Health Conditions
There are a number of health conditions. They can be physical or mental. Early detection and management of your health concern is important. There are lots of ways you can stay healthy and prevent disease.
Where can I get more information?
On this page you can find the information you need about your health condition and the right support for you in South Western Sydney. There are many easy to understand factsheets available.
Factsheets about health conditions
Obstructive sleep apnoea
What is obstructive sleep apnoea? Obstructive sleep apnoea is when something partly or completely blocks the throat during sleep. This causes breathing to reduce or stop for a short time. Breathing then starts again, often with a gasp, snort, or body jerk. Snoring, tossing, turning, and night waking are symptoms....
Otitis externa
What is otitis externa? Otitis externa, also known as Swimmer’s Ear, happens when the outer part of the ear becomes inflamed. The skin inside the ear canal can become red, swollen, and sore because of an infection caused by bacteria or fungus. This condition can affect people of all ages....
Autism in adults
What is autism in adults? Autism spectrum disorder (autism for short) affects how someone thinks, feels, acts and behaves with others. It is not unusual for someone who has autism to not have a diagnosis until they are an adult. Usually, a specialist called a psychologist or psychiatrist will ask you...
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia? Iron deficiency anaemia is a type of anaemia caused by a lack of iron. You need iron to make haemoglobin, a special protein that carries oxygen in your red blood cells. When you don’t have enough haemoglobin, less oxygen is available in your body. This...
Pulmonary embolism
What is a pulmonary embolism? A pulmonary embolism is when a blood clot blocks the arteries that supply blood to the lungs. A blood clot can form in the veins of the legs, pelvis, abdomen (tummy) or the heart. The clot moves from where it first forms and travels through...
Type 2 diabetes
What is type 2 diabetes? Diabetes develops if the body can’t make enough insulin. After you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose (a type of sugar). Insulin is a hormone that helps your body absorb sugar from the blood. If you have type 2 diabetes, the glucose in...
Systemic Lupus Erthematatosus
What is Systemic Lupus Erthematatosus (SLE)? SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is a disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy parts by mistake. It does this by making proteins that harm the body’s own cells. This leads to swelling and damage in different parts of the body. It...
Acute Asthma in Adults
What is Acute Asthma in Adults? Acute asthma in adults is when asthma suddenly gets worse. It can make it hard to breathe, and cause wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. This can happen to someone who already has asthma or as a new problem.
Gout and Pseudogout
What is gout and pseudogout? Gout happens when small crystals form in and around the joints. These crystals are made of a substance called monosodium urate. They can cause sudden pain, swelling, and joint damage over time. People get gout when their body has too much uric acid and doesn’t...
Osteoarthritis
What is Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that usually happens as people get older. It often affects the hands, feet, lower back, neck, hips, and knees.