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
Meningitis
What is meningitis? Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. It is very rare but serious. If you are worried that you or someone you care for has meningitis, call triple zero (000) immediately.
Headaches in adults
What is it? Headaches are very common and usually not concerning. Many people can treat their headache with over-the-counter pain medicine, rest and drinking more water. Sometimes, a headache can be a symptom of a serious illness. There are different types of headaches: Tension: This is the most common type...
Sinusitis
What is sinusitis? Sinusitis means infection or inflammation of the sinuses. Your sinuses are in your cheeks, forehead and around the eyes, they are all connected to the nose and throat. Sinusitis can happen when there is swelling or too much mucus in the lining of the sinuses and the...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is when your gut is irritated. Around one in five Australian experience IBS at some time in their life. Symptoms of IBS include: Tummy pain Bloating Mucus in your poo Diarrhoea Constipation There isn't one cause of IBS. Each person...
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the name for two conditions. They are both caused by a problem with your immune system. Both conditions make the bowel inflamed. Ulcerative colitis: This only affects your large bowel (colon and/or rectum). Inflammation is only on the top...
Acne
What is acne? Acne is a condition causing spots and painful bumps on the skin, also known as pimples. Acne can appear on the face, back and chest. It includes different kinds of spots, like blackheads (small, blocked pores) and whiteheads (small, hard bumps with a white centre). Acne can...
Coeliac disease
What is it? Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease. It happens when the immune system reacts badly to gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley. People with coeliac disease cannot eat anything with gluten in it. Eating gluten can cause long term gut issues. Coeliac disease is not the...
Hyperthyroidism
What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is due to an overactive thyroid. The thyroid is a gland in the neck. It makes hormones that help control some body processes. These include heart rate, body temperature, digestion, metabolism and weight. If you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, your GP will work with you...
Gestational diabetes
What is gestational diabetes? Diabetes develops if the body can’t make enough insulin. Insulin helps the body to absorb sugar from the blood. Some women get a type of diabetes when they are pregnant. This is called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. But,...
Bronchiolitis
What is bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is a common type of viral chest infection. It usually happens in babies under 12 months old. It is when the smaller airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrowed by mucus. It causes flu like symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, and fever. It also makes it...