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41 | 2018-04-19 01:56:09 | Arthritis | An overview of arthritis Arthritis is not one disease alone, but an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints of the body. Joints are points where two or more bones meet, such as in the wrist, knuckles, hips, knees and ankles. The three most common types of arthritis found in Australians are: osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis gout. Other types of arthritis include: juvenile arthritis ankylosing spondylitis systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) scleroderma. Symptoms of arthritis The symptoms of arthritis vary from person to person. But if you have arthritis, you will almost certainly have symptoms relating to your joints, such as: pain swelling redness and heat stiffness or reduced movement. Some people also get other problems outside their joints. Other common symptoms include: tiredness weight loss skin problems feeling unwell. Diagnosing arthritis If you have any symptoms of arthritis, it is important you see your doctor to get a diagnosis and start treatment. Without treatment, the condition may get worse and cause long-term damage. Some types of arthritis can be difficult to diagnose, so it may take a few visits and tests to get a definite diagnosis. Your doctor may also need to refer you to a rheumatologist, who specialises in conditions that affect the joints. Treating arthritis For many types of arthritis, there are treatments available that can help control symptoms and prevent damage to the joints. The most appropriate treatment will depend on which type of arthritis you have, which joints are affected, and the symptoms you have. Treatment might include: medications, such as pain-killers, anti-inflammatory drugs or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (used for inflammatory forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis) pain management techniques, such as meditation. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to replace or repair damaged joints. Living with arthritis There are many things you can do to help manage arthritis so you can meet the demands of daily life. Among the most important things are to: maintain a healthy weight eat a well-balanced diet exercise regularly learn ways to manage your pain seek support when you need it. Additional information about arthritis For more information on arthritis, how to manage it, and to learn about the support available, you can contact Arthritis Australia on 1800 011 041. Sources: Arthritis Australia (10 Steps for living well with arthritis), The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of early rheumatoid arthritis), Arthritis Australia (What is arthritis), Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (Recommendations for the non-surgical management of hip and knee osteoarthritis), Lab Tests Online (Osteoarthritis), Arthritis Australia (Arthritis information sheets: areas of the body) Last reviewed: February 2017 |
42 | 2018-04-19 01:56:15 | Arthritis and children (Juvenile arthritis) | What is juvenile arthritis? Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. When arthritis develops in someone under 16, it is called juvenile arthritis. Arthritis in children can be mild or severe and may last for months or years. It can be similar to or different from arthritis in adults. Types of juvenile arthritis There are several different types of juvenile arthritis. The main types are: oligoarticular/pauciarticular – the most common type, usually begins at 2–4 years of age, and affects up to 4 joints polyarticular – develops in children 1–12 years of age, and affects 5 or more joints. Less common types of juvenile arthritis include: systemic – involves other symptoms such as fever and rash enthesitis-related – affects the points where bones meet tendons and ligaments psoriatic – affects the skin as well as joints. Doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating juvenile arthritis are called paediatric rheumatologists. Symptoms of juvenile arthritis The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary and can occur at different times for different children. Common symptoms include: swelling, pain and stiffness in one or more joints (especially after rest) for at least 6 weeks the skin over the joints being warm to the touch, or red. Less common symptoms are: fever rash loss of appetite. Some forms of juvenile arthritis can affect areas of the body, such as the skin, internal organs, eyes and bones. If you think your child may have arthritis, it’s important to take them to a doctor. Clinical guidelines in Australia recommend that children with arthritis are diagnosed as early as possible so they can get necessary treatment to try to prevent any long-term joint damage or disability. Treating juvenile arthritis Children with juvenile arthritis are usually treated by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. This may include doctors (the child’s family doctor, rheumatologist or any other relevant specialists), nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists and social workers. Treatment can include: pain killers (for example, paracetamol) and anti-inflammatories (for example, ibuprofen) to help control pain and swelling other medications, such as steroids or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) exercises to help with joint mobility, muscle strength, and pain splints to help with the support or use of a joint. More information You can get more information from speaking to your doctor or specialist, and from the Arthritis Australia website. Sources: Arthritis Australia (Juvenile arthritis), Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis), The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne - Rheumatology (For Parents), Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (Commonly used treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis) Last reviewed: February 2017 |
43 | 2018-04-19 01:56:21 | Arthroscopy | Why have an arthroscopy? An arthroscopy is done when a doctor wants to inspect the inside of a joint. They use an instrument called an arthroscope which is a small, fibre-optic video camera attached to a narrow tube. The arthroscope can take live images inside the joint. Arthroscopy can be used to help diagnose a problem in a joint, and can also help guide surgical repair of a joint problem. The surgery is done with narrow, pencil-shaped surgical implements, which cause less damage than open surgery. Arthroscopy is most commonly used at the: knee ankle hip shoulder elbow wrist The Australian Government and most orthopaedic surgeons recommend against using arthroscopy for osteoarthritis of the knee. Research shows that doing an arthroscopy for this condition is not effective. During an arthroscopy a surgeon uses an arthroscope to see inside the joint. How to prepare for the procedure Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of arthroscopy for your condition. Before agreeing to the surgery, ask if there is another option, such as: losing weight pain relief anti-inflammatory medication exercise physiotherapy Before an arthroscopy, the doctor will examine the joint and might ask for x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other scans, plus blood or other tests. If you choose to go ahead with surgery, you might be told to stop taking certain medications, quit smoking (if you smoke) and lose weight (if you’re overweight). Read more about preparing for surgery here. What happens during an arthroscopy? Arthroscopy is often done as day surgery. Depending on the joint involved and your health, you might have some form of local anaesthetic, or perhaps a general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make a tiny cut near the joint and insert the arthroscope. The images taken from inside your joint will be shown on a video monitor. The surgeon might be able to see what is causing your problem. If surgery is needed, the surgeon may make a few more narrow cuts and insert surgical instruments to fix particular types of joint problem. Examples of surgery done during arthroscopies include: reconstructing a torn ligament in the knee treating tennis elbow fixing a recurring shoulder dislocation After the surgery, the wounds will be stitched or closed with special tape and then bandaged. The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours. What to expect after an arthroscopy You will have some pain, swelling, bruising and stiffness after the surgery. You can take pain medication to help ease it. You might also need to: raise the part of the body that had the arthroscopy apply ice packs to reduce swelling use a splint, supportive brace or crutches do special exercises or physiotherapy to strengthen your muscles and prevent joint stiffness You might need to take a few days or a week off before you can return to work or school. You will be asked to avoid vigorous activity for the first few weeks. It can take weeks or months before the joint feels normal. What can go wrong? Any type of surgery has some risks. While most arthroscopies go smoothly, possible complications can include: infection blood clots bleeding inside the joint nerve damage or numbness ongoing pain Contact your doctor immediately if you have: high fever severe pain redness or excess swelling around the wounds numbness bad smelling fluid leaking from the incisions Sources: NHS Choices (Arthroscopy), Mayo Clinic (Arthroscopy), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (Arthroscopy), WebMD (What is arthroscopy?), Australian Orthopaedic Association (Position statement from the Australian Knee Society on arthroscopic surgery of the knee, including reference to the presence of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease), ABC Health and Wellbeing (Why have knee surgery that’s ‘no better than a placebo’?), Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (New clinical care standards set the benchmark for treating knee osteoarthritis) Last reviewed: February 2018 |
44 | 2018-04-19 01:56:25 | Asbestosis | Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos dust. Inhaling asbestos dust can cause scarring in the lungs and in the pleural membrane (lining) that surrounds the lungs. People with asbestosis have difficulty breathing, often have a cough and, in severe cases, have an enlarged heart. Symptoms usually occur 10 to 20 years after exposure to asbestos dust. Symptomatic treatment such as oxygen therapy may help, but the lung damage is not reversible. Follow the links below to find trusted information about asbestos and lung disease, including asbestosis. Last reviewed: July 2016 |
45 | 2018-04-19 01:56:29 | Asperger's syndrome | It seems that the brains of people with Asperger’s syndrome do not deal with information in the same way as the brains of others do. People with Asperger’s syndrome often have average or above average intelligence, and can be quite creative, but they often find life hard. In particular, they find it hard to communicate and interact with other people. For example, people with Asperger’s syndrome often: struggle to express themselves find it hard to understand others find it hard to make friends find it hard to work out what others might be thinking find it hard to use their imagination. These difficulties can lead to anxiety, confusion and frustration for the person with Asperger’s syndrome, and sometimes for their family and friends. Asperger’s syndrome is usually diagnosed in childhood, but some people don’t recognise the condition until they are adults. It’s not clear what causes Asperger’s syndrome. It’s likely that genes play a part, although it's unclear whether the condition is influenced by upbringing or social circumstances. There is no evidence to suggest that vaccines cause Asperger’s syndrome. A diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome can help an adult or child and their carers understand their feelings and behaviour. It can also assist in getting help and support. With support and encouragement, people with Asperger’s can lead a full and independent life. Support for carersAre you caring for someone with Asperger's syndrome? Find practical information and useful resources for carers on Carer Gateway. You can also learn more about carer support and services in your state or territory through Carers Australia. Sources: Autism spectrum (Asperger's or Autism? What are the different types?), National Autistic Society (Position statement: causes of autism), National Autistic Society (Position statement: MMR vaccine), Autism spectrum (Characteristics), National Autisitic Society (What is Asperger syndrome?), Raising Children Network (DSM-5: autism spectrum disorder diagnosis) Last reviewed: November 2016 |
46 | 2018-04-19 01:56:33 | Asthma | Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition caused by hypersensitivity and inflammation of the airways. Symptoms include a cough, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness, and can vary in severity from person to person. When asthma symptoms get significantly worse, it is known as an 'asthma attack'. Call triple zero (000) to seek immediate help if you or someone else has severe symptoms of asthma. Your doctor can normally diagnose asthma by asking you questions and doing tests. They will want to know when and how often symptoms happen, and if you have noticed anything that might trigger them. A trigger is anything that irritates the airways and brings on the symptoms of asthma. These differ from person to person, and people with asthma may have several triggers. Common triggers include house dust mites, animal fur, pollen, tobacco smoke, exercise, cold air and chest infections. Your doctor will also want to know if you have been taking any medicines, what your occupation is, whether you smoke or are exposed to passive smoking, as well as details about your work and home environment. Visit Asthma Australia website or the National Asthma Council website for more information on asthma, or call Asthma Assist on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462). Are you caring for someone with asthma?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 carersFind practical information and useful resources for carers on Carer Gateway. You can also learn more about carers' support and services in your state or territory through Carers Australia. Sources: NHS Choices, UK (Asthma), Asthma Australia (My asthma action plan - pdf), Asthma Australia (Asthma Assist), National Asthma Council (Understanding Asthma) Last reviewed: July 2016 |
47 | 2018-04-19 01:56:37 | Asthma (pregnancy) | However, if your asthma is being treated with oral steroid medication (tablets or syrup, not puffers), check with your doctor about the safety of this treatment while pregnant. Most asthma medicines have been shown to be extremely safe for both you and your developing baby, and will ensure that your asthma symptoms are not left untreated for the duration of your pregnancy. Untreated symptoms may be harmful for the baby. Your asthma management plan should be reviewed regularly throughout pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma is far more of a danger to your pregnancy than any of your prescribed asthma medicines. Do not stop taking either your preventer or reliever asthma medicines without consulting your doctor first. Some pregnant women with asthma actually experience an improvement in their asthma symptoms, possibly due to increased levels of cortisone in the body during pregnancy. Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping taking any types of medicines during pregnancy. Effect on pregnancy Many women experience breathlessness during pregnancy which is due to hormonal changes, not asthma. Many women also experience breathlessness during the last trimester of their pregnancy due to the enlarging uterus restricting movement of their diaphragm. This is normal in many pregnant women, even those who do not have asthma. Pregnancy is not likely to bring on asthma if you didn’t previously have it, but the effect of pregnancy on women who do have asthma is unpredictable. Around one-third of pregnant women will see an improvement, one-third will see no change and one-third will experience a worsening of their symptoms. The best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy is to keep your asthma well-controlled. As soon as you find out you’re pregnant you should see your doctor for advice on how to manage your asthma. Some women with severe asthma may develop high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. There is an increased risk of having a low-birth weight baby or a pre-term delivery in women with uncontrolled asthma. Managing your asthma during pregnancy If you have asthma, you should have a self-management plan, which means that you can adjust your treatment to meet your needs. For example, if you have a cough or cold your asthma may get worse, in which case you can increase your ‘preventer’ (inhaled steroids), or start them if you don’t take them regularly. This is completely safe during pregnancy. While you can continue to exercise and work normally, there are some steps you can take to try to prevent your asthma from getting worse during your pregnancy: avoid smoking (get tips on stopping smoking in pregnancy) avoid allergic triggers such as pet fur control hay fever with antihistamines – talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which antihistamines are safe to take in pregnancy avoid your usual hay fever triggers. Signs that your asthma may be getting worse include: a cough that is worse at night or in the early morning, or when you exercise wheezing breathlessness tightness in your chest. You are also more likely to suffer from acid reflux while you’re pregnant. This condition occurs when stomach acid leaks back up into your oesophagus (gullet), and tends to make asthma worse. If you have these symptoms speak to your doctor or asthma specialist, who will advise you on the best treatment. Giving birth Taking asthma medicines during pregnancy does not delay or lengthen labour time. Talk to your doctor before your labour about how your asthma may affect the birth, and ask them to advise other medical staff of your special needs. Pain relieving drugs are available for use by women with asthma during labour and your options for pain management can be discussed with your doctor. Breastfeeding While asthma medicines do enter breast milk, the extremely small concentrations do not harm the baby in any way. See your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding breastfeeding your baby. Will my child have asthma too? The cause of asthma remains unknown, although there is an increased risk of a child developing asthma if they have a parent or brother or sister who has asthma. Protecting your child from cigarette smoke, during pregnancy and afterwards, is recommended to reduce the risk of your child developing asthma. Doctors also recommend breastfeeding for the first 6 months as a means of reducing the likelihood of your child developing asthma and allergy. Sources: NHS Choices, UK (Asthma and pregnancy), National Asthma Council (Pregnancy and asthma) Last reviewed: July 2016 |
48 | 2018-04-19 01:56:41 | Astigmatism | Astigmatism may be present from birth, develop as you age, or may be due to injury or disease. Eye check-ups can diagnose astigmatism and it can be treated with glasses, contact lenses or laser eye surgery. What is astigmatism? The shape of the outside surface of your eye (the cornea) and the lens inside your cornea are important for focusing and clear vision. Astigmatism occurs when the shape of the cornea or the lens of the eye is not a perfectly smooth curve. The result is blurred vision – mildly blurred for some people, severely blurred for others. Causes of astigmatism Astigmatism may be present at birth or develop with ageing, and may have an hereditary component. It can also result from eye disease or injury. Types of astigmatism There are two types of astigmatism: regular – where the cornea is curved more in one direction (say vertically) than the other (say horizontally) irregular – where the curvature of the cornea is uneven across the surface of the eye. Symptoms of astigmatism blurred vision headaches tiredness |
49 | 2018-04-19 01:56:46 | Atherosclerosis (peripheral) | If your doctor suspects you have peripheral vascular disease, they will usually carry out a physical examination of your leg. You may have no signs or symptoms, or you may have: shiny skin brittle toenails hair loss pain when you walk pain when you are resting While it is not immediately life-threatening, the fact that peripheral vascular disease has developed suggests that you have a high degree of atherosclerosis, giving you a much higher risk of developing another more serious cardiovascular disease such as: coronary heart disease - a condition where the supply of blood to the heart is restricted, putting you at risk of a heart attack stroke Sources: Australia and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery (Intermittent Claudication & Peripheral Vascular Disease), RACGP Australian Family Physician (Arteries and veins - Peripheral arterial disease), MyDr (Peripheral arterial disease), Mayo Clinic (Peripheral artery disease), NHS Choices UK (Peripheral arterial disease) Last reviewed: January 2018 |
50 | 2018-04-19 01:56:52 | Athletes foot | What is tinea? Tinea is a common skin condition caused by a fungal infection. The fungus thrives best in warm moist environments, so areas like the feet ('athletes foot'), the groin ('jock itch'), the scalp and body (such as under the breasts) and sometimes the toe or finger nails are ideal places for the fungus to grow. Tinea symptoms Symptoms can include a red flaky rash that can crack split and peel, blistering and itching. Sometimes the rash appears in a circular ring pattern which is called ‘ringworm’ and can be a little misleading because there is no worm involved. If tinea forms in the nails they may develop a yellow or white discolouration. If tinea forms on the scalp, bald spots may occur. Types of tinea Tinea infections can affect many areas of the skin and depending on their location and fungal type, the infection has different names: Athlete's foot (tinea pedis): fungal infection of the skin on the feet. Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis): fungal infection that develops on the head. Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis): fungal infection of the body that develops on the top layer of the skin. Jock itch (tinea cruris): a rash in the moist, warm areas of the groin. Nail infection (onychomycosis): a fungal infection of the toe or finger nails. Most tinea infections are mild and can affect anybody. Young people and men tend to be affected more by tinea on the foot ('athletes foot'). In addition, people who play a lot of sport, spend time in communal changing rooms and showers, or wear trainers (sneakers) are more likely to be affected. Tinea treatments The infected area should be kept clean and dry as the fungi prefer to grow in moist, warm conditions. Tinea is treated with antifungal medicines and generally clears up within four weeks.You can purchase these creams from any pharmacy and some supermarkets. Follow the application instructions on the package carefully and speak to your pharmacist if you have questions. Although rare, tinea can spread to other areas of the body, so good personal hygiene is important to prevent the infection spreading. Go to this page for more information about tinea treatments and prevention. Not sure what to do next? If you are still concerned about your tinea, 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: Patient (Dermatophytosis (Tinea Infections)) Last reviewed: August 2017 |
51 | 2018-04-19 01:56:54 | Atrial fibrillation | It’s important to recognise and treat atrial fibrillation to help prevent serious complications. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation Some people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms. Others have: heart palpitations or ‘fluttering’ heartbeat an irregular pulse dizziness or fainting spells weakness or tiredness chest pain (if you have chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes, or any other heart attack warning signs, call triple zero (000) immediately). Atrial fibrillation can occur as a one-off episode, or can come and go, or can persist. Atrial fibrillation diagnosis Atrial fibrillation is usually diagnosed on an electrocardiogram, or ECG. If you have atrial fibrillation, then your doctor will talk to you and examine you, and may order some other tests such as a 24 hour heart monitor (called a holter monitor) or an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). Atrial fibrillation treatments Treatments for atrial fibrillation include: medicines to make your heart beat normally again procedures to make your heart beat normally again medicines to slow your heart rate. If you have atrial fibrillation, you are at a higher than normal risk of having a clot form in your heart. If this breaks off, it can cause a stroke. So some people with atrial fibrillation are advised to take medicines to thin their blood, to reduce the risk of a stroke. Long-term management of atrial fibrillation Most people are able to manage their atrial fibrillation and lead a relatively normal life. To look after your heart, it’s important to take medications as prescribed, eat healthily, stay physically active, avoid smoking, look after your general health, and visit your doctor regularly. Sources: Heart Foundation (Atrial fibrillation - arrhythmia), NPS Medicinewise (What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?), Heart Foundation (Atrial fibrillation information sheet (PDF)), Mayo Clinic (Atrial fibrillation), NPS Medicinewise (Medicines and treatments for atrial fibrillation) Last reviewed: March 2017 |
52 | 2018-04-19 01:57:00 | Attention deficit disorder (ADD or ADHD) | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is characterised by symptoms including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. These symptoms are associated with learning, behavioural and emotional problems. Types of ADHD There are 3 types of ADHD: Inattentive ADHD means a person is easily distractible or inattentive but isn’t hyperactive or impulsive. Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD occurs when a person has symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity, but can maintain concentration. Combined ADHD is where a person has a mixture of symptoms including hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Treatment for ADHD Everyone gets restless and distracted from time to time. But for people with ADHD it can be extremely hard to stay focused on a task. The good news is that ADHD is treatable. Psychological and behaviour therapies, and medication can all be effective. For children, positive parenting techniques are also recommended. Sources: Royal Children's Hospital (ADHD - an overview), Adults with ADHD (About Adult ADHD factsheet), Australian Psychological Society (ADHD), Women's and Children’s Health Network (ADD and ADHD - what are they?), Better Health Channel (ADHD) Last reviewed: July 2016 |
53 | 2018-04-19 01:57:05 | Autoimmune diseases | What is the immune system? The immune system incorporates different parts of the body – including certain blood cells, skin, bone marrow and more – that work to keep you healthy. The immune system protects you from infection by detecting and fighting diseases. If infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses get into your body, immune cells usually kill or overwhelm them, removing the infection. This is known as the immune response. Causes of autoimmune disease Autoimmune disease occurs when, instead of attacking bacteria, viruses or other sources of infection, the immune system attacks healthy organs and tissues. It's not known why this happens, although autoimmune conditions most often affect people with a genetic predisposition. An environmental factor such as an infection, stress, medication, diet or even ultraviolet radiation then triggers the symptoms of the autoimmune disease. Microorganisms that live in the gut might also influence autoimmune responses. While this explains why autoimmune disease occurs generally, it’s not usually possible for doctors to determine why it occurs in an individual. Types and symptoms of autoimmune disease There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Most of them are long-term illnesses, with the severity of symptoms changing over time. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases include: Coeliac disease – the immune system reacts to gluten (found in wheat and other grains) and damages the small intestine. Coeliac disease causes flatulence, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Lupus – many parts of the body can be affected, including the skin, muscles, joints, lungs, heart and kidneys. Rheumatoid arthritis – bone and cartilage are damaged, causing tender, swollen and stiff joints. Graves’ disease – the thyroid gland is overactive, causing anxiety, heart palpitations, weight loss and irritated or bulging eyes. Multiple sclerosis – the nervous system is affected, causing muscle weakness and poor coordination, sight problems and, in some cases, cognitive difficulties. Type 1 diabetes – the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels, resulting in thirst, hunger and frequent urination. Most people have signs and symptoms of autoimmune disorders for a long time before they seek help. It can also take a long time to diagnose an autoimmune disease because some symptoms, such as tiredness and ‘just not feeling right’, are commonly felt by many adults, while symptoms can come and go. With most conditions, there is no one test that confirms a diagnosis. If you think you might have an autoimmune disease, use the healthdirect Symptom Checker and see your doctor. They will investigate your symptoms more closely, examine you and ask you about your general health. They might arrange a blood test, x-ray, MRI or biopsy. Depending on your condition, your doctor might also refer you to a specialist for further investigation or advice on treatment options. Treatment of autoimmune disease While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, help is available. People diagnosed with autoimmune diseases often benefit from: a healthy diet maintaining a healthy weight plenty of sleep achieving the right combination of rest and exercise reducing stress where possible, and finding ways to deal with unavoidable stress Specific medicines and lifestyle changes can help. For example, people with type 1 diabetes inject insulin, while those with autoimmune diseases that affect skin receive advice about the sun, bathing, creams and lotions. People with Coeliac disease must follow a gluten-free diet. In some people, autoimmune diseases can be mild, while others will need to invest a lot of time and care in managing their condition. However, most people with autoimmune conditions are able to live a full and enjoyable life. Where to seek more help You can find organisations that support people with specific autoimmune diseases at these sites: Autoimmune Resource & Research Centre Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Sources: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports (Do Bugs Control Our Fate - The Influence of the Microbiome on Autoimmunity), Nature Reviews Endocrinology (Diagnosis and management of Graves disease - a global overview), EPMA Journal (Vaccination and autoimmune diseases - is prevention of adverse health effects on the horizon), The Lancet (Immunopathogenic mechanisms of systemic autoimmune disease), Autoimmune Diseases journal (How Does Age at Onset Influence the Outcome of Autoimmune Diseases), Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology (Environmental basis of autoimmunity), The Lancet (Rheumatoid arthritis), Expert Review of Clinical Immunology (Celiac disease and endocrine autoimmune disorders in children - an update), Australasian Society of Clinical Allergy and Immunology (Autoimmune Diseases), BMC Gastroenterology (A gluten-free diet effectively reduces symptoms and health care consumption in a Swedish celiac disease population), Pharmacy and Therapeutics (Lupus An Overview of the Disease And Management Options), Family Physician (Evaluating and managing patients with thyrotoxicosis), Perspectives in Medicinal Chemistry (Multiple Sclerosis - Overview of Disease-Modifying Agents), Diabetes Australia (Type 1 Diabetes), Thyroid Foundation (Autoimmune disease), American Journal of Epidemiology (Prediction and Prevention of Autoimmune Disease in the 21st Century) Last reviewed: January 2018 |
54 | 2018-04-19 01:57:10 | Avian influenza | Follow the links below to find trusted information about avian influenza (bird flu). Last reviewed: July 2016 |
55 | 2018-04-19 01:57:12 | B12 deficiencies | The nutrients used to grow, maintain and repair our body come from the food we eat. But without enough of the right nutrients, such as in vitamin B12 deficiency, our health can be affected. Vitamin B12 is needed to help blood form, and for the brain and nervous system to function properly. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by not eating enough of the right foods, especially meat and animal products. More often it is caused by the body not being able to absorb the B12 properly. Your doctor will need to do blood tests to work out the cause. The symptoms of B12 deficiency include tiredness, light-headedness, rapid heart rate, easy bruising and bleeding, weight loss, bowel upset and sore tongue. If you have B12 deficiency, you may need to change your diet, or may need supplements by tablet or injection. Follow the links below to find trusted information about B12 deficiency. |
56 | 2018-04-19 01:57:19 | Baby blues | All parents go through a period of adjustment as they try to handle the huge changes a baby brings. For most people, this time of adjustment will be temporary and will not be overly distressing. Many women experience the 'baby blues' in the first few days after having a baby. The baby blues usually only last 2 to 3 days and you might feel teary, anxious and moody during that time. The support of your partner, family and friends is usually enough to help you get through it. When these feelings last beyond these early days and continue to get worse, it may be a sign of developing depression. What are the signs of postnatal depression? There are many signs that someone may be struggling with postnatal depression. Some of the more common ones include: having a very low mood feeling inadequate and a failure as a mother having a sense of hopelessness about the future feeling exhausted, empty, sad and teary feeling guilty, ashamed or worthless feeling anxious or panicky having trouble sleeping, sleep for too long or have nightmares worrying excessively about their baby feeling scared of being alone or going out. In some cases, women may experience thoughts about leaving their family or worried that their partner may leave them. They could also have ideas about self-harm or doing harm to their partner or baby. In situations like this, you should seek professional help straight away. It is also common to experience symptoms of anxiety at the same time as depression. How is postnatal depression diagnosed? If you've had any of these symptoms for 2 weeks or more, talk to your doctor or midwife. You can also visit your local mental health service or community health service. Postnatal depression needs to be properly diagnosed and managed by a trained healthcare professional. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a questionnaire that asks about your feelings and symptoms. The EPDS indicates whether you may have some symptoms that are common with depression and anxiety. Find out more about the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale from beyondblue. Treating postnatal depression A range of different treatments can help with postnatal depression, including: counselling psychotherapy group treatment support strategies medications such as antidepressants. Support from family and friends is also important. Postnatal psychosis Postnatal psychosis (also called postpartum or puerperal psychosis) is less common than postnatal depression and can develop in the first week, or up to 12 weeks, after childbirth. It involves having difficulties thinking clearly, extreme mood swings, seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), feeling everyone is against you (paranoia) and powerful delusions. This is a medical emergency and a doctor should be contacted immediately. Postnatal depression and fathers Postnatal depression is not limited to mothers. Fathers can have postnatal depression too, either along with their partner’s postnatal depression or by themselves. Read more about fathers and depression. Help and support If you or someone you know is showing signs of postnatal depression, there are a number places you can go for help: PANDA - 1300 726 306 beyondblue - 1300 224 636 Pregnancy, Birth and Baby - 1800 882 436 Personal story - video Need to talk to someone? Pregnancy, Birth and Baby offers non-judgmental emotional support during pregnancy and parenting for when you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Call us on 1800 882 436 or video call seven days a week. Sources: PANDA (Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy & Early Parenthood), beyondblue (A guide to emotional health and wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenthood), NHS Choices (UK) (Postnatal depression), Raising Children Network (Antenatal depression and postnatal depression in women) Last reviewed: October 2017 |
57 | 2018-04-19 01:57:24 | Baby rash | There are several rashes and skin conditions which are very common in babies. Usually they are easily treated and won’t cause any long term problems for your baby. Nappy rash Nappy rash is a very common skin condition that happens to around one third of nappy wearing babies. It’s caused when the skin comes into contact with urine and faeces (poo) in the nappy. Mild cases are usually painless but severe nappy rash can cause discomfort and distress to babies. If your baby gets nappy rash you can treat it with a nappy rash cream. Ask your child health nurse or pharmacist to recommend one. If the rash doesn’t go away or your baby develops a persistent bright red, moist rash with white or red pimples, which spreads to the folds of the skin, they may have a thrush infection.You’ll need to use an anti-fungal cream, available either from the pharmacist or on prescription from your doctor. Cradle cap Cradle cap is a build-up of yellow, greasy and often scaly patches of skin, usually on your baby’s scalp. The affected skin can also appear red in colour, flaky and a yellowish crust might also form. There can be some hair loss when the affected areas of skin loosen. It’s a common and harmless condition causing no discomfort to the baby. It often lasts for a few months and usually clears up by the time the baby is two years old. Cradle cap usually doesn’t need treatment. It should clear up on its own after a few months, but if it doesn’t see your doctor because there are treatments that may help. Not sure what to do next? If you are still concerned about your child's baby rash, 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: NHS (UK) (Skin rashes in babies), Raising Children Network (Nappy rash), Raising Children Network (Cradle cap) Last reviewed: August 2017 |
58 | 2018-04-19 01:57:30 | Back injuries | Back injuries often occur as a result of sudden movements, bumps, knocks or falls. Injuries to your back vary in seriousness depending on the cause of the injury and what damage is done. Minor injuries may cause strains to your back muscles, bruising and small cuts and grazes. A strain is sometimes called a ‘pulled muscle’— this happens if a muscle is overstretched or it tightens too strongly, resulting in the tissues being torn or stretched. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists recommends that an X-ray in response to low back pain is only needed if you have other significant symptoms such as problems with bladder and bowel control, severe pain or weakness or numbness in one or both legs. For further information, visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website. More severe injuries could cause fractures (a break in a bone), wounds, extensive bruising and damage to your spinal cord and internal organs. If you suspect a severe back injury, you should seek medical assistance immediately, and phone your doctor or call an ambulance by dialling triple zero (000). Not sure what to do next? If you are still concerned about your back injury, check your symptoms with 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: Choosing Wisely Australia (Recommendations), Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (Back pain and problems), MedlinePlus (Back injuries) Last reviewed: July 2017 |
59 | 2018-04-19 01:57:35 | Bacterial infections | There is more bacteria in and on our bodies than there are cells in the human body. They live on the skin and in the bowel, and mostly are not contagious or harmful. They are essential for good health. But sometimes they, or more often bacteria from elsewhere, can cause infections. Bacterial infections can affect the throat, the lungs, the skin, the bowel and many others parts of the body. Many are mild, some are severe. Treatment is usually a course of antibiotics (which don’t work against viruses). Bacterial infections can be highly contagious and so you need to take special care to avoid spreading infections by washing hands, covering up when sneezing and coughing, and not sharing cups and drink bottles. Follow the links below to find trusted information about bacterial infections. |
60 | 2018-04-19 01:57:40 | Bacterial pneumonia | What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Most infections are due either to bacteria or to viruses. Pneumonia can also be caused by fungi, particularly in people whose immune systems aren’t working properly. Pneumonia can be a mild illness or it can be something much more serious. If you or someone you are caring for seems to be recovering well from a cold or the flu and then suddenly they get worse, it could be pneumonia. The illness can be life threatening, especially in babies, young children and the elderly, so it’s important to see a doctor right away. The most common signs and symptoms are: cough fevers, sweating and shivering difficulty breathing feeling generally tired and unwell loss of appetite. Check your symptoms with healthdirect’s Symptom Checker for advice on when to seek medical attention. Sources: Lung Foundation (Pneumonia Fact sheet), NPS MedicineWise (Pneumonia) Last reviewed: February 2017 |
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