Day: November 12, 2023

What is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of the large bowel (colon) using a flexible telescope. What are the benefits of a colonoscopy? If the endoscopist finds a problem, they can perform biopsies to help make the diagnosis. Sometimes a polyp is the cause of the problem and the endoscopist may be able to remove it during the procedure. Are there any alternatives to a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy. Other options include a contrast enema (an x-ray which takes pictures of the large bowel) or CT colography (a CT scan of the large bowel). However, these procedures have a higher

What is colon cancer? Colon cancer is a harmful growth that starts in the wall of your colon (large bowel). A colon resection involves removing the cancer along with part of your colon either side of it. What are the benefits of surgery? The aim is to remove the cancer along with part of your colon either side of it. Are there any alternatives to a colon resection? Chemotherapy or biological therapy will not lead to you being cured but can shrink the cancer. It is possible to have procedures to ease any blockage of your bowel without treating the underlying

Bowel cancer (colon and rectal cancer) What is bowel cancer? Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops when cells in the wall of the large bowel grow in an abnormal and uncontrolled way. Bowel cancer can occur anywhere along the large bowel, which includes the large intestine, rectum and anal canal. It typically begins growing from the inner lining of the bowel or from small growths on the bowel wall called polyps (adenomas). If left untreated, these cells can spread along the wall of the bowel, to lymph nodes and to elsewhere in the body. Bowel cancer is the second biggest cause

Medicines for cold and flu What over-the-counter medicines are available to relieve cold and flu symptoms? There are a number of over-the-counter medicines that can help relieve cold and flu symptoms. These include: Paracetamol for pain and fever Paracetamol can be used for adults and children over one month old for pain and fever. Make sure you have the right strength for your child’s age and weight, as overdosing can be dangerous. Read and follow the directions on the label carefully. If you are not sure check with your doctor or pharmacist. Ibuprofen for pain and fever Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medicines known

Cold sores What are cold sores? Cold sores are small blister-like spots that appear in or around the outside of the mouth and are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus. There is no cure for cold sores, but there are ways to treat the symptoms and prevent new outbreaks. What are the symptoms of cold sores? Cold sores start with an itchy and tingling sensation usually on the mouth, lips or nose and may form small blisters that crust after 3 days. Example of a cold sore around the outside of the mouth. Cold sores usually clear up

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) What is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)? Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy (talking therapy) based on the idea that how you think and act affects how you feel. It can help in many different situations — with both mental and physical health problems. How does CBT work? If you are thinking negatively about yourself or a situation and that is causing you problems, CBT might be able to help. In CBT, you work with a therapist to recognise the patterns of thinking (cognition) and behaviour that cause you problems. Then CBT teaches you

Caffeine   What is caffeine? Caffeine is a chemical found in foods and drinks. It can stimulate your brain and nervous system. It is found in: coffee tea leaves cocoa beans guarana — a South American plant with high levels of natural caffeine chocolate cola drinks energy drinks Caffeine and medicines Caffeine can also be found in some prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as some: pain-relief medicines cough medicines weight loss products How will caffeine affect my body? Caffeine affects everyone differently. The effect of caffeine depends on: your height, weight and general health the amount you eat or drink genetic

What is a cochlear implant? A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that is surgically inserted into the cochlea, a part of your inner ear, to help you hear better. The implant stimulates your hearing nerve to provide sound signals directly to your brain. Cochlear implants are also known as ‘bionic ears’. If you have hearing loss, a cochlear implant may help you: understand speech and communicate better sense which direction sound is coming from hear despite loud background noise How does a cochlear implant work? The cochlear implant has 2 parts: external and internal. The external part is

What is cocaine? Cocaine is an illegal, highly addictive drug made from the leaves of the South American coca bush. It is a central nervous system stimulant, which causes high levels of dopamine to be released. Dopamine is a brain chemical associated with pleasure and reward. Cocaine is a white powder with a bitter, numbing taste. It is typically snorted through the nose, but it can also be: injected rubbed into the gums added to food and drinks It comes in 3 main forms: cocaine hydrochloride, freebase and crack. Cocaine hydrochloride is a white powder usually mixed or ‘cut’ with other substances. Freebase is

How to read Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)   What is a consumer medicine information leaflet? Consumer medicine information (CMI) gives you information about your medicines. The CMI gives you facts you need to know before, during and after taking your medicine. A CMI leaflet gives you information on how to use your medicine safely. For example, it tells you about: who should take the medicine who should not take it how to take the medicine any known side effects other medicines it may interact with Your pharmacist will give you a CMI when you start a new medicine. You can also ask them for the