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Diarrhea

Diarrhea is very common. It is usually caused by viruses and typically goes away on its own after a few days. But more severe diarrhea that lasts lon...

Torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee

Most cruciate ligament tears happen when doing ball sports or skiing. This injury is more common in women than in men. It can be treated with surgery...

Torn meniscus and meniscus damage

A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries in sports, especially in ball sports like soccer. The meniscus can tear if you twist your kne...

Bladder training

Bladder training can help some people who have an overactive or weak bladder to regain at least some control over their bladder. Ideally, they then n...

What is joint aspiration?

Joint aspiration involves using a thin hollow needle to take some of the fluid out of the joint. Aspiration is one of the more common procedures used...

What happens during a lumbar puncture (spinal tap)?

During a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap), a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is extracted from the spinal canal using a special needl...

How our teeth and jaws work together

Our teeth and jaws allow us to soften solid foods by chewing them, and also to take a bite out of harder foods like apples and then cut them down to ...

Misaligned teeth and jaws

People are considered to have misaligned teeth or jaws if their set of teeth is very different to that of most others. This type of problem is common...

Biologics and biosimilars

Biologics are medicines that are made using biological substances. For example, they may contain cell parts, proteins or genetically engineered org...

Shingles

If you’ve already had chickenpox, you could get shingles later in life too. Both of these diseases are caused by the same virus. A weakened immune sy...

Chickenpox

The typical symptoms of chickenpox are a very itchy rash with red blisters and a mild fever. This contagious viral infection mostly affects children ...

Harvesting blood stem cells for transplantation

Blood stem cells used to be taken mainly from bone marrow, where they develop. Nowadays stem cells are filtered directly out of the bloodstream. Anot...

Atrial fibrillation

The most common sign of atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rate that is often too fast. Although the condition isn’t immediately life-threaten...

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

We often hear about things like serious accidents, natural disasters, or sexual abuse in the news. These traumatic events can have a great impact on ...

Unexplained chronic cough

Unexplained chronic cough is when a cough lasts longer than eight weeks and healthcare professionals are unable to identify the cause despite thoroug...

Cough

Coughing is an important protective reflex and a symptom in many different illnesses. It removes dirt particles, other objects and mucus from your ai...

How do most cells divide (mitosis)?

Cells need to divide for your body to grow and for body tissue such as skin to continuously renew itself. The division of the nucleus is an important...

How are sex cells made (meiosis)?

The formation of sex cells is a central part of reproduction: In fertilization, an egg cell and a sperm cell combine. These cells, also known as repr...

How are genes passed on?

When people talk about genes being passed on, they usually mean genetic information being passed on from parents to children. Genetic information is ...

Stem cell transplantation for treating cancer

Stem cell transplantation is used in treating the various forms of blood cancer, for instance leukemia. It is a very strong, high-dose form of chemot...

What does genetic testing involve?

Genetic tests examine a person's genes. This can be done to help estimate their risk of a particular disease or detect any hereditary diseases, for i...

Personalized medicine

Personalized medicine is often understood to mean an individually tailored treatment. But in practice it usually involves using a specific combinatio...

How does our sense of taste work?

The strong link between taste and emotions has to do with our evolution: Taste helped us to “test” the food we ate, so it was important for our survi...

How does the tongue work?

The tongue is a true all-rounder. It is not only extremely flexible, allowing us to speak, swallow or suck in a coordinated way. It is also a sensory...

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids

Many children between the ages of three and six years have enlarged tonsils or adenoids. This usually isn’t anything serious. But enlarged tonsils an...

Varicose veins

About one in five adults have varicose veins. These bumpy, blue-ish veins are mainly a cosmetic issue for most people. But they sometimes cause a fee...

Menopause

What happens in a woman’s body in the menopause transition? What symptoms might accompany the hormonal changes, and how can they be relieved? Read ab...

What is the structure of hair and how does it grow?

For many people, hair is an important part of their appearance and an expression of their personality. Hair can also offer protection: It helps to ke...

Warts

Most people get warts at some point. Warts are contagious and can be very persistent. Children and teenagers are particularly likely to get them beca...

Hair loss in chemotherapy

Cancer treatments often have serious side effects. Many people find chemotherapy-related hair loss on their scalp and body especially upsetting. The ...

Styes and chalazia (inflammation of the eyelid)

Styes and chalazia are common and can occur at any age. The eyelid is swollen because a gland at the edge of the eyelid has become inflamed. If bacte...

Tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis causes symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever and tiredness. Tonsillitis that keeps coming back within short ...

Potty training

Various bodily processes have to develop before children can start getting by without diapers. How can you tell if a child is ready for potty trainin...

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis ("trich") is an infection caused by tiny parasites that are spread through sex. The symptoms include discharge and a burning sensation...

Photo of a girl receiving an HPV vaccine

Genital warts

Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These non-cancerous growths mainly occur in the genital and anal are...

Photo of two pairs of feet touching in bed

Pubic lice

Pubic lice can be detected because they cause itching and leave blueish-gray or red bite marks. They are most commonly found in the pubic hair. You c...

What are disease management programs (DMPs)?

Disease management programs (DMPs) are structured treatment plans that aim to help people better manage their chronic disease and to maintain and imp...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is quite common – even more common than asthma. One of the typical symptoms is a persistent cough. In ad...

What do ear examinations involve?

An ear examination is a good idea if you have sudden or gradual hearing loss, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), earache, dizziness or if your doctor t...

How does the ear work?

The ear picks up sound waves and transforms them into electrical signals which travel along nerves to the brain. The signals are interpreted by the b...

Middle ear infection

Acute middle ear infections are one of the most common illnesses in infants. Many parents then face sleepless nights with a child that cries, has an ...

Obstructive sleep apnea

If you get enough sleep but still feel run down during the day, you may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many people who have sleep apnea snore an...

External radiotherapy

Radiotherapy, also called radiation therapy, aims to destroy the cancer tissue by exposing it to certain high-energy rays. In “external” radiotherapy...

Mouth sores – What can you do yourself?

Mouth sores can have various causes – and are treated accordingly: For example, if the cause is a fungal infection, then antimycotics (antifungal dru...

Anticoagulants: How can you prevent bleeding?

Bleeding is one of the most common side effects of anticoagulants (anti-clotting medication) – particularly bleeding in the digestive tract. How can ...

Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs. Symptoms include extreme difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing ...

Tinnitus

Most people experience tinnitus from time to time, for example after a loud concert. But some people hear the typical buzzing or ringing sounds all t...

Oral thrush

Most of us are familiar with our teeth feeling somewhat “fuzzy” after eating sweets. But if your entire mouth feels cottony all the time, your sense ...

Neck pain

Neck pain can make your neck muscles tense up, preventing you from moving your head normally. The pain sometimes radiates into your arms or head, too...

Varicoceles

Infertility can be caused by various things. One possible cause is a varicose vein in the scrotum, also known as a varicocele. Varicoceles are quite ...

Fever in children

Most parents will know what it's like to feel worried when their child has a hot, red face and high temperature. Fevers in children are usually cause...

How is body temperature regulated and what is fever?

A healthy body functions best at an internal temperature of about 37°C (98.6°F). A body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or more is considered to be a f...

The "classic" and Asian forms of massage

Massages are used for relaxation as well as to relieve certain symptoms. There are many different kinds of therapeutic massage. Therapeutic massages ...

Acne

Most teenagers will have pimples at some point. Severe acne can be very distressing. But there are a number of things that can help, although it usua...

Low back pain

Most of us know what low back pain feels like. It usually starts suddenly and then goes away again on its own after a few days or weeks. Low back pai...

Athlete's foot

The gaps between the toes provide a warm and moist environment – perfect conditions for fungi. Athlete's foot typically leads to redness and cracks i...

Nail fungus

Nail fungus is very common. Experts think that it often develops from untreated athlete's foot. It then takes a while to get rid of the brittle, disc...

How do the tonsils work?

The tonsils are part of the body’s immune system. Because of their location at the throat and palate, they can stop germs entering the body through t...

Functional dyspepsia

Many people regularly have stomach trouble. There is often no clear physical cause. Then it is usually diagnosed as functional dyspepsia. Although th...

What kinds of eye examinations are there?

Eye examinations may be necessary for various reasons, for instance due to external eye injuries or sudden vision problems. Vision also tends to get ...

Vaccinations

Vaccinations can protect children, teenagers and adults against diseases by preparing their immune system to fight certain viruses and other pathogen...

What are calories?

Our bodies get most of their energy from three groups of nutrients (known as “macronutrients”): carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They are called mac...

Boils and carbuncles

A boil (furuncle) is a pus-filled bump in the skin that is caused by a bacterial infection. It is a bit like a very big yellow pimple, but it’s deepe...

Cataracts

When cataracts develop, the lens of the eye gradually becomes cloudy. Your vision becomes increasingly blurry – as if you were looking through a veil...

Influenza

People often talk about having the flu (influenza) when they come down with a cold. The course of these two types of infections is very different, th...

Obesity

Obesity can have a negative effect on your health, physical fitness and mobility. People who have noticeable weight problems often have to deal with ...

How to put someone into the recovery position

If somebody is unconscious but still breathing normally on their own, they should be put into the recovery position. It stops blood and vomit from en...

What does your body mass index say about your health?

The body mass index (BMI) is a way of categorizing a person’s body weight. It is calculated using their weight and height.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder starts very gradually. At first the pain is mild, but it then gets worse and can make it difficult to sleep through the night. Over t...

How does the nervous system work?

The nervous system is made up of all the nerve cells in your body. It takes in information through our senses, processes the information and triggers...

Using eye drops properly

People who are using eye drops for the first time often notice that it is trickier than they thought. Our information explains how to get it right so...

First aid for head injuries

People who witness a head injury during a sports event or in traffic can give first aid at the scene of the accident and prevent worse consequences b...

Photo of a patient and doctor during an examination

Concussion

A concussion is often the result of a fall, an accident, or a sports injury. The signs of a concussion include headache, dizziness and nausea. The sy...

What are anticoagulants?

Anticoagulants are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming in the bloodstream. This reduces the risk of medical problems that are caused by b...

How can you monitor and adjust treatment with vitamin K antagonists?

Anticoagulants (blood-thinners) like vitamin K antagonists are used to prevent blood clots from forming. This can lower the risk of certain cardiovas...

What are blood clots and what causes them?

When we are injured, our body stops the bleeding by forming a clump of blood (a blood clot) that closes the wound. But sometimes blood clots form in ...

Stroke

The main symptoms of a stroke are paralysis and speech problems. The cause is usually a blocked blood vessel. To prevent permanent damage, it’s very ...

Birth

Toward the end of pregnancy, when everyday life has become more difficult, most women can't wait to finally have the baby. Regular contractions are a...

Canker sores (mouth ulcers)

Canker sores (mouth ulcers) are among the most common medical conditions that affect the mucous membranes lining the mouth. When a canker sore develo...

Premature ejaculation

Ejaculation is considered to be premature if "coming" too soon becomes a problem and affects a man’s sex life. Various treatment options are then ava...

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of change, especially if it's your first. Parents-to-be may have feelings ranging from joy and hope to worries and anxiety: How w...

Bedbugs

Bedbugs are parasites that feed on human blood. Their bites are harmless, but they do leave small red marks that itch. Bedbugs are usually brought in...

Tick bites

Although ticks can carry and spread disease, tick bites usually don't cause any health problems. You're much less likely to develop tick-borne enceph...

Localized prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in men. But it is also one of the types of cancer with the best chances of recovery. It...

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy where the radioactive source is either placed very close to the tumor or directly into the tumor. In this app...

How does the prostate work?

The prostate is a gland about the size of a chestnut. It is part of the male reproductive system.

What is a living will?

Living wills allow you to specify what kind of care and medical treatment you would want if you ever get so ill that you can no longer make decisions...

Group of elderly women at an exercise session

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, after Alzheimer’s. It often develops after someone has had several small strokes. In ma...

Smoking

Most people who smoke decide to stop smoking at some point. But quitting may be harder than expected. You might need to make several attempts before ...

Corns

Corns develop when an area of skin is repeatedly exposed to pressure or rubbing. They mainly occur on your toes and on the soles of your feet. If the...

“Off-label use”: What to be aware of

Off-label use means “non-approved use.” In other words, it is when a medicine is used in a group of people or for a medical condition although this t...

Erysipelas and cellulitis

Erysipelas and cellulitis are skin infections that can develop if your skin is broken (for instance, through a cut or sore) and bacteria get into it....

How can you get enough iron?

The human body needs iron for a lot of reasons. Most of the iron in our body is found in our blood. It is part of the red pigment in blood and helps ...

Photo of a toddler with a rash around their mouth

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is very contagious. Its name comes from typical symptoms: painful blisters in the mouth and a rash on the hands a...

Pressure ulcers

Anyone who has to sit or lie without moving for a long time is at risk of developing pressure ulcers. These wounds can be very painful and usually ta...

Scabies

Scabies is a contagious disease where scabies mites live in or on the skin. It causes an itchy skin rash. Scabies is passed on through skin-to-skin c...

Chronic wounds

Minor injuries to our skin usually heal quite quickly on their own. But some wounds close very slowly, keep on opening up, or don’t heal at all. Doct...

Migraine

A migraine is very different from a “normal” headache: Migraines are typically associated with sudden moderate to severe pain on one side of the head...

What kind of lung function tests are there and what do they involve?

Lung function tests (also called pulmonary function tests, or PFTs) measure how well your lungs work. They can also help to follow the course of a lu...

Asthma

In asthma, people's airways become so narrow (temporarily or permanently) that it's difficult for them to breathe. With the right treatment, though, ...

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is usually the result of repetitive movements or too much strain – for instance, during sports like tennis or when doing manual labor. T...

Non-melanoma skin cancer

There are different kinds of non-melanoma skin cancer. They are much more common than malignant melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer grows very slowly,...

Down, Edwards and Patau syndrome

In trisomy syndromes, the child's cells have three copies of a certain chromosome instead of just two. That already affects their development in the ...

Melanoma

Melanoma often looks like a dark mole. It may grow fast and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). The treatment options mainly depend on ho...

How much sun is too much?

We all know that too much sun is bad for your skin. But how do you know how long you can stay in the sun? You can't see or feel UV light, so it's dif...

Children and sun – Practical information for parents

Most parents know that it is important to be careful when going out in the sun with their children – at least in theory. But in practice, it is often...

Podiatry (specialist foot care)

Podiatrists (foot care/treatment specialists) deal with medical problems related to the feet – in the skin or toenails, for example. The treatment th...

How does the ankle work?

The ankle is the joint that connects the bones in the lower leg to the foot bones. The upper ankle allows us to move our feet upwards, downwards, and...

Physical therapy

Physical therapy (physiotherapy) is used to treat acute and chronic symptoms, and also to prevent future problems or for rehabilitation after long-te...

Ankle sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common types of injury. When an ankle is twisted, the ligaments are overstretched. In the worst case, they might te...

$Ankle fractures$

Ankle fractures

If you're unlucky, twisting your foot badly can result in a broken ankle. This is a more serious injury that may affect one or more bones. Is surgery...

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation or infection of the appendix. The appendix is usually quickly removed through surgery to prevent complications. It ca...

A guide to psychotherapy in Germany: Where can I find help?

Many people don’t know who to turn to if they have mental health problems or illnesses. We have put together some information to help you find your w...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a disorder in which children are especially inattentive, impulsive or hyperactive. Severe ADHD can cause major problems in the life and every...

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and best studied forms of psychotherapy. It is a combination of two therapeutic approach...

Symptoms after thrombosis (post-thrombotic syndrome)

Post-thrombotic syndrome can develop after deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The leg swells up and is painful. Over time, the skin might change color and s...

Fibromyalgia

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic (long-term) deep muscle pain in different parts of the body. It is now known that fibromyalgia has someth...

How do the female sex organs work?

The female sex organs make it possible for women to become pregnant and give birth to children. But they have other important jobs, too: They produce...

What do the male sex organs do?

The male sex organs allow men to have children. But they have other important jobs, too: The sex organs produce hormones, control the process of boys...

Bedwetting

Bedwetting is more common among children and teenagers than many people think. Regular nighttime “accidents” can be very troubling for the whole fami...

Infertility

Not being able to have children is usually a source of great emotional turmoil. People often take it for granted that they will be able to. Many coup...

Premenstrual syndrome

Sometimes even women don't quite understand what happens to them on the days leading up to their period. Women who have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) m...

Tenosynovitis

If a tendon sheath is overused, it can become inflamed and swollen. Known as tenosynovitis, this most commonly occurs in the hands, arms and feet. Th...

Developmental disorders in children and teenagers

Children develop at different rates. Some learn to walk earlier than others, for instance, but then they take longer to start talking. This is comple...

How does the spine work?

The spine is our body’s central support structure. It keeps us upright and connects different parts of our skeleton to each other, including the head...

Scoliosis in teenagers

Teenagers who have scoliosis have a curved, twisted spine. It is not clear why this happens. Often, there is only a slight curve and it just has to b...

Bursitis

Signs of bursitis include swelling and pain – for instance, in an elbow or knee. It can arise when too much pressure is put on one of the protective ...

Falls in older people

There are plenty of tripping hazards in the average home, such as curled-up edges of rugs or mats, a loose cable or slippery tiles in the bathroom. B...

How does ventilation therapy for respiratory problems work?

Ventilation therapy may be needed in people with lung disease – for instance, severe pneumonia.

How does mechanical ventilation work during an operation?

Depending on the strength of an anesthetic used in surgery, it may also stop our breathing. Then a ventilator machine does the breathing for us.

What is overdiagnosis?

Overdiagnosis is the diagnosis of a medical condition that would never have caused any symptoms or problems.

How does chemotherapy work?

Besides surgery and radiation, medications are commonly used to treat cancer. One typical example of this is chemotherapy, which uses medications cal...

What happens during a biopsy?

A biopsy (taking a tissue sample) is one of the most commonly used medical examinations. Tissue samples can be analyzed in order to find out, for ins...

How do cancer cells grow and spread?

Cells become specialized in order to perform particular tasks. Due to the instructions in their DNA, cells normally “know” which other cells to join ...

The lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is an important part of our body's immune system. Among other things, it helps us to fight infections.

Causes and signs of edema

Edema (or "oedema") means swelling. It arises when part of the body becomes swollen because fluid builds up in the tissue. It is most common in the a...

How does the menstrual cycle work?

During the monthly hormone cycle, the membranes lining the inside of the womb prepare for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg. The membrane...

Cancer: What do the codes in the doctor’s letter mean?

There is an international system for the classification of cancerous tumors. Known as TNM classification, it helps doctors and researchers to describ...

What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is used to identify and also treat illnesses in the abdomen and the pelvic region. Unlike open surgery (laparotomy), only small incisions...

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid or tissue that form in the ovaries. These cysts are usually non-cancerous (benign) and most of them go away ...

Breast cancer

Being diagnosed with breast cancer often makes people feel very frightened and anxious. But if you get breast cancer for the first time and it hasn’t...

Surgery

People who are preparing to have surgery usually have a lot of questions: What are the chances of success? What risks are associated with it? What ca...

Photo of young children washing their hands

Worms in children (pinworms)

Pinworms (threadworms) are common. These tiny parasites lay their eggs around the anus. That can cause itching and make children scratch their bottom...

What happens during a skin examination?

If you have bothersome skin problems or notice any unusual changes, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. If family doctors discover skin changes, rashes...

How does skin work?

Our skin is our heaviest and largest organ, making up about one seventh of our body weight: Depending on your height and body mass, it weighs between...

What are microbes?

Microbes are tiny living things that are found all around us. Some microbes make us ill, but others are important for our health. The most common typ...

Growth in childhood and puberty

Childhood and puberty are phases of growth where our bodies gradually become heavier and taller. This growth begins in the womb and ends after pubert...

What happens in puberty?

Puberty is a special phase of life where children develop into young adults. It is a time full of changes in the body (such as growth and the develop...

Tinea versicolor

If a fungus grows a lot it may lead to a medical condition. Tinea versicolor is one example. This skin condition is caused by a yeast fungus, and is ...

Vaginal yeast infection (thrush)

Vaginal yeast infections are particularly common in women of childbearing age. The symptoms include itching, burning and abnormal vaginal discharge. ...

Photo of a patient talking with her doctor

Bacterial vaginosis

In bacterial vaginosis, certain bacteria in the vagina grow a lot more than they normally do. This is usually harmless. It often goes unnoticed, but ...

How do the kidneys work?

People usually have two kidneys, which look like oversized beans. The kidneys are located to the right and left of the spine, just below your ribcage...

How does the urinary system work?

The main organs of our urinary system are the kidneys – our body’s “sewage treatment plants”: They filter toxins out of the body, as well as other su...

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. People with Alzheimer's become forgetful and increasingly have difficulty expressing themse...

Tendon overuse injuries (tendinopathy)

If you regularly put a lot of strain on a tendon, the resulting overuse might eventually lead to pain in the tendon. Tendon overuse injuries (tendino...

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Herpes virus infections actually don’t often lead to a disease, thou...

Cold sores

Cold sores lead to the formation of painful blisters around the lips, typically only on one side of the mouth. People who have had a cold sore in the...

Hearing loss and deafness in adults

Along with aging, the causes of hearing loss mainly include noise and long-lasting ear infections.

What is “normal” sleep?

A good night’s sleep is when you fall asleep easily, do not fully wake up during the night, do not wake up too early, and feel refreshed in the morni...

What happens in a sleep study?

If you’ve had sleep problems for a while, and previous medical examinations and advice haven't helped, a sleep study is usually the next step. In the...

How is our sleep regulated?

Our sleep follows a particular pattern: We normally get tired in the evening and are awake during the day. But this pattern isn’t only based on dayli...

Sleep disorders and problems (insomnia)

If you sleep badly at night, you're not alone. About a third of people have trouble sleeping every now and then. Certain relaxation techniques and sl...

Giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

If you feel confident that you can do it, for instance following a first aid course, you should combine chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth resusc...

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): What you need to know

If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, it’s very important to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Doing so can sa...

What is cholesterol and how does arteriosclerosis develop?

Cholesterol is an essential raw material for your body. For example, cholesterol is needed to make certain hormones and it’s an important building bl...

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops if the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen become too narrow. These blood vessels are known as cor...

What happens during cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to show on a computer monitor diseases that affect the heart, the cardiac valves or the coronary arteries...

How do you use an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

Defibrillators are devices that give a controlled electric shock and can be used to resuscitate someone whose heart has stopped suddenly. Many places...

Which screening tests are paid for by statutory health insurance funds in Germany?

Children and adults can have various screening tests and examinations. Statutory health insurance funds in Germany cover the costs of many of these f...

High cholesterol

High cholesterol is considered one of a range of factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is mainly caused by lifestyle choices a...

Foot deformities

In its normal form, the structure of the human foot allows us to walk in an upright position. Feet can become deformed as a result of external factor...

Dietary advice and nutritional therapy services

Dietary advice and nutritional therapy services both aim to improve people’s health or keep them healthy and to have a positive effect on illnesses c...

Bunions

Bunions are among the most common foot deformities. The big toe leans towards the other toes and the joint at the base of the big toe bulges out. Thi...

How can you get enough calcium?

Medical societies recommend that adults get between 700 mg and 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day. It is possible to get this amount purely thr...

Lactose intolerance

People who are lactose-intolerant only tolerate small amounts of lactose. Eating too many dairy products causes digestive problems, including a bloat...

Special therapies ("Heilmittel") and medical aids ("Hilfsmittel") in Germany

In Germany, “Heilmittel” and “Hlifsmittel” can be prescribed to relieve symptoms or help in daily life. Which treatments and medical aids do they inc...

What is voice therapy?

The aim of voice therapy is to get rid of or improve problems with the creation of vocal sounds (phonation) in the voice box. After completing therap...

How does the larynx work?

The larynx (voice box) is the area that connects the throat to the windpipe (trachea). Without it, we would hardly be able to sing or speak. It also ...

Vocal nodules

Vocal nodules typically make your voice hoarse, and it may sound raspy and breathy too. These small non-cancerous growths usually go away again if yo...

What do hormones do?

Hormones play a role in many (often crucial) processes in our bodies. They regulate things like our energy and water levels, growth and reproductive ...

Hashimoto’s disease

Hashimoto’s disease is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of an underactive thyroid in Germany and other countr...

Photo of a patient having her thyroid examined by a doctor

Graves’ disease

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of an overactive thyroid. It sends the body’s metabolism into overdrive, making lots of processes (such as t...

How does the stomach work?

The stomach is a muscular hollow organ. It takes in food from the food pipe, mixes it, starts breaking it down and then passes it on to the small in...

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Diverticula are small, balloon-like pouches in the lining of the intestine, in which the contents of the bowel can get stuck. They are often harmless...

Ingrown toenail

Ingrown toenails are a common problem, especially on the big toes. Cutting your toenails the wrong way is often the cause. Find out how to cut them p...

Heartburn and GERD

Many people are familiar with heartburn – a burning pain between your stomach and throat. In gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), these symptoms ...

How do bowel movements work?

During a bowel movement, the indigestible parts of our food leave our body. Several parts of the end of the digestive tract control bowel movements: ...

Enlarged hemorrhoids

We all have hemorrhoids. They are nothing more than “cushions” of blood vessels and supporting tissue, found at the end of the rectum. Hemorrhoids on...

How does the eye work?

Vision is the result of a complex process. For our brain to be able to create an image of our surroundings, the eye needs to convert light into elect...

Conjunctivitis

Typical conjunctivitis symptoms include itching and burning in the affected eye, and stuck-together eyelids when you wake up. Although this infection...

Type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can only produce very little insulin or none at all. People who have this type of diabetes need to inject insulin ev...

Disease management program for type 1 diabetes in Germany

Disease management programs (DMPs) are structured treatment programs that aim to improve the management of chronic illnesses. They include regular do...

Structure of the nails

Fingernails and toenails are made from skin cells. Structures that are made from skin cells are called skin appendages. Hairs are also skin appendage...

What happens during a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy (examination of the stomach) can help confirm or rule out the presence of medical conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcers. In this p...

How does the intestine work?

The intestine (bowel) is a winding muscular tube extending from the stomach to the anus. Its main purpose is to digest food. But the intestine is not...

Peptic ulcers

The risk of getting peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers) increases with age. They are usually caused by bacteria or the long-term use o...

How do joints work?

Most joints are movable connections between at least two bones. These joints are made up of the surfaces of the bones, a joint cavity, and a joint ca...

Photo of a doctor feeling a patient's belly

Gastritis

Gastritis is common. The symptoms of acute gastritis include stomach pain, heartburn, nausea and feeling full. It is usually caused by certain bacter...

Photo of a runner holding his foot in pain

Pain under the foot (plantar fasciitis)

One of the most common causes of pain under the foot is an inflammation of a band of thick connective tissue.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

If one part of the largest blood vessel in the belly (the abdominal aorta) starts bulging, it is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This conditio...

How does the brain work?

The brain works like a big computer. It processes information that it receives from the senses and body, and sends messages back to the body. But the...

Brain aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain. It often goes unnoticed. But some people may have symptoms – or their aneurysm is more li...

Pelvic organ prolapse

For various reasons, the connective tissue in women’s pelvic floor may become weaker. As a result the womb, bladder or the last part of the bowel (re...

What are immunological tests?

Immunological tests can be used for various purposes, such as detecting viral infections, checking whether someone has an allergy, discovering colore...

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is sometimes considered to be a disease that typically affects men. That's not true: Although it is more likely to develop at an ea...

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is usually a rare consequence of an infection with particular sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPV). Infections are proba...

Gingivitis and periodontitis

A gum inflammation (gingivitis) is usually harmless and goes away quickly. But it might spread to the periodontium (the soft tissue and bone that sup...

How does the knee work?

The knee joint connects the upper and lower leg to one another. It is needed for pretty much all forms of movement with your legs – whether running, ...

Using medication

Using medication sounds easy but it can be complicated, like when you need to use several medications over a longer period of time. What's the best w...

Osteoarthritis of the knee

Osteoarthritis of the knee typically starts with knee pain, at first only during or after movement. The risk is increased by things like being overwe...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may constantly wash their hands because they are afraid of germs, or may not be able to stop counting...

Generalized anxiety disorder

We all feel scared sometimes. This can help protect us in dangerous situations: It makes us more alert so that we can react quickly. But fear can bec...

Head lice

Head lice are tiny parasites that live in our hair and feed on blood from our scalp. Their bites can itch. They usually lay their eggs close to the s...

Understanding thyroid tests

The thyroid gland is a vitally important endocrine (hormone) gland that is mainly involved in the body’s energy metabolism. It is located at the fron...

How does the thyroid gland work?

The thyroid gland is a vital hormone-producing gland: It plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. It helps to ...

How does the pituitary gland work?

The pituitary gland regulates various body functions and plays an important role in balancing hormone levels in the body. It is a protrusion at the b...

Heavy periods

While some women hardly have any problems due to their period, others regularly feel tired and unwell. This is often due to pain and very heavy perio...

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

The thyroid gland regulates a lot of functions in the body. It is said to be overactive if it makes too many thyroid hormones. This can lead to sympt...

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

If you constantly feel tired, have a slow pulse and constipation, you may wonder why. These types of symptoms can be caused by various things, but th...

Uterine fibroids

Many women have benign (non-cancerous) growths known as fibroids in or on their womb (uterus). Most fibroids are small and don't cause any problems. ...

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that typically causes very sudden and very severe upper abdominal pain. The pain is so extreme ...

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Most people know what it's like to wake up in the night and realize that their hand has "fallen asleep." The hand then feels numb or tingly. Carpal t...

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein. This can cause symptoms like tenderness, skin redness, swelling in the lower leg...

Pneumonia

Pneumonia often leads to a sudden high fever, the feeling that you are very unwell, a cough and shortness of breath. People who are otherwise in good...

Gallstones

We all have abdominal pain and digestion problems from time to time. In most cases they're harmless. But if you have cramping pain in your upper abdo...

Psoriatic arthritis (Psoriasis with joint inflammation)

Psoriatic arthritis leads to pain and stiffness in several joints, as well as exhaustion. It is usually caused by psoriasis. Various treatments can r...

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by clearly defined patches of red and scaly skin. This non-contagious condition typically starts in adulthood and comes an...

Hearing loss and deafness in children

In Germany and other countries, babies are routinely given hearing tests immediately after birth. The goal is to diagnose and treat hearing problems ...

Endometriosis

"Endometriosis? Never heard of it." This is what many people say, even though it is a common condition in women. While some hardly notice that they h...

Metastatic breast cancer

Sometimes breast cancer is only detected when it has already spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). With well-planned and individualized tre...

Sinusitis

The typical signs of sinusitis (inflamed paranasal sinuses) are a stuffy nose, pain and a feeling of pressure in the forehead or jaw. Sometimes it de...

Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that often occurs in children. The main symptom is a very itchy rash. Acute flare-ups can greatly affect qua...

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

It's normal for vision to gradually get worse with age. Some people also have medical conditions that further affect their vision. Age-related macula...

Measles

Measles is caused by viruses and is very contagious – both in children and adults. The typical signs of measles are a light red rash and flu-like sym...

Rubella (German measles)

Rubella usually goes unnoticed or only causes mild cold-like symptoms. Later, a pink or red spotty skin rash might develop. If a woman has rubella ea...

Photo of a boy being examined by a doctor

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that has become rare since the introduction of a routine vaccination. It is usually spread through tiny droplets of spit t...

Type 2 diabetes

Many people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are completely taken by surprise – for instance, if high blood sugar levels are discovered during ...

Photo of a pregnant woman and her doctor

Gestational diabetes

Pregnant women are often surprised to find out they have gestational diabetes because it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. But this type of diabete...

Common colds

Sneezing and a sore throat are often the very first signs you are getting a cold. Once your nose has become stuffy, you may feel weak and generally i...

Wrist injuries

Breaking a fall with your hands can sometimes lead to a wrist injury. If the wrist joint is overstretched or bent too far, the joint capsule, ligamen...

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)

Pain at the front of the knee is usually caused by overuse. It is especially common in people who do a lot of sports, such as running, mountaineering...

Dislocated kneecap

When a kneecap is dislocated, it comes out of the groove that it normally fits into. This is painful and may look frightening. It mainly happens duri...

Scarlet fever

Doctors can usually diagnose scarlet fever quite easily based on the typical rash and a dark-red tongue, sometimes referred to as a “strawberry tongu...

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a non-infectious skin condition. It leads to scaly patches of skin with oily dandruff-like flakes, especially on the face an...

Lazy eye (amblyopia) in children

Amblyopia is a common vision problem in children. It is caused when one eye provides sharper images than the other eye does. Because the brain prefer...

Presbyopia

Most people start noticing the effects of presbyopia in their mid-forties: It becomes harder to see close-up things clearly. For instance, y ou have ...

Small objects in the eye

Whether you are outside biking or doing DIY projects at home – it’s easy for small objects to get into your eye. There, they can injure the surface o...

Dulaglutide (Trulicity) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Dulaglutide (trade name: Trulicity) has been approved in Germany since November 2014 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alon...

Allergic contact dermatitis

In allergic contact dermatitis, the immune system overreacts to certain substances – sometimes to very small amounts – that normally wouldn’t cause a...

Wisdom teeth

Many people associate wisdom teeth with "being pulled," a bruised and swollen cheek, and an ice pack. Removing wisdom teeth is usually unpleasant and...

Drug allergies

Medications can have a number of side effects, including allergic reactions. People who have a drug allergy are often no longer sure which medication...

Food allergies

In food allergies, even small amounts of the food can be enough to trigger an allergic reaction (e.g. itching and swelling in the mouth and throat, o...

Insect venom allergies

We all get stung or bitten by insects every now and then – and most people end up with a small, red, itchy bump as a result. But those who are allerg...

Allergies

Allergies arise if the body's immune system overreacts to substances (allergens) that are usually harmless, such as pollen. The symptoms are sometime...

Allergies to animals

People aren't allergic to the fur of animals, but rather to proteins that are found on the animal's dander (skin flakes), sweat or spit. The allergy ...

Dust mite allergies

Dust mite allergies usually develop in childhood or puberty. The symptoms, such as sneezing, are caused by substances that are mainly found in the fe...

Hay fever

If you have hay fever, you're not alone: About 1 in 4 people have this allergy. Various medications and allergen-specific immunotherapy often provide...

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

If you feel like everything is spinning around you and rocking from side to side, you probably have vertigo. Vertigo can occur while standing, walkin...

Tooth decay

Preventing tooth decay is basically child's play: It's all about a healthy diet, less candy and thorough dental hygiene. Read about the most importan...

Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common orthopedic problems. It usually arises beneath the bone that forms the “roof” of the shoulder (the acromion)....

Hernias

Most hernias occur when part of the bowel or peritoneum pushes through a gap in the abdominal wall. Inguinal (groin) hernias are the most common kind...

Epilepsy

In epilepsy, the brain or certain parts of the brain are too active. Some people have their first seizure in childhood, while others have their first...

Photo of a young woman holding her tummy in pain

Period pain

Although menstruation is a normal part of a woman's life, severe period pain need not be. Women don't have to simply put up with it – menstrual pain ...

Heart valve diseases

When people talk about heart valve diseases, they usually mean conditions caused by damage to heart valves over time. These tend to occur in older ag...

Osteoarthritis

In the early stages of osteoarthritis, the joint usually only hurts when you put strain on it. The pain can get worse over time, affecting your every...

Phimosis

Nearly all boys are born with a foreskin that won’t pull back (phimosis). This protects the sensitive head of the penis from rubbing against things, ...

Osteoporosis

Having weak bones that easily break is a sign of osteoporosis. It's normal for bone tissue to break down as you grow older, but osteoporosis speeds u...

Chronic kidney disease

Older people are especially prone to developing chronic kidney disease. The most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. The disease ofte...

Health care in Germany

In Germany, it's usually not hard to find medical help if you become ill. There is an extensive network of easily accessible places to go for treatme...

Heart failure

Many people with heart failure avoid physical activity in order to prevent symptoms like shortness of breath and trouble breathing. But physical exer...

Acute bronchitis

In acute bronchitis, the lower airways (bronchi) are temporarily inflamed. The cough is usually dry at first. Later on, it may develop into a phlegmy...

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Topic areas

Further topics

What does blood do?

Second opinion before surgery

Hemophilia

Croup

How can I find support groups and information centers in Germany?

Medically unexplained physical symptoms

Parkinson’s disease

Hepatitis B

Kidney stones

How does the liver work?

Alcohol

Understanding urine tests

Acute cystitis

Irritable bowel syndrome

What are the effects of alcohol – and how quickly is it broken down?

Diarrhea

Torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee

Torn meniscus and meniscus damage

Bladder training

What is joint aspiration?

What happens during a lumbar puncture (spinal tap)?

How our teeth and jaws work together

Misaligned teeth and jaws

Biologics and biosimilars

Shingles

Chickenpox

Harvesting blood stem cells for transplantation

Atrial fibrillation

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Unexplained chronic cough

Cough

How do most cells divide (mitosis)?

How are sex cells made (meiosis)?

How are genes passed on?

Stem cell transplantation for treating cancer

What does genetic testing involve?

Personalized medicine

How does our sense of taste work?

How does the tongue work?

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids

Varicose veins

Menopause

What is the structure of hair and how does it grow?

Warts

Hair loss in chemotherapy

Styes and chalazia (inflammation of the eyelid)

Tonsillitis

Potty training

Trichomoniasis

Genital warts

Pubic lice

What are disease management programs (DMPs)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

What do ear examinations involve?

How does the ear work?

Middle ear infection

Obstructive sleep apnea

External radiotherapy

Mouth sores – What can you do yourself?

Anticoagulants: How can you prevent bleeding?

Pulmonary embolism

Tinnitus

Oral thrush

Neck pain

Varicoceles

Fever in children

How is body temperature regulated and what is fever?

The "classic" and Asian forms of massage

Acne

Low back pain

Athlete's foot

Nail fungus

How do the tonsils work?