Diseases & Conditions

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, ranging from small, isolated patches to complete loss of scalp or body hair. It is not a single disease but a group of conditions with different causes and patterns, the three most common being androgenetic alopecia (genetic, pattern hair loss), alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss), and telogen effluvium (temporary, diffuse shedding triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal change). Hair loss related to hairstyling practices, particularly traction alopecia from tight braiding, weaves, or extensions, is also common and largely preventable. The impact of alopecia is not purely physical: hair carries significant cultural and personal identity value, and hair loss, at any age, can cause considerable psychological distress.

Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood is lower than normal, resulting in reduced ability to carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. It is one of the most prevalent nutritional and health problems in Nigeria, affecting millions of people — particularly women of childbearing age, children under five, and pregnant women. The most common cause in Nigeria is iron deficiency, often compounded by malaria, infections, and poor dietary intake. Anaemia ranges from mild (causing only fatigue) to severe (causing heart failure and death). Identifying and treating the underlying cause is essential for effective management.

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix — a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. It is the most common cause of acute surgical abdominal emergency in Nigeria and worldwide. When the appendix becomes blocked and inflamed, it can fill with pus. If not treated promptly, the appendix can burst (perforate), spilling infection into the abdominal cavity and causing a life-threatening condition called peritonitis. Appendicitis can occur at any age but is most common between the ages of 10 and 30. Surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy) is the standard treatment.

Arthritis is not a single disease but a broad term covering more than 100 conditions characterised by inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) — a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear of cartilage — and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks joint tissue. Other important types include gout, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis. Arthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide, but with proper management most people can maintain an active and fulfilling life.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in which the passages that carry air in and out of the lungs become swollen, narrowed, and clogged with mucus. This makes breathing difficult and triggers recurring episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma affects people of all ages and is one of the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide. While there is currently no cure, asthma can be effectively controlled with the right treatment and a clear action plan, allowing people with asthma to live full, active lives.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain's ability to regulate attention, impulse control, and activity level. It typically begins in childhood, though its presentation changes with age, and a growing number of adults are now being diagnosed after living for years with unrecognised symptoms, often after a child's diagnosis prompts a parent to recognise the same traits in themselves. ADHD is not a result of poor discipline, laziness, or low intelligence; it is a well-documented difference in brain development and neurotransmitter function that responds well to appropriate support and, where needed, treatment. In Nigeria, awareness remains limited and ADHD symptoms in children are frequently misattributed to poor behaviour or lack of discipline, delaying diagnosis and support.