25 conditions
Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose. This is a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance can develop at any age. See your GP if you think you have symptoms of the condition.Laryngeal (larynx) cancer
Laryngeal cancer affects the larynx (voice box). See your GP if you have had any of the main symptoms for more than three weeks. These symptoms are often caused by other conditions, but it's a good idea to get them checked out.Related conditions
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is inflammation (swelling) of your voice box (the larynx). It's usually caused by an infection or damage to the larynx. In most cases, it gets better without treatment in about one to two weeks. See your GP if your symptoms are severe or haven't improved after two weeks.Related conditions
Learning disabilities
A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things throughout their lifetime. Find out how a learning disability can affect someone and where you can find support.Leg cramps
Leg cramps are a common and usually harmless condition. Cramps happen where the muscles in your leg suddenly become tight and painful. It usually happens in the calf muscles, although it can affect any part of your leg, including your feet and thighs.Leptospirosis (Weil's disease)
Leptospirosis, also called Weil's disease, is an infection you can catch from animals. It's rare in Northern Ireland. See your GP if you have come into contact with the pee of an infected animal and have symptoms of leptospirosis.Leukaemia (acute lymphoblastic)
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells. It progresses rapidly and aggressively and requires immediate treatment. Both adults and children can be affected.Related conditions
Lichen planus
Lichen planus is a non-infectious rash that can affect different parts of your body, including the inside of your mouth. You should see your GP if you think you might have it.Related conditions
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects the skin of the genitals. It usually causes itching and white patches. It’s most common in women who've been through menopause but men and children can be affected. There's currently no cure, but symptoms can normally be controlled with medication.Related conditions
Limp in a child
If your child is limping, it's usually the sign of a minor injury such as a sprain or splinter. But see your GP if there's no obvious cause, as there may be a serious underlying medical conditionLipoedema
Lipoedema is a long-term condition where there's an abnormal build-up of fat cells in the legs, thighs, buttocks and sometimes in the arms. Lipoedema usually only affects women, although in rare cases it can also affect men. See your GP if you have symptoms of lipoedema.Lipoma
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under your skin. They're harmless and don't usually need any treatment.Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a rare infection caused by bacteria called listeria. It usually goes away on its own, but can cause serious problems for some people.Liver cancer
Cancer that begins in the liver is an uncommon, but serious type of cancer. This is different from liver cancer that spreads to the liver after developing elsewhere in the body. See your GP if you notice any symptoms.Related conditions
Liver disease
There are more than 100 different types of liver disease. Find out how the liver works and some specific types of liver disease.Loss of libido
Loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem that affects many men and women at some point in their life. It's often linked to relationship issues, stress or tiredness, but can be a sign of an underlying medical problem, such as reduced hormone levels.Lost or changed sense of smell
A change in your sense of smell can be unpleasant and affect how things taste. But it isn't usually serious and may get better in a few weeks or months. See your GP if your sense of smell doesn't go back to normal in a few weeks.Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is where blood pressure in your arteries is abnormally low. Naturally low blood pressure is unlikely to cause any symptoms and is normally nothing to worry about.Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
A low blood sugar, also called hypoglycaemia or a "hypo", is where the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood drops too low. It mainly affects people with diabetes, especially if you take insulin.Low sperm count
A low sperm count is where a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. Having a low sperm count can make it harder to conceive naturally, although successful pregnancies can still happen.Lumps and swellings
Most lumps and swellings under the skin are harmless and can be left alone. See your GP if you develop a new lump or swelling, so that the cause can be identified.Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. See your GP if you have symptoms.Related conditions
Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – lupus – is a long-term condition. It causes inflammation to the joints, skin and other organs. There's no cure, but symptoms can improve if treatment begins early.Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures found in woodland and heath areas. They feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. Lyme disease can often be treated effectively if it's detected early on.Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. It can affect any part of the body but usually develops in the arms or legs. See your GP if you have symptoms of lymphoedema, such as swelling in your arms and legs.Related conditions