--- title: "HealthAnswers — Plain-English UK health information" description: "Plain-English UK health information with medical review bylines, practical NHS guides, linked sources and a clear review status on each page." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/ robots: noindex --- # HealthAnswers — Plain-English UK health information UK health information Plain-English guidance on conditions, symptoms, treatments and tests — to help you understand your health and prepare for care. Speak to your own GP, pharmacist or NHS team for personal advice and tests. Common topics [Blood pressure](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure/) [UTI](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/) [Cholesterol](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/) [Chickenpox](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/chickenpox/) [Anxiety](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/anxiety/) [Menopause](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/menopause/) Start here ## What do you need right now? Choose the kind of help you need, for yourself or someone you care about. [Urgent ### I need help now 999, NHS 111, GP or pharmacist — match the urgency, not the building.](https://healthanswers.co.uk/health-tools/when-to-get-help/) [Symptom ### Something does not feel right What a symptom can mean, and when it needs a GP rather than a wait.](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/) [Condition ### I want a clear explanation Plain-English guides to conditions, treatments and tests, with sources and review status on each page.](https://healthanswers.co.uk/health-a-z/) [Friends and family ### I’m supporting someone Mental health guidance for friends, family, carers and young people.](https://healthanswers.co.uk/mental-health/#supporting-someone) ## Find what you need Start with a category, or search for anything that is on your mind. [### Health A–Z 202 conditions explained, A to Z. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/health-a-z/)[### Symptoms 86 guides to what a symptom might mean. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/)[### Treatments 59 treatments and medicines in plain terms. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/)[### Tests 24 blood tests, scans and screening guides. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/)[### Mental health Anxiety, depression, stress, therapy and crisis help. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/mental-health/)[### Men's health Prostate, testicular lumps, heart risk and checks many men delay. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/mens-health/)[### Women's health Periods, menopause, contraception and screening. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/womens-health/)[### Children's health Fever, rashes, common infections and when to call 111. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/childrens-health/)[### Sexual health STIs, contraception and free confidential NHS testing. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/sexual-health/)[### Health tools 999 vs 111 vs GP, BMI, and appointment checklists. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/health-tools/)[### Practical guides 13 guides to NHS services and healthcare decisions. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/guides/) Start with a decision ## Tools and guides that say what to do next Interactive helpers with a readable fallback, plus the practical NHS-service guides behind them. [### When to get help 999, NHS 111, GP or pharmacist — match the urgency, not the building. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/health-tools/when-to-get-help/) [### Pharmacy, GP, 111 or A&E? The full decision guide, including who should skip A&E. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/guides/pharmacy-gp-111-or-ae/) [### Cold, flu or COVID-19? A pattern helper — not a test — plus when to call 999. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/health-tools/cold-flu-or-covid/) [### NHS Health Check Who the midlife heart-risk check is for, and who should skip the invitation. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/guides/nhs-health-check/) [### Questions for your GP A short printable list so a 10-minute slot covers what actually matters. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/health-tools/questions-for-your-gp/) [### Waiting for NHS care What to do while you wait, and when a waiting list is not a safety net. →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/guides/waiting-for-nhs-care/) [Mental health ## Information and support, when you need it Clear guides on anxiety, depression, stress and more — plus how to find therapy and where to get help right now if you are struggling. Explore mental health →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/mental-health/) Need help now? Samaritans — [116 123](tel:116123), free, 24/7 SHOUT — text SHOUT to 85258 Why trust us ## How every answer is made See who reviewed a guide, the sources behind it, and [how review bylines are recorded across the site](https://healthanswers.co.uk/about/how-we-review/#review-coverage). - 1 ### Written in plain English Our editorial team turns trusted clinical guidance into clear, calm, jargon-free answers. - 2 ### Clear about review status Medical articles identify a named UK clinician or doctor review panel. Practical editorial guides show their source-check status separately. - 3 ### Dated, sourced & updated Each guide links its sources and shows its clinical review or editorial source-check date. ## Latest guides and reviews New practical guides and recently reviewed health articles. Check each page for its review status. - Treatment Reviewed 25 Sept 2026 [Antihistamines →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antihistamines/) Antihistamines are medicines that relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching by blocking histamine, with drowsy and non-drowsy types available. - Treatment Reviewed 25 Sept 2026 [Decongestants →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/decongestants/) Decongestants relieve a blocked nose by shrinking swollen nasal blood vessels; sprays should only be used short-term to avoid rebound congestion. - Treatment Reviewed 25 Sept 2026 [Diazepam →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/diazepam/) Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used short-term for severe anxiety, muscle spasm and seizures, with dependence risk if used beyond a few weeks. - Treatment Reviewed 25 Sept 2026 [Ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory painkillers →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/ibuprofen/) Ibuprofen eases pain, swelling and fever for some people. Take it with food, at the lowest dose, for the shortest time. Skip it if a pharmacist says it is unsafe for you. - Treatment Reviewed 25 Sept 2026 [Laxatives →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/laxatives/) Laxatives treat constipation by softening, bulking or stimulating the bowel, usually working within 1 to 3 days, alongside fluids, fibre and exercise. - Treatment Reviewed 25 Sept 2026 [Loratadine →](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/loratadine/) Loratadine is a once-daily non-drowsy antihistamine used for hay fever, pet allergies and hives, available over the counter or on prescription.