Month: September 2023

What is albinism? Albinism is a group of genetic conditions in which a person has no or very little melanin pigment in their skin, hair and eyes. Albinism occurs in all racial and ethnic groups throughout the world. In Australia, about 1 in 17,000 people have some type of albinism. It is important for people with albinism to protect their skin and eyes from the sun, and have their eyes checked regularly. The genes for albinism are passed down from both parents, who may not be directly affected by it themselves. However, there is no simple test to determine whether

What is agoraphobia? Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder where a person fears having a panic attack in certain places — like public transport, crowds or queues — or situations from which escape is difficult. It is normal to sometimes feel anxious, but anxiety becomes a disorder if it interferes with daily life. Anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia can seriously restrict a person’s ability to go to work or socialise with friends and family. What are the symptoms of agoraphobia? Agoraphobia is a type of phobia and often goes together with panic disorder. Symptoms of agoraphobia include: experiencing anxiety or panic attacks in situations

What is agnosia? Agnosia is a rare condition that causes an inability to recognise objects, people, smells or sounds. If you have the signs of agnosia, you should see your doctor for advice. Agnosia is a neurological disorder (a condition that affects the nervous system). It is caused by damage to parts of the brain. It can either occur suddenly — for example, as a result of a stroke or an accident — or over time (such as when a person has a brain tumour). Agnosia is not caused by memory loss, but it can be caused by dementia. If you have agnosia, you will

As we get older, our needs change The Australian aged care system provides various options to cater to different care needs. Many of these options are funded by the government. An assessment is required to access government-funded services for older Australians. These assessments are completed by the aged care assessment team / service (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria). These determine a person’s eligibility for services, as well as assess the care and support they need. Carers may also be eligible for respite services. What is aged care? Aged care is the support provided to Australians aged 65 years and over

What are ‘after-hours’ health services? After-hours health services are services for people needing healthcare outside of normal general practice opening hours. However, they are not a hospital emergency department. They can manage problems that don’t need the emergency department, but that can’t wait for a GP to be available. Which services are available? There are many different healthcare services that are available after-hours including GPs, urgent care clinics, pharmacies, dentists and mental health counsellors. A good place to start looking for services near you is the healthdirect Service Finder. You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to

What is advance care planning? Advance care planning involves planning for your future healthcare. The process of advance care planning helps you outline your values and beliefs and your preferences for your future healthcare. Advance care planning will help guide your loved ones and doctors to make decisions on your behalf that align with your values, in a situation where you aren’t able to do this yourself. What is an advance care directive? Advance care planning involves formally detailing your values and preferences regarding your future healthcare. This document is called an ‘advance care directive’, though it has different names

What is adrenaline? Adrenaline is a hormone that helps you react very quickly if you are faced with an exciting, stressful or dangerous situation. This is known as the ‘fight-or-flight response’. In this type of situation, your brain sends messages to your adrenal glands (located just above the kidneys) to start releasing the hormone into the blood. You will feel the effects of the adrenaline within 2 or 3 minutes. Adrenaline is also a medication used to treat a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in an emergency. It may also be used during cardiac arrest, croup and asthma when other treatments are not effective. When

6-minute read What are the adrenal glands? Your adrenal glands are 2 triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of your kidneys. They form part of your body’s hormonal system. What do my adrenal glands do? Your adrenal glands make hormones that are involved in: controlling your blood pressure your metabolism your body’s response to stress What hormones do my adrenal glands make? Your adrenal glands makes many hormones, including: adrenaline cortisol aldosterone Adrenaline is involved in your body’s stress (or ‘fight or flight’) response. It: makes your heart beat faster sends more blood to your muscles causes other changes in your

What is adrenal fatigue? Adrenal fatigue is a term used by alternative health practitioners to explain tiredness and other symptoms which are thought to be due to chronic (long-term) exposure to stressful situations. However, it currently is not a recognised medical diagnosis. Many studies have failed to prove that adrenal fatigue is a medical condition. Adrenal insufficiency Your adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney. Their role is to produce hormones, including adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones prepare your body for fight or flight. Adrenal insufficiency (also called Addison’s disease), is a recognised medical condition when your adrenal glands don’t make enough

What are the adrenal glands? Your adrenal glands are 2 triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of your kidneys. They form part of your body’s hormonal system. What do my adrenal glands do? Your adrenal glands make hormones that are involved in: controlling your blood pressure your metabolism your body’s response to stress What hormones do my adrenal glands make? Your adrenal glands makes many hormones, including: adrenaline cortisol aldosterone Adrenaline is involved in your body’s stress (or ‘fight or flight’) response. It: makes your heart beat faster sends more blood to your muscles causes other changes in your body that

What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood. ADHD used to be called attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADHD is often misunderstood. It can cause problems: concentrating becoming distracted being hyperactive (sometimes) being impulsive This may cause people with ADHD to have problems with their: schooling friendships work family life Around 1 in every 20 Australians has ADHD. While ADHD is more common in boys — it’s under diagnosed in girls and adults. More than 3 in 4 children diagnosed with ADHD still have symptoms as an adult. What are the symptoms

What are the adenoids? They are fleshy lumps of tissue that are out of sight located at the back of the inside of the nose and at the top of the throat. Together with the tonsils, they trap and destroy germs that enter the child’s mouth and nose. They are part of the immune system and help to fight infections. Everyone is born with adenoids and they are biggest when children are around 3 to 5 years old. They start to shrink when children reach around 5 to 8 years of age. They are usually gone altogether by the time

What is an adenoidectomy? Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids, which are small lumps of soft tissue found at the back of the nose. It is a short and safe procedure, but your child will have a sore throat for a couple of days. Why is an adenoidectomy performed? The adenoids are part of the immune system and help protect the nose and throat from infection. They are often quite large in young children and grow smaller with age. The adenoids may disappear during teenage years. The adenoids can also get infected. If that happens frequently, it can cause

This page will give you information about an adeno-tonsillectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. What are the adenoids and tonsils? The adenoids and tonsils are part of a group of lymphoid tissues (like the glands in the neck) that help to fight off infection. The adenoids and tonsils enlarge naturally in children at around the age of 3 and usually shrink away again by the age of 7. The enlargement happens because children are exposed to a lot of new infections at this age and have many colds. What are the benefits

What is Addison’s disease? Addison’s disease is a rare condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone (both corticosteroids). Addison’s disease is also known as primary adrenal insufficiency. Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland in the brain does not release enough of the hormone that stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol. Addison’s disease can make people feel weak and tired, but it can also be effectively treated with hormones to replace those that are missing. What are the symptoms of Addison’s disease? Addison’s disease develops slowly, usually over months. The

What is addiction? Addiction, also known as dependence, is when someone finds it hard to stop doing something that makes them feel good. You can have a physical or psychological addiction, or both. Physical dependence means that withdrawal symptoms appear if you stop the addictive substance or behaviour. Psychological addiction occurs when you believe you need the addictive substance or behaviour to function. You might think you need the substance at certain times. For instance, to be social at a party or to unwind after work. Or you might think you need it all the time. What is withdrawal from

What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a form of complementary or alternative medicine. It’s an ancient medical practice, originating in China more than 2,000 years ago. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture clears energy blocks and encourages the normal flow of energy through your body. People have been practicing acupuncture in Australia since the 1880s. It’s the most popular form of complementary medicine. When you have acupuncture, fine, sterile, metal needles stimulate specific points in your body. These are called acupuncture points. There are up to 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body. They create energy pathways called meridians. Some practitioners use lasers instead

indness and compassion during recovery Almost everybody feels good when someone is kind to them. This is especially true for those who are vulnerable, like people who are recovering from a mental illness like depression, or who are learning to live with dementia, or who have an addiction. Acts of kindness and compassion can increase wellbeing and help their recovery. It can also help them overcome loneliness and isolation, build healthy relationships and improve their self-esteem. There are many ways to be kind and compassionate to someone who needs help. These can include: being sensitive and sympathetic creating a positive outlook and instilling hope recognising and validating positive changes helping them solve

If you are a person living with disability or caring for someone with disability in the ACT, you may have noticed some changes in the way that disability services are delivered. Services that were delivered through ACT government agencies are now delivered through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS is a Commonwealth Government scheme to support Australians under 65 who have permanent and significant disability. The scheme is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Services for people aged 65 years and over are delivered through My Aged Care. To find out how to access the NDIS, go to Applying to

What is acromegaly? Acromegaly is a rare disorder that affects adults and is caused by overproduction of growth hormone. Growth hormone (also called human growth hormone, GH or HGH) controls the normal growth of the body’s tissues, organs and bones, as well as helping control its metabolism. A similar condition, known as gigantism, can occur in children and can make them grow very tall. Adults with too much growth hormone don’t grow exceptionally tall because once they have gone through puberty, their long bones don’t grow any longer. What are the symptoms of acromegaly? The main signs of acromegaly are: changes to

What is acquired brain injury (ABI)? An acquired brain injury (ABI) is the result of damage to your brain that may occur at any time during your life. An ABI can cause many different problems for the person affected. It is different from an intellectual disability or a mental illness. Acquired brain injury (ABI) is any type of brain injury that happens after birth. It covers many different situations rather than just one disease or condition, and it may occur in many different ways. An ABI can be caused by: trauma or injury to the head (sometimes called a traumatic brain injury)

What is acoustic neuroma? An acoustic neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour that can affect hearing and balance. What are the symptoms of acoustic neuroma? Usually, acoustic neuromas grow very slowly. This means that you may not have any symptoms in the early stages when the tumour is small. Many people with acoustic neuromas notice some hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Usually only one ear is affected, but both ears can be involved if the person has a rare genetic disease called neurofibromatosis type 2. Neurofibromatosis is a genetic condition characterised by the growth of benign tumours. Whether or not there are any other symptoms

What is acne? Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots on the face, neck, back or chest. These spots can be whiteheads, blackheads or inflamed, pus-filled pimples. Adult acne, also called hormonal acne, is acne that continues past the age of around 18 to 20 or starts when someone is in their early twenties. Acne vulgaris generally affects teenagers and continues for 3 to 5 years although it can sometimes carry on for longer. Some people have a mild form of acne, with only occasional spots or outbreaks, while others have more severe acne, with large areas of the

What is the anterior cruciate ligament? The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the important ligaments that stabilise your knee. If you have torn (ruptured) this ligament, your knee can collapse or ‘give way’ when making twisting or turning movements. An ACL rupture happens as a result of a twisting injury to your knee. The common causes are contact sports and skiing injuries.You can injure other parts of your knee at the same time such as tearing a cartilage (meniscus) or damaging the joint surface. What are the benefits of surgery? Your knee should not give way any more.

What are Achilles tendon injuries? The Achilles tendon (often simply called the ‘Achilles’) is the thick cord you can feel at the back of your ankle. It attaches the calf muscle to the back of your heel. The 2 most common injuries of the Achilles tendon are: Acute rupture (break): a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its natural range. Achilles tendinopathy (previously known as ‘tendinitis’ or ‘tendonitis’): a chronic (long-term) condition that causes weakness and breakdown of the Achilles tendon, due to a series of very small tears (also known as ‘tendinosis’). What

What is an abscess? An abscess is a collection of pus inside the body, usually from an infection. If near the surface of the body, pus may break through the surface and drain. Abscesses can develop just about anywhere in the body and can be painful. Often treatment is needed to heal an abscess and to stop infection spreading, so see your doctor if you think you might have an abscess. What are the different types of abscesses? There are many different types of abscesses, including: skin abscesses or boils — often affecting the face, throat, armpits or groin dental abscesses —

What is an abscess? An abscess is a collection of pus surrounded by a wall of tissue. It causes a painful lump and can make you feel unwell. An abscess happens when your body tries to control infection by forming a wall around an infected area. Pus forms within this wall. As the amount of pus increases, the lump grows and causes pain. You can get an abscess anywhere in your body. Abscess incision and drainage. What are the benefits of surgery? You should no longer have the abscess and should be free of pain. Surgery should prevent the serious complications that

What is abortion? An abortion (also known as termination) is the medical process of ending a pregnancy, so it does not result in the birth of a baby. I think I am pregnant with an unplanned pregnancy. What should I do? If you think you are pregnant, the first thing to do is take a pregnancy test. You can do this by visiting your doctor or buying a test from a pharmacy or supermarket. The sooner you do this the better. If you are pregnant, you can work out the stage of your pregnancy by calculating the number of days since the first day of your last

What is an abortion? An abortion (also known as termination) is the process of ending a pregnancy, so it does not result in the birth of a baby. Depending on how many weeks you have been pregnant, a pregnancy can be ended by taking a special type of medicine that your doctor, nurse or midwife prescribes or by having a surgical procedure. An abortion is not the same as a miscarriage, which is where a pregnancy ends without medical intervention (although medical treatment may be needed after a miscarriage). Why do some people have abortions? There are many reasons why someone might choose to have

What is social and emotional wellbeing? Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people use the term social and emotional wellbeing. It describes the: social emotional spiritual and cultural wellbeing of a person The term recognises their connection to: land (Country) sea culture spirituality family community Past events affect your social and emotional wellbeing. Another term used to describe a person’s social and emotional wellbeing is mental health. What things help make me feel strong and resilient? Things that can protect your strength and emotional wellbeing are: social connectedness and a sense of belonging connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry living on

Who are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the first peoples of Australia. They have lived in Australia for more than 60,000 years. There are many different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups across Australia. Each group has their own: culture language beliefs practices The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concept of health isn’t about the individual person. Health is a whole-of-life view that includes: social emotional cultural wellbeing of the community In 2021, the number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples was about 881,593. This is just over 3.4% of

What is abdominal pain in children? Abdominal pain is pain felt anywhere in the area between the bottom of the ribs and the pelvis. It is very common in babies, infants and children under 12 years. There are many different causes of abdominal pain in children, including trapped wind, constipation, gastroenteritis (‘gastro’ or stomach bug) and appendicitis. Most episodes in children are not serious and will get better without treatment in hours or days. But, if the pain is severe, does not go away, or your child seems generally unwell, take them to the doctor or hospital emergency department. This

What causes abdominal pain? There are many underlying causes of abdominal pain. Some of these are short-term (acute) causes that aren’t serious — the symptoms may last only hours or days, and may clear up by themselves. Others are longer lasting and may be more serious. There are also causes of abdominal pain that require urgent medical attention and may be life-threatening. Some causes of abdominal pain are more common — or less likely — in certain age groups or genders. Children often get stomach or abdominal pain. Some of the most common causes are gastroenteritis, wind or indigestion. Some causes

What is AATD? Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, also known as AATD, or as genetic or inherited emphysema, is a common, inherited genetic condition that can cause chronic lung and liver disease. It can be managed to slow down the progress of the disease. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein made in the liver and circulated through the blood. It helps protect your lungs and liver from damage. If you have a deficiency of AAT protein, you are more at risk of 2 main sets of problems: In the lungs, AATD can cause emphysema, which may appear earlier than it might otherwise, as well as asthma, chronic