Kani i-title oh para unique: The A to Z of Common Diseases then ang scrapbook dayon kay

murag ABC book 😊 Naa dayon 3 parts kada disease: About, Causes, Treatment. Pangkwae lang
if gusto ninyo mubo ra, kamo na bahala owm.

A
Acne
About
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes
spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch.

Acne most commonly develops on the:

 face – this affects almost everyone with acne

 back – this affects more than half of people with acne
 chest – this affects about 15% of people with acne

Causes
Acne is caused when tiny holes in the
skin, known as hair follicles, become
blocked.

Sebaceous glands are tiny glands found

near the surface of your skin. The glands
are attached to hair follicles and lubricate
the hair and the skin to stop it drying out.
They do this by producing an oily
substance called sebum.

In acne, the glands begin to produce too much sebum. The excess sebum mixes with
dead skin cells and both substances form a plug in the follicle.

If the plugged follicle is close to the surface of the skin, it bulges outwards, creating a
whitehead. Alternatively, the plugged follicle can be open to the skin, creating a
blackhead.

Normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then contaminate and infect the
plugged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.
Treatment/s
If you just have a few blackheads, whiteheads and spots, you should be able to treat
them successfully with over-the-counter gels or creams (topical treatments) that contain
benzoyl peroxide.

However, If:

 you have a large number of papules and pustules

 over-the-counter medication hasn't worked
Prescription medications that can be used to treat acne include:

 topical retinoids
 topical antibiotics
 azelaic acid
 antibiotic tablets
 in women, the combined oral contraceptive pill
 isotretinoin tablets

B
Bronchitis
About
Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to
become irritated and inflamed.

The main symptom is a cough, which may bring up yellow-grey mucus (phlegm).
Bronchitis may also cause a sore throat and wheezing.

Causes
The bronchitis infection can be caused by either a virus
or bacteria, although viral bronchitis is much more
common.

In most cases, bronchitis is caused by the same viruses

that cause the common cold or flu. The virus is
contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of
the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.
These droplets typically spread about 1m (3ft). They hang suspended in the air for a
while, then land on surfaces where the virus can survive for up to 24 hours. Anyone who
touches these surfaces can spread the virus further by touching something else.

Treatment/s
Most cases of bronchitis do not require treatment
from a GP, and the symptoms can be easily
managed at home.

There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but healthy

living will help. In particular, you should stop
smoking, if you smoke.

If you have bronchitis:

 get plenty of rest

 drink lots of fluids – this helps prevent dehydration and thins the mucus in your
lungs, making it easier to cough up
 treat headaches, fever, and aches and pains with paracetamol or ibuprofen –
although ibuprofen is not recommended if you have asthma
There is little evidence that cough medicines work. The Medicines and Healthcare
Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recommended that over-the-counter cough
medicines should not be given to children under the age of six.

As an alternative to an over-the-counter cough medicine, try making your own mixture

of honey and lemon, which can help soothe a sore throat and ease your cough

C
Chickenpox
About
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some
point.

It causes a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. They then crust over
to form scabs, which eventually drop off.

Chickenpox (known medically as varicella) is caused by a virus called the varicella-

zoster virus. It's spread quickly and easily from someone who is infected.
Chickenpox is most common in children under the age of 10. In fact, chickenpox is so
common in childhood that over 90% of adults are immune to the condition because
they've had it before.

Children usually catch chickenpox in winter and spring, particularly between March and
May.

Causes
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. You
catch it by coming into contact with someone who is
infected.

Chickenpox is a very contagious infection. Around 90% of

people who have not previously had chickenpox will become infected when they come
into contact with the virus.

The chickenpox virus is spread most easily from someone who has the rash. The
blisters are very itchy and break open easily, which can contaminate surfaces or
objects. The virus may then be transferred by touching the surface or object, then
touching your face.

It normally takes 14 days for the symptoms of chickenpox to show after you have come
into contact with the virus. However, this can vary from person to person – from as little
as 7 days, up to 21 days. This is called the "incubation period".

Someone with chickenpox is most infectious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears,
until all the blisters have crusted over. This usually takes 5 to 6 days from the start of
the rash.

Treatment/s
There is no cure for chickenpox, and the virus
usually clears up by itself without any treatment.

However, there are ways of easing the itch and

discomfort, and there are important steps you can
take to stop chickenpox spreading.

If your child is in pain or has a high temperature

(fever), you can give them a mild painkiller, such
as paracetamol (available over the counter in
pharmacies). Always read the manufacturer's
dosage instructions.

Chickenpox can be incredibly itchy, but it's

important for children (and adults) to not scratch
the spots, to avoid future scarring.
One way of stopping scratching is to keep fingernails clean and short. You can also put
socks over your child's hands at night to stop them scratching the rash as they sleep.

It is important for children (and adults) with chickenpox to drink plenty of water to
avoid dehydration. Sugar-free ice lollies are a good way of getting fluids into children.
They also help to soothe a sore mouth that has chickenpox spots in it.

Avoid anything that may make the mouth sore, such as salty foods. Soup is easy to
swallow as long as it is not too hot.

If your child has chickenpox, avoid sponging them down with cool water. This can
make your child too cold and may make them shiver.

D
Dehydration

About
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in.

When the normal water content of your body is reduced, it upsets the balance of
minerals (salts and sugar) in your body, which affects the way it functions.

Water makes up over two-thirds of the healthy human body. It lubricates the joints and
eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste and toxins, and keeps the skin healthy. The
body is affected even when you lose a small amount of fluid.

Some of the early warning signs of dehydration include:

 feeling thirsty and lightheaded

 a dry mouth
 tiredness
 having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine
 passing urine less often than usual

Causes
Dehydration is caused by not drinking enough fluid or by losing more fluid than you take
in. Fluid is lost through sweat, tears, vomiting, urine or diarrhea.
The severity of dehydration can depend on a number of factors, such as climate, level
of physical activity and diet.

There are several causes of dehydration:

Dehydration is often the result of an illness,

such as gastroenteritis, where fluid is lost
through persistent bouts of diarrhoea and
vomiting.

You can also become dehydrated if you

sweat excessively after a fever, exercise, or
carrying out heavy, manual work in hot
conditions.

In these situations, it's important to drink

regularly to replace lost fluids. It doesn't necessarily need to be hot for you to lose a
significant amount of fluid from sweating.

Dehydration can also occur as a result of drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol is a
diuretic, which means it makes you wee more.

The headache associated with a hangover indicates that your body is dehydrated. You
should try to drink plenty of water when you have been drinking alcohol.

If you have diabetes, you're at risk of becoming dehydrated because you have high
levels of glucose in your bloodstream. Your kidneys will try to get rid of the glucose by
creating more urine, so your body becomes dehydrated from going to the toilet more
frequently.

Treatment/s
The best way to treat dehydration is
to rehydrate the body by drinking
plenty of fluids, such as water,
diluted squash or diluted fruit juice.

A sweet drink can help to replace

lost sugar, and a salty snack can
help to replace lost salt.

If severe dehydration, take the

patient to the hospital immediately
for professional treatment.
E
Epilepsy
About
Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain
and causes repeated seizures.

Epilepsy continues to be one of the leading

causes of neurological consultations and
admissions in the Philippines. With a population of 83 million and an estimated
prevalence of 0.9%, there is an estimated 750,000 people with epilepsy in the country,
majority in the productive years of their life.

The cells in the brain, known as neurons, conduct electrical signals and communicate
with each other in the brain using chemical messengers. During a seizure, there are
abnormal bursts of neurons firing off electrical impulses, which can cause the brain and
body to behave strangely.

The severity of seizures can differ from person to person. Some people simply
experience an odd feeling with no loss of awareness, or may have a "trance-like" state
for a few seconds or minutes, while others lose consciousness and have convulsions
(uncontrollable shaking of the body).

Some people may only have a single seizure at some point during their life. If they do
not have a high risk of having further seizures, they would not be regarded as having
epilepsy.

Causes
Epilepsy can start at any age, but it
most often begins during childhood.

It's often not possible to identify a

specific reason why someone develops
the condition, although some cases –
particularly those that occur later in life
– are associated with damage to the
brain.

For example, epilepsy can be caused

by strokes, brain tumours and severe
head injuries.

Some cases of epilepsy may be caused by changes in the brain that occur as a result of
the genes you inherit from your parents.
Treatment/s
Most people with epilepsy can be
successfully treated with AEDs. AEDs
do not cure epilepsy, but can prevent
seizures from occurring.

There are many different AEDs.

Generally, they work by changing the
levels of the chemicals in your brain
that conduct electrical impulses. This
reduces the chance of a seizure.

The type of AED recommended for you

will depend on a number of factors,
including the type of seizures you
have, your age, whether there are
any concerns about a certain AED
interacting with other medicines (such
as the contraceptive pill), and whether
you are thinking of having a baby.

Examples of commonly used AEDs

include sodium valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine,
ethosuximide and topiramate.

F
Flu
About
Flu (influenza) is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It
can be very unpleasant, but you'll usually begin to feel better within about a week.

You can catch flu all year round, but it's especially common in winter, which is why it's
also known as seasonal flu.

Flu isn't the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses and
the symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer.

Some of the main symptoms of flu include:

 a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above

 tiredness and weakness
 a headache
 general aches and pains
 a dry, chesty cough

Causes
The flu virus is contained in the millions of
tiny droplets that come out of the nose and
mouth when someone who is infected
coughs or sneezes.

These droplets typically spread about one

metre. They hang suspended in the air for a
while before landing on surfaces, where the
virus can survive for up to 24 hours.

Anyone who breathes in the droplets can

catch flu. You can also catch the virus by touching the surfaces that the droplets have
landed on if you pick up the virus on your hands and then touch your nose or mouth.

Everyday items at home and in public places can easily become contaminated with the
flu virus, including food, door handles, remote controls, handrails, telephone
handsets and computer keyboards. Therefore, it's important to wash your hands
frequently.

You can catch flu many times because flu viruses change regularly and your body won't
have a natural resistance to the new versions.

Treatment/s
There are 3 main ways of preventing flu:

 the flu vaccination

 good hygiene (such as handwashing and
cleaning)
 antiviral medication
To reduce your risk of getting flu or spreading it
to other people, you should always:

 make sure you wash your hands regularly

with soap and warm water
 clean surfaces (such as your keyboard, telephone and door handles) regularly to get
rid of germs
 use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
 put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible

G
Gallstones
About
Gallstones are small stones, usually made of
cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. In most cases
they don't cause any symptoms and don't need to be
treated.

However, if a gallstone becomes trapped in a duct

(opening) inside the gallbladder it can trigger a
sudden intense abdominal pain that usually lasts
between 1 and 5 hours. This type of abdominal pain is
known as biliary colic.

Some people with gallstones can also develop complications, such as inflammation of

When gallstones cause symptoms or complications, it's known as gallstone disease or

cholelithiasis.

Causes
Gallstones are thought to be caused by an imbalance in
the chemical make-up of bile inside the gallbladder. Bile
is a liquid produced by the liver to aid digestion.

It's still unclear exactly what leads to this imbalance, but

gallstones can form if:

 there are unusually high levels of cholesterol inside

the gallbladder (about 4 in every 5 gallstones are
made up of cholesterol)
 there are unusually high levels of a waste product called bilirubin inside the
gallbladder (about 1 in every 5 gallstones is made up of bilirubin)
These chemical imbalances cause tiny crystals to develop in the bile. These can
gradually grow (often over many years) into solid stones that can be as small as a grain
of sand or as large as a pebble.

Sometimes only 1 stone will form, but there are often several at the same time.

Treatment/s
Your treatment plan for gallstones depends on
how the symptoms are affecting your daily life.

If you don't have any symptoms, a policy of

'active monitoring' is often recommended. This
means you won't receive immediate treatment,
but you should let your GP know if you notice any
symptoms.

As a general rule, the longer you go without

symptoms, the less likely it is that your condition
will get worse.

You may need treatment if you have a condition

that increases your risk of developing
complications, such as: scarring of the liver
(cirrhosis); high blood pressure inside the liver –
this is known as portal hypertension and is often
a complication of alcohol-related liver disease;
and diabetes

Treatment may also be recommended if a scan shows high levels of calcium inside your
gallbladder, as this can lead to gallbladder cancer in later life.

H
Head lice and nits
About
Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair. Nits are
the empty egg cases attached to hair that head
lice hatch from.

Head lice are a common problem, particularly in

school children aged 4-11.
They're largely harmless, but can live in the hair for a long time if not treated and can be
irritating and frustrating to deal with.

Causes
The only way to be certain that you or your child has head lice is to find a live louse.

Spotting head lice in hair can be very difficult, so it's best to try to comb them out with
a detection comb.

Detection combs are special fine-toothed plastic combs that you can buy from your local
pharmacy, supermarket or online. A comb with flat-faced teeth and a tooth spacing of
0.2-0.3mm is best.

Detection combing can be carried out on dry or wet hair. Dry combing takes less time,
but wet combing is more accurate because washing with conditioner stops head lice
moving.

Treatment/s
Treatments to get rid of head lice are
available to buy from pharmacies,
supermarkets and online.

The main treatments are:

Lotions and sprays

Wet combing

Everyone with head lice in your

household should be treated on the
same day.

If a treatment doesn't work the first time, you can try it again, try a different treatment, or
get advice from your school nurse, health visitor, pharmacist or GP.

I
Iron deficiency anemia
About
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition
where a lack of iron in the body leads to a
reduction in the number of red blood cells.
Iron is used to produce red blood cells, which help store and carry oxygen in the blood.
If you have fewer red blood cells than is normal, your organs and tissues won't get as
much oxygen as they usually would.

There are several different types of anaemia, and each one has a different cause. Iron
deficiency anaemia is the most common type.

Other types of anaemia can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or folate in the body –
read more about vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia.

Causes
Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron, leading to the
decreased production of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.

Some of the conditions or actions that cause blood loss and may lead to iron deficiency
anaemia include:

 inflammatory bowel disease – a condition that causes redness and swelling (inflammation)
in the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
 oesophagitis – inflammation of the gullet (oesophagus) caused by stomach acid leaking
through it
 schistosomiasis – an infection caused by parasites, mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa
 blood donation – donating a large amount of blood may lead to anaemia
 trauma – a serious accident, such as a car crash, may cause you to lose a large amount of
blood
 nosebleeds – having regular nosebleeds may lead to anaemia, although this is rare
 haematuria (blood in your urine) – but this rarely causes anaemia and may be a symptom of
another condition
 Malabsorption is when your body can't absorb iron from food, and is another possible cause
of iron deficiency anaemia.
Treatment/s
Treatment for iron deficiency
anaemia usually involves taking iron
supplements and changing your diet
to increase your iron levels, as well
as treating the underlying cause.
Your diet should include foods from
all the major food groups to ensure
it's healthy and balanced. In
particular, food and drink containing
vitamin C are important as vitamin C helps your body absorb iron.
Iron-rich foods include:

 dark-green leafy vegetables, such as watercress and curly kale

 iron-fortified cereals or bread
 brown rice
 pulses and beans
 nuts and seeds
 white and red meat
 fish
 tofu
 eggs
 dried fruit, such as dried apricots, prunes and raisins

K
Kidney stones
About
Kidney stones can develop in one or
both kidneys and most often affect
people aged 30 to 60.

They're quite common, with around three in 20 men and up to two in 20 women
developing them at some stage of their lives.

The medical term for kidney stones is nephrolithiasis, and if they cause severe pain it's
known as renal colic.

Small kidney stones may go undetected and be passed out painlessly in the urine. But
it's fairly common for a stone to block part of the urinary system, such as the:

 ureter – the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder

 urethra – the tube urine passes through on its way out of the body
A blockage can cause severe pain in the abdomen or groin and sometimes causes
a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Causes
The waste products in the blood can occasionally form
crystals that collect inside the kidneys. Over time, the
crystals may build up to form a hard stone-like lump.

This is more likely to happen if you don't drink enough fluids,

if you're taking some types of medication, or if you have a
medical condition that raises the levels of certain
substances in your urine.

After a kidney stone has formed, your body will try to pass
it out when you go to the toilet (in the urine). This means it
will often travel through the urinary system (the kidneys, kidney tubes and bladder).

Treatment/s
Most kidney stones are small
enough to be passed in your
urine, and it may be possible
to treat the symptoms at
home with medication.

Larger stones may need to be

broken up using ultrasound
or laser energy. Occasionally,
keyhole surgery may be
needed to remove very large kidney stones directly.

It's estimated that up to half of all people who have had kidney stones will experience
them again within the following five years.

To avoid getting kidney stones, make sure you drink plenty of water every day so you
don't become dehydrated. It's very important to keep your urine diluted (clear) to
prevent waste products forming into kidney stones.

L
Lactose intolerance
About
Lactose intolerance is a common
digestive problem where the body is
unable to digest lactose, a type of
sugar mainly found in milk and dairy
products.

Symptoms of lactose
intolerance usually develop within a
few hours of consuming food or drink
that contains lactose. They may
include:

 flatulence (wind)
 diarrhoea
 bloated stomach
 stomach cramps and pains
 stomach rumbling
 feeling sick
The severity of your symptoms and when they appear depends on the amount of
lactose you've consumed.

Some people may still be able to drink a small glass of milk without triggering any
symptoms, while others may not even be able to have milk in their tea or coffee.

Causes
The body digests lactose using a substance called lactase. This breaks down lactose
into two sugars called glucose and galactose, which can be easily absorbed into the
bloodstream.

People with lactose intolerance don't produce enough lactase, so lactose stays in the
digestive system where it's fermented by bacteria. This leads to the production of
various gases, which cause the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.

Depending on the underlying reason why the body isn't producing enough lactase,
lactose intolerance may be temporary or permanent. Most cases that develop in adults
are inherited and tend to be lifelong, but cases in young children are often caused by an
infection in the digestive system and may only last for a few weeks.
Treatment/s
There's no cure for lactose intolerance, but
limiting your intake of food and drink
containing lactose usually helps to control
the symptoms.

Depending on what dairy products you're

able to eat, you may also require
additional calcium and vitamin
D supplements to keep your bones strong
and healthy. In some cases, your GP may
refer you to a dietitian for further advice.

In addition to dietary changes, lactase substitutes may also be helpful. These are drops
or tablets you can take with your meals or drinks to improve your digestion of lactose.

M
Measles
About
Measles is a
highly infectious
viral illness that
can be very
unpleasant and
sometimes lead to
serious
complications. It's
now uncommon in
the UK because of
the effectiveness
of vaccination.

Anyone can get

measles if they
haven't been
vaccinated or they
haven't had it
before, although it's most common in young children.

The infection usually clears in around 7 to 10 days.

The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you're infected. These
can include:

 cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough

 sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
 a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
 small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head
or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

Causes
The measles virus is contained in the millions of
tiny droplets that come out of the nose and
mouth when an infected person coughs or
sneezes.

You can easily catch measles by breathing in

these droplets or, if the droplets have settled on
a surface, by touching the surface and then
placing your hands near your nose or mouth.
The virus can survive on surfaces for a few
hours.

People with measles are infectious from when

the symptoms develop until about four days after
the rash first appears.

Treatment/s
Measles can be prevented by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The first dose is given when your child is around 12 months old and a second dose is
given from age 3 years 4 months.

There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and reduce the risk
of spreading the infection, including:

 taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains – aspirin should not be
given to children under 16 years old
 drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
 closing the curtains to help reduce light sensitivity
 using damp cotton wool to clean the eyes
 staying off school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears
In severe cases, especially if there are complications, you or your child may need to be
admitted to hospital for treatment.
N
Nosebleed
About
Nosebleeds can be frightening, but they aren't usually a sign of
anything serious and can often be treated at home.

The medical name for a nosebleed is epistaxis.

During a nosebleed, blood flows from one or both nostrils. It can be heavy or light and
last from a few seconds to 15 minutes or more.

Causes
The inside of your nose is full of tiny, delicate blood vessels that can become damaged
and bleed relatively easily.

Common causes of nosebleeds include:

 picking your nose

 blowing your nose very hard
 a minor injury to your nose
 changes in humidity or temperature causing the inside of the nose to become dry
and cracked
Occasionally, bleeding can come from the blood vessels deeper within the nose. This
can be caused by a blow to the head, recent nasal surgery and hardened arteries
(atherosclerosis).

Treatment/s
Things you can do to prevent
nosebleeds include:

 avoid picking your nose and

keep your fingernails short
 blow your nose as little as
possible and only very gently
 keep your home humidified
 regularly apply petroleum jelly
(such as Vaseline) to the
inside of your nostrils to keep the inside of your nose moist
 wear a head guard during activities in which your nose or head could get injured
 always follow the instructions that come with nasal decongestants – overusing these
can cause nosebleeds
To stop a nosebleed:

 sit down and firmly pinch the soft part of your nose, just above your nostrils, for at
least 10-15 minutes
 lean forward and breathe through your mouth – this will drain blood into your nose
instead of down the back of your throat
 place an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables covered by a towel on the bridge of
your nose
 stay upright, rather than lying down, as this reduces the blood pressure in the blood
vessels of your nose and will discourage further bleeding
If the bleeding eventually stops, you won't usually need to seek medical advice.
However, in some cases you may need further treatment from your general physician or
in hospital.

O
Obesity
About
The term 'obese' describes a
person who's very overweight,
with a lot of body fat.

It's a common problem in the

UK that's estimated to
affect around one in every four
adults and around one in every
five children aged 10 to 11.

There are many ways in which

a person's health in relation to their weight can be classified, but the most widely used
method is body mass index (BMI).

BMI is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height. You can use
the BMI healthy weight chart to work out your score.

For most adults, a BMI of:

 18.5 to 24.9 means you're a healthy weight

 25 to 29.9 means you're overweight
 30 to 39.9 means you're obese
 40 or above means you're severely obese
BMI isn't used to definitively diagnose obesity, because people who are very muscular
sometimes have a high BMI without excess fat. But for most people, BMI is a useful
indication of whether they're a healthy weight, overweight or obese.

Causes
Obesity is generally caused by consuming more calories – particularly those in fatty and
sugary foods – than you burn off through
physical activity. The excess energy is
stored by the body as fat.

Obesity is an increasingly common

problem because for many people
modern living involves eating excessive
amounts of cheap, high-calorie food and
spending a lot of time sitting down, at
desks, on sofas or in cars.

There are also some underlying health

conditions that can occasionally contribute
to weight gain, such as an underactive
thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), although
these type of conditions don’t usually
cause weight problems if they're
effectively controlled with medication.

Treatment/s
The best way to treat obesity is to
eat a healthy, reduced-calorie diet
and exercise regularly. To do this
you should:

 eat a balanced, calorie-

controlled diet as recommended
by your GP or weight loss
management health
professional (such as a
dietitian)
 join a local weight loss group
 take up activities such as fast walking, jogging, swimming or tennis for 150 to
300 minutes (two-and-a-half to five hours) a week
 eat slowly and avoid situations where you know you could be tempted to overeat
You may also benefit from receiving psychological support from a trained healthcare
professional to help change the way you think about food and eating.

If lifestyle changes alone don't help you lose weight, a medication called orlistat may be
recommended. If taken correctly, this medication works by reducing the amount of fat
you absorb during digestion. Your GP will know whether orlistat is suitable for you.

In rare cases, weight loss surgery may be recommended.

P
Pneumonia
About
Pneumonia is
swelling
(inflammation) of
the tissue in one
or both lungs. It's
usually caused by
a bacterial
infection.

At the end of the

breathing tubes in
your lungs are
clusters of tiny air
sacs. If you have
pneumonia, these
tiny sacs become
inflamed and fill up
with fluid.

The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they may
come on more slowly over several days.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

 a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus
(phlegm)
 difficulty breathing – your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless,
even when resting
 rapid heartbeat
 fever
 feeling generally unwell
 sweating and shivering
 loss of appetite
 chest pain – which gets worse when breathing or coughing

Causes
Pneumonia is usually the result of a pneumococcal infection, caused by bacteria
called Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Many different types of bacteria, including Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus

aureus, can also cause pneumonia, as well as viruses and, more rarely, fungi.

As well as bacterial pneumonia, other types include:

 viral pneumonia – most commonly caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
and sometimes influenza type A or B; viruses are a common cause of pneumonia in
young children
 aspiration pneumonia – caused by breathing in vomit, a foreign object, such as a
peanut, or a harmful substance, such as smoke or a chemical
 fungal pneumonia – rare in the UK and more likely to affect people with a weakened
immune system
 hospital-acquired pneumonia – pneumonia that develops in hospital while being
treated for another condition or having an operation; people in intensive care on
breathing machines are particularly at risk of developing ventilator-associated
pneumonia

Treatment/s
Mild pneumonia can usually be treated at home by:

 getting plenty of rest

 taking antibiotics
 drinking plenty of fluids
If you don't have any other health problems, you should respond well to treatment and
soon recover, although your cough may last for some time.

As pneumonia isn't usually passed from one person to another, it's safe to be around
others, including family members.
However, people with a weakened immune system should avoid close contact with a
person with pneumonia until they start to get better.

For at-risk groups, pneumonia can be severe and may need to be treated in hospital.

This is because it can lead to serious complications, which in some cases can be fatal,
depending on a person's health and age.

R
Ringworm and other fungal infections
About
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that
can cause a red or silvery ring-like rash on
the skin. Ringworm commonly affects arms
and legs, but it can appear almost anywhere
on the body. Despite its name, ringworm
doesn't have anything to do with worms.

Other similar fungal infections can affect the

scalp, feet, groin and nails. These fungal
infections, medically known as "tinea", are
not serious and are usually easily treated.
However, they are contagious and easily
spread.

There are different types of tinea fungal infection, based on the affected area of the
body:

 ringworm (tinea corporis) – affecting the body

 fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) – affecting the nails
 athlete's foot (tinea pedis) – affecting the feet
 jock itch (tinea cruris) – affecting the groin
 tinea capitis – affecting the scalp
Ringworm usually looks like a round, red or silvery patch of skin that may be scaly,
inflamed and itchy, but other fungal infections may present themselves slightly
differently. Read more about the symptoms of ringworm and other tinea fungal
infections.

Causes
Tinea fungal infections are caused by a particular type of fungi, called dermatophytes,
which live off keratin.Keratin is a tough, waterproof tissue found in many parts of your
body, including your skin, hair and nails.This explains why fungal infections mostly
affect your skin, scalp or nails.

The fungi are tiny spores tough enough to survive for months on your skin, in soil or on
household objects, such as combs or towels. They thrive in heat and moisture, which
helps them to grow and explains why they are often spread in swimming pool changing
rooms and communal showers. The spores can be spread in four different ways:

 human-to-human contact
 human-to-animal contact – for example, by stroking an infected dog or cat
 human-to-object contact – both animals and humans can leave traces of fungi spores on
objects and surfaces, such as towels, clothing, bed linen, combs or brushes
 human-to-soil contact – less commonly, it can develop after lengthy exposure to infected soil
As an adult, you can become a carrier of a scalp infection without developing any
symptoms. This is because your body has usually developed a defence against the
infection by the time you reach adulthood. If you’re a carrier of a fungal infection, you
can unknowingly pass the condition on to children, who may then go on to develop
symptoms.

Treatment/s
Most tinea fungal infections, including ringworm, are easily treated by using antifungal
creams, tablets or shampoo. You can also help to get rid of fungal infections and stop
them from spreading by:

 washing areas of affected skin daily and drying thoroughly, paying particular
attention to skin folds and between your toes
 in the case of a groin/foot infection, changing your underwear/socks daily, because
fungi can persist in flakes of skin
 with a scalp infection, not sharing combs, hairbrushes or hats
 washing clothes, towels and bed linen frequently
 wearing loose-fitting clothes, preferably made of cotton or other natural materials

S
Scoliosis
About
Scoliosis is the abnormal twisting and curvature of the spine.

It is usually first noticed by a change in appearance of the back.

Typical signs include:

 a visibly curved spine

 one shoulder being higher than the other
 one shoulder or hip being more
prominent than the other
 clothes not hanging properly
 a prominent ribcage
 a difference in leg lengths
Back pain is common in adults with
scoliosis. Young people with scoliosis
may also experience some discomfort
but it's less likely to be severe.

Causes
In around eight out of every 10 cases, a cause for scoliosis is not found. This is known
as idiopathic scoliosis.

A small number of cases are caused by other medical conditions, including:

 cerebral palsy – a condition associated with brain damage

 muscular dystrophy – a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness
 Marfan syndrome – a disorder of the connective tissues
Rarely, babies can be born with scoliosis, as a result of a problem with the development
of the spine in the womb.

In adults, age related changes in the discs and joints of the spine and a reduction in
bone density may cause scoliosis. Adults can also experience worsening over time of
previously undiagnosed or untreated scoliosis.

Treatment/s
Treatment for scoliosis depends on your age, how severe it is, and whether it’s thought
it will worsen with time.

In very young children, treatment is not always necessary because the curvature of the
spine may improve naturally as they get older. If treatment is necessary, bracing or
casting may be used to attempt to halt the curve’s progression.

If the infant or younger child's curve continues to progress despite bracing or casting, an
operation may be necessary. This will usually involve inserting metal rods into the back
to stabilise the spine, which are lengthened at regular intervals as your child grows.
In older children and adults, it is unlikely that scoliosis will
improve with time, and in some it may progressively
worsen.

The main treatments for older children are:

 a back brace worn until they stop growing, to prevent

the spine from curving further
 surgery to correct the curvature – where the spine is
straightened using rods attached to the spine by
screws, hooks and/or wires
In adults, treatment primarily aims to relieve any pain. Non-
surgical options, such as painkillers and exercises are often tried first, with correctional
surgery seen as a last resort.

T
Toothache
About
Toothache refers to pain in and around the teeth
and jaws that's usually caused by tooth decay.

You may feel toothache in many ways. It can come

and go or be constant. Eating or drinking can make
the pain worse, particularly if the food or drink is hot
or cold.

The pain can also be mild or severe. It may feel "sharp" and start suddenly. It can be
worse at night, particularly when you're lying down. A lost filling or broken tooth can
sometimes start the pain.

It can also sometimes be difficult to decide whether the pain is in your upper or lower
teeth. When a lower molar tooth is affected, the pain can often feel like it's coming from
the ear.

Toothache in other upper teeth may feel like it's coming from the sinuses, the small, air-
filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead.

The area of your jaw close to the infected tooth may also be sore and tender to touch.

It's also possible for periodontal disease to give rise to a "dull" pain. Periodontal disease
is a bacterial infection that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth.
Causes
Toothache occurs when the
innermost layer of the tooth (dental
pulp) becomes inflamed. The pulp is
made up of sensitive nerves and
blood vessels.

Dental pulp can become inflamed as

a result of:

 tooth decay – this leads to holes

(cavities) forming in the hard surface
of the tooth
 a cracked tooth – the crack is often so small that it can't be seen with the naked eye
 loose or broken fillings
 receding gums – where the gums shrink (contract) to expose softer, more sensitive
parts of the tooth root
 periapical abscess – a collection of pus at the end of the tooth caused by a bacterial
infection
There are a number of other conditions that can cause pain similar to toothache, even
though the pulp isn't affected. These include:

 periodontal abscess – a collection of pus in the gums caused by a bacterial infection

 ulcers on your gums
 sore or swollen gums around a tooth that's breaking through – for example, when
your wisdom teeth start to come through
 sinusitis – which sometimes causes pain around the upper jaw
 an injury to the joint that attaches the jaw to the skull (temporomandibular joint)

Treatment/s
The type of treatment you have for toothache will depend on the cause of the pain, so
your dentist will examine your mouth and may carry out an X-ray to try to identify the
problem.

If your toothache is caused by tooth decay, your dentist will remove the decayed area
and replace it with a filling.

If your toothache is caused by a loose or broken filling, the filling will be taken out, any
decay will be removed, and a new filling put in place.
If the pulp inside your tooth is infected, you
may need root canal treatment. This
procedure involves removing the infected
pulp and then inserting a special type of
filling to seal the tooth and prevent
reinfection.

Your tooth may need to be removed if the

toothache can't be treated using these
methods or the tooth is wedged between
another tooth and your jaw (impacted).

The best way to avoid getting toothache and other dental problems is to keep your teeth
and gums as healthy as possible. To do this, you should:

 limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks – you should have these as an occasional treat
and only at mealtimes; read more about cutting down on sugar
 brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride – gently brush your
gums and tongue as well
 clean between your teeth using dental floss and, if necessary, use a mouthwash
 don't smoke – it can make some dental problems worse
Make sure you have regular dental check-ups, preferably with the same dentist.

U
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in children
About
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children are fairly common, but not usually serious.
They can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

A UTI may be classed as either:

 an upper UTI – if it's a kidney

infection or an infection of the ureters,
the tubes connecting the kidneys to the
bladder
 a lower UTI – if it's a bladder
infection (cystitis) or an infection of the
urethra, the tube that carries urine from
the bladder out of the body

Causes
Most UTIs in children are caused by bacteria from the digestive system entering the
urethra.

There are many ways this can happen, including:

 when a child wipes their bottom and soiled toilet paper comes into contact with their
genitals – this is more of a problem for girls than boys because girls' bottoms are
much nearer the urethra
 babies getting small particles of poo in their urethra when they soil their nappies –
particularly if they squirm a lot when being changed
There's often no obvious reason why some children develop UTIs and others don't.

However, some children may be more vulnerable to UTIs because of a problem with
emptying their bladder, such as:

 constipation – this can sometimes cause part of the large intestine to swell, which
can put pressure on the bladder and prevent it emptying normally
 dysfunctional elimination syndrome – a relatively common childhood condition where
a child "holds on" to their pee, even though they have the urge to pee
 vesicoureteral reflux – an uncommon condition where urine leaks back up from the
bladder into the ureters and kidneys; this occurs as a result of a problem with the
valves in the ureters where they enter the bladder
Treament/s
Most childhood UTIs clear up within 24 to 48 hours of treatment with antibiotics and
won't cause any long-term problems.

In many cases, treatment involves your child taking a course of antibiotic tablets at
home.

As a precaution, babies under three months old and children with more severe
symptoms are usually admitted to hospital for a few days to receive antibiotics directly
into a vein (intravenous antibiotics).

It isn't possible to prevent all childhood UTIs, but there are some things you can do to
reduce the risk of your child getting one.

The following advice may help:

 if possible, exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first six months after they're born – this
can help improve your baby's immune system and reduce their risk of constipation
 encourage girls to wipe their bottom from front to back – this helps to minimise the chances
of bacteria entering the urethra
 make sure your child is well hydrated and goes to the toilet regularly – not urinating regularly
and "holding in" urine can make it easier for bacteria to infect the urinary tract
 avoid nylon and other types of synthetic underwear – these can help promote the growth of
bacteria; loose-fitting cotton underwear should be worn instead
 avoid using scented soaps or bubble baths – these can increase your child's risk of
developing a UTI
 take steps to reduce your child's risk of constipation – make sure they drink enough to keep
their urine pale and clear during the day, and speak to your GP about medications that can
help if constipation is a persistent problem

V
Vertigo
About
Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. It's the sensation that you, or the
environment around you, is moving or spinning.

This feeling may be barely noticeable, or it may be so severe that you find it difficult to
keep your balance and do everyday tasks.

Attacks of vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds, or they may last
much longer. If you have severe vertigo, your symptoms may be constant and last for
several days, making normal life very difficult.

Other symptoms associated with vertigo may include:

 loss of balance – which can make it difficult to stand or walk

 feeling sick or being sick
 dizziness

Causes
Vertigo is commonly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the inner ear,
although it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain.

Causes of vertigo may include:

 benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – where certain head movements

trigger vertigo
 migraines – severe headaches
 labyrinthitis – an inner ear infection
 vestibular neuronitis – inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which runs into the inner
ear and sends messages to the brain that help to control balance
Depending on the condition causing vertigo, you may experience additional symptoms,
such as a high temperature, ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.

Treatment/s
Some cases of vertigo improve over time, without treatment. However, some people
have repeated episodes for many months, or even years, such as those with Ménière's
disease.

There are specific treatments for some causes of vertigo. A series of simple head
movements (known as the Epley manoeuvre) is used to treat BPPV.

Medicines, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines, can help in the early
stages or most cases of vertigo.

Many people with vertigo also benefit from vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT),
which is a series of exercises for people with dizziness and balance problems.

Depending on what's causing your vertigo, there may be things you can do yourself to
help relieve your symptoms:

 do simple exercises to correct your

symptoms
 sleep with your head slightly raised
on two or more pillows
 get up slowly when getting out of
bed and sit on the edge of the bed
for a minute or so before standing
 avoid bending down to pick up items
 avoid extending your neck – for
example, while reaching up to a
high shelf
 move your head carefully and slowly
during daily activities
 do exercises that trigger your vertigo, so your brain gets used to it and reduces the
symptoms (do these only after making sure you won't fall, and have support if needed)

W
Warts
About
Warts are small lumps that often develop on the skin of
the hands and feet.

Warts vary in appearance and may develop singly or in

clusters. Some are more likely to affect particular areas
of the body. For example, verrucas are warts that usually develop on the soles of the
feet.

Warts are non-cancerous, but can resemble certain cancers.

Most people will have warts at some point in their life. They tend to affect children and
teenagers more than adults.

Causes
Warts are caused by an infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV).

The virus causes an excess amount of keratin, a hard protein, to develop in the top skin
layer (epidermis). The extra keratin produces the rough, hard texture of a wart.

Warts aren't considered very contagious, but they can be caught by close skin-to-skin
contact. The infection can also be transmitted indirectly from contaminated objects or
surfaces, such as the area surrounding a swimming pool.

You are more likely to get infected if your skin is wet or damaged. After you become
infected, it can take weeks or even months for a wart or verruca to appear.

Treatment/s
Most warts are harmless and clear up without treatment.

The length of time it takes a wart to disappear will vary from person to person. It
may take up to 2 years for the viral infection to leave your system and for the wart to
disappear.

You might decide to treat your wart if it is painful, or in an area that is causing
discomfort or embarrassment.

Common methods of treatment include:

 salicylic acid
 cryotherapy (freezing the skin cells)
 chemical treatments
Treatment for warts is not always completely effective, and a wart will sometimes return
following treatment.