Locate medical conditions by their starting letter
Medical Conditions found related to the search term: S
Stopped or missed periods
Most women have a period every 28 days or so, but it's common to have a slightly shorter or longer cycle than this (from 24 to 35 days).
Solar keratoses
Actinic keratoses, also known as solar keratoses, aredry scaly patches of skin caused by damagefrom years of sun exposure.
Shigella
Dysentery is an infection of the intestines that causes Traveller's diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Steroid misuse
Anabolic steroids are prescription-only medicines that are sometimes taken without medical advice to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.
Smell sense, loss of
Anosmia is the medical term for loss of the sense of smell. It's usually caused by a nasal condition or brain injury, but some people are born without a sense of smell (congenital anosmia).
Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia is a condition characterized by a fluid-filled cavity or cyst known as a syrinx that forms within the spinal cord. Syringomyelia is a chronic condition and a syrinx can expand over time compressing or destroying the surrounding nerve tissue.
Skin rashes in babies
It's normal for babies to develop rashes from as early as a few days old, as their sensitive skin adapts to a different environment. Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own.
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritisis inflammation of a joint caused by a bacterial infection. It's also known as infectious or bacterial arthritis.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancersin the world. Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to a group of cancers that slowly develop inthe upper layers of the skin.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia,is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions.
Strawberry mark
Birthmarks are coloured marks that are visible on the skin. They're often present at birth or develop soon afterwards.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
A subarachnoid haemorrhage is an uncommon type of stroke caused by bleeding on the surface of the brain. It's a very serious condition and can be fatal.
Semen, bloody
It's unusual to find blood in your semen when you ejaculate, but try not to worry it's usually only temporary and the cause is rarely anything serious.
Sepsis
Sepsis is arare but seriouscomplication of an infection.
Skin, blue
If a person's skin or lipsturn blue, it's usuallycaused bylow blood oxygen levels orpoor circulation. It can be a sign of a serious problem, so it's important to seek medical advice.
Stem cell transplant
A stem cell or bone marrow transplant replaces damaged blood cells with healthy ones. It can be used to treat conditions affecting the blood cells, such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
Small bowel transplant
A small bowel (intestinal) transplant is an operation to replacea diseased or shortened small bowel with a healthy bowel from a donor.
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ
Bowen's disease is a very early form of skin cancer that's easily treatable. The main sign is a red, scaly patchon the skin.
Shortness of breath
Sudden shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty (dyspnoea), is the most common reason for visiting a hospital accident and emergency department.
Smear test
A cervical screening test (previously known as a smear test) is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina.
Sore lips
Your lips can become chapped and dry when they're exposed to the sun, wind or coldair. Alip balm containing petroleum or beeswax will provide a barrier and help seal in moisture.
Statins
Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower thelevel of low- density lipoprotein ( LDL) cholesterol in the blood.
Steroid medication
Corticosteroids, oftenknown as steroids, are an anti-inflammatory medicine prescribed for a wide range of conditions.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) sometimes known as 'cot death' is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.
Swallowing pills (problems)
Ifyou or someone you care for struggles to swallow pills, you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
Skin cyst
A skin cyst is afluid-filled bump lying just underneath the skin. It'scommon and harmless, andmay just go away without treatment.
Sleepiness in the day (severe and unexplained)
'Hypersomnia' means excessive sleep or sleepiness that interferes with everyday life.
Skin-picking habit
Dermatillomania is a condition where a person feels compelled to pick at their skin, to the point where it causes visible wounds.
Shoulder dislocation
A dislocated shoulder happens when your upper arm pops out of your shoulder socket.
Short stature
Restricted growth, sometimes known as dwarfism,is a condition characterised by short stature.
Swallowing problems
Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others can't swallow at all.
Swimmer's ear
Otitis externa is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal, which isthe tube between the outer ear and eardrum.
Soiling of pants in children (encopresis)
Encopresis is the medical term for a toilet-trained child (aged four or older) soiling their clothes. The soiling usually happens during the day, when the child is awake and active.
Slapped cheek syndrome
Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19) is a viral infection that's most common in children, although it can affect people of any age. It usually causes a bright red rash on the cheeks.
Sarcoma, Ewing
Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer.
Syncope
Fainting (syncope) is a sudden temporary loss of consciousness that usually results in a fall. When you faint, you'll feel weak and unsteady before passing out for a short period of time, usually only a few seconds.
Steatosis
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the term for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fatin the liver. It's usually seen in people who are overweight or obese.
Seasonal flu
Flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you'll usually begin to feel better within about a week.
Stomach removal surgery
A gastrectomy is a medical procedurewhere all or part of the stomach is surgically removed.
Surgery planner
If you are considering having an operation or your GP has suggested you may need surgery, this guide is for you.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis, also known as Hay fever, is a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life.
Sweat rash
Prickly heat, also known asmiliaria rubra,is an itchy rash of small, raised red spots that causes a stinging or prickling sensation on the skin.
Spastic paraplegia, hereditary
Hereditary spastic paraplegia isa general term for a group of rare inherited disorders that cause weakness and stiffness in the leg muscles. Symptoms gradually get worse over time.
Singultus
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm suddenly and involuntarily contracts (tightens), resulting in a hiccup sound being produced at the top of the windpipe.
Sound intolerance (hyperacusis)
Hyperacusis is the name for intolerance to everyday sounds that causes significant distress and affects a person's day-to-day activities.
Stoma
An ileostomy is where the small bowel (small intestine) is diverted through an opening in the tummy (abdomen).
Shoulder tendon, trapped
Shoulder impingement syndrome is pain and often weakness when you raise your arm, caused by a muscle tendon "catching" in your shoulder.
Stings, sea creatures
Asea creature sting can usually be treated with first aid. But if serious symptoms develop, such as severe pain, swelling or difficulty breathing, dial 999 for an ambulance .
Sarcoma, Kaposi's
Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare type of cancer caused by a virus. It can affect the skin and internal organs. It's mainly seen in people with a poorly controlled or severe HIV and AIDS infection. It can also affect some people who have a weakened immune system for another reason, as well as people who havea genetic vulnerability to the virus.
Sperm count, low
A low sperm count, also called oligozoospermia, is where a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen.
Swelling or lump
Most lumps and swellings under the skin are harmless and can be left alone. However, see your GP ifyou develop anew lump or swelling so that the cause can be identified.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Lupus is a complex and poorly understood condition that affects many parts of the body.The symptomscan range from mild to life-threatening.
Shin splints
Shin splints is the name for pain in the shins, or the front of the lower legs, usually caused by exercise.
Somatisation disorder
Many people have persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain , that don't appear to be symptoms of a medical condition.
Skin cancer (melanoma)
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body.
Selective mutism
Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable t o speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they don't see very often.
Short-sightedness
Short-sightedness, or myopia,is a very common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurred, while close objects can be seen clearly.
Sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a relatively common condition where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interruptingnormalbreathing.
Swollen ankles
Oedema is abuild up of fluid in the body which causes the affected tissue to become swollen .
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is a common problem witha number ofdifferent causes. It's often a symptom of another problem.
Stein-Leventhal syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a womans ovaries work.
Stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Ulcers can also occur in part of the intestine just beyond the stomach these are known as duodenal ulcers.
Sore throat
Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better within a week.
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Phlebitis literally means 'inflammation of a vein'.
Slipped disc
A slipped disc means that one of the discsof cartilagein the spine is damaged and pressing on the nerves.
Salivary stones
Salivaconstantly flows from the salivary glands in your mouth. Sometimes,the chemicals in saliva can crystalise to form atiny stone.
Salmonella infection
Salmonella bacteriacan cause Food poisoning . Here's what you should know if you think you'vebeen infected.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that causes small patches of red and swollen tissue, called granulomas, to develop in the organs of the body. It usually affects the lungs and skin.
Soft tissue sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of rare cancers affecting the tissues that connect, support and surround other body structures and organs.
SARS
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by the SARS coronavirus, known as SARS CoV. Coronaviruses commonly cause infections in both humans and animals.
Scabies
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that mainly affects children. Itcauses a distinctive pink-red rash.
Scars
A scar is a mark that is left on the skin after a wound or an injury to the surface of the skin has healed.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is asevere long-term mental health condition. It causes a range of different psychological symptoms.
Sciatica
Sciatica is the name given to any sort of pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is an uncommoncondition that results in hard, thickened areas of skin andsometimes problems withinternal organs and blood vessels.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis isthe abnormal twisting and curvature of the spine.
Scurvy
Scurvy is a rare condition that can develop if you don't have enough vitamin C in your diet.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)are a widely usedtype of Antidepressants .
Self-harm
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It's usually away of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional distress.
Septic shock
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that happens when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level after an infection.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact.
Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster,is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.
Sick building syndrome
Sick building syndrome (SBS)describes a range of symptoms thought to be linked to spending time in a certain building , most often a workplace, but no specific cause can be found.
Sickle cell anaemia
Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of inherited conditions that affect the red blood cells. The most serious type is called sickle cell anaemia.
Silicosis
Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years.
Sinus headache
Sinus headaches are an uncommon type of headache caused by inflamed sinuses (Sinusitis). They are felt as a dull, throbbing pain in the upper face.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a common condition in which the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed. It's usually caused by a viral infection and often improves within two or three weeks.
Sjogren's syndrome
Sjgren's (pronounced Show-grin's) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder.The bodys immune system attacks glands that secrete fluid, such as the tear and saliva glands.
Skin rashes in children
Childhood rashes are common and aren't usually a cause for concern. Most rashes are harmless and disappear without the need for treatment.
Skin tags
Skin tags are small, soft,skin-coloured growths that hang off the skin and look a bit like warts.
Sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak that occurs when you're waking up or falling asleep.
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is when someone walks or carries out complex activities while not fully awake.
Smelly Urine
Healthy urine should be clear and straw-coloured, and shouldn't be particularly smelly.
Smoking treatments
If you want to stop smoking, several different treatments are available from shops, pharmacies and on prescription to help you beat your addiction andreduce withdrawal symptoms.
Snake bites
A snake will sometimes bite in self-defence if disturbed or provoked.
Snoring
Snoring is where a person makes a snorting or rattling noise when they breathe during sleep.
Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a condition where the spine does not develop properly, leaving a gap in the spine.
Spinal muscular atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and progressiveloss of movement.
Spirometry
Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath.
Spleen disorders and splenectomy
Some people are born without a spleen or need to have it removed because of disease or injury.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is where a bone in the spine (vertebra) slips out of position, either forwards or backwards.
Sports injuries
Playing sport and doing regular exerciseis good for your health, but can sometimes result in injuries .
Sprains
Sprains and strains are very common injuries that affectmuscles and ligaments.
Strabismus
A squint, also called strabismus,is where the eyes point in different directions. It's particularly common in young children, but can occur at any age.
Stuttering
Stammering also sometimes referred to as stuttering is a relatively common speech problem in childhood,which can persist into adulthood.
Staphylococcal infections
Staphylococcal infections are a group of infections caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus. You may have heard them referred to as "staph infections".
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious disorder that affects the skin, mucous membrane, genitals and eyes.
Stillbirth
A stillbirth is a baby born dead after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy. Around a half of all stillbirths are linked to placental complications.
Stomach ache
Read about a stomach ache and abdominal pains, including stomach cramps or a dull ache in the tummy (abdomen).
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer,is a fairly uncommon type of cancer. Around 7,000 people are diagnosed with it each year in the UK.
Streptococcal infections
Streptococcal infections are any type of infection caused by the streptococcus ("strep") group of bacteria.
Stria
Stretch marks are narrow streaks orlines that occur on the surface of the skin.
Stroke
A stroke is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.
Stye
A stye is a small, painful lump (cyst) on the inside or outside of the eyelid.
Subdural haematoma
A subdural haematoma is a serious condition where blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain. It's usually caused by a head injury.
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally ending your life.
Sunburn
Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week.
SVT (supraventricular tachycardia)
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an abnormally fast heart rate of over 100 heartbeats a minute.
Swollen glands
Swollen lymph glands are usually a sign of infection and tend to go down when you recover.However, they can sometimes have a more serious cause and may need to be seen by a doctor.
Synaesthesia
Synaesthesia is a condition where a sensation in one of the senses, such as hearing, triggers a sensation in another, such as taste.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that's usually caught by having sex with someone who's infected.
Seasonal Allergies
Allergic Rhinitis, also known as Hay fever, is a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life.