Treating bone cysts

Many bone cysts heal without treatment. However, treatment is sometimes necessary if the cyst is painful or to prevent the bone fracturing. Unicameral bone cyst If the cyst is small and the affected bone is strong, a policy of watchful…

Introdution of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a rare long-term condition that causes certain muscles to become weak. It mainly affects muscles that are controlled voluntarily – often those controlling eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, swallowing…

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis

Muscle weakness is the main symptom of myasthenia gravis. The eye and facial muscles and those that control swallowing are commonly affected. The symptoms of myasthenia gravis can come on suddenly, but it may take some time before the…

Causes of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is caused by a problem with the transmission of nerve signals to the muscles. It is an autoimmune condition, which means the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Nerve signals Nerve signals travel down the nerves…

Diagnosing myasthenia gravis

Confirming a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis can take a long time because the condition is rare and muscle weakness can be a symptom of many conditions. Your GP will look at your medical history and your symptoms. They may suspect myasthenia…

Treating myasthenia gravis

There is no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatments are available to help control the symptoms. In many cases, treatment for myasthenia gravis can significantly improve muscle weakness and a person with the condition is able to lead a…

Introduction of suicide

Suicide is the act of intentionally ending your life.If you are reading this because you have, or have had, thoughts about taking your own life, it's important you ask someone for help. It's probably difficult for you to see at this time,…

Why people attempt suicide

Despite being a leading cause of death, both in the UK and worldwide, there is little hard evidence to explain why some people attempt suicide. Most people who choose to end their lives do so for complex reasons. Research has shown that in…

Getting help

If you are reading this because you are having suicidal thoughts, try to ask someone for help. It may be difficult at this time, but it's important to know you are not beyond help and you are not alone. Talking to someone can help you see…

Warning signs of suicide

Sometimes, there may be obvious signs that someone is at risk of attempting suicide, although this is not always the case.High-risk warning signsA person may be at high risk of attempting suicide if they: threaten to hurt or kill…

Improving your mental health

It is impossible to guarantee you will never get a mental health condition, but you can take steps to improve your mental health.If you're stronger emotionally, you may find it easier to cope with stressful or upsetting incidents, reducing…

Introduction of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome, is a long-term condition which causes pain all over the body. Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and extreme tiredness. People with fibromyalgia may also have: difficulty sleeping…

Introduction of HIV

HIV is a virus most commonly caught by having unprotected sex or by sharing infected needles and other injecting equipment to inject drugs. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus attacks the immune system, and weakens your …

Introduction of Cholesterol high

Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid and is vital for the normal functioning of the body. It is mainly made by the liver but can also be found in some foods we eat. Having an excessively high level of lipids in your blood…

Introduction of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is inflammation (swelling) of the tissue in one or both of your lungs. It is usually caused by an infection. At the end of the breathing tubes in your lungs are clusters of tiny air sacs. If you have pneumonia, these tiny sacs…

Introduction of Gallstones

Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. In most cases they do not cause any symptoms. However, if a gallstone becomes trapped in a duct (opening) inside the gallbladder it can trigger a sudden…

Introduction of blood pressure

Known as the "silent killer", high blood pressure rarely has obvious symptoms. Around 30% of people in England have high blood pressure but many don't know it. If left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack or…

Introduction of bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon cancer or rectal cancer. Symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in your stools (faeces),…

Treating balanitis

If you or your child has balanitis, the recommended treatment will depend on what is causing the condition. In all cases of balanitis you should avoid potential irritants and make sure to practise good hygiene. For example: keep your…

Introduction of hernia

A hernia is where an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. The muscles are usually strong enough to keep the organs in place. However, a weakness may cause a hernia to occur. Types of…

Introduction of chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It’s passed on from one person to another through unprotected sex (sex without a condom). In 2010, 186,753 people tested positive for chlamydia in…

Introduction of back pain

Back pain is a common problem that affects most people at some point in their life. It usually feels like an ache, tension or stiffness in your back. The pain can be triggered by bad posture while sitting or standing, bending…

Treating vaginal thrush

For mild vaginal thrush, a short course of anti-thrush medicine may be recommended. It is usually taken for between one and three days. If your thrush symptoms are more severe, you'll need to take the treatment for longer. Anti-thrush…

Symptoms of vaginal thrush

The symptoms of vaginal thrush are usually obvious. Typical symptoms include: itching and soreness around the entrance of the vagina pain during sex  a stinging sensation when you urinate vaginal discharge, although this…

Preventing vaginal thrush

If you're prone to getting thrush, there are a number of self-help techniques you can try to help prevent it coming back. To reduce your risk of developing vaginal thrush: wash your vaginal area with water and avoid using perfumed…

Diagnosing vaginal thrush

Vaginal thrush can usually be easily diagnosed. If you visit your GP because you think that you may have vaginal thrush they will ask you about: your symptoms whether you've had thrush before whether you've already used any…