Health guides, A to Z
100 common conditions explained in plain English — symptoms, treatment options, realistic NHS waiting times and what going private costs.
A
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is a painful, often thickened Achilles tendon caused by repeated strain outpacing the tendon's ability to repair. It causes stiffness and pain at the back of the heel, especially in runners.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →Acid Reflux (GORD)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is persistent acid reflux from the stomach into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and regurgitation. Most cases respond to medication; some benefit from anti-reflux surgery.
NHS wait ~18 weeks — see private options →ACL Injury
An ACL injury is a sprain or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, a key stabiliser of the knee. It usually happens during twisting sports and often causes the knee to give way afterwards.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Acne
Acne is a common skin condition causing spots, blackheads and inflamed cysts, usually on the face, chest and back. Modern treatment is highly effective and can prevent permanent scarring.
NHS wait ~24 weeks — see private options →ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects focus, impulse control and organisation, and persists into adulthood for many people. A specialist assessment can confirm the diagnosis and open the door to effective treatment.
NHS wait ~104 weeks — see private options →Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina, blurring or distorting central vision. The 'wet' form can worsen quickly but responds well to prompt injection treatment.
NHS wait ~2 weeks — see private options →Anal Fissure
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the back passage that causes sharp pain and bleeding when passing stools. Most heal with creams; persistent fissures may need minor surgery.
NHS wait ~22 weeks — see private options →Angina
Angina is chest pain or tightness triggered by exertion or stress, caused by narrowed coronary arteries limiting blood flow to the heart muscle. It is a warning sign that needs assessment, and treatment is highly effective.
NHS wait ~20 weeks — see private options →Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life, including generalised anxiety, panic disorder and social anxiety. Talking therapies and medication are effective for most people.
NHS wait ~10 weeks — see private options →Asthma
Asthma is a common lung condition causing inflamed, sensitive airways that narrow in response to triggers, leading to wheeze, cough and breathlessness. Around one in twelve UK adults receives treatment for it.
NHS wait ~20 weeks — see private options →Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm that causes palpitations, breathlessness and tiredness, and significantly raises stroke risk. It is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, affecting over a million people in the UK.
NHS wait ~28 weeks — see private options →Autism Assessment (Adult)
An adult autism assessment is a structured specialist evaluation to determine whether lifelong differences in social communication, sensory processing and routines are explained by autism. A diagnosis can bring understanding, support and adjustments.
NHS wait ~120 weeks — see private options →B
Barrett's Oesophagus
Barrett's oesophagus is a change in the lining of the lower food pipe caused by long-term acid reflux. It slightly raises cancer risk, so regular surveillance endoscopy is recommended.
NHS wait ~12 weeks — see private options →Benign Breast Lumps
Most breast lumps are benign — commonly fibroadenomas or fluid-filled cysts — but every new lump should be checked promptly. Assessment combines examination, imaging and sometimes a needle biopsy at a breast clinic.
NHS wait ~6 weeks — see private options →Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe caused by the toe drifting towards its neighbours. Bunions can cause pain, rubbing in shoes and difficulty walking, and tend to progress slowly.
NHS wait ~30 weeks — see private options →C
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, producing tingling, numbness and pain in the thumb and fingers, often worst at night. It is very common and very treatable.
NHS wait ~20 weeks — see private options →Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens that gradually blurs vision. It is very common with age and is cured by a short operation to replace the lens with an artificial one.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Chronic Cough
A chronic cough is one lasting more than eight weeks. Common causes include asthma, acid reflux, post-nasal drip and medication side effects, and systematic specialist assessment identifies a treatable cause in most people.
NHS wait ~22 weeks — see private options →Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
ME/CFS is a long-term condition causing profound fatigue that rest does not relieve, with symptoms that worsen after exertion. Diagnosis excludes other causes, and specialist support focuses on symptom management and pacing.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches are headaches occurring on 15 or more days a month, including chronic migraine, tension-type headache and medication-overuse headache. Specialist assessment identifies the type and matches treatment accordingly.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Chronic Lower Back Pain
Chronic lower back pain is back pain persisting for more than three months. It is rarely caused by serious disease and is best managed with exercise, activity and, for some, specialist pain treatments.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses causing facial pressure, a blocked nose, reduced smell and thick mucus for twelve weeks or more. Medical treatment or sinus surgery can bring lasting relief.
NHS wait ~30 weeks — see private options →Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten damages the small bowel lining, causing gut symptoms, fatigue and nutrient deficiencies. Treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
NHS wait ~14 weeks — see private options →COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes progressive airway narrowing, leading to breathlessness, cough and frequent chest infections. Mostly smoking-related, it affects over a million people in the UK and is confirmed with spirometry.
NHS wait ~24 weeks — see private options →Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a lifelong inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhoea and fatigue. Modern medicines control it well for most people.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →D
Depression
Depression is a common condition causing persistent low mood, loss of interest and changes in energy, sleep and concentration. It is highly treatable with talking therapies, medication or a combination of both.
NHS wait ~10 weeks — see private options →Deviated Septum
A deviated septum means the wall of cartilage and bone between the nostrils is bent, blocking airflow on one or both sides. When breathing is significantly affected, an operation called septoplasty can straighten it.
NHS wait ~32 weeks — see private options →Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease is where small pouches form in the wall of the large bowel, sometimes causing pain, bloating and episodes of infection called diverticulitis. Most cases are managed without surgery.
NHS wait ~18 weeks — see private options →Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing gritty, sore, watery or tired eyes. It is common, chronic and very treatable.
NHS wait ~20 weeks — see private options →Dupuytren's Contracture
Dupuytren's contracture is a thickening of tissue in the palm that gradually pulls one or more fingers into a bent position. It is common in men over 50 and often runs in families.
NHS wait ~28 weeks — see private options →E
Eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a long-term condition causing dry, itchy, inflamed skin that flares and settles. It is very common in children and adults, and modern treatments control even severe cases well.
NHS wait ~24 weeks — see private options →Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, causing pelvic pain, painful periods and sometimes fertility problems. It affects roughly one in ten women.
NHS wait ~46 weeks — see private options →Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that squeezes the urethra, causing a weak stream, urgency and broken sleep. Tablets help many; several modern procedures offer lasting relief.
NHS wait ~28 weeks — see private options →Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition causing recurrent seizures due to bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. With the right anti-seizure medication, around two-thirds of people become seizure-free.
NHS wait ~22 weeks — see private options →Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It is common, very treatable, and sometimes an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease.
NHS wait ~18 weeks — see private options →F
Fertility Problems
Fertility problems mean difficulty conceiving despite regular unprotected sex for a year or more. Around one in seven UK couples is affected, and causes are shared roughly equally between female and male factors.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, deep fatigue, unrefreshing sleep and cognitive difficulties, thought to arise from the nervous system amplifying pain signals. A clear diagnosis and a multidisciplinary plan can markedly improve life.
NHS wait ~20 weeks — see private options →Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed and tight, causing pain and marked stiffness. It typically affects people aged 40 to 60 and can last many months.
NHS wait ~20 weeks — see private options →G
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, often causing intense pain after fatty meals. When they cause symptoms, keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder is the standard cure.
NHS wait ~30 weeks — see private options →Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a harmless fluid-filled lump that develops next to a joint or tendon, most commonly on the wrist or hand. Many disappear on their own, and treatment is only needed if they cause problems.
NHS wait ~20 weeks — see private options →Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where the optic nerve is gradually damaged, usually by raised pressure inside the eye. Untreated it slowly erodes sight, but early treatment protects vision well.
NHS wait ~18 weeks — see private options →Glue Ear
Glue ear is a build-up of sticky fluid behind the eardrum, most common in young children, which muffles hearing and can affect speech and school progress. Grommets offer a quick, effective fix when it persists.
NHS wait ~28 weeks — see private options →Gout
Gout is an intensely painful form of arthritis caused by urate crystals forming in joints, classically the big toe. Attacks are treatable, and long-term urate-lowering medication can prevent them almost entirely.
NHS wait ~12 weeks — see private options →H
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids (piles) are swollen blood vessels in and around the back passage that can bleed, itch and ache. Most settle with simple measures; persistent piles respond well to outpatient or surgical treatment.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Hay Fever and Allergies
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen causing sneezing, itchy eyes and a blocked or runny nose, affecting roughly one in four people in the UK. Persistent allergies can also involve dust mites, pets and moulds.
NHS wait ~30 weeks — see private options →Hearing Loss
Hearing loss ranges from mild difficulty following conversation to profound deafness, most often caused by ageing or noise exposure. Hearing tests identify the type, and hearing aids or surgery can transform daily life.
NHS wait ~20 weeks — see private options →Heart Palpitations
Palpitations are the sensation of your heart racing, pounding, fluttering or skipping beats. Most are harmless, caused by ectopic beats or stress, but some signal a rhythm disorder that deserves proper assessment.
NHS wait ~18 weeks — see private options →Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease means one of the heart's four valves has become narrowed or leaky, straining the heart. Often detected as a murmur, it is monitored by echocardiogram and treatable with repair or replacement.
NHS wait ~30 weeks — see private options →Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)
Heavy menstrual bleeding means periods heavy enough to interfere with daily life, often causing flooding, clots and tiredness. It is very common, highly treatable, and one of the most frequent reasons for gynaecology referral.
NHS wait ~32 weeks — see private options →Herniated Disc
A herniated disc happens when the soft centre of a spinal disc bulges out through its outer layer, sometimes pressing on a nerve. It can cause back or neck pain and radiating limb pain such as sciatica.
NHS wait ~22 weeks — see private options →Hiatus Hernia
A hiatus hernia is where part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm into the chest, often causing heartburn and reflux. Most are managed with medication; some need keyhole surgery.
NHS wait ~32 weeks — see private options →High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms but quietly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. It affects around one in four UK adults and is confirmed with home or 24-hour monitoring.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →High Cholesterol
High cholesterol means too much LDL ('bad') cholesterol in the blood, silently furring the arteries and raising heart attack and stroke risk. It causes no symptoms and is found with a simple blood test.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →Hip Labral Tear
A hip labral tear is damage to the ring of cartilage rimming the hip socket, causing groin pain, clicking and catching. It often affects active adults and is frequently linked to hip impingement.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage lining the hip joint, causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It usually develops gradually with age and is a leading reason for hip replacement surgery.
NHS wait ~36 weeks — see private options →I
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia happens when tissue, often part of the bowel, pushes through a weak spot in the groin muscles, causing a visible bulge and discomfort that usually needs surgical repair.
NHS wait ~30 weeks — see private options →Insomnia
Insomnia is persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep despite adequate opportunity, leaving you unrefreshed and impaired by day. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the most effective long-term treatment.
NHS wait ~12 weeks — see private options →Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common, long-term gut condition causing cramping, bloating and unpredictable bowel habits. It is real and often disruptive, but does not damage the bowel itself.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →K
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause excruciating pain when they move. Many pass naturally; larger stones are treated with shock waves or laser surgery.
NHS wait ~20 weeks — see private options →Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is gradual wear of the cartilage in the knee joint, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. It is very common over 50 and is the main reason for knee replacement surgery.
NHS wait ~40 weeks — see private options →M
Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is damage to one of the crescent-shaped cartilage shock absorbers in the knee. It can follow a twisting injury or develop gradually with age, causing pain, swelling and catching.
NHS wait ~22 weeks — see private options →Menopause Symptoms
The menopause is when periods stop as oestrogen levels fall, typically around age 51. Hot flushes, poor sleep, mood changes and brain fog can disrupt life for years, but effective treatments including HRT are available.
NHS wait ~30 weeks — see private options →Migraine
Migraine is a common neurological condition causing intense, often one-sided headaches, frequently with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Modern preventive and acute treatments can substantially reduce how often attacks occur.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which the immune system damages nerve coverings in the brain and spinal cord, causing episodes of visual, sensory or mobility symptoms. Modern disease-modifying therapies can slow its course.
NHS wait ~24 weeks — see private options →Ménière's Disease
Ménière's disease is an inner-ear disorder causing sudden attacks of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and ear fullness. Attacks are unpredictable, but treatment can reduce their frequency and severity considerably.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →N
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths of inflamed tissue inside the nose and sinuses. They cause blockage, a lost sense of smell and constant congestion, and respond well to steroids or surgery.
NHS wait ~30 weeks — see private options →O
OCD
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to relieve anxiety. Specialist CBT with exposure and response prevention is highly effective.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on an ovary. Most are harmless and disappear on their own, but larger or persistent cysts can cause pelvic pain and bloating and may need surgical removal.
NHS wait ~28 weeks — see private options →P
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition caused by loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, leading to tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement. Medication and therapy can control symptoms well for many years.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the bladder, womb or bowel drops down into the vagina because supporting tissues have weakened, causing a dragging sensation or bulge. It is common after childbirth and the menopause.
NHS wait ~40 weeks — see private options →Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, most often causing numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness in the feet and hands. Finding the underlying cause guides treatment.
NHS wait ~28 weeks — see private options →Pilonidal Sinus
A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel under the skin at the top of the buttock cleft, usually containing hair, which can become painfully infected and often needs a minor operation.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the strong band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot, causing sharp heel pain that is classically worst with the first steps of the morning.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting how the ovaries work, causing irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne and sometimes difficulty conceiving. It affects around one in ten women of reproductive age.
NHS wait ~24 weeks — see private options →Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, causing pelvic pain, urinary symptoms and discomfort. Acute bacterial cases need urgent antibiotics; chronic prostatitis is common and needs patient, multi-pronged treatment.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune-driven condition causing raised, scaly patches of skin, often on the elbows, knees and scalp. It is long-term but highly treatable, with modern therapies achieving clear or nearly clear skin.
NHS wait ~24 weeks — see private options →PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, causing flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance and feeling constantly on edge. Trauma-focused therapies are effective and recommended.
NHS wait ~14 weeks — see private options →R
Recurrent Tonsillitis
Recurrent tonsillitis means repeated painful infections of the tonsils — typically several episodes a year — causing sore throat, fever and time off work or school. Removing the tonsils offers a permanent solution.
NHS wait ~36 weeks — see private options →Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Recurrent UTIs mean two or more urine infections in six months, or three in a year. They are common in women, disruptive and painful, but preventive strategies and specialist investigation can break the cycle.
NHS wait ~24 weeks — see private options →Rosacea
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition causing facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels and acne-like spots, usually in adults over 30. Treatment controls it well, though it tends to relapse without maintenance.
NHS wait ~24 weeks — see private options →Rotator Cuff Injury
A rotator cuff injury is damage to the group of tendons that lift and rotate the shoulder, ranging from inflammation to a full tear. It causes shoulder pain, weakness and difficulty reaching overhead.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →S
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg along the sciatic nerve, usually caused by a disc in the spine pressing on a nerve root. Most cases settle within weeks to months.
NHS wait ~18 weeks — see private options →Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is pain caused by the rotator cuff tendons catching or becoming irritated in the narrow space at the top of the shoulder, typically felt when lifting the arm overhead.
NHS wait ~22 weeks — see private options →Skin Cysts and Lipomas
Skin cysts are sac-like lumps filled with keratin; lipomas are soft, benign fatty lumps under the skin. Both are harmless but can grow, catch or become infected, and minor surgery removes them permanently.
See private options →Skin Tags and Moles
Skin tags are small, soft, harmless growths that hang from the skin; moles are common pigmented spots. Both are usually benign, but changing moles need urgent checks, and removal for appearance is straightforward privately.
See private options →Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea causes the throat to repeatedly close during sleep, interrupting breathing many times a night. It leads to loud snoring and severe daytime tiredness, and effective treatment transforms energy and health.
NHS wait ~28 weeks — see private options →Snoring
Snoring is noisy breathing during sleep caused by vibration of relaxed tissue in the throat and nose. Usually harmless in itself, it can strain relationships — and sometimes signals underlying sleep apnoea.
See private options →Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal, usually in the lower back with age, which squeezes the nerves and causes aching, heavy legs when walking that ease on sitting or leaning forwards.
NHS wait ~28 weeks — see private options →T
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow caused by overload of the forearm tendons that lift the wrist. Despite the name, it is usually caused by work or daily activities rather than sport.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders — most commonly an underactive or overactive thyroid — disturb the hormones that regulate metabolism, causing fatigue, weight change, and mood or heart symptoms. Blood tests diagnose them and treatment is usually very effective.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →Tinnitus
Tinnitus is hearing sound — ringing, buzzing or hissing — that has no external source. It is very common, usually linked to hearing changes, and while rarely curable it can be managed very effectively.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, severe, electric shock-like pain on one side of the face, triggered by everyday actions like eating or touching the skin. Specific medications and surgical options can control it effectively.
NHS wait ~26 weeks — see private options →Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a condition where a finger or thumb catches or locks when bent, caused by a swollen tendon snagging in its sheath. It is common, sometimes painful, and readily treatable.
NHS wait ~18 weeks — see private options →Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use insulin effectively, causing raised blood sugar that damages vessels and organs over time. Early treatment — and sometimes remission — protects long-term health.
NHS wait ~12 weeks — see private options →U
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum, causing bloody diarrhoea and urgency in flares. Modern drugs keep most people in lasting remission.
NHS wait ~16 weeks — see private options →Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or near the belly button caused by tissue pushing through a weakness in the abdominal wall. In adults it usually needs a short surgical repair.
NHS wait ~28 weeks — see private options →Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, from small stress leaks to sudden urgency. It is common, under-reported and, importantly, very treatable at every level of severity.
NHS wait ~24 weeks — see private options →Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb. Many cause no symptoms, but larger fibroids can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain and pressure, and are a common reason for gynaecology referral.
NHS wait ~36 weeks — see private options →V
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins in the legs caused by faulty valves. They can ache, itch and swell, and are now usually treated with walk-in, walk-out laser or foam procedures.
NHS wait ~40 weeks — see private options →W
Weight Management and Obesity
Obesity is a chronic condition in which excess body fat affects health, driven by biology as well as environment. Modern treatment ranges from structured lifestyle programmes to weight-loss injections and bariatric surgery.
NHS wait ~52 weeks — see private options →