Day: November 6, 2023

Bruises

Bumps, knocks and bruises What are bumps, knocks and bruises? Bumps, knocks and bruises are common injuries that everyone will experience from time to time. Though they can sometimes be very painful, bumps, knocks and bruises are usually easy to treat. What symptoms are related to bumps, knocks and bruises? These kinds of injuries commonly affect joints such as your elbow or knee, and bumps and knocks to these areas can result in swelling and bruising. What causes bumps, knocks and bruises? A bruise often appears after you have been knocked, bumped or pinched, for example when you have fallen

Brugada Syndrome

What is Brugada syndrome? Brugada syndrome is a rare, genetic condition that can disrupt your heart rhythm. It can cause dizziness or, in serious cases, cardiac arrest. Your heartbeat is controlled by electrical impulses. This causes your heart to beat regularly and pump blood round your body. In Brugada syndrome, although your heart structure is usually normal, there is a disturbance of the electrical activity in your heart. This can cause an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) which can be fatal. If you have Brugada syndrome, you’re more likely to develop a dangerous arrhythmia if you have a fever (high body temperature) or if you’re exposed to some

Bronchoscopy

What is a bronchoscopy? A bronchoscopy is a procedure that lets your doctor see inside your airways and lungs. A thin flexible tube with a camera on the end (called a bronchoscope) is put in your nose or mouth. It is then passed through your windpipe into your airways. A bronchoscopy can be used to diagnose or treat conditions of your airways or lungs. When is a bronchoscopy needed? You may have a bronchoscopy if you have symptoms such as: wheezing chronic (ongoing) cough coughing up blood shortness of breath Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a bronchoscopy if you have had

Bronchitis

Bronchitis What is bronchitis? Bronchitis is inflammation of the larger airways in your lungs the inflammation causes you to cough. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, such as cold viruses or influenza virus. Chronic bronchitis is usually related to smoking. Most people with acute bronchitis will feel better with time and rest. There are some treatments available that may help to help ease your cough and other symptoms. If you think you have bronchitis, your doctor can assess you and discuss treatment. What are the symptoms of bronchitis? Someone with bronchitis will have a cough (either dry or bringing up phlegm). The cough may

Bronchiolitis

What is bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection caused by a virus. Bronchiolitis causes difficulty breathing. It usually affects children under 12 months of age. It is infectious (spreads from person to person). It is more common in autumn and winter. What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis? At first it will look like your baby has a winter cold. After a couple of days, they might get worse. Symptoms include: a runny nose cough fever fast breathing working hard to breath wheeze (may be a whistling sound in chest) less interest in eating Your child might find it hard

Bronchiectasis

What is bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the airways in the lungs are damaged, causing them to become permanently widened. What causes bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is usually caused by a long-term lung infection. Damage to the airways prevents them from clearing mucus. Mucus is naturally produced by your airway to help remove dust and other small particles. The mucus build-up in the airways can become infected, which can cause your airways to be blocked and lead to repeated lung infections. Examples of lung infections that can lead to bronchiectasis include: whooping cough severe pneumonia tuberculosis fungal infections Other causes of

Bronchial asthma

Asthma What is asthma? Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways in your lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways that become inflamed when exposed to triggers. Inflamed airways make it difficult to breathe. This leads to symptoms like wheezing, coughing or breathlessness Can asthma be prevented? Asthma can’t be prevented entirely. However, there are some practical ways to reduce the risk of an asthma attack and live well with asthma. Get vaccinated for influenza — flu and other respiratory viruses are common triggers for asthma. Manage your allergies — asthma and allergies are closely linked. Treating allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and avoiding any allergy triggers

Breathing problems

Shortness of breath What is shortness of breath? Shortness of breath is when you feel like you can’t get enough air into your lungs. It’s normal to sometimes feel short of breath, when you exercise or physically work hard, and your body needs more oxygen. Sometimes, difficulty breathing may be a sign of a health problem. Some health problems cause acute shortness of breath, which is where your symptoms come on suddenly and go away with treatment. Other conditions cause chronic shortness of breath, where you often find it hard to breathe without much effort. When should I call an

Breastfeeding and periods

When will my periods return while I’m breastfeeding? After having a baby, your periods will return at your body’s own pace. If you are breastfeeding your baby, your periods may not return for months or even years after childbirth. If your baby is being fed using formula, you may find your periods return shortly after childbirth. How long before your periods return while breastfeeding can depend on: your baby’s breastfeeding pattern (how often and how long your baby is breastfeeding) how sensitive your body is to breastfeeding hormones What affects when my periods will return? Your periods are likely to return when: your baby starts

Breastfeeding

Key facts Breastfeeding provides all the nutrition your baby needs during their first 6 months of life. Any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial for you and your baby. Breastfeeding is a set of skills that both you and your baby will learn. Ideally, your baby will begin breastfeeding soon after they are born. Breastfeeding your baby What are the benefits of breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby. It provides all the nutrition your baby needs during their first 6 months of life. It also helps to create a loving bond between you and your baby. The first

Breast uplift

What is a breast uplift? A breast uplift (mastopexy) is an operation to remove excess skin from your breasts to improve their shape. What are the benefits of surgery? Your breasts should have a better shape. Are there any alternatives to a breast uplift? Using padded bras or inserts can make your breasts appear to have a better shape. If there is not much excess skin and your breasts are not droopy, your surgeon may be able to assess you for a breast augmentation. If you have a large breast size, your surgeon may be able to assess you for

Breast reduction

What is a breast reduction for breast cancer (therapeutic mammoplasty)? A breast reduction for breast cancer (therapeutic mammoplasty) is an operation to make your breasts more even in shape or reduced in size. It is normally done at the same time as the surgery to remove breast cancer. What are the benefits of surgery? The cancer surgery alone may make your breasts uneven in shape and size or your breasts may already be uneven in shape and size (this is common). A breast reduction will aim to make them more even. A breast reduction combined with removing the cancer may

Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap

What is a breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap? A breast reconstruction is an operation to recreate a breast shape either at the same time (immediate) as you have your mastectomy (removing your breast) or at some time afterwards (delayed). Your surgeon will recreate a breast shape using the latissimus dorsi muscle, with some fat and skin from your back. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) continues to review and assess breast implants available in the Australian market. In September 2019, the TGA decided to recall and suspend a number of breast implants and tissue expanders due to a small risk of breast

Breast reconstruction with an implant or tissue expander

This page will give you information about a breast reconstruction with an implant or tissue expander. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) continues to review and assess breast implants available in the Australian market. In September 2019, the TGA decided to recall and suspend a number of breast implants and tissue expanders due to a small risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The list of these products. Consumer information on the recall and risks  If you have symptoms such as pain, swelling, a rash

Breast milk (storage)

What is a breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue flap? A breast reconstruction is an operation to recreate a breast shape after you have had a mastectomy (removing all your breast). Your surgeon will recreate a breast shape using tissue from your lower abdomen. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get a breast shape again. Most women who have a successful breast reconstruction are more comfortable with their appearance. Are there any alternatives to a breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue? Using padded bras or bra inserts can give the appearance of a breast shape when you are wearing clothes.