Trying to find out more about different illnesses? Here’s a little bit of information about some health conditions. If you’re worried or confused about anything talk to an adult you trust.
Acne
Acne happens when the pores in your skin get blocked. This can happen a lot when you’re growing up because of hormones which can make your skin oily.
There are a whole range of creams you can get to try and sort it out but if your skin is getting you down the doctor might be able to help. Try not to worry – you’re not alone. Most people have had spots at some time in their life even Kate Moss!
Allergy
Allergies happen when your body is very sensitive to some substances, called allergens. If you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, your body starts to thinks it’s under attack so the white blood cells make chemicals called antibodies to try and beat the allergens. When this happens there is a reaction and a chemical called histamine gets released. This is what makes your eyes water and your nose run, makes your skin itchy and bumpy and make your throat and ears sore. Anti-histamine can be taken to fight this reaction.
Arthritis
This is what happens when joints - where the bones meet – get swollen and stiff. It can happen when a person has lost some of the cushion between the bones called cartilage. Someone with arthritis may find it painful to move their joints. You may know some older people with the condition. Many people who have arthritis change their diet to try and make it better.
Asthma
The airways are the tubes that carry air into the lungs and if they get swollen or narrow it can make it difficult to breathe. Lots of things can trigger an asthma attack, like viruses, allergies, smoke and even exercise. People who have asthma can carry an inhaler that helps them to breathe more easily.
Cancer
The body is made up of loads of different sorts of cells that all do different things around the body to make it work. Cancer is a disease that happens when the body makes cells that are not normal. These cells can take over the normal cells and can spread to different parts of the body if a doctor doesn't treat it. People can get very ill from cancer but you can't catch it from being near someone who has it.
If you know someone with cancer and you have questions about it or are worried and want some help call the Macmillan Cancer Support helpline especially for kids called Youthline 0808 80 80 800. It's run Monday to Friday, 9am-10pm.
