Browse health conditions

Age spots are small, dark patches that show up on the skin. They most often occur in individuals over the age of 40 but can also develop in younger people who spend a lot of time under the sun. These spots can affect…

Anti-aging refers to strategies, both lifestyle and topical, that help maintain healthy, resilient skin as we grow older. While aging is a natural process driven by genetics and time, external factors such as UV…

Cradle cap, infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a harmless rash most often found on a baby’s scalp. It appears as greasy, yellowish or brownish flakes and crusts. While the scalp is the usual site, you might also notice…

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterised by elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels. Glucose fuels our cells, but without sufficient insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, glucose cannot enter cells…

Ignoring hearing difficulties won’t make them disappear. Since a range of factors can harm our hearing, and because hearing loss is linked to overall health and well-being, it pays to be proactive. Below, you’ll find…

Occasional forgetfulness is a natural part of aging. However, when someone has pronounced trouble recalling past experiences or forming new memories, this condition is known as amnesia. Depending on its origin, amnesia…

Menopause, often referred to as “the change of life”, signifies the close of a woman’s natural childbearing years, at which point conception without assistance is no longer possible. The word “menopause” comes from…

Puberty is a natural phase in life marked by swift physical and physiological maturation as the body’s major systems, including the reproductive organs, reach full functionality. This transition is orchestrated by…

Teething refers to the phase when a baby’s teeth start to break through the gum surface. This typically begins between the ages of four and ten months. Tooth development actually begins while the baby is still in the…

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria _Chlamydia trachomatis_. It affects both men and women, but it is more common among young individuals who frequently change sexual partners.…

A cold sore, often called fever blisters or herpes labialis, is a frequent viral condition caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). After the virus first enters the body, it hides in an inactive state within the nerve…

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as _pink eye_, is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (the thin clear outer layer of the eye) and the eyelid, resulting in redness or a pinkish hue in the white part of the…

For most people, eating is a fundamental part of daily life, but for some, certain foods can provoke dangerous, even life-threatening reactions. A food allergy arises when the immune system mistakenly labels a harmless…

The human body harbors a variety of microorganisms, including fungi. Although these fungi normally live on and within our skin without causing harm, an overgrowth can lead to infection. When this overgrowth occurs in…

Allergic rhinitis, often called hayfever, develops when your nasal passages and/or eyes encounter environmental allergens like pollen, airborne moulds, dust mites or animal dander. If your immune system overreacts to…

Herpes refers to infections caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV) that attack the skin and often form small, fluid-filled blisters. There are two principal HSV strains: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), responsible…

Urticaria, commonly called hives, presents as swollen, itchy bumps on the skin. These welts may appear red, pink or match your natural skin tone and can vary in size from a tiny pinpoint to over 10 cm across. Their…

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium _Borrelia burgdorferi_, which is transmitted to humans through a tick bite. It can involve any organ but most commonly affects the skin, joints, nervous system and…

Measles is an extremely contagious viral infection that most notably causes a red, spotty rash, but it also brings along a variety of other symptoms. In some cases, measles can lead to severe complications, potentially…

Rabies is a zoonotic illness caused by the rabies virus, a member of the lyssavirus family, which resides in both wild and domestic animals and is transmitted to humans via bites or scratches. Once the virus reaches the…

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a prevalent pathogen that targets the lungs and air passages. Although it most often affects infants and young children, adults are also susceptible. In the majority of cases, RSV…

The paranasal sinuses are hollow cavities within the facial bones that form part of your nose and respiratory tract. There are four linked pairs: the maxillary (cheek), frontal (forehead), ethmoidal (around the eyes),…

Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Strep throat, also called strep pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection of the throat due to _Streptococcus pyogenes_ (group A streptococcus). It can affect anyone but is most…

Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, refers to inflammation or infection of the ear canal, the passage stretching from the eardrum to the outer ear. Unlike a middle ear infection (which lies behind the eardrum), this…

Tonsillitis describes inflammation of the tonsils, most often triggered by a viral infection but sometimes by bacteria. The tonsils are two oval-shaped lymphoid tissues located on each side at the rear of the throat,…

Regular bowel movements, often referred to informally as “doing a poo”, are a normal bodily function. Yet for some individuals, passing stool can become difficult when they experience constipation. Constipation occurs…

We all occasionally experience the sudden urge to dash to the bathroom to pass a stool (aka ‘doing a poo’). Normally, bowel movements range from firm to soft, but when your stools become loose, watery and you find…

Digestion comprises a complex series of steps by which your body transforms the food you consume into smaller, water-soluble compounds that enter the bloodstream and reach every cell. Depending on each cell’s needs,…

Food poisoning refers to a stomach and intestinal illness caused by consuming food or drinks contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Symptoms often begin within hours of eating contaminated food and typically…

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “gastro” or the “stomach flu,” is a widespread infection that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This short-term condition often results in symptoms like…

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a prevalent digestive disorder that affects the colon (large bowel). This condition is characterized by a group of gut-related issues, and it is estimated that…

Anaemia occurs when your body does not have enough red blood cells. These cells move oxygen throughout the body by means of the protein haemoglobin, which also gives blood its bright

At Cooleman Court Pharmacy, we offer a comprehensive range of services and support for you and your baby. In addition to our wide selection of quality products at competitive prices, we have trained staff and take-home…

Have you ever noticed that your breath carries a strong odor in the morning or right after eating something garlicky? It’s common for most of us to experience bad breath occasionally, but for about 2.4% of adults in…

Cancer does not refer to a single illness but rather encompasses over 200 distinct disorders. It is a disease of the cells, which are the fundamental components of our body. Under normal circumstances, old cells die off…

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a long-lasting and intricate disorder marked by profound weariness and disproportionate exhaustion. It impacts multiple organ…

The common cold, sometimes referred to as a head cold, is a viral infection that targets the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and upper air passages. More than 200 distinct viruses can trigger this…

A cough is a natural reflex that helps remove mucus, phlegm, or other irritants from the throat and airways. Mucus refers to the thin fluid produced by your nose and sinuses, whereas phlegm is thicker and originates…

Water makes up approximately 50–75 % of our body mass and is essential for producing sweat, urine, digestive fluids, and blood. Since the body cannot store water long-term, it is crucial to consume sufficient fluids…

Oral health, often referred to as dental health, encompasses the condition of your teeth and gums, as well as the muscles and bones within your mouth. Good dental health is essential for overall physical and emotional…

Excessive sweating, medically termed hyperhidrosis, affects roughly 3% of people. Although sweating is a normal response to heat or strenuous activity, individuals with hyperhidrosis may perspire heavily without any…

The immune system is an intricate network of organs, cells and molecules that collaborate to defend our body against infections. Without this protection, we would be exposed to countless bacteria, viruses, fungi and…

Mouth ulcers are one of the most prevalent types of sores in the oral cavity, commonly emerging on the inner lips, tongue, cheek lining, or along the gum edges. They range in size and often cause discomfort, yet the…

Night cramps, often called nocturnal leg spasms, are uncontrolled, painful squeezes or twitches in your leg muscles. They most frequently strike while you’re in bed, typically affecting the calves, though the thighs or…

Ready to quit smoking or looking for support? If you use tobacco, giving up smoking is the single most important step you can take to improve your own health, and safeguard the well-being of those around you. It is…

Digestive troubles can have a major impact on your well-being. One common trigger is gluten

Contraception (also known as birth control or family planning) is a method used to prevent unintended pregnancies. There are a variety of methods available, each with different levels of

Endometriosis, often shortened to “endo”, is a medical condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) begins to grow outside the uterus, most commonly in the pelvic region. This tissue, known as…

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are small, swollen lumps that develop inside or around the anus (rectum). They are widespread and are sometimes compared to varicose veins found in the anal region. The discomfort…

Incontinence is a sensitive subject that can lead to discomfort, especially when you’re in public and suddenly need to find a restroom quickly. This condition can cause significant anxiety. However, in most cases,…

Intestinal worms are parasites that thrive by living inside a host, whether human or animal. This condition is very widespread, especially among children aged five to ten. In Australia, the most frequently encountered…

Your kidneys are essential for filtering blood and removing excess fluids and waste products as urine. Occasionally, these waste products aggregate into hard crystals known as kidney stones (renal calculi). Kidney…

Menstruation, commonly referred to as a period, is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining through vaginal bleeding. Girls typically experience their first period, known as menarche, around ages 12 to 13, though it…

Nappy rash is an extremely common irritation of the skin in babies and toddlers that develops where a diaper sits. It can vary from a mild redness to intense discomfort, but with the right care you can usually prevent…

Ovarian cancer develops when cells in one or both ovaries start multiplying uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumour. The ovaries are small, almond-shaped glands on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and the…

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, often called PCOS, is a complex hormonal disorder that impacts about 8–13% of women during their childbearing years.1It involves elevated insulin and androgen levels, which can trigger a…

Thrush, medically termed candidiasis, develops when the yeast Candida albicans, a harmless organism that resides on your skin and in your digestive tract, multiplies excessively. Under normal circumstances, this yeast…

If you’ve ever had a UTI, you’re likely familiar with the persistent urge or pressure to urinate followed by a burning sensation during the act. UTIs rank among the most common infections in humans, affecting about 1 in…

Anxiety is a common emotion that everyone feels at times. It can show up as feelings of nervousness, unease, worry, panic or fear about what might happen. In some cases, a bit of anxiety is useful, for example, worrying…

Depression is a widespread mental illness that goes beyond a simple “low mood,” impacting both someone’s physical and mental health for weeks, months, or even years1. People experience depression in varied ways, often…

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that also impact your physical health. They’re not just extreme dieting or a lifestyle choice, but involve a harmful preoccupation with food, weight, body shape or…

We’re all familiar with feeling tired or exhausted, but fatigue goes beyond the kind of sleepiness that a good night’s rest can cure. It’s a persistent state of weariness that remains even when you’ve had enough sleep,…

Insomnia is a sleep disorder marked by repeated episodes of difficulty falling or staying asleep, which over time can sap your energy, impair concentration and work performance, lower your mood, and even affect your…

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the brain. The most obvious signs involve movement difficulties, yet PD can also trigger a range of non-motor symptoms. The likelihood of developing PD…

Depression following childbirth, often called postpartum depression, involves prolonged negative mood shifts that continue for more than two weeks after a baby is born. It is a common issue, affecting about one in five…

Stress is an inherent part of being human. When we face changes, challenges, or threats, our body activates a stress reaction to safeguard us. This reaction triggers physical and mental shifts that help us adapt to new…

Arthritis describes a collection of conditions marked by inflammation and discomfort in the body’s joints, such as the wrists, knuckles, knees, ankles and hips. It isn’t a single illness but rather an umbrella term for…

Experiencing back pain is incredibly common. In fact, lower back discomfort ranks among the most prevalent types of pain, with a large proportion of Australians likely to encounter it at some point. This pain may feel…

Children’s pain can cause profound anxiety and distress for caregivers, shifting in character as little ones progress from infancy to early adolescence. Nearly every child will encounter discomfort, from routine bumps…

Chronic pain is pain that lasts beyond the normal healing time of an injury or persists for more than three months. Unlike acute pain, which acts as a warning signal of tissue damage, chronic pain often continues even…

An earache is pain or discomfort in one or both ears, which may feel dull, sharp or burning. It’s most often linked to an infection.1 Earaches are very common, especially in children, with about 80 % experiencing at…

Joint pain is a frequent complaint that can stem from many factors. The joints most often involved include the knees, hips, lower back, shoulders, wrists, knuckles and ankles. When discomfort in a joint persists for…

Migraines are intense headaches that often have a genetic and hormonal basis. They are a recognized medical condition that affects up to 20% of adults worldwide, primarily those between the ages of 35-45. Women are…

Nearly everyone has felt muscle soreness or involuntary cramps at some point. While most episodes settle on their own, some persist and require further medical attention. Persistent muscle issues can limit your mobility…

Neck pain is extremely common, affecting about two-thirds of Australian adults at some point in their lives. Considering the neck bears the weight of your head, around 5 kg on average, this is hardly surprising. Below,…

Menstrual pain describes the aching or cramping that many women go through each month when their uterus contracts to remove its inner lining. This discomfort is common from adolescence through to the years before…

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) describes a mix of physical and emotional disturbances that many women experience after ovulation, typically in the one to two weeks before their period begins, and which usually subside once…

Many people, especially during puberty, become familiar with acne, those inflamed red spots or sore bumps that commonly appear on the 1 _face, neck, chest, and shoulders_. Also known as _acne vulgaris_, this is a…

Blisters are small fluid-filled bubbles that form within the top layers of skin. They can develop anywhere on the body, but are most often found on the feet and hands. These bubbles usually occur due to constant…

A burn refers to damage inflicted on the skin or underlying tissues by heat, radiation, electricity, chemicals, or friction. These injuries can range from minor to extremely severe. The leading cause is exposure to…

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection, commonly seen in young children and infants, and is often referred to as “school sores” due to its prevalence among school-aged kids. It manifests as itchy blisters or…

Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that leads to the formation of small, rough bumps. Often referred to as “chicken skin” due to the texture, these bumps are typically found on the arms, thighs,…

Melanoma is a rare yet more aggressive form of skin cancer. It originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for giving your skin its color, and it can appear on any part of the body. Interestingly, melanomas can…

Melasma, occasionally termed chloasma, is a widespread skin disorder characterised by patches of darker pigmentation or freckle-like spots, most commonly on the face. The discolouration may range from light brown to…

Psoriasis (pronounced: sore-eye-ah-sis) is an autoimmune condition in which skin cells multiply too rapidly, resulting in inflamed, thickened, scaly patches on the surface of the skin1. This chronic inflammatory disease…

Rosacea is a long-lasting inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face. It is marked by redness, irritated skin, and small bumps filled with pus. Often confused with acne, eczema, or skin allergies,…

Whenever our skin is injured, the body launches a healing process that forms scar tissue. How your body mends itself and the depth of the wound will shape the type of scar formed. Aside from the most superficial…

Although various skin issues qualify as distinct medical conditions, sensitive skin does not fall into this category. Rather than a disorder, sensitive skin describes skin that is particularly prone to inflammation and…

Skin cancer occurs when the cells in the outermost layer of your skin (the epidermis) begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. The main risk factor for developing this disease is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.…

Australia faces some of the highest levels of UV radiation globally due to its proximity to the equator and frequent clear, sunny days. As a result, it’s essential to protect our skin from the sun, which helps prevent…

Sunburn occurs when your skin suffers damage due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun. UV radiation is invisible and undetectable by touch, meaning you may not realize you’re…

Warts are small, non-threatening growths on the skin. Typically, they range in size from one to 10 millimeters and can appear alone or in groups. They are quite common, particularly among children, with approximately…

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where a person’s airways become overly sensitive to various triggers, leading to episodes of worsening symptoms. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways…

Breast cancer arises when cells within breast tissue begin to grow uncontrollably and can potentially invade other parts of the body. These cells form a mass known as a tumour. Although it can occur at any age, about 80…

Bronchitis refers to an infection of the large airways in the lungs, known as the bronchi. This condition leads to irritation, inflammation, and swelling of these air passages. A common symptom of bronchitis is a…

Diverticula are small, bulging sacs that can develop in the wall of the digestive tract. The condition known as diverticulosis occurs when these pouches appear. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of these pouches…

Dry eye, or dry eye syndrome, is a condition where the eyes are not adequately lubricated due to insufficient tear production. It is estimated that around 77% of the population experiences this issue. In individuals…

Dry mouth, medically referred to as _xerostomia_, happens when the salivary glands in your mouth fail to produce an adequate amount of saliva. This leads to a dry or parched sensation in the mouth. While this condition…

The human eye is a complex organ composed of various components that function together to allow us to see. These parts

Head lice are harmless, minute, wingless insects roughly the size of a sesame seed that inhabit and reproduce on the human scalp. They may occur anywhere on the scalp but are most often located in the warmest regions,…

The heart is a remarkable and lifesaving organ. Positioned at the centre of the circulatory circuit, it pumps blood around your entire body at every heartbeat, supplying oxygen and nutrients to every cell and carrying…

Although its name may suggest otherwise, heartburn has no direct connection to the heart. Instead, it refers to a painful or burning sensation in the chest, often linked to a digestive condition known as reflux. This…

Hiccups, also referred to as hiccoughs or singultus, are brief, involuntary spasms or contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle beneath your lungs that plays a key role in both…

Lung cancer is a malignant disease that arises in your lungs. Cancer involves the uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal cells that damage tissues and organs. Positioned in the chest behind your ribs, the lungs draw in…

Pregnancy (also called gestation) spans roughly 40 weeks (about nine months), during which a fertilised embryo grows and develops inside the uterus (womb). This journey begins at conception, the moment when a sperm cell…

A sore throat, medically termed pharyngitis, arises from inflammation of the pharynx (the back of the throat). Many individuals notice a scratchy, irritated feeling and may struggle with swallowing food or beverages. In…

The thyroid gland, often simply called the thyroid, is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck just below the larynx (voice box). It consists of two lobes that wrap around the windpipe (trachea) and…

Cholesterol is a lipid-based compound that travels through the bloodstream, serving as a key building block and regulator in your body. It preserves the structural integrity of cell membranes, acts as a precursor for…

Commonly called keto, the ketogenic diet was first established in 1924 as a therapeutic intervention for epilepsy. When children with epilepsy continued to experience seizures despite following prescribed antiepileptic…