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
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...
Splenomegaly
What is splenomegaly? The spleen is on the left side of the belly. It filters the blood and removes abnormal cells, such as old and damaged red blood cells. It also makes white blood cells and antibodies to help you fight infection. Splenomegaly is when the spleen is larger than...
Ear Infection
What is an ear infection? Ear infection happens when fluid builds up behind the ear drum. This is the middle part of your ear. It often starts due to a simple cold. It is very common in children but can also affect adults. It can be very painful. If you...
Red eye
What is red eye? Redness of the eye is common. It can occur in one or both eyes. It happens when the small blood vessels in the eye become larger. This can happen for many reasons. Usually, it is because something is in the eye. It can also happen because...
Chronic Fatigue
What is chronic fatigue? Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalitis) is a chronic disease that can affect many of the bodies systems. In most people it is a lifelong illness. People with chronic fatigue syndrome are not able to function the same way they did before they became ill. The cause...
Staphylococcal (Staph) infections
What is a staphylococcus (staph) infection? Staphylococcus aureus (or ‘staph’) and Group A streptococcus (GAS) are kinds of bacteria which can be found on the skin. These bacterias can sometimes cause skin infections. These bacterias are more commonly found in children than adults. A staph infection is contagious. For...
Whooping cough (Pertussis)
What is pertussis (whopping cough)? Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a life-threatening infection in vulnerable people. Symptoms are similar to a cold with tiredness and fever, but also a persistent cough. The "whoop" is the sound made when the patient has extreme difficulty in breathing. It is easily...