Loss of vision and other visual symptoms
Patients often present with visual symptoms, and are understandably concerned that they may be going blind. There are many local and systemic causes, and some are very serious. You need…
Child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse
Child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse are all under-recognised. There are about 46,705 children subject to a child protection plan or on a child protection register (NSPCC 2011). Many…
Dyspepsia and upper gastrointestinal symptoms
Dyspepsia Dyspepsia covers a range of symptoms of the upper gastrointestinal tract including upper abdominal pain or discomfort, heartburn, acid reflux and nausea or vomiting. They are all important and…
Hip and lower limb
The Hip Take a careful history, including general health and lifestyle: ‘Where is the pain?’ Pain from the hip is usually felt in the groin, less often in the lateral…
Other pregnancy problems
Common Minor Symptoms Pregnancy can cause a variety of complaints. A woman may feel frustrated when these are dismissed as ‘minor’. Reassurance and self-help are key to dealing with many…
The febrile child
12 The Febrile Child Children often have fevers. Most have a self-limiting illness needing only advice and do not need a course of antibiotics. However, in some the diagnosis is…
Eczema, psoriasis and skin tumours
The terms eczema and dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) are often used interchangeably. Atopic eczema is common as part of the atopic syndrome of eczema, hay fever and asthma. It…
