Use in practice

A sore throat most commonly accompanies a viral infection, but it can also be associated with a bacterial infection or irritation of the mucous membrane. Most acute symptoms improve within about a week. It is important to know what may help with pain and swallowing, and which signs mean that medical assessment is advisable.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease in which the cartilage, bone and other joint tissues gradually change. It most commonly affects the knees, hips and hands and can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Learn what can help, how osteoarthritis is treated and what a finding such as joint space narrowing means.

Sciatica causes pain, tingling or numbness that can spread from the buttock down the leg to the foot. It is most commonly associated with irritation of a nerve root in the lumbar spine. Learn how to recognise the typical pattern, what may help, how long symptoms usually last and when an examination is needed.

Abdominal pain can have many possible causes – from temporary digestive problems to conditions that require prompt medical assessment. When looking for the cause, the most important factors are the location of the pain, its nature and duration, and any accompanying symptoms. For mild and short-lived problems, simple measures may help, while sudden or very severe pain requires timely…