Day: February 10, 2024

What is trachoma? Trachoma is a preventable eye infection caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis. If not treated, this infection can cause your eyelids to turn inwards. This causes trichiasis – when your eyelashes rub on your eyeball, causing pain and damaging the surface of your eye. Repeated infections can cause blindness. Australia is the only developed country with blinding trachoma. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote areas of Australia at highest risk. What causes trachoma? The bacteria that cause trachoma are spread through direct contact with fluid from the eyes and nose of infected people. The bacteria can

What is a tracheostomy? A tracheostomy, also known as a tracheotomy or a stoma, is a small surgical opening that is made through the front of the neck into your windpipe, or trachea. A curved plastic tube, known as a tracheostomy tube, is placed through the hole to allow air to flow in and out of your windpipe. The tube does not go down into into your lungs. The tube allows you to breathe through your throat, bypassing your upper airway, including your nose and mouth. A tracheostomy may be temporary or permanent. It may be done during an emergency or

What is toxic shock syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a very rare but serious illness caused when toxins are released into the bloodstream from bacteria. The toxins can cause symptoms of shock and can also damage organs and body tissue, which can cause death if left untreated. It is often caused by staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. TSS can affect anyone. It is more common among women when they are menstruating, but there is no evidence that tampons cause TSS. What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome? TSS can cause a number of symptoms, including: diarrhoea a sudden high temperature (40°C or above)

  What is an inhaled substance or object? Sometimes people accidentally breathe in (inhale) something they shouldn’t. This might include liquids, powders, gases or solid items such as medicines or drugs, particularly: small parts from toys food or drink that has gone down the breathing pipe (trachea) instead of the food pipe (oesophagus) smoke from fires chemical and toxic fumes, including household gas (such as the gas from your kitchen stove), aerosols or glues button batteries Some people, especially young children, may swallow foreign objects. While inhaled objects get stuck in the trachea or respiratory tract, swallowed objects move through

What is Tourette syndrome? Tourette syndrome is a genetic inherited neurological disorder, which means it can be passed on from birth parents to their children. It causes people to make involuntary and uncontrollable vocal sounds and/or movements. These are called tics. The signs of Tourette syndrome usually begin between 2 and 21 years of age. There is no cure for Tourette syndrome, but it usually improves as you get older. Some people find the tics go away as they enter adulthood. Tourette syndrome does not shorten your life span. What are the symptoms of Tourette syndrome? Tourette syndrome symptoms are

What are STIs? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), previously known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that you can pass to your partner during sexual activity. There are several different types of STI. They may cause symptoms, but you can also have an STI without noticing any symptoms. STIs often cause health problems if left untreated. Common STIs include: chlamydia gonorrhoea syphilis genital herpes hepatitis B HIV. These infections are caused by a bacteria or virus. If left untreated, some STIs can affect your long-term health and/or fertility. Am I at risk of STIs? STIs can be passed through vaginal, oral or

What is arthritis? Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause damage to one or more joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where there is gradual wear and tear of a joint. Some other types of arthritis are associated with inflammation of the joints that can eventually lead to severe joint damage. Arthritis eventually wears away the normal cartilage covering the surface of the joint and the bone underneath becomes damaged. This causes pain and stiffness in the joint, which can interfere with normal activities. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get less pain and be able

What is arthritis? Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause damage to one or more joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where there is gradual wear and tear of a joint. Some other types of arthritis are associated with inflammation of the joints that can eventually lead to severe joint damage. Arthritis eventually wears away the normal cartilage covering the surface of the joint and the bone underneath becomes damaged. This causes pain and stiffness in the joint, which can interfere with normal activities. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get less pain and be able

What is arthritis? Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause damage to one or more joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where there is gradual wear and tear of a joint. Some other types of arthritis are associated with inflammation of the joints that can eventually lead to severe joint damage. Arthritis eventually wears away the normal cartilage covering the surface of the joint and the bone underneath becomes damaged. This causes pain and stiffness in your ankle, which can interfere with normal activities. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get less pain and be able

What is torticollis? Torticollis (twisted neck) is when the muscles of your neck spasm (cramp) and cause your neck to twist to one side. It’s a physical sign rather than a distinct disease. Torticollis is a common cause of neck pain in young people, and it’s not generally associated with a previous neck injury or neck pain. What are the symptoms of torticollis? Torticollis usually causes pain on one side of your neck. You may feel pain in the middle of the neck and in your shoulders and head. Your neck may be very tender and if you try to massage

Even drinking small amounts of alcohol increases your cancer risk. No amount of alcohol can be considered safe. However, practicing ‘safe drinking’ can reduce your risk of harm. Follow this advice to drink safely. 1. Understand both how much alcohol you are having and how much you should have Drinking can be part of a healthy lifestyle if you learn as much as you can about the effects of alcohol on the body. To reduce the lifetime risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, you should follow The Australian Guidelines. The Australian Guidelines recommend healthy adults should drink a maximum

What is toothache and swelling? Toothache and swelling happens when there’s a problem with your teeth or gums, causing pain and discomfort. If you don’t treat it, toothache can get worse. This can affect your overall health and wellbeing. Visit a dentist as soon as you can. What symptoms relate to toothache and swelling? Toothache can start suddenly. It can cause pain and discomfort that ranges from mild to very severe. The pain can be constant, throbbing, or it may come and go. It can also affect your head, ear and jaw. If you have toothache, you may also have:

What is a tooth extraction? Sometimes, you may need to have a tooth pulled out. This is called a tooth extraction. This tooth extraction is usually done by a dentist or an oral surgeon. There are various reasons why you might need to have a tooth pulled. Learn what to expect during and after this dental procedure. When might I need a tooth extraction? You might need to have a tooth pulled out if you have: bad gum disease bad tooth decay (cavities) a deep infection in a tooth a broken tooth orthodontic reasons e.g. overcrowding of teeth problems with a wisdom

What is tooth decay? Tooth decay is caused by plaque — a sticky layer of bacteria (germs) that forms on your teeth. The germs come from your saliva. The bacteria turn the sugar in food and drinks into acid. This can slowly damage your teeth. You can see tooth decay when a cavity (hole) forms in your tooth. Tooth decay can affect people of all ages, even very young children. In Australia, 1 in 3 adults over the age of 15 years has untreated tooth decay. Similarly, by 5 years of age, 1 in 3 children has tooth decay in

What is a tooth abscess? A tooth abscess is a pus-filled swelling caused by an infection inside your tooth or in the gums next to your tooth’s root. An infection inside your tooth may be caused by tooth decay or a cracked tooth. An infection in your gums is caused by gum disease. These can all let bacteria enter the tooth pulp (the soft tissue inside the middle of a tooth) or inside your gums. If you think you might have a tooth abscess, you should see your dentist or dental practitioner straight away. What are the symptoms of a tooth abscess?

What are tonsil stones? Tonsil stones, or ‘tonsilloliths’, are small lumps of hardened material that can form in your tonsils. They can cause bad breath and most commonly occur in teenagers. The stones are usually small — it is rare to have a large tonsil stone. Tonsil stones are not harmful and may not need to be treated, but surgical options are available if they become a problem. What are the symptoms of tonsil stones? Many people with tonsil stones don’t experience any symptoms. In people who have symptoms, they can cause: bad breath cough earache sore throat a bad taste in

When should I start toilet training my child? There’s no specific age when you should toilet train your child. It’s best to wait until your child shows signs that they are ready. Most toddlers are ready to start toilet training at 2 to 3 years of age. Some are ready as early as 18 months old. Don’t rush your child — toilet training usually goes more smoothly if you wait until you see signs that they are ready. Plan for a time when your household is calm and there’s not much else going on. If possible, wait until summer to toilet train

What is foot disease? Foot disease is where the tissues (skin and muscles) of your foot are dying. Atherosclerosis happens when abnormal fatty material (atheroma) coats the inside of an artery, causing it to narrow or ‘harden’. The amount of blood flowing through the artery is reduced. What are the benefits of surgery? Surgery should relieve any pain, prevent the spread of infection, remove dead tissue, improve your mobility and can sometimes help you to return to normal activities. Are there any alternatives to surgery? The alternative is to take strong painkillers to treat any pain and to take antibiotics

What is a TOE? A trans-oesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is a procedure to look at your heart chambers and valves using a flexible telescope placed down your oesophagus (gullet). The telescope has an ultrasound scanner attached to it so your heart specialist can get close-up views of your heart. A trans-oesophageal echocardiogram. What are the benefits of a TOE? A TOE is usually used to help assess a problem with one of your heart valves and can show if it is possible to repair or replace that valve. A heart specialist may use a TOE to identify any holes between heart

What is a TMJ arthroscopy? An arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside your temporomandibular joint (TMJ, or jaw joint) using a camera inserted through a small cut on your skin. Your surgeon can diagnose problems such as a torn cartilage and damage to the surface of the joint. They may be able to treat some problems using surgical instruments or by washing out the joint (arthrocentesis), without making a larger cut. What are the benefits of surgery? The aim is to confirm exactly what the problem is and for many people the problem can be treated at the same time. The

Organ and tissue donation What is organ and tissue donation? Organ donation is a life-saving and life-transforming medical process where organs are removed from a donor and transplanted into someone who is very ill or dying from organ failure. It can involve the kidneys, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. Tissue donation is a medical process where tissue, such as heart valves, bone tissue, skin, ligaments, parts of the eye and pancreas tissue, is removed from a donor and transplanted into another person. It is important that you decide whether to become a donor and that you discuss and share

What is tinnitus? If you have ringing or other strange noises in your ears, you might have tinnitus. People with tinnitus hear sounds that aren’t actually being made around them. There are 2 main types of tinnitus: Subjective tinnitus — which only you can hear. This is the most common type. Objective tinnitus — which your doctor can also hear when they examine you. Objective tinnitus can be caused by noise coming from: a blood vessel in your head or neck your temporomandibular joint (the joint that connects the jaw to your skull) Up to 1 in 5 people have tinnitus at some point