Health information

The Australasian College of Dermatologists have developed a new patient resource for dermatology telehealth appointments.

Urticaria (hives) is an itchy skin rash that can have various causes. Find out more about diagnosis and treatment of urticaria.

Acne (pimples, zits, spots) is a very common skin condition that usually begins in adolescence. Find out more about the causes and treatment of acne.

How often should you monitor your blood glucose levels if you have type 2 diabetes? Download a factsheet about self-monitoring and managing diabetes.

Over-the-counter codeine: changes to supply

Heartburn and reflux medicines (proton pump inhibitors) are often only needed for a short time. Download a factsheet about managing heartburn and reflux.

Bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, including the common cold and flu, but bacteria can sometimes cause it.

Middle ear infections (otitis media) usually get better on their own and don’t need antibiotic treatment.

Allergy diagnosis and treatment should be evidence-based. Read more about unproven techniques and complementary medicine for asthma, hay fever & allergies.

ASCIA has developed guidelines for allergy prevention in infants. Find out more about maternal diet and infant feeding practices here.

Adrenaline (epinephrine) reverses the effects of anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction and should be treated as a medical emergency.

Antibiotics aren’t likely to help coughs, colds or sore throats. Download a factsheet about treating respiratory infections here.

Advance Care Planning is an important process. It involves talking with friends and loved ones about your future health care wishes, documenting what you may or may not want and it can include appointing a substitute decision maker. It enables you to take control of your future health care and treatment if you are not able to communicate your wishes.

How often should you monitor your blood glucose levels if you have type 2 diabetes? Download a factsheet about self-monitoring and managing diabetes.

Tumour markers can be helpful in diagnosing, monitoring and treating cancer. Find out more about tumour biomarkers here.

RANZCO’s Choosing Wisely Australia messages are about ophthalmology test, treatments and procedures to question. Read a Public Information Sheet about eye healthcare.

ASCIA has developed guidelines for allergy prevention in infants. Find out more about maternal diet and infant feeding practices here.

Patient guides to managing low back and osteoarthritis pain and opioid medicines

Advance Care Planning is an important process. It involves talking with friends and loved ones about your future health care wishes, documenting what you may or may not want and it can include appointing a substitute decision maker. It enables you to take control of your future health care and treatment if you are not able to communicate your wishes.

Vitamin D levels are determined by a simple blood test that measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD).

Tumour markers can be helpful in diagnosing, monitoring and treating cancer. Find out more about tumour biomarkers here.

Managing several medicines at once can be a challenge, but these tips will help you avoid mishaps. Read about managing several medicines on the NPS MedicineWise website.

When it comes to sleeping pills, it is important that you understand the risks, how to use them safely and know when not to use them. Read about sleeping pills on the NPS MedicineWise website.

Using benzodiazepines continuously for longer than 4 weeks can be problematic because tolerance and dependence are more likely to develop, which can lead to more severe side effects.

Medicines do not have to be part of your care plan for dementia, and if they are, they do not have to play a large role in your life. NPS MedicineWise and Alzheimer’s Australia have prepared downloadable materials to help you ask questions and talk with people close to you and the health professionals involved in your care about how you would like to be supported. Read about how to communicate about dementia and your care on the NPS MedicineWise website.

There are effective ways that you can relieve back pain and help with your recovery, including staying active, thinking positively, and taking pain relievers.

The exact cause of low back pain can be difficult to identify. Download a factsheet about managing back pain.

There are effective ways that you can relieve back pain and help with your recovery, including staying active, thinking positively, and taking pain relievers.

How often should you monitor your blood glucose levels if you have type 2 diabetes? Download a factsheet about self-monitoring and managing diabetes.