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Earache is a common problem, particularly in children. It can be worrying, but it's usually caused by a minor infection and will often get better in a few days without treatment. Find out common causes of earache.

Puberty is when a child's body begins to develop and change as they become an adult. There's not usually any need to worry if puberty doesn't start around the average age. Speak to your GP if it starts before eight years old or hasn't started by around 14 years old.

Earwax is produced inside your ears to protect the lining of the ear canal, trapping dirt and helping to keep out water. It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly. Sometimes too much can build up and block the ears.

Eating disorders can affect men and women. People with an eating disorder worry about what they eat. Food can control their life and stop them making decisions about what they eat and how much they eat. You can get help for an eating disorder from your doctor and specialist services.

Ebola is a rare but severe disease caused by the Ebola virus. It is not an airborne disease and can only be transmitted by physical contact with infected individuals, their blood or bodily fluids; or contact with objects contaminated with infected blood or bodily fluids.

An ectopic pregnancy is when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus (womb). This is usually in one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can be serious, so it's important to get medical advice right away.

Ectropion is where the lower eyelid droops away from the eye and turns outwards. It's not usually serious, but can be uncomfortable. You should see your GP if you think you have ectropion.

Atopic (allergy related) eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of eczema. It mainly affects children, but can also affect adults.

Ejaculation problems are common sexual problems in men. If you have a problem with ejaculation, see your GP who will discuss the problem with you. They may examine you or refer you to a specialist.

An embolism is a blockage in an artery, caused by a foreign body, such as a blood clot. The blood supply to that part of the body is stopped, causing it to lose some or all function. Call 999 if you think you or someone else has an embolism.

Empyema is the medical term for pockets of pus that have collected inside a body cavity (space). They can form if a bacterial infection is left untreated, or if it fails to fully get better with treatment. Empyema is a serious condition which requires urgent treatment.

Encephalitis is an uncommon but serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed (swollen). It can be life-threatening and requires urgent treatment in hospital. Anyone can be affected, but the very young and very old are most at risk.

If you are approaching the end of your life, you are entitled to quality care. You have the right to express your wishes about where you would like to receive care and where you want to die. See information below on end of life care and palliative care.

Endocarditis is a rare and potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium). Contact your GP if you develop any symptoms.

Endometriosis is a common condition in which small pieces of the womb lining (endometrial deposits) are found outside the womb. Women between 30 and 40 years old are more likely to suffer with endometriosis.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is the name for a group of rare inherited skin disorders that cause the skin to become very fragile. Any trauma or friction to the skin can cause painful blisters.

Epiglottitis is inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. It's often caused by an infection, but can sometimes occur as a result of a throat injury. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Dial 999 for an ambulance if you think you or your child has epiglottitis.

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes seizures (fits) to occur. The type of seizures and symptoms they cause can differ from person to person. Epilepsy can start at any age, but it most often begins during childhood.

Erection problems (impotence) are very common. It becomes more common as men get older, particularly in men over aged 40. It can be a distressing symptom, but can resolve itself. You should see a GP if it keeps happening.

Erythema multiforme is usually a mild skin reaction triggered by an infection, or medication, ending in a few weeks. ?Erythema multiforme major, a severe form, can be life-threatening. Erythema multiforme mainly affects adults under 40 years old. See your GP as soon if you think you have?erythema multiforme.

In Erythema nodosum painful, red, rounded lumps typically appear on the shins.?It usually goes away by itself but it can be a sign of something serious.

Essential tremor is a type of uncontrollable shake or tremble of part of the body. It's more severe than ¡®normal tremor¡¯ and it gradually gets worse over time. It's important to visit your GP if you experience frequent or severe tremors, so your symptoms can be investigated.

Exophthalmos, also known as proptosis, is a medical term for a bulging or protruding eyeball or eyeballs. It's most often caused by thyroid eye disease. See your GP or an optometrist (optician) if you notice that one or both of your eyes are protruding.

There are different types of cancer that affect the eyes. Eye cancer doesn't always cause obvious symptoms and may only be picked up during a routine eye test. The symptoms below can be caused by other eye conditions, so it's important to get them checked as soon as possible.

Minor irritation or injury to the front of the eye usually doesn't need treatment and should clear up within 24 hours. See your optician or GP if you are concerned about your injury, or it's not better within 24 hours. More serious injury needs immediate medical assessment.

Eyelid problems are common and rarely serious. See your GP if you're worried. Contact your GP or GP out of hours service immediately, or go to your nearest emergency department, if you also have pain in or around your eye or there is any new, sudden loss of vision.