The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. OVERVIEW WHAT IS AN NHS HEALTH CHECK? The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It’s designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As […]
Find out about the different types of screening offered by the NHS in England. OVERVIEW Screening is a way of finding out if people have a higher chance of having a health problem, so that early treatment can be offered or information given to help them make informed decisions. This page gives an overview of […]
Read about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a widely used medicine for relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and bringing down a high temperature (fever). OVERVIEW Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature. They’re often used to relieve symptoms of headaches, painful periods, sprains and strains, colds and flu, arthritis, and other causes […]
Oesophageal atresia is a rare birth defect that affects a baby’s oesophagus (the tube through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach). OVERVIEW Oesophageal atresia is a rare birth defect that affects a baby’s oesophagus (the tube through which food passes from the mouth to the stomach). The upper part of the oesophagus doesn’t connect […]
Read more about oral thrush, which is usually harmless. It’s common in babies and older people with dentures. It can be easily treated with medicines prescribed by a GP. OVERVIEW Oral thrush is usually harmless. It’s common in babies and older people with dentures. It can be easily treated with medicines bought from a pharmacy. […]
Read about orf, a viral skin disease that can be spread to humans by handling infected sheep and goats. OVERVIEW Orf is a viral skin disease that can be spread to humans by handling infected sheep and goats. The disease – caused by a parapoxvirus – is also known as: contagious ecthyma contagious pustular dermatitis scabby mouth SYMPTOMS OF […]
Find out about positron emission tomography (PET) scans and how these three-dimensional images of the inside of the body can be used. OVERVIEW Positron emission tomography (PET) scans produce detailed 3-dimensional images of the inside of the body. The images can clearly show the part of the body being investigated, including any abnormal areas, and can highlight how well […]
Find out about faulty PIP breast implants, including why they are banned, and the latest safety information on removal and replacement. OVERVIEW PIP breast implants were withdrawn from the UK in 2010 after it was found they had been fraudulently manufactured with unapproved silicone gel, and were far more prone to splitting (rupturing) than other […]
Read more about premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is the name for the symptoms women can experience in the weeks before their period. OVERVIEW PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is the name for the symptoms women can experience in the weeks before their period. Most women have PMS at some point. You can get help if it affects […]
Find out about Q fever, a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected farm animals, its symptoms and what to do if you have it. OVERVIEW Q fever is a bacterial infection you can catch from infected farm animals such as sheep, cattle and goats. It’s usually harmless, but it can cause […]
