Clinical guide
Find a condition and read its clinical guidance.
410 conditions · Page 8 of 11
Obesity and Overweight
Nutrition
Condition characterized by abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health, diagnosed using Body Mass Index (BMI) in adults or Weight-for-Height (WFH) Z-scores in children.
Obstetric Fistula
Obstetrics
An abnormal opening between the vagina and the bladder (VVF) or rectum (RVF), usually resulting from prolonged, obstructed labour causing tissue necrosis. Leads to continuous leakage of urine or faeces.
Obstructed Labour
Obstetrics
Failure of labour to progress despite adequate uterine contractions, usually due to mechanical factors (cephalopelvic disproportion, malpresentation) or ineffective contractions (rarely the primary cause if obstruction present). A major cau…
Ocular Tumours (Retinoblastoma, SCC)
Ophthalmology (Eye Conditions)
Overview of two important ocular malignancies: Retinoblastoma (most common intraocular cancer in children) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Conjunctiva (common surface tumour, especially in adults with HIV/sun exposure).
Onchocerciasis
Infectious Diseases
A chronic parasitic disease caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted by the bite of infected blackflies (Simulium species) that breed in fast-flowing rivers. Affects skin and eyes, major cause of blindness.
Opioid Poisoning
Toxicology / Poisoning
Poisoning resulting from excessive intake (intentional or accidental) of opioid drugs (e.g., morphine, heroin, codeine, tramadol, fentanyl, pethidine). Characterized by a classic triad of CNS depression, respiratory depression, and miosis (…
Oral Candidiasis
Oral & Dental Health
Fungal infection of the oral mucous membranes, most commonly caused by Candida albicans, an opportunistic yeast.
Oral Thrush (Child)
Pediatrics & Child Health
Fungal infection of the oral mucosa caused by Candida species, commonly Candida albicans, presenting as white patches or ulcers in the mouth.
Oral Trauma - Burns, Sharp Teeth, LA Ulceration
Oral & Dental Health
Oral mucosal lesions caused by specific types of trauma: thermal or chemical burns, irritation from sharp teeth/restorations, or self-inflicted biting after local anaesthesia.
Oral Trauma - Dento-alveolar Injuries
Oral & Dental Health
Injuries resulting from physical trauma (falls, sports, accidents, assault) affecting the teeth, their supporting structures (alveolar bone), and adjacent soft tissues.
Oral Trauma - Fibroepithelial Polyp
Oral & Dental Health
A common, benign reactive hyperplasia of fibrous connective tissue in response to chronic low-grade irritation or trauma.
Oral Trauma - Mucocele / Ranula
Oral & Dental Health
A swelling caused by extravasation (leakage) of saliva into surrounding soft tissues due to damage or obstruction of a minor salivary gland duct (Mucocele) or sublingual gland duct (Ranula). Not a true cyst as lacks epithelial lining.
Oral Trauma Management
Trauma & Injuries
Management of injuries to the oral cavity, including soft tissues (lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, palate), teeth, and supporting structures, resulting from direct physical trauma or chronic irritation.
Orbital Cellulitis
Ophthalmology (Eye Conditions)
A serious, acute infection and inflammation of the soft tissues within the bony orbit, posterior to the orbital septum. Differentiated from preseptal cellulitis which affects tissues anterior to the septum (eyelid only).
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Musculoskeletal System & Rheumatology
A degenerative joint disorder characterized by progressive loss of articular cartilage, associated with changes in the underlying bone and surrounding soft tissues (synovitis, ligament laxity). Primarily affects weight-bearing joints (knees…
Osteomyelitis
Musculoskeletal System & Rheumatology
Infection and inflammation of the bone and bone marrow, usually caused by bacteria. Can be acute or chronic.
Osteomyelitis of the Jaw
Oral & Dental Health
Inflammation and infection of the bone marrow of the jaw (mandible or maxilla), extending to involve the cortical bone and periosteum, potentially leading to bone necrosis (sequestrum formation).
Other Symptoms in Palliative Care (Anxiety, Secretions, Cough)
Palliative Care
Management of other common symptoms encountered in palliative care, including anxiety, excessive secretions, and intractable cough.
Otitis Externa
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat Conditions)
Inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal (EAC) skin. Can be localized (furuncle) or diffuse.
Otitis Media (Suppurative - Acute & Chronic)
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat Conditions)
Infection of the middle ear space. Acute Suppurative Otitis Media (AOM) involves rapid onset of signs/symptoms of inflammation and effusion +/- perforation/discharge. Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) involves persistent discharge (>1…
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat Conditions)
Presence of non-purulent fluid (effusion) in the middle ear space behind an intact tympanic membrane, without signs or symptoms of acute infection. Common cause of hearing impairment in children.
Ovarian Cancer
Oncology
Malignant neoplasm arising from the ovary. Most commonly epithelial ovarian cancer, but can also be germ cell tumours or sex cord-stromal tumours. Often presents late due to non-specific symptoms.
Paediatric Cataract
Ophthalmology (Eye Conditions)
Lens opacity present at birth (congenital) or developing during childhood. Requires prompt diagnosis and management to prevent irreversible vision loss (amblyopia).
Painful Scrotal Swelling (Epididymo-orchitis)
HIV, STI & TB
Inflammation of the epididymis and/or testis, typically presenting as acute unilateral scrotal pain and swelling. Often caused by STIs (Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia) in younger men, or urinary pathogens in older men.
Palliative Pain Management
Palliative Care
Management of pain, a common and distressing symptom in patients with life-limiting illness. Addresses assessment and treatment of nociceptive and neuropathic pain using a holistic approach and the WHO analgesic ladder.
Paracetamol Poisoning
Toxicology / Poisoning
Poisoning due to ingestion of excessive amounts of paracetamol (acetaminophen). Toxic dose typically >150 mg/kg or >7.5 g total in adults (children <6y: 200 mg/kg). Can cause severe, potentially fatal, delayed liver damage (hepatotoxicity) …
Paraffin and Other Petroleum Products Poisoning
Toxicology / Poisoning
Poisoning due to ingestion or inhalation of hydrocarbons like paraffin (kerosene), petrol (gasoline), paint thinners, organic solvents, and turpentine. The primary danger is chemical pneumonitis resulting from aspiration into the lungs.
Parkinsonism
Neurological System
A clinical syndrome characterized by a combination of motor symptoms: tremor (typically resting tremor), rigidity (stiffness), bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability (impaired balance). Can be caused by Parkinson's Di…
Pediculosis (Lice Infestation)
Dermatology (Skin Conditions)
Infestation of hairy parts of the body by human lice: Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse), Pediculus humanus corporis (body louse), or Pthirus pubis (pubic/crab louse).
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
HIV, STI & TB
Infection and inflammation of the upper female genital tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding pelvic structures. Often a complication of untreated cervical infections like Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia. Requires pr…
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Gynecology
Infection (usually ascending from the vagina) occurring in the upper female genital tract (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries), potentially leading to endometritis, salpingitis, pelvic peritonitis, or tubo-ovarian abscess. Often polymicrobial…
Penetrating Eye Injury
Trauma & Injuries
Serious injury where a sharp object (e.g., knife, needle, glass shard, high-velocity projectile) pierces the cornea or sclera, violating the integrity of the eyeball (globe). Requires immediate recognition and urgent specialist management t…
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Gastrointestinal & Hepatic System
Ulceration (a break extending through the muscularis mucosae) in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer), typically caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or NSAID use.
Pericarditis
Cardiovascular System
Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Can be acute, subacute, or chronic, and may occur with or without pericardial effusion.
Pericoronitis
Oral & Dental Health
Inflammation of the soft tissues (operculum) surrounding the crown of a partially erupted tooth, most commonly the mandibular third molar (wisdom tooth).
Periodontal Abscess
Oral & Dental Health
A localized collection of pus within the tissues of the periodontium (gums, periodontal ligament), originating from a pre-existing periodontal pocket.
Periodontitis
Oral & Dental Health
Inflammatory disease affecting the supporting structures of the teeth (periodontal ligament, alveolar bone), leading to progressive loss of attachment and bone, pocket formation, and potentially tooth loss. It results from untreated gingivi…
Peritonitis
Gastrointestinal & Hepatic System
Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs. Usually caused by bacterial infection following perforation of an abdominal organ or other source of contamination.
Peritonsillar Abscess (Quinsy)
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat Conditions)
A collection of pus that forms in the space between the tonsil capsule and the pharyngeal muscles, typically as a complication of acute tonsillitis.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Respiratory System
A highly contagious acute bacterial respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Characterized by distinct phases, including a paroxysmal stage with severe coughing fits often followed by an inspiratory 'whoop' and vomiting. Most s…