https://anatomynexus.com/blog/ Guides to common conditions, medicines and tests, and plain-English summaries of the latest health announcements, each with its sources. en-GB Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://anatomynexus.com/blog/egfr-and-creatinine-kidney-blood-tests/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/egfr-and-creatinine-kidney-blood-tests/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Creatinine and eGFR show how well the kidneys filter blood, and kidney disease is confirmed only when abnormal results persist. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/x-ray-what-to-expect/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/x-ray-what-to-expect/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide An X-ray uses a small beam of radiation to picture bones, lungs and other parts. This guide covers the test, radiation risk, pregnancy and results. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/why-antibiotics-do-not-work-for-viruses/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/why-antibiotics-do-not-work-for-viruses/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Antibiotics act on bacteria, not viruses, so the NHS says they do not help colds, flu or most coughs and sore throats. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/travel-vaccinations-what-the-nhs-says/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/travel-vaccinations-what-the-nhs-says/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS advises getting travel vaccine advice several weeks before departure, as needs depend on the destination, and some vaccines are free while others are paid for. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/choose-the-right-nhs-service-999-111-gp-pharmacy/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/choose-the-right-nhs-service-999-111-gp-pharmacy/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS says 999 is for life-threatening emergencies and NHS 111 for urgent problems or when unsure, with pharmacies, GPs and urgent treatment centres for others. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/jet-lag-what-it-is-and-what-helps/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/jet-lag-what-it-is-and-what-helps/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Jet lag is a temporary sleep disturbance after long flights across time zones; the NHS says it usually improves within a few days. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/warfarin-apixaban-medicines-and-food/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/warfarin-apixaban-medicines-and-food/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Bleeding is the main risk of both, so the NHS says other medicines, alcohol and, for warfarin, some foods and INR blood tests all matter. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/vitamin-d-and-supplements-who-needs-them/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/vitamin-d-and-supplements-who-needs-them/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS says a varied and balanced diet should provide enough of several vitamins, but advises supplements for some people, including vitamin D in autumn and winter and folic acid in early pregnancy. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/vitamin-d-blood-test-who-needs-one/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/vitamin-d-blood-test-who-needs-one/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide NHS guidance does not recommend routine vitamin D tests for people without symptoms, and testing is kept for specific symptoms or conditions. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/vitamin-b12-and-folate-tests-explained/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/vitamin-b12-and-folate-tests-explained/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Blood tests for B12 and folate help diagnose deficiency, but a B12 test can miss cases, so symptoms matter too. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/unexplained-weight-loss-causes-and-next-steps/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/unexplained-weight-loss-causes-and-next-steps/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Losing weight without changing diet or exercise has many causes, from stress to thyroid or digestive conditions. The NHS advises seeing a GP as a precaution. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/underactive-and-overactive-thyroid-compared/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/underactive-and-overactive-thyroid-compared/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide An underactive thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone, while an overactive thyroid makes too much; the symptoms, causes and treatments differ. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/ultrasound-scan-what-to-expect/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/ultrasound-scan-what-to-expect/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide An ultrasound scan uses sound waves, not radiation, to make live pictures. This guide covers the gel, the full bladder, internal scans and results. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/uti-and-cystitis-what-they-are/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/uti-and-cystitis-what-they-are/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys; cystitis is a UTI of the bladder, and antibiotics are not always needed. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/type-1-and-type-2-diabetes-compared/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/type-1-and-type-2-diabetes-compared/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition treated with insulin; type 2 develops when the body makes too little insulin or it works poorly. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/troponin-blood-test-what-it-shows/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/troponin-blood-test-what-it-shows/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide A troponin test measures proteins released when heart muscle is damaged, and a raised result does not always mean a heart attack. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/travelling-with-medicines-what-the-nhs-says/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/travelling-with-medicines-what-the-nhs-says/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS and TravelHealthPro describe original packaging, hand luggage, a prescriber's letter and checking the rules of each destination country. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/tiredness-and-fatigue-causes-and-gp-checks/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/tiredness-and-fatigue-causes-and-gp-checks/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Tiredness is common and often has an ordinary cause such as poor sleep, stress or illness. The NHS advises a GP appointment when it lasts a few weeks without explanation. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/thyroid-blood-tests-tsh-and-t4-explained/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/thyroid-blood-tests-tsh-and-t4-explained/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Thyroid tests read TSH and free T4 together, because free T4 helps to interpret an abnormal TSH. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/eatwell-guide-healthy-eating/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/eatwell-guide-healthy-eating/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The Eatwell Guide shows the proportions of food groups in a balanced UK diet, with fruit, vegetables and starchy foods making up just over a third each. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/testicle-lumps-and-swelling-what-to-check/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/testicle-lumps-and-swelling-what-to-check/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS says to check your testicles monthly for changes; a lump or swelling needs a GP visit, and sudden severe pain needs A&E or 999. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/teething-in-babies-signs-and-what-helps/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/teething-in-babies-signs-and-what-helps/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS lists sore red gums, a flushed cheek and extra dribbling as signs of teething, and suggests gum massage or a cool teething ring. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/swollen-ankles-and-legs-causes-and-red-flags/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/swollen-ankles-and-legs-causes-and-red-flags/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Swollen ankles and legs often come from sitting or standing for long periods, but can signal a clot or a heart, kidney or liver problem. The NHS names the signs that need 111 or 999. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/supporting-someone-with-a-mental-health-problem/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/supporting-someone-with-a-mental-health-problem/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Listening, asking open questions and offering practical help are the NHS's main suggestions for supporting someone with a mental health problem, without forcing them to talk. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sun-safety-and-checking-your-skin/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sun-safety-and-checking-your-skin/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS advises sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and 4-star UVA protection alongside shade and clothing, and describes changing moles as a reason to see a GP. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/stroke-and-tia-spotting-the-signs/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/stroke-and-tia-spotting-the-signs/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide A stroke and a TIA are both emergencies: the NHS and the Stroke Association say to call 999 even if the symptoms pass. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/stress-symptoms-and-getting-help/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/stress-symptoms-and-getting-help/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Stress is a reaction to mental or emotional pressure that can affect mood, body and behaviour, and the NHS says support is available when it affects daily life. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/stop-smoking-nhs-support/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/stop-smoking-nhs-support/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide NHS stop smoking services offer nicotine replacement, medicines and professional support, and people in England can self-refer through NHS Better Health. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/stomach-ache-causes-by-area-and-warning-signs/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/stomach-ache-causes-by-area-and-warning-signs/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Where a stomach ache sits helps point to causes such as appendicitis, gallstones or IBS, and sudden severe pain needs 999 or A&E. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/statins-common-questions-answered/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/statins-common-questions-answered/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS says statins lower the cholesterol the body makes, to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and they are usually taken long term. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sprains-and-strains-treatment-and-recovery/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sprains-and-strains-treatment-and-recovery/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS describes PRICE care for the first 2 to 3 days, and most sprains and strains feel better after about 2 weeks. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/spirometry-lung-function-test-explained/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/spirometry-lung-function-test-explained/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Spirometry measures how much air can be blown out and how fast. This guide covers the test, preparation and what results are compared with. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sore-throat-causes-treatment-and-when-to-act/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sore-throat-causes-treatment-and-when-to-act/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Most sore throats are caused by viruses and clear up on their own, but struggling to breathe or swallow needs 999 or A&E. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sleep-problems-what-helps/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sleep-problems-what-helps/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS says insomnia usually improves by changing sleeping habits, and that a GP can arrange CBT when habits alone do not help. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/shortness-of-breath-causes-and-next-steps/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/shortness-of-breath-causes-and-next-steps/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Breathlessness has many causes, from asthma and infections to heart and lung disease, and severe difficulty breathing needs a 999 call. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sepsis-warning-signs-and-what-to-do/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sepsis-warning-signs-and-what-to-do/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection; the NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E if sepsis is suspected. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sedating-and-non-sedating-antihistamines/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/sedating-and-non-sedating-antihistamines/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS lists chlorphenamine as sleep-inducing and cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine as non-drowsy, though cetirizine can still cause sleepiness. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/reliever-and-preventer-inhalers/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/reliever-and-preventer-inhalers/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide A reliever inhaler eases symptoms when they happen, while a preventer is taken every day to reduce airway inflammation. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/puberty-what-happens-and-when-to-get-advice/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/puberty-what-happens-and-when-to-get-advice/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Puberty brings body and mood changes at different ages, and NHS pages advise a GP appointment if it starts early or seems late. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/protecting-your-hearing-from-loud-noise/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/protecting-your-hearing-from-loud-noise/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The WHO and NHS sources say noise-related hearing loss is permanent but can be prevented, mainly by lowering volume, taking breaks and using ear protection. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/prostate-problems-symptoms-and-when-to-see-a-gp/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/prostate-problems-symptoms-and-when-to-see-a-gp/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Prostate symptoms are mostly urinary, such as a weak flow or going more often. Causes include enlargement, infection and cancer. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/preventing-food-poisoning-at-home-the-four-cs/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/preventing-food-poisoning-at-home-the-four-cs/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide NHS inform and the Food Standards Agency describe four steps for food safety at home: cleaning, cooking, chilling and avoiding cross-contamination. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/blood-test-preparation-and-fasting/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/blood-test-preparation-and-fasting/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Some blood tests need fasting or a change to what you eat, drink or take beforehand; the person who arranges the test should say which applies. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/pregnancy-scans-and-tests-on-the-nhs/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/pregnancy-scans-and-tests-on-the-nhs/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide NHS pregnancy care includes booking blood tests, a dating scan and a mid-pregnancy anomaly scan, plus optional screening for Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndromes. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/periods-whats-normal-and-when-to-see-a-gp/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/periods-whats-normal-and-when-to-see-a-gp/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide The NHS gives an average cycle of about 28 days. A GP can help if periods change, become painful or stop. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/pelvic-pain-in-women-causes-and-when-to-get-help/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/pelvic-pain-in-women-causes-and-when-to-get-help/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Pelvic pain in women often comes from period pain, ovarian cysts or endometriosis, but a few causes are serious. The NHS says to call 999 for severe or worsening pain. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/panic-attacks-what-they-are/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/panic-attacks-what-they-are/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide A panic attack is a rush of intense fear with physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat. The NHS describes how attacks pass and how talking therapy and medicine can treat repeated attacks. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/psa-test-what-it-shows-and-what-the-nhs-says/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/psa-test-what-it-shows-and-what-the-nhs-says/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide A PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen in the blood. The NHS says it is not a routine screening test, and results can be wrong in both directions. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/pet-and-bone-scans-what-to-expect/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/pet-and-bone-scans-what-to-expect/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide PET and bone scans both use a small amount of radioactive tracer given by injection. Both scans involve a waiting period after the injection. https://anatomynexus.com/blog/osteoarthritis-and-rheumatoid-arthritis-compared/ https://anatomynexus.com/blog/osteoarthritis-and-rheumatoid-arthritis-compared/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Guide Osteoarthritis makes joints painful and stiff; rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the joint lining.