Acute Illness

ACE inhibitors are used as a first-line treatment for people under 55 who have high blood pressure. 

Allergies are characterised by autoimmune responses to certain stimuli. These reactions can cause inflammation and swelling in the affected region.

1. Can vary in severity
2. Reactions flared by certain triggers
3. Effective treatment is available

Alpha blockers are prescribed to treat hypertension and prostate issues. They are usually taken alongside other medications. 

Some painkillers are available over the counter, whereas other pain treatments require a prescription from a clinician. 

Antibiotics are used to treat conditions including bronchitis, pneumonia, chlamydia and kidney infections. 

Anticoagulants are used to help prevent blood clots, which can trigger a number of conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. 

Antihistamines can be prescribed or purchased over the counter, and treat hay fever, hives, insect bites and stings and allergic reactions. 

Antipyretics can be used to bring down a high temperature, and may help to manage symptoms of flu, food poisoning and rheumatoid arthritis.

A blocked nose is rarely reflective of a serious condition, and does not usually necessitate any treatment specifically. 

A blood clot is a solid collection of blood, and occurs when too much blood gathers in one place in a vein. It can result in the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism, which constitutes a medical emergency.

It's thought that cluster headaches are triggered by overactivity in the hypothalamus section of the brain. They can be extremely painful. 

Constipation is a condition identified by an inability to regularly and comfortably pass stools. It can be caused by a number of dietary or health factors.

1. Likely to affect everyone at least once
2. Can result in pain when going to the toilet
3. Simple to treat with prescription medication

Decongestants can be used to treat numerous conditions, including cold and flus, sinusitis and allergies such as hay fever. 

Diarrhoea is a condition which affects the gut. Symptoms include loose stools, and a sharp increase in bowel movements.

1. Severe cases can lead to dehydration
2. Can be acute or chronic in nature
3. Easy to treat with prescription medication

Digestive conditions are typically triggered by diet, stress, or lifestyle choices, and are very common, with around 4 in 10 people showing at least one symptom of a digestive condition at any one time. 

There is no specific treatment for a change in urine colour, but the underlying cause of it can be treated.

Diuretics help to reduce blood pressure in the body by removing excess salt and water from the bloodstream. 

Treatments for dizziness vary depending on the cause. Arrhythmia may require a pacemaker, whereas dizziness rooted in anxiety can be treated using cognitive behavioural therapy. 

Avoiding alcohol, caffeine or acidic beverages, and keeping the mouth hydrated are measures that can help to ease dry mouth. 

Typical indications of an eye infection are inflammation, itchiness and soreness, while dryness in the eye can make it feel as if there is something in the eye. 

A fever can often be treated at home, using self-care measures such as staying hydrated and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature. 

Food poisoning is the result of consuming food or drink which is contaminated. It may be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites, but isn't usually serious and passes of its own accord within two or three days. Staying hydrated and eating reduced meals are measures usually taken to treat it.

Gallstones develop when small crystals manifest in bile, and become stones. These stones can move and obstruct the bile ducts, resulting in pain and inflammation, and sometimes produce an infection. Anyone presenting with symptoms should see a doctor. 

Haemorrhoids, known more commonly as piles, is a condition characterised by varicose veins in the back passage. These can cause discomfort, irritation, and sometimes rectal bleeding.

1. Experienced by around 40% of people at least once
2. Caused by high pressure in blood vessels
3. Host of effective treatments readily available

Hay fever is simply defined as an allergy to pollen, or dust mites. During periods of activity, symptoms include sneezing, nasal irritation and swelling in the throat.

1. More common during Spring
2. Caused by airborne irritants like pollen
3. Effective remedies are available

Heartburn is a symptom often caused by GORD, a condition which is better known as acid reflux. It is typified by a painful, or burning feeling in the chest.

1. Caused by stomach acids
2. Lifestyle factors can induce symptoms
3. Effective treatments are available

A hernia is a small lump that develops beneath the skin, usually around the groins, thighs or in the abdomen. It is caused by a torn muscle in the abdomen, resulting in fatty tissue or part of the bowel protruding through. 

Insomnia is a condition which is characterised by the inability to sleep, or sleep to a comfortable degree.

1. One third of UK people experience it
2. Influenced by age and lifestyle
3. Effective relief is available for over 55s

Itchy anus can be caused by diet, or in some cases hygiene problems or an underlying medical condition. 

A doctor typically refers someone to hospital for same-day referral if they are unwell with jaundice. 

Leg cramps

Depending on what the cause is, treatment for a loss of appetite can vary from dietary measures to behavioural therapies. 

If the cause of a loss of sense of small is short-term, treatment is not usually required. If it's a nasal obstruction or a bacterial infection however, you will need treatment. 

Migraines are very painful, intense headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms such as visual problems, or the need to be sick.

1. Caused by inflamed blood vessels
2. Can last for several days in some cases 
3. Effective, rapid relief is available

Nausea is the name given to feelings of queasiness, which is in many cases is followed by vomiting, or actual sickness.

1. Can lead to vomiting
2. Often accompanied by abdominal pain
3. Helpful treatments available

Norovirus is a stomach bug that results in vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms are usually apparent within 1-2 days of contracting the infection. Typically you can treat yourself for the condition from home. You should avoid the school or work environments until symptoms have ceased.

NSAIDs are available in a number of different forms, including tablets, capsules, creams and suppositories. 

Proton pump inhibitors are typically used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and stomach ulcers. 

A sore throat is typically triggered by the common cold or a viral infection. It can cause pain and irritation, which results in coughing. 

Stomach cramps may be caused by lifestyle factors or diet, or can be caused by an underlying health condition. 

A stomach ulcer manifests when there is an imbalance of acid levels in the stomach, resulting in an open sore developing. Severe abdominal pain tends to characterise the condition, and bloating, retching and nausea may be further symptoms.

Treatment for swollen glands depends on what the trigger is. If it's the common cold, for example, no treatment is necessary. If it's cancer however, treatment is extensive. 

Thyroid medication is used to treat an overactive or an underactive thyroid. An overactive thyroid is often caused by Grave's disease, and an underactive thyroid is usually triggered by an immune system response. 

Traveller's diarrhoea is a condition characterised by loose stools, and is often caused by a bacterial infection picked up when visiting a foreign country.

At present, we do not offer treatments for traveller's diarrhoea through our service. To find out which treatment is most suitable for you, we recommend you visit your local travel clinic or your GP.