Conditions

Plain-English explainers you can read in two minutes and print in one.

43 sheets. Each rates treatments by the strength of the evidence and prints on one page.

• AcneBlocked, inflamed hair follicles causing blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.
• ADHDAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a difference in brain development that causes ongoing trouble with attention, restlessness or acting on impulse, enough to affect daily life at home, school, work or in relationships.
• Anal FissureA small tear in the lining of the anus, usually from passing a hard stool.
• Ankle SprainA stretch or tear of the ligaments, usually on the outside of the ankle after rolling it.
• AutismAutism is a lifelong difference in how people communicate, relate to others and experience the world.
• Blocked EarsThe Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and opens when you swallow or yawn to balance pressure.
• Boils and Staph Skin InfectionsA boil is a painful, pus-filled lump around a hair follicle, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus ("staph") bacteria.
• Coeliac DiseaseAn immune reaction to gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye and oats) that damages the lining of the small bowel.
• DiverticulitisDiverticula are small pouches in the bowel wall.
• EczemaDry, itchy, inflamed skin that comes and goes in flares.
• EndometriosisTissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it, usually in the pelvis.
• GallstonesHard lumps that form in the gallbladder, a small pouch under the liver that stores bile.
• HaemorrhoidsSwollen blood vessels in and around the anus.
• Hay FeverHay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergy that causes sneezing, a runny, itchy or blocked nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
• HiccupsSudden, involuntary spasms of the breathing muscle (diaphragm), with a "hic" as the voice box snaps shut.
• High Blood PressureUsually causes no symptoms but raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and dementia.
• Hives and SwellingHives are itchy raised welts that move around, each lasting less than a day.
• Iron DeficiencyLow iron stores, which can cause tiredness, breathlessness and anaemia.
• Irritable Bowel SyndromeRecurring tummy pain linked to bowel motions, with diarrhoea, constipation or both, often with bloating.
• Jet LagTiredness, poor sleep, poor concentration and an upset stomach after flying across 3 or more time zones, because your body clock is still on home time.
• Knee OsteoarthritisThe most common type of arthritis.
• Lower Back PainVery common and usually not serious.
• Lowering Your Dementia RiskDementia is not an inevitable part of ageing.
• Marine StingsMost stings in Australian waters are painful but not dangerous.
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)Mast cells are immune cells that release histamine and other chemicals during allergic reactions.
• MigraineRepeated attacks of throbbing headache, often with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Molluscum ContagiosumSmall, smooth, pearly bumps with a tiny dimple in the centre, caused by a common skin virus.
• Obstructive Sleep ApnoeaIn obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the throat narrows or closes many times during sleep, briefly stopping your breathing.
• Outer Hip PainPain on the outside of the hip, often worse lying on that side, on stairs or getting up from a chair.
• ParonychiaInflammation of the skin fold around a fingernail or toenail.
• Perioral DermatitisClusters of small red bumps and flaky skin around the mouth, and sometimes the nose or eyes, often sparing a thin band next to the lips.
• PMS and PMDDPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) is physical and mood symptoms in the 1 to 2 weeks before a period that ease once it starts.
• POTSPostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) means your heart races when you stand up, with dizziness, fatigue, "brain fog", palpitations or nausea that ease when you lie down.
• PsoriasisAn immune condition that speeds up skin cell growth, causing raised red patches with silvery scale, often on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
• Quitting SmokingQuitting at any age improves your health, and the benefits start within days.
• Restless LegsAn uncomfortable urge to move the legs, often with crawling, tingling or aching deep in the calves.
• RosaceaA long-term skin condition causing facial flushing, persistent redness, visible small blood vessels and sometimes pimple-like bumps.
• Tennis ElbowPain on the outside of the elbow, worse with gripping, lifting or twisting, such as opening jars, carrying bags or using tools or a mouse.
• TinnitusHearing ringing, buzzing or hissing that has no outside source.
• Trouble SleepingDifficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep or waking too early, with tiredness during the day.
• Urinary Tract InfectionA bladder infection, usually from bowel bacteria.
• Vitamin B12 DeficiencyLow B12 can cause tiredness, anaemia, tingling, memory problems and a sore tongue.
• WartsRough skin growths caused by a common virus (HPV).

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General information only. Fact sheets don’t replace advice from your own doctor. In an emergency, call 000.