DEPRESSION
Mental state characterised by intense sadness and characterised by most of the following :- either poor appetite with weight loss or increased appetite with weight gain; insomnia or excessive sleep; inactivity or hyperactivity; loss of interest in usual activities; loss of energy; feelings or worthlessness or guilt; inability to concentrate; recurrent thoughts of suicide or death.
DERMATITIS
Inflammatory skin condition usually associated with chronic itching. Caused by numerous irritants which come in contact with the skin including detergents and nickel in jewellery.
DIABETES MELLITUS
A chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterised by fasting elevations in blood sugar levels. Can occur as a result of the pancreas not secreting enough insulin or the body’s cells becoming resistant to insulin. Type I diabetes occurs mostly in children and adolescents, whilst Type II diabetes may not occur until after 40 years of age. Symptoms may include increased thirst, increased urination and hunger. Long-term complications of diabetes may include heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve or eye damage.
DIARRHOEA
The frequent passage of loose or liquid stools – may be caused by infection, inflammation, malabsorption or anxiety. Severe diarrhoea may result in dehydration, particularly in children.
DIVERTICULITIS
Inflammation of the diverticula (pouch protruding from the intestinal wall, commonly in the sigmoid colon). Symptoms may include lower abdomen pain, nausea, vomiting, disturbed bowel habits and fever if an infection is present.
ECZEMA (OR DERMATITIS)
A group of chronic skin disorders that prmarily involve the epidermis. This chronic, superficial inflammation of the skin is often seen in individuals with a family history of allergic rhinitis, asthma or atopic dermatitis. The different types of eczema include: Contact eczema; Atopic eczema; Seborrheic eczema; Nummular eczema; Stasis eczema; Neurodermatitis.
EMPHYSEMA
Degenerative disease of the lungs in which the aveoli (air sacs) of the lungs are distorted or damaged, reducing the surface area for carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange. Symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and difficulty in exhaling.
ENDOMETRIOSIS
The presence of similar tissue to the lining of the uterus at sites such as the fallopian tubes, pelvic areas and cervix which may undergo cyclic changes similar to the endometrium. Formation of pelvic adhesions and severe pain may result and lead to female infertility.
EPILEPSY
Disorder of brain function marked by recurrent seizures of sudden onset. Symptoms include loss of consciousness.
FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE
The development of cysts of varying sizes causing the breast to become nodular. Can occur without symptoms or may cause breast tenderness with each menstrual cycle.
FIBROMYALGIA
A relatively common disorder with musculoskeletal pain, aches, stiffness and tender points and may include symptoms of sleep disturbance, general fatigue, joint swelling, headache and tingling.
GALLSTONES
Hard masses consisting of bile pigments, calcium and cholesterol in different proportions that may form in the gallbladder.
GASTRITIS
Inflammation of the stomach lining, which may cause nausea and pain in the upper abdomen.
GLAUCOMA
A condition of increased pressure in the eye which may cause severe pain and lead to blurred or loss of vision.
GOUT
A condition in which there is an excess of uric acid and its salts in the bloodstream and joints. The metatarsophyalangeal joint in the big toe is commonly affected and may cause intense pain.
HAEMORRHOIDS
Enlargement of vessels around the anus. May involve itching, burning or bleeding with a bowel movement.
HEADACHE
Pain felt in or around the head. May be the result of tension or fatigue or symptoms of a more serious intracranial disease.
HEARTBURN
Discomfort or burning rising from the abdomen towards the throat, usually caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus.
HEPATITIS
Inflammation of the liver. There are a number of different types including Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Toxic substances or infection are usually implicated, causing symptoms such as nausea, fever, headache, jaundice or dark urine.
HERPES
Recurring viral infections of the skin or mucous membranes, characterised by a single or collection of blisters. Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is implicated in cold sores commonly seen around the lips, whilst HSV-2 may be associated with genital herpes.
HIATUS HERNIA
Bulging of the stomach above the diaphragm, which can lead to reflux regurgitation through the gastroesophageal sphincter. Symptoms may include heartburn, pain, inflammation or ulceration.
HYPERTENSION
Increased blood pressure – normal blood pressure for an adult is 120/80. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and insomnia.
HYPERTHYROID
Overactive thyroid gland, which can cause the production of excess thyroid hormones, increasing the metabolic rate and may include symptoms such as nervousness, insomnia, sweating, overactivity, weight-loss and bulging eyes.
HYPOGLYCAEMIA
A condition where the blood sugar levels reach lower than normal, and may cause symptoms such as mental confusion, headache, dizziness, sweating, palpitations and in severe cases – coma.
HYP0THYROID
Lower than normal thyroid function, which, if left untreated at birth may lead to cretinism. Symptoms in adults may include fatigue, cold sensitivity, depression and constipation.
IMPOTENCE (male)
The inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse. May be caused by psychological disorders or physical disorders such as diabetes or atherosclerosis.
INFERTILITY
Inability to produce a child after 12 months of trying. The disorder may affect either female or male partner, or both.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
A term used to describe any of a group of intestinal inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. Symptoms can include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever.
INSOMNIA
Inability to fall or remain asleep for a satisfactory length of time. May be caused by stress, depression or pain.
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
A gastrointestinal disorder characterised by abdominal pain, alternative bouts of diarrhoea and/or constipation which predominantly affects women.
