Diseases and illnesses
Here you can find health information and resources, for yourself or someone you care about, on common diseases and illnesses.
In this section
- If you or a family member has abdominal pain, it might be caused by a simple upset tummy – or it could be something more complicated. Learn about causes of minor and more serious abdominal pain, and when to see your doctor. Read more
- Arthritis is a condition which affects your joints, making them stiff, painful and swollen. Arthritis can affect people of any age. Some common kinds of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Read more
- People with asthma have over-sensitive airways that react to triggers that don’t affect other people. If you or a family member has asthma, it’s important that you know what medicines can help control the asthma and what to do in an asthma attack. Read more
- If your child has a bad cough, it’s important to recognise it early. A persistent wet cough can lead to the development of lung diseases such as bronchiectasis. Read more
- Many people suffer from back pain and it can have a variety of causes. If you or a family member has back pain, find out what you can do to help recovery and prevent the pain from returning. Read more
- If you or a family member has bleeding from the anus (back passage or bottom), it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Read more
- If you have a wet cough that just won’t go away, it could lead to bronchiectasis – a disease where you have permanent lung scarring. Learn about bronchiectasis and what to do if you or your child has it. Read more
- Cancer is the country’s single biggest cause of death, although many cancers can be cured if they’re found and treated in time. Find out about some of New Zealand’s most common cancers. Read more
- Chest pain is common and usually caused by something minor. However, it can indicate a serious problem, like a heart attack, blood clot or pneumonia. Find out more about chest pain and when to see your doctor. Read more
- Chickenpox is a very contagious (catching) disease. The virus is spread through the air by infected people when they sneeze or cough, and by touching the chickenpox blisters then touching objects or other people. Read more
- Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection is spread by having unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex. Read more
- If you or a family member has a cold, it means you have a virus that is affecting your head and chest, including your nose, throat, sinuses and ears. Read more
- If your eyes are red and irritated, you may have conjunctivitis. There are two kinds of conjunctivitis: infected and allergic. Find out what the difference is and what to do if you or a family member has conjunctivitis. Read more
- Learn about causes of constipation, and constipation in children and pregnancy. Get self care advice on what to do to prevent constipation and whether to take laxatives. Read more
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a form of lung damage that causes coughing and breathlessness. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Read more
- Croup is a childhood illness that is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold and infect the upper airways. Learn about types of croup, when it's serious, and self-care you can carry out at home. Read more
- Diabetes is a disease where your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, the chemical needed to control your blood sugar levels. Find out about the two different kinds of diabetes, and where to get more information. Read more
- Diarrhoea is when you (or a family member) have to keep going to the toilet to pass loose, watery bowel motions (‘poos’). Read more
- Diphtheria is a throat infection which makes it difficult to breath and swallow. It can be life threatening. It’s rare in New Zealand, and you can keep you and your family safe by making sure you’re up-to-date with the free diphtheria immunisations. Read more
- Dizziness is when you feel faint, light-headed or unsteady. Occasional attacks of dizziness are normal, but dizziness can have serious causes – find out what they are and what to do if you have dizzy spells. Read more
- Learn about common causes of earache, and earache in children and adults. Get advice on when to see your doctor and what you can do at home if you or a family member has earache. Read more
- Endometriosis is a condition that causes painful periods, and in some cases makes it difficult to get pregnant. Read more
- The eye is very complex and injury or disease can easily damage your eye beyond repair. Find out what to do when your eye is injured and when to seek medical help. Read more
- A fever is usually a normal response of your immune system to a virus or bacterial infection. Find out when a fever is something you can take care of at home and when you should see your doctor. Learn about special considerations when a child has a fever, and when an adult has a fever. Read more
- Find out what you can do to avoid getting sick from a food or water-borne disease or parasite. Read more
- Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the virus called herpes simplex (HSV). Herpes is spread through skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Read more
- Genital warts are small lumps that usually grow in and around the genital area. Genital warts are spread from one person to another by skin contact and are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). Read more
- Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhoea can spread through skin contact during sex. The infection is easily treated with antibiotics. Read more
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacteria which causes serious illness in young children. It can be life threatening, and was very common before a vaccine was introduced. Find out about the free Hib immunisation available to your children. Read more
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease can be a mild or a very serious illness. It is caused by a virus. Read more
- Headaches are very common. There is a wide variation in the type of pain you could experience with a headache, and how long it may last. Read more
- Heart (cardiovascular) disease is when your heart or blood vessels aren’t working properly. Heart disease can include angina and heart attacks. Read more
- Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease. It’s rare in New Zealand. If you’re travelling overseas, there’s a vaccination which can help protect you from hepatitis A. Read more
- Hepatitis B is a liver disease which was common in New Zealand until a vaccine was introduced. Find out about getting your child immunised against hepatitis B. Read more
- Many New Zealanders have chronic hepatitis C and don’t know it. Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus that attacks the liver, causing inflammation, liver disease and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). Read more
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) damages the immune system. It’s spread through unprotected sex and contact with infected blood, and mothers can pass it onto their babies. HIV can lead to AIDS. Read more
- Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of conditions where the intestine becomes inflamed. This leads to symptoms such as diarrhoea and stomach pain. Read more
- Influenza – or the flu – is a virus that spreads quickly from person to person. Symptoms include fever, chills, aches, runny nose, a cough and stomach upset. Immunisation is your best defence against the flu. Read more
- Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition. It causes an upset stomach, with bloating, stomach pains and alternating constipation and diarrhoea. Read more
- Kidney disease stops your kidneys from cleaning your blood properly and can lead to kidney failure. Find out if you are at risk of chronic kidney disease, and how to prevent or slow down further damage. Read more
- Mastitis is a common reason for pain during breastfeeding. It’s an inflammation caused by blocked ducts inside the breast. Learn how to recognise and treat mastitis, and what to do if the duct becomes infected. Read more
- Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be life threatening. Find out what the symptoms are and how immunisation can protect you and your family. Read more
- Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes two very serious illnesses: meningitis (an infection of the membranes that cover the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Find out what the symptoms are and how to keep your family safe. Read more
- Mumps is a virus that causes swelling in the glands around the face. In some cases it can lead to meningitis. You can protect your child against mumps by making sure they get their free MMR vaccinations. Read more
- Many people suffer from neck pain and it can have a variety of causes. If you or a family member has neck pain, find out what you can do to help recovery and prevent the pain from returning. Read more
- Osteoporosis is when your bones become thin and brittle. It’s most common in older people, and means you’re more at risk of breaks and fractures. Read more
- Pneumococcal disease is a term for the range of illnesses cause by pneumococcal bacteria – illnesses which may be life threatening. Find out how to keep your family safe by making sure your children get their free pneumococcal immunisations. Read more
- Polio is serious illness that can lead to meningitis or paralysis. You can protect your family from polio by making sure your children get their free polio immunisations. Read more
- There are many different kinds of rash. They have a variety of causes, such as diseases, allergies and fungal infections. Access the DermNet NZ website to learn more. Read more
- Rheumatic fever is an illness that can result from untreated ‘strep throat’. It can lead to rheumatic heart disease, which is life-threatening and can cause serious heart damage. If you or your child has a sore throat it is important to seek medical assistance. Read more
- Rotavirus is a common disease among children and babies. It causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and can lead to serious dehydration. Find out what to do if your child has rotavirus and how to stop it spreading. Read more
- Rubella is usually a mild disease, but if a pregnant woman catches it, it can lead to birth defects in her unborn baby. You can help stop rubella spreading in your community by making sure your children get their free MMR vaccinations. Read more
- Scabies are small mites that burrow under the skin, causing a very itchy rash. Read more
- Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for your health and wellbeing. Find out what some common sleep problems are and where to find more information. Read more
- Impetigo or school sores is an infection that’s common in children and it’s very catching. However it is a serious condition which can lead to severe illness if not treated straight away. Read more
- Shingles is an infection that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. You can only get shingles if you've had chickenpox in the past (usually as a child). Read more
- Slapped cheek (also known as fifth disease) is an infection that usually affects children. It causes bright red cheeks – like you’ve been slapped – and a lace-like rash on the body. Read more
- Having a sore throat is very common. The discomfort can range from a scratchy feeling to severe pain. Read more
- If you have a stroke, the blood supply to your brain is cut off. After a few minutes without oxygen and food from your blood, your brain begins to suffer damage. Read more
- Tetanus is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria usually found in the soil. Read more
- Thrush is a fungal infection which can affect breastfeeding women and their babies. Learn how to recognise thrush and how to treat it. Read more
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that most commonly affects the lungs, but can also affect the lymph nodes, bones, joints and kidneys. Read more
- Learn more about common urinary problems, including frequent, painful, difficult and uncontrolled passing of urine. Read more
- Vertigo is a disorder of your balance system that makes you feel as though you are spinning, falling or tumbling in space, or standing still while your surroundings are moving. Find out the symptoms of vertigo, and what to do if you or a family member has it. Read more
- If you or a family member is vomiting, it is often because your body is trying to get rid of germs or some other toxin. Vomiting can be one-off or can continue for a while. Read more
- Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly infectious disease spread by coughing and sneezing. It’s caused by bacteria which damage the breathing tubes. Read more
Page last updated: 21 February 2013
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