Day: October 2, 2023

What are antipsychotic medications? Antipsychotic medication (antipsychotics) are medicines that can help ease the symptoms of a psychosis. Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects how the brain works. There are different types of antipsychotic medications. Sometimes they cause side effects. Talk with your doctor or mental health nurse about what might work best for you. Antipsychotic medications are medicines used to treat psychosis. Psychosis is an illness that makes it hard to tell what is real and what isn’t. They may also help anxiety and agitation, and problems with mood, thinking and socialising. Sometimes you might get psychosis if you already

What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances produced by your body that play an important role in your health. They are also found in foods, and in vitamin and mineral supplements. There are many different types of antioxidants. Why are antioxidants important? Many chemical reactions take place inside the cells in your body. Sometimes, these form by-products known as free radicals. Free radicals have important roles in your body. Some are used by your body’s immune system to attack viruses or bacteria.   However, if free radicals build up in your body, they can cause ‘oxidative stress’. This can damage your cells and impact your health.

This page will give you information about anti-reflux surgery. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. What is acid reflux? Acid reflux is a condition where acid from your stomach passes up into your oesophagus (gullet). If this happens too often it can cause symptoms of a burning sensation in your chest (‘heartburn’) or acid in the back of your mouth. The acid can cause the lining of your oesophagus to become inflamed (oesophagitis) or scarred. What are the benefits of surgery? This surgery aims to improve your reflux symptoms. You should

What is anthrax? Anthrax (also known as ‘wool-sorter’s disease’) is a serious infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria known as bacillus anthracis. It can survive for a long time as spores. Anthrax is very rare in Australia, with only been 3 cases occurring in humans since 2001. However, it still occurs in animals — mainly in the ‘anthrax belt’, which runs through western New South Wales into Victoria and southern Queensland. What are the symptoms of anthrax? There are 3 types of anthrax, each with different symptoms. Cutaneous (skin) anthrax This infection appears on the skin, usually 1 to

This page will give you information about an anterior repair. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. What is an anterior prolapse? An anterior prolapse is a bulge of your vagina caused by your bladder dropping down. It is caused by weakness of the support tissues between your vagina and bladder. What are the benefits of surgery? An anterior prolapse can cause the following problems. A sensation of ‘something coming down’. The need to pass urine more often. The feeling of not having fully emptied your bladder. Difficulty urinating. A bulge in

What is Anosmia? Anosmia is the medical term for the loss of smell. If a person has a partial sense of smell, it is called hyposmia. Your sense of smell contributes to your everyday experiences. Smell is especially connected to the sense of taste. Having anosmia can affect the taste of food and drink. What symptoms are related to anosmia? If you have anosmia, this means you are unable to smell anything. Other symptoms you might experience depend on what causes your anosmia. What causes anosmia? Anosmia and hyposmia have many different causes. Most of the time, the causes of

What is anorexia nervosa? Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder and a serious mental illness. A person with anorexia nervosa restricts their energy intake, has a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. The restriction in energy intake can cause a significant amount of weight loss in a short period of time and may result in a person having a very low weight. Anorexia nervosa is most common in women and usually starts in adolescence. It is the third most common chronic illness in girls and young women and affects up to 1 in 200 girls. One in 11 people who

This page will give you information about ankle fracture surgery. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. What is an ankle fracture? An ankle fracture is a break of one of or both your ankle bones. An ankle fracture is usually caused by a twisting injury to your ankle, resulting from sports or a simple fall or trip. There may be a break of the bone on the outer side of your ankle (fibula), the inner side (tibia), or both sides. There may also be damage to your ankle ligaments. What are

What is arthritis? Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause damage to one or more joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where there is gradual wear and tear of a joint. Some other types of arthritis are associated with inflammation of the joints that can eventually lead to severe joint damage. Arthritis eventually wears away the normal cartilage covering the surface of the joint and the bone underneath becomes damaged. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get less pain and be able to walk more easily. Are there any alternatives to ankle arthrodesis? Simple painkillers such

What are ACE inhibitors and ARBs? Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are medicines commonly prescribed for hypertension. These medicines work by relaxing your blood vessels. Your doctor may also prescribe ACE inhibitors or ARBs if you have: heart failure chronic kidney disease diabetes with too much protein in your urine (proteinuria) had a heart attack (myocardial infarction) There are many ACE inhibitors and ARBs available in Australia. The different ACE inhibitors and ARBs have similar effects on your medical condition but have different dosages and potential side effects. The ARB medicines all have names ending in “sartan” so you might