Tuberculosis (TB)
Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It is a serious condition but can be cured with proper treatment. TB mainly affects the lungs. However, it can affect any part of the body, including the bones and nervous system. Typical symptoms of TB include: A persistent cough of more than three weeks that brings up phlegm which may be...
HIV and AIDS
Introduction HIV is a virus most commonly caught by having unprotected sex or by sharing infected needles and other injecting equipment to inject drugs. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus attacks the immune system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, when your body can no longer fight life-threatening infections. There is no cure for HIV, but there are...
Laxatives
Laxatives are a type of medicine that can help you empty your bowels if you are having trouble going to the...
Crohn’s disease
Introduction Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. Inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the back passage, but most commonly occurs in the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon). Common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include: Diarrhoea Abdominal pain Fatigue (extreme tiredness) Weight loss Over...
Ulcerative colitis
Introduction Ulcerative colitis is a long-term (chronic) condition affecting the colon. Symptoms include: Bloody diarrhoea Abdominal pain A frequent need to go to the toilet Weight loss These can range from mild to severe, with the condition being unpredictable. Symptoms can flare up and then disappear (known as remission) for months or even years. Treatment There is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis so the aim of treatment is...