Illawarra Medical Centre https://illawarramedical.com.au/ Providing superior health care to families and local businesses in the Ballajura area for more than 25 years Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:35:53 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 New nasal flu vaccine available for kids https://illawarramedical.com.au/new-nasal-flu-vaccine-available-for-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-nasal-flu-vaccine-available-for-kids Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:11:45 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9326 Getting your kids vaccinated against the flu each year can sometimes be tricky, particularly if you have a child who doesn’t like needles. The good news is that this year, some Australian children will have the option to receive a new, needle-free nasal flu vaccine, thanks to the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s recent registration of FluMist®. […]

The post New nasal flu vaccine available for kids appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

Getting your kids vaccinated against the flu each year can sometimes be tricky, particularly if you have a child who doesn’t like needles.

The good news is that this year, some Australian children will have the option to receive a new, needle-free nasal flu vaccine, thanks to the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s recent registration of FluMist®.

In Western Australia, FluMist® will be available free for children aged from 2 to 11 years, through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). 

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at this new vaccine and the outlook for this year’s flu season.

What is the flu?

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can often be mistaken for a common cold. However, flu tends to last longer and be more debilitating.

Most people experience symptoms, such as:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Tiredness
  • General aches and pains

Children, however, can experience more uncommon symptoms, including:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high-risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions.

Flu Vaccines

The flu vaccine is recommended for every Australian aged 6 months and over.

Those at greatest risk of serious complications from influenza are eligible to receive the vaccine for free, through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), including:

  • Children aged 6 months to <5 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone aged 6 months and over who has:
    • heart disease
    • severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
    • chronic lung conditions
    • diseases of the nervous system that affect breathing
    • impaired immunity
    • diabetes
    • kidney disease
    • haemoglobinopathies
    • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

Vaccination is also strongly recommended for those who:

  • Work in certain jobs and industries (including aged care and health care)
  • Travel to certain countries
  • Are planning a pregnancy

As the strain of flu changes every year, so too does the influenza vaccine. That is why it’s important to get vaccinated each year.

This year, we are seeing a new, fast-moving strain of influenza dubbed “Super-K” circulating earlier than normal, with high case numbers already experienced in a number of areas throughout Australia.

Staying up-to-date with your vaccines is vital, as it helps to reduce the spread of these viruses and protects your family and the wider community, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

Nasal vaccines

This flu season, for the first time ever, WA children aged from 2 to 11 years will be eligible for the Flu Mist® vaccine.

FluMist® is a needle-free influenza vaccine that is administered via a quick nasal spray containing small amounts of weakened influenza viruses. These viruses work by mimicking a natural infection to help build immunity, and the vaccine remains effective even if a child sneezes shortly after administration.

FluMist® offers a safe, child-friendly alternative to traditional injections and is designed to increase vaccination uptake amongst this cohort.

According to the WA Department of Health, only 17 per cent of Western Australian children in this age group are currently vaccinated against influenza.

Given that 2025 saw a large increase in the number influenza cases nationally, and the highest number of influenza-related deaths this century, increased vaccination rates will be crucial to protect children, vulnerable populations, and the wider community from severe illness this year.

Are flu vaccines safe?

Yes. Flu vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe. You cannot get influenza from having the influenza vaccine, as it is made from the killed virus, not living viruses.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the flu vaccine causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to each year’s new influenza vaccine in young children.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds into the AusVaxSafety program.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

As it can take up to two weeks to develop immunity, it is generally recommended to get your flu vaccine in the autumn months of April and May, so that you are protected in time for the peak influenza season, which normally occurs in winter.

Flu vaccines in Australia will be available from April and people are encouraged to get vaccinated sooner rather than later.

Flu Clinics at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre will run flu vaccination clinics at our practice again this year, as soon as stocks become available, so keep an eye out for details over the coming weeks!

Bookings will be essential for these clinics. Please visit the website or contact us on (08) 9208 6400 for further details or to make a booking.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post New nasal flu vaccine available for kids appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]> Health dangers of vitamin supplements https://illawarramedical.com.au/health-dangers-of-vitamin-supplements/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=health-dangers-of-vitamin-supplements Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:50:59 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9261 While many believe that vitamin supplements are a simple way to boost and improve our overall health, there are hidden health dangers to be aware of. Recent cases of vitamin b6 toxicity from supplements sold in Australia are a prime example of this. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at vitamin supplements […]

The post Health dangers of vitamin supplements appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

While many believe that vitamin supplements are a simple way to boost and improve our overall health, there are hidden health dangers to be aware of. Recent cases of vitamin b6 toxicity from supplements sold in Australia are a prime example of this.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at vitamin supplements and how they may not always deliver the best outcomes for our health.

What are vitamin supplements?

Vitamin, or dietary, supplements are products designed to provide nutrients that may be missing from your normal diet.

They contain concentrated vitamins, minerals or nutrients and normally come in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form. Common examples include vitamin C, iron, and calcium tablets, fish oil capsules, turmeric powder, and raspberry leaf tea.

Many vitamin supplements do not require a prescription and can be easily bought over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets.

Why and when are supplements used?

Most of the vitamins and minerals our bodies require come from eating a normal balanced and varied diet. However, some people may be advised to take a supplement to help counter specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

For example, people who:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding;
  • are diagnosed with malnutrition and aren’t getting enough nutrition from the food they are eating;
  • have a health condition that prevents their body from absorbing the nutrients it needs (for example, people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis);
  • are taking a medicine that affects certain dietary nutrients;
  • have a health condition that requires the need for a particular nutrient (e.g. people at risk of osteoporosis may need to take a calcium supplement);
  • have a restricted diets and aren’t getting enough nutrients through food (e.g. vegetarians and vegans); or
  • have a diagnosed nutritional deficiency (e.g. where a blood test shows you have a vitamin D deficiency).

What are the risks of vitamin supplements?

As with any type of medicine, vitamin supplements come with their own risks and dangers. They can have side effects or interact with other medicines, making them dangerous or less effective.

Getting too much of a particular vitamin or mineral can also lead to serious harm. When vitamins are taken as supplements, they are introduced into the body at levels that are higher than what you could obtain through your normal diet.

Some people also mistakenly believe that taking larger amounts of vitamins is better for you. However, taking more than the recommended doses can result in potential health problems. For example:

  • Vitamins A, B6, D, E and K – can be toxic when taken in high doses.
  • Too much vitamin A or E when pregnant – can cause serious harm to your baby.
  • Folate – can hide vitamin B12 deficiencies.
  • High levels of vitamin B6 – has been linked to nerve damage.
  • Doses of vitamin C above one gram – can cause diarrhoea.
  • Large doses of vitamin C – can cause nausea, abdominal cramps, headaches, fatigue, kidney stones, and interfere with your body’s ability to process other nutrients.
  • Excessive amounts of vitamin C – can interfere with medical tests (such as diabetes), giving a false result.
  • High doses of vitamin A – may cause birth defects, as well as central nervous system, liver, bone and skin disorders.
  • High-dose vitamin E – has been linked to higher rates of early death.
  • Zinc, iron, chromium and selenium – can be raised to toxic levels in the body when taken at just 5 times the recommended dietary intake.
  • Large intakes of fluoride (especially in childhood) – may stain or weaken teeth.
  • Very large doses of fish oil – can lead to decreased blood clotting.
  • Iron – can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea and black bowel actions. Severe toxicity can lead to coma and even death.
  • Curcumin and curcumin longa (turmeric) – may cause liver injury.

Many supplements also contain additional vitamins and minerals that some people may not be aware of, so it’s important to always read the label and ingredients list carefully to know exactly what you are taking and how much of it you are consuming.

A quick look at the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) safety alerts page shows a range of health concerns to be aware of for a number of vitamin and mineral supplement products available in the Australian market.

Vitamin B6 toxicity

One of the more recent cases of serious health harms caused by vitamin toxicity in Australia has been with Vitamin B6 and its link to peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damaged to your peripheral nerves – that is, your sensory, motor, and automatic nerves.

Symptoms usually occur in the hands and feet and include:

  • tingling, pins and needles or electric type pains;
  • numbness;
  • areas that feel ‘hot’ or have a burning sensation;
  • cold areas which are difficult to warm up;
  • the sensation of insects crawling on your skin; and
  • muscle weakness, cramps or aching.

After receiving numerous reports of peripheral neuropathy in recent years, which indicated a possible link with products containing vitamin B6, the TGA undertook a review and found that:

  • Peripheral neuropathy can occur at doses of vitamin B6 less than 50 mg.
  • Peripheral neuropathy can occur when people are taking multiple products containing vitamin B6.
  • The risk appears to vary between people – no minimum dose, length of use or underlying risk factors were identified.

In many cases, people reported they weren’t aware they had even consumed vitamin B6, as they were taking a magnesium supplement. Others reported taking multiple products that each contained a low dose of vitamin B6, not realising the potential cumulative effect.

As a result of their review, the TGA has updated regulations, so that:

  • Products containing a daily dose of vitamin B6 above 10 mg now require a warning about peripheral neuropathy.
  • The maximum permitted daily dose of vitamin B6 in individual products has been reduced from 200 mg to 100 mg for adults, with lower daily dose limits for children, depending on their age.
  • From June 2027, customers will require a pharmacist’s supervision to purchase products containing more than 50mg of vitamin B6, and anything with more than 200mg will need a prescription.

How to safely take vitamin supplements

The best option for taking vitamins safely is to seek professional advice from your doctor to determine what, if any, supplements you may require for your particular health circumstances and how these may interact with any existing prescription medicines and medical treatments you are undertaking.

If you do need to take vitamin supplements, make sure you are taking them at the recommended dosage level and assess the potential benefits and risks. It’s also important to examine all ingredients listed on the product, so you can identify the exactly what you are taking, the dose being taken, and the potential for cumulative overdose from repeated ingredients in multiple products.

Vitamin and mineral supplements should only be used as a short-term measure. If you are taking supplements because you feel you may be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals, it may be better to look at changing your diet and lifestyle instead. Your doctor or a dietitian can help advise you on this.

If you do have any side effects or problems after taking dietary supplements, stop taking them immediately, report them to the TGA, and see your doctor.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post Health dangers of vitamin supplements appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]> Why we need to vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B https://illawarramedical.com.au/why-we-need-to-vaccinate-newborns-against-hepatitis-b/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-we-need-to-vaccinate-newborns-against-hepatitis-b Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:31:06 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9170 The recent decision in the US regarding routine vaccinations for newborns against the hepatitis B virus has raised concerns and fears of a resurgence of the disease. Here in Australia, hepatitis B vaccinations are given to all babies at birth, as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule. In this month’s blog, we take a […]

The post Why we need to vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

The recent decision in the US regarding routine vaccinations for newborns against the hepatitis B virus has raised concerns and fears of a resurgence of the disease.

Here in Australia, hepatitis B vaccinations are given to all babies at birth, as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the disease and why it’s important to continue to vaccinate newborns against the virus.

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It can be acute, only affecting people for a short amount of time, or chronic, with long-term effects that can potentially lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 254 million people currently living with chronic infections, with around 1.2 million new infections detected every year.

While treatment is available to help reduce the progress of liver damage and loss of liver function, people with chronic hepatitis B will still need to be monitored every 6-12 months by their GP for signs and symptoms of liver disease.

It is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, vaginal fluids, and semen. It can also spread through needlestick injury, tattooing and piercing.

The most common forms of transmission, however come via mother to child at birth. Children are also at risk of transmission from household contacts or through contact with other children who are infected, particularly during the first five years of life. As the disease can survive for a week on household surfaces, the disease can pass on through something as simple as sharing the same toothbrush as an infected person.

A child who contracts chronic hepatitis B has an increased risk of developing chronic liver disease and cancer later in life. In fact, a 2018 report from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that 70% to 90% of unvaccinated infants born to infected mothers will become infected themselves, and 90% of those infections will become chronic.

It is for this reason that the World Health Organization recommends that children receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

Why do we vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B?

Vaccinating babies at birth remains one of the best ways to keep children protected from this lifelong, deadly disease.

Globally, 117 countries have introduced a dose of hepatitis B vaccine to newborns within the first 24 hours of life.

In Australia, every baby born since 2000 has been eligible to receive a free vaccine at birth, with further doses given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Full protection against hepatitis B requires a three-dose vaccine series, given at specific intervals in infancy. Anything short of this can leave children vulnerable to the virus for life.

This vaccination program has been a great success, with newborn vaccination rates remaining steady at between 92%-95% every year and newly acquired infections reducing by two thirds between 2000 and 2019.

From 2014 to 2023, the program also led to a 60% decline in cases for those aged under 20.

In America, it is a similar story, with a 95% reduction in hepatitis B infection rates resulting in less than 1,000 children or adolescents contracting the virus each year. In fact, America’s vaccination program has seen it come within reach of eliminating infections all together. So why have recommendations changed in the US?

Recent changes in the US

A newly appointed committee who advises on immunisation practices in the US recently changed the recommendation on hepatitis B vaccine at birth to apply only to those newborns whose mothers test positive for the virus. For those who test negative, it is now recommended that they consult their health care provider to make individualised decisions on whether or not to administer the vaccine to their newborn.

This change is not based on any new evidence and causes some concern, particularly as we know that delaying the first dose of the vaccine puts children at greater risk of chronic infection.

Almost one-third of people with hepatitis B do not know that they are infected. While screening is recommended for all pregnant women, not all mothers are tested during pregnancy.

Even if mothers are tested, there is still the risk that they can become infected after testing has occurred. There is also the risk that newborns can be exposed to the disease through contact with other family members who haven’t been tested and/or are unaware that they have the virus. That’s why the newborn vaccination dose is so important to help prevent newborns developing the infection at birth.

The good news for Australia is that there are no changes to our vaccination program and the hepatitis B vaccination remains in place for all Australian newborns.

Is the newborn vaccine safe?

Yes. The hepatitis vaccine has been safely given to millions of newborns across the world within the first 24 hours of life.

Like any vaccine, some newborns may experience a reaction but the risk of serious harm is very low. Infants are more likely to experience mild side effects, if any, including pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, which will usually last no more than a day or two.

Vaccination remains one of the most successful and cost-effective public health measures worldwide and has helped protect many people from many serious infectious diseases.

Over the past 50 years, childhood vaccines alone have prevented 154 million deaths globally – the vast majority in children under five.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the TGA. We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to all vaccines on the National Immunisation Program.

You can find out more about the safety of vaccines given in Australia here>>

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we also utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds that information into the AusVaxSafety program.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post Why we need to vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]> Don’t believe all the social media hype around cortisol https://illawarramedical.com.au/dont-believe-all-the-social-media-hype-around-cortisol/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dont-believe-all-the-social-media-hype-around-cortisol Thu, 11 Dec 2025 02:03:45 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9121 Social media is currently filled with a lot talk, tips and tricks around combatting high cortisol levels, but how much merit is in this latest health and wellness trend and should you believe all the social media hype? While cortisol can affect things like our weight, sleep, and blood pressure, a quick-fix supplement solution touted […]

The post Don’t believe all the social media hype around cortisol appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

Social media is currently filled with a lot talk, tips and tricks around combatting high cortisol levels, but how much merit is in this latest health and wellness trend and should you believe all the social media hype?

While cortisol can affect things like our weight, sleep, and blood pressure, a quick-fix supplement solution touted by a social media influencer isn’t the way to address any health concerns you may have around cortisol.

In this month’s blog, we take a more scientific look at cortisol’s impact on your health and how to address any issues that arise when you have too much or not enough of it.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is an essential hormone that is produced by your adrenal glands and regulated by your pituitary gland. The pituitary gland sends the signal to your adrenal glands to indicate how much cortisol it needs to produce.

It is essential to a healthy life and has a number of important functions, including helping your body to:

  • respond to stress or danger
  • increase your metabolism of glucose
  • control your heart rate and blood pressure
  • reduce inflammation
  • grow and develop an unborn baby

It is also the hormone that helps protect us from perceived dangers and prompts our fight or flight response to potential threats. It’s often known as the ‘stress’ hormone, as the body tends to release more cortisol into your bloodstream when you do feel stressed.

The release of cortisol can be influenced by a range of factors, including:

  • very warm or cold temperatures
  • infections
  • exercise
  • traumatic or stressful events
  • obesity
  • some health conditions

Usually your body will produce the right amount you need to keep you healthy. However, it can become a problem when your body produces either too much or too little. But how do you know if that’s the case?

Cortisol Symptoms – high and low

Too much cortisol can result in a number of both physical and emotional symptoms, including:

  • weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and face
  • thin and fragile skin that is slow to heal
  • acne
  • female facial hair and irregular menstrual periods
  • reduced fertility
  • depression and/or anxiety
  • mood swings
  • difficulty concentrating
  • lower sex drive

Long-term exposure to high cortisol can lead to Cushing’s disease, where cortisol levels remain high all the time.

Additional symptoms of Cushing’s disease include:

  • a rounded face
  • a hump between the shoulders
  • feeling tired and moody
  • skin problems, such as wounds being slow to heal, bruising, and stretch marks on the tummy and thighs

While Cushing’s disease is rare, around 41 Australian’s are diagnosed each year and there currently between 300-1,600 Australians living with the disease. This fact sheet from the Australian Pituitary Foundation provides a good overview of Cushing’s Disease>>

At the other end of the spectrum, too little cortisol can produce symptoms such as:

  • constant tiredness
  • nausea and vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • muscle weakness
  • abdominal pain

Low cortisol that is the result of damage to the adrenal glands can cause Addison’s disease, where sufferers experience the additional symptoms of dark patches on their skin and craving salty foods. In Australia, ~2,500 people live with the disease and ~100 people are newly diagnosed each year.

Cortisol Treatments

With high levels often resulting from stress, most treatments will be aimed at adjusting lifestyle factors to reduce your stress levels. This may include:

  • ensuring you are getting quality sleep
  • moving your body and getting regular exercise
  • practicing deep breathing exercises
  • doing something that brings you joy and makes you laugh
  • maintaining healthy relationships

For those with Cushing’s disease, treatment will also usually involve medication and possibly surgery.

People with Addison’s disease will need treatment with cortisone, to replace the cortisol that would normally be produced by the body naturally.

Getting a proper diagnosis

If you do have any symptoms of high or low cortisol, the most important thing to do is get a proper medical diagnosis – not potentially dangerous advice from the unregulated world of social media.

A proper medical diagnosis can confirm if there is an issues with your cortisol levels or if there may be something else causing your symptoms.

The first step for a diagnosis will be a blood test to measure your levels. As these will change throughout the day, you may need to have several blood tests at different times, to get a proper indication of exactly what is going on with your cortisol.

You may need to have additional blood tests, as well as saliva and urine tests, if your doctor suspects you have either Cushing’s or Addison’s disease.

If you are experiencing any symptoms or have any concerns about your health in general, please see your GP. To make an appointment at IMC, simply book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post Don’t believe all the social media hype around cortisol appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]> Australia helping lead the charge to eliminate cervical cancer https://illawarramedical.com.au/cervical-cancer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cervical-cancer Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:57:53 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9078 Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. In Australia, around 800 women are diagnosed annually. The World Health Organization has put a strategy in place to help eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem globally. Australia is at the forefront of this fight and has one of the lowest rates […]

The post Australia helping lead the charge to eliminate cervical cancer appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. In Australia, around 800 women are diagnosed annually.

The World Health Organization has put a strategy in place to help eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem globally. Australia is at the forefront of this fight and has one of the lowest rates of the disease in the world.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at cervical cancer and how Australia is helping lead the charge to eliminate the disease.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the cervix.

The cervix forms part of the female reproductive system and functions to help produce moisture to lubricate the vagina and mucus to help sperm travel to the fallopian tube. It also serves to hold a developing baby in the uterus during pregnancy. During childbirth, it widens to allow the baby to pass down into the birth canal.

There are two types of cervical cancer, which are named after the type of cells that they originate from:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma – the most common type of cervical cancer, accounting for up to 90% of all cases.
  • Adenocarcinoma – less common and originating from the glandular cells. It generally starts higher in the cervix, making it more difficult to detect.

The good news is that cervical cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed early and treated straight away.

Symptoms

Precancerous changes in cervical cells rarely cause symptoms. However, once these cell changes develop into cervical cancer, common early symptoms will include:

  • unexpected vaginal bleeding – such as between periods, after menopause, or after sex
  • heavier and longer periods than normal
  • unusual vaginal discharge
  • pain in the pelvis region
  • pain during sex

Once cervical cancer becomes more advanced, people may also experience fatigue, leg pain or swelling, and lower back pain.

Risk Factors

Most cases of cervical cancer occur after an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common and affects both males and females, with 4 out of 5 people experiencing the virus at some stage in their lives. It is usually passed on during sexual contact.

Most people who get HPV will have no symptoms or implications form the virus. However, for others, it can cause changes in the cervix over time and lead to cancer.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

  • smoking and passive smoking
  • a weakened immune system
  • if your mother was prescribed diethylstilbestrol (DES) – an artificial form of the female hormone oestrogen often given during pregnancy between 1939 and 1971.

Treatment for cervical cancer will depend on the stage at which the disease is at and may include surgery, a cone biopsy, hysterectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or palliative care.

Australia’s approach to eliminating cervical cancer

Australia has one of the lowest rates of the disease in the world, thanks to proactive health strategies aimed at eliminating the disease.

In 1991, Australia first introduced its National Cervical Screening Program, which offered a free pap smear test every two years to women aged 18 to 70. In 2017, the pap smear test was replaced with the new Cervical Screening Test. Now women aged 25-74 are tested every five years for the presence of HPV, which is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Since 2022, cervical screening participants have been given the option to screen using either a self-collected vaginal sample or a clinician-collected sample. Both of these options are accessed through a healthcare provider.

In conjunction with the Cervical Screening Program, the Australian Government also introduced the free National HPV Vaccination Program in 2007 for girls, in a bid to reduce HPV-related cancers in Australia.

From 2013, boys were included in the program to reduce rates of penile and anal cancers in men, which can also result from persistent HPV infection.

Almost all Australian schools currently participate in the program, which sees the HPV Gardasil®9 vaccine offered to girls and boys in Year 8 through the National Immunisation Program. The vaccine is targeted specifically to this age group, as it has proved to be most effective before people become sexually active.

Australia’s approach to eliminating cervical cancer is having a positive impact, with a recent report from Australia’s NHMRC-funded Centre of Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control highlighting that 75% of eligible women are up-to-date with cervical screening and have had a HPV test within five years. This means that Australia is well on its way to meeting the World Health Organization’s 2030 target for cervical screening of 70% of women screened a minimum of twice in a lifetime by 2030.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that cervical cancer incidence rates have also noticeably decreased since the introduction of the vaccine program. Incidence rates have fallen from 9.3 cases per 100,000 females in 2013 to an estimated 0.5 in 2025. In addition, age-standardised mortality rates for cervical cancer decreased from 3.2 deaths per 100,000 females in 2000 to an estimated 1.8 deaths in 2025.

This vaccination program, combined with the National Cancer Screening Program, is significantly helping to reduce the risk of cervical cancer across Australia.

It’s important to remember, however, that you still need to undertake regular cervical screenings to protect yourself against cervical cancer, even if you have had the HPV vaccine.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we are able to offer our patients both cervical screenings and immunisation for all vaccinations that form part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule, including the HPV vaccine.

To make an appointment with us, simply book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post Australia helping lead the charge to eliminate cervical cancer appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]> Hay fever – it’s nothing to sneeze at! https://illawarramedical.com.au/hay-fever-its-nothing-to-sneeze-at/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hay-fever-its-nothing-to-sneeze-at Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:21:24 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9038 Springtime not only brings out the sun and beautiful blooms, but allergies too! Hay fever is the most common allergic disorder in Australia, affecting one in five people. Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds is one of the main triggers for seasonal allergies at this time of year. In this month’s blog, we take a […]

The post Hay fever – it’s nothing to sneeze at! appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

Springtime not only brings out the sun and beautiful blooms, but allergies too!

Hay fever is the most common allergic disorder in Australia, affecting one in five people. Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds is one of the main triggers for seasonal allergies at this time of year.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at hay fever and the symptoms, prevention and treatments available.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, occurs when a person comes into contact with environmental allergens that they have a sensitivity to. It can be caused by a number of triggers, the most common being pollens, dust mites, mould, and animal dander.

When these allergen particles get trapped in the nose – which acts as a natural filter – the immune system responds by triggering an allergic reaction and will try to protect the body by allowing the nasal passages to become inflamed and produce more mucus.

This video from the National Allergy Council gives a good overview of hay fever – https://youtu.be/SWSH8eDhp_I?si=RRRAJOhFXQuIvApp

Grass pollen is the main outdoor allergen during spring and early summer; and with Western Australia experiencing above average rainfall over winter, some reports have suggested that hay fever season will be longer and more severe for sufferers this year.

Symptoms

Some of the more immediate signs and symptoms of hay fever include:

  • Runny, itchy or congested nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Snoring

Mild to moderate symptoms tend not to affect a person’s day-to-day functioning too badly.

However, more severe symptoms can have a greater impact on one’s quality of life, including through:

  • Sleep disturbance
  • Daytime tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Poor concentration
  • Recurrent ear infections in children or sinus infections in adults
  • Greater difficulty controlling asthma

Those with grass pollen allergies are also at greater risk of thunderstorm asthma, which can occur even if you have never had asthma before.

Thunderstorm asthma occurs when rain droplets crash into airborne pollen and break the pollen grains into tiny particles. These particles can then get further and deeper inside your lungs than larger pollen grains and rapidly trigger asthma symptoms.

There have been a number of these events in Australia in recent years, including one in 2024 in Albury Wodonga, which saw over 100 people presenting to local hospital emergency departments, and the world’s largest recorded event in Melbourne in 2016, which saw 10 deaths and a 672% increase in the number of people presenting to emergency departments with respiratory related complications.

Prevention

The best prevention for hay fever is trying to avoid the allergens that trigger your allergies as much as possible.

For those who react to pollen, you can reduce your exposure by:

  • Staying indoors as much as possible during pollen season, particularly when it is windy or thunderstorms are forecast.
  • Avoid activities that trigger your symptoms, such as mowing grass and weeding.
  • Shower immediately after activities where you may have had a high exposure to pollen.
  • Keep the windows in your house and car closed and use recirculating air conditioning in the car.
  • Avoid hanging your clothes or bed linen outside to dry, if possible.

If you have a dust mite allergy, try:

  • Washing your bed linen in hot water once a week.
  • Using dust mite resistant covers on your mattress, pillows and bedding.
  • Removing sheepskins, woollen underlays and soft toys from your bed and bedroom.
  • Using a damp cloth to dust surfaces in your house once a week.

Those with mould allergies should:

  • Remove any visible mould by cleaning with bleach or other mould reduction cleaners.
  • Ensure adequate natural ventilation, including extractor fans.
  • Avoid working with garden compost and mulch.

For those with allergies from animal dander, try and keep your pets out of your bedroom and preferably outside, if possible.

The Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website offers a range of strategies to help you prevent hay fever.

AirHealth monitors daily pollen levels from 1 October to 31 December and provides forecasts to help people better prepare and manage their hay fever. You can track local pollen levels and forecasts through their website at – https://www.perthpollen.com.au/

Treatments

There are a number of over-the-counter medications available to help treat hay fever symptoms, including:

  • Intranasal corticosteroid sprays – these contain low dose steroids and are safe for long-term use.
  • Antihistamines – these are effective in relieving symptoms and are available without prescription from a pharmacy.
  • Saline nasal sprays – to help clear nasal decongestion.
  • Decongestant nasal sprays or tablets – these should only be used for a maximum of 5 days. Pregnant women and those with high blood pressure should not use decongestants at all.

If your symptoms persist, or are having a negative impact on your day-to-day activities, you should discuss additional treatment options with your general practitioner. They may recommend a referral to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist for further assessment and allergy testing.

Allergen immunotherapy

Allergen immunotherapy is another long-term treatment option for hay fever sufferers. It involves desensitisation by gradually increasing exposure to a known allergen by injection or sublingual drops or tablets. Treatment is usually undertaken for 3 to 5 years and is available to those aged 5 and over.

Illawarra Medical Centre offers allergen immunotherapy to patients suffering from allergies caused by grass pollen and house dust mites.

This treatment is best for those suffering with moderate to severe hay fever who find that:

  • it impacts their quality of life;
  • symptoms aren’t adequately controlled by symptomatic medication and allergen avoidance measures;
  • they experience side effects to existing medication; and/or
  • they would prefer not to use ongoing medication to treat allergies.

Treatments Available at Illawarra Medical Centre

We use Oralair® – the first registered temperate grass sub-lingual immunotherapy tablet in Australia and New Zealand – to treat grass pollen allergies.

For house dust mite allergies, we use Actair® – the first registered immunotherapy tablet for treatment of house dust mite allergies in Australia.

To make an allergy appointment with one of our GPs, contact our Reception on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post Hay fever – it’s nothing to sneeze at! appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]> Women’s Heart Health https://illawarramedical.com.au/womens-heart-health/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=womens-heart-health Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:42:21 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=8976 While cardiovascular disease (CVD) has traditionally been a focus for men’s health, there is growing recognition of heart health as a serious health issue for women – it may just present or be experienced in different ways. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at CVD and the specific risk factors, presentation, treatment […]

The post Women’s Heart Health appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

While cardiovascular disease (CVD) has traditionally been a focus for men’s health, there is growing recognition of heart health as a serious health issue for women – it may just present or be experienced in different ways.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at CVD and the specific risk factors, presentation, treatment and outcomes for women.

What is CVD?

Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions related to the cardiovascular system, which comprises the heart and all the blood vessels that pump and move blood around the body.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally and include:

  • Coronary Heart Disease – either angina or heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)
  • Stroke – either caused by a blockage with a blood clot (called an ischaemic stroke) or the rupturing of a blood vessel and bleeding (called a haemorrhagic stroke)
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease – obstruction of the large blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs.
  • Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease – caused by an untreated infection with group A streptococcus bacteria
  • Congenital Heart Disease – inherited conditions that affect the structure (such as valves) of the heart.

The biggest cause of deaths from cardiovascular disease is the progressive blocking of blood vessels leading to coronary heart disease and stroke.

CVD stats for women

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 19.8 million people died from CVD in 2022, which represents ~32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.

In Australia, 10 women die every day from a heart attack, and a further 22 women die every day of heart disease. In fact, women die of heart disease at three times the rate of breast cancer.

Indigenous women are up to twice as likely to have CVD, and to die from coronary heart disease or stroke.

The risk of heart problems increases significantly for women once they reach menopause. This is because of the drop in oestrogen levels, which help protect women from heart disease by supporting the flexibility of the blood vessels and arteries enabling them to adjust to support blood flow.

The drop in oestrogen in menopause can also lead to a number of other factors that increase a women’s risk of CVD, including:

  • higher blood pressure
  • higher total cholesterol
  • higher ‘bad’ cholesterol
  • lower ‘good’ cholesterol
  • higher blood fats such as triglycerides
  • excess weight gain, particularly around the stomach

Some studies have suggested that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may help reduce the risk of CVD for some women.

Symptoms

Studies on cardiovascular disease have traditionally focused on men. As a result, women are often diagnosed and treated for CVD based on research findings about men. What we now know, however, is that the symptoms, risk factors and overall experience of CVD can be quite different for women.

Women tend to develop symptoms at a much later stage of the illness. They are also less likely to experience chest pain and may instead experience other symptoms, including:

  • discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdomen
  • breathlessness and a general feeling of unwellness
  • pain, tightness or discomfort in one or both arms
  • nausea or vomiting
  • heartburn or indigestion
  • sweating
  • light-headedness or dizziness
  • unusual fatigue

Women are also more likely to have heart attack symptoms when resting, or even when asleep, compared to men.

Prevention

While some risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as age, menopause, and family history, can’t be changed, the majority of risk factors are able to be managed to support good heart health.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the main key to reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This includes:

  • Avoiding smoking – smoking is a major risk factor, with nicotine directly narrowing your blood vessels.
  • Eating healthy foods – eat a balanced and nutritious diet, avoid processed foods, drink plenty of water, and limit alcohol.
  • Exercising and moving more – aim for physical activity at least 5 or more days each week.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight – exercising and eating healthy food will make this easier.
  • Getting a good night’s sleep – aim for at least 6 hours of sleep each night to help keep you healthy and well-rested.
  • Managing stress – long-term stress can damage the arteries and worsen other risk factors for CVD. Stress can affect women’s hearts more than men’s, so make sure you take time for self-care and address any issues that are causing you stress.

It’s also important to get regular health checks, including your blood pressure and cholesterol, to look for early signs of conditions that can increase your risk of CVD – particularly if you have a family history of heart disease.

Heart health checks at IMC

Got a health question or concern about your heart health? Book in for a heart health check with us today.

A heart health check will assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke over the next five years.

To make an appointment, contact us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post Women’s Heart Health appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]> Rabies cases on the rise in Bali https://illawarramedical.com.au/rabies-cases-on-the-rise-in-bali/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rabies-cases-on-the-rise-in-bali Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:05:41 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=8852 While Bali is known as a favourite travel destination for Western Australians, it’s also becoming increasingly known as a rabies hotspot, with more than 39,000 bite incidents recorded in 2024 and cases continuing to rise in 2025. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at rabies and how you can best protect yourself […]

The post Rabies cases on the rise in Bali appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

While Bali is known as a favourite travel destination for Western Australians, it’s also becoming increasingly known as a rabies hotspot, with more than 39,000 bite incidents recorded in 2024 and cases continuing to rise in 2025.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at rabies and how you can best protect yourself when travelling to Bali and other locations where this deadly disease is present.

What is rabies?

Rabies is an infection that affects your brain and central nervous system. It’s caused by a virus called a lyssavirus.

Humans can get rabies from bites or scratches from infected animals and through contact with the virus through the eyes, mouth, or nose.

While there are many animals that can carry rabies, including bats, monkeys and foxes, the majority of rabies in humans comes through bites from dogs.

Australia is one of the few countries in the world that does not have rabies; however, many popular destinations for Australian tourists do – including Bali.

Bali’s rise in rabies

In 2024, Bali recorded more than 39,000 bite incidents in people who had been bitten by rabies-carrying animals, with an additional 8,800 bite incidents and at least six human deaths recorded up to in 2025 (up to March).

As a result of this increase in rabies infections, Bali Health Authorities recently declared red zones in several locations, including the popular tourist areas of Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua and Jimbara, as well as the Mengwi District which covers Canggu’s Pererenan Beach.

bali_beach_boats_holiday

Symptoms

Rabies symptoms may start with a fever, sore throat, vomiting and headaches before progressing to more pronounced symptoms, including:

  • a changed mental state, agitation or hyperactivity
  • tremors
  • hydrophobia (fear of water)
  • aerophobia (fear of air)
  • dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • too much saliva in your mouth
  • enlarged pupils

Rabies symptoms can appear from one week to a year after exposure, but will usually appear 2 to 3 months after contact with the virus. As the incubation period for rabies can be long, it’s important to seek advice and get immunised against rabies after even a minor scratch or bite, to prevent the disease from developing.

Once symptoms appear, rabies is 100 percent fatal, so it’s important to get yourself treated as soon as you have been exposed to a potentially infected animal.

Treatment

Immediate treatment following a bite or scratch from an animal can help stop the infection from developing and becoming fatal.

If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal while overseas, you should:

  • wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes straight away
  • after washing, use an iodine-containing medicine or anti-viral medicine
  • do not cover the wound
  • see a doctor as soon as you can — even if you’ve had the rabies vaccine

The doctor may recommend treatment to reduce the risk of infection, including a combination of multiple doses of rabies vaccine given over a month and an injection of rabies immunoglobulin.

It’s important to note that in some locations (including Indonesia), rabies treatment can be limited and you may need to return to Australia or travel to another country for immediate treatment.

How to protect yourself when travelling

Of course, the best way to protect yourself from rabies is to get vaccinated before you head to any destination where rabies is present.

When you are travelling, you can further reduce your risk by following a few simple measures:

  • Do not get close to animals — this is especially important for children.
  • Do not touch stray dogs or cats.
  • Do not allow children to feed, pat or play with animals.
  • Do not carry food, and do not feed or pat monkeys. Try not to look at monkeys that have babies, as they may feel threatened and bite suddenly.
  • Do not touch bats anywhere in the world, including Australia.
  • Know what to do if you get an animal bite or scratch.

Travel health at IMC

Got a health question or concern about your upcoming or recent travels?

As a member of the Travel Medicine Alliance (TMA), we provide a range of travel health services including:

  • Travel vaccinations, of which we carry the full range of travel vaccines at our practice. This includes vaccines for rabies, measles, hepatitis A & B, yellow fever, malaria, tetanus, cholera and influenza.
  • Comprehensive consultations on your travel plans and health requirements, including recommended vaccinations and boosters for your travel destination.
  • Follow up advice and treatment of rabies and any other illnesses you may have obtained while travelling overseas.
  • Visa application health checks.
  • Travel medical kits.

Find out more on our Travel Health page.

To make an appointment at Illawarra Medical Centre to discuss any travel health plans or concerns, contact us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post Rabies cases on the rise in Bali appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]> Kidney disease – a silent killer https://illawarramedical.com.au/kidney-disease-a-silent-killer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kidney-disease-a-silent-killer Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:45:58 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=8790 In light of the recent Kidney Action Week (1-7 July), this month’s blog takes a look at kidney disease. Known as a silent killer, there are often no symptoms of the disease and people can lose up to 90 percent of kidney function before any symptoms appear. In Australia, 12 percent of deaths are kidney […]

The post Kidney disease – a silent killer appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

In light of the recent Kidney Action Week (1-7 July), this month’s blog takes a look at kidney disease.

Known as a silent killer, there are often no symptoms of the disease and people can lose up to 90 percent of kidney function before any symptoms appear.

In Australia, 12 percent of deaths are kidney related and 3 out of 4 Australians are at risk of developing kidney disease.

What do kidneys actually do?

These bean-shaped organs play a vital role and are one of the hardest working organs in our bodies. Most people are born with two kidneys, that sit in your abdomen below the ribs at the back. They are around the size of your fist and weigh around 150 grams each.

Their primary purpose is to filter out waste products, excess water, and other impurities from your blood and turn these into urine.

They also help to keep your blood pressure regular and manage the body’s production of Vitamin D, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and producing red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body.

Our kidneys clean around 200 litres of blood per day, with your entire blood supply cycling through your kidneys at a rate of around 12 times per hour!

What causes kidney disease?

When your kidneys don’t function as well as they should, waste gradually builds up in your body and can result in kidney disease.

Kidney disease impacts 1.7 million Australians each year. It mostly occurs gradually, over several years, and is often undetected in the early stages.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Chronic Kidney Disease (CDK) contributed to around 22,000 deaths in Australia in 2022, with the number of deaths related to CDK more than doubling since 2000.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

While symptoms of the disease are often rare, there are some noticeable signs of reduced kidney function. These include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Changes in the amount and number of times urine is passed
  • Changes in the appearance of your urine (for example, frothy or foaming urine)
  • Blood in your urine
  • Puffiness in your legs, ankles, or around your eyes
  • Pain in your kidney area
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Headaches
  • Lack of concentration
  • Itching
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bad breath and a metallic taste in your mouth
  • Muscle cramps
  • Pins and needles in your fingers and toes

Risk factors of kidney disease

There are a number of other factors that can also increase your risk. These include:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Established heart problems (including heart failure, heart attack or stroke)
  • A family history of kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Being aged 60 years or older
  • Being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
  • A history of acute kidney injury

Kidney Health Australia has developed this quick and easy test to help you see if you are at risk of developing kidney disease – Kidney Risk Test>>

If you experience any of the symptoms or risk factors outlined above, or you are concerned about your kidney health, see your GP sooner, rather than later. When detected early, changes to lifestyle, diet and medication can be implemented to help prevent any further damage.

Kidney health check

If kidney disease is suspected, your doctor will undertake a Kidney Health Check involving the following tests:

  1. Blood test – to see how well your kidneys are filtering your blood.
  2. Urine test – to check for albumin (a type of protein) or blood in your urine.
  3. Blood pressure test – because high blood pressure and kidney disease are related.

If you have any risk factors, it is recommended you get a Kidney Health Check every 1-2 years.

Treatment

In the early stages of the disease, treatment will involve changes to diet and medication, to help increase the life of your kidneys.

When kidney function is reduced to less than 10 percent, treatment will most likely involve dialysis. Dialysis helps to remove waste products and extra water from the blood by filtering it through a special membrane, or fine filter, and can be performed at home.

In some cases, a kidney transplant may be required, although not everyone is suitable for a transplant. A transplanted kidney will require a lifetime of ongoing management and care.

The survival rate following a kidney transplant is high, with 97 percent of recipients from deceased donors still alive after one year, and 90 percent alive at five years. The survival rate following a kidney transplant from a living donor is even higher, with a survival rate of 99 percent at one year, and 96 percent at five years.

Preventing kidney disease

There are a number of simple ways to help keep your kidneys healthy, including:

  • Eat well – include lots of fruits, vegetables, and grain-based foods in your diet and stick to lean meats.
  • Limit the amount of salt and fatty foods you consume.
  • Avoid smoking – people who smoke are three times more likely to have reduced kidney function.
  • Keep up with regular exercise and be active most days of the week.
  • Minimise long periods of time sitting.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding soft drinks and fruit juice.
  • Minimise alcohol and limit your intake to less than two standard drinks per day. Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of kidney disease.
  • Get your blood pressure checked regularly and take your blood pressure medication, as prescribed.
  • Minimise stress – do things that help you to relax and reduce your stress levels.

Concerned about kidney health?

If you are concerned about your kidney health, book in with one of our GPs to discuss your concerns. Appointments can be made online or by contacting us directly on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post Kidney disease – a silent killer appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]> Use your head when it comes to concussion https://illawarramedical.com.au/use-your-head-when-it-comes-to-concussion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=use-your-head-when-it-comes-to-concussion Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:25:27 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=8728 Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken or jolted inside the skull. It is estimated that more than 180,000 concussions are experienced in Australia each year and around 30 percent of those with concussion will go on to experience ongoing, debilitating symptoms that affect their health, lifestyle, and […]

The post Use your head when it comes to concussion appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken or jolted inside the skull.

It is estimated that more than 180,000 concussions are experienced in Australia each year and around 30 percent of those with concussion will go on to experience ongoing, debilitating symptoms that affect their health, lifestyle, and work.

In the past, concussion was seen as a relatively harmless, short-term injury. However, with growing understanding and awareness about its short and long-term impacts, we are now seeing improved recognition and management of the condition.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the causes, symptoms and management of concussion.

What is concussion?

A concussion is a short-term brain injury resulting from a force to the head, neck or body that causes the brain to move within the skull and results in chemical changes and damage to brain cells.

It can be caused by:

  • Falls – particularly common in older adults and young children.
  • Sports-related injuries – common in contact sports, such as Australia Rules Football (AFL), boxing, rugby, soccer, and touch football; as well as cycling, wheeled motor sports, and equestrian.
  • Transport accidents – from head hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or window etc.
  • Violence and assault – including domestic violence.
  • Blast injury or other occupational hazards

According to statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the majority of concussion presentations to hospitals were a result of a fall (51%), followed by transport accidents (24%), and assault (11%), with one in five (or 22%) of all hospitalised concussion cases having occurred while participating in sport or physical activity.

Source: AIHW National Hospital Morbidity Database - Number of concussion hospitalisations, by cause and sex, Australia, 2021–22

What is concussion?

A concussion is a short-term brain injury resulting from a force to the head, neck or body that causes the brain to move within the skull and results in chemical changes and damage to brain cells.

It can be caused by:

  • Falls – particularly common in older adults and young children.
  • Sports-related injuries – common in contact sports, such as Australia Rules Football (AFL), boxing, rugby, soccer, and touch football; as well as cycling, wheeled motor sports, and equestrian.
  • Transport accidents – from head hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or window etc.
  • Violence and assault – including domestic violence.
  • Blast injury or other occupational hazards

According to statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the majority of concussion presentations to hospitals were a result of a fall (51%), followed by transport accidents (24%), and assault (11%), with one in five (or 22%) of all hospitalised concussion cases having occurred while participating in sport or physical activity.

Signs and Symptoms

In the past, concussion was seen as a relatively harmless, short-term injury that was associated with fast recovery, under-reporting and a lack of understanding about potential long-term impacts.

In fact, in previous generations, it was often thought that if you weren’t knocked out cold, then you weren’t concussed! However, we now know that concussion can occur without a complete loss of consciousness and symptoms can vary greatly.

Some symptoms may show up immediately, while others may present in the days, weeks, or even months following a knock to the body or head.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Headache or pressure in the head
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Confusion or memory problems
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
  • Mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression

The Australian CTE Biobank and Macquarie University, in partnership with Sydney FC, have developed this useful ‘Big 5’ initiative to help those involved with sport better identify concussion following a head knock during games.

 It encourages people to look out for:

  1. Slump – lying motionless, unconscious or knocked out.
  2. Sway – appearing wobbly, unsteady or falling over.
  3. Slow – walking slowly, wandering or delayed movements.
  4. Stun – confused, appearing stunned or behaving unusually.
  5. Slur – slurred speech, slow speech, or responding poorly.

Some concussion symptoms can indicate a more severe and life-threatening brain injury, so it’s important to seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Neck pain or tenderness
  • Seizure or convulsion
  • Double vision
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Weakness or burning/tingling in more than one arm or in the legs
  • Deteriorating conscious state
  • Vomiting
  • Severe or increasing headache
  • Increasingly restless, agitated or combative
  • Visible deformity of the skull

While most people will recover fully within a couple of weeks, children can take a little longer to recover from a concussion and there may be some people who experience ongoing symptoms for weeks or months after the initial injury.

Long-term impacts of concussion

With a better understanding and more research into concussion these days, there is also growing evidence to suggest that repeated impacts to the head, neck or body can result in a number of debilitating long-term conditions

This includes:

  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) – a degenerative brain disease that affects thinking, mood and behaviour, and interferes with day-to-day life.
  • Cognitive impairment – causing problems with memory, attention, and executive function.
  • Mood disorders – including depression and anxiety.

These can result in people who have had repeated head impacts, even without concussion.

In recent years, we’ve also seen a number of high-profile sports people having to retire early from their professional careers as a result of ongoing issues from repeated concussion, including Australian cricketer, Will Pucovski; AFL players Nathan Murphy and Angus Brayshaw; and NRL players Dale Finucane, Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend and Andrew Davey.

Prevention

While head injuries can’t always be prevented, there are ways to reduce your risk, including:

  • Wear a seat belt whenever you’re travelling in a car.
  • Secure your children in age-appropriate safety seats – check with your State Government for more information.
  • Reduce the risk of falls – avoid standing on unstable surfaces, remove or secure small area rugs, improve lighting, and install handrails.
  • Follow the rules of your sport – many sports have banned certain tackles or developed techniques and rules to reduce head injuries at all levels of play.
  • Take time to recover from injuries – don’t return to work or school too quickly, or rush back to playing sports before you are fully recovered.
  • Exercise regularly – to strengthen your leg and core muscles to improve your balance.

Treatment

While treatment and management of concussion will depend on its severity, it is important for anyone with concussion to rest for the first 24-48 hours, in order to give your brain a chance to heal.

It is also suggested that you:

  • Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery
  • Don’t drink alcohol
  • Limit screen time
  • Take time off work or school
  • Continue to do gentle exercise, such as walking
  • Get assessed by a doctor, to ensure there is no bleeding, fluid or pressure on the brain, or any spinal injury.

Even if you are feeling fine and normal after a concussion, you will need to avoid participating in sports and rigorous activities for a few weeks and should only return to these after you’ve been given the ok by your doctor.

Returning to activities too soon can put you at risk of additional injuries that exacerbate any existing inflammation and lead to a longer recovery and ongoing long-term impacts.

If you have any concerns or show any signs and symptoms of concussion, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Bookings at Illawarra Medical Centre can be made online (insert link) or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

The post Use your head when it comes to concussion appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

]]>