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What is pyloric stenosis? Pyloric stenosis is a condition that prevents your baby’s stomach from emptying properly and usually results in your baby vomiting soon after a feed, before the food can pass through the stomach. Because most of the goodness from a feed is absorbed into the body after the food has passed through the stomach, your baby will become dehydrated and lose salts. This can be life-threatening and needs to be treated promptly. Pyloric stenosis is caused by the valve muscle thickening. It is not known why this happens in some babies. What are the benefits of surgery? Your baby should be

What is a punch biopsy? A punch biopsy involves removing a small piece of skin using a circular blade called a punch. What are the benefits of a punch biopsy? Your doctor may be concerned about a skin lesion, which is a lump or spot on or just below your skin, or they may need to confirm the cause of a skin rash or eruption. If a problem is found, the healthcare team will discuss the appropriate treatment with you. If the biopsy is normal, the healthcare team will reassure you. A punch biopsy. Are there any alternatives to a

What is pulmonary hypertension? Pulmonary hypertension is when the blood pressure in your pulmonary arteries is too high. Your pulmonary arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your lungs. Pulmonary hypertension is a serious medical condition. It can lead to heart failure and requires specialist treatment. Pulmonary hypertension is not the same as common hypertension (high blood pressure). What are the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension? Pulmonary hypertension can happen slowly. The early warning signs might not be noticeable. Your symptoms may get worse as your disease progresses. This is because your heart can’t keep up the flow

What is pulmonary fibrosis? Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease. The tissue around the air sacs of the lungs — known as alveoli — becomes damaged, thickened, and scarred. As the lungs scar and stiffen, breathing becomes more difficult. It can mean that not enough oxygen enters your blood. What are the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis? The symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis can include: being short of breath — at first only when you’re active, but then later when you’re just resting a dry, hacking cough that does not go away being tired losing weight losing your appetite having bulging finger or toe tips, known

What is a pulmonary embolism? A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in the blood vessels in your lungs. It is normal for your blood to clot, such as when you cut yourself. However, a blood clot in the wrong place can cause problems. A blood clot forming in an artery or vein is called thrombosis. An example of this is deep vein thrombosis, also known as a DVT. When part of a blood clot comes away from a vein and travels through your bloodstream to the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism can reduce the amount of

What are pubic lice? Pubic lice (also known as crabs or Pthirus pubis) are tiny insects that live in coarse body hair including pubic hair, armpit hair, beards, chest hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. They do not live on your head. The female lice lay eggs (also known as nits) that are glued to the hair shaft. The eggs are smaller than the size of a pin head and difficult to see. They hatch after 6 to 10 days leaving behind empty egg sacs. The empty egg sacs look like white or grey oval dots on the hair. How do you

This page contains information about physical changes in females during puberty. You can visit our other pages to find more information about: puberty for boys emotional changes in puberty What is puberty? Puberty is when you start to move from childhood into adulthood. During puberty, your body makes hormones that lead to physical and emotional changes. Your reproductive system and other body systems mature, and your body develops so that you are physically able to have a baby. Changes during puberty can make you feel many emotions, including feeling: overwhelmed excited awkward empowered This is very normal. It’s a good idea to talk to a

This page contains information about physical changes in boys during puberty. You can find more information about physical changes in girls or the emotional changes that teenagers often experience. What is puberty? Puberty is the time when your body develops and goes through rapid growth. It happens because of natural substances in your body called hormones. Your body’s reproductive system matures, and so too will other body organs and systems. During puberty, you move from childhood into adulthood. Your body develops so that you are physically able to make a baby. Your brain also goes through changes at this time. This affects your emotions and behaviours. These

What is ptosis surgery? Ptosis surgery is an operation to tighten the muscle that lifts your upper eyelid. As you get older, the levator muscle that lifts your upper eyelid stretches and weakens, causing your eyelid to sag. If you have a sagging eyelid that is interfering with your vision, ptosis surgery can be an effective treatment to improve your vision. Ptosis What are the benefits of surgery? The position of your eyelid should improve. If your eyelid is interfering with your vision, your vision should improve. Are there any alternatives to surgery? Ptosis surgery is the only effective way

What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is a group of therapies designed to help someone change their thinking patterns and improve their coping skills. These therapies are often used to treat mental health conditions, but can also be useful for anyone wanting to change unhelpful thoughts or behaviour. Psychotherapy is provided by a psychologist, counsellor, psychiatrist or support person. It is sometimes called psychological therapy or talking therapy. When would I need psychotherapy? Psychotherapy can be used to treat: depression bipolar disorder anxiety obsessive compulsive disorder schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders post-traumatic stress disorder borderline personality disorder or dependent personality disorder phobias panic disorder addictions (including alcoholism,

What is psychosis? People with psychosis (also known as a ‘psychotic episode’) cannot tell what is real and what is not. They have difficulty with the way they interpret the world around them, and their thinking can be confused. They may experience hallucinations, such as hearing voices that aren’t there. They may also have delusions — false beliefs about themselves or the world around them. Psychosis can be very frightening for the person experiencing it. In severe cases, someone with psychosis may be at risk of self-harm, or harming others. About 1 in every 200 adult Australians will experience a psychotic illness

If you have a mental illness, or are not coping well with things, there are specialised healthcare professionals who can help. These include psychiatrists and psychologists. What does a psychiatrist do? Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialised training in psychiatry, which is how to diagnose, treat and prevent mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. They work in different ways and can use a combination of treatments, including counselling, psychotherapy and medication such as antidepressants. They can usually admit people to hospital if needed. You will probably need to see a psychiatrist if you have a severe mental health condition such as: severe depression anxiety

If you have a mental illness, or are not coping well with things, there are specialised healthcare professionals who can help. These include psychiatrists and psychologists. What does a psychiatrist do? Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialised training in psychiatry, which is how to diagnose, treat and prevent mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. They work in different ways and can use a combination of treatments, including counselling, psychotherapy and medication such as antidepressants. They can usually admit people to hospital if needed. You will probably need to see a psychiatrist if you have a severe mental health condition such as: severe depression anxiety

Medicines for psoriasis   What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that typically causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It is not contagious. While there is no cure, treatments are available to help ease your psoriasis symptoms. Psoriasis occurs when there’s too much inflammation in the skin. This causes rapid growth and shedding of skin cells, which build up into red and scaly patches. The patches can appear anywhere in the body but are most common in areas such as your: scalp elbows knees abdomen groin between the buttocks It often shows as red, raised skin rashes with

What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory disease that affects the skin. Psoriasis will typically look like thick silvery scales, and can be dry, itchy and often painful. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, including the scalp, hands, feet, finger or toes nails and genitals. Psoriasis tends to come and go over time. About 1 in every 2 people with psoriasis have changes in their nails, such as pitted, discoloured or crumbly nails. What are the different types of psoriasis? There are many different types of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, occurring

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test What is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test? The prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures the amount of prostate specific antigen in your blood. PSA is a protein that is made by the cells in your prostate gland. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. Most of the PSA made is released into semen but some goes into your blood. High levels of PSA can be caused by prostate cancer, but it doesn’t always mean a diagnosis of prostate cancer. You might have high levels of PSA if you have other prostate conditions

Itchy anus (pruritus ani) What causes an itchy anus? There are many different possible causes for having an itchy anus, such as: leakage of poo (stool) from the rectum as a result of diarrhoea, constipation, diet, food intolerance or tears in the rectum infections such as herpes, bacteria or tinea intestinal parasites such as threadworms. The itch is usually worse at night, and you might be able to see small, white worms that are around 8-13 mm long haemorrhoids (piles), warts, and in extremely rare cases, cancer of the anus excessive sweating a health condition like diabetes or underactive thyroid skin conditions like psoriasis and contact dermatitis, which can

International normalised ratio (INR) test What is the international normalised ratio blood test? The international normalised ratio (INR) blood test tells you how long it takes for your blood to clot. A test called the prothrombin time (PT) actually measures how quickly your blood clots. The PT results can be expressed as an INR to standardise the results. This is done when the test is used to monitor treatment with a medicine called warfarin. Why would I need an INR blood test? INR tests are used in people taking warfarin — a medicine that treats and prevents blood clots. Warfarin is prescribed

Keeping your kids safe Most crimes against children are not committed by a stranger but by someone they know. It is important to teach your child how to recognise suspicious behaviour – from both strangers and people they know – and what to do about it. Protective behaviour for children Parents are often worried about ‘stranger danger’. But this is only a small part of keeping children safe from people who want to hurt them. More than 8 in 10 crimes against children are committed by someone they know, even relatives or friends. There are also dangers online. Young children may

What are prostheses? A prosthesis substitutes for a part of the body that may have been missing at birth, or that is lost in an accident or through amputation. Many amputees have lost a limb as part of treatment for cancer, diabetes or severe infection. A prosthesis might also be an alternative to reconstructive surgery; for example, after removal of a nose or breast to treat cancer. Modern prostheses for areas such as the hands, feet and face look very natural. They are often used to improve appearance rather than function. However, researchers are now developing hand prostheses with moving fingers. Technological developments

Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells develop in the prostate, part of the male reproductive system. In Australia, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, affecting up to 1 in 7 men by the age of 75. While high-grade prostate cancer spreads quickly and can be fatal, for most men it’s a slow-growing disease. With appropriate care, most men can live with prostate cancer for many years without serious consequences. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer occurs when cells in a man’s prostate gland grow in an unusual way to form an abnormal growth called a tumour. The

Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells develop in the prostate, part of the male reproductive system. In Australia, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, affecting up to 1 in 7 men by the age of 75. While high-grade prostate cancer spreads quickly and can be fatal, for most men it’s a slow-growing disease. With appropriate care, most men can live with prostate cancer for many years without serious consequences. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer occurs when cells in a man’s prostate gland grow in an unusual way to form an abnormal growth called a tumour. The

What is the progestogen-only pill (POP)? The progestogen-only pill (POP) is a type of contraception (birth control). It is a pill that you take daily to avoid getting pregnant. One type is known as the ‘mini pill’. The POP is different from the combined oral contraceptive pill (‘the pill’). The combined pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen. The POP contains only progestogen. The POP is useful if you can’t take the combined pill for health-related reasons. Talk to your doctor about whether this type of contraception is suitable for you. You need a prescription from your doctor or family planning clinic to take the

What is private health insurance? Private health insurance allows you to get treatment in hospital as a private patient. It can also pay for other treatments that Medicare doesn’t cover. To get private health insurance, you need to: buy a policy from a registered health insurer pay regular premiums to stay covered What types of private health insurance are available? There are two types of private health insurance: Hospital cover Extras cover Hospital cover helps with the cost of treatment and accommodation as a private patient in hospital. You can choose to be cared for as a private patient in either a public hospital

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) were set up to improve patient care and to make health care in Australia more efficient and effective. They are advised by local doctors, health workers and patients in the community. What are PHNs? The Australian Government established 31 PHNs across Australia in 2015. They aim to: improve medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes make sure government money is directed to where it’s needed and is spent on health programs that will be most effective improve the links between local health services and hospitals, so that patients receive the right care, in

What is acid reflux? Acid reflux is a condition where acid from your stomach passes up into your oesophagus (gullet). If this happens too often it can cause symptoms of a burning sensation in your chest (‘heartburn’) or acid in the back of your mouth. The acid can cause the lining of your oesophagus to become inflamed (oesophagitis) or scarred. What are the benefits of surgery? This surgery aims to improve your reflux symptoms. You should get relief from symptoms of acid reflux and no longer need to take medication. Are there any alternatives to surgery? Avoiding foods that make

What is heat rash? Heat rash — sometimes called prickly heat, sweat rash or miliaria, is a harmless but very itchy skin rash. It causes small red spots in places where sweat collects, such as the armpits, back, under the breasts, chest, groin, elbow creases and back of the knees, and the waist. It happens when the body sweats more than usual, and is more common during summer months or in a hot climate. What are the symptoms of heat rash? Heat rash causes: tiny red spots or clear blisters. In babies, these are often in the skin folds, on

What are pressure ulcers or sores? Pressure ulcers — also known as bed sores, pressure sores or decubitus ulcers — develop when the skin or tissue beneath the skin is damaged due to constant pressure or friction. Pressure ulcers often occur on bony areas, such as the heels and elbows. However, they can appear on any part of the body that is under pressure for a long time. Pressure ulcers can be painful and uncomfortable and can take a long time to heal. They can also create sleep and mood disturbances, get infected and affect rehabilitation, mobility and long-term quality of life.

Choosing your surgeon It can be hard to choose a surgeon. You want to find a person who has all the technical skills you need. You also need to find someone who listens well and can talk to you about any concerns you have. You could ask your doctor who is the best surgeon to do my operation? And why? You could ask your surgeon about their experience doing this surgery. If it’s their first time, you should know that. It’s a good idea to ask your surgeon: How many times have you done this operation? What results do you get

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) What is PrEP? Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one way you can lower your risk of catching human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). PrEP is a prescription tablet that you can take daily to reduce your risk of infection if you are exposed to HIV. This medicine is called pre-exposure prophylaxis or ‘PrEP’, because you take the medicine even if you don’t have HIV, with the aim of reducing your risk of catching it. Truvada is a medicine used as PrEP by people without HIV, and well as an anti-HIV medicine used by people who already have HIV. Although they sound similar, it is

Warning signs during pregnancy How can I tell if there is a problem with my pregnancy? Pregnancy is a time of great change for your body as you get ready for your baby to arrive. You may be worried about some of the changes you are experiencing, and want to know when you should seek help. Many changes in your body are likely to be a normal part of pregnancy. It’s a good idea to be familiar with common pregnancy health issues that you might experience. However, some signs could point to a more serious pregnancy complication. Some of these symptoms may happen

What is prednisolone? Prednisolone is a medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are synthetic (manufactured) versions of a natural body chemical called cortisol. This medicine helps reduce inflammation in your body or suppress your immune system. Prednisone is a different medicine that is related to prednisolone and works in the same way to treat inflammatory diseases. Your doctor will prescribe the medicine and dose that is most suitable for your condition. What is prednisolone used for? Prednisolone helps reduce inflammation in your body. Symptoms of inflammation may include: swelling redness pain or tenderness itching Inflammation

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 they are growing. Taking folic acid daily

What is pre-diabetes? Pre-diabetes is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, you are at 10 to 20 times greater risk of going on to develop type 2 diabetes. If you have been told you have pre-diabetes, it is important to make lasting changes to your lifestyle, including healthy eating, exercising and losing weight, to prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications. What are the symptoms of pre-diabetes? There are normally no symptoms of pre-diabetes — most people find out they have it if their doctor orders a blood test. This

What is potassium? Potassium is a mineral that is essential for all of the body’s functions. It helps nerves, muscles and the heart to function properly, as well as helping move nutrients and waste around your cells. What is potassium deficiency? Potassium deficiency is when a person has abnormally low levels of potassium in their body. It is also called hypokalaemia. What are the symptoms of potassium deficiency? Some people with potassium deficiency don’t experience any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include: weakness and fatigue feeling tired muscle cramps an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) — skipped heartbeats or

What is a posterior prolapse? A posterior prolapse is a bulge in the back wall of your vagina. It is caused by weakness of the support tissues between your vagina and your bowel. What are the benefits of surgery? A posterior prolapse can cause the following problems. A sensation of ‘something coming down’. A bulge in your vagina, which can cause discomfort when having sex and difficulty keeping a tampon in. The feeling of not having fully emptied your bowel. The need to press on the back wall of your vagina to fully empty your bowel. The aim is to

Rectocele What is a rectocele? A rectocele is a type of pelvic organ prolapse. You may hear it called posterior vaginal prolapse. Prolapse means ‘fall out of place’. If you have rectocele, the rectum (the lower part of the large bowel) bulges forward into the vaginal wall. There are things you can do to help manage this condition. Rectocele What are the symptoms of a rectocele? It is possible to have a small rectocele without noticing any problems. For some people, the symptoms of a rectocele have a big impact on their life. Rectal symptoms These can include: difficulty or

What is PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a treatable anxiety disorder affecting around 3 million Australians at some time in their lives. It happens when fear, anxiety and memories of a traumatic event don’t go away. The feelings last for a long time and interfere with how people cope with everyday life. What are the symptoms of PTSD? Everyone is affected differently by PTSD. Symptoms can range from subtle changes in day-to-day life, withdrawal and numbness, to distressing flashbacks or physical anxiety. Symptoms of PTSD may appear in the month after the traumatic event, but sometimes they can stay dormant for

What is post-nasal drip? ‘Post-nasal drip’ is when mucus from your nose or sinuses drips down the back of your throat. Post-nasal drip can sometimes cause a cough. What causes post-nasal drip? The most common causes of post-nasal drip are: viral infections in your nose and throat (such as a cold) hay fever — inflammation of the inside lining of your nose, also called ‘allergic rhinitis’ sinusitis —inflammation of the hollow spaces in the bones of your face (sinuses) cold air some medicines Other causes are asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Rarely, post-nasal drip can be a sign of a foreign object in the nose (usually in

What is post-menopause? Post-menopause refers to the final stage of the menopause process, and marks the end of the reproductive stage of life. During post-menopause, your body learns to function with low hormone levels, and symptoms caused by fluctuating hormones may become less troubling — or disappear altogether. Post-menopause officially begins 12 months after your final period (the menopause). Most Australian women enter menopause between 45 and 60 years of age. The average age of menopause is 51 years. What causes post-menopause? For most women, the same hormone level changes that triggered the menopausal process affect when post-menopause occurs. However, certain

What is a PET scan? A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is an imaging test that uses radioactive material to diagnose a variety of diseases. Doctors use it to find tumours, diagnose heart disease, brain disorders and other conditions. A PET scan provides a picture of the body working, not just a picture of its structure, like some other scans. How do PET scans work? If you have a PET scan, you’ll be given an injection of a small amount of short-acting radioactive liquid, known as a tracer. The one most commonly used is FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose). FDG is a simple

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

What is personal hygiene? Good personal hygiene is about keeping your body clean. It also helps to protect you from getting infections such as gastroenteritis, colds and flu and COVID-19. Washing your hands with soap removes germs that can make you ill. Having good personal hygiene will also help prevent you from spreading diseases to other people. Personal hygiene includes: cleaning your body every day washing your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day covering your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your sleeve) when sneezing or coughing washing