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When to seek medical advice Epiglottitis
EpiglottitisEpiglottitis is regarded as a medical emergency, asa swollen epiglottis can restrict the oxygen supply to your lungs. Dial 999 to ask for an ambulance if you think you or your child has epiglottitis. While waiting for an ambulance, you shouldn't attempt to examineyour child's throat, place anything inside their mouth or lay them on their back,
Who is affected Epiglottitis
EpiglottitisBecause of the success of the Hib vaccination programme,epiglottitis is rare in the UK, andmost cases now occur in adults.Deaths from epiglottitis arealso rare, occurring inless than 1 in 100 cases. During 2013-14,around 600 people were admitted to hospitals in England with acute epiglottitis.
Introduction Epilepsy
EpilepsyEpilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes repeated seizures. Seizures The cells in the brain, known as neurons, conduct electrical signals and communicate with each other in the brain using chemical messengers. During a seizure, there are abnormal bursts of neurons firing off electrical impulses, which can cause the brain and body
How is typhus diagnosed and treated? Typhus
TyphusAnyone who is unwell shortly after visiting a high-risk country should see theirGP, whowill listen to your symptoms and take note of the countriesyou have recently visited. You will also bephysically examined and have a number of testsfor example, a blood test to rule out other diseases such as malaria . Ifthere isa rash, the GP may take a skin
Introduction Endocarditis
EndocarditisEndocarditis is a rare and potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium). It's most commonly caused by bacteria entering the blood and travelling to the heart. Although the heart is usually well protected against infection,it may be easier for bacteria to bypassthe immune system in people who have: aprosthetic
Diagnosing endocarditis Endocarditis
EndocarditisTo diagnose endocarditis, your GP will look closely at your medical history, paying particular attention to any problems you may have had with your heart. Taking a medical history also allows your GP to identify whether you've undergone any recent medical procedures that may have put you at risk of developing endocarditis, such as surgery to the
Causes of womb cancer Womb cancer
Womb cancerIt's not known exactly what causes womb cancer, but certain things can increaseyour risk of developing it. Predictive genetic test for cancer risk genes begins with a change (mutation) in the structure of the DNA in cells, which can affect how they grow. This means cells grow and reproduce uncontrollably, producing a lump of tissue called a
Diagnosing womb cancer Womb cancer
Womb cancerYou should visit your GP if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding. While it's unlikely to be caused by womb cancer, it's best to be sure. Your GP will probably carry out a physical examination of your pelvic area, including your vagina, womb, ovaries, and bladder. They will ask about your symptoms, when they happen, and how often. You may be
Introduction Enhanced recovery
Enhanced recoveryEnhanced recovery is a modern evidence-based approach that helps people recover more quickly after having major surgery. Many hospitals although not all have enhanced recovery programmes in place, and it's now seen as standard practice following surgery for many procedures. Enhanced recovery is sometimes referred to as rapid or accelerated
The enhanced recoveryprogramme Enhanced recovery
Enhanced recoveryIf you need to have an operation, ask whether there's an enhanced recovery programme in place for your condition at the hospital you're going to. To enhance your recovery from surgery, it's important that you play an active role in your own care. Important points to consider before your operation include: eating well your body will need