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Introduction Abscess
AbscessAn abscess is a painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Abscesses can develop anywhere in the body. This article focuses on two types of abscess: skin abscesses which develop under the skin internal abscesses which develop inside the body, in an organ or in the spaces between organs This topic covers: Abscess When
Absent periods Stopped or missed periods
Stopped or missed periodsMost women have a period every 28 days or so, but it's common to have a slightly shorter or longer cycle than this (from 24 to 35 days). Some women don't always have a regular menstrual cycle. Their period may be early or late, and how long it lasts and how heavy it is may vary each time. Read more about irregular
Self-help Solar keratoses
Solar keratosesIt is important to protect your skin from the sun if you have actinic keratoses. This can reduce the risk offurther patches developing and may help reduce the number of patches you already have. To protect yourself from the sun, you should: applysunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 before exposing yourself to direct
Causes of actinomycosis Lumpy jaw (actinomycosis)
Lumpy jaw (actinomycosis)Actinomycosis is caused by a group of bacteria called actinomycetaceae. Actinomycetaceae are found in manybody cavities, such as inside the mouth and, less commonly, the bowel. In women, they can also be found in the womb and fallopian tubes (the tubes eggs are released throughinto the womb). How actinomycosis spreads Actinomycetaceae are
Introduction Aneurysm, abdominal aortic
Aneurysm, abdominal aorticAn abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta the main blood vessel that leads away from the heart, down through the abdomen to the rest of the body. The abdominal aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body and is usually around 2 cm wide roughly the width of a garden hose. However, it can swell to
Introduction Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screeningAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a way of detecting a dangerous swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta the main blood vessel that runs from the heart, down through the abdomen to the rest of the body. This swelling is far more common in men aged over 65 than it is in women and younger men, so men are invited for screening in the year
Patient story: "I was able to go back to my part-time job within just three weeks." Aneurysm, abdominal aortic
Aneurysm, abdominal aorticWhen trumpeter Peter Cripps had a CT scan for a kidney stone, it was discovered he also had an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Just before Christmas, I had the most horrendous pain in my abdomen. I had a CT scan, which revealed I had a kidney stone. Thankfully, that was quite small but, more worryingly, the nurse told me I also had an AAA. The
Causes of a stomach ache Tummy ache
Tummy acheA stomach ache, including stomach cramps or abdominal pain, doesn't usually last long and isn't usually caused by anything serious. Some common causes of a stomach ache include: Trapped wind (flatulence) Pain or discomfort after eating (indigestion) Being unable to poo (constipation) Speak to your pharmacist for advice about medications to
The recovery position First aid
First aidIf a person is unconscious but is breathing and has no other life-threatening conditions, they should be placed in the recovery position. Putting someone in the recovery position will keep their airway clear and open. It also ensures that any vomit or fluid won't cause them to choke. The video on this page shows a step-by-step guide to putting
When to see a doctor if you have acid reflux? Acid reflux
Acid refluxVisit your GP if you're worried about your symptoms, or if: You have symptoms several times a week Over-the-counter medications aren't helping Your symptoms are severe You have difficulty swallowing You have possible signs of a more serious problem, such as persistent vomiting, vomiting blood or unexplained weight loss Your GP will usually be