Rain reduces the pollen count. Hay fever isn’t a serious condition. Fact or fiction? We sort through some of the common myths about hay fever, to help you manage your symptoms.

hay-fever

Fact or fiction? 9 hay fever myths busted 

Does music help you drift off? Is your phone light destroying your slumber? Read our useful tips for the best night's sleep, backed by science.

insomnia

10 science-based sleep tips that really work

Which hay fever home remedies are worth trying? From hay fever wipes and sprays to essential oils and air purifiers, we review what the science says. 


Natural remedies for hay fever: what works and doesn’t

If you’re struggling to sleep night after night, there are proven ways to sort insomnia, whether you’re having a short bout of sleep problems or you have chronic insomnia.

Insomnia: the causes and how to improve it

Symptoms and treatments for vaginismus – when your vagina tightens and makes it hard to have penetrative sex.

womens-sexual-problems

Vaginismus: why it happens and how you can deal with it

How much deep sleep do you need? And how can you get more of it? Get the lowdown on sleep stages, sleep cycles and how to get them working well for your health.

better-sleep

Deep sleep: how to make the most of your sleep cycle

Learn all about sleep, including stages of sleep, sleep hygiene and other tips and treatments to help you get a good night’s rest.


How to sleep well: your complete guide

Blocked nose, sneezing and a cough – all symptoms of hay fever, but also signs you might have a cold or coronavirus. Check out the key symptoms of each, so you can easily tell what’s getting you down.


Is it hay fever, COVID-19 or a cold? Spot the telltale signs

Women are struggling when it comes to sleep. If you're one of them understand the causes and how to deal with them and change your sleep, life and relationships for the better.

How men and women sleep differently

A goitre is a swelling of the thyroid gland in your neck. Learn the symptoms, why it happens and what you can do about it.

thyroid-disease

Goitre: symptoms, causes and how to deal with it

Digestive disorders affect the gullet, stomach and gut, which are responsible for breaking down the food you eat into nutrients your body absorbs. Common digestive disorders include constipation, diarrhoea and heartburn. 


Healthy gut

Women's gut health

healthy-gut

Needing to dash to the loo because of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Bloated and struggling to zip up your jeans? You don’t have to put up with gut health problems. Discover the best treatments, overcome your embarrassment and find self-care tips with Your Healthy Gut Guide.

Customer asking waiter about menu

food-intolerance

If you have a food intolerance your body finds it hard to digest a particular type of food, such as gluten. If you eat a food you are intolerant to, you may experience symptoms of bloating, tummy pain or a rash. It’s not usually clear why people develop a food intolerance.

Woman with hands on stomach suffering from pain stock

constipation

Constipation is a common condition that can make it harder to poo. It's commonly caused by not having enough fibre in your diet, but taking certain medications can also cause constipation. It can often be treated by making lifestyle changes like eating more fruit and vegetables, and drinking more water.


Dealing With Stomach Pain stock photo

bloating-flatulence

Bloating is when your tummy feels stretched, swollen and uncomfortable. Flatulence, otherwise known as passing wind, is when gas passes is released from your digestive system through your bottom. Both bloating and flatulence are common. 

Do I need to get this checked out? 

abdominal-pain

Abdominal pain, also called stomach or tummy pain, is any pain felt in the tummy area - between the chest and pelvis. It can be caused by conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel disease (IBS) and appendicitis. Some cases of abdominal pain get better on their own, while others need medical treatment. 

Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

anal-problems

The anus is the opening at the end of the bowel. Anal problems can be embarrassing to live with, but they're common. Examples include hemorrhoids, abscesses and anal fissures. 


Young woman on gluten free diet is saying no thanks to toast in a cafe

coeliac-disease

Coeliac disease is a condition where the immune system overreacts to a type of protein called gluten. If you have coeliac disease, eating gluten will trigger your immune system to attack and damage the small intestine. Common symptoms include diarrhoea and tummy pain after eating something which contains gluten.  


Young Girl Sitting On Bed At Home Feeling Nauseous 

diarrhoea-vomiting

Diarrhoea and vomiting can be caused by many thngs, including a gut infection.These symptoms usually clear on their own within a few days; however, more serious cases may need medical treatment. 


Woman sitting over loo with food poisoning about to be sick

food-poisoning

Food poisoning can occur if you eat food that's contaminated, with bacteria for example. Symptoms may appear within a few days. If you have food poisoning you may be sick, have tummy pain or diarrhoea, and a fever. Usually, you will get better in a few days without the need for medical treatment.

X-ray image that highlights gallbladder

gallbladder-bile-duct-problems

Gallbladder and bile duct problems may include gallstones, inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), or a tumour in the bile ducts or gallbladder.

Digital medical illustration and view of the gut, gut infection concept

gut-infection

If you have an infection in your digestive system (gut) it may become damaed and inflamed, causing a variety of symptoms, such as feeling bloated, sick, diarrhoea or having tummy pain. 


Male suffering from stomachache pain,A man stomachache at outdoor,Healthy concept.

gut-problems

Digestive problems like diarrhoea, heartburn and bloating are common and often settle down on their own. They can usually be treated at home or by making lifestyle changes, but if symptoms don't go away, you should see a doctor. 


Cropped shot of a businesswoman sitting at her desk

heartburn

Heartburn is a burning senation felt in the chest. It's caused by stomach acid travelling up towards your throat. It can feel worse after eating or when you lie down. Heartburn can cause other symptoms, such as a sore throat and a sour taste in your mouth.

Micro models of hepatitis B viruses stock photo

hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Many things can cause hepatitis, but it's most commonly caused by a viral infection. There are several different types of hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, as well as alcoholic hepatitis.


Man holds his hand in area of right lower tummy due to pain

hernia

A hernia happens when a part of the body forces its way through a weak point in a muscle or tissue. Some hernias can sometimes be seen as a lump that can be pushed back in, but many hernias don’t cause any symptoms at all. Many types exist, including femoral, umbilical and hiatus hernias.

Book with words inflammatory bowel disease IBD on a table

inflammatory-bowel-disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of conditions where the gut becomes inflamed. There are 2 main types of IBD: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both can cause tummy pain, bloating, diarrhoea and weight loss.  

Close-up of man with yellow or jandice in the eyes

Close-up of man with yellow or jandice in the eyes (credit - MediaProduction)

jaundice

Jaundice is when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. It's caused by a build up of a yellow substance, called bilirubin, in the blood. Many conditions can cause jaundice, including hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease.  


Close-up of man with yellow eyes, jaundice

liver-cirrhosis-failure

Liver cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by long-term damage. It's the last stage of liver disease and generally can't be reversed. If it's caught early enough, it's possible to prevent cirrhosis from getting worse. 

Medical concept photo for use in hepatology, surgery, oncology

liver-disease

Liver disease is damage to the liver. This can be caused by infection, drinking too much alcohol and your genes. Liver disease progresses in stages. First the liver becomes inflamed and then it develops scar tissue. If this scarring involves a lot of the liver and stops it from working properly, you can develop cirrhosis, which leads to end stage liver disease.


Close up of young man smiling, focus on mouth and teeth

Close up of young man smiling, focus on mouth and teeth (credit - fizkes)

mouth-lip-health

Hair and skin conditions are those that affect the hair and skin. They include acne, eczema, fungal nail infections and alopecia. 


conditions

Goose bumps - human skin reaction on the cold stock photo

hair-skin-conditions

The mouth and lips can often develop changes, like sores, cuts, dryness and chaffing. These changes are often caused by factors like the weather, your diet and creams or make up you put on your face. Infections can also cause mouth and lip changes

Woman feeling unwell and sitting indoors with a hot water bottle

nausea

Nausea is the feeling that you’re going to be sick. Nausea can be a symptom of an udnerlying medical condition, but it can also be caused by everyday factors, like strong emotions, something you've eaten or travel.


Digestion

Digestion

Your Healthy Gut Guide

Food intolerance

Constipation

Bloating and flatulence

Abdominal pain

Anal problems

Coeliac disease

Diarrhoea and vomiting

Food poisoning

Gallbladder and bile duct problems

Gut infection

Gut problems

Heartburn

Hepatitis

Hernia

Inflammatory bowel disease

Jaundice

Liver cirrhosis and failure

Liver disease

Mouth and lip health

Nausea

Pancreatitis

Rectal bleeding

Stomach disorders

Digestion

Digestion

Your Healthy Gut Guide

Food intolerance

Constipation

Bloating and flatulence

Abdominal pain

Anal problems

Coeliac disease

Diarrhoea and vomiting

Food poisoning

Gallbladder and bile duct problems

Gut infection

Gut problems

Heartburn

Hepatitis

Hernia

Inflammatory bowel disease

Jaundice

Liver cirrhosis and failure

Liver disease

Mouth and lip health

Nausea

Pancreatitis

Rectal bleeding

Stomach disorders

Latest articles

Fact or fiction? 9 hay fever myths busted

10 science-based sleep tips that really work

Natural remedies for hay fever: what works and doesn’t

Insomnia: the causes and how to improve it

Vaginismus: why it happens and how you can deal with it

Deep sleep: how to make the most of your sleep cycle

How to sleep well: your complete guide

Is it hay fever, COVID-19 or a cold? Spot the telltale signs

How men and women sleep differently

Goitre: symptoms, causes and how to deal with it