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Spotlight
Can cold weather make you ill? And other winter myths
It may be a memory of our mum telling us we'll catch our death if we go outside without a coat. Perhaps a well-meaning relative has advised slurping down some chicken soup when we've got a winter virus. Whatever the advice, we've all heard a few winter health myths - but is there truth in any of them? And what age-old advice might keep us healthier this winter?
How to deal with Raynaud's in the winter months
Raynaud's phenomenon is a common condition in which the blood vessels in the extremities - your fingers, toes, ears, or nose - overreact to cold or stress. During winter, how can Raynaud's sufferers manage their condition?
Cold & flu season
Every winter, there's an outbreak of cold and flu. For most of us, this means the same old symptoms: runny nose, sore throat, congestion, coughing and sneezing. However, it may be more serious when it comes to flu, especially for at risk groups. To help you stay healthy and informed this winter, we've set up this dedicated hub, covering the latest expert advice on cold and flu prevention, symptom management, and when to see a doctor.
Health topics
Advice and clinical information on a wide variety of healthcare topics
Signs and symptoms
It's often difficult to tell the difference between a symptom and a medical condition - do you just have indigestion or is it a stomach ulcer? Does your blurred vision have a simple explanation or should you get checked out for type 2 diabetes? Take a look through the expert information below covering some of the most common medical symptoms, to understand more about the cause of your problem.
Signs and symptoms
Tiredness
by Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGP
Bones, joints and muscles
Muscle weakness
by Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGP
Digestive health
Left upper quadrant pain
by Dr Caroline Wiggins, MRCGP
Signs and symptoms
Lumps in the groin
by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Managing conditions
From ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure, to steroids for eczema, find out what options are available, how they work and the possible side effects.
Digestive health
Stretching from your head to your bottom, the digestive system (made up of the gut, bowel and stomach) breaks down all that delicious food and drink, absorbing the useful nutrients and energy, whilst getting rid of the waste. It's a complex system that comes with various health concerns, from simple problems like constipation to disorders which may be lifelong, such as Crohn's disease.
Signs and symptoms
Trapped wind, gas and bloating
by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Digestive health
Irritable bowel syndrome
by Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGP
Digestive health
Gastroenteritis
by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
Digestive health
Piles
by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP