Day: November 23, 2023

It’s natural to worry about things that are important in your life. But if you find you are worrying about every little thing, this can be a problem. When is it excessive worry? Worry is to feel anxious about things — to think in a negative way about something that may or will happen in the future. It’s common to worry about stressful situations, such as taking an exam or a job interview. This worry is generally short-lived and can be regarded as problem solving for a new or challenging situation. These feelings can drive us to achieve more and

What is excessive sweating? Excessive or uncontrollable sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be very distressing and embarrassing, but it’s quite common. Around 3 in every 100 Australians have excessive sweating, meaning they sweat a lot for no apparent reason, even when they are not hot or doing physical activity. If you have this condition, you might sweat so much it soaks through your clothes. If you live with hyperhidrosis and your condition bothers you, you can get help. Treatments can help lessen the impact of excessive sweating on your life. There are 2 types of excessive sweating: Focal hyperhidrosis: excessive

Online therapy (eTherapy) What is online therapy? Online therapy (also known as eTherapy) is psychological support, information, online counselling and other help that is provided online on a computer, tablet or smartphone. There are many different types of online therapy. Some are as simple as screening tools and checklists to help you decide if you want to seek help for a psychological issue. Some offer web seminars. Others have structured online programs. Some programs offer an online counsellor or online psychologist to talk to, while others don’t. Online therapy can be a very effective way of helping most people. Online

What is essential tremor? Essential tremor is a nervous system condition that causes uncontrollable shaking. Your hands may be affected first. It is not usually dangerous but can get worse over time. It can become severe in some people. What are the symptoms of essential tremor? The most common symptom is shaking of one or both of your hands when they’re being used. This is different to the shaking of the hands in people with Parkinson’s disease. Usually their hands also shake at rest. Your head and voice may also be affected by essential tremor. Having an essential tremor affects people in different

What is an eScript (electronic prescription)? An eScript, or electronic prescription, is a digital version of a paper prescription that your doctor can use to prescribe you medicine. It allows the prescribing and dispensing of medicine without the need for a paper prescription. How is an eScript different from a paper prescription? The main difference is how you receive the prescription. Instead of receiving a piece of paper, you will receive a digital token sent from your doctor by SMS or email. What are the benefits of an eScript? An eScript saves you time and makes the process of getting your medicine

What is erythromelalgia? Erythromelalgia is a rare skin condition that commonly affects your hands or feet. It’s also known as Mitchell’s disease or erythermalgia. What are the symptoms of erythromelalgia? The pain from erythromelalgia can come and go. These are known as flares or episodes. Flares are more common in the evening and night. Flares often involve painful, burning areas of skin that are also:  itchy red swollen warm tender and sore to touch Erythromelalgia usually affects the hands or feet on both sides of the body. However, you can get it in other areas, or just on one side.

What is erythema nodosum? Erythema nodosum is a skin condition that causes a lumpy red rash, usually on your lower legs. It is sometimes caused by an illness, but more than half the time there is no reason found for it. Anyone can get erythema nodosum, but it is most common in females aged 20 to 40 years. What are the symptoms of erythema nodosum? Painful red lumps, or nodules, gradually appear on your skin over a week or longer. They usually appear on both legs, from the knees down. Occasionally, they can also appear on your thighs, arms or

What are erectile dysfunction medicines? Erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines, commonly known as impotence medicines, are prescribed to help you get and keep an erection. These medicines can help improve male sexual performance. ED medicines are available in different forms, such as tablets or injections. They are usually taken shortly before sexual activity. If you’re experiencing difficulties in getting or maintaining an erection, your doctor can do a health check and suggest appropriate treatment. ED medicines should only be used under medical guidance. How do erectile dysfunction medicines work? Erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines work by improving blood flow to your penis,

How to use an adrenaline autoinjector What is an adrenaline autoinjector? Adrenaline autoinjectors are used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in an emergency. They are designed to administer a single, fixed dose of adrenaline and can be given by anyone, including people who are not medically trained. What types of adrenaline autoinjector are available in Australia? There are two different brands of adrenaline autoinjector available in Australia called EpiPen™ and Anapen™. Both brands have an autoinjector for adults and one for children who weigh between 7.5kg and 20kg. The children’s version contains a lower dose of adrenaline. Anapen™ also makes a larger dose

What is an epigastric hernia? An epigastric hernia is a lump in the midline between the belly button and sternum (breastbone) which can cause pain. In an epigastric hernia, fat pushes out through a weakness in the wall of the abdomen between the belly button and sternum and forms a lump. What are the benefits of surgery? Your child should no longer have the hernia. Surgery can help to relieve pain that is caused by the hernia. Are there any alternatives to surgery? The hernia can be left alone but pain caused by the hernia will usually continue. It will

What is an epigastric hernia? An epigastric hernia is a lump in the midline between your belly button and sternum (breastbone) which can cause pain. Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures. These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers. In an epigastric hernia, fat pushes out through a weakness in the wall of your abdomen between your belly button and sternum and forms a lump. The most common symptom is pain caused by the fat being pinched by your abdominal wall. An epigastric hernia. What are the benefits of surgery? Surgery can help

What is an epidural injection? An epidural injection involves injecting local anaesthetics and steroids into the epidural space (an area near your spinal cord). This helps reduce inflammation and pain from the irritated nerve. How does an epidural injection work? A needle is inserted in the epidural space, near your spinal cord. Local anaesthetics and steroids are injected through the needle into the epidural space. The local anaesthetics numb the nerves to give pain relief. The steroids reduce inflammation and may make the pain relief last longer. What types of epidural injection are available? The type of epidural injection depends on where

What is an epidural anaesthetic? An epidural anaesthetic (or epidural) involves injecting local anaesthetics and other painkillers into the epidural space (an area near your spinal cord). This numbs your nerves to give pain relief in certain areas of your body. An epidural can be used either on its own while you are awake, or together with sedation or a general anaesthetic. An epidural can also be used after an operation or procedure to give effective pain relief. How does an epidural work? A fine catheter (tube) is inserted in the epidural space, near your spinal cord. Local anaesthetics and other painkillers

What is epididymitis? Epididymitis is inflammation (swelling) of the epididymis. The epididymis is a tightly coiled tube at the back of each testicle that stores sperm while they mature. Epididymitis often occurs at the same time as orchitis, which is inflammation of the testes themselves. What are the symptoms of epididymitis? If you have epididymitis, your testicle will be: tender or painful unusually warm swollen or firm You might also feel sick, with fever and chills. If your epididymitis is related to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you may also have some discharge from the penis. It may also sting or

What is entropion and ectropion? Entropion and ectropion are conditions that affect your eyelid. With entropion, your eyelid turns in and causes your eyelashes to rub against the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped outer layer at the front of your eye). With ectropion, your eyelid turns out and does not touch your eye. How does entropion or ectropion happen? The problem is usually caused by ageing. Sometimes the problem is caused by scar tissue pulling your eyelid out of position. It can also be caused by a lump or trauma (where a physical force is applied directly to your eyelid). Only

What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins in your leg. Varicose veins tend to run in families and are made worse by pregnancy and standing up a lot. Both legs contain a system of deep veins, which are buried within the muscles of your leg, and a system of superficial veins which run just underneath your skin. Sometimes weaknesses in the walls of the superficial veins cause them to enlarge. The result is a build-up of pressure in the veins, which bulge out as varicose veins. Varicose veins. What are the benefits of surgery? Your symptoms should

What is an endoscopy? An endoscopy is a procedure that gives your doctor a direct view of your body’s internal organs. This can allow a diagnosis and treatment of some conditions. An endoscope is a thin, flexible, tube with a light and a camera at the tip. It is passed into your body through a natural opening, such as your mouth, or a small cut in your skin. Using endoscopy, the doctor can see images of your internal organs on a screen. Types of endoscopy There are many types of endoscopy that allow doctors to see different parts of the

What is an endoscopic ultrasound? An endoscopic ultrasound is a procedure to look at the wall of your oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum using a flexible telescope. The telescope has an ultrasound scanner attached to it so the endoscopist (the person doing the endoscopic ultrasound) can scan structures beneath the lining of your intestines such as your bile ducts and pancreas. An endoscopic ultrasound. What are the benefits of an endoscopic ultrasound? You may already have had a test, such as an endoscopy or CT scan, that has shown that you have an abnormality. An endoscopic ultrasound can be used

What is sinusitis? Your sinuses are air-filled spaces at the front of your skull, between your eyes and above your upper jaw, that are connected to the inside of your nose. Sinusitis is an infection of the mucous membrane that lines your sinuses. It causes symptoms of pain, a blocked nose, discharge, reduced sense of smell and the feeling of mucus at the back of your nose or throat. The mucous membrane that lines your sinuses produces mucus, which helps to keep the air you breathe clean, warm and moist. If the opening between a sinus and the inside of your nose

What is an endometrial biopsy? An endometrial biopsy involves removing small samples of tissue from the lining (endometrium) of your uterus (womb). An endometrial biopsy is usually performed for the following reasons: Heavy periods or bleeding between periods. Vaginal bleeding after the menopause. Unexpected bleeding while taking hormone replacement therapy. A pelvic ultrasound scan showing an abnormally thickened endometrium. To assess your response to treatment if you have endometrial hyperplasia. What are the benefits of an endometrial biopsy? An endometrial biopsy is a good way of finding out if a problem in your endometrium is causing or contributing to your symptoms. Sometimes they may not

What is an endocrinologist? An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who treats people with a range of conditions that are caused by problems with hormones, such as diabetes, menopause and thyroid problems. Hormones are part of the endocrine system, series of glands that produce and secrete hormones that control many different bodily functions. The endocrine system includes: the pituitary gland the thyroid gland the parathyroid gland the adrenal glands the pancreas ovaries and testes Endocrinologists can treat conditions such as: diabetes metabolic disorders osteoporosis menopause thyroid problems cancers of the endocrine glands infertility Where can I find an endocrinologist? You can ask your

Hormonal system What is the hormonal system? The hormonal system, also called the endocrine system, is a network of glands and organs in the body that produces hormones. Several glands make hormones, including the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands, the adrenal glands, the pancreas, ovaries and testes. Each gland makes one or more hormones. Hormones are important for almost all cells in the body to work. They influence the metabolism, growth and many other functions. Some hormones influence almost all cells in the body. Others only influence a small number of cells in specific organs. Some glands ‘talk to’ other glands, telling

What is emphysema? Emphysema is a long-term lung condition. It is one of several lung conditions that, as a group, are known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your lungs are made up of many little air sacs, called alveoli. In people with emphysema, the walls of the alveoli are damaged. This causes the small airways in your lungs to collapse when you breathe out. This makes it hard for air to flow into your lungs and even harder for it to flow out. The damage also makes the alveoli become bigger and less elastic. Over time, your lung tissue becomes stiff and cannot

What is emotional abuse? Emotional abuse is when someone repeatedly tries to make another person doubt themselves, feel bad or inadequate. People who abuse emotionally aim to exercise power or control over another person. It is also known as psychological abuse. Emotional abuse is a common form of abuse that can occur in any relationship, especially between partners or family members. It can also happen in situations such as schools or workplaces. If you are being emotionally abused, it doesn’t matter who is carrying out the abuse, it is always wrong and not your fault. Emotional abuse is the most common

Hospital emergency departments What is an emergency department? An emergency department (ED) is part of a hospital that provides 24-hour emergency care to patients who need urgent medical attention for severe injuries or illness. Most public hospitals in Australia have an emergency department. EDs have trained doctors and other healthcare professionals to care for you if you have a medical emergency. When you come to the ED with a serious illness or injury, specially trained staff will assess, treat and start your care as needed. Some EDs provide services only to particular groups of patients, for example, EDs at children’s

What is contraception? Contraception (birth control) can be used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Pregnancy can happen when sperm released during penis-in-vagina sex fertilises an egg, which then implants in your uterus (womb). What should I think about when choosing contraception? There are many different forms of contraception. No form of birth control is 100% effective, but some methods are more effective than others. Aside from preventing pregnancy, some — but not all — methods of contraception can also help prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Discuss contraception with a new partner before having sex, so you can choose a method that

What is electroconvulsive therapy? Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure used to treat serious mental health conditions. ECT is considered a safe and effective treatment for severe depression. ECT involves delivery of a small electric current to the brain while you are under anaesthetic. ECT can only be given after you provide informed consent. Informed consent Before ECT can be used, you must give informed consent to show that you understand the treatment. This includes the risks and benefits. If you are unable to give consent because of poor mental health, there are rules your psychiatrist must follow. A person

What is an electric shock or burn? Electric shocks are caused by contact with live electricity that sends an electric current through the body. Sometimes the electricity can cause a burn, often where the electricity entered or exited the body. Sometimes an electric shock only causes a fright and some pain. But sometimes it can be severe enough to knock someone unconscious and stop their heart. It depends on the voltage, the type of current and whether the current involved the heart. When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department? An electric shock can be life

What is your spleen? Your spleen is an organ in the upper left-hand side of your abdomen underneath your ribcage. Your spleen’s main functions are to filter old and damaged red blood cells from your blood, and to produce lymphocytes (special white blood cells) that fight infections. What are the benefits of surgery? The main reasons for having an elective (non-emergency) splenectomy are associated with problems with your blood. Abnormal reduction in the number of red blood cells (anaemia) or blood platelets. Abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells if you have leukaemia or lymphoma. A large spleen is dangerous because

What is an elective caesarean section? A caesarean section is a procedure to deliver a baby by a surgical operation. Elective means that it is planned before you go into labour. Why do I need a caesarean section? The following are the more common reasons why a caesarean section may be recommended. Your baby is positioned in a way other than head down. Your baby is not growing properly or is distressed. The placenta is lying in front of your baby and either completely or partly over your cervix, preventing a vaginal birth. You have had a caesarean section before. You have a multiple pregnancy. You

How common is egg allergy? Egg allergy is one of the more common allergies in children. It usually starts in infancy. Fortunately, most children grow out of egg allergy before they reach school age. But as long as a child is experiencing any allergy symptoms, it’s important to avoid eggs (and all foods that contain eggs). Which part of the egg causes allergy? Allergic reactions are usually due to egg white, but they can also be caused by egg yolk. Many children are more likely to have a reaction to raw or lightly-cooked egg, than small amounts of egg that are cooked

What is Edwards syndrome? Edwards syndrome is a genetic condition in babies that causes severe disability. It is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18 and babies born with the condition usually do not survive for much longer than a week. How does Edwards syndrome happen? Children with Edwards syndrome have 3 copies of part or all of chromosome 18, instead of the usual 2 copies. It is also called Trisomy 18. This can be caused by a mistake in the formation of the egg or sperm, or the problem can arise while the baby is developing in the

What is eczema? Eczema is a common skin condition that affects both children and adults. It’s also known as atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis and allergic eczema. If you have eczema, your skin doesn’t keep the moisture in very well, so it becomes dry and easily irritated. This causes chemicals to be released, which worsens your irritation and makes you want to scratch. Scratching only makes your skin more itchy, and so the cycle repeats itself. This can be very frustrating. What are the symptoms of eczema? The most common type of eczema involves areas of red, dry, itchy skin, most commonly found in