The UK has a growing population, with over 15 million people having a chronic health condition. And it’s not only the chronic conditions, there are other, sometimes temporary, common health complaints people in the UK suffer from.
Read on to learn about some of the most common conditions.
Hypertension
In the UK, high blood pressure is a big deal, affecting one-quarter of adults in that country. It’s also called a ‘silent killer’ because it rarely presents symptoms.
Causes and Treatment
Common causes of hypertension include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and excessive drinking. Sometimes genetics play a part as well. Generally, treatment involves lifestyle changes like better diets, more exercise and quitting smoking.
Drugs like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors are mostly prescribed to regulate blood pressure levels.
Where to Get Treated
It is essential to keep checking your blood pressure at regular intervals. You can check your blood pressure at local chemist shops, during routine visits to your GP, or use home blood pressure monitors. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, your GP will either guide you in developing a management plan or make referrals to specialists.
Lower Back Pain Disorder
Lower back pain affects one out of every six adults living in the UK, making it one of the most widespread health problems. Some individuals experience a mild, dull ache, while others suffer from severe pain that restricts movement.
Causes and Treatment
Strain from muscles or ligaments and herniated discs are some of the common culprits responsible for back pain. The way you treat it depends on how much pain you feel and what’s causing it. Options can include physical therapy, massage, medications, and sometimes surgery.
Where to Get Treated
Mild acute cases may be managed with over-the-counter analgesics combined with rest while seeing a general practitioner is vital after three weeks when suffering from such an ailment becomes aggravating. In case you fail to get an appointment, you can visit anytimedoctor.co.uk for an online appointment. They may refer you to a physiotherapist for specialised exercises and treatments. For chronic or severe cases, seeing a specialist, like an orthopedist or a pain management expert, might be necessary.
Depression
Depression is common in the UK – around one in six adults suffer from it, but it occurs among all age groups. Depression goes beyond feeling blue and interferes with daily life, making functioning normally tricky.
Causes and Treatment
The aetiology of depression is diverse, involving genetic, environmental, biological, and psychosocial factors. Common treatments include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), antidepressant drugs, and lifestyle changes that promote mental health.
Where to Get Treated
It’s essential to speak up if you think you have depression. In the UK, things like Shout with 24/7 support are available – here’s the website giveusashout.org. Alternatively, if you don’t need immediate assistance, see your GP, who will assess your symptoms and offer initial treatment or refer you to mental health specialists if need be. Counselling services are also online – they have support groups where one can find coping mechanisms.
Those are some of the most common health conditions in the UK – and those are only touching the service. Ensure you reach out for medical help if and when you need it.
READ MORE: ‘I’m a top paediatrician – here’s what you DON’T know about keeping kids safe in the sun’
