Health A to Z

Obesity

A complex condition driven by biology, environment and circumstance. Shame has been the main treatment offered, and it does not work.

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Also called OCD

Intrusive thoughts and the rituals used to neutralise them. Nothing to do with liking things tidy.

Occupational therapy

Also called OT, Occupational therapist

The profession that works on what somebody actually needs to do, rather than on the body part. Badly named and consistently under-referred.

Oedema

Also called Swollen ankles, Fluid retention, Swollen legs

Swelling from fluid in the tissues. Both legs usually means the heart, kidneys, liver or a drug; one leg means look for a clot.

Oesophageal cancer

Also called Cancer of the gullet, Cancer of the food pipe

Difficulty swallowing that is getting worse is the symptom that must never wait. Long-standing reflux is the risk factor nobody treats as one.

Oral thrush

Also called Oral candidiasis, Thrush in the mouth

A fungal infection of the mouth. Common, easily treated, and usually a sign of something else worth finding.

Osteoarthritis

Also called OA, Degenerative joint disease, Wear and tear arthritis

The commonest joint condition in the UK. And the phrase wear and tear has done a great deal of harm.

Osteogenesis imperfecta

Also called Brittle bone disease, OI

A genetic condition causing fragile bones. And a family history that has to be documented, because safeguarding processes will ask.

Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis

Also called Bone infection, Joint infection, Septic arthritis

Infection in a bone or a joint. A hot, swollen, exquisitely painful joint is an emergency, and every hour of delay destroys cartilage.

Osteoporosis

Also called Brittle bones, Fragile bones

Bones losing density silently until one breaks. Half of women over 50 will have a fragility fracture.