Angina refers to a feeling of pressure, tightness or pain in the chest which occurs when there is poor blood flow to the heart muscle. This is usually the result of cholesterol and fat deposits narrowing the coronary arteries which supply the heart muscle. Lifestyle changes, medications and/or su...

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis in which the joints of the spine become inflamed, in particular where the spine attaches to the pelvis. It usually develops in young adults and causes pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back. Eventually, fusion of vertebrae in the spine can o...

Arthritis refers to inflammation of joints. This can lead to stiffness, swelling and pain and may be due to a joint condition, an infection or an autoimmune condition. Most arthritis is chronic, however adhering to treatment plans and some modification of activities can help maintain an active li...

Asthma is a common respiratory condition where irritants trigger the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, which makes breathing difficult. During attacks, individuals may notice wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and/or shortness of breath. It is important to know how to correctly man...

Atrial fibrillation is an irregularity in the heart’s rhythm. The condition causes several potential complications that can have serious consequences. The heart rate can become very fast, or a clot can form within the heart, leading to a stroke.

Bronchiectasis is a lung disease in which the airways (bronchi) become damaged and scarred by repeated lung infections. It can cause a build-up of mucus in the airways, leading to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.

Chronic renal failure, also known as chronic kidney disease, is the gradual decline and failure of the kidneys to filter and remove unwanted waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream. Over time, a build-up of these in the blood can cause serious and potentially fatal health complications.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex condition that affects the whole body with physical and mental changes. Although symptoms vary, the condition’s main feature is unprovoked, persistent fatigue. Cognitive behavioural therapy and exercise therapy have been associated with improved outcomes for ...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, covers conditions affecting the lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main conditions, usually caused by smoking. Medications and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.

Most pain associated with an illness, injury or surgery goes away within a few months of its onset. If pain continues after this time, it is defined as chronic pain. It can cause distress and discomfort and affect quality of life. How and why chronic pain occurs varies, but there are treatments a...

Coeliac disease is diagnosed when the body's immune system responds inappropriately to gluten, a protein found in wheat. This results in the inner surface of the small intestine becoming inflamed. A life-long gluten free diet is the main treatment.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel condition that mainly affects the intestines. The main symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal cramping and tiredness. Although there is no known cure, Crohn’s disease can be managed with medications, dietary measures and, in some cases, surgery.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs. This leads to breathing difficulties, tiredness, lung infections and a shortened life expectancy. While treatment for CF continues to improve, healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain a good quality of...

Epilepsy is a condition of the brain that causes repeated seizures. It occurs due to abnormal signalling between nerve cells in the brain. There are over 40 different types of epilepsy. There are numerous treatments available to help individuals lead a normal life.

Fibromyalgia is a common condition that causes widespread stiffness, aches and pain in muscles throughout the body. It can also cause extreme tiredness, which can interfere with carrying out normal activities. In some people the symptoms may come and go, while others experience pain every day.

Haemochromatosis is a hereditary condition that causes your body to absorb too much iron from your diet. Over time it accumulates in tissues and certain organs, including your heart, liver and pancreas. If undetected and untreated, this excess iron can damage tissues and organs.

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is when the heart fails to effectively pump blood around the body. It may lead to tiredness, shortness of breath and leg swelling. It can be caused by many conditions. However, medications, surgery and lifestyle changes can help manage this c...

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can have no symptoms but may lead to life threatening conditions. It’s important to have your blood pressure checked periodically. If you have hypertension, lifestyle changes and medications can help control your blood pressure.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a term that covers a large group of medical conditions in which damage to and scarring of lung tissue leads to long-term breathing difficulties. Causes are varied, but include smoking, radiation therapy, exposure to allergens and irritants and connective tissue ...

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body. It can cause a distinct rash on the face, tiredness and swollen lymph glands. With lifestyle changes and medications, most symptoms can be managed.

Meniere's disease is a condition of the inner ear that causes attacks of dizziness, loss of balance, ringing and hearing loss. It's thought that a build-up of fluid in the inner ear causes the pressure to rise, disrupting the hearing and balance signals from the inner ear to the brain.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. This can lead to impaired sensation, movement and cognition.

Body mass index, or BMI, is a tool used to classify your weight. Obesity is defined as a BMI greater than 30 and is a weight significantly greater than what is considered healthy for your height. Carrying excess body weight can have serious consequences for your health. It is possible to reduce y...

Sleep Apnoea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops or is slowed for short periods during sleep. It can cause mild symptoms like daytime tiredness or a morning headache, but can also lead to serious complications that can be life threatening. It is important to treat sleep apnoea.

Occupational lung disease is a term that covers a range of lung diseases that can develop from workplace (occupational) exposure to substances that damage the lungs. Some substances can result in immediate changes, whereas others can take years for disease to appear or develop.

Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage in synovial joints, usually in the hands, big toes, knees, hips and spine. As cartilage breaks down, bones in the joints rub against one another, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and bony spurs. Treatment options are available to help manage symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition of the brain that causes a range of symptoms, including problems with controlling movements. It is caused by a reduction in the amount of an important chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine.

Polymyalgia rheumatica, or PMR, is inflammation of the shoulders and hips that causes pain and stiffness, often after sleep or rest. It is most often found in people over 50 years of age. PMR can be treated with low doses of corticosteroid medication.

Psoriatic arthritis occurs in people with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that can affect the skin, nails and joints. In psoriatic arthritis, one or more joints become stiff, swollen and painful. Early treatment makes living with the condition much easier.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the lining of joints, resulting in swelling, pain, stiffness and, over time, gradual joint damage. Fortunately, early treatment and appropriate physical activity can improve quality of life.

Spondylolisthesis is caused when one of the vertebrae of the spine shifts out of position. It can cause back pain and stiffness. It is different to a slipped disc, which occurs when a disc in between two vertebrae is damaged.

Type 1 diabetes is a long-term condition with impaired control of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It occurs when the pancreas cannot produce the hormone insulin, which normally controls the entry of glucose into cells. Individuals with type 1 diabetes need careful management, including insulin inje...

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels, and can lead to serious health problems. Although it is a lifelong condition, it can be effectively managed by controlling blood sugar levels, having regular check-ups and seeking early treatment for any...

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that mainly affects the large intestine, causing inflammation and ulcers that can lead to bleeding. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the part of the bowel affected. Lifestyle measures can also help reduce flare-ups.