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Thyroid conditions - Hashimoto's disease
Better Health — Hashimoto's disease is a common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It is an autoimmune condition. Immune system cells attack the thyroid gland, causing inflammation. This reduces the thyroid's ability to make hormones. The condition .. ...More…
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Splenomegaly explained
Better Health — Splenomegaly means enlargement of the spleen. This abdominal organ removes old and abnormal blood cells and contributes immune system components, including antibodies. Causes of splenomegaly include leukaemia, Hodgkin's disease, thalassaemia and ...More…
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Sjogren's syndrome
Better Health — Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the eyes and salivary glands, but can affect the sweat glands. These glands are attacked by the immune system, for reasons unknown. Although there is no cure, proper treatment should ...More…
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Scleroderma affects the skin
Better Health — Scleroderma is a disease of the body's connective tissue. The most common symptom is a thickening and hardening of the skin, particularly of the hands and face. There is no cure but the symptoms can be managed. Scleroderma is a disease of the ...More…
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Psoriasis explained
Better Health — Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition. It causes red, scaly patches to develop on the skin. Skin affected by psoriasis grows much quicker than normal skin. There is no cure for psorasis, but it can be controlled with treatment. Psoriasis ...More…
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Polymyalgia rheumatica
Better Health — Polymyalgia rheumatica is a collection of symptoms rather than a specific disease. Typical symptoms include muscle aches and stiffness, fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Middle aged and older women are most commonly affected. Polymyalgia ...More…
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Myasthenia gravis
Better Health — Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterised by muscular weakness. The symptoms are caused by the immune system interfering with the transmission of messages from the nerves to the muscles. The cause is not known and there is no ...More…
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Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Better Health — Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare autoimmune disorder, characterised by the destruction of blood-clotting platelets by antibodies. The cause of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is unknown, but it is thought that some kinds of ...More…
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HIV, hepatitis and sport
Better Health — The risk of catching HIV or hepatitis B or C through sports activity is extremely small. HIV and hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, semen or vaginal secretions into the bloodstream. HIV and hepatitis B or C cannot be caught from ...More…
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Chronic fatigue syndrome and exercise
Better Health — Exercise is difficult for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, research suggests that, in many cases, a graded and careful exercise program may improve CFS symptoms. Chronic fatigue ...More…
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Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Better Health — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is an illness characterised by exhaustion and many other symptoms. It can affect people of any age, both children and adults. Symptoms may include persistent weakness and ...More…
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Addison's disease
Better Health — Addison's disease is a rare endocrine disorder. It occurs when the adrenal glands cannot produce sufficient hormones (corticosteroids). It is thought to be caused by an autoimmune disorder. Addison's disease is managed with steroid ...More…