Health Info > General
Covering general health topics & common presentations in pharmacy.
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CHICKENPOX
Chickenpox is a common childhood illness. It is caused by a virus and results in a rash of blisters which are very itchy. Complications although rare, do occur, and can be serious. Chickenpox is more common in children but can occur in adults.
HEADACHE
Headaches usually have easily treated causes. Finding the reason for your headaches is important as it could be a symptom of a serious condition. Once the reason for your headache is known, learning how to deal with it can help reduce the frequency of headaches and how painful they are. A doctor or pharmacist can help you find the kind of headache you suffer and the best treatments for it.
BLADDER & URINE CONTROL
Having difficulty controlling your bladder and urine is called urinary incontinence or bladder weakness. As many as one million people in Australia have poor bladder control. Urinary incontinence can affect anyone at any age. Women are eight times more likely to be affected by incontinence than men. In fact, most women at some stage in life will experience incontinence, even if only mild in nature. Although it is common, it should not be thought
of as being normal. There is always an underlying cause. With the right treatment, urinary incontinence can be improved and even cured.
Bladder & Urine Control [ 189 KB]
MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection. These bacteria grow very quickly in the body and can rapidly cause a life-threatening infection. It is important to treat meningococcal disease as an emergency and seek medical help immediately.
Meningococcal Disease [ 174 KB]
MIGRAINE
Migraine is a severe headache often felt on one side of the head. Around half of the people who get migraine have a close family member also affected by it. Migraine can occur more than once a week or as little as once or twice a year. Headaches that occur everyday are generally not migraines.
MOUTH ULCERS also known as aphthous ulcers
Mouth ulcers are small sores which usually appear on the inside of the lips or cheeks. They can also be found underneath or on the edge of the tongue. Mouth ulcers form quickly and can be very painful. They tend to heal in about a week. In some people mouth ulcers may come back again, usually 4 - 12 weeks later. There are effective ways to treat mouth ulcers. Avoiding
possible causes will help.
NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps to relieve some of the withdrawal symptoms that many people experience when they try to quit smoking. Four NRT products are currently available in Australia. These nicotine substitutes help to t reat the difficult withdrawal symptoms and cravings which can make it difficult to quit. Discuss NRT options with your pharmacist and remember NRT can double your chance of quitting successfully
Nicotine Replacement Therapy [199 KB]
ORAL HEALTH
Plaque is the most common cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Regular, effective brushing and flossing can remove plaque and help keep teeth and gums healthy. Regular dental checks are also important. Dentists and dental hygenists can advise on teeth and gum care and detect decay before any significant damage occurs.
PAIN RELIEVERS also known as painkillers or analgesics
Pain is caused by physical injuries (e.g. cuts, burns) and s ome diseases. It can also be caused by emotions such as stress and anxiety. There are different types of pain relievers to suit different types of pain. Pharmacists and doctors can advise on the most effective pain reliever for your needs.
PREVENTING FALLS
Falls are the most common accidents among older people. Although falls are not a normal part of the ageing process, as people age they may have medical conditions or be on medications that may increase their risk of having a fall. Falls can cause injuries affecting lifestyle and independence. Many falls can be prevented. To reduce your risk of having a fall, be aware of
possible causes or risk factors and avoid or modify them if you can.
SMOKING
Tobacco smoking is the largest preventable cause of premature death and disease in Australia. Every year, about 20 000 Australians die from diseases caused by smoking. Passive smoking is also a hazard to health. Children of parents who smoke get more coughs, colds, asthma and respiratory infections. Quitting smoking at any age will result in major and immediate health
benefits. With planning and determination you can quit and stay a non-smoker.
STAYING A NON-SMOKER
Think of yourself as a non-smoker from the moment you quit. The worst is over. But a strong urge to smoke can return at any time. Relapse is most likely to happen in the first two weeks. You can stay a non-smoker, but you need to be prepared. You'll feel the urge to smoke less and less and in time you'll hardly think about smoking. There are many ways to help yourself stay a non-smoker.
Staying a Non Smoker [ 2.45 MB]
THRUSH Candidiasis
Thrush is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Candida, one of many organisms that live in the mouth, vagina and bowel. These organisms are harmless until something upsets their normal balance. If this occurs, and conditions are right, candida multiplies and can cause thrush symptoms. The most common types of thrush are oral (mouth) and vaginal. Having one type of thrush doesn't mean you will get the other. Other fungal infections to the skin, hair, and nails are known as tinea.
TRAVEL HEALTH
Everyone wants to have a happy, healthy, enjoyable and safe trip when travelling overseas. Many countries, particularly remote areas can pose health risks. With some planning you can help ensure that any health concerns don't interfere with the enjoyment of your overseas travel, ensuring you have a safe trip and return healthy.
URINARY TRACT INFECTION (Cystitis)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving any part of the body's urinary system - kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. UTIs are common, especially in women and the elderly. Infection of the urine and bladder, called cystitis, is the most common UTI.
