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Deep vein thrombosis

What is deep vein thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis is a type of blood clot that forms in a deep vein (not a vein on the surface of the skin). Deep vein thrombosis is usually seen in the leg but may form in any deep vein. The main danger is that...

Hypertension

What is hypertension? Hypertension is the medical name for high blood pressure. High blood pressure means your blood is pumping with more force than normal through your arteries. After a while, this increased pressure can start to damage blood vessels in the brain, heart and kidneys. This could lead to...

Sepsis

What is sepsis? Sepsis is life-threatening. It needs to be treated quickly. It happens when your body's response to an infection damages your vital organs. Vital organs are your heart, lungs and brain. Anyone can get sepsis. People at higher risk include: Those with a weak immune system Older people...

Tetanus

What is tetanus? Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection. It happens when bacteria go into the body through a break in the skin like a cut or a wound. The bacteria is usually in soil, dust and manure, but it can be found anywhere. It affects the brain, nerves and...

Rheumatic heart disease

What is rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) happens when your heart is damaged by acute rheumatic fever (ARF). It affects your heart valves. This means your heart cannot pump blood around the body as well as it should. Symptoms of RHD include: Shortness of breath Chest pain Swelling...

Acute rheumatic fever

What is acute rheumatic fever? Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an illness that can be very severe. It can happen when a skin or throat infection caused by a germ called ‘Strep A’ isn’t treated. It is not common, but you are more likely to get it if you have...

Warts and verrucas

What are warts/verrucas? Warts and plantar warts (verrucas) are small, hard lumps on the skin. They are caused by a virus. Warts often appear on the feet, hands and face, though they can appear elsewhere on the body. They spread through skin-to-skin contact. They are common in children and teens,...

Trigger finger

What is trigger finger? Trigger finger happens when your finger is hard to straighten after bending. You might notice a pop or clicking feeling as you bend your finger. Your finger may also feel stiff. In severe cases a trigger finger will get locked or stuck after flexing and may...

Subclinical hyperthyroidism

What is subclinical hyperthyroidism? Subclinical hyperthyroidism is when a person has a low amount of thyroid stimulating hormone. It usually does not cause any symptoms. If you have subclinical hyperthyroidism you may not need treatment. Healthy hormone levels are important for overall health. If left untreated, subclinical hyperthyroidism can cause...

Cataracts

What are cataracts? A cataract is when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy. Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens which help us see. When you have a cataract it can cause your vision to be blurred, hazy or less colourful. For most people cataracts can be monitored,...

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