health_topic.id,health_topic.ts,health_topic.title,health_topic.content
21,"2018-04-19 01:55:00","Alzheimer's disease","Dementia is a syndrome (a group of symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline in mental abilities. While the exact cause is unknown, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may be increased by a range of factors, including: age a family history of the condition previous severe head injuries lifestyle factors and conditions affecting heart and brain health. If you are worried that you may have Alzheimer's disease visit your doctor to get some advice. Your doctor may ask you about any new or worsening problems you may have noticed such as: forgetfulness speech problems such as difficulty finding the right words difficulty in understanding what people are saying personality and mood changes difficulty with performing everyday routine activities. There is no single test that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. If your doctor suspects you may have Alzheimer’s disease, they may refer you to a specialist to confirm the diagnosis. Although Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of ageing, it is more common in older people and may affect about one in four people over the age of 85. Are you a carer or helping someone out?Carers are everyday people who provide unpaid and ongoing care and support to someone they know who has a disability, mental illness, drug or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail. Support for carersLearn more about practical, financial and emotional support and services that are available for carers. For carers services in your state or territory visit Carers Australia. Sources: Alzheimer’s Queensland (Dementia facts), Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (Dementia in Australia), NHS Choices, UK (Alzheimer’s disease), Alzheimer’s Australia (What is dementia) Last reviewed: May 2017"
22,"2018-04-19 01:55:04",Amnesia,"What is amnesia?Amnesia is loss of memory. People with amnesia can struggle to form new memories or remember recent events or experiences. People who have amnesia might also be confused and have trouble learning anything new.But most people with amnesia still remember who they are, and can often remember events from their childhood.Amnesia is not a medical condition on its own, but a description of an experience. It is often a symptom of another condition. It is usually temporary, but can be permanent in some situations.What causes amnesia?Amnesia can be caused by damage to the parts of the brain that are important for memory. This can be due to:concussion or head injurya strokebrain inflammation due to an infection.Amnesia can also be caused by issues that affect the whole brain, such as:psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depressiondementiaalcohol or drug usesome medications, such as sedativesafter losing the supply of oxygen to the brain, such as with a heart attack or heart surgery.When to see a doctorIf you or someone you know are struggling to remember things like close family members’ names, it’s important to see your doctor.And if you have any memory loss at all after a head injury or a suspected concussion, you should see your doctor.Amnesia diagnosisYour doctor will talk to you and examine you. They might also:perform memory teststake a blood test to check for infection or vitamin deficienciestake images of your brain to look for damage.Ways to live with amnesiaIf you have a treatable cause of amnesia, then treatment might allow you to regain your memory.But if you have ongoing amnesia, then apart from treating whatever is causing it, you will need to developing strategies to improve your memory. This can mean:writing down important information using a diary, a notepad, or a smartphonetelling family and friends about important information you need to rememberseeing an occupational therapist or a psychologist who can help you develop strategies for remembering information. Sources: myDr (Amnesia), Mayo Clinic (Amnesia), NHS Choices (Memory loss (amnesia)), myVMC (Memory loss), Brain Foundation (Memory loss), Epilepsy Action Australia (Memory) Last reviewed: June 2016"
23,"2018-04-19 01:55:08",Amyloidosis,"Amyloidosis occurs when the body produces an abnormal protein called amyloid. This protein can collect in different organs in the body such as the kidneys or the heart, and stop them working as well as they should. What causes amyloidosis? It is not known why the amyloid proteins form in some people. Sometimes it is inherited. Sometimes people get amyloidosis already have another chronic condition, such as multiple myeloma, a chronic inflammatory, or a chronic infectious disease such as Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. If amyloidosis is triggered by another condition, it is often called secondary amyloidosis. Sometimes it comes on for no obvious reason. Amyloidosis symptoms The symptoms of amyloidosis will depend on where the amyloid protein builds up in your body. Amyloidosis symptoms might be difficult to tell apart from symptoms of other medical conditions. They can include: tiredness weight loss swelling of the feet and ankles shortness of breath. Amyloidosis diagnosis Because the symptoms of amyloidosis aren’t specific to the condition, it can take some time to be diagnosed. Your doctor will talk to you and examine you, and will probably order blood tests and X-rays. You might need to have a biopsy, where your doctor sends a piece of affected body tissue for examination under a microscope. There are special dyes in the laboratory that will show up the amyloid protein. If amyloidosis is confirmed, your doctor may want to do additional testing to see how it has impacted your body. These tests might include looking at the heart or the kidneys. Amyloidosis treatment Treatment for amyloidosis will depend on the type of amyloid protein being produced by your body and where it builds up. For some types of amyloidosis, medication can help, along with a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant.Some people recover well with treatment, while others have ongoing problems with amyloidosis even after they have had treatment. Your doctor will be able to discuss treatment with you in more detail. Sources: Cancer Directory (Understanding Amyloidosis), myVMC (Amyloidosis), Leukaemia Foundation (AL amyloidosis) Last reviewed: August 2016"
24,"2018-04-19 01:55:09","Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis","What causes MND? The cause is not known. For a few people who develop MND, it seems to run in the family. You can’t catch it from somebody. MND symptoms MND usually starts slowly, sometimes starting on one side of the body and then spreading. Usually, the first things people notice are: weakness in the hands and grip slurred speech weakness in the legs, and a tendency to trip weakness of the shoulder, making lifting difficult cramps and muscles twitching Later on, people with MND: have little or no movement have trouble talking, breathing and swallowing A few people with MND develop a type of dementia. If you have MND, your sense of sight, touch, smell, hearing and taste won’t be affected. MND diagnosis MND can be hard to diagnose when the symptoms first appear because at first, it seems like a lot of other conditions. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist who will examine you and do various tests. These may include: blood tests muscle biopsies studies to measure how well your nerves and muscles work MND treatment There is no cure. Because of this, doctors and others will help you by easing your symptoms and keeping you as mobile as possible for as long as possible. Most people with MND die within two to three years of developing the condition, however some people can live a long time. Sources: MND Australia (What is MND), MND care (MND Aware), Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Motor Neurone Disease), NHS Choices (Motor Neurone disease, introduction), Cochrane (Managing symptoms in motor neurone disease), MND New South Wales (What causes MND) Last reviewed: December 2017"
25,"2018-04-19 01:55:13",Anaemia,"Symptoms of anaemia If you have anaemia, you will feel tired and short of breath, even when doing things you could usually do easily. You may also have a fast or irregular heartbeat, look pale, have cold feet or hands, feel dizzy or have problems thinking. It’s important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Causes of anaemia You can become anaemic if you: don’t make enough healthy red blood cells in your bone marrow – this can be due to an inherited disease, a lack of iron or vitamins in the diet, or bone marrow disease lose red blood cells through bleeding, whether that be heavy periods, a fast bleed or one so slow you didn’t even notice it have a disease that destroys red blood cells. Diagnosis of anaemia If you have anaemia, your doctor will talk to you and examine you to work out how severe the anaemia is, and what the cause could be. You might be asked to have more tests, depending on what your doctor has learnt from talking to you and examining you. Treatment of anaemia The treatment depends on the cause. But there are usually two parts: treating the anaemia itself treating the cause of the anaemia. Prevention of anaemia You can reduce your chances of getting anaemia by: having a healthy diet seeing your doctor if you are feeling unusually tired. Sources: Mayo Clinic (Anemia - Definition), Mayo Clinic (Anemia symptoms), Mayo Clinic (Anemia - Causes), Mayo Clinic (Anemia - Overview), Australian Red Cross (Anaemia), University of Maryland Medical Center (Anemia), Lab Tests Online (Anaemia) Last reviewed: October 2016"
26,"2018-04-19 01:55:16","Anal injury","For example, pain and irritation can result from excessive diarrhoea or constipation, causing trauma to the skin of the anal region from overexposure to digestive juices, excessive toilet paper use or passing of hardened stool (poo). These injuries may lead to pain and tenderness, and sometimes bright red blood spotting on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Sometimes the muscles in and around the anal region go into spasm, and this can lead to a tightening of the sphincter that makes passing stool painful. It can also cause a tear, which can bleed. Anal injuries can also be caused by sexual activity involving insertion of objects, fingers or a penis through the anus and into the rectum. Friction, sharp edges, or rough behaviour can tear the sensitive skin and lining of the rectum, causing pain, inflammation and bleeding. Any injury that causes large amounts of blood loss, persistent pain and inflammation, or the lodging of a foreign object inside the rectum must be seen by a doctor. Check your symptoms with healthdirect’s Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention. If an object, such as a sex toy, is still in place, it needs to be removed urgently by a doctor. Go to the nearest emergency department (ED). You must not try to remove the foreign body by yourself, or allow anybody else present to try – removal may cause more damage if it is done by someone who is not medically trained. Likewise, it is vital that the object is not left inside the rectum for any period of time because it can damage the lining of the rectum and other internal organs or lead to serious, potentially life threatening problems. If the anal area is extremely painful and swollen, a cold compress or covered ice pack, such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel, may be used to relieve the pain and swelling. Do not keep the ice pack on the area for more than 30 minutes. Protect the area while seeking medical attention so that you don’t cause any further damage to the surrounding areas. If you are in pain, get advice on pain relief medicines you can take. If any pain or bleeding from the anal area is associated with sex, stop sex and abstain until reviewed by a doctor. Any anal sex in the presence of broken or damaged skin can increase the risk of transmission of HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can also lead to further damage of the area. You should call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if you: start to bleed heavily are unable to move feel faint or as if you might pass out. Suspicion of deliberate injury If there is any suspicion that the injury was not the result of an accident and that it was deliberately inflicted, you should seek help from a healthcare professional as soon as possible. This could be a nurse or doctor at an emergency department or a doctor’s surgery, or a health visitor or school nurse. You can also search for local services and agencies that can offer confidential advice in the National Health Services Directory. Not sure what to do next? If you are still concerned about your anus, why not use healthdirect’s online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention. The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it’s self care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000). Sources: WebMD (Rectal pain treatment), Medscape (Rectal foreign body removal) Last reviewed: July 2017"
27,"2018-04-19 01:55:23",Anaphylaxis,"If you think someone is having an allergic reaction, seek medical advice urgently as symptoms can worsen rapidly. If breathing is affected, call triple zero (000). Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include: swelling of the mouth, throat or tongue difficulty swallowing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or wheezing difficulty talking a rash that may appear anywhere on the body itching – usually around your eyes, ears, lips, throat or roof of the mouth flushing (feeling hot and red) stomach cramps, feeling or being sick feeling weak collapsing or falling unconscious. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy recommends that for a severe allergic reaction adrenaline is the initial treatment. For further information, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website. If the person has a ‘personal action plan’ to manage a known severe allergy, they may need assistance to follow their plan. This may include administering adrenaline to the person via an autoinjector (such as an Epipen®) if one is available. For more information on anaphylaxis, including setting up a personal action plan, go to www.allergy.org.au. People with diagnosed allergies should avoid all trigger agents and confirmed allergens and have a readily accessible anaphylaxis action plan and medical alert device. It’s wise to ensure your friends and family know how to follow your anaphylaxis action plan too in case you need help. Follow the links below to find trusted information about anaphylaxis. Sources: Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (Anaphylaxis) Last reviewed: November 2016"
28,"2018-04-19 01:55:25",Anemia,"Symptoms of anaemia If you have anaemia, you will feel tired and short of breath, even when doing things you could usually do easily. You may also have a fast or irregular heartbeat, look pale, have cold feet or hands, feel dizzy or have problems thinking. It’s important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Causes of anaemia You can become anaemic if you: don’t make enough healthy red blood cells in your bone marrow – this can be due to an inherited disease, a lack of iron or vitamins in the diet, or bone marrow disease lose red blood cells through bleeding, whether that be heavy periods, a fast bleed or one so slow you didn’t even notice it have a disease that destroys red blood cells. Diagnosis of anaemia If you have anaemia, your doctor will talk to you and examine you to work out how severe the anaemia is, and what the cause could be. You might be asked to have more tests, depending on what your doctor has learnt from talking to you and examining you. Treatment of anaemia The treatment depends on the cause. But there are usually two parts: treating the anaemia itself treating the cause of the anaemia. Prevention of anaemia You can reduce your chances of getting anaemia by: having a healthy diet seeing your doctor if you are feeling unusually tired. Sources: Mayo Clinic (Anemia - Definition), Mayo Clinic (Anemia symptoms), Mayo Clinic (Anemia - Causes), Mayo Clinic (Anemia - Overview), Australian Red Cross (Anaemia), University of Maryland Medical Center (Anemia), Lab Tests Online (Anaemia) Last reviewed: October 2016"
29,"2018-04-19 01:55:26",Aneurysms,"What is an aneurysm? An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery or vein usually caused by a weakening of the vessel wall. The danger of aneurysms is that they can rupture (burst) because the vessel wall is weakened. Aneurysms can occur anywhere. But there are two main types that can result in serious outcomes - aortic aneurysms and brain aneurysms (or cerebral aneurysms). Aortic aneurysms occur in the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Brain aneurysms affect blood vessels in the brain. Aneurysms can be harmless. As long as they don’t rupture, they probably won’t cause any problems. But if they do rupture, it can be very dangerous, causing bleeding and even death. Aneurysms can occur at any age but are more common in adults. Sources: Cochrane Summaries (Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm), Brain Foundation (Aneurysm), myDr (Aneurysm), RACGP (Aortic Aneurysms: Screening, surveillance and referral), Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery (Aortic Aneurysm) Last reviewed: November 2016"
30,"2018-04-19 01:55:29","Angelman syndrome","What is Angelman syndrome? Angelman syndrome is a genetic condition. Most people with Angelman syndrome have a gene called UBE3A that is absent or faulty. When this gene is faulty or missing, nerve cells in the brain are unable to work properly, causing a range of physical and intellectual problems. It can be inherited from your parents, but usually happens by chance, around the time of conception. Signs or symptoms of Angelman syndrome Parents often notice their child isn't developing properly at the age of 6 to 12 months. But it can take a while to pin down the source of the problems. People with Angelman syndrome often: laugh and smile for no apparent reason speak very little, or not at all have severe intellectual disability and delayed development have problems with balance and movement, such as difficulty sitting up without support, walking with stiff legs and making jerky arm movements are restless and excitable need less sleep than most people, especially as children. Some people with Angelman syndrome have: seizures a small head, which is flat at the back certain facial features, such as widely spaced teeth and eyes that look in different directions. Diagnosing Angelman syndrome A paediatrician would examine the child and his or her behaviour. A blood sample would also be taken for genetic testing. If testing is able to show the genetic cause of the syndrome, parents can find out if it is likely to happen again with any future children they may have. Living with Angelman syndrome People with Angelman syndrome have a near-normal life expectancy, but need life-long care to help them achieve the best possible quality of life. Ideally, this care is provided by a team of health professionals. Some treatments and therapies that may help include: medications, such as anti-epilepsy drugs physical supports, such as back or leg braces therapy to improve posture, balance and movement therapy to develop communication skills therapy to help behavioural problems such as hyperactivity. Where to go for help Support for people with Angelman syndrome and their families is available from: Angelman Syndrome Association Australia Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics. More information Visit healthdirect's genetic disorders guide to learn more about genes, types of genetic disorders and where to go for help and more information. Sources: Angelman Syndrome Association Australia (What is Angelman syndrome?), Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (Angelman syndrome), Raising Children Network (Angelman syndrome) Last reviewed: September 2016"
31,"2018-04-19 01:55:33",Angina,"Symptoms of angina Angina can cause: pain or discomfort in the chest, often described as squeezing, pressure or tightness pain in the arms, shoulder, neck or back, even if you don’t have pain in the chest shortness of breath fatigue sweating dizziness nausea If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor. If your pain lasts longer than 10 minutes, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. What causes angina? Angina is caused by insufficient blood flow to the muscles of the heart. Even though the heart is full of blood, this blood is about to be pumped through the body. The muscles of the heart need their own supply of blood. That blood is carried through the coronary arteries, which sit on the outside of the heart. If you have coronary artery disease (also known as coronary heart disease), then these arteries have become narrowed by fatty deposits known as plaques. Narrowed arteries can’t carry as much blood as they should. The lack of blood causes angina. Diagnosis of angina To help diagnose angina, your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and examine you. You will probably be asked to have some of the following tests: an electrocardiogram (ECG) a stress test, which measures blood pressure and heart activity during exercise an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create an image of your heart a CT scan an angiogram What to do if you get angina If you have any symptoms of angina, immediately stop, sit down and rest. If your symptoms are still there once you’ve stopped, take your usual angina medication, if you have some. If the symptoms are still there in 5 minutes, repeat the dose. Tell someone how you’re feeling, whether that’s by phone or simply the nearest person. If the symptoms are getting worse, or are still there in 5 more minutes, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Longer term treatment of angina Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Mild angina will respond well to: a healthier diet increasing physical activity (safely, under the supervision of your doctor) reducing stress quitting smoking, if you smoke Your doctor might prescribe nitrates to relax your blood vessels, so more blood flows to your heart. You might also need other heart medications like beta-blockers or aspirin. If you have severe angina, you might need surgery such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. Your doctor might advise you to join a cardiac rehabilitation program, to help you manage your angina and reduce the risk of further heart problems. More information For more information on angina and other heart conditions, visit the Heart Foundation. You can also check your symptoms using our symptom checker. Sources: Heart Foundation (Angina), Mayo Clinic (Angina Symptoms and causes), Mayo Clinic (Angina: Diagnosis and treatment), Heart Foundation (Medical tests), Western Australian Department of Health (Angina) Last reviewed: January 2018"
32,"2018-04-19 01:55:35","Animal bites","Usually bites are minor, but infections can occur if the skin is broken and bacteria from the saliva (spit) of the animal that has bitten you is passed into your bloodstream. Bites often result in the following types of injury. puncture lacerations abrasions or scrapes bruising and swelling. Bites can be very painful and uncomfortable. You should also pay close attention for signs of an infection developing. Signs of an infection include: swelling redness increasing tenderness around the bite the wound gets more painful discharge from the wound swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck, armpits or groin) shivers or developing a high temperature (over 38°C ). Learn more about bacterial infections, such as tetanus, and how to treat minor wounds or cuts from bites in the ‘Treatment and self-care’ section below. Check your symptoms with healthdirect’s Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention. Dog bites Most dog bites are caused either by a family pet or a dog that belongs to someone you know, such as a neighbour. Dogs can bite anybody, but children under 5 are most at risk. A dog can bite if it: is provoked, stressed or frightened is looking after puppies and gets disturbed is unwell or in pain is disturbed while eating or asleep becomes too excited during play is young. Bites from dogs typically cause a puncture wound in the skin, as well as lacerations (jagged cuts) and abrasions (scrapes or grazes).Young children are more likely to be bitten on the head, neck and face – around the lips, cheek or nose. Dog bites can lead to infection and scarring. Cat bites Cat bites usually cause only minor injuries but they tend to increase the risk of an infection developing. However, because cats have smaller and sharper teeth they can cause very deep puncture wounds, which can sometimes go right down to the bone. Cat bites generally occur on the upper limbs (arms and hands) but children may also be bitten on the face and neck. Learn more about bacterial infections, such as tetanus, or how to treat minor wounds or cuts from bites in the ‘Treatment and self-care’ section below. Bat bites Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) belongs to a group of viruses known as lyssaviruses. ABLV is transmitted from bats to humans, but is very rare. Only 3 cases of ABLV have been recorded since the virus was first identified in 1996. All 3 were in Queensland and were fatal. The early symptoms are flu-like, including headache, fever and fatigue. The best way to prevent yourself from being exposed to ABLV is to avoid handling any bat in Australia. Only people who have been vaccinated against ABLV and who have been trained in the care of bats should ever handle bats or flying foxes. Anyone who comes across an injured bat should contact the local WIRES wildlife rescue network on 1300 094 737. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia you should: immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 5 minutes apply an antiseptic solution or alcohol gel after washing see your doctor – you may need a tetanus injection or other treatment. Treatment and self-care Tetanus Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that releases toxins into the blood stream and can be fatal. If you have been bitten by an animal and the skin is broken, your healthcare professional may recommend that you have a tetanus booster injection. Treating minor wounds or cuts from bites You can easily treat a minor wound or cut. However, a larger or more serious wound or cut will need medical attention. A wound or cut is considered to be deep if tendons or other internal parts can be seen. A gaping wound is one where the edges of the cut cannot be pulled back together. If the wound is still bleeding: cover it with a clean cloth, apply pressure with the palm of your hand, then keep the pressure on the wound for 15 minutes apply pressure directly over the affected area with a pad made from a clean, rolled up piece of material such as a handkerchief or towel; the material should be dampened with clean water if possible since this will reduce the amount of blood soaked up use a bandage to wrap around the pad or dressing; do not wrap the bandage too tightly since it may affect the circulation if the bleeding is very heavy, it may seep through the bandage; you should use a second dressing to cover the first one if the bleeding continues through both bandages and pads, remove the second bandage only and apply a new one do not look at the wound to see if it has stopped bleeding in case removing the pressure causes it to start bleeding again. If the wound is not bleeding: rinse under running water for 2 minutes (it might be easier for you to rinse the injury with a shower head, if possible); pat dry with a clean cloth, then cover the wound with a dry, sterile, non-sticky dressing to help prevent infection check the area daily for signs of infection such as increasing pain, redness, swelling or yellow discharge if you have not had a full course of tetanus immunisation, or if your boosters are not up to date, contact your doctor. if you are in pain, get advice from a pharmacist or doctor on medicines you can take. Not sure what to do next? If you are still concerned about an animal bite, why not use healthdirect’s online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention. The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it’s self-care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000). Sources: Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (Dog bites), Australian Family Physician (Management of mammalian bites), Women's and Children's Health Network (Cuts, grazes and bruises), NSW Health (Rabies and Australian Bat Lyssavirus Infection), Australian Doctor (A systematic approach to the assessment of bite wounds), Queensland Government (Australian Bat Lyssavirus) Last reviewed: August 2017"
33,"2018-04-19 01:55:38","Ankylosing spondylitis","Ankylosing spondylitis can affect other large joints, and may also cause problems in your eyes, skin, bowel and heart. Although there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, treatment can relieve pain and other symptoms. Causes of ankylosing spondylitis The causes of ankylosing spondylitis are not yet understood. However, doctors believe genetics may play a role, because ankylosing spondylitis tends to run in families. Also, most people with ankylosing spondylitis share the same gene (called HLA B27). Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis tend to come and go. The more common symptoms include: back pain or buttock pain, that may be worse in bed at night stiffness in the morning, or after long periods of rest other joint pain pain in tendons and ligaments, such as in the chest wall, soles of the feet, or heels problems with your heart, lungs, bowel, skin or eyes. Many of these symptoms can be a sign of other conditions, so it’s best to seek medical advice to make a diagnosis. Ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis Your doctor will talk to you and examine you. You may also be asked to have an X-ray and blood tests and may be referred to a joint specialist (rheumatologist). Ankylosing spondylitis treatments The aim of treatment is to reduce pain and stiffness, and prevent or delay spinal deformity or other complications. If you have ankylosing spondylitis, your doctor may suggest that you try physiotherapy, including different types of exercise to strengthen your back, encourage movement in the spine and reduce pain. You may also be prescribed anti-inflammatories or other types of medications to relieve inflammation, pain and stiffness. Surgery may be recommended to replace or remove joints or thickened bone. However, most people with ankylosing spondylitis don’t need surgery. Sources: Cochrane Summaries (Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis), Johns Hopkins Medicine (What is ankylosing spondylitis?), The Mayo Clinic (Ankylosing spondylitis), Arthritis Australia (Ankylosing spondylitis), RACGP (Ankylosing spondylitis: an update) Last reviewed: February 2017"
34,"2018-04-19 01:55:39",Anthrax,"Follow the links below to find trusted information about anthrax. Last reviewed: July 2016"
35,"2018-04-19 01:55:49","Antibiotics allergy","If you are allergic to antibiotics, you get signs and symptoms like a rash, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing. A severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, and usually occurs within an hour of taking an antibiotic. A severe allergic reaction is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. You may need to call triple zero (000) and perform first aid. The symptoms of anaphylaxis are: Difficult/noisy breathing Swelling of the tongue Swelling/tightness of the throat Difficulty talking/hoarse voice Wheezing or coughing Dizziness or collapse Pale and floppy (young children) Sometimes you can get less dangerous symptoms before an anaphylaxis, such as: Swelling of the face, lips and/or eyes Hives or welts Abdominal pain or vomiting The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy rrecommends that for a severe allergic reaction adrenaline is the initial treatment. If you are allergic to antibiotics you may be instructed by a doctor how to avoid triggers and if severe may instruct you how to use a self administered adrenalin injection such as epipen. The doctor will record the allergy and type of reaction in your notes and electronic health records and will give you an anaphylaxis action plan. Most allergies are caused by penicillin or antibiotics closely related to penicillin, or by another type of antibiotic called sulfonamides. Feeling nauseous and vomiting after taking antibiotics is usually a side-effect of the medicine, rather than an allergic reaction. Your doctor can usually diagnose allergic reactions to antibiotics by talking to you. He or she may refer you to an allergy specialist, who may ask for skin allergy and blood tests. If you have any other concerns about antibiotics, including possible side effects, contact your doctor. Sources: ASCIA (Sulfonamide antibiotic allergy), ASCIA (Antibiotic allergy) Last reviewed: November 2016"
36,"2018-04-19 01:55:51","Aortic stenosis","What is aortic stenosis? The heart is divided into four chambers – two atria and two ventricles. The two atria receive blood from the lungs and body, and the two ventricles pump blood out to the lungs and body. There are heart valves in between the atria and ventricles, and between the ventricles and the arteries leading out of the heart. The valves allow blood through and then they shut, preventing blood from flowing back the other way. The aortic valve sits between the left ventricle and the aorta, which is the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The word stenosis means constriction or narrowing. In aortic stenosis, the aortic valve is narrowed. This means it gets harder for your heart to push blood out into the aorta. As a result of all this strain on your heart, you might be at risk of angina, irregular heart rhythms or heart failure. Causes of aortic stenosis Around 4 in 1000 people are born with an aortic valve that is shaped differently, with only two cusps (flaps) instead of three. These people can get aortic stenosis earlier in life. But the most common cause of aortic stenosis is that the aortic valve can get hardened or scarred as people get older. A less common cause of aortic stenosis is rheumatic heart disease. Symptoms of aortic stenosis Some people with aortic stenosis don’t have any symptoms, especially if the valve is only a little narrower. Others have: palpitations (heart racing or skipping a beat) fainting during exercise feeling tired or worn out chest pain feeling short of breath. If you’re having symptoms like this, it's a good idea to see your doctor. Diagnosis of aortic stenosis Your doctor will ask you questions and examine you. They might or might not hear a heart murmur when they listen to your heart. Depending on what they find, you might be asked to have tests such as an ECG (electrocardiogram), a chest X-ray and an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart. A chest X-ray can sometimes show a scarred aortic valve. An ECG gives valuable information about your heart, including if your left ventricle is enlarged from the effort of pumping blood through a narrowed valve. An echocardiogram shows how efficiently your heart is pumping and whether any of the valves are narrowed. Treatment of aortic stenosis If you are affected by aortic stenosis, your doctor might advise you not to overexert yourself. If you have no symptoms from your aortic stenosis, your doctor may just want you to have regular check-ups. Some people with aortic stenosis need an operation to remove the aortic valve and replace it with an artificial one. Another operation is sometimes done where your own valve is opened up with a tiny balloon. But this doesn't work as well as replacing the valve. Children with aortic stenosis can sometimes get their aortic valve repaired. However, if the valve is very abnormal it is better to replace it with a new one. Using a balloon to stretch the valve can help for a while, but over time the valve can become narrow again, meaning another operation might need to be done. More information You can read more about how your heart works. You can use Healthdirect’s symptom checker to see whether you should see a doctor. Or you can call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse. Sources: The Heart Foundation (Your heart), My Virtual Medical Centre (Aortic Stenosis), American Heart Association (Aortic Valve Stenosis), Rheumatic Heart Disease Australia (The Australian guideline for prevention, diagnosis and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease), Queensland Health (Sutureless aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (Aortic Stenosis) Last reviewed: August 2016"
37,"2018-04-19 01:55:57","Apnoea (sleep)","The breathing of a person with sleep apnoea can stop for anywhere between a few and 90 seconds, and they wake briefly. These episodes, which can happen many times a night, are known as apnoeas. The sufferer is often unaware of it happening, but will wake feeling tired. Sleep apnoea ranges from mild to severe. In severe cases, sleep can be interrupted hundreds of times each night. Sleep apnoea can affect anyone, but is more common in people who are middle-aged or over, who snore, who are above a healthy weight and who have it in the family. People with naturally narrow throats or nasal passages, and children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids, can also have sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea symptoms The symptoms of sleep apnoea include: pauses in breathing while sleeping, which may be noticed by other people snoring tossing and turning waking up gasping or choking tiredness and feeling unrefreshed after sleep Sleep apnoea complications Sleep apnoea is bad for your health. Apart from making you tired, there is good evidence that people with untreated moderate to severe sleep apnoea have other health problems. They are more likely to have high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease than someone without it. They also have a higher risk of: diabetes stroke poor memory and lack of concentration headaches moodiness, depression and personality change lack of interest in sex, and impotence in men It may also lead to motor vehicle and workplace accidents. Sleep apnoea treatment Treating sleep apnoea will help you sleep more easily, and may reduce the risks. For people with mild sleep apnoea, sleeping on your side (devices like special pillows and rubber wedges can help), losing weight (if you are overweight) and decreasing the amount of alcohol drunk during the evening may be all that is needed. Other options may help, including: avoiding sleeping tablets, which can make sleep apnoea worse quitting smoking if you smoke trying nasal decongestant sprays, if nasal congestion bothers you For people with moderate to severe sleep apnoa, more active treatment may be required, including: an oral appliance fitted by your dentist, such as special mouthguards or splints to wear while you are sleeping - this usually works well for mild sleep apnoea a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) pump, which feeds pressurised air into a face mask to hold your throat open while you sleep - this is often used for moderate to severe sleep apnoea surgery, if you have severe sleep apnoea If you think you may have sleep apnoea, see your doctor. You may be referred to a sleep disorders specialist and asked to participate in an overnight sleep study. This may be done at home or under supervision in a sleep laboratory. Please consult your doctor or a sleep clinic for further information. Sources: Sleep Health Foundation (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea), myVMC (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea), Lung Foundation (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea) Last reviewed: December 2017"
38,"2018-04-19 01:56:01",Appendicitis,"The exact cause of appendicitis is not known, but it may be caused by food or faeces (poo) getting lodged in the appendix. The appendix becomes blocked, then inflamed, then infected. Appendicitis can occur at any age, but is most common in children and young adults. The common symptoms of appendicitis are lower right abdominal (tummy) pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Some people also have diarrhoea. The main treatment for appendicitis is an operation to remove the inflamed appendix. This is known as an appendectomy or appendicectomy. The appendix is not essential for health, and the body functions normally without one. There are no medically proven ways to prevent appendicitis. There is no known diet to prevent appendicitis. Sources: Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (Appendicitis Factsheet) Last reviewed: November 2016"
39,"2018-04-19 01:56:04",Arrhythmia,"What are heart arrhythmias? Arrhythmia is a heart condition where your heart beats abnormally. It is caused by a problem with the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats. The heart can beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some people with heart arrhythmias have coronary heart disease underlying the problem. Some don't. Learn more about the heart. Some types of heart arrhythmias Premature (extra) beats are the most common arrhythmia. Everybody gets these extra beats occasionally but most people don’t notice them. Some heart diseases can cause premature beats, but most of the time they are harmless. An increase in premature beats can happen because of stress, exertion from exercise, caffeine or nicotine. Supraventricular arrhythmias are fast and often irregular heartbeats. The most common form is atrial fibrillation, where the top two chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating normally so the heart doesn't pump blood as effectively. Ventricular arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that start in the lower part of the heart. These are more serious and require medical attention. Bradyarrhythmias (also known as bradycardia) are where the heartbeat is too slow. In some cases, this may make a person feel dizzy and lose consciousness. Heart arrhythmia symptoms Many people with heart arrhythmias have no symptoms at all. But you might become aware of your heat beat, which is known as having palpitations. You might feel: like your heart is skipping a beat like your heart is beating too hard or fast, which is known as having palpitations a racing heartbeat a slow heartbeat an irregular heartbeat a fluttering in your chest chest pain feeling lightheaded or dizzy sweating fainting If you think you might have an arrhythmia, see your doctor. You should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if you feel your heart is beating in an unusual way and you: feel dizzy or light-headed faint feel short of breath have pain in your chest Heart arrhythmia diagnosis If your doctor suspects you have a heart arrhythmia they may recommend the following tests: An electrocardiogram (ECG) that measures and records the electrical activity of your heart. This can be done with a portable ECG known as a Holter monitor. A stress test that measures the capacity of the heart during exercise. A tilt table test if you have symptoms of fainting which measures changes in your heart rate with a change in position from lying down to standing up. Electrophysiology studies that look at the electrical conduction of your heart. Treatment for arrhythmias Treatment for arrhythmias varies widely depending on which arrhythmia you have, your age and your other medical conditions. Your doctor will take these into consideration when recommending treatment. Many arrhythmias are harmless and no treatment is required. If treatment is recommended, options can include: medication (for example beta-blocker medicines are sometimes used to control heart rate) implantable devices (such as a pacemaker which can assist with a slow heart rate), or an implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) for people at risk of more dangerous arrhythmias) surgical ablation (which is sometimes used to treat atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias) The goals of treatment sometimes include: to control the heart rate and keep the heart from beating too fast or too slow to prevent blood clots forming and thereby help prevent a stroke to re-establish the normal rhythm of the heart (if possible) to treat any underlying medical problem that may be contributing to the arrhythmia People with arrhythmias often also have other types of heart problems. It's important to look after your heart to minimise your risk. For more information on a heart healthy lifestyle, visit the Heart Foundation website. Sources: The Heart Foundation Australia (Arrhythmias), Mayo Clinic (Heart arrhythmia), National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (Types of Arrhythmia), Heart (72 Ectopic beats – Frequent, troublesome and not to be dismissed) Last reviewed: February 2018"
40,"2018-04-19 01:56:07",Arteriosclerosis,"Follow the links below to find trusted information about arteriosclerosis. Last reviewed: July 2016"