Health A to Z

Sickle cell disease

Red blood cells that change shape and block vessels. The commonest inherited condition in the UK, and its pain is routinely disbelieved.

Sinusitis

Also called Sinus infection, Rhinosinusitis

Usually viral, usually better in two to three weeks, and one of the most common reasons antibiotics are prescribed when they do nothing.

Sjögren's syndrome

The immune system attacking the glands that make tears and saliva. Dismissed as dryness, and it is a systemic disease.

Non-melanoma skin cancer

Also called Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Rodent ulcer

By far the commonest cancer in the UK. Rarely fatal, and it disfigures faces when it is left.

Skin lumps and cysts

Also called Lipoma, Sebaceous cyst, Epidermoid cyst, Skin tags

Most lumps under the skin are harmless. The features that matter are size, depth, growth and pain, and they are worth knowing.

Slapped cheek syndrome

Also called Fifth disease, Parvovirus B19, Erythema infectiosum

A mild childhood rash that matters for three groups: pregnant women, people with sickle cell, and anybody immunosuppressed.

Sleep apnoea

Also called Obstructive sleep apnoea, OSA

Breathing repeatedly stopping during sleep. Around 1.5 million UK adults, and most are undiagnosed.

Slipped disc

Also called Prolapsed disc, Herniated disc, Sciatica

Nothing slips. Most settle within weeks without surgery, and the scan findings frighten people far more than the condition warrants.

Smith-Magenis syndrome

A rare genetic condition with an inverted body clock. The sleep pattern is the defining daily challenge.

Smoking

Also called Nicotine dependence, Tobacco dependence, Stopping smoking, Vaping

The largest single preventable cause of illness and death in the UK. Stopping helps at any age, and the NHS support triples the odds.