James Le Fanu

Pruritus is caused by age-related thinning and dryness of the skin which can have various underlying triggers

With 8.6 million adults in England now taking antidepressants, there must be something seriously amiss to trigger such an epidemic of gloom

The condition, which causes impaired mobility, is often confused with dementia or ageing – but a surgical procedure can be life-changing

A condition known as AS can be difficult to distinguish from other causes of back pain, so it’s important to be aware of several features

What exactly is the purpose of this expensive quango with its 13,500 staff? There isn’t a meaningful answer

An aspirin a day could help prevent one of the most common cancers. Its probable benefits should be widely publicised

A regular exercise regime can give better results than surgery in patients suffering from pain associated with narrow arteries

It is only sensible to retire to bed with a couple of paracetamol to calm a fever, but there are benefits to a raised temperature

Coeliac disease may also be a ‘hidden’ cause of three serious neurological syndromes, but is the right diet a remedy?

Ask Dr James: our reader is troubled by horrendous pain

The smooth functioning of the gut, like all complex biological processes, involves the interaction of dozens of different factors

The myriad of benefits linked to ‘wondrous’ weight loss drugs smacks more of a marketing ploy than hard science

Certain innovations, while immensely useful, may not be as satisfactory as that of the original procedure they have displaced

A three-pronged approach is having a major impact on patient numbers and on mortality rates

In his regular column, Dr James Le Fanu answers readers’ questions. This week: halitosis

Ask Dr James: Can you explain my nocturnal hip pain that’s wrecking my sleep?

From Tai Chi to acupressure, previously ‘unorthodox’ complementary therapies have become mainstream

There’s a new wonder drug for cystic fibrosis in town – but the NHS can’t afford it

How steady you are on your feet can indicate how likely you are to live a longer, healthy life. Here are some tips

A new rule would give families the right to insist on a second opinion if concerned that medical treatment is inadequate