregnancy, glucose tolerance test, monitoring, and reducing risks to mother and baby.
Glandular fever Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) — symptoms, how long it lasts, swollen glands, fatigue, and when to avoid contact sports.
Glaucoma Glaucoma — optic nerve damage and vision loss, types including open-angle and acute angle-closure, eye tests, and NHS treatment with drops.
Gonorrhoea Gonorrhoea — symptoms, testing, antibiotic treatment on the NHS, and why drug-resistant strains need specialist care.
Gout Gout causes sudden severe joint pain from uric acid crystals — often in the big toe. Learn triggers, attack treatment, prevention and when to see a GP.
Grief and bereavement A plain-English guide to grief after losing someone — or a pet — what to expect, what helps, and where to find bereavement support in the UK.

H

Haemorrhoids (piles) Haemorrhoids (piles) cause itching, pain or bright red bleeding after pooing — self-care, pharmacy treatments and when to see a GP.
Hair loss Hair loss has many causes — from pattern baldness to thyroid problems. Learn what helps, what the NHS offers, and when to see a GP. Reviewed by UK doctors.
Hand, foot and mouth disease A plain-English guide to hand, foot and mouth disease — symptoms in children, home treatment, and when to see a GP.
Hay fever Hay fever causes sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose in pollen season — antihistamines, nasal sprays, and when to see a pharmacist or GP.
Head injury and concussion Concussion symptoms, home observation after a minor head injury, and the red flags that require A&E or 999.
Head lice How to recognise head lice and nits, treatment options, and how to stop them spreading in children and adults.
Heart attack How to recognise a heart attack — symptoms in men and women, what to do in an emergency, and reducing your risk.
Heart failure Heart failure — breathlessness, ankle swelling, causes, diagnosis with echocardiogram, and NHS treatment including ACE inhibitors and diuretics.
Heartburn and acid reflux A plain-English guide to heartburn and acid reflux — causes, treatments and when to see a GP.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke How to recognise heat exhaustion and heatstroke, first aid, and when to call 999 in hot weather.
Heavy periods A plain-English guide to heavy menstrual bleeding — what counts as heavy, causes, and when to see a GP.
Hepatitis Viral hepatitis A, B, and C — transmission, symptoms, vaccination, NHS testing, and modern curative treatments for hepatitis C.
Hiatus hernia A plain-English guide to hiatus hernia — what it is, its link to heartburn, and how it is managed.
High blood pressure High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms but raises heart attack and stroke risk. Get checked from age 40 — treatment works. Reviewed by UK doctors.
High cholesterol A plain-English guide to high cholesterol — what it means, the risks, and how it is managed.
HIV HIV — transmission, testing, modern treatment (undetectable = untransmittable), PrEP, and NHS sexual health services.
Hives (urticaria) A plain-English guide to hives — what causes them, how to ease them, and when to seek urgent help.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) — how it spreads, link to cervical and other cancers, NHS vaccination programme, and testing through cervical screening.

I

Impetigo A plain-English guide to impetigo — a contagious skin infection — its treatment and how to stop it spreading.
Indigestion Indigestion (dyspepsia) causes upper tummy discomfort or burning after eating — self-care, pharmacy medicines, and warning signs for a GP.
Inguinal hernia Inguinal hernia — groin lump, symptoms, when surgery is needed on the NHS, and red flags for strangulated hernia emergency.
Insomnia A plain-English guide to insomnia — why sleep goes wrong, what helps, and when to see a GP.
Iron deficiency anaemia Iron deficiency anaemia causes tiredness and breathlessness from low iron — symptoms, common causes, tablets, and when a GP should investigate.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) A plain-English guide to IBS — symptoms, common triggers, management and when to see a GP.

K

Kidney cancer Kidney cancer — symptoms including blood in urine, diagnosis with scans and biopsy, staging, and NHS treatment including surgery and targeted therapy.
Kidney infection Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) — symptoms, difference from cystitis, NHS antibiotics, and when to seek emergency care.
Kidney stones Kidney stones cause sudden severe loin or groin pain — what they feel like, pain relief, when to go to A&E, and how the NHS treats them.

L

Labyrinthitis Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis — sudden vertigo, nausea, and balance problems: causes, recovery, and when to seek urgent help.
Lactose intolerance Lactose intolerance — difficulty digesting milk sugar, symptoms after dairy, diagnosis, and managing diet without missing calcium.
Lazy eye (amblyopia) A plain-English guide to lazy eye (amblyopia) in children — how it is found at eye tests and how it is treated, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon.
Leukaemia Leukaemia — blood cancer types, symptoms like fatigue and bruising, diagnosis, and NHS treatments including chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.
Liver cancer Liver cancer — primary and secondary types, symptoms including jaundice and weight loss, diagnosis, and NHS treatment including surgery and locoregional therapy.
Liver cirrhosis Liver cirrhosis — scarring from alcohol, fatty liver and hepatitis, symptoms, complications, and NHS treatment to slow progression.
Long COVID Long COVID means symptoms lasting weeks after COVID-19 — fatigue, brain fog and breathlessness are common. How the NHS assesses it and when to see a GP.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) Low blood pressure (hypotension) — what causes it, when dizziness on standing matters, and when readings below 90/60mmHg need a GP check.
Low testosterone Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) — symptoms, causes, blood test diagnosis, NHS treatment options, and when low T is normal with ageing.
Lung cancer Lung cancer — symptoms, who should seek chest X-ray, diagnosis, staging, and NHS treatment including surgery and immunotherapy.
Lupus Lupus (SLE) — butterfly rash, joint pain, fatigue, diagnosis with blood tests, and NHS treatment with hydroxychloroquine and specialist care.
Lyme disease Lyme disease — tick bites, erythema migrans rash, diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, and prevention when walking in wooded areas.
Lymphoma Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma — swollen glands, B symptoms, diagnosis, and NHS treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

M

Measles Measles — symptoms, highly contagious spread, MMR vaccine, complications, and when to seek urgent medical help.
Melanoma skin cancer Melanoma — dangerous skin cancer from moles, ABCDE warning signs, diagnosis, and NHS treatment including surgery and immunotherapy.
Meningitis How to recognise meningitis and septicaemia — symptoms in babies, children and adults, and when to call 999.
Menopause Menopause is when periods stop, usually between 45 and 55. Know the symptoms, how HRT helps, and when to see a GP. Reviewed by UK doctors.
Migraine Migraine is more than a bad headache — throbbing pain, nausea and light sensitivity, plus NHS treatments and when to seek urgent help.
Miscarriage Miscarriage — early pregnancy loss, symptoms, NHS care, emotional support, and when to seek emergency help.
Mouth ulcers A plain-English guide to mouth ulcers — causes, how to ease them, and when to get one checked.
Multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) — symptoms, relapsing and progressive types, diagnosis with MRI, and NHS disease-modifying treatments.
Mumps Mumps — swollen parotid glands, symptoms, MMR prevention, complications including orchitis, and when to see a GP.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) ME/CFS — persistent exhaustion not relieved by rest, post-exertional malaise, NHS diagnosis, pacing, and specialist management.

N

Nappy rash How to recognise and treat nappy rash, which creams may help, and when a sore or spreading rash needs a health visitor or GP.
Non-melanoma skin cancer Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma — warning signs, diagnosis, NHS treatment, and sun protection to reduce risk.
Norovirus A plain-English guide to norovirus (the winter vomiting bug) — symptoms, how to recover, and when to seek help.

O

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) OCD explained — obsessions, compulsions, how it differs from perfectionism, and NHS treatments including CBT and SSRIs.
Osteoarthritis A plain-English guide to osteoarthritis — symptoms, causes, treatment and self-care.
Osteoporosis Osteoporosis — fragile bones, fracture risk, DEXA scanning, prevention with calcium, vitamin D, and NHS treatments.
Ovarian cancer Ovarian cancer — symptoms often mistaken for IBS, diagnosis, CA125 blood test, and NHS treatment overview.
Ovarian cysts Ovarian cyst symptoms, ultrasound follow-up, treatment, and warning signs of torsion or rupture.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) A plain-English guide to an overactive thyroid — symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment in the UK.

P

Pancreatic cancer Pancreatic cancer — symptoms including jaundice and weight loss, diagnosis, and NHS treatment options including surgery and chemotherapy.
Panic attacks What panic attacks feel like, why they happen, how to manage them, and when to see a GP.
Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease — tremor, slowness, stiffness, diagnosis, and NHS treatment with levodopa and specialist support.
Pelvic inflammatory disease Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — symptoms, link to chlamydia and gonorrhoea, NHS antibiotic treatment, and fertility risks if untreated.
Pelvic organ prolapse Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic-floor treatment, pessaries and surgery, plus when urinary symptoms need urgent help.
Period pain A plain-English guide to period pain — what is normal, how to ease cramps, and when painful periods need medical assessment.
Peripheral arterial disease Peripheral arterial disease — narrowed leg arteries, claudication leg pain on walking, diagnosis, and NHS treatment including exercise and statins.
Plantar fasciitis A plain-English guide to plantar fasciitis — heel pain — and the steps that genuinely help.
Pneumonia A plain-English guide to pneumonia — symptoms, treatment, recovery, and when to seek urgent medical help.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) A plain-English guide to PCOS — symptoms, diagnosis, fertility, and treatment options in the UK.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) PTSD — flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance after trauma; NHS treatments including trauma-focused CBT and EMDR.
Postnatal depression Postnatal depression — symptoms beyond baby blues, difference from postpartum psychosis, NHS talking therapies and safe antidepressants when breastfeeding.
Pre-eclampsia Pre-eclampsia warning signs in pregnancy and after birth, including severe headache, vision changes, rib pain and sudden swelling.
Prediabetes What prediabetes blood results mean, how to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and when repeat testing is needed.
Premature ejaculation Premature ejaculation (PE) — causes, lifelong vs acquired, NHS treatments including behavioural techniques, creams, and medicines, and when to see a GP.
Prostate cancer Prostate cancer — symptoms, PSA testing, diagnosis, staging, and NHS treatment options explained in plain English.
Psoriasis Psoriasis causes red scaly skin patches that flare and settle — common triggers, pharmacy and prescription treatments, and when to see a GP.
Pulmonary embolism Pulmonary embolism — blood clot in the lung, symptoms including breathlessness and chest pain, emergency treatment, and NHS prevention of recurrence.

R

Reflux in babies Normal baby reflux, silent reflux, feeding measures that may help, and red flags such as green vomit, poor growth or blood.
Restless legs syndrome Restless legs syndrome (RLS) — urge to move legs, worse at night, causes, iron deficiency link, and NHS treatments.
Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — joint pain and swelling, morning stiffness, diagnosis, NHS DMARD treatment, and when to see a GP urgently.
Ringworm A plain-English guide to ringworm — a common fungal infection — its treatment and prevention.
Rosacea Rosacea causes facial redness, flushing and sometimes spots — how to spot triggers, what treatments help, and when eye symptoms need a GP.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) A plain-English guide to RSV — symptoms in babies and adults, home care, and when to seek medical advice.

S

Scabies A plain-English guide to scabies — symptoms, treatment, and treating the whole household.
Scarlet fever Scarlet fever causes sore throat, fever and a sandpaper-like rash, mainly in children — why antibiotics matter and when to seek urgent help.
Schizophrenia Schizophrenia — psychosis symptoms, early warning signs, NHS treatment with antipsychotics and talking therapies, and crisis support.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Seasonal affective disorder — winter depression symptoms, light therapy, NHS talking therapies, and self-help for low mood during darker months.
Sepsis Sepsis — life-threatening body response to infection — symptoms, when to call 999, and NHS emergency treatment.
Shingles A plain-English guide to shingles — symptoms, treatment, and when to get medical advice quickly.
Sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease — painful crises, anaemia, infection risk, newborn screening, and NHS specialist care for children and adults.
Sinusitis A plain-English guide to sinusitis (sinus infection) — symptoms, treatment and when to see a GP.
Slapped cheek syndrome A plain-English guide to slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease) — the rash, how it spreads, and when children need medical advice.
Sleep apnoea Obstructive sleep apnoea explained — snoring, breathing pauses, daytime tiredness, diagnosis with sleep studies, CPAP treatment, and links to weight and heart health.
Social anxiety A plain-English guide to social anxiety disorder — symptoms, what helps, and the therapies and support available on the NHS.
Sore throat A plain-English guide to sore throats — common causes, self-care, and when to see a GP or pharmacist.
Sprains and strains How to manage a sprain or muscle strain for the first 2 to 3 days, pain relief, and signs that may indicate a fracture.
Squint (strabismus) A plain-English guide to a squint (strabismus) in children and adults — why the eyes turn, and the treatments that help, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon.
Stress A plain-English guide to stress and burnout — the warning signs, how to reduce stress, and when to get help in the UK.
Stroke How to recognise a stroke — FAST warning signs, what to do in an emergency, and recovery after a stroke.
Stye A plain-English guide to styes — painful lumps on the eyelid — and how to treat them at home.
Syphilis Syphilis — stages, symptoms, blood testing, NHS antibiotic treatment, and why cases are rising in the UK.

T

Tension headache A plain-English guide to tension headaches — what they feel like, common causes, and how to ease them.
Testicular cancer Testicular cancer — lump in testicle, self-check, diagnosis, and highly treatable NHS treatment including surgery and chemotherapy.
Threadworms A plain-English guide to threadworms — a very common childhood infection — and how to treat the whole household.
Thrush A plain-English guide to thrush — oral and vaginal symptoms, causes, treatment, and when to see a GP or pharmacist.
Thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer — neck lump, diagnosis, types including papillary and medullary, and NHS treatment with surgery and radioactive iodine.
Tinnitus A plain-English guide to tinnitus — what causes ringing in the ears, what helps, and when to see a GP.
Tonsillitis Tonsillitis causes a sore throat, fever and painful swallowing — when it is viral, when antibiotics help, and red-flag symptoms.
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) — warning stroke symptoms, FAST recognition, urgent assessment, and NHS prevention including antiplatelets and lifestyle changes.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) — symptoms, latent vs active infection, testing, NHS treatment, and when to seek urgent help.
Type 1 diabetes Type 1 diabetes — autoimmune cause, symptoms, insulin treatment, blood glucose monitoring, and managing hypos and DKA.
Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes can be managed — and sometimes put into remission. Spot the symptoms, treatment options, and when to see a GP. Reviewed by UK doctors.

U

Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis — symptoms of bloody diarrhoea, flare-ups, colonoscopy diagnosis, NHS treatments, and when to seek urgent help for severe colitis.
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) A plain-English guide to an underactive thyroid — symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Urinary incontinence Types and causes of bladder leakage, pelvic-floor and bladder training, medicines, and when to see a GP.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) A plain-English guide to urinary tract infections — symptoms, treatment and when to get medical help.

V

Verrucas What verrucas are, how to treat warts on the feet at home, and when to see a GP or podiatrist.
Vertigo A plain-English guide to vertigo — what causes the spinning sensation, what helps, and when to see a GP.
Vitamin B12 deficiency A plain-English guide to vitamin B12 deficiency — symptoms, causes and treatment.
Vitamin D deficiency A plain-English guide to vitamin D deficiency — symptoms, who is at risk, testing and treatment in the UK.
Vitiligo Vitiligo — causes of white skin patches, who it affects, NHS treatments including topical steroids and phototherapy, and living with the condition.

W

Watering eyes and blocked tear ducts Why eyes water, blocked tear ducts in babies and adults, and the treatments that help, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon.
Weight loss and obesity Safe weight loss starts with small changes — and the NHS can help. What works, from diet to injections, and when to see a GP. Reviewed by UK doctors.
Whooping cough Whooping cough (pertussis) — symptoms in babies and adults, vaccination in pregnancy, antibiotics, and when it becomes an emergency.