Breathlessness and Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnoea)

Breathlessness is an unpleasant sensation of uncomfortable, rapid or difficult breathing. People describe it as feeling short of breath, puffed or winded. The medical term is dyspnoea. Your chest may feel tight and breathing may hurt. Everyone experiences breathlessness if they exert themselves to an unusual extent or run for a bus; however, if you experience breathlessness without unusual exertion, it is important to seek medical attention as it may be due to a serious underlying problem. The most common causes are mentioned below.

Wheeze: Causes, Tests and Treatment

Wheezing is a whistling sound that occurs when you breathe. It is a common symptom. There are various causes. If you have any breathing difficulty or other alarming symptoms in addition to wheezing - and you do not know what to do - then see a doctor immediately. This article discusses what wheezing is all about, including the main causes and treatment of wheezing.

Multiple Sclerosis - Causes, Symptoms, Types, Tests and Treatments

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition which affects the brain and/or spinal cord (otherwise called central nervous system or CNS), marked by weakness, numbness, and loss of muscle coordination resulting in a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, speech, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance, and bladder control.

How Overseas Pharmacists Can Live and Work in the UK

This article contains information for overseas qualified pharmacists, including information on registration and immigration, who intend to live and work in the UK. Anyone wanting to work in the UK as a pharmacist must register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Osteoarthritis Treatment and Support

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition that can affect one or more joints. It involves loss of cartilage, often along with mild inflammation and changes to the bone closest to the joint (see image below), as well as weakness of muscles surrounding the joint. This results in pain, stiffness, and trouble easily moving the joint.

Osteoarthritis: Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Natural Course

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Usually the symptoms progress slowly over years. Initially they may occur only after exercise but can become constant over time. Other symptoms may include joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and, when the back is affected, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs.

Lung Cancer: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide in both men and women. It is established that cigarette smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer, and this includes second-hand smoking wherein you breathe in other peoples' smoke. Bear in mind other factors play a minor role in causing lung cancer, like exposure to radon gas, family or personal history of cancer, previous treatment, and diet.

Lung Cancer: Risk Factors, Genetics and Types

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the lungs, it is called lung cancer. Lung cancer, therefore, is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out the functions of normal lung cells and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. As they grow, the abnormal cells can form tumors and interfere with the functioning of the lung, which provides oxygen to the body via the blood.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that can be passed from person to person when having sex. You can get an STI by having vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex. There are several different types of STI.

Joint Aspiration

There are many reasons why your doctor may want to inject into or aspirate from your joint. Successful joint and soft tissue aspiration and injection partially rely on the skill and expertise of the doctor performing it. Access to ultrasound to enable better targeting of steroid injections may improve efficacy.

What is blood?

Blood is made up of liquid (plasma) and various different types of cells. An average-sized man has about 5-6 litres of blood in his body; a woman has slightly less. Blood has many different functions - see below.

Cough: Types, Causes, Treatment and Prognosis

Coughing is an automatic reaction to try to clear your airways. The cough reflex protects the airways of your lungs. However, it is important to seek medical attention if you have a cough that lasts for more than three weeks. If you're short of breath, cough up blood or have unexplained problems like weight loss or a high temperature (fever), you should see your doctor urgently. The most common causes are mentioned below.