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Common Ailments

JAUNDICE

Staff Writer J

JAUNDICEWhat is it?Jaundice is not a disease as such, but a sign of a disorder. When jaundice is present the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow.Symptoms: Nausea and vomiting, dark urine and light coloured stools, the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow and generalized itching.Causes: Build-up of bilirubin in the blood.(Bilirubin is a waste product that forms when red blood cells are broken down. Normally it is removed from the bloodstream by the liver, collected in the gallbladders as bile and excreted in the faeces). Jaundice

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SINUSITIS

katswink S

SINUSITISWhat is it?Sinusitis is an inflammation of the membrane lining of the sinuses i.e. the air-filled cavities in the bones surrounding the nose and eyes.Symptoms: Nasal discharge and congestion, Headache over one or both eyes if the frontal sinuses are affected, pain in one or both cheeks if the sinuses in the cheek bones are affected. Pain is worse when leaning forward.Causes: Bacterial, viral or rarely fungal infection, Often follows a cold, Allergic rhinitis, dental infection and exposure to temperature extremes.Possible complications: Pain, nasal blockage, secondary respiratory tract infections, rarely meningitis

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BED SORES

Staff Writer B

BED SORES What is it?Bedsores often occur in patients confined to bed. They are painful and usually occur on the elbows, knees, heels, shoulder blades, hips and buttocks. Symptoms: Starts of as a patch of tender, red inflamed skin, later the skin becomes purple, it cracks and weeping ulcers develops. Causes: Irritation and continuous pressure on body parts, bedclothes pressing on knees and toes. Possible complications: Ulceration and infection. When to consult a doctor: As soon as the ulcers appear. What the doctor may do: Prescribe appropriate treatment depending on the severity of ulceration

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BAD BREATH

Staff Writer B

BAD BREATH Symptoms: Offensive-smelling breath of which one may be unaware until pointed out by someone else. Causes: Inflammation of the gums, mouth ulcers, Tooth decay, and decaying tooth particles stuck between the teeth, aromatic foods such as garlic and onion, smoking, fever, sinusitis and empty stomach. Possible complications: Social offence. Treatment in the home: Good dental hygiene, infections in the mouth should be treated. When to consult a doctor/dentist: If bad breath continues, despite home treatment.

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BACKACHE

Staff Writer B

BACKACHE What is it?Pain or stiffness in the back that may be continuous or intermittent. Symptoms: Pain, together with stiffness may develop slowly or suddenly. It may be a continuous ache, or it may only occur when in a certain position. The pain may vary, Not only in intensity, but also in position. Movement, as well as coughing or sneezing sometimes aggravates the pain. Causes: Long term poor posture, Strain or injury to the muscles or ligaments of the back or the muscles of the abdomen, Injury to the cushions or discs between the

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ATHLETE’S FOOT

Staff Writer A

  Symptoms: Itchy, the skin becomes damp, flaking and peeling, in server cases the nail may also become infected and thicken with a discoloured appearance. Causes: Fungal infection  Treatment in the home: Apply an over the counter antifungal cream or powder to the affected area, wash feet regularly and dry well When to consult a doctor: If the condition continues What the doctor may do: Prescribe a more effective antifungal bream or tablets

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ANXIETY

Staff Writer A

ANXIETY What is it? A feeling of tension and edginess, an overwhelming attack of panic. Symptoms: Tiredness, Nervousness, irritability, nausea, vomiting, frequent passing of urine and diarrhea, dizziness, trembling, shaking, inability to concentrate, insomnia Causes: Stress is the most common cause, new and unfamiliar situations and experiences Treatment in the home: Attempt to identify the cause, discuss the problem and try to resolve it, regular exercise, learn to relax and breathe Possible complications: If left untreated, depression or a stress related disorder may develop When to consult a doctor: If it becomes

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ANAEMIA

Staff Writer A

ANAEMIA What is it? A condition where the blood is deficient either in quantity or quality, caused by a lack of red blood cells or haemoglobin.  Symptoms: Fatigue/ loss of energy, Breathlessness on exertion, palpitations Causes: Blood loss after an injury, heavy menstruation, blood donations, Folic or Vitamin B12 deficiency  Treatment in the home: None Possible complications: Weakens the body’s resistance to illness. When to consult a doctor: If the symptoms continue What the doctor may do: Take a blood sample, define the type of Anaemia, prescribe medication and treat the cause.

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ACNE

Staff Writer A

ACNE What is it? A term used to describe skin pimples, usually on the face, back, chest, it often occurs in adolescence.  Symptoms: Whiteheads, Blackheads, Inflamed red spots, Cysts Causes: It is mostly triggered by hormonal changes and is most common in adolescence with oily skin  Treatment in the home: Wash the affected area two to three times a day with soap and warm water, then rinse with cold water, pat it dry, never wipe. You can Acne soaps and antiseptic face wash, don’t use anything with an oil base. Don’t squeeze spots, this

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