Conditions
Find reliable information on health conditions and how they are treated, including our latest evidence-based information and resources for Australian health professionals and consumers.
NPS Medicinewise knowledge hubs provide in-depth, helpful information for conditions including type 2 diabetes, depression and headaches.
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Allergic problems Allergies
Allergic problems include hay fever (allergic rhinitis), allergic reactions and serious allergies that could result in anaphylaxis. 1 in 3 Australians will develop allergies at some time during their life.
Cancer Cancer
Cancer can affect any part of the body. Medicines, including chemotherapy and other anticancer treatments are commonly used. Some cancers such as breast cancer and colon cancer, and cervical cancer can be detected early by screening tests.
Digestive system problems Gastrointestinal disorders
The digestive system includes the oesophagus, stomach and intestines as well as the bowel. Common conditions include indigestion and stomach ulcers, bowel problems like constipation and diarrhoea as well as stomach infections.
Ear, nose, mouth and throat problems Ear, nose, mouth and throat problems
Problems that affect the ear, nose, mouth and throat include infections such as pharyngitis, mouth ulcers and earache.
Eye disorders Ocular disorders
Eye problems range from temporary conditions such as eye irritation, congestion and inflammation, to physical changes such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Heart, blood and blood vessel conditions Cardiovascular system
The cardiovascular system includes the heart and the blood vessels that carry blood around the body. Conditions include high blood pressure, heart disease, heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation, and blood clots and related conditions like stroke.
Hormones, metabolism and nutritional problems Endocrine and nutritional disorders
Hormones are chemicals produced in the body that regulate many bodily functions. Hormone-related conditions include type 1 and type 2 diabetes, thyroid problems, and bone disorders such as osteoporosis. The metabolic system keeps other blood chemicals in balance. Metabolic problems include cholesterol and lipid problems, and dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Nutritional problems include vitamin deficiency, overweight and obesity.
Immune conditions Immune conditions
The immune system is the body’s defence system including the cells that fight disease such as viruses and bacterial infections. Autoimmune conditions are when the body fights itself, affecting particular organs or functions, for example multiple sclerosis, scleroderma.
Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic) and worms Microbial and parasitic diseases
Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Common fungal infections include thrush, while parasitic infections often affect the digestive system, while viruses cause many conditions including chickenpox and measles. See our knowledge hub on respiratory tract infections including influenza, colds and whooping cough.
Mental health conditions Psychiatric conditions
Mental health conditions are common –1 in 5 Australians report a mental health condition in the past 12 months. See our knowledge hub on depression, and find out more about sleep problems, psychotic problems and other mental health conditions.
Muscle, bone and joint problems Musculoskeletal system disorders
Muscle bone and joint problems include arthritis conditions, and muscle problems including muscle spasms and pain.
Nervous system problems Neurological disorders
The nervous system includes the brain and the nerves that control movement. Problems in this category include epilepsy and convulsions, motor control disorders and other nervous system symptoms and conditions. See our knowledge hubs on managing pain, including lower back pain and headaches.
Reproductive system conditions Reproductive system conditions
Reproductive system conditions include women’s health issues such as pregnancy, childbirth and labour, and problems affecting women’s reproductive systems and men’s reproductive systems.
Respiratory problems Respiratory disorders
The respiratory system includes the parts of the body involved in breathing. Problems include chronic airways and breathing problems such as asthma and COPD. Respiratory infections are experienced by many: see our knowledge hubs on bronchitis, croup, pneumonia and whooping cough.
Skin conditions Dermatological disorders
Skin problems range from injuries such as bruises, burns and sun damage, to problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, lice and scabies.
Substance dependence, poisoning and toxicity Substance dependence, poisoning and toxicity
Substance dependence includes addictions such as smoking, alcohol and drug dependence which can be treated with medicines as well as other therapies. Poisoning and drug overdose can be deliberate, accidental or environmental.
Urine, bladder and kidney problems Urinary and renal disorders
Urinary or renal (kidney) conditions include: bladder disorders, kidney problems and disorders, and prostate disorders.
Venomous bites and stings Venomous bites and stings
Many venomous bites and stings can be treated with an antidote or have their effects reduced. These include jellyfish stings, snake bites, spider bites, and tick bites.