Diseases & Conditions

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterised by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, sudden surges of intense fear accompanied by pronounced physical symptoms that can feel indistinguishable from a heart attack or other medical emergency. Unlike a single panic attack, which many people experience at some point without it indicating a disorder, panic disorder is diagnosed when attacks recur unpredictably and are followed by persistent worry about future attacks or significant changes in behaviour to avoid them. It is a highly treatable condition, but in Nigeria it is frequently misattributed to physical illness, spiritual causes, or "heart problems," leading many people to undergo repeated cardiac or medical investigations before the underlying anxiety disorder is recognised and treated.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) refers to painful open sores (ulcers) that develop on the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). These ulcers form when the protective mucous layer of the digestive tract is damaged, allowing stomach acid to erode the lining. The two most common causes are infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac. Peptic ulcers are very common in Nigeria, partly due to widespread H. pylori infection, high NSAID use, spicy diet, and significant psychological stress. With appropriate treatment, most ulcers heal completely.

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and ranges in severity from mild illness to a life-threatening emergency. Pneumonia is the single leading infectious cause of death in children under five worldwide, including in Nigeria. Elderly people, those with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying lung or heart conditions are also at high risk. Most cases of pneumonia in otherwise healthy adults can be treated effectively with antibiotics or antiviral medication.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterised by irregular ovulation, elevated androgen (male hormone) levels, and often multiple small follicles on the ovaries seen on ultrasound. It is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, affecting an estimated 8-13% of women of reproductive age worldwide, and is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. PCOS is increasingly diagnosed in Nigerian gynaecology clinics, though many women live with undiagnosed or under-treated symptoms for years, often dismissing irregular periods as normal. While there is no cure, PCOS is a manageable long-term condition, and most women achieve good symptom control and successful pregnancies with appropriate treatment.

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterised by new-onset high blood pressure and signs of organ damage (commonly affecting the kidneys and liver), usually developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If untreated, it can progress to eclampsia — the onset of seizures — a life-threatening emergency for both mother and baby. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, remain a leading cause of maternal death in Nigeria, making early detection through regular antenatal care essential.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) describes a cluster of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in a predictable pattern during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically the one to two weeks before a period, and resolve within a few days of bleeding starting. Most women of reproductive age experience at least some premenstrual symptoms, and for most, they are mild and manageable. A smaller proportion experience symptoms severe enough to disrupt daily functioning, and an even smaller group meet criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a more severe form involving significant mood disturbance. PMS is a normal hormonal response for most women, but when symptoms are disabling, effective treatment is available and should be sought rather than endured.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a condition resulting from inadequate intake of protein and calories relative to the body's needs, most commonly affecting young children in low-resource settings. It remains a significant public health concern in parts of Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by food insecurity, poverty, and recurrent infections, and includes conditions such as kwashiorkor and marasmus. Early identification and nutritional support are critical, as PEM affects growth, immunity, and development, especially in children under five.