Day: November 22, 2023

What is Dystonia? Dystonia is a movement disorder that makes it hard for someone to control their muscles. It can cause parts of the body to spasm, tremor, twist and form abnormal positions. It is not clear why some people get dystonia, but it may happen because of a chemical imbalance in the brain. It can be genetic, but it can also happen after things like a brain injury. Dystonia can happen in anyone at any age. There are several types of dystonia and it can be limited to a certain area of the body, such as the face or

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) What is dysphagia? Dysphagia is the medical term to describe difficulty in swallowing. This includes problems with: sucking swallowing drinking chewing eating dribbling saliva closing your lips, Eating and drinking is a vital part of life. Difficulty swallowing can limit what you can eat and drink, leading to frustration, stress and health problems. What are the symptoms of dysphagia? Signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia include: gagging or choking when eating or drinking food or drink getting stuck in your throat or going down the “wrong way” eating a meal takes a long time (more than 30

Preparing for a death at home Many people prefer to die at home in familiar surroundings. For those in end-of-life care, their home can provide a sense of freedom, peace, and privacy. You may be caring for someone at home who has a terminal condition and is dying. This article gives you advice on how to prepare for a death at home. How do I prepare for a coming death at home? If the person you care for knows they are dying, they should talk to their doctor or palliative care team about: how that might happen what they want Their doctor

The physical process of dying Dying can be a gradual process, including when someone has a serious illness. If someone is receiving good care, it can be quite a peaceful time — a time during which the body lets go of life. What happens varies between people, but this article describes how people’s bodies generally change as they die. What is the physical process of dying? In most people who are dying, the body’s normal systems start to operate more slowly. The heart beats a little more slowly, or with a little less force, and so blood is moved around the body more slowly.

What is a dust storm? Dust storms are natural events. They occur when strong, hot, dry winds blow dust and soil into the air. The wind moves the dust across the country, often for many kilometres. These storms are more likely to occur in the summer and after a period of drought. This is when the land is warmer and the soil is more exposed. Because Australia has large areas of desert, dust storms are more common here. Periods of drought can increase the chance of a major dust storm. A dust storm reduces the quality of the air. Particles

What is Dupuytren’s disease? Dupuytren’s disease is a condition where scar-like tissue forms just beneath the skin of your fingers and the palm of your hand. It mainly affects the ring and little fingers. Over time, this fibrous tissue can contract and force one or more fingers to curl up into the palm. This is known as Dupuytren’s contracture. Dupuytren’s contracture. What are the benefits of surgery? You should be able to make better use of your hand and straighten the affected fingers more. Are there any alternatives to a Dupuytren’s fasciectomy? Your surgeon may be able to perform a

What is Dupuytren’s contracture? Dupuytren’s contracture is a relatively common medical condition that causes one or more of the fingers to bend towards the palm of the hand. It usually affects the ring finger and the little finger next to it, although it can affect any finger or thumb on one or both hands. What are the symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture? The first sign is one or more small lumps, called nodules, on the palm of your hand. They are not cancerous.  Over time these nodules get bigger and form tough cords of tissue under the skin. These cords can

What is a duodenal ulcer? Duodenal ulcers are a common cause of abdominal pain. Once treated, they usually get better in a matter of weeks. A duodenal ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the duodenum. Your duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. This is the part of your digestive system that food travels through, after it leaves your stomach. You can get an ulcer in your stomach as well as in your duodenum. Stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers are both types of peptic ulcers. If you have either of these, you have what’s called ‘peptic ulcer disease’.

How to quit drinking in July If you’re worried about the amount of alcohol you drink, consider taking a break from it for the month of July. Being halfway through the year, there are no Christmas parties to deal with, and you’ll find plenty of support available to help you stop drinking — or cut back, at least. Abstaining from alcohol is beneficial both for your mind and your body. Drinking can contribute to your risk of cancer, mental health issues, liver damage, stroke, dementia, heart disease, infertility — and, of course, accidents. Cutting back or quitting the grog can only be a good thing for your health.

What is dry eye disease? Dry eye disease (also known as dry eye syndrome) is a common condition that can affect your quality of life. Dry eyes can make your eyes feel sore and gritty and make your vision blurry. If you have dry eye disease, your eyes my feel sensitive to light, they may sting or burn, or look red. Your eyelids may be sticky when you wake up. Sometimes dry eye disease can cause excess tearing. You might also have blepharitis (inflamed eyelids). You may feel a sensation of something in your eye and you may have difficulty