Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate but is usually not life threatening. Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, known to be more prevalent in over 65s, those…

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction. It is characterised by rapidly developing life-threatening airway and/or breathing and/or circulation problems usually associated with skin and mucosal changes. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by a very broad range of…

Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. A peak flow test can be used to help diagnose asthma. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be controlled well in…

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition affecting hair follicles and sebaceous glands; lesions (spots) occur mainly on forehead, nose, chin, upper chest and back. Characterised by blackheads or comedones (dilated pores with black plug of keratin); whiteheads (small, cream-coloured,…