Day: January 6, 2024

What is porphyria? Porphyria is a group of uncommon diseases caused by problems with red blood cells. The problems cause a build-up in the body of chemicals called porphyrins. Porphyria can cause a wide range of symptoms. Porphyria types There are many types of porphyria, which are commonly divided into 2 categories: cutaneous — mainly affecting skin acute — mainly affecting the neurological (nerve) system What are the symptoms of porphyria? The signs and symptoms of porphyria can vary, depending on the type and severity. Some people have no symptoms. Some go for long periods of time without any symptoms, while other

What is a polyp? A polyp is a growth on or in an organ in your body. Most polyps are benign, which means they are not cancerous. Some are precancerous, which means that they can turn into cancer over time. Others may be malignant (cancerous), which means they can spread. ‘Pedunculated’ polyps are attached to a stalk. ‘Sessile’ polyps protrude without a stalk. What are the symptoms of polyps? Polyps don’t always cause symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type of polyp and where they are in your body. Ear canal polyps These grow in your ear canal. They may indicate

What is polymyalgia rheumatica? Polymyalgia rheumatica is a type of arthritis where you have inflammation in the shoulder joints and sometimes in the hip joints, as well as in the surrounding tissues. It can make your muscles feel painful and stiff, especially in your shoulders, neck and hips. It usually affects older adults. However, when treated, your symptoms can improve rapidly and may eventually disappear altogether. What causes polymyalgia rheumatica? Doctors do not know what causes polymyalgia rheumatica. Some doctors have suggested that polymyalgia rheumatica may be genetic. Sometimes an infection might trigger your condition, but there isn’t any clear proof

What is polio? Polio is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and death. It is also known as poliomyelitis, or infantile paralysis. Polio was once a widespread disease that affected many people. Now, due to vaccination, polio has been got rid of in most of the world. Australia began routinely vaccinating against polio in 1956. The last polio epidemic in Australia was in 1961-1962. Australia was officially declared polio-free in 2000. What causes polio? Polio is caused by the poliovirus. The polio virus is very contagious. It is spread by contact with the saliva or faeces (poo)

What is a podiatrist? When it comes to looking after your health, it’s easy to forget about your feet. But healthy feet are an important part of your overall wellbeing. Foot problems can have a huge impact on your quality of life. If they occur, podiatrists can help. What does a podiatrist do? Podiatrists are experts in foot, ankle and lower limb health. They can help to prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions including: ingrown toenails heel and arch pain skin problems balance issues sprains They can also treat foot problems that arise from underlying medical conditions

What is pneumothorax? A pneumothorax is when air leaks into the space between one of your lungs and your chest wall. This is called the ‘pleural space’. A pneumothorax can cause a ‘collapsed lung’ when the air in your pleural space pushes on your lung. In most cases, only some of the lung collapses. A tension pneumothorax is when there is increasing pressure in the air around your lung. It causes the heart and lungs to stop working properly and is a medical emergency. What are the symptoms of a pneumothorax? The most common symptoms of pneumothorax are: sudden, sharp

What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. The infection is usually caused by bacteria or a virus. The infection causes inflammation (swelling) in your lungs. The air sacs in your lungs can fill up with fluid, making it harder for you to breathe. There are many types of pneumonia. One of the most common is pneumococcal pneumonia. This is caused by the bacterium streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia can be a mild illness, or it can be much more serious. Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially for: babies 12 months and under Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people people older than

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) What is premenstrual syndrome? Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) describes physical changes as well as changes in mood that occur around a week before your period each month. PMS is also known as premenstrual tension (PMT) — they mean the same thing. What are the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome? PMS symptoms usually start in the few days before you start bleeding, and finish during your period. Symptoms can include: feeling bloated swollen ankles acne poor coordination or clumsiness tiredness, lethargy, insomnia food cravings and weight gain constipation and/or diarrhoea You may also experience various pains in your body including abdominal pain, headaches and migraines, back ache

What is pleurisy? Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura. The pleura are linings that cover the outside of the lungs and the inside chest wall. They are lubricated so that the lungs and chest wall can move easily during breathing. When someone has pleurisy, the pleura become rough and rub against each other, which is painful. What are the symptoms of pleurisy? Symptoms can vary in severity and include: chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing and coughing, usually on one side. The pain can be sharp and stabbing, or a constant ache. You may also feel pain in the back

What is pleural effusion? The pleural cavity is a space between your lungs and the inside of your chest. If you have a build-up of fluid in the pleural cavity, this is known as a pleural effusion. What causes pleural effusion? Pleural effusion can be caused by many different conditions, including: heart failure infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis cancer pulmonary embolism heart surgery or chest injury kidney failure or liver disease Pleural effusion fluid is located outside the lungs. It is different to pulmonary oedema, which occurs when fluid collects in the air sacs inside the lungs themselves. What are the symptoms of pleural effusion? Depending on

What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis happens when your plantar fascia becomes damaged. The plantar fascia is a piece of strong, thick tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. It connects your heel bone to the toes, creating the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and can develop because of: overstretching your foot overusing your foot a medical condition Plantar fasciitis is often associated with a heel spur. This is a spike of bone poking out from the heel bone. However, many people have heel spurs without any pain. What are

There are several stinging plants in Australia that can cause pain if your skin touches them. This article explains the best first aid treatment if this happens, depending on the type of stinging plant. It’s important to be aware that stings from plants can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in some people. Learn more about first aid treatment for severe allergic reactions in the ‘anaphylaxis’ section below. What are stinging nettles? Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica, Urtica incisa, Urtica urens) are plants that are commonly regarded as weeds in Australia. Stinging nettles are often found in damp areas. They grow

beginning of content Planning for your pregnancy If you are thinking about pregnancy, visit your doctor for a preconception consult. They will provide you with expert advice on planning your pregnancy. The preconception period (3 to 6 months prior to pregnancy) is the time to make life changes that can help boost fertility, reduce problems during pregnancy and assist in recovery from birth. Folic acid If you and your partner are planning to conceive, you should start taking a folic and iodine supplement before you get pregnant. Folic acid helps to provide the best health outcomes for your baby when

What is pityriasis rosea? Pityriasis rosea is a mild skin rash with a pink, scaly and inflamed appearance. The condition is quite common, and it is not serious. It is most common in children and young adults but can occur at any age. The rash usually lasts between 1 to 3 months and leaves no permanent marks. People with dark skin may notice lasting brown spots after the rash has healed. Once it is gone, pityriasis rosea usually does not come back. What are the symptoms of pityriasis rosea? The first sign of pityriasis rosea is usually a round or

What is pilonidal disease? Pilonidal disease causes a problem with your skin, usually in the crease between your buttocks. If you have pilonidal disease, you may have one or more of the following: a pilonidal sinus (tracts or narrow tunnels in your skin) a pilonidal cyst (fluid-filled areas) These sinuses or cysts in your skin are usually found between your buttocks. They may be painful or cause no symptoms. The cysts or sinuses contain hair, and may become swollen or infected (an abscess). What are the symptoms of pilonidal disease? Unless a cyst or sinus becomes infected, you may have

Body piercing What is body piercing? Body piercing is traditionally done by pushing a needle through skin and inserting a piece of jewellery. Ears are pierced more often than other parts of the body, but other sites that are sometimes pierced include: eyebrows nose lips tongue nipples navel genitals What is tattooing? Tattoos are permanent designs made with ink injected under the skin. The tattoo gun used to inject the ink pierces the skin, so tattoos have their own set of health risks. See this Queensland Government page for advice on what to ask if you are considering getting a tattoo. What

What is physiotherapy? Physiotherapy uses physical techniques to help treat conditions and injuries. Physiotherapy can help: improve movement and function reduce pain and stiffness improve quality of life Physiotherapists are registered healthcare practitioners. All physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. They must be qualified, have insurance and be continuing their professional education. You can check if your physiotherapist is registered or make a complaint about a physiotherapist on the Physiotherapy Board of Australia website. What does a physiotherapist do? Physiotherapists are trained in the structure and function of the human body and its movement. Physiotherapists can diagnose and

What to expect from a physical examination by your doctor What is a physical examination? A physical examination is when a doctor checks all or part of your body to find out more about your general health, or to diagnose an injury or health condition. When might you need an examination by a doctor? You might need a doctor’s examination if you: feel unwell, for example with a cough, sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, earache or breathing difficulties are in pain have a skin rash or lumps have eye or vision problems have had an injury, or may have a broken bone are pregnant have a health condition

What is a phobia? A phobia is an unreasonable fear of something. There are 2 main kinds of phobias. The first is social phobia. The second is a group called specific phobias. Phobias have 2 main features: An intense fear related to the object or situation, out of proportion to the degree of danger the object or situation actually poses. Active efforts to avoid the object or situation. What is social phobia? Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a fear of being criticised, embarrassed or humiliated, even in everyday situations. Social phobia may involve a fear of a

Sore throat (pharyngitis) What is a sore throat? A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is when your throat is red, swollen and painful, especially when you swallow. It happens when the back of the throat, called the pharynx, is inflamed. What are the symptoms of a sore throat? A sore throat is pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat which may worsen with swallowing or talking. It may be difficult to swallow. The throat might also be red, with white patches or streaks of pus. If your sore throat is caused by a cold virus, you may also have a runny nose,

Getting the most out of your pharmacist What is a pharmacist? Pharmacists (sometimes called chemists) are qualified medicines experts who give advice and counselling on medicines and general healthcare to millions of Australians every year. Pharmacists play an important role as front-line health professionals, and they do a lot more than give you your prescription medicine. How can pharmacists help? Australia has a network of over 5,700 community pharmacies. Pharmacists are often patients’ first point of contact with the health system. They supply medicines and check that you have the correct dose, if you have any allergies and if you could have any other problems

7 ways pets improve your health Pets reduce stress Many people have a lot of stress in their lives. Research shows that just patting a pet can help reduce your stress and blood pressure. They can help you relax and cope better when under high pressure and in uncertain times and situations. Pets provide love and provide companionship Pets can be affectionate and loyal. They give unconditional love and joy. They can provide a sense of stability to your family and become your best friend and beloved companion. They help you fulfil the basic human need to touch. Simply patting a pet can lower your heart

Pesticides are used to prevent, destroy, or reduce the spread of pests. Though often misunderstood to refer only to insecticides, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides (against weeds), bactericides (against bacteria), fungicides (against fungi) and various other substances used to control pests. It is important that pesticides are only used when necessary, and in accordance with the directions on the label. When exposed to high levels of pesticides, humans can be harmed or poisoned. If a person has been poisoned by pesticides, you should call the Poisons Information Centre 24 hours a day from anywhere . Symptoms of pesticide