Day: November 18, 2023
Shortness of breath
Key facts It’s normal to feel short of breath sometimes, especially when you exercise, but it may also be a sign of a health problem. Seek medical help immediately if you are short of breath and you have chest pain, difficulty talking, wheezing or a fever, you feel drowsy or your symptoms are getting worse. Shortness of breath can have many different causes, such as a lung problem, heart problem, infection, panic attack or allergic reaction. If you feel short of breath — lean forward, stay calm, take slow deep breaths and use your inhaler if you have one. Quitting
Donation (blood)
Why should I give blood? Many people need regular blood transfusions to help treat their medical conditions. Blood donations are also used in emergencies and to treat cancer. Healthy adults are encouraged to donate blood. One blood donation can save up to 3 lives. You can choose to donate: blood plasma (the liquid part of your blood) platelets (cell fragments that help with blood clotting) What is a plasma donation? Just over half of your blood is plasma. Plasma donation, or apheresis, is a lot like a blood donation. A special machine takes blood from your arm. The machine separates your
Domestic violence and abusive relationships
What is domestic violence? Domestic violence (also known as family violence) is when someone uses violence or manipulation to maintain power and control over someone they’re close to. It can involve violence, intimidation, threats, insults or psychological manipulation. The abuse may involve a partner or ex-partner, a carer or guardian, a family member, or anyone who is in close contact with another person. Anyone, regardless of their background, sex or gender, can find themselves in an abusive relationship. What are the types of domestic violence and abuse? Abusive relationships do not always involve physical violence. There are other kinds of
Dog bites
Are animal bites serious? Animal bites are a common cause of injury. Dog and cat bites are the most frequent type of animal bite. But any animal, including your pets, farm animals, native animals — and even humans — can bite you. What are the symptoms of animal bites? Animal bites can be very painful or uncomfortable. They often result in these types of injuries: puncture wounds lacerations (cuts) abrasions (scrapes) bruising and swelling Dog bites Most dog bites are caused either by a family pet or a dog that belongs to someone you know. Dogs can bite anybody. However, the following people
Doctor (questions to ask)
Questions to ask your doctor Asking questions You can get more out of your healthcare if you’re well informed about any treatments, medicines or tests that your doctor or other health professional recommends. Asking questions about your health and healthcare means that you can understand the options and make the best healthcare decisions for you. This is known as health literacy. This page gives you some questions to ask to help you get the best health outcomes. You can print or write them down and take them with you when you see your doctor or other health professional. Add your own
Dizziness
What is dizziness? Dizziness is a term that describes a range of feelings, such as feeling unsteady, woozy, weak or faint. It is something that most people may experience from time to time. It is rarely the sign of a serious problem. There are ways to relieve dizziness. What are the symptoms of dizziness? If you are feeling dizzy, or experiencing a ‘dizzy spell’, you will usually feel light-headed, unsteady or unbalanced and you may also feel weak. You might also feel like you’re going to faint. What causes dizziness? Dizziness is common in adults, but it is rarely the sign
Divorce and break up
How do people respond to separation and divorce? When you have separated or divorced, you will probably have very strong emotional and physical responses at first. Every person and every situation is different, so you will have your own response, especially if you experienced domestic violence or ongoing conflict in your relationship. Even if your partner was abusive, you may feel sad, angry and conflicted at the ending of the relationship. The early emotions may be so intense you could feel as though you are not coping. You might: feel very angry or shocked feel rejected or unwanted have mood swings feel overwhelmed or
Diverticular disease
Diverticular disease – diverticulitis and diverticulosis What are diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis? Diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis are all part of the same condition that affects the large bowel. The following table shows what the different terms mean: Diverticulosis Diverticulosis is a common condition where small pouches or pockets form in the wall of the large bowel (large intestine). The pockets are called diverticula. Diverticular disease Diverticular disease is when diverticulosis causes symptoms. Diverticulitis Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of a diverticulum (pouch). Diverticulosis becomes more common with age. It affects one in 10 people aged over 45 years, and
Dissociative identity disorder
What is dissociative identity disorder? Dissociative identity disorder is a psychological condition where disturbance to a person’s sense of identity causes them to feel or be observed by others to have 2 or more separate personalities. It was previously known as ‘multiple personality disorder’. Dissociative identity disorder is a type of dissociative disorder — where there is a disconnect between your thoughts, memories and feelings and sense of who you are. Dissociative identity disorder is usually long-term and is a response to extreme trauma. Dissociative identity disorder may be incorrectly mixed up with schizophrenia. While they are both mental health disorders,
Disorientation
Key facts Disorientation occurs when you become confused about the time of day, where you are or even who you are. Disorientation is a symptom of many conditions including dementia, sepsis, low sodium levels, illicit drugs and alcohol abuse and withdrawal, or dehydration. Treatment of disorientation depends on what has caused it — it usually resolves when the underlying cause has been eliminated. If your friend or family member has suddenly become disorientated, they should seek medical attention immediately. It could be a sign that they are unwell. What is disorientation? Disorientation occurs when you are confused about the time,
Disasters (natural)
Natural disasters Natural disasters often cause personal and financial hardship for both individuals and communities, and can result in loss of life. Here are some tips on how to be prepared, and how to cope during and after extreme weather events. Natural disasters in Australia can include heatwaves, bushfires, droughts, floods, severe storms and tropical cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. How can I prepare for a natural disaster? The Australian Red Cross has an emergency REDiPlan, which you can download and fill out, that outlines 4 steps to prepare your household for an emergency such as a natural disaster: Step 1: Get in the know — Understand
Diphtheria
Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an infectious disease. It is usually caused by the bacteria (germ) Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It can affect your nose, throat and tonsils, and sometimes your skin. Diphtheria can also damage your heart and in bad cases can damage your nerves and kidneys. When someone catches diphtheria, the bacteria can release a toxin (poison) into the body. This toxin can affect your airways and cause a membrane to grow across your windpipe. This makes breathing difficult. If the membrane blocks your windpipe, it can lead to suffocation and death. Diphtheria can be life-threatening, but due to immunisations it has virtually disappeared in Australia.
Dilatation and Curettage (D&C)
What is a dilatation and curettage? Dilatation and curettage is also called a ‘D&C’ or simply ‘curette’. It’s an operation to remove tissue from the inside of your womb (uterus). D&C refers to opening the cervix (dilatation) followed by removal of tissue from inside the uterus (curettage). Sometimes a D&C is done at the same time as another procedure, such as a hysteroscopy. When is a D&C done? A D&C can be done to help diagnose the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding, including: bleeding between periods heavy periods bleeding after menopause Tissue is removed from your uterus and sent to a laboratory for testing. This
Dihydrocodeine
What is dihydrocodeine? Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based medicine available over-the-counter from a pharmacy. It is known as a ‘weak’ opioid, but it can still cause side effects. What is dihydrocodeine used for? Dihydrocodeine is used for the relief of persistent dry cough. Unlike some other opioid medicines, dihydrocodeine is not recommended for pain relief. Cough can be a symptom of many different health conditions, ranging from mild to serious. How does dihydrocodeine work? Dihydrocodeine reduces coughing by controlling the cough reflex. Dihydrocodeine works directly on an area of the brain that controls coughing —it is sometimes called ‘the cough centre’ of the brain.
Digestive system
What is the digestive system? The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract (the gut) and other organs like the liver, pancreas and gall bladder. It is where your body breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. The digestive system is a long, twisting tube that starts at the mouth and goes through the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and ends at the anus. The digestive system breaks down food into simple nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These can then be absorbed into your blood, so your body can use them for energy, growth and repair. Anything that
Difficulty reaching female orgasm
Difficulty reaching female orgasm It’s common for women not to have orgasms – this is the case for about 1 in 3 women. Sometimes women who have experienced orgasms go through periods of time where orgasms are less frequent or absent. If you are unhappy about the amount, or type of orgasms you have, talk to your doctor. It’s quite natural for a woman to have experienced orgasms many times before, only to go through periods of time where orgasms are less frequent or absent. What can affect orgasm in women? Difficulty reaching an orgasm can be a result of
Diets
Weight loss and dieting What is a diet? A diet involves eating a certain selection of food, usually to improve your health, regulate your weight or cure a disease. New diets, programs and books on losing weight appear every day. While many Australians need to lose a few kilos, it’s important to follow an eating and exercise plan that you can maintain. The plan needs to help you stay healthy for the long term. Nearly 2 in 3 Australians are overweight or obese. Carrying extra weight increases your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. If you are
Dietitians
What is a dietitian? Dietitians help people to understand the relationship between food and health. They also help people change their diet so that they can become healthier and stay healthy. What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist? In Australia, dietitians are different to nutritionists. Both are qualified to work in areas such as public health, research and teaching, or in the food industry. Dietitians are also qualified to work in private medical practices, medical centres or hospitals. Dietitians must have a university degree in nutrition and dietetics. Only qualified dietitians are eligible to join the Accredited
Dietary fibre
Key facts Fibre is a type of nutrient that reduces your risk of disease and keeps your digestive system healthy. There are several types of fibre that can be found in different foods. Including a variety of fresh foods in your diet will ensure you get enough fibre. High-fibre foods and diet What is fibre? Fibre is a nutrient that is needed by your body to keep you healthy. It’s digested by the bacteria in your gut to produce substances that keep you healthy. Eating a diet high in fibre and wholegrain foods is linked to a lower risk of: obesity type
Dietary fats
What are fats? Fat is a kilojoule-dense nutrient needed for energy and to help absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. There are different types of fats. Fats are important for a healthy diet. But some are better for you than others. It’s best to choose foods containing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 and 6. Eating too much saturated and trans fats, on the other hand, will increase your risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. Unsaturated fats Unsaturated fats help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. There are 2 types of unsaturated fats: polyunsaturated
Diet and mental health
It is important for everyone to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and keep an eye on their intake of alcohol and caffeine. For people with mental health challenges, this is even more important because: eating and drinking healthily may improve some of the symptoms of mental health disorders unhealthy eating and drinking habits may make symptoms worse some foods, caffeine and alcohol can interact with the medicines used to treat mental health disorders How does intake of food and drink affect mental health? Food There is some evidence that: a healthy diet (high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes; moderate amounts
Diet (balanced)
A balanced diet What are the 5 food groups? A healthy diet does not need to be complicated. Eat foods from the 5 food groups every day. The 5 food groups are: vegetables and legumes (beans) fruit grains and cereals lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes (beans), tofu, nuts, seeds milk, cheese, yoghurt or alternatives Each food group has important nutrients. The amount of each food you need will vary during your life. Your diet will depend on factors such as: how active you are whether or not you are growing whether or not you are pregnant or breastfeeding Why should I eat vegetables
Diazepam
What is diazepam? Diazepam is a sedative medicine (a medicine that helps you feel calmer or more relaxed) in a medicine class called benzodiazepines. What is diazepam used for? Diazepam is a medicine mainly used to treat people with anxiety or a panic disorder. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety that is more serious than that caused by the normal stress of everyday life. In general, diazepam is only used only for short periods of time, around 2 to 4 weeks, unless your doctor advises something different. If you use this medicine over a longer period of time, you can become dependent on diazepam. Diazepam
Diarrhoea in children
What is diarrhoea? Diarrhoea is a symptom where someone’s bowel movements are more frequent or looser and they pass 3 or more loose or liquid stools (poos) per day. If the stools are soft, formed and solid, then it is not diarrhoea. Breastfed babies may pass soft, loose stools in a mustard yellow colour, but this is not diarrhoea either. See this article for what’s normal for baby poo. Diarrhoea in children is often due to ‘gastro’ — viral gastroenteritis — which is infectious and easily spread from person to person. What symptoms relate to diarrhoea in children? Children with diarrhoea may also have
Diarrhoea
Key facts Most diarrhoea is mild and clears up in a few days without treatment. Diarrhoea has many different causes, but gastroenteritis is a common one. Avoiding dehydration is very important, especially for children and in older people. Children and older people should use oral rehydration solutions to replace fluids. Children should not take anti-diarrhoeal medicine. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking anti-diarrhoeal medicines — they may not be suitable for you. What is diarrhoea? Diarrhoea is having 3 or more loose or liquid stools (poos) in one day, or more frequently than normal. If you have diarrhoea, you
Diaphragm (contraceptive device)
What is a diaphragm? A diaphragm is a type of contraception (birth control) that can be used to avoid getting pregnant. It is a piece of soft silicone in the shape of a dome. When using a diaphragm, you put it into your vagina before having sex. It should be positioned to cover your cervix (lower part of your womb). This prevents sperm from entering your uterus (womb). Once you place a diaphragm, it’s held in position by your pelvic muscles. You don’t need a doctor to insert it. But it’s a good idea to see a doctor or nurse to learn how to put
Dialysis
What is dialysis? Dialysis is a way to clean your blood if your kidneys are no longer working properly. The kidneys act as filters for your body. They remove waste from the blood and get rid of it via your urine (wee). If your kidneys are not working properly, waste can build up in your blood. There are 2 main types of dialysis: haemodialysis peritoneal dialysis Haemodialysis treatment involves taking your blood from your body and pumping it through a dialysis machine for cleaning. This usually happens 3 days a week. Each treatment lasts for 4 to 5 hours. Peritoneal dialysis uses