Day: February 16, 2024

What are typhoid and paratyphoid? Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella typhi bacteria. It can become life-threatening if not treated. Paratyphoid fever is caused by salmonella paratyphi bacteria. The bacteria are usually spread through food or water that is contaminated by faeces (poo) or urine (wee). Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are most common in parts of: Africa Asia Latin America the Middle East the Pacific Islands In Australia, more than 9 out of 10 cases of typhoid fever are caught overseas. What are the symptoms of typhoid and paratyphoid fever? Typhoid and paratyphoid fever have similar symptoms, but paratyphoid is milder. The symptoms

  What is twitching eye? A ‘twitching eye’ or an ‘eye twitch’ are terms that describe muscle spasms in the eyelid. Most of the time these are mild and go away on their own A twitching eye happens when the muscles in the eyelid contract (spasm) without someone’s control. What causes twitching eye? Numerous factors can cause eye twitches, including stress, fatigue, bright lights, irritation of the eye or inner eyelids, smoking, pollution, and excess caffeine or alcohol. These sorts of twitches usually go away on their own. Eye twitches can remain for longer than a week or become more serious, such

What is a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)? A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an operation on your prostate. It can be done in males to treat problems with emptying your bladder caused by an enlarged prostate. Who might need TURP? A TURP may be recommended if you are male and are having trouble urinating (doing a wee) because of an enlarged prostate. Your prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits below your bladder. It surrounds the top part of your urethra — the tube that carries urine (wee) out of your body through the opening at the end of your penis. Your prostate may

What is Turner syndrome? Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting some females. It might cause problems with hearing, vision and fertility. It does not usually affect intellectual ability. Treatment with hormones can help manage some of the problems. Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder. This means there has been a change in the person’s DNA. Normally, a female has two X chromosomes in each cell. Turner syndrome happens when all or part of one of these X chromosomes is missing. The change in DNA can affect the child’s development. Turner syndrome affects about 1 in every 2,500 females born each year.

What are turbinates? The turbinates (or nasal concha) are bony shelves in your nose covered by glandular tissue rich in blood vessels and nerves. The turbinates help to regulate the flow of air through your nose. The inferior turbinates can sometimes permanently enlarge and block your nose. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get relief from a blocked nose. Cross-section of the nasal cavity showing an enlarged inferior turbinate. Are there any alternatives to surgery? If your turbinates are enlarged because of rhinitis, your doctor may be able to give you steroid nasal sprays, decongestants or antihistamines to

Cancer What is cancer? Cancer is a disease of the cells of the body. It happens when cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. These cancer cells can form tumours and invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue. Sometimes cells that are growing abnormally do not spread. These cells are called ‘benign’, or not dangerous. Some cells spread, or are capable of spreading, to surrounding areas or to other parts of the body. These cells are called ‘malignant’, or cancer. When cancer spreads to other parts of your body, this is called ‘metastasis’. The most common cancers in Australia are:

Abdominal pain What is abdominal pain? Abdominal pain is pain felt anywhere in the area between the bottom of the ribs and the pelvis. Most Australians will experience abdominal pain at some point in their lives. Abdominal pain can be serious, but most abdominal pain gets better on its own without needing any special treatment. People sometimes refer to abdominal pain as stomach pain, stomach ache, stomach cramps, tummy pain, sore stomach, wind pain or belly ache. Pain or discomfort in the abdomen can be mild or severe. It may come on suddenly (acute); it could be something that you

What is tuberous sclerosis? Tuberous sclerosis is an uncommon genetic disorder. It involves the overgrowth of normal tissue in many different parts of your body. It may affect your brain, skin, kidneys, eyes, heart and lungs. Over time, the growths become hardened (calcified). Growths that start in the brain before birth can cause delayed development, intellectual disability and behavioural problems. What are the symptoms of tuberous sclerosis? Symptoms vary widely so you may be severely affected by tuberous sclerosis, or you may not even realise you have it. Symptoms may include: skin abnormalities, such as red or pink spots on

What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often damages your lungs, but can affect any part of your body. It can cause serious illness and death if it’s not treated. TB is caused by the bacterium mycobacterium tuberculosis. It’s very uncommon to catch TB in Australia. However, TB is common in some other countries. Many Australians born overseas have TB. There are 2 types of TB: Latent TB infection — this is when someone is infected with TB but does not get sick, because their immune system is able to control the infection. Active TB disease —

What is a tubal ligation? Tubal ligation is a procedure to block or cut the fallopian tubes. It is a permanent form of female contraception. Tubal ligation is very effective at preventing pregnancy. Less than 1 in every 100 females who has a tubal ligation will get pregnant. Another name for this procedure is laparoscopic sterilisation. What does a tubal ligation involve? If you have a tubal ligation, your fallopian tubes will be clipped, cut and tied, or sealed shut. This stops your eggs from moving from your ovaries to your uterus. It stops sperm from meeting and fertilising an egg.

Toxic shock syndrome 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

What is Edwards syndrome? Edwards syndrome is a genetic condition that causes serious health problems and disabilities. It’s caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18. Edwards syndrome is very rare. About 1 in 5000 babies has Edwards syndrome. Sadly, most babies with this condition die before or soon after birth. What are the symptoms of Edwards syndrome? Babies with Edwards syndrome may have: problems gaining weight and growing low muscle tone an unusual-looking face and head learning disabilities unusual hands and feet with overlapping fingers and webbed toes heart problems kidney problems What causes Edwards syndrome? Children with Edwards

  When should I call triple zero? Triple zero  is the number to call for ambulance, police or fire services in an emergency. Only call triple zero  if the situation is serious and urgent. You should call triple zero  if: a person is seriously injured or needs urgent medical help your life or property is in danger you have just witnessed a serious accident or crime Remember that the triple zero  number is for emergencies only. If you call triple zero  and it is not an emergency, you might be stopping an ambulance from helping someone else. If the situation

What is trigger finger? Trigger finger is a condition where your finger jams or gets stiff, or straightens with a painful snap. It can also affect your thumb. The tendons that bend your fingers usually glide freely through tight tunnels made by flexor tendon pulleys attached to bones in your hand. If the fibrous wall of a tunnel thickens, the tunnel becomes too tight, usually resulting in your finger jamming in a bent position. Over time the tendon becomes inflamed and a lump (nodule) can form. Trigger finger. What are the benefits of surgery? The aim is to allow your

What is trigeminal neuralgia? Trigeminal neuralgia is also called tic douloureux. It’s a type of neuralgia (nerve pain) that usually feels like a sudden stabbing or shocking pain. This pain can be hard to live with. However, there are treatments available that can help. The trigeminal nerve Your nervous system involves a complex network of nerves. These nerves send impulses from different parts of your body to your brain. Trigeminal neuralgia involves one nerve called the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is one of the largest nerves in your head. It sends messages to your: face jaw gums eyes forehead What are

Overcoming addiction What is addiction? Addiction is the repeated use of a substance or an activity, even though it may be harmful. People can become addicted to many different things. Common addictions are: drugs alcohol cigarettes gambling Addiction can badly affect your life and hurt the people around you. But it’s possible to overcome addiction and reduce the harm to you and others. Deciding to make a change Only you can decide to overcome an addiction. Quitting is a gradual process — it often takes several attempts. When breaking an addiction, you may have withdrawal symptoms, including: tiredness mood changes insomnia cravings

How can I plan ahead? If you live in rural or remote Australia, your treatment options may be limited and getting medical treatment may mean travelling long distances. This can be complicated and costly. If you work, go to school or have other regular commitments, let your manager or teacher know you will be away. They may need to find someone to cover you while you’re away. If you care for a child or someone else, you may need to arrange for their care while you are away. You may also need to continue this extra support after your return,

hat is vaccination? Vaccination is a way to protect yourself against certain infections. Vaccines contain tiny amounts of dead or weakened viruses, bacteria, or other substances that help your immune system prepare to fight a future infection. Vaccination is safe and effective and is especially important when travelling. Why should I get vaccinated before I travel? Many infectious diseases are uncommon in Australia, due to widespread vaccination and other public health measures. This is not the case in many other countries. Travelling can expose you to infectious diseases that are very rare in Australia. These infections can cause serious illness, even in people who are usually fit

Motion sickness What is motion sickness? Motion sickness is feeling unwell when moving on any type of transport. It is also known as ‘travel sickness’, ‘car sickness’ or ‘sea sickness’. It is a normal response to certain types of movement. There are a few ways to prevent and manage motion sickness. What are the symptoms of motion sickness? Nausea is the main symptom of motion sickness. But you might also experience other symptoms, including: vomiting or retching dizziness drowsiness cold sweating headache lack of appetite dry mouth or excess saliva increased sensitivity to smell If you are prone to motion sickness, you

Putting together basic first aid kit A good first aid kit helps to lower the impact of an injury before getting proper medical care. You can customise your first aid kit depending on the activities you do. A basic first aid kit should include: crepe bandages of varying widths elasticised bandages of varying widths hypoallergenic (skin) tape triangular bandages adhesive dressing strips (like Band-Aids) in different sizes gauze swabs combine dressing pads (10cm x 10cm) non-stick dressing pads (7.5cm x 10cm) sterile eye pads alcohol swabs stainless steel scissors (sharp/blunt) 12.5cm disposable gloves tweezers shock blanket safety pins notepad, pen

No matter who you are or which country you’re visiting, it’s important to think about your health as you travel or prepare for a trip. This can help you if you have a medical emergency, and may even prevent something disastrous from happening. Before departure, find out about the health facilities and services that are available at the destination you plan to visit. The services, the facilities, the local customs, weather and the geography may all be quite different from those you are used to. These can all affect your health. Lack of usual supplies In some countries and areas,

What is the trapezium? The trapezium is the cube-shaped bone in your wrist that is joined to the base of your thumb (trapeziometacarpal joint). How does osteoarthritis happen? Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, where there is gradual wear and tear of a joint. Osteoarthritis eventually wears away the normal cartilage covering the surface of the joint. The bone underneath becomes damaged, causing joint pain, stiffness and weakness. What are the benefits of surgery? The main benefit of surgery is to relieve pain and so improve how your thumb works. The trapeziometacarpal joint. Are there any alternatives to a

What is transverse myelitis? Transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammatory disease of the spinal cord. This condition causes neurological (nerve) symptoms such as loss of muscle strength and sensory symptoms like ‘pins and needles’. It can also cause problems with bladder and bowel function. While TM can occur in both adults and children, it is an uncommon condition. What are the symptoms of transverse myelitis? There are four main symptoms of TM: Weakness of the legs and arms — if you have TM, you may have weakness in your legs that progresses quickly. If the upper spinal cord is also involved,

What is a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)? A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an operation on your prostate. It can be done in males to treat problems with emptying your bladder caused by an enlarged prostate. Who might need TURP? A TURP may be recommended if you are male and are having trouble urinating (doing a wee) because of an enlarged prostate. Your prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits below your bladder. It surrounds the top part of your urethra — the tube that carries urine (wee) out of your body through the opening at the end of your penis. Your prostate may

What is a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)? A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) happens when the blood supply to your brain is temporarily blocked. This may happen because of a build-up of fatty deposits in your blood vessels (known as atherosclerosis) that leads to a temporarily reduced flow of blood to your brain. It can also be caused by a blood clot that causes a temporary blockage. When blood flow to the brain is blocked, the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. If this happens, your brain cells may start dying, causing symptoms. A TIA is similar to a stroke, but with some important differences.

What is a blood transfusion? A blood transfusion is a medical procedure in which donated blood is given to you. It is a safe procedure and can be life-saving. If complications occur, they are typically mild. Why might I need a blood transfusion? You might need a blood transfusion if: you have lost a lot of blood because of surgery, childbirth or a serious accident you have severe anaemia (a lack of red blood cells), which cannot be treated in any other way you are having cancer treatment or stem cell transplants that affect your blood cell count you have a bleeding disorder This video from the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

What is TENS? TENS is a method of pain relief. TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Transcutaneous means across the skin. TENS machines pass a small electrical current across your skin to stimulate the nerves and relieve your pain. How does TENS work? When using a TENS machine, small electrodes are placed on your skin in the area where you feel pain. The TENS machine sends pulses of gentle electric current to the electrodes. Some people find it gives some pain relief. While it isn’t entirely clear how it works, it’s thought that TENS: blocks pain signals by stimulating different

What is a transbronchial biopsy? A transbronchial biopsy involves removing small pieces of tissue from your lung. What are the benefits of a transbronchial biopsy? A transbronchial biopsy is a good way of finding out if there is a problem. Are there any alternatives to a transbronchial biopsy? An x-ray or scan can show that you have a problem but a biopsy will help to find out exactly what is causing the problem. A transbronchial biopsy. What does the procedure involve? The endoscopist may offer you a sedative or painkiller to help you to relax and feel more comfortable. A

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