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Common Ailments

MIGRANE

Staff Writer M

MIGRANEWhat is it?Migraine is particularly severe headache, usually on one side of the head.Symptoms: Some or all of the following symptoms may occur: Nausea or vomiting and disturbance of vision, a sensation of flashing lights, shimmering zig-zag lines or strange odours. An area of lost vision, a feeling of numbness in the face, arms or legs, pins and needles anywhere in the body, loss of speech.Causes: Migraine headaches tend to run in families.Trigger factors include: Certain foods, especially coffee, chocolate, cheese, alcohol, citrus fruit, food preservatives and MSG (used in Chinese

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VAGINAL CANDIDIASSIS

katswink V

VAGINAL CANDIDIASSISWhat is it?Vaginal candidiasis refers to fungal infection of the vagina.Symptoms: itching, vaginal discharge, usually white-may be scanty and watery or profuse and thick. The vulva may be red and swollen and there may be small fissures or cracks.Causes: The Candida albicans fungus, Trigger factors include: Pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, stress, hypothyroidism, anaemia and oral contraceptives.Possible complications: recurrenceTreatment in the home: Scrupulous personal hygiene, don’t wear nylon underclothes. Unlike cotton wool nylon does not ‘breath’ and therefore offers a warm, moist breeding area for infection.When to consult a doctor: As

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CONSTIPATION

Staff Writer C

CONSTIPATION What is it?Constipation is the infrequent passage of hard faeces, usually with some difficulty or pain.Symptoms: Difficult and infrequent passing if feaces. Abdominal discomfort.Causes: A diet low in fibre is the most common cause. Low fluid intake, certain medicines, particularly medicines containing codeine or iron. Pregnancy, Piles, anal Fissures, laxative abuse and lack of physical movement and exercise.Treatment in the home: Increase the fibre in your diet by including foods such as high-fibre cereals, wholewheat bread, peas, beans, apricots and bananas. Drink more fluids. Laxatives are one of the most commonly used

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GLANDULAR FEVER

Staff Writer G

GLANDULAR FEVERWhat is it?Glandular fever is a viral infection that affects the glands in the neck, armpits and groins. Generally affects children and young adults.Symptoms: Fever, skin rash, sore throat, headache, Lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen painful glands in the neck, armpits and groins, enlarged spleen.Causes: Viral infectionTreatment in the home: Take paracetamol in recommended doses to relieve pain and discomfort. Rest is essential. Recovery is slow. It may take six to eight weeks before the patient is fully recovered.Possible complications: Secondary bacterial infection which could become seriousWhen to consult a

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MOUTH ULCERS

katswink M

MOUTH ULCERSWhat is it?A mouth ulcer is a break in the lining of the mouth that exposes the sensitive tissue beneath.Symptoms: Small, painful white spots on the inside of the mouth, Stinging and discomfort when eating spicy or acidic foods. Usually heals within seven to ten days.Causes: Stress, extreme fatigue or being generally run down, other diseases, for example anaemia, injury to the lining if the mouth, by for example toothbrush, a rough tooth or biting of the mouth or tongue.Treatment in the home: Rinse mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash. Avoid

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VARICOSE VEINS

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VARICOSE VEINSWhat is it?Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins just under the skin. They usually occur in the legs and women are more frequently affected than men.Symptoms: Prominent, bluish swollen veins in the legs. The veins in the back of the calf and along the inside of the leg are most commonly affected. Swelling of the feet and ankles, itchy skin, symptoms may be worse just before and during menses.Causes: Poor circulation in the legs, usually as a result of damage to the valves in the vein, Tends to run in families.

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CORNS AND CALLUSES

Staff Writer C

CORNS AND CALLUSESWhat is it?Corns and calluses are areas of the skin that have thickened because of constant pressure. Corns are small and develop on the toes. Calluses are bigger and commonly develop on the soles of feet.Symptoms: Area painful on pressure.Causes: Pressure from wearing new or ill-fitting shoes. People, who have less cushioning tissue then normal between the bones and skin of their feet, develop corns and calluses more easily than others.Treatment in the home: Wear comfortable shoes. Corn pads ease pressure and pain. Corn plasters and salicylic acid encourage

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GOUT

Staff Writer G

GOUT What is it?Gout is an acute form of arthritis and is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the body. Uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints causing intense pain and swelling.Symptoms: The joint most commonly affected is the base of the big toe. It can also occur in the knees, elbows, ankles and wrists. The acute attack of gout most often starts at night. The affected joint is red, swollen and extremely painful, mild fever; the first attack usually involves only one joint. A second attack may occur

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MUMPS

katswink M

MUMPSWhat is it?Mumps is an infectious viral illness, characterized by swelling of the salivary glands. Mumps mostly affects children and young adults.Symptoms: Mumps has an incubation period of between 12 and 21 days before symptoms appear. There may be fever, headache and sore throat. The salivary gland, under the ear, on one or both sides swells: swelling may appear at the same time or one side may follow the other. The gland may be painful. The pain is worse when chewing and it hurts to swallow. The swelling lasts up to ten

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WARTS

katswink W

WARTSWhat are they?Common warts are small, herd, whitish or flesh coloured lumps, with a rough surface. They may be unsightly, but are not in any way dangerous.Symptoms: Common warts are usually painless and often develop on the hands, feet or knees. A wart on the sole of foot is known as a verruca. On walking it may press onto the foot and be painful. Warts vary in size, from that of a pinhead to a large pea.Causes: Viral infection, wart viruses are spread by touch, or by contact with the shed skin of

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