A-Z of health information

Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been associated with child care centres, public swimming pools and contaminated water supplies.

Most people infected with Giardia parasites do not develop symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.

You may be more prone to salmonellosis if you are elderly, have another medical condition (such as a weakened immune system) or are malnourished.

Outbreaks of shigella gastroenteritis can occur in institutional settings, particularly where children are still in nappies or adults are incontinent.

Gastroenteritis is common in young children and spreads easily. See your doctor if your child is vomiting often, not drinking, showing signs of dehydration or has blood in their poo.

A gastroenterologist is a physician who treats diseases and conditions related to the digestive system and intestines.

There is no real explanation as to why some men are gay and others are not; it is just part of the wide variety of human sexuality.

An anaesthetic is a drug or agent that produces a complete or partial loss of feeling.

A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who is also qualified in general medical practice. GPs are often the first point of contact for someone, of any age, who feels sick or has a health concern.

Worrying can be constructive if it helps you to work out possible solutions to a problem, but some people are troubled by excessive anxiety.