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Introduction Pneumococcal infections
Pneumococcal infectionsPneumococcal infections are caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniaebacteria, and range from mildto severe. There are more than 90 different strains ofStreptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) bacteria (known as serotypes), some of which cause more serious infection than others. The symptoms of a pneumococcal infection can vary, depending on the
Symptoms of pneumococcal infections Pneumococcal infections
Pneumococcal infectionsYour symptoms will vary, depending on the type of pneumococcal infection you have. Some common symptoms include: a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above chills sweats aches and pains headache a general sense of feeling unwell When to seek medical advice You should contact your GP as soon as possible if you: have a
Diagnosing pericarditis Pericarditis
PericarditisYour doctor willask about your symptoms and recent medical history, such as whether you've recently had a chest infection or been in an accident. They willlisten to your heart with a stethoscope, aspericarditis can change the sound of your heartbeat to a distinctive rasping or grating sound. You may have Blood tests to check for infections and
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Periods
PeriodsChanges in your body's hormonelevels before your monthly period can cause physical and emotional changes. This is often known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual tension (PMT). There are many possible symptoms of PMS , but typical symptoms include: feeling bloated breast tenderness mood swings feeling irritable Loss of libido
Diagnosis Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral arterial diseaseIf your GP suspects peripheral arterial disease (PAD), they'll first carry out a physical examination of your legs . PAD can cause various symptoms some of which your GP will be able spot, but you may not such as: shiny skin brittle toenails hair loss on your legs and feet the pulse in your leg being very weak or undetectable leg ulcers Your GP
Introduction Pilonidal sinus
Pilonidal sinusA pilonidal sinus is a small hole or "tunnel" in the skin.It usually develops in the cleft of the buttocks where the buttocks separate. More than one hole may develop, and often these are linked by tunnels under the skin. Most people associate the word sinus with the nose, but sinuses can occur anywhere in the body. Sinus is simply a medical
Causes of a pilonidal sinus Pilonidal sinus
Pilonidal sinusThe exact cause of pilonidal sinuses is unclear. It is generally thought they are caused by loose hairs pushing into the skin. They could also be caused by deep layers of skin being stretched and moved, leading to a hair follicle rupturing. Hair follicles Hair follicles are the small holes that an individual hair grows out of. Pressure and
How the adrenal glands are affected Phaeochromocytoma
PhaeochromocytomaThe adrenal glands produce a range of hormones that are vital for the normal working of the body. Most phaeochromocytomas develop at the centre of one or both of the adrenal glands, in a part called the adrenal medulla. The cells of the adrenal medulla make the 'fight or flight' hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, and release these into the
Signs andsymptoms Phaeochromocytoma
PhaeochromocytomaThe symptoms of a phaeochromocytoma tend to be unpredictable often occurring in sudden attacks lasting from a few minutes to an hour. These attacks may become more frequent, longer and more severe as the tumour grows. Although not everyone has them, the three typical symptoms are: severe headaches sweating heart palpitations Other
Treatinga phaeochromocytoma Phaeochromocytoma
PhaeochromocytomaMost people with a phaeochromocytoma will have it surgically removed. You'll usually be given medication called alpha blockers for several weeks before the operation to block the effects of the excess hormones on your body and stabilise your blood pressure and pulse ready for surgery. You may also be given a medication called beta blockers if