Ailment
|
Description
|
Treatment
|
Clinic
|
| Achilles tendon rupture |
The Achilles tendon connects the calf to the foot. Tightening the calf muscles pulls on the Achilles tendon and causes the heel to be brought upwards. The Achilles tendon is often ruptured whilst playing sport as changing direction quickly and stretching places a greater strain on the tendon. Patients often describe a feeling of being kicked in the back of the leg or feeling something give way. This most commonly affects middle aged men. |
Depending on the degree of injury surgery may be considered. If not the ankle is immobilised in a soft cast for around 6 weeks. |
Orthopaedics |
| Acne |
Acne is a condition which affects over 90% of teenagers causing, spots, pimples and zits. This usually begins around adolescence and lasts into the early 20s. Can cause scarring and reduced self-esteem. |
Topical gels, creams and ointments. Antibiotic tablets. Roaccutane. |
Dermatology |
| Alopecia |
Alopecia is a condition in which hair is lost from the scalp. It can affect small areas and rarely, the whole scalp. It is thought to be linked to genetics and other health conditions such as thyroid disease, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Nonetheless, it is not particularly common, with only around 1 in 1000 of the population being affected. A lot of patients find that their hair regrows spontaneously within a year, but there are some treatments available. |
Steroid injections. |
Dermatology |
| Alzheimer’s Disease |
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition which affects people over the age of 60. It affects the brain causing loss of memory and ultimately causes an inability to perform tasks of everyday life. It is caused by abnormal strains of protein in the brain which tangle around normal cells and cause gradual loss of brain tissue. The earliest symptoms are those of memory loss and frustration which progress to symptoms such as mood swings and aggression. There are treatments available which aim to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but as yet there is no curative treatment. |
Cholinesterase inhibitors (eg galantamine). |
Memory Clinic |
| Amenorrhoea |
Amenorrhoea is the absence of periods. It can be primary if the patient has never had a period or secondary if the patient has had periods and they have now stopped. Primary amenorrhoea is usually noticed by the mid teenage years. It is most commonly caused by a blockage at the edge of the vagina (known as an imperforate hymen) or due to a slight time delay. Secondary amenorrhoea can occur with pregnancy, breastfeeding and the menopause, but outwith these three causes, the most common reasons are weight loss, stress, heavy exercise or polycystic ovaries. |
Very varied depending on cause. |
Gynaecology |
| Aneurysms |
An aneurysm occurs when part of the wall of a blood vessel stretches and balloons outwards. This most commonly occurs in arteries which fill with blood and are at risk of bursting. Aneurysms most commonly occur within the blood supply to the brain and in the aorta (the largest artery in the body which begins at the heart and has arteries branching from it to supply major organs). If an aneurysm bursts a lot of blood can be lost quickly which reduces oxygen supply to the areas supplied by the affected artery and can cause cell death. Aneruysms are caused by high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and a high cholesterol and affect men more than women. |
Surgery. |
Cardiology |
| Angina |
Angina describes a condition which affects the heart causing chest pain which lasts for a few seconds or minutes. If the arteries which supply oxygen to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, the heart muscle works without oxygen. This can be due to high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and alcohol and is more common in men. Angina causes pain and reduces the effectiveness of the heart. This pain usually starts during exercise or walking uphill as these activities make the heart work harder. Angina is uncommon below the age of 50 and usually gets worse with age. |
GTN spray (used under the tongue helps relieve pain at the time). Statins, aspirin and beta-blockers reduce the likelihood of the pain occurring. |
Cardiology |
| Anti-D (Rhesus) |
There is a molecule called rhesus which is present in some people’s blood, but not others. If you have it, you can pass it on to your child. This has no health implications except in pregnancy. If a mother is rhesus negative (does not have the molecule) and her partner is rhesus positive (he has the molecule) then there is a chance that their baby may inherit the rhesus molecule. During pregnancy there is a risk that the baby’s blood may come into contact with the mother’s blood. If this happens, the mother’s body will notice the rhesus molecule and recognise that it does not belong in the body. The mother’s body will make antibodies to the rhesus molecule to destroy it. This does not harm the baby in this pregnancy, but in future pregnancies, these antibodies may cross the placenta and destroy the babies blood (if the baby has the rhesus molecule). It is therefore important to avoid forming these antibodies. There are know circumstances that can cause the babies blood to come into contact with the mother’s such as miscarriage, amniocentesis, trauma and delivery of the baby. Fortunately, there is an immunization that can be given three times during pregnancy to avoid developing rhesus antibodies. Around 1 in 6 mothers are rhesus negative and they will receive 3 ‘vaccinations’ with Anti-D during pregnancy to avoid complicating future pregnancies. |
Anti-D injections. |
Obstetrics |
| Appendicitis |
The appendix is a short tube that extends from the edge of the large bowel. It has no particular function. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and usually causes pain in the lower right section of the abdomen. It may also cause constipation or vomiting but rarely causes diarrhoea. This affects around 1 in 20 people over the course of a lifetime and is a medical emergency. |
Surgery is essential. Antibiotics may also be given. |
Colorectal Surgery |
| Arrhythmias and Pacemakers |
Atrial fibrillation is considered to be an arrhythmia as the heart does not beat in a regular rhythm. This is the most common arrhythmia, but there are many others to be considered. Other arrhythmias can cause the heart to beat too frequently or not often enough. There are numerous causes for each of the different arrhythmias, but often treatment is directed at controlling the heart rate rather than reversing the underlying cause. For some arrhythmias a pacemaker may be implanted in the chest which sends electrical impulses to the heart to control when the heart beats. |
Beta-blockers, Amiodarone, Pacemakers. |
Cardiology |
| Asthma |
Asthma is a condition which affects the airways in the lungs, causing inflammation and swelling. This reduces the amount of air which can enter the lungs and causes breathlessness, cough and wheezing. Asthmatics normally have good airways and their lungs perform well, but a trigger can start an asthma attack during which the patient is very short of breath. Most asthma attacks can be treated quickly with inhalers, but a very serious attack will require treatment in hospital. Asthma affects around 7% of the population and commonly affects children. Many children ‘grow out’ of their asthma, but for others it becomes a life-long condition. |
Inhalers: beta-agonists (eg salbutamol/salmeterol), steroids (eg beclometasone), anticholinergics (eg Ipratropium), theophyllines (aminophylline). |
Respiratory |
| Atrial Fibrillation |
Normally the heart beats in a regular rhythm which ensures that roughly the same amount of blood is pushed around the body with each beat. Atrial fibrillation refers to a condition where the heart beat is irregular. This can cause a feeling of the heart beating in the chest (palpitations), chest pain and fainting, but often causes no symptoms. It is not known what causes atrial fibrillation, but it is associated with high blood pressure, heart attacks, angina and excessive alcohol intake. Atrial fibrillation causes part of the heart muscle to contract more quickly than it should. This is ineffective and can cause blood to sit still in areas of the heart. This may cause a clot to form which can then pass out of the heart and block an artery supplying the brain causing a stroke. Therefore, some patients with atrial fibrillation have their blood thinned with aspirin or warfarin to reduce the risk of a stroke. |
Cardioversion (a small, controlled electric shock to reset the heart rate to achieve a regular heart rate). Aspirin/warfarin. |
Cardiology |
| Back Pain |
Back pain is a complex condition which affects a large percentage of the population. Often poorly understood and poorly treated. Causes range from muscular pain and poor posture to trapped nerves and spinal deformity. |
Dependent on cause, but includes anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, physiotherapy, surgery. |
Joints and muscle pain
Physiotherapy
Orthopaedics |
| Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (Urinary hesitancy) |
The prostate is an organ in men which sits between the bladder and the penis and surrounds the urethra (the tube that allows urine to leave the body). It produces some of the components of semen and continues to grow with age. As it continues to grow with age it can start to obstruct the urethra causing symptoms. This is known as benign prostatic hypertrophy. These symptoms are the same as those of prostate cancer (difficulty passing urine, achieving and sustaining an erection and dribbling after urination has finished) but investigations will show that cancer is not present. Whilst cancer is not present in this condition, it can develop from benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and therefore it is important that patients with BPH are followed up on a regular basis. |
Alpha blockers (tamsulosin) and 5alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride). |
Urology |
| Bladder Cancer |
The bladder stores urine made by the kidneys and is located in the lower abdomen. There are different types of cell within the bladder which means that there are different types of bladder cancer. Nonetheless, the symptoms for each are broadly the same, including: blood in the urine, pain when passing urine and urinating more frequently. If bladder cancer is suspected, it may be investigated by passing a small camera into the bladder to allow the consultant to view the inside of the bladder and to take a sample of the tissue. |
Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy. |
Urology |
| Breastfeeding |
Breastfeeding is good for both the baby and the mother. It helps to provide the baby with exactly the right balance of nutrients and helps protect against infections in the gut, ears and chest. It also reduces the risk of some diseases such as asthma and diabetes. Breastfeeding helps the mother to return to her pre-pregnancy weight and protects against cancer of the breasts and ovaries. Furthermore, breastfeeding helps to develop a bond between mother and baby and is free. Breastfeeding also acts as a relatively reliable contraceptive for up to six months after the baby is born. If you would like to discuss more about the pros and cons of breastfeeding, please make an appointment to see one of our obstetricians. |
|
Obstetrics |
| Bronchoscopy |
This is an investigation in which the doctor passes a camera on the end of a tube down the throat and into the airway. The camera can be advanced to look at the main airways to look for signs of respiratory diseases such as lung cancer. Most patients require some sedation in order to tolerate having the tube passed down their throat, but most patients are able to go home the same day. |
|
Respiratory |
| Cervical Cancer |
The cervix sits at the top of the vagina and protects the opening to the womb (uterus). The environment within the uterus is very different to the vagina so if the cervix changes shape, the part which is normally contained within the uterus can be exposed to the environment of the vagina. This can cause changes in the cells and they may start to grow uncontrollably. Thankfully this tends to occur over a number of years and can be detected by the national cervical screening programme which requires each woman between the age of 20 and 65 to have a cervical smear test every 3 years. If the smear test shows any warning of cancer, the woman will be more thoroughly investigated and treated to prevent the development of cancer. It is also known that two types of human papilloma virus (HPV 16 and 18) can cause cervical cancer and there is now a vaccine offered to protects against these. |
Surgical removal if cancer is present. |
Gynaecology |
| Cirrhosis |
Cirrhosis describes scarring of the liver. This is most commonly caused by alcohol abuse or hepatitis, but may have no obvious cause. Cirrhosis causes a reduction in normal liver functions such as removal of waste products (such as bile) and production of blood clotting products. Therefore, when the liver is diseased, waste products such as ammonia (from nitrogen) can build up and the blood does not clot as well which can lead to easy bruising and bleeding. Cirrhosis may also cause complications such as fluid collecting around the abdomen (known as ascites) and brain injury. Treatment aims to support normal liver functions and reduce risk of complications. |
Depends on cause. May include liver transplant if the liver fails. |
Gastroenterology |
| Coeliac Disease |
Coeliac disease is an intolerance of the food substance gluten which is present in foods such as bread and pasta. It is a disease which can be partly inherited and causes inflammation of the small bowel. It can cause diarrhoea, cramping pain and weight loss. Coeliac disease can also be associated with an itchy red rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis. |
Gluten free diet. Dapsone if rash occurs. |
Gastroenterology
Colorectal Surgery |
| Colonoscopy |
Colonoscopy is a frequently performed investigation which involves passing a tube with a camera into the back passage. This allows the consultant to see into the intestine where they can look for signs of disease such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis. |
|
Colorectal Surgery |
| Colorectal cancer |
Colorectal cancer can affect any part of the large bowel, including the rectum. It is a life threatening condition which affects older people, but can be successfully cured. As a result, there is a screening programme available in Scotland to all men and women aged between 50 and 74. This is carried out by a stool testing kit which is sent out by mail. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include prolonged diarrhoea, passing blood from the back passage (either mixed in with the stool so that it is black (melena) or fresh red blood on the toilet paper). Patients who are thought to be at risk of colorectal cancer (whether as a result of their screening test or from presenting to the clinic) are usually assessed by colonoscopy. |
Chemotherapy. Surgery. Palliative Care. |
Colorectal Surgery |
| Contact Dermatitis |
Contact dermatitis is a condition which is similar to eczema, but is caused by an allergic reaction to a substance such as nickel which is present in jewellery. |
Avoid known irritants, moisturising cream, anti-histamines. |
Dermatology |
| Contraception |
There are a wide range of available contraceptions now available ranging from male and female condoms to ‘the pill’, injections, implants and the coil. There are different reasons for choosing each of these and one of our gynaecologists will be able to discuss these in more detail. |
|
Gynaecology |
| COPD |
COPD is an abbreviation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a condition which develops after many years and comprises two different conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Bronchitis refers to inflammation of the large airways in the lungs and emphysema refers to trapping of air in the lungs. The combination of these conditions makes it more difficult to bring an adequate amount of oxygen into the body and this results in breathlessness and restriction of day to day activities. COPD is very closely linked to smoking and often occurs after a patient has smoked for 30 years or more. Patients with COPD are more prone to infections and often require admission to hospital for treatment of pneumonia. |
Inhalers: beta-agonists, steroids, anticholinergics, theophyllines. Antibiotics for infection. |
Respiratory |
| CT scan |
A CT scan or computed tomography scan involves a series of x-rays being taken very quickly whilst the patient is lying down. The patient moves through the scanner (a large round object). This procedure last for only a few minutes at most. It allows very detailed imaging of the organs within the body and is useful at finding areas of abnormality such as stroke or cancer. |
|
Neurology |
| Cystic Fibrosis |
This is a rare inherited condition which affects many glands in the body. The best known effect of this it to cause the build up of thick mucus in the lungs. This can not be cleared easily by coughing and as a result patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are prone to infections and are often short of breath. CF also affects the pancreas which reduces digestion of food and means that patients are often underweight. The sweat glands are also affected and patients tend to have a salty tasting skin. Men with CF tend to be infertile as semen can not be ejaculated from the body. Whilst CF is rare, it is possible to predict the risk of a couple having a child with cystic fibrosis. If the risk seems particularly high, definitive prenatal testing can be carried out using amniocentesis or chorionic villous sampling. The average life expectancy for patients with cystic fibrosis is 37 years. |
Physiotherapy, antibiotics, ventilation, hormones. |
Respiratory |
| Discharging Ear |
There are many conditions which can affect the ear causing discharge. These can range from otitis externa (inflammation of the external ear) to otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) and build up of ear wax. These are conditions which can also cause pain and may affect hearing. These conditions can all be treated by one of our ENT consultants. |
Dependent on cause |
ENT |
| Diverticulitis |
The large bowel varies in diameter from start to finish. It is narrowest as it approaches the rectum (towards the end). As a result, if faeces moves slowly through the large bowel the pressure at the narrowest points is increased. This can force the wall of the bowel to expand at weak points causing a pouch to occur. This pouch is known as a diverticulum and is more likely to get inflamed (diverticulitis) and can cause abdominal pain and fever. This may require investigation by colonoscopy. |
Antibiotics, antispasmodics (eg Mebeverine), painkillers (eg paracetamol). High fibre diet. |
Colorectal Surgery |
| Dizziness/Vertigo |
Vertigo describes a sense of the world moving around you as if it is spinning. Vertigo is relatively common following viral infections and usually resolves within a couple of weeks, but if it becomes recurrent or persistent it may be due to underlying disease within the ear. To establish what is causing vertigo the consultant may perform some simple manoeuvres with the patients head. This allows the consultant to establish what provokes vertigo and gives a better idea about how to manage the patient. |
No treatment for causes which resolve spontaneously. Antihistamines, manoeuvres, surgery. |
ENT
Neurology |
| Down’s syndrome |
Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition which can present in any pregnancy. It is caused by having an extra chromosome 21 (chromosomes contain genetic material and influence the development of the baby). The risk of a baby having Down’s syndrome increases with the age of the mother. Down’s syndrome tends to cause learning difficulties and a variety of structural abnormalities including a small chin, a large tongue, short neck and heart problems. Most individuals with Down’s syndrome can achieve independence, with an average life expectancy of around 50. Many down’s syndrome pregnancies will end in miscarriage, but around 1 in 4 survive to birth. As a result, Down’s syndrome can be tested for during pregnancy. A simple blood test gives a rough risk prediction. If this is significantly high, other forms of prenatal testing may be considered. |
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Obstetrics |
| Dysphagia |
Dysphagia defines difficulty swallowing. This can be a serious symptom, particularly if it persists for more than a week and gets progressively worse (ie begins with difficulty swallowing solids and progresses to difficulty swallowing liquids). There are many causes of dysphagia including stroke, cancer, reflux and Parkinson’s disease. Dysphagia must be taken seriously and if persistent requires investigation. This is usually done by swallowing a special dye and having x-rays taken. |
Dependant on cause, may include surgery. |
Gastroenterology
ENT |
| Eczema |
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. It is an inflammation of the skin which often runs in families and causes itching, redness, dryness and flaking. It most commonly affects children and often resolves by the mid to late teenage years. About 10% of the population are diagnosed with eczema at some point in their life. |
Moisturising creams and emollients. Steroids. Antibiotics if infected. |
Dermatology |
| Endometriosis/ Pelvic pain |
The endometrium refers to part of the tissue which lines the inside of a woman’s womb (uterus). Sometimes this tissue can grow outwith the uterus in places such as the lower abdomen or pelvis. Normal endometrium responds to hormones and bleeds during a woman’s period. Similarly endometrium outwith the uterus responds to hormones and also bleeds at the time of a period. This can cause increasing pain during a woman’s period and may also cause pain during sexual intercourse. Endometriosis is investigated during a short operation called a laparoscopy where a camera is inserted through a small cut in the abdomen. If endometriosis is seen it can be removed at the time using laser treatment. |
Anti-inflammatory |
Gynaecology |
| Endoscopy |
This is a frequently performed investigation which involves passing a tube with a camera down the throat and into the oesophagus. This allows the consultant to see into the oesophagus and the stomach where they can look for signs of disease such as reflux (which causes inflammation of the oesophagus), stomach ulcers or cancer. |
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Gastroenterology
Colorectal Surgery |
| Epilepsy |
Epilepsy describes a medical condition which is characterized by seizures or ‘fits’. These are caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain and tend to last for minutes at a time. Seizures can cause a number of different symptoms depending on the area and the amount of the brain that is affected. Symptoms can include: violent shaking of the body, loss of consciousness and gazing into the distance. Epilepsy is a lifelong condition, but is well controlled in most patients such that they are seizure free. There are many different medications used to treat epilepsy and it can take time to find the most suitable combination for each patient. |
Anti-epileptics. |
Neurology |
| Erectile Dysfunction |
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve and sustain an erection to complete sexual intercourse. It is common and is thought to affect about half of all men at least once between the ages of 40 and 70. It has numerous causes including high blood pressure, diabetes, nerve problems, stress and anxiety. It is common that erectile dysfunction presents as a one off and as a result often requires no treatment. If persistent, many men manage the condition by taking sildenafil (Viagra). |
Sildenafil (Viagra). |
Urology |
| Frozen shoulder |
The bones of the shoulder joint are surrounded by a protective capsule. It is thought that frozen shoulder results from scarring of the capsule. Despite this, frozen shoulder can often arise without any obvious injury. The shoulder becomes painful for a period of months before becoming stiff. After four months to a year this resolves and movement improves. Frozen shoulder is poorly understood, but is most common in middle aged people. This condition is also known as adhesive capsulitis. |
Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen), painkillers (eg paracetamol), physiotherapy, steroid injections, surgery. |
Orthopaedics |
| Gallstones |
The gall bladder is a small organ which sits immediately below the liver. It stores bile which it releases into the intestine to aid the digestion of food. Occasionally some of the molecules within the bile can solidify to form stones. These can obstruct bile flow from the gallbladder and often cause a cramping pain shortly after meal times, especially following particularly fatty meals. Gallstones are more common in women and can be removed by a number of surgical procedures which either remove the stone or the entire gall bladder. |
Surgery. Electric shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL – uses high frequencies to shatter stones and allow them to pass normally via the bowel). |
Gastroenterology |
| Haemorrhoids |
Haemorrhoids are also known as piles. The anus (back passage) is lined by three cushions which have an extensive blood supply. Straining due to constipation can cause these cushions to protrude from the anus where they are at risk of damage from even gentle abrasion such as wiping with toilet paper. This can cause pain and is often noticed as fresh red blood on the toilet paper. |
High fibre diet. Rubber band ligation. Injection with phenol. Cryotherapy (freezing). Surgery. |
Colorectal Surgery |
| Headache |
Headaches are common and do not usually signify an underlying medical condition. Many headaches are classified as tension headaches, a small proportion are due to migraine and a tiny proportion are due to conditions such as meningitis or brain tumours. As a result, it can be difficult to identify headaches that are more serious, but headaches that are persistent and have associated symptoms such as neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting and double vision are usually investigated more thoroughly. |
Very dependent on cause. |
Neurology |
| Hearing loss |
Hearing loss can be due to obstruction of the ear meaning that sound cannot be transferred through the ear to the nerves or alternatively can be due to damage of the nerves which transmit sound from the ear to the brain. Hearing loss is commonly occurs with ageing and may require the use of a hearing aid, but is unlikely to cause such severe impairment as to require sign language or lip reading for communicating. |
Hearing aids. |
ENT |
| Heart Attack |
Heart attack is also known as myocardial infarction. A heart attack is caused by a similar mechanism to angina. The arteries supplying oxygen to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked and this forces the heart muscle to work without enough oxygen. In angina, the oxygen supply is restored quickly and the area of heart muscle affected recovers. However, in a heart attack the oxygen supply is reduced for a longer period of time and part of the heart muscle dies. This can cause numerous symptoms including chest pain which may extend to the left arm or jaw, shortness of breath, vomiting and a feeling of anxiety. The risk factors are the same as for angina. Heart attacks usually require urgent treatment in hospital, but also require treatment afterwards to reduce the risk of a further heart attack. |
At the time: aspirin, oxygen, morphine, nitrates. May also include thrombolysis, percutaneous coronary intervention (stenting), coronary artery bypass grafting (heart bypass surgery). Long term after the event has occurred: Aspirin, statin, beta-blocker, GTN spray (if angina occurs) |
Cardiology |
| Heart Bypass Surgery |
There are three arteries which supply the heart muscle with oxygen. If these are significantly blocked, a heart bypass operation may be considered to allow blood to flow through a different vessel to ensure the heart muscle receives enough oxygen. A vein is usually taken from within the leg where it is not required and is grafted onto the heart to replace one of the three arteries which were previously supplying the heart with oxygen. This restores oxygen supply to the heart muscle which improves heart function and reduces the likelihood of heart attacks. |
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Cardiology |
| Heart Failure |
Heart failure implies that the heart is failing to pump enough blood around the body to supply each organ with the oxygen it needs. This can be caused by the heart muscle ageing and being damaged by heart attacks or if the valves in the heart do not function properly. This causes a build up of fluid behind the heart and forces the fluid into other areas of the body including the lungs and the ankles. This leads to shortness of breath, particularly when lying flat and causes swelling of the ankles. Whilst the symptoms of heart failure can be relieved to an extent with medication, the underlying problem cannot be treated. Patients can live with heart failure for many years, but the average length of survival following diagnosis is less than 5 years. |
Diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors. Valve surgery if appropriate. |
Cardiology |
| Hernias |
A hernia relates to any structure within the body which ends up out of place because it has passed through another structure. For example, part of the bowel may push through a weakness in the muscles of the abdomen causing a lump to appear. Hernias are common and can be caused by heavy lifting, straining, constipation or persistent coughing. |
Surgery |
Colorectal Surgery |
| High Blood Pressure |
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. The heart pumps blood around the body to organs through tubes called arteries. The blood has a normal pressure within these arteries which can be measured using a blood pressure cuff which is inflated around the arm for around a minute. This gives two pressure readings, a higher one which is expressed over a lower one. For example a normal blood pressure is 120/70 mmHg (mmHg is the unit of blood pressure, but is often ignored as the numbers are far more important). If the blood pressure is raised, there is more strain placed on the arteries and this can cause fat to be deposited within the wall of the artery. This can increase the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, aneurysm or kidney problems. Although high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, it is advisable to start treatment to reduce the risk of having one of the problems above. |
Many available including: ACE Inhibitors (eg Lisinopril), Calcium Channel Blockers (eg Nifedipine), Diuretics (eg Furosemide), Beta Blockers (eg atenolol). |
Cardiology |
| Hoarseness |
Hoarseness is often used to describe a change in the voice. It can be caused by a number of conditions, but is most commonly due to an infection such as the common cold or flu. Hoarseness may also be due to other infections or voice overuse (eg professional speakers/singers) which causes lumps to develop on the vocal cords. Very rarely, hoarseness may be due to cancer of the larynx (part of the throat). |
Dependent on cause, but may include antibiotics for infections, rest for nodules or surgery. |
ENT |
| Hysterectomy |
This is an operation which removes the womb (uterus). It can be performed through the vagina (leaving no visible scars) or through the abdomen (usually leaves a scar across the bikini line). The surgeon may also remove the cervix and ovaries depending on the reason for the hysterectomy. Having a hysterectomy stops periods and removes the possibility of becoming pregnant. However, if the ovaries are removed before the menopause, hormone levels in the body are affected and HRT may be recommended. |
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Gynaecology |
| Infertility |
Infertility is relatively common and can affect over 10% of couples at some stage. It is broadly defined as being unable to fall pregnant after a year of regular unprotected sex. There are many causes including male problems with sperm or the testicles and female problems in areas such as egg production or tube damage. Fertility also reduces with age, particularly for females and this may account for infertility in a great number of couples. |
Very varied depending on cause, but includes hormone treatments and IVF. |
Gynaecology |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
Inflammatory bowel disease comprises two similar conditions called Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both are caused by inflammation within the gut and have similar symptoms. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gut from the mouth to the anus whilst ulcerative colitis is restricted to the large bowel. The inflammation causes symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, pain, fever, sweating and weight loss (if severe). It is unclear what causes either of these conditions, but both come and go over time. These conditions can start at any age, but ulcerative colitis most commonly presents between the ages of 15-30. |
Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis: Steroids, antibiotics, immunosuppression, surgery. Crohn’s only: Antibiotics. |
Colorectal Surgery
Gastroenterology |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition which affects the gut. It can cause pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhoea and often comes and goes. The cause is uncertain and it is only diagnosed once the consultant is sure that there is no other disease responsible for the symptoms. This can often be achieved using clinical judgement, but may require some investigations such as blood tests or a colonoscopy. |
High fibre diet, anti-spasmodic drugs (eg Mebeverine). |
Colorectal Surgery
Gastroenterology |
| IVF |
IVF refers to in vitro fertilization whereby an egg and a sperm are mixed together in a test tube to create a pregnancy outwith the body. After 48 or 72 hours the egg and sperm have mixed to form an embryo and this is transferred into the woman’s womb (uterus) using a thin tube. It is then hoped that the pregnancy will proceed successfully within the woman’s body. |
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Gynaecology |
| Joint injection: |
Joint injections are carried out by specially trained doctors who carefully inject a steroid into the joint space. The steroid acts to reduce inflammation and thus reduces pain. The effects of a joint injection may last for many months and can delay the need for surgery such as joint replacement. |
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Orthopaedics |
| Joint replacement |
Joint replacements are most commonly performed as a treatment for arthritis. Arthritis causes gradual wearing away of the joint which causes pain. By removing a section of the joint and inserting a replacement artificial section, the joint can function more smoothly. Some joint replacements replace both ‘sides’ of the joint, whilst others may only replace the worst affected part. |
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Orthopaedics |
| Knee injuries |
The knee joint contains a number of different structures including bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage and ligaments. As a result the knee can be affected by a wide number of injuries. For more specialist advice please seek the help of one of our orthopaedic consultants. |
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Orthopaedics |
| Lung Cancer |
Lung cancer refers to uncontrolled growth of the cells within the lung. It occurs most commonly in cigarette smokers (85%), but can also be due to radiation exposure, asbestos, genetics and passive smoking. Lung cancer commonly causes breathlessness and may cause a patient to cough up blood and lose weight. There are different types of lung cancer which can be identified using a biopsy (a small sample of cells), but all have a relatively short life expectancy, with fewer than 1 in 5 patients being alive 5 years after diagnosis. |
Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy. |
Respiratory |
| Melanoma |
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer which arises from a mole. Moles contain a pigment which colours the skin called melanin. If the cells which produce melanin start to grow uncontrollably they can cause cancer. Symptoms of melanoma include a change in the shape or colour of a mole, bleeding from a mole or itching. Melanoma is related to long term sun exposure and more commonly occurs in females. Melanoma is a serious condition which can be life threatening if it spreads to other areas of the body. |
Surgical removal. |
Dermatology |
| Menopause/HRT |
The menopause defines when a women’s periods have stopped for over six months and will not return. This can cause sweating, flushing, mood changes and vaginal dryness. The average age of the menopause in the UK is 51. If the menopause occurs earlier than this age, the woman has a reduced level of the hormone oestrogen in her body. Oestrogen can help to protect bones and relieves the symptoms of the menopause. Hormone replacement therapy involves replacing the hormones which are reduced following the menopause. |
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) |
Gynaecology |
| Menorrhagia |
Menorrhagia means heavy menstrual bleeding. It can vary greatly in severity from a small increase from normal to soaking of underwear and clothing. It is commonly caused by fibroids in the womb (uterus). These are overgrowths of muscle within the uterus and are sometimes called benign tumours. They do not spread to anywhere else in the body and are therefore relatively harmless. They can cause pain and infertility and are often removed surgically. Menorrhagia can also be caused by disorders within the blood but this is very rare. |
Depends on exact cause, but includes: hormone therapy, mefenamic acid, tranexamic acid, contraceptive treatments, surgical removal (including hysterectomy). |
Gynaecology |
| Migraine |
A migraine is a specific type of headache which is usually confined to one side of the head and is more common in women. It can begin with a strange sensation which may be the appearance of flashing lights or a strange smell and usually lasts for more than three hours. It can often make the patient very sensitive to light so that they feel they need to lie down in a dark room. It is not entirely clear what causes migraines but it is thought that low levels of a chemical in the brain (serotonin) can cause some of the blood vessels in the head to contract abnormally. |
Painkillers (eg paracetamol/aspirin), Serotonin agonists (sumitriptan). Anti-emetics (eg cyclizine – an anti-sickness drug). |
Neurology |
| Morning sickness |
Morning sickness refers to nausea or vomiting during pregnancy which most commonly occurs in the early hours of the morning. It is unclear what causes this, but it may be linked to the different hormone levels of pregnancy. Morning sickness is most prominent in the first three months of pregnancy. Vomiting can be so severe that the mother requires hospital admission to have a drip for fluids and anti-sickness tablets, but this only occurs in up to 1 in 100 pregnancies. |
Intravenous anti-emetics if severe. |
Obstetrics |
| Multiple Sclerosis |
Multiple sclerosis or MS is a condition which affects nerves within the brain causing signals to conduct more slowly. MS tends to affect women more than men and usually begins in the 40s. It is a lifelong condition which can follow one of two courses. The more common type has flare ups and relatively symptom free spells whilst the other type has a constant decline in function. MS can cause numerous symptoms as any signalling in the brain can be affected. The most common symptoms are loss of sensation, visual disturbance, balance problems and difficulty moving. It is not known exactly what causes MS, but some genes and infections have been shown to have an association. |
Steroids for flare ups. Disease modifying drugs (interferons). |
Neurology |
| Neural Tube Defects |
Neural tube defects can occur during pregnancy whereby part of the brain or spinal cord of the baby does not form correctly(known as anencephaly/encephalocoele or spina bifida respectively). This can be caused by some medicinal drugs, diabetes, genetics or infection. If the baby survives to birth, it may be possible to repair the defect at birth. To reduce the likelihood of a neural tube defect occurring, it is advised that women trying to become pregnant should take folic acid for 3 months before trying to conceive and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. |
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Obstetrics |
| Nosebleed |
Nosebleeds are very common and are due to disturbance of the blood supply in the nose. The blood supply sits very close to the surface inside the nose and can be aggravated by slight trauma such as picking or blowing the nose. Nosebleeds usually stop within a few minutes and as a result are not usually serious. If nosebleeds become particularly frequent or occur without any trauma, they may indicate an underlying problem which can be investigated by one of our ENT consultants. |
Pinching the nose above the nostrils. Nasal packing (with tissue or gauze). Long term treatment for frequent nose bleeds includes surgery or cautery (causing irreversible damage to the vessels which frequently bleed by a small chemical burn). |
ENT |
| Osteoarthritis |
Osteoarthritis is a condition which tends to affect large joints such as the hip or the knee, but can also affect joints in the fingers. Over time weight bearing activities such as walking can cause the joints to wear out. This means that there is reduced cushioning between the bones which make up the joint and this can cause inflammation. This leads to pain on movement and stiffness after resting. |
Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen), steroid joint injections, joint replacement. |
Orthopaedics |
| Other skin cancer |
In addition to melanoma, there are two other main types of skin cancer: squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer. Both these cancers are related to sun exposure, but develop from different areas within the skin. Basal cell cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body and are therefore not usually considered as life threatening. Squamous cell cancers can spread to other parts of the body, but usually take a long time to do so. As a result these cancers are generally not as serious as melanoma. |
Surgical excision. Basal cell cancers may also be treated with cryotherapy (freezing). |
Dermatology |
| Pancreatic Cancer |
The pancreas is an organ which sits in the upper abdomen beneath the stomach. It produces lots of hormones which control sugar levels in the blood and help to digest food in the intestines. Sometimes the cells of the pancreas can grow uncontrollably causing cancer. If caught early this may be removed surgically and have a good outlook, but as pancreatic cancer causes few symptoms, it has often spread elsewhere in the body by the time it is diagnosed. As a result, the outlook is usually poor and less than 1 in 20 patients are alive 5 years after diagnosis. |
Surgery. Chemotherapy. |
Gastroenterology |
| Pancreatitis |
Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas. It is most commonly caused by gallstones or excessive consumption of alcohol, but can also be caused by some medications, infections and trauma. Pancreatitis causes pain in the central upper abdomen and may also cause vomiting, sweating and fever. Pancreatitis can be acute (lasts hours to days) or chronic (can last for years). The pancreas normally produces hormones such as insulin. Whilst the pancreas is inflamed it may not function as well as normal, so some of these hormones may be substituted with medications during treatment in hospital. |
Painkillers, fluids (through a drip), hormone substitutes. |
Gastroenterology |
| Parkinson’s Disease |
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition of the brain which affects the movement and speech of people over the age of 50. It is not clear what causes Parkinson’s disease, but some specific genes have been found to have an association. Parkinson’s is due to a reduction of a transmitter in the brain (dopamine). This means that it is more difficult for the brain to control movements and Parkinson’s usually has a classical tremor at rest. There is also slowed movement, rigidity of the arms and legs and patients often walk with a shuffle. Around 1 in 4 patients will also develop memory loss at some point, though this tends to occur later in the disease. |
L-dopa (broken down to form dopamine in the brain and restore some function) Dopamine agonists (eg bromocriptine – acts as dopamine to restore some function). MAO-B Inhibitors (eg seligiline – block the breakdown of dopamine). |
Neurology |
| Pleural Effusion |
Pleural effusion describes fluid occurring within the chest and surrounding the lung. This creates pressure around the lung making it more difficult for the lung to expand causing breathlessness. There are a number of other respiratory conditions which can cause pleural effusion including pneumonia and lung cancer and other non-respiratory conditions such as heart failure. The treatment of pleural effusion is determined by the underlying cause, but may include placement of a chest drain (a tube into the space between the chest wall and the lungs). |
Chest drain. Pleurodesis (chemical treatment to stick the lung to the chest wall to prevent further pleural effusions accumulating). |
Respiratory |
| Pneumonia |
Pneumonia refers to a serious chest infection which blocks part of the lung with fluid and pus which prevents that section of lung from functioning properly. This can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and fever and the patient is likely to cough up green or yellow spit. If a diagnosis of pneumonia is suspected a chest x-ray is often used to confirm this. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungus, but as the most common cause is bacteria, treatment is usually with antibiotics. |
Antibiotics, oxygen. |
Respiratory |
| Pneumothorax |
Pneumothorax refers to a condition which occurs quickly when air accumulates within the chest but outside of the lung. The lung is normally stuck closely to the chest wall, but on occasion, the lung can peel away allowing air to fill the space in between. This can happen spontaneously or due to disease or trauma creating a hole in the chest wall. Once air is within the chest, it can exert pressure on the lung which may cause the lung to collapse. This causes shortness of breath and may cause chest pain. The diagnosis can be suspected if there are injuries to the chest wall, but is confirmed following examination by a doctor and a chest x-ray. A small pneumothorax may require no treatment and is expected to resolve over a few days. However, a more major pneuomthorax can be life threatening and may require urgent hospital treatment. |
Follow up only. Chest drain (a tube into the space between the chest wall and the lungs). |
Respiratory |
| Polycystic Ovaries |
Polycystic ovaries are caused by reduced hormone sensitivity in the ovaries which is normally due to obesity. The reduced sensitivity to hormones causes the development of areas of fluid (cysts) within the ovary and can stop the monthly blood loss of the menstrual cycle. It can also cause increased body hair and causes infertility in 3 out of 4 patients. |
Weight loss, the contraceptive pill. |
Gynaecology |
| Pre-eclampsia |
Pre-eclampsia is a condition which affects many organs in the body and is exclusive to pregnancy. The mother develops high blood pressure, has protein in the urine and often has swollen ankles. Pre-eclampsia can quickly become eclampsia (where the mother has a seizure). Eclampsia is very dangerous for the pregnancy and therefore, the mother is monitored for signs of pre-eclampsia throughout pregnancy using blood pressure readings and urine samples. Pre-eclampsia occurs in up to 1 in 10 pregnancies, but is usually treated successfully to avoid the risk of developing eclampsia. |
Magnesium sulphate, delivery of the baby. |
Obstetrics |
| Prenatal testing |
Prenatal testing involves a number of different tests throughout pregnancy which establish how well the baby is growing and look for any abnormalities such as down’s syndrome or spina bifida. If a pregnancy is thought to be low risk, it is likely that the mother will only undergo blood tests and ultrasounds growth scans. However, if the blood tests or ultrasound scans indicate that there may be a risk of abnormality the mother may be offered further screening tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Amniocentesis involves passing a fine needle into the sac around the baby in order to get a very small sample of amniotic fluid for analysis. This carries a miscarriage risk of 1 in 200, but gives much more detailed information about the baby and any potential abnormalities. Chorionic villous sampling involves passing a fine needle into the placenta to get a sample of the cells for analysis. This carries a miscarriage risk of 1 in 100 but it can be performed earlier in the pregnancy than amniocentesis. |
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Obstetrics |
| Prolapse |
Prolapse refers to movement of the uterus (womb), bladder or bowel into the vagina. This happens gradually and is due to reduced support from the muscles which make up the vaginal walls. As these muscles weaken, the organs which are usually held above the vagina can descend. This is caused by childbirth, menopause and obesity, but is much more common in older women. Prolapse can cause a sensation of something dragging and often causes stress incontinence. |
Physiotherapy and exercises. Ring pessary (ring inserted into the vagina to support the vaginal walls), surgery. |
Gynaecology |
| Prostate Cancer |
The prostate is an organ in men which sits between the bladder and the penis and surrounds the urethra (the tube that allows urine to leave the body). It produces some of the components of semen and continues to grow with age. As it continues to grow there is an increased risk that some of the cells will become cancerous. As a result, prostate cancer is very common and usually affects men over the age of 50. Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly and does not spread elsewhere in the body as frequently as other cancers. This means that many men live with prostate cancer for many years and often die from other causes rather than from the cancer itself. Prostate cancer can make it difficult to pass urine, to achieve and sustain an erection and often causes dribbling after urination has finished. |
Surgery or frequent clinic follow up if the cancer is less developed. |
Urology |
| Psoriasis |
Psoriasis is a relatively common condition which causes scaly red patches on the skin; most commonly on the back of the elbow, the knees and the scalp. The cause is not clear, but it tends to run in families and can affect up to 2% of the population. There is also an association with joint problems which occurs in around 10% of patients with psoriasis. |
Emollients, tar paste, dithranol, steroids, UV light, immunosuppression drugs. |
Dermatology |
| Pulmonary Embolism |
Pulmonary embolism refers to a clot in the lungs. This is a condition which develops quickly (usually over seconds to minutes) and can cause shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up blood. The clot can come from many sources, but is most commonly a blood clot which has travelled from the legs (known as a DVT or deep vein thrombosis). These symptoms are often investigated using blood tests, an ECG (tracing of the heart) and CT scans to allow for a quick diagnosis and early treatment if required. Nonetheless, this is a serious condition and can cause death in up to 1 in 4 patients if not treated. |
Antiplatelet therapy (eg heparin to thin the blood). |
Respiratory |
| Reflux/Heartburn/Indigestion |
Heartburn is a common condition which affects much of the population on a regular basis. It causes a pain in throat or behind the sternum (breastbone) which is due to stomach acid travelling back up the oesophagus. The oesophagus contains cells which are not used to acid and as a result this causes inflammation and pain. Reflux can be caused by obesity, pregnancy or consuming too many fatty foods, tobacco, alcohol or caffeine. |
Antacids (eg Gaviscon), H2 receptor antagonists (eg ranitidine), proton pump inhibitors (eg omeprazole). |
Gastroenterology |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis |
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition which affects smaller joints such as the fingers, wrists and toes by causing joint inflammation. It generally affects both sides of the body and can gradually change the shape of joints leading to deformity. It usually starts between the age of 40 and 55 and affects 3 times as many women as men. |
Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen), disease modifying drugs (eg methotrexate), steroids, joint replacement, joint straightening. |
Rheumatology
Orthopaedics |
| Rosacea |
Rosacea is a condition which causes flushing of the skin in around 3% of the population. The cause is not known. It usually causes a widespread redness on the cheeks and forehead and can also produce small spots similar to acne. It is normally diagnosed by it’s characteristic appearance and is more common in middle aged women. |
Topical antibiotics. |
Dermatology |
| Sinusitis |
The sinuses are air spaces within the head which are located either side of the nose, in the forehead and behind the cheeks. They can become inflamed following an infection which can cause fever, pain and tenderness and may cause the nose to be either blocked or runny. This will often settle over a few days, but may require antibiotics. |
Painkillers (eg paracetamol). Antibiotics. Decongestants. |
ENT |
| Sleep Apnoea |
Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing stops momentarily during sleep. This can happen for up to a minute at a time and may occur many times during the night. It is usually caused by excessive pressure on the airway (often due to obesity). It is common that the patient will be unaware of these pauses in breathing and it is often noticed by a partner who is disturbed by snoring or the thought that their partner has completely stopped breathing. |
Continuous positive airway pressure (ventilation during sleep). |
Respiratory |
| Sore throat |
Sore throat is most commonly due to infection by a virus or bacteria. It is very common and tends to affect each individual of the population a couple of times per year. Sore throat usually resolves within a few days, but if it persists for more than two weeks it may require investigation by a doctor. Sore throat can also be caused by glandular fever and tonsillitis and these may require more complex treatment than that of the common cold. |
Painkillers (eg paracetamol). Throat lozenges. |
ENT |
| Spinal deformity |
Spinal deformity is mainly classed as kyphosis (vertical curving of the spine) and scoliosis (horizontal curving of the spine). Usually apparent in the early years of life and often without any apparent cause. |
Physiotherapy and supports. Surgical correction. |
Orthopaedics
Neurosurgery |
| Stenting |
Stenting is also known as percutaneous coronary intervention. This involves placing a wire into an artery (usually at the wrist). The wire is passed along the artery until it reaches the arteries which supply the heart muscle with oxygen. The wire is advanced to the point at which the artery is narrowed. A small mesh is placed on top of an empty balloon and is passed along the wire to the narrowed section of the artery. The balloon is then inflated and the mesh expands. This forces the artery open and relieves the narrowing. This mesh is known as a stent and is used to treat the same type of disease as heart bypass surgery, but is reserved for less severe cases. |
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Cardiology |
| Stomach Ulcer |
Also known as a peptic or gastric ulcer. The stomach is lined by a protective layer of mucus. This allows the stomach to contain acid to digest food without the risk of damaging the stomach wall. In some cases this mucus can be overcome by excessive acid or a bacteria called helicobacter pylori which can erode into the stomach wall causing an ulcer. If the ulcer bursts it can cause extensive bleeding or may cause a full thickness hole to form in the stomach wall. Alternatively, the mucus may be thinned by some medications such as aspirin. Treatment depends on whether the ulcer has burst. If not, it is safe for patients to be treated with medications and sent home. If the ulcer has burst surgery is usually required. |
Proton pump inhibitors (eg omeprazole), antibiotics (if due to helicobacter pylori). Surgery if ulcer has burst. |
Gastroenterology |
| Stroke |
A stroke occurs when the oxygen supply to the brain is substantially reduced causing some of the brain cells to die. This can be caused by a clot blocking one of the arteries to the brain, or by a bleed which reduces the amount of blood that is directly delivered to the brain cells. This can cause a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the brain is affected. Symptoms can include: facial weakness, slurring of speech and weakness of the arms or legs. Stroke usually only affects one side of the body. To determine whether the stroke is caused by a clot or a bleed every patient should have a CT scan of their brain. The symptoms of stroke normally improve over time, but they do not fully resolve. Patients who have had a stroke are at greater risk of having a further stroke and therefore treatment is largely directed at reducing the risk of this occurring. |
Depends on whether stroke is due to a clot or a bleed but can include: anti-platelet drugs (eg aspiring/dipyridamole), statins (lower cholesterol), ACE inhibitors (lower blood pressure). |
Neurology
Neurosurgery |
| Tennis elbow |
The elbow joint is made up of three bones, one of which connects to the muscles of the forearm via a tendon. If the muscles of the forearm are repeatedly strained using the same mechanism (eg playing tennis) this can overwork the tendon resulting in inflammation. This causes pain and tenderness and can take many months to resolve. This is most common in middle aged people. |
Rest, avoiding aggravating movements, anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen), physiotherapy, steroid injections. |
Orthopaedics |
| Termination of pregnancy |
Termination of pregnancy is also known as abortion. Pregnancies are terminated for a number of reasons, including health risk to the unborn baby and health or psychological risk to the mother if the pregnancy is continued. Termination must be carried out within 24 weeks of conception and must be approved by two doctors. Termination can be carried out medically by giving two separate tablets, or surgically which requires being put to sleep. The choice will to an extent depend on patient preference, but will also be guided by the stage of the pregnancy and the decision of the consultant. |
Anti-progesterone + Prostaglandin. Surgical removal. |
Gynaecology |
| Testicular swellings/lumps/torsion |
Testicular swellings or lumps are relatively common and whilst they are associated with cancer, they are usually due to less serious conditions such as infection, warts, hernias, hydrocoeles or varicoeles. All of these can be discussed with one of our urology consultants. Testicular cancer is rare, but is a potentially life-threatening disease which most commonly presents with a lump in one the testes. Testicular torsion occurs when one of the testes rotates and cuts off it’s own blood supply. This usually causes severe pain and vomiting and must be seen immediately in hospital. |
Dependent on disease. |
Urology |
| TIA |
TIA stands for transient ischaemic attack and is the same as a stroke which is due to a clot, but the symptoms completely resolve within 24 hours. |
Anti-platelet drugs (eg aspiring/dipyridamole), statins (lower cholesterol), ACE inhibitors (lower blood pressure). |
Neurology |
| Tinnitus |
Tinnitus is a condition which affects up to 10% of the population and describes a ringing, hissing or buzzing in the ears which is not caused by an external sound. In older people this is commonly due to ageing whilst in younger people it is more commonly caused by excessive noise exposure. These causes are often difficult to treat and as a result, it is likely the patient will have tinnitus for the rest of their life. However, tinnitus can also be caused by local infections and diseases in the ear. If these are treated successfully it is likely that tinnitus will resolve. |
Dependent on cause, but most aim to distract from tinnitus rather than curing it. |
ENT |
| Tonsillitis |
The tonsils are glands which sit at the back of the throat. They are a common site for infection which can cause inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis). This is most common in children. Tonsillitis is usually self-limiting and resolves within a few days, but can cause a response throughout the body resulting in fever, cough and tiredness. As a result, if tonsillitis becomes recurrent it is advisable to remove the tonsils. |
Painkillers (eg paracetamol). Antibiotics (if due to a bacteria). Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy). |
ENT |
| Urinary Incontinence |
Urinary incontinence refers to involuntary leaking of urine. It can be defined as stress (occurs when coughing or lifting a heavy object) or as urge (rushing to get to the toilet but not getting there in time). Stress incontinence occurs due to lack of support around the bladder neck and is associated with pregnancy, prolapse and obesity. Urge incontinence is caused by overactivity of the bladder muscle. |
Physiotherapy, exercises and surgery for stress incontinence. Bladder training and anti-cholinergic drugs for urge incontinence. |
Gynaecology
Urology |
| Urinary Tract Infection |
Infections of the urine are very common in women, but occur less frequently in men. When bacteria enters the urine it can cause inflammation in any part of the urinary tract. Normally this is restricted to the bladder and the urethra (the tube that allows urine to leave the body), but occasionally the infection can spread higher up to involve the kidneys. Simple urine infections affecting the bladder and urethra are known as cystitis, whilst infections involving the kidney are known as pyelonephritis. Urine infections cause you to go to the toilet more frequently, including at night and may cause pain when passing urine. There may also be blood in the urine and fever. Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) can cause back and side pain, vomiting, sweating and shaking. |
Antibiotics. |
Urology |
| Uritcaria |
Urticaria is also known as hives. It is caused by an allergic reaction to any of a number of factors such as heat, cold or sun exposure. It causes the skin to become red, itchy and swollen and often settles within a couple of days. Rarely, urticaria will last for over six weeks (this is referred to as chronic urticaria) and may require a longer course of treatment. |
Anti-histamines. |
Dermatology |
| Valve disease |
There are four valves within the heart which allow controlled blood flow between the different segments of the heart. If these valves do not close properly, blood can leak backwards in the heart causing symptoms of heart failure including shortness of breath and ankle swelling. If the valves are stiff and do not open properly, the heart muscle has to work harder to supply your body with oxygen. This also puts extra strain on the heart and may cause the same symptoms. |
As for heart failure to control symptoms. Valve surgery. |
Cardiology |
| Vasectomy |
A vasectomy is a small operation which snips the vas deferens (a tube which connects the testes to the penis to allow sperm to be ejaculated). This prevents sperm from entering the fluid that is ejaculated and thus prevents pregnancy from occurring. As sperm only accounts for around 10% of the total fluid ejaculated vasectomy does not tend to reduce sexual pleasure. Vasectomy is successful in 99.95% of cases. Whilst it can be reversed, this is both expensive and results in lower rates of pregnancy when compared with men who have not had a vasectomy. |
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Urology |
| Warts |
Warts usually occur on the hands and feet and are most commonly due to a viral infection from human papilloma virus (HPV). |
Topical creams, paints or gels. Cryotherapy (freezing). |
Dermatology |
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