Health A to Z

Haemochromatosis

Also called Iron overload, Genetic haemochromatosis

The body absorbing too much iron, for decades, silently. One of the most common genetic conditions in the UK and one of the most missed.

Haemophilia and von Willebrand disease

Also called Haemophilia A, Haemophilia B, von Willebrand disease, Bleeding disorders

Inherited bleeding disorders. Von Willebrand is the common one, affects women and men equally, and is usually diagnosed decades late.

Haemorrhoids

Also called Piles

Swollen blood vessels in the back passage. Extremely common, and assuming rectal bleeding is piles is how bowel cancer gets missed.

Hamstring injury

Also called Pulled hamstring, Torn hamstring

A common sprinting injury with a high re-injury rate. Returning too early is what causes the second one.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

A mild childhood virus with an alarming name. Nothing to do with foot and mouth in animals, and no treatment beyond comfort.

Hay fever

Also called Allergic rhinitis, Seasonal allergy

Around one in four adults. Trivial as an illness, and it demonstrably costs children exam grades.

Head and neck cancer

Also called Mouth cancer, Throat cancer, Laryngeal cancer

A mouth ulcer that has not healed in three weeks, or a hoarse voice for three weeks, is a referral. Dentists find more of these than doctors do.

Health anxiety

Also called Hypochondria, Illness anxiety

Not imagining symptoms, and not attention-seeking. Reassurance is the thing that feels most helpful and makes it worse.

Heart attack

Also called Myocardial infarction, MI, Coronary thrombosis

A blocked coronary artery killing heart muscle. Every minute of delay costs muscle, and women delay longer.

Heart block

Also called Atrioventricular block, Bradycardia, Pacemaker

The heart's electrical signal failing to get through. Often harmless, sometimes the reason an older person keeps collapsing.