General health

From gallstones and hernias to varicose veins and digestive problems, our Spire experts provide insight and knowledge for a range of health conditions.

General health articles

What's the difference between a cold and the flu?

A sore throat, cough and runny nose are symptoms most people recognise as having a cold or the flu.

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IBS explained: causes, symptoms and treatment

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a common, chronic (long-term) condition that affects your large intestine.

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Article

What are kidney stones and how are they treated?

Kidney stones are fairly common and affect around one in 10 people in the UK.

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Article

How sleep deprivation affects your body and health

Sleep deprivation refers to not getting enough good quality sleep.

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Article

How to boost your iron levels to treat iron deficiency anaemia

Iron is essential for almost every aspect of your health. This is because it is a critical part of your blood, which contains haemoglobin.

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Article

Understanding heartburn: symptoms, causes and treatment

Heartburn is a common condition and refers to a burning sensation in your upper chest, specifically, behind or just below your breastbone.

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Article

How to get rid of piles

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swellings that develop inside your back passage (rectum) or around your bottom (anus).

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Article

Hernia surgery: David's story

When David found out he had a hernia, he was worried what this meant for his love of boxing.

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Video

Gallstones symptoms and causes explained

Gallstones are a fairly common condition that affects an estimated one in 10 adults in the UK.

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Article

What causes rectal bleeding and when to seek help

Rectal bleeding refers to passing blood through your back passage (rectum).

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Article

What you need to know about allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) affects around one in four UK adults and is becoming increasingly common.

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Article

Hernia repair surgery: procedure, benefits, risks and recovery

Mr Youssef says if you suffer pain or other symptoms from your hernia, he recommends you have it surgically repaired.

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Video

Inguinal hernia FAQs

Every year around 20 million people worldwide undergo surgery to repair an inguinal hernia, revealing just how common inguinal hernias are.

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Article

What is chronic pain and how is it treated?

Around a quarter of the population in the UK will experience chronic (long-term) pain at some point in their lives.

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Article

Burping: why we do it and what can go wrong

Burping refers to the release of excess gas through the mouth. It happens because every time we talk or swallow, we are swallowing air.

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Article

Liver disease: types, symptoms, causes and treatment explained

Your liver is the second largest organ in your body and has several vital functions.

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Article

What causes anal (rectal) discharge?

Anal discharge refers to the release of fluids, usually pus, mucus or blood, from your back passage (anus).

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Article

Five common indigestion myths dispelled

Around 40% of the UK population experiences indigestion every year.

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Article

What causes loss of smell and taste?

Your ability to smell and taste are closely linked as taste and smell information are carried to the same part of your brain.

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Article

Should I be concerned about nipple discharge? 

Nipple discharge refers to fluid that leaks out of the nipple when you are not breastfeeding.

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Article

What you need to know about lupus

Lupus is a long-term (chronic) autoimmune condition, which means your body mistakenly attacks your healthy cells.

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