Day: December 11, 2023

What is iron deficiency? Iron deficiency is when there’s not enough iron in your body. Iron is an essential mineral for your body. Iron is needed to produce red blood cells, which are important for: a healthy immune system mental function muscle strength and energy In red blood cells, iron forms part of a protein called haemoglobin. Haemoglobin transports oxygen through your blood. It carries oxygen from your lungs to all the cells in your body so they can work properly. Your body can’t make iron, so you need to get it from your diet. If you don’t eat as much iron

What is iodine? Iodine is an element that is essential for normal growth and for the development of the brain. The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones influence metabolism. They are essential for the development and function of the brain, nerves and bones. A healthy diet needs enough iodine, but too much can cause health problems. Read more on the role of iodine and your health. What is iodine deficiency? Iodine deficiency occurs when you don’t have enough iodine in your body. This usually occurs because you don’t consume enough iodine in your diet. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause

What is an invasive staph infection? Invasive staphylococcus aureus (staph) infections happen when bacteria get inside your body. Staph bacteria are often found on your skin or in your nose. Even healthy people can have staph bacteria on their skin. It usually doesn’t cause any problems. Invasive staph infection happens when staph bacteria get inside your body. If bacteria get into your blood stream or lungs it can be very serious. Invasive staph infections are not as common as staph skin infections. Some sicknesses or conditions can mean a higher risk of getting an invasive staph infection. Such as people who

If you are a person living with disability, or if you are caring for someone with disability, there may be publicly funded services that provide support for you. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides services to Australians who have a permanent or significant disability. It can also provide connections to support provided by each state and territory government. The NDIS is jointly funded and governed by the Australian Government and the states and territories. The scheme replaces current and former disability support services provided by state and territory governments. The NDIS is run by the Australian Government’s National Disability Insurance Agency

What is an intrauterine device (IUD)? An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of contraception (birth control). IUDs are small devices that are placed inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. There are 2 types of IUD: the hormonal IUD the copper IUD An IUD needs to be put in place by a trained doctor or nurse. Placement of an IUD in the uterus after insertion. How does an IUD work to prevent pregnancy? IUDs are highly effective and reliable. They last for 5 years or more. The hormonal IUD Hormonal IUDs are made of plastic and slowly release a progestogen hormone called levonorgestrel.

Who are intersex people? The term ‘intersex’ refers to people who have genetic, hormonal or physical sex characteristics that sit outside what is usually expected for female or male bodies. This condition may also be called a ‘disorder of sex development’ (DSD). Intersex people have a variety of bodies and identities. Intersex people may identify as male, female or neither. Intersex features can be noticed when you are born. For some people, intersex features only become clear later in life. This can be at puberty or when you are trying to have a child. For many people with intersex variations,

What to expect in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) What is an intensive care unit (ICU)? An ICU is a part of a hospital that gives care to people who are critically ill. Patients in the ICU have serious health issues that can be life-threatening. They might: have a serious injury have a serious illness be recovering from major surgery In the ICU, patients are closely monitored at all times, 24 hours a day, by teams of specialist health practitioners. The ICU is different from other hospital wards in that: there are fewer beds each bed has lots of

Insulin and non-insulin injection devices for diabetes There are many different types of medicines available to treat diabetes. Some of these medicines need to be injected. Read on for more information about injectable medicines for diabetes and tips for using them safely and effectively. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a medical condition where the body can’t maintain healthy levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. There are a few different types of diabetes including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. The goal of treatment in all types of diabetes is maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. How is diabetes

What is insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep disorder. If you have insomnia, you find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Most Australians experience insomnia at some point in their lives, and about 1 in 10 people have at least mild insomnia at any given time. It is more common in females and older people. Insomnia can include: difficulty falling asleep waking up during the night and having trouble going back to sleep waking up too early Sometimes people can experience all 3 of these. You might experience insomnia for a short time, for example if you’re worried or

What is an IUD? A copper intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUD, also known as a Cu-IUD or ‘coil’) is a T-shaped implant made of plastic and copper that is placed in your uterus (womb) to prevent you from becoming pregnant. An IUD is a non-permanent (reversible) method of female contraception. Your healthcare professional can remove it at any time you choose. What are the benefits of an IUD? You or your partner should not need to use another method of contraception while the IUD is in place. An IUD in the womb. Are there any alternatives to an IUD? There are other non-permanent methods of

What is an internal cardioverter defibrillator? An internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device that treats an abnormal heart rhythm. The ICD is usually inserted under the skin just below your collarbone and gives electric impulses or shocks through one or more leads that run down a vein to your heart. What are the benefits of an ICD? You may be at risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm or you may have had an abnormal heart rhythm. An ICD is designed to sense an abnormal rhythm and give the appropriate electric treatment. If the problem is not too serious,

What is a primary gastrostomy device? A primary gastrostomy device is a type of feeding device that is inserted through the skin and into your child’s stomach. The device can be in the form of a tube or a button. What are the benefits of surgery? A gastrostomy device should allow the healthcare team to give your child nutrients and fluid directly into their stomach. They can also give your child medication through the device. A gastrostomy button in the stomach. Are there any alternatives to a gastrostomy device? It is possible for the healthcare team to give your child

What is a pacemaker? A pacemaker is a device that treats a slow heart rhythm. The pacemaker is usually smaller than a normal matchbox and contains an electric circuit and battery. The pacemaker is usually inserted under the skin just below your collarbone and gives electric impulses through one or more leads that run down a vein to your heart. What are the benefits of a pacemaker? You may be at risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm or you may have had an abnormal heart rhythm. A pacemaker is designed to sense if your heartbeat is too slow, and to give

What is a gastric balloon? A gastric balloon is an inflatable silicone balloon that is inserted in your stomach. It works by making you feel full sooner so that you eat less. Is a gastric balloon suitable for me? A gastric balloon can only stay in place for up to 9 months. For this reason, a gastric balloon can be used to help you to lose weight to prepare for weight-loss surgery or for an operation that you have been refused until you lose enough weight to reduce the risk of serious complications. A gastric balloon in the stomach. What

What are haemorrhoids? Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are soft fleshy lumps just inside your back passage (anus). They have a rich blood supply and bleed easily, usually causing fresh bright-red bleeding when you have had a bowel movement. They do not usually cause pain but can cause itching around your anus. When large, they can pass through your anus (prolapsed pile), feeling like a lump when you clean yourself. Haemorrhoids develop gradually, often over a long period of time. They often run in families and can be made worse by pregnancy. What are the benefits of banding the haemorrhoids?

What are inhalants? Inhalants are chemical substances that release fumes at regular room temperature. Some people breathe in or ‘sniff’ some types of these substances to feel a ‘high’. This type of drug use is sometimes known as ‘sniffing’, ‘chroming’ or ‘huffing’. Inhalants include common industrial, medicinal and household products. These include solvents and other substances that evaporate easily. Substances that are commonly sniffed include: glue petrol paint Is sniffing ever safe? There is no safe level of inhalant use. If you sniff inhalants while using other drugs and medicines, the effects can be especially unpredictable and dangerous. Driving under the

What is an inguinal hernia? An inguinal hernia is where the contents of the abdomen push down towards the scrotum in boys, or labia (folds of skin at the entrance of the vagina) in girls. What are the benefits of surgery? Your child should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent your child from having any of the serious complications that a hernia can cause and allow them to return to normal activities. An inguinal hernia in a boy. Are there any alternatives to surgery? The hernia will not get better without surgery. What will happen if I decide that my

What is an inguinal hernia? A hernia is where a part of the body protrudes through an abnormal opening in another part of the body, getting into a space where it doesn’t normally sit. An inguinal hernia happens when there is a weakness in the muscles in the lower part of the abdomen, and some of the contents of the abdomen are pushed through this opening into the groin. What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia? You may first notice an inguinal hernia as a lump in the groin. The lump is usually painless, but some people report discomfort or a

What is an ingrown toenail? An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail curls down and grows into the skin around the nail. Any toe can be affected but it commonly occurs in the big toe. An ingrown toenail can become painful and inflamed (tender, red and swollen). Sometimes, it can become infected, which, if left untreated, can spread and infect the underlying bone. What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail? If you have an ingrown toenail, the area may be: painful or tender red swollen surrounded by hardened skin If the area becomes infected, you may

Surgery for ingrowing toenail (adult) What is an ingrowing toenail? An ingrowing toenail happens when your toenail grows into the skin around it. The skin can get damaged, causing infection and pain. The problem usually happens to your big toe. The most common cause of an ingrowing toenail is not cutting your toenails properly, by cutting them too short or down the sides of your toenail. Wearing shoes that do not have enough width to fit your toes in their natural position can also cause an ingrowing toenail. An ingrown toenail. What are the benefits of surgery? You should no longer have

What is informed consent? Consent is your agreement for a healthcare professional to provide you with medical treatment and care. This includes any tests, medicines, treatments or procedures you agree to. To give informed consent, you need to be given enough information about your options to make decisions about your health and healthcare. Which medical procedures need informed consent? Your doctor or healthcare professional needs your consent for any medical treatment they give you. This includes: physical checks medical treatments medical tests medical procedures What are the legal requirements for informed consent? To give informed consent in Australia, you must: have legal

What is influenza A? Influenza A is a type of virus that causes influenza (the flu), a highly contagious respiratory illness. The flu can also be caused by influenza B and, rarely, influenza C. The flu is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in Australia. Most people who have the flu are infected with the influenza type A virus. Influenza A infection is more serious than the common cold. It can cause major outbreaks and severe disease. The virus that causes COVID-19 is different from the virus that causes influenza. Influenza A infections are most common in winter. This is when different subtypes or