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What is Dystonia? Dystonia is a movement disorder that makes it hard for someone to control their muscles. It can cause parts of the body to spasm, tremor, twist and form abnormal positions. It is not clear why some people get dystonia, but it may happen because of a chemical imbalance in the brain. It can be genetic, but it can also happen after things like a brain injury. Dystonia can happen in anyone at any age. There are several types of dystonia and it can be limited to a certain area of the body, such as the face or

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) What is dysphagia? Dysphagia is the medical term to describe difficulty in swallowing. This includes problems with: sucking swallowing drinking chewing eating dribbling saliva closing your lips, Eating and drinking is a vital part of life. Difficulty swallowing can limit what you can eat and drink, leading to frustration, stress and health problems. What are the symptoms of dysphagia? Signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia include: gagging or choking when eating or drinking food or drink getting stuck in your throat or going down the “wrong way” eating a meal takes a long time (more than 30

Preparing for a death at home Many people prefer to die at home in familiar surroundings. For those in end-of-life care, their home can provide a sense of freedom, peace, and privacy. You may be caring for someone at home who has a terminal condition and is dying. This article gives you advice on how to prepare for a death at home. How do I prepare for a coming death at home? If the person you care for knows they are dying, they should talk to their doctor or palliative care team about: how that might happen what they want Their doctor

The physical process of dying Dying can be a gradual process, including when someone has a serious illness. If someone is receiving good care, it can be quite a peaceful time — a time during which the body lets go of life. What happens varies between people, but this article describes how people’s bodies generally change as they die. What is the physical process of dying? In most people who are dying, the body’s normal systems start to operate more slowly. The heart beats a little more slowly, or with a little less force, and so blood is moved around the body more slowly.

What is a dust storm? Dust storms are natural events. They occur when strong, hot, dry winds blow dust and soil into the air. The wind moves the dust across the country, often for many kilometres. These storms are more likely to occur in the summer and after a period of drought. This is when the land is warmer and the soil is more exposed. Because Australia has large areas of desert, dust storms are more common here. Periods of drought can increase the chance of a major dust storm. A dust storm reduces the quality of the air. Particles

What is Dupuytren’s disease? Dupuytren’s disease is a condition where scar-like tissue forms just beneath the skin of your fingers and the palm of your hand. It mainly affects the ring and little fingers. Over time, this fibrous tissue can contract and force one or more fingers to curl up into the palm. This is known as Dupuytren’s contracture. Dupuytren’s contracture. What are the benefits of surgery? You should be able to make better use of your hand and straighten the affected fingers more. Are there any alternatives to a Dupuytren’s fasciectomy? Your surgeon may be able to perform a

What is Dupuytren’s contracture? Dupuytren’s contracture is a relatively common medical condition that causes one or more of the fingers to bend towards the palm of the hand. It usually affects the ring finger and the little finger next to it, although it can affect any finger or thumb on one or both hands. What are the symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture? The first sign is one or more small lumps, called nodules, on the palm of your hand. They are not cancerous.  Over time these nodules get bigger and form tough cords of tissue under the skin. These cords can

What is a duodenal ulcer? Duodenal ulcers are a common cause of abdominal pain. Once treated, they usually get better in a matter of weeks. A duodenal ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the duodenum. Your duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. This is the part of your digestive system that food travels through, after it leaves your stomach. You can get an ulcer in your stomach as well as in your duodenum. Stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers are both types of peptic ulcers. If you have either of these, you have what’s called ‘peptic ulcer disease’.

How to quit drinking in July If you’re worried about the amount of alcohol you drink, consider taking a break from it for the month of July. Being halfway through the year, there are no Christmas parties to deal with, and you’ll find plenty of support available to help you stop drinking — or cut back, at least. Abstaining from alcohol is beneficial both for your mind and your body. Drinking can contribute to your risk of cancer, mental health issues, liver damage, stroke, dementia, heart disease, infertility — and, of course, accidents. Cutting back or quitting the grog can only be a good thing for your health.

What is dry eye disease? Dry eye disease (also known as dry eye syndrome) is a common condition that can affect your quality of life. Dry eyes can make your eyes feel sore and gritty and make your vision blurry. If you have dry eye disease, your eyes my feel sensitive to light, they may sting or burn, or look red. Your eyelids may be sticky when you wake up. Sometimes dry eye disease can cause excess tearing. You might also have blepharitis (inflamed eyelids). You may feel a sensation of something in your eye and you may have difficulty

What is drug or alcohol misuse? Drugs are substances that affect how the body functions. Illegal drugs — such as ecstasy and heroin — can be harmful and unpredictable. Unlike prescription medicines, there is no government organisation that regulates the quality or amount of active ingredients in illegal substances. However, not all drugs are illegal. Alcohol is a legal drug that can be harmful if taken in large amounts or for a long time. Medicines that have been prescribed by a doctor can also be harmful if they aren’t taken as directed or are taken for non-medical reasons. Drug and alcohol misuse isn’t necessarily related to how often — or in

Why are some drugs and substances banned in sports? Sporting authorities have banned many drugs because they may give an athlete an unfair advantage. They might also cause health issues. Using drugs in sport undermines values like fair play and teamwork. When sportspeople use drugs, they: give sport a bad reputation set a poor example to others risk their reputation and career Using drugs to improve performance in sport may lead to an athlete being banned and may also harm their health. Why do people use drugs in sports? Athletes might be tempted to use ‘performance-enhancing drugs’ (PEDs) or ‘performance

What is drug and alcohol rehabilitation? Drug and alcohol rehabilitation services can help you, when you have a problem. These services are sometimes called ‘rehab’ services. They offer a range of therapies, including: treatment, counselling and support. This means you don’t have to do it alone. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation helps you: stop or reduce your use of drugs and alcohol. Most therapy aims to reduce the harm of drug use. Some therapy will help you develop skills so that you can live without drugs. Where do rehabilitation programs take place? Treatment can be given in: a community-based treatment centre a residential rehabilitation

What is drug abuse? Drug abuse is when a drug is used inappropriately. This can be when it is: used for a different purpose than it is meant for taken in excessive amounts Substances such as alcohol can be used in harmful ways. However, drug abuse usually refers to the use of illicit drugs. What are illicit drugs? When a drug is not used as intended, it is known as an illicit drug. Some types of illicit drugs include illegal drugs, such as: speed and ice (crystal meth) heroin GHB MDMA (ecstasy) LSD (acid) cocaine ketamine cannabis (marijuana) Illicit drugs can also include

Water safety for babies and children What is drowning? Drowning is when liquid (usually water) is inhaled into the lungs and prevents a person from breathing. Drowning can either be fatal (drowning resulting in death) or non-fatal, when the person survives. Previously, a non-fatal drowning was referred to as a near-drowning. Other terms, such as delayed drowning, wet drowning, dry drowning, passive/silent drowning or secondary drowning, were used to describe any illness or injury after a drowning. These terms are no longer used. Anyone who has non-fatal drowning should be seen by a healthcare professional for a medical assessment. What

Natural disasters How can I prepare for a natural disaster? The Australian Red Cross has an emergency REDiPlan, which you can download and fill out, that outlines 4 steps to prepare your household for an emergency such as a natural disaster: Step 1: Get in the know — Understand the hazards you are likely to face, know how to manage your stress, find out who can help and know where to get information in an emergency. The official emergency broadcaster is the ABC. You can find your radio frequency at ABC Local Radio. Step 2: Get connected — Decide on 3 meeting places with all members

Why is water important for good health? Water is an essential part of a healthy balanced diet. Over half of the human body is made up of water. We need water to: digest food and to absorb nutrients move our bodies well get rid of waste products keep our body at the right temperature Drinking water also keeps your teeth and mouth healthy. In most parts of Australia, the tap water contains fluoride. This helps to protect against tooth decay. Water is also needed for the body to make saliva. You need saliva to wash food away from your teeth. Saliva also

How alcohol affects your health Why is alcohol a health issue? Many Australians drink some alcohol. Some people drink alcohol in amounts that are harmful to their health. This kind of drinking can cause death, disease, and injury. This is a major factor in ill health and social harm in Australia. One standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in (approximately): 285ml full-strength beer or cider 375ml mid-strength beer 425ml light-strength beer 100ml wine 1 nip (30ml) of spirits No level of alcohol consumption can be considered safe. To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury

What is doxycycline? Doxycycline is an antibiotic medicine that belongs to a class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. What is doxycycline used for? Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent certain infections. Your doctor may prescribe doxycycline to: treat respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis treat other infections such as prostatitis and chlamydia control acne prevent malaria (for people travelling in high-risk areas) Your doctor may have prescribed doxycycline for another reason. If you are unsure why you are taking doxycycline, ask your doctor. It is important to always finish the course of doxycycline as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better. This will ensure your infection

What is dopamine? Dopamine is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that works in the brain. It helps nerve cells send messages to each other. It’s produced by cells deep in the brain and acts on cells in other parts of the brain. What is the role of dopamine? Dopamine acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Dopamine also has a role to play in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement and other body functions. When you feel good, for example, when you achieve something or do something fun, it’s because you have an increase of dopamine in

Why should I give blood? Many people need regular blood transfusions to help treat their medical conditions. Blood donations are also used in emergencies and to treat cancer. Healthy adults are encouraged to donate blood. One blood donation can save up to 3 lives. You can choose to donate: blood plasma (the liquid part of your blood) platelets (cell fragments that help with blood clotting) What is a plasma donation? Just over half of your blood is plasma. Plasma donation, or apheresis, is a lot like a blood donation. A special machine takes blood from your arm. The machine separates your

What is domestic violence? Domestic violence (also known as family violence) is when someone uses violence or manipulation to maintain power and control over someone they’re close to. It can involve violence, intimidation, threats, insults or psychological manipulation. The abuse may involve a partner or ex-partner, a carer or guardian, a family member, or anyone who is in close contact with another person. Anyone, regardless of their background, sex or gender, can find themselves in an abusive relationship. What are the types of domestic violence and abuse? Abusive relationships do not always involve physical violence. There are other kinds of

Are animal bites serious? Animal bites are a common cause of injury. Dog and cat bites are the most frequent type of animal bite. But any animal, including your pets, farm animals, native animals — and even humans — can bite you. What are the symptoms of animal bites? Animal bites can be very painful or uncomfortable. They often result in these types of injuries: puncture wounds lacerations (cuts) abrasions (scrapes) bruising and swelling Dog bites Most dog bites are caused either by a family pet or a dog that belongs to someone you know. Dogs can bite anybody. However, the following people

Questions to ask your doctor Asking questions You can get more out of your healthcare if you’re well informed about any treatments, medicines or tests that your doctor or other health professional recommends. Asking questions about your health and healthcare means that you can understand the options and make the best healthcare decisions for you. This is known as health literacy. This page gives you some questions to ask to help you get the best health outcomes. You can print or write them down and take them with you when you see your doctor or other health professional. Add your own

What is dizziness? Dizziness is a term that describes a range of feelings, such as feeling unsteady, woozy, weak or faint. It is something that most people may experience from time to time. It is rarely the sign of a serious problem. There are ways to relieve dizziness. What are the symptoms of dizziness? If you are feeling dizzy, or experiencing a ‘dizzy spell’, you will usually feel light-headed, unsteady or unbalanced and you may also feel weak. You might also feel like you’re going to faint. What causes dizziness? Dizziness is common in adults, but it is rarely the sign

How do people respond to separation and divorce? When you have separated or divorced, you will probably have very strong emotional and physical responses at first. Every person and every situation is different, so you will have your own response, especially if you experienced domestic violence or ongoing conflict in your relationship. Even if your partner was abusive, you may feel sad, angry and conflicted at the ending of the relationship. The early emotions may be so intense you could feel as though you are not coping. You might: feel very angry or shocked feel rejected or unwanted have mood swings feel overwhelmed or

Diverticular disease – diverticulitis and diverticulosis What are diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis? Diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis are all part of the same condition that affects the large bowel. The following table shows what the different terms mean: Diverticulosis Diverticulosis is a common condition where small pouches or pockets form in the wall of the large bowel (large intestine). The pockets are called diverticula. Diverticular disease Diverticular disease is when diverticulosis causes symptoms. Diverticulitis Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of a diverticulum (pouch).   Diverticulosis becomes more common with age. It affects one in 10 people aged over 45 years, and

Natural disasters Natural disasters often cause personal and financial hardship for both individuals and communities, and can result in loss of life. Here are some tips on how to be prepared, and how to cope during and after extreme weather events. Natural disasters in Australia can include heatwaves, bushfires, droughts, floods, severe storms and tropical cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. How can I prepare for a natural disaster? The Australian Red Cross has an emergency REDiPlan, which you can download and fill out, that outlines 4 steps to prepare your household for an emergency such as a natural disaster: Step 1: Get in the know — Understand

Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an infectious disease. It is usually caused by the bacteria (germ) Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It can affect your nose, throat and tonsils, and sometimes your skin. Diphtheria can also damage your heart and in bad cases can damage your nerves and kidneys. When someone catches diphtheria, the bacteria can release a toxin (poison) into the body. This toxin can affect your airways and cause a membrane to grow across your windpipe. This makes breathing difficult. If the membrane blocks your windpipe, it can lead to suffocation and death. Diphtheria can be life-threatening, but due to immunisations it has virtually disappeared in Australia.

What is a dilatation and curettage? Dilatation and curettage is also called a ‘D&C’ or simply ‘curette’. It’s an operation to remove tissue from the inside of your womb (uterus). D&C refers to opening the cervix (dilatation) followed by removal of tissue from inside the uterus (curettage). Sometimes a D&C is done at the same time as another procedure, such as a hysteroscopy. When is a D&C done? A D&C can be done to help diagnose the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding, including: bleeding between periods heavy periods bleeding after menopause Tissue is removed from your uterus and sent to a laboratory for testing. This

What is dihydrocodeine? Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based medicine available over-the-counter from a pharmacy. It is known as a ‘weak’ opioid, but it can still cause side effects. What is dihydrocodeine used for? Dihydrocodeine is used for the relief of persistent dry cough. Unlike some other opioid medicines, dihydrocodeine is not recommended for pain relief. Cough can be a symptom of many different health conditions, ranging from mild to serious. How does dihydrocodeine work? Dihydrocodeine reduces coughing by controlling the cough reflex. Dihydrocodeine works directly on an area of the brain that controls coughing —it is sometimes called ‘the cough centre’ of the brain.

What is the digestive system? The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract (the gut) and other organs like the liver, pancreas and gall bladder. It is where your body breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. The digestive system is a long, twisting tube that starts at the mouth and goes through the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and ends at the anus. The digestive system breaks down food into simple nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These can then be absorbed into your blood, so your body can use them for energy, growth and repair. Anything that

Weight loss and dieting What is a diet? A diet involves eating a certain selection of food, usually to improve your health, regulate your weight or cure a disease. New diets, programs and books on losing weight appear every day. While many Australians need to lose a few kilos, it’s important to follow an eating and exercise plan that you can maintain. The plan needs to help you stay healthy for the long term. Nearly 2 in 3 Australians are overweight or obese. Carrying extra weight increases your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. If you are

What is a dietitian? Dietitians help people to understand the relationship between food and health. They also help people change their diet so that they can become healthier and stay healthy. What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist? In Australia, dietitians are different to nutritionists. Both are qualified to work in areas such as public health, research and teaching, or in the food industry. Dietitians are also qualified to work in private medical practices, medical centres or hospitals. Dietitians must have a university degree in nutrition and dietetics. Only qualified dietitians are eligible to join the Accredited

It is important for everyone to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and keep an eye on their intake of alcohol and caffeine. For people with mental health challenges, this is even more important because: eating and drinking healthily may improve some of the symptoms of mental health disorders unhealthy eating and drinking habits may make symptoms worse some foods, caffeine and alcohol can interact with the medicines used to treat mental health disorders How does intake of food and drink affect mental health? Food There is some evidence that: a healthy diet (high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes; moderate amounts

A balanced diet What are the 5 food groups? A healthy diet does not need to be complicated. Eat foods from the 5 food groups every day. The 5 food groups are: vegetables and legumes (beans) fruit grains and cereals lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes (beans), tofu, nuts, seeds milk, cheese, yoghurt or alternatives Each food group has important nutrients. The amount of each food you need will vary during your life. Your diet will depend on factors such as: how active you are whether or not you are growing whether or not you are pregnant or breastfeeding Why should I eat vegetables

What is diazepam? Diazepam is a sedative medicine (a medicine that helps you feel calmer or more relaxed) in a medicine class called benzodiazepines. What is diazepam used for? Diazepam is a medicine mainly used to treat people with anxiety or a panic disorder. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety that is more serious than that caused by the normal stress of everyday life. In general, diazepam is only used only for short periods of time, around 2 to 4 weeks, unless your doctor advises something different. If you use this medicine over a longer period of time, you can become dependent on diazepam. Diazepam

What is a diaphragm? A diaphragm is a type of contraception (birth control) that can be used to avoid getting pregnant. It is a piece of soft silicone in the shape of a dome. When using a diaphragm, you put it into your vagina before having sex. It should be positioned to cover your cervix (lower part of your womb). This prevents sperm from entering your uterus (womb). Once you place a diaphragm, it’s held in position by your pelvic muscles. You don’t need a doctor to insert it. But it’s a good idea to see a doctor or nurse to learn how to put

What is dialysis? Dialysis is a way to clean your blood if your kidneys are no longer working properly. The kidneys act as filters for your body. They remove waste from the blood and get rid of it via your urine (wee). If your kidneys are not working properly, waste can build up in your blood. There are 2 main types of dialysis: haemodialysis peritoneal dialysis Haemodialysis treatment involves taking your blood from your body and pumping it through a dialysis machine for cleaning. This usually happens 3 days a week. Each treatment lasts for 4 to 5 hours. Peritoneal dialysis uses

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) What is dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)? Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behaviour therapy or talking therapy. It is designed for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or who have difficulties controlling their emotions. People with BPD have difficulty regulating their very strong emotions. This may cause troubled relationships and a disturbed sense of self. They may experience self-harm or have suicidal thoughts. DBT helps people who have trouble managing their emotions to change unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving and to accept who they are. They learn skills to build a ‘life worth living’. When is DBT

What is diabetic neuropathy? Diabetic neuropathy can occur if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage. It most often affects the nerves in your legs and feet. It can also affect other nerves in your body known as the autonomic nerves and motor nerves. Autonomic nerves carry signals to help with balance, sweating, digestion and many of the things you do without thinking. Motor nerves carry signals to help you move. What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy? The most common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are numbness, tingling, a burning feeling, aching, cramps and weakness. Symptoms

Diabetic ketoacidosis Diabetic ketoacidosis, sometimes called DKA, is a condition caused when you have a high blood sugar level, and not enough insulin in your body to break it down to use for energy. As a result, the body starts burning its stores of fat for energy instead. This process produces by-products called ketones. As the level of ketones in the body increases, it can lead to dehydration and confusion. If not treated, people with ketoacidosis can become unconscious. DKA is usually caused by an infection or illness, making you produce more hormones that mean insulin doesn’t work so well. Sometimes

Devices to self-monitor your blood sugar What equipment is available to monitor blood sugar levels? If you have diabetes, testing your blood glucose (blood sugar) level is the only accurate way of knowing whether it is too high or low. You cannot accurately judge your blood sugar level just by how you feel. Not all people with diabetes need to self-monitor blood glucose. Mostly it is for patients using insulin or if you have gestational diabetes. Your doctor or diabetes nurse educator will advise whether you need to self-monitor your blood glucose levels. You can check your blood sugar level using the following equipment:

What is a diabetes test? Diabetes can be diagnosed by a blood test that checks your blood glucose (sugar) levels. If you are at a high risk of diabetes, or you are having symptoms, your doctor may refer you for a diabetes test. Who should have a diabetes test? Because you can have diabetes even without experiencing any symptoms, you should have a diabetes test regularly if you are at a high risk of type 2 diabetes. An Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK) score of 12 or more is considered high risk. You may also be at high risk of diabetes if

Risk Checker This 5-minute health questionnaire will assess your risk for: heart disease type 2 diabetes kidney disease We will also give you practical tips on how to lower your risks. This tool is NOT intended for people who are under 18 years or for women who are pregnant.

What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not use insulin efficiently and gradually loses the ability to make enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Insulin helps glucose produced by the digestion of carbohydrates move from the blood into the body’s cells where it can be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This is known as insulin resistance. it causes glucose to stay in the blood, leading to a higher than normal level of glucose in

Gestational diabetes What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. It is different to having pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy. If you have gestational diabetes, your pregnancy hormones reduce your body’s ability to use sugar (glucose) properly. This leads to higher-than-normal levels of sugar in your blood, which can be unhealthy for both you and your baby. Around 1 in 10 to 1 in 20 pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed between the 24th and the 28th week of pregnancy, after a routine screening test. What are the symptoms of gestational

What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus, more commonly known simply as diabetes, is a health condition where there is too much sugar in your blood. People with diabetes have difficulty changing glucose (a type of sugar) into energy. This leads to high levels of sugar in your blood (hyperglycaemia). Your blood glucose levels are normally controlled by a hormone called insulin. Diabetes happens when your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin or when your body can’t use the insulin because it’s resistant to it. There are several types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes type 2 diabetes gestational diabetes, which happens when a woman has high blood glucose

What is a deviated septum? A deviated septum means that the nasal septum (the bone and cartilage that divide the nose in the middle) is crooked, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. If it’s severe, breathing through the nose can be difficult and your sense of smell may be affected. Most people have a small amount of deviation (crookedness), but only people with severe deviations need treatment. A deviated septum is a condition where the nasal septum is crooked. Most people have a slight deviation, only severe deviations need treatment. A deviated septum is a condition where the

What are developmental milestones? Developmental milestones are a set of age-specific tasks that most children can do at a certain age range. While all babies grow and develop at different rates, tracking how they reach milestones, is one way to measure their progress. Your child will learn more during their first 5 years than at any other time of their life. Development usually happens in the same order in most babies and children, but they can meet different milestones at different ages. Tracking your child’s milestones is a useful guide to whether they are developing as expected. What do developmental

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

What is dermatitis herpetiformis? Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin condition that causes an itchy, bumpy skin rash. It can be a symptom of coeliac disease. Up to 1 in 10 people who have coeliac disease have dermatitis herpetiformis. It is also known as Duhring’s disease and Duhring–Brocq disease. What are the symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis? Dermatitis herpetiformis causes a bumpy skin rash with groups of tiny blisters. The rash can be very itchy. You might feel itching or burning before the rash appears. The rash usually appears on: your elbows your knees your buttocks your shoulder blades The rash can come

Contact dermatitis What is contact dermatitis? Inflammation of the skin is commonly called ‘eczema’ or ‘dermatitis’. Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with something that makes it red and inflamed. There are 2 types of contact dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis — this is caused by an allergen (a trigger). Each time you come into contact with the allergen, the skin gets inflamed. Irritant contact dermatitis — also known as contact dermatitis, this is when your skin gets inflamed when it’s exposed to an irritant, usually for a long period of time. What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis? Both

What is depression in young people? Depression is a mental health condition that causes you to feel sad or have a low mood. While it is normal to feel down sometimes, if you feel this way for 2 weeks or more, or your mood gets in the way of your day-to-day life, you may have depression. This page is about depression in young people; however, many aspects and risk factors of depression are not age specific. Go here for general information about depression. How common is depression in young people? Depression affects 3 in 100 men aged 18 to 24 and

What is depression in women? Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects how you think, feel and behave. While everyone feels sad or down from time to time, depression lasts longer and may affect many parts of your life. Depression is more common in women than men for a range of reasons. Many women are the people caring for others, sometimes at the cost of their own health and wellbeing. While women are more likely to experience depression, they are also more likely to reach out for help and support. This is an important first step in overcoming

What is depression in men? Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It can make you feel sad, irritable or empty and lose pleasure or interest in things you usually enjoy. While it is normal to feel down sometimes, if you feel this way for 2 weeks or more you may be experiencing depression. Social norms that define masculinity, like not talking about your feelings or not getting upset, can sometimes make it hard for men to acknowledge that they may be experiencing depression. This page is about depression in

What is depression in children? Depression is a mental health condition that can affect people of all ages. Children with depression may feel unhappy, miserable or irritable. They might describe this as feeling “grumpy” or “down”. You may notice that they are uninterested in things they normally enjoy. While it is normal to feel unhappy sometimes, if these feelings interfere with your child’s activities or social life, or they go on for more than 2 weeks, they may have depression. Children with depression have different symptoms than teenagers or adults with depression, and they may not be able to express their feelings clearly.

Postnatal depression What is postnatal depression? Many new parents feel tired or overwhelmed, but postnatal depression is different. In postnatal depression, feelings of sadness, numbness or hopelessness last longer, are more severe and affect your ability to cope with and enjoy your daily life. A low mood is also often accompanied by physical symptoms such as trouble sleeping and changes in appetite or eating habits. Postnatal depression can last for a long time, and usually gets worse if it’s not treated. Postnatal depression is common, affecting about 1 in 5 Australian mums and 1 in 10 dads in the first

How can I recognise the signs of depression? If someone you know has depression, they may show some of the following signs over at least 2 weeks: a depressed mood, such as feeling sad or hopeless a loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy changes to their appetite or weight sleeping too much or too little having negative thoughts, where everything seems overwhelming and pointless What can I do to help someone with depression? If someone you know has depression, it can be difficult to know how to best support them. What you find simple may seem overwhelming to them. Below are

What is depression? Depression is one of the most common of all mental health conditions and impacts many Australians every day. While we all get sad, feel low or lacking in energy at times, people with depression experience these feelings more intensely and for longer. They can find it difficult to carry on with regular daily tasks during periods of depression. Depression is common — it affects 1 in 7 Australians. If you or someone you care about is experiencing an episode of intensely low mood, remember that depression can be treated and support is available. It’s important to seek help. What

What are dental procedures? A dental procedure is anything that involves a dentist or dental practitioner working on your mouth. Dental procedures can help with: pain infections injury deformity other problems with your mouth, teeth or gums Dental procedures include: a filling an extraction (removing a tooth) putting a crown on a tooth treatment or surgery for periodontal (gum) disease straightening crowded teeth orthodontic treatments, like aligning your teeth, bite and jaws having a denture, dental implant or bridge made and fitted after losing teeth dental surgery or treatment after surgery What are the different types of dentist or dental practitioner? Most dentists in Australia are general dentists — they diagnose and

Dental care and teeth cleaning Most of us learn when we are children that cleaning our teeth helps prevent tooth decay. However, toothbrushing is only one way to keep healthy teeth and reduce the risk of several dental problems. Research has shown that a healthy mouth is important to support overall health and wellbeing. Dedicating a small amount of time to looking after your teeth can have significant, life-long benefits. Why is it important to keep teeth clean and healthy? Tooth enamel does not regenerate once it decays. The only solution is to remove and treat the decay and restore the affected

What are dental fissure sealants? The grooves and pits in your teeth are called fissures. Tooth decay is most likely to start in the fissures. Dental fissure sealants are a protective layer applied to the fissures in your teeth to prevent tooth decay. They are most commonly applied on the top of your molars (the chewing teeth at the back of your mouth). Fissure sealants reduce how much food and bacterial sticks to the fissures in your teeth, helping prevent: early tooth decay cavities Fissure sealants are made of tooth filling material that sometimes contains fluoride. They can look white or clear. Applying a

What is dental erosion? Dental erosion, or tooth erosion, is a common problem that can occur at any age. It happens when part of the enamel surface of your teeth is dissolved and softened by contact with acids. These acids could come from your stomach or from food and drinks. Dental erosion is different to tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria. Dental erosion can be severe if you have a dry mouth and don’t make enough saliva to flush out and neutralise acids. What are the symptoms and complications of dental erosion? If you have dental erosion your teeth can: become discoloured become sensitive

What is a dental check-up? A dental check-up involves a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, lips, tongue, mouth and saliva. Along with brushing and flossing your teeth, a dental check-up forms an important part of your dental hygiene routine. Dental hygiene involves anything that helps to prevent dental diseases and keeps your mouth healthy. The 2 main dental diseases are tooth decay and gum disease How much does a dental check-up cost? You can get a dental check-up at a private or public clinic. Public dental facilities include mobile, school and community dental clinics. There may be long waiting lists to see a public

Cost of dental care What is dental care? Dental care is the care of the teeth and mouth provided by a dentist, dental specialist or other health professional. In Australia, dental services are provided by public dental services or by private dentists. Dental costs vary widely from dentist to dentist. That is because there are no standard fees for dentists like there are for doctors. Dentists charge different amounts according to where they practise and what methods they use. Does Medicare cover dental care? The Australian Government does not cover the costs of most dental services in the way it does