Accident and emergency departments
Around 13 million people visit Accident and Emergency (A & E) departments every year. A & E departments assess and treat people with serious injuries and those in need of emergency treatment. They are sometimes referred to as 'casualty' ... [... more]
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NHS Abortions
Abortion is the common name for the medical process of ending pregnancy. Healthcare professionals may use the term termination of pregnancy or just termination to describe an abortion. An abortion is different from a miscarriage (see miscarriage) ... [... more]
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Abscess
A boil is a common example of an abscess in the skin, but abscesses can occur in almost any part of the body, including: Abscesses inside the body usually occur in the spaces between the internal organs. Pus is mainly a collection of millions of ... [... more]
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Accidents and first aid
In the UK, every year, hundreds of thousands of people die or are seriously injured in accidents. However, many deaths, resulting from accidents, could be prevented if first aid was given at the scene, before emergency services arrive. Emergency ... [... more]
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Accidents to children in the home
Each year, in the UK, a large number of children between 0-5 years of age are injured, some seriously, in accidents in the home. Falls are the most common type of accident, and they also have the most serious consequences. The kitchen and the ... [... more]
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) is a common condition, and one of the most frequent causes of indigestion and heartburn. It happens when acid from your stomach leaks back up through your oesophagus (gullet). This irritates and damages ... [... more]
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Acne
Acne is a skin condition that affects the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands in the skin, which secrete an oily substance called sebum. Acne is most common on the face, arms, back and chest. The onset of acne is usually around puberty, but ... [... more]
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Acoustic neuroma
An acoustic neuroma is a rare, benign growth. It affects the vestibulo-cochlear nerve. The vestibulo-cochlear nerve carries both hearing and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. The nerve also runs alongside the facial nerve, ... [... more]
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Actinomycosis
Actinomycosis is a chronic infection caused by various bacteria called actinomycetes. These bacteria are commonly found in the mouth and cheeks of humans and some other mammals. They do not cause an infection unless the bacteria enter the body ... [... more]
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that originated around 2,000 years ago. Acupuncture is based on the belief that the working of the human body is controlled by a life force called Qi (pronounced chee). This flows between the ... [... more]
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Addictions
Addiction is not having control over doing, taking or using something, to the point that it may be harmful to you. Common addictions are to alcohol or drugs, but it's possible to become addicted to anything - from gambling to chocolate. Whatever ... [... more]
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Addison's disease
Addison's disease, Addisons, disease of the adrenal glands, destruction of the adrenal cortex, adrenal crisis, adrenal glands Addison's disease is a disorder of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are small, hat-shaped glands that sit on top ... [... more]
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