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Allergies

Allergies arise if the body's immune system overreacts to substances (allergens) that are usually harmless, such as pollen. The symptoms are sometimes quite mild, but they can also be a real nuisance and have a considerable impact in everyday life.

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Further topics

Dust mite allergies

Dust mite allergies usually develop in childhood or puberty. The symptoms (such as sneezing) aren’t actually caused by the dust itself, but by substa...

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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 ...

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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...

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Gallstones

We all have stomach ache and indigestion every now and then. It usually isn’t anything serious. But cramp-like abdominal pain may be a sign of gallst...

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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...

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Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms, but it may go through various stag...

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Slipped disc

A slipped disc in the lumbar (lower back) region can cause spinal disc tissue to press against nerves, resulting in severe pain that can even spread ...

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Glaucoma

As we age, we may develop eye diseases that make it more difficult to see well, or that can sometimes have serious consequences. Glaucoma is one of t...

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Outer ear infection

Outer ear infections are often referred to as “swimmer’s ear.” The ear may become blocked, feel uncomfortable or hurt. Swimmer’s ear is usually cause...

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Atrial flutter

Atrial flutter is a heart rhythm disorder that usually affects the right atrium of the heart and comes in attacks. It is often caused by a heart cond...

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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...

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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...

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ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome)

ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) is a chronic illness. The symptoms include exhaustion, pain, sleep problems and trouble c...

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Bruised knee

Bruising to the knee is usually not harmful and will clear up on its own within a few days or weeks. You can help it heal by putting your leg up and ...

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Baker’s cysts

A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled cyst on the back of the knee. It is usually caused by damage to the knee joint. Large cysts can be painful and limit...

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