General Practice
Browse 264 topics in general practice, including presentations, diagnoses, procedures, tools, and exam links.
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Use the filters below to move between emergency clusters, core pathways, exam topics, procedures, and the most relevant clinical atlas pages.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a focal dilatation of the abdominal aorta, most often infrarenal, that matters because it can remain silent for years and then present catastrophically with rupture. This page gives a...
Absence Seizures (Paediatric)
Absence seizures are generalized onset non-motor seizures characterized by sudden, brief lapses in consciousness (typically 5–20 seconds) without loss of postural tone. They are the hallmark of Childhood Absence...
Acne Vulgaris
While often dismissed as a "rite of passage," acne carries a significant psychological burden, with rates of depression and suicidal ideation comparable to chronic systemic diseases like epilepsy or diabetes....
Acromegaly
The condition is insidious, with a median delay in diagnosis of 7–10 years . During this period, patients develop significant comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy, and obstructive...
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
The rapid IOP spike (often 50-70 mmHg) leads to ischaemic damage to the optic nerve, retina, and corneal endothelium. Treatment is a time-critical hierarchy: immediate medical reduction of IOP followed by definitive...
Acute Asthma Exacerbation
In the United Kingdom, asthma affects approximately 5.4 million people, leading to roughly 75,000 emergency hospital admissions and 1,400 deaths annually. A critical finding in the National Review of Asthma Deaths...
Acute Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis, primarily caused by Adenovirus , accounts for 65–90% of all infectious cases in adults. Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common in adults than in children but remains significant, often caused by...
Acute Constipation
Management follows a stepwise "Laxative Ladder" approach, prioritizing lifestyle modification and osmotic laxatives (Macrogol) over stimulants. Identifying Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC) is critical in acute...
Acute Cough in Adults
Acute cough is defined as a cough lasting less than 3 weeks . It is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical advice, representing approximately 3% of all primary care consultations. The vast majority...
Acute Diarrhoea and Gastroenteritis
Acute diarrhoea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools per day (or more frequent than normal for the individual) lasting less than 14 days . It is a leading cause of outpatient visits and...
Acute Gastritis and Gastropathy
The primary aetiologies include Helicobacter pylori infection, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol, and severe physiological stress (e.g., in ICU). The Maastricht VI/Florence Consensus (2022)...
Acute Gout in Adults
Acute gout is an intensely painful, inflammatory monoarthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals within joints and soft tissues. It is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men,...
Acute Headache in Adults
Acute headache is one of the most common presentations in emergency departments, representing 2–4% of all visits. The primary clinical challenge is to distinguish common, benign primary headaches (migraine,...
Acute HIV Infection & Seroconversion
Acute HIV infection, also known as Primary HIV Infection or Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS), represents the period immediately following HIV acquisition until the development of a stable "viral set point." It...
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
The diagnosis is established using the KDIGO (2012) criteria , which defines AKI as a rise in serum creatinine of ≥26.5 µmol/L within 48 hours or a 1.5-fold increase from baseline. Management is focused on identifying...
Acute Low Back Pain
However, the critical clinical challenge lies in identifying the 5-15% of patients with potentially serious underlying pathology—collectively termed "red flag" conditions—including cauda equina syndrome, malignancy,...
Acute Multiple Sclerosis Relapse
An acute multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse, also termed exacerbation or attack, represents a clinical manifestation of new... MRCP exam preparation.
Acute Nephritic Syndrome
Acute Nephritic Syndrome is a clinical constellation resulting from inflammatory injury to the glomerulus. It is charact... MRCP exam preparation.
Acute Oesophagitis
Acute oesophagitis represents sudden-onset inflammation of the oesophageal mucosa, most commonly secondary to gastro-oes... MRCP exam preparation.
Acute Otitis Media (Child)
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is an acute bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear , representing one of the most common childhood infections and the leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions in children ....
Acute Pericarditis
Acute pericarditis is defined as inflammation of the pericardial sac, the double-layered fibroserous membrane that envel... MRCP exam preparation.
Acute Severe Asthma in Adults
Acute severe asthma is a medical emergency characterised by progressive bronchospasm, airway inflammation, and mucus hyp... MRCP exam preparation.
Acute Sinusitis (Adult)
Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity lasting less than 12 weeks, most commonly following a viral upper respiratory tract infection (URI). The condition represents a...
Acute Urinary Retention
Acute urinary retention (AUR) is the sudden and painful inability to pass urine despite a full bladder, representing a u... MRCS exam preparation.
Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF)
Key Facts Incidence : Occurs in 25–35% of patients hospitalized for acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Mortality : 28-day mortality ranges from 23% (Grade 1) to 75% (Grade 3). Pathophysiology : Massive systemic...
Addison's Disease (Primary Adrenal Insufficiency)
Addison's disease is primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) caused by destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, res... MRCP exam preparation.
Adenomyosis
The condition predominantly affects multiparous women in their late reproductive years (40-50 years) , though increasing recognition through advanced imaging has identified cases in younger women and nulliparous...
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Adult ADHD is a persistent neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattent... MRCPsych exam preparation.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Comprehensive evidence-based guide to age-related macular degeneration, covering pathophysiology, genetics, classification, anti-VEGF therapy, and the latest evidence from AREDS2 and landmark trials.
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ALD)
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ALD) encompasses the full spectrum of hepatic injury caused by chronic excessive alcohol ... MRCP exam preparation.
Alopecia Areata (Adult)
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, T-cell mediated autoimmune disorder characterised by non-scarring hair loss manifesting as well-demarcated, round or oval patches of complete alopecia. The condition affects...
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases worldwide. It is a pro... MRCP, PLAB exam preparation.
Anal Fissure
An anal fissure is a longitudinal tear in the squamous epithelium (anoderm) of the anal canal, extending from the dentat... FRCS exam preparation.
Ankle Sprain
The acute lateral ankle sprain is the single most common musculoskeletal injury in the active population, accounting for approximately 2 million injuries annually in the United States alone. It involves stretching or...
Anorexia Nervosa (Adult)
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight (BMI less than 17.5 kg/m² in adults), an intense fear of gaining...
Anterior Uveitis
Anterior uveitis (iritis/iridocyclitis) is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, presenting as a painful red eye wi... MRCP, FRCS Ophth exam preparation.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
ASPD is distinguished from other personality disorders by its consistent pattern of antisocial behaviour beginning in childhood or early adolescence, though formal diagnosis cannot be made before age 18 years. The...
Anxiety Disorders in Adults: Comprehensive Clinical Management
Anxiety disorders represent the most prevalent class of mental disorders worldwide, characterized by excessive fear, anx... MRCP, MRCPsych exam preparation.
Atopic Eczema
The underlying pathophysiology involves a complex interplay of epidermal barrier dysfunction (commonly associated with filaggrin mutations), type 2 immune dysregulation (Th2-predominant response with IL-4, IL-13,...
Atopic Eczema (Adult)
Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis, AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition characterised by intense pruritus, xerosis, and eczematous lesions with age-dependent distribution patterns. It affects 15-20%...
Atrial Fibrillation in Adults
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by uncoordinated atrial electrical activati... MRCP, PLAB exam preparation.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adults represents a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction coupled with restricted, repetitive patterns of...
Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (APS)
Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndromes (APS), also referred to as Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndromes (APS) or Polyglandular ... MRCP exam preparation.
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
ADPKD is a Systemic Disease with extrarenal manifestations including Hepatic Cysts (Most Common) , Intracranial Aneurysms (5-10%) , Cardiac Valve Abnormalities , and Colonic Diverticulae . Complications include...
Bacterial Vaginosis
While not strictly classified as a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), BV is sexually associated, with increased prevalence among women with new or multiple sexual partners, and particularly high concordance among...
Baker's Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)
A Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled synovial cyst that forms in the popliteal fossa, typically as a distension of the gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa. It is almost always secondary to intra-articular...
Balanitis
Key Facts Prevalence : 3% of boys; 11% of adult men; 12-14% of men attending GUM clinics Most common causes : Candida albicans (30-35%), poor hygiene/irritant dermatitis (25-30%), bacterial (15-20%), dermatoses...
Basal Cell Carcinoma
While BCC has an exceptionally low metastatic rate (less than 0.1%), it remains a significant clinical challenge due to its high incidence, potential for local invasion and tissue destruction, and substantial...
Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)
The cornerstone of BPSD management is the systematic identification and treatment of reversible underlying causes , particularly pain, infection (especially urinary tract infections and pneumonia), constipation,...
Benign Breast Disease
Benign Breast Disease encompasses a heterogeneous spectrum of non-malignant conditions affecting the breast, accounting ... MRCS, MRCOG exam preparation.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of peripheral vertigo, accounting for approximately... MRCP exam preparation.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
The pathophysiology involves both static and dynamic components: the static component arises from physical urethral compression by hyperplastic tissue, while the dynamic component reflects increased smooth muscle tone...
Bipolar Affective Disorder
The disorder typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood, with a mean age of onset between 20-25 years. BPAD carries substantial morbidity and mortality, with standardised mortality ratios approximately...
Blepharitis (Adult)
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the eyelid margins, representing one of the most common causes... FRCOphth exam preparation.
Breaking Bad News (SPIKES)
Breaking bad news is one of the most challenging and important communication tasks in clinical medicine. It refers to the process of conveying information that adversely and seriously affects an individual's view of...
Bulimia Nervosa (BN) - Adult
Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is a severe eating disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappro... MRCPsych exam preparation.
Bullous Pemphigoid
Key Facts Epidemiology : Most common autoimmune blistering disease; incidence 6-43 per million/year globally, increasing over past 3 decades Mean age of onset : 75-80 years; rare before 60 years Target antigens :...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - Adult
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique combining chest compressions and rescue ventilations to maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest. High-quality CPR is the...
Cataracts
A cataract is an opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye, leading to progressive visual impairment. It represen... FRCOphth, Medical Finals exam prepar
Cellulitis and Erysipelas
Cellulitis is a common, spreading bacterial infection of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue, typically presenting with localised heat, redness (erythema), swelling (oedema), and pain. Erysipelas is a superficial...
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
CIN is typically asymptomatic and detected through organized cervical screening programmes using HPV testing and/or cervical cytology. The introduction of HPV-based primary screening has significantly improved...
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious primary infection caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the ... MRCPCH, RCPCH Progress Test exam pre
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Comprehensive evidence-based guide to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis and management including IOM/CDC criteria, post-exertional malaise, severity classification, and energy management...
Chronic Heart Failure
Historically viewed as a "pump failure" problem, it is now understood as a neurohormonal malignancy . Maladaptive activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)...
Chronic Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome resulting from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the ventricle to fill with or eject blood. It represents a major and growing...
Chronic Kidney Disease
It is a silent killer. Most patients are asymptomatic until advanced stages (eGFR less than 15). However, even mild CKD is a potent risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease (Section 9). Patients are far more likely to...
Chronic Limb Ischaemia (Peripheral Arterial Disease)
Chronic limb ischaemia represents the spectrum of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affecting the lower extremities, ranging from asymptomatic disease through intermittent claudication to critical limb-threatening...
Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis
Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) represents a spectrum of progressive liver injury and fibrosis, culminating in Cirrhosis . Cirrhosis is defined histologically as diffuse hepatic fibrosis with the formation of regenerative...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Adults
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable heterogeneous lung condition charac... MRCP, USMLE, FRACP exam preparation.
Community Acquired Pneumonia
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is an acute infection of the lung parenchyma acquired outside of the hospital setting... MRCP, USMLE exam preparation.
Conn's Syndrome (Primary Hyperaldosteronism)
Conn's syndrome, or primary aldosteronism (PA), represents the most common cause of secondary hypertension and potentially curable form of hypertension. First described by Jerome Conn in 1955, it is characterised by...
Constipation (Adult)
Constipation is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterised by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stools, or a sensation of incomplete evacuation. It affects approximately 16% of adults...
Costochondritis
The pathognomonic feature is reproducible, localized tenderness on palpation of the affected costochondral junctions, most frequently involving the 2nd to 5th ribs. Unlike cardiac pain, costochondritis is typically...
COVID-19
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a systemic viral illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute... MRCP, USMLE exam preparation.
Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen Treatment)
Cryotherapy is one of the most commonly performed dermatological procedures worldwide, utilizing extreme cold—most frequently liquid nitrogen at -196°C—to selectively destroy abnormal or unwanted tissue through...
Crystal Arthropathies (Gout & CPPD)
Crystal arthropathies represent a group of inflammatory joint diseases caused by the deposition of crystals within synovial fluid and periarticular tissues. The two principal conditions in this category are gout...
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
The condition is characterized by pain and tenderness over the radial styloid, aggravated by thumb and wrist movements. It classically affects new mothers (hence "Mother's Thumb" or "Baby Wrist") due to repetitive...
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - Adult
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within the deep venous system, most commonly affe... MRCP exam preparation.
Dementia
Diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment including cognitive testing (MMSE, MoCA, ACE-III), exclusion of reversible causes (B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, normal pressure hydrocephalus, depression), and...
Dermatofibroma
While dermatofibromas are entirely benign and require no treatment in the majority of cases, they serve as important clinical entities for several reasons: they are frequent causes of patient anxiety requiring...