Many people struggle with tonsil stones. Now, you may be wondering: How do I know if I have tonsil stones? You may have tonsil stones if you have ever experienced intermittent sore throats, the sensation of something stuck in your throat, or bad breath. We'll go over what tonsil stones are, why they form, how to remove them, and how to keep them from returning in this blog post.
When bacteria, food particles, mucus, and dead cells get stuck in the small crevices of the tonsils, then tonsil stones develop. If they are left untreated, this trapped debris hardens into stone-like formations. Here’s how tonsil stones vary:
Even people with excellent oral hygiene can still develop tonsil stones, but some bad habits can increase the risk of developing tonsil stones.
You may not realise that you have tonsil stones because they don’t always lead to noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, you may notice the following signs:
If you notice these symptoms, then you may have developed tonsil stones and need medical attention to manage or prevent it. If you think that you have tonsil stones, you can see Glenroy GP at Magnus Medical Clinic.
Oral bacteria are the common cause of developing tonsil stones. Saliva, bacteria, and food particles may get stuck in and around the tonsils just like on your teeth. It’s advised to brush your teeth twice a day, and flossing daily can also help prevent tonsil stone from developing.
When dead cells, food particles and other debris get stuck in the crevices of your tonsils, they can turn into small hard stones. Bacteria grow in these stones. When bacteria break down proteins, they produce smelly sulphur compounds. Even small tonsil stones can lead to bad breath.
Bad breath is the most common symptom of tonsil stones. The smell of tonsil stones is sulfuric, like rotten eggs. This is because of volatile sulphur compounds released by the bacteria stuck within tonsil stones.
No, tonsil stones are not contagious, and you cannot transmit them to anyone else.
Tonsillitis is an infection that can lead to swollen, inflamed, and sore tonsils, and many people notice symptoms like difficulty swallowing and fever. On the other hand, tonsil stones are hard lumps that form from stuck debris in the tonsil crypts, and while they can cause throat discomfort and bad breath, they are not the same as an infection. A major distinction is that tonsillitis involves sudden, acute inflammation, whereas tonsil stones result from accumulated debris that can cause ongoing, chronic irritation or infection.
No, without tonsils, you cannot get tonsil stones, as they form in the crevices of tonsil tissue. However, they can still occur post-tonsillectomy if residual tonsil tissue is left or if stones form in related tissues like the adenoids or in scar tissue.
You can’t always prevent tonsil stones. However, here are a few ways to reduce your risk:
Conclusion
While tonsil stones rarely cause any serious health problems, they can be irritating and contribute to bad breath. If you notice the symptoms of tonsil stones, make sure to get a consultation with professional doctors at Magnus Medical Centre Glenroy.
Many of us experience local anesthesia at some point in life, whether during a minor procedure or a treatment. You might be wondering: How long does local anaesthetic last? What to expect once it wears off. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what local anesthesia is, how it works, and the factors that influence its duration so you can feel more prepared.
A local anaesthetic is a medicine used to numb a body part for a short time. Local anaesthetics don’t make you unconscious. With local anesthesia, you will be aware of what’s going on, but you won’t feel pain in the affected area that needs to be treated. Painful conditions can be treated and relieved after getting local anesthesia. Unlike general anesthesia, you don’t lose consciousness when getting local anesthesia. However, healthcare providers often combine local anesthesia with sedation to make you feel relaxed.
Local anesthesia blocks your peripheral nerves temporarily to prevent them from sending sensory and pain signals to your brain. They don’t cause loss of consciousness or slow down your central nervous system (CNS) or cause CNS depression. If the medication works efficiently, you won’t feel pain in the affected area after having a local anesthetic. You will also be alert and awake.
When you go through a procedure, the most common question you may have is: How long does local anesthesia last? Well, it can last from 30 minutes to 12 hours or more. The range may vary depending on factors like:
• The dose
• The affected area
• The type of local anesthetic
If you are getting your treatment done by professional doctors in Glenroy, then they will let you know when to expect the local anesthetic to wear off. You can get in touch with a healthcare provider if you have muscle weakness or numbness that lasts longer than expected.
Local anaesthetic comes in different forms such as drops, creams, injections, or sprays. They are commonly used for procedures on small areas of your body, such as the extraction of a tooth, a small skin area, or nail procedures.
You may be able to drive after local anaesthetic, but it depends on how you feel after getting your treatment done. It’s advisable to avoid driving if the local anesthetic was combined with sedation, if you still feel numbness or have limited movement in your feet or hands, or if you don’t see clearly. Always wait until you feel fully alert and can safely drive, and consider getting help from someone to drive you home regardless.
The treated area may stay numb for a few hours. Avoid touching anything hot or knocking the area while it is still numb, as you won’t be able to feel pain. Get help if it is difficult for you to walk. Contact a healthcare provider if the numbness persists after 24 hours.
All anesthetics may have some risks, so make sure to talk to your doctor about your options. Don’t forget to discuss any health problems or allergies you have. A doctor might advise you:
• To quit smoking as early as possible before your procedure or surgery
• To stop drinking alcohol from the day before surgery
• What medicines you must avoid taking before and on the day of surgery
You can also take advice from your doctor about managing your pain after the local anaesthetic has worn off and about any other concerns you may have.
Conclusion
Now, you know how long anesthesia lasts, how it works, and what to expect. Before your surgery or minor procedure, you can consult with doctors at Magnus Medical Centre to learn about anesthesia.
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Australia is home to a wide range of spiders, many of which play an important role in controlling populations of insects. However, if you are bitten by a spider, you need to get a consultation with a doctor if symptoms persist for a long time. Only a small number of species, like the redback spider, can produce venom, which can cause serious medical complications. However, the vast majority of spider bites can cause swelling, redness, and temporary discomfort.
The redback spider is the world’s most venomous spider. It has a red stripe on the spider’s back. It belongs to the Latrodectus genus and also includes the black widow spider. Females are venomous and can cause a painful bite if threatened, while males are not considered dangerous and are much smaller.
Redback spiders have unique physical characteristics, making them easy to identify. The adult female redback spider comes with a black body and a red stripe on the upper abdomen, which resembles an hourglass shape. The body length of the female lies between 1 cm and 1.5 cm, and she has long legs.
On the other hand, the male redback spider is smaller than the female, and their body length lies between 3mm and 4mm. The body of the male is lighter in color with white markings and does not have a specific red stripe on the abdomen. The physical characteristics of male and female redback spiders may vary slightly.
A redback spider bite can cause redness, intense localised pain, and swelling around the bitten area. Here are other common signs of a redback spider bite:
Redback spider bites are frequent but not fatal. The signs can last from several hours to a few days and include sharp pain. Initially, you may experience mild discomfort, which sometimes goes unnoticed. However, if you notice redback spider bite symptoms, you can seek help from a Glenroy GP at Magnus Medical Clinic.
Around 10,000 people are bitten by a redback spider each year. If you are bitten by a redback spider, you need to remain calm. Apply ice or a cold pack to the area to help reduce pain and control swelling. After that, you should seek medical attention. Hospitalisation isn’t always required, but it’s advisable to get professional help.
Avoid anything that puts pressure on the bite area or restricts blood flow, like a tourniquet or a tightly applied bandage. Redback venom spreads slowly, and applying pressure or restricting circulation could actually intensify the pain.
If possible, try to find and keep the spider that caused the bite so medical professionals can identify it (in case antivenom is needed). It doesn't need to be alive, just enough remains for identification. Just be sure to handle it carefully to avoid getting bitten again—multiple redback bites can be more dangerous.
A redback spider bite feels like a stinging, sharp, or burning pain at the bite site, which may be followed by swelling and redness. The pain may spread over several hours to the regional lymph nodes and muscle aches.
Conclusion
Redback spider bites cause sharp pain, swelling, and redness, with symptoms lasting from a few hours to several days. While most bites are not life-threatening, seeking medical attention is important if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Are you feeling pain in your belly or groin and wondering if it could be a hernia? Many people struggle with this condition. Hernias are common in both women and men, but signs may vary. Groin hernias are much less common in women. You may have various questions regarding hernias, which will be answered in this blog.
When an internal tissue or organ pushes through a weak spot or opening in the tissue or muscle that holds it in place, a hernia occurs. Most hernias involve an abdominal organ pushing through the wall of the abdominal cavity. Hernias can grow gradually as you age and your muscles experience wear and tear. Many factors can also contribute to hernias, such as previous surgery, injury, or a congenital condition.
Here are the most common symptoms of a hernia, and it’s advisable that if you notice these symptoms, you consult with a professional doctor.
For early diagnosis, you can contact Glenroy GP at Magnus Medical Clinic, so you can proceed with other potential procedures.
You should be able to stand, walk, and climb stairs with mild discomfort starting the same evening of your surgery. After your surgery, you can shower, but avoid swimming for the next 5 days.
Here are the most common conditions that can be mistaken for a hernia:
Hernia surgery may take around 1 to 2 hours, but it may vary depending on the type and complexity of surgery.
After having inguinal hernia surgery, you may need to pay attention to what you should wear.
Don’t engage in strenuous activities, such as jogging, biking, or weight-lifting. It’s suggested to avoid lifting more than 5kg within 6 weeks after hernia surgery. Many people return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after hernia surgery.
It’s essential to know what to eat after hernia surgery. You must have nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits to support tissue repair. Avoid eating processed foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium, which can slow recovery.
Within 4-6 weeks, you can start light exercise, isometric exercises, and bodyweight movements. You can perform wall push-ups, gentle core activation exercises, and seated leg raises, while limiting heavy weight lifting. During this stage, it’s crucial to check pain levels and surgical site discomfort to determine exercise tolerance.
Conclusion
Hernias are common but can be painful. So, early diagnosis is required to reduce the chance of further complications. If you notice any signs of a hernia, see professional doctors at Glenroy before it becomes serious. You can also book an appointment with one of our doctors at Magnus Medical for early detection if you have a hernia.
People struggling with COPD generally face difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough. COPD is divided into grades or stages, based on how far it has developed. People over the age of 40 and smokers are at high risk of developing COPD. In this blog post, you will learn about the 4 stages of COPD, how long you can live with COPD, and possible treatment options.
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is a long-term lung condition that can get worse with time. Here are the 2 most common conditions that make up COPD:
In emphysema, the alveoli in your lungs are damaged. Air gets trapped inside, making it difficult to breathe in. On the other hand, in chronic bronchitis, the lining of your airways becomes irritated and produces a lot of mucus, causing difficulty breathing and a chronic cough. COPD affects many people, especially older people.
Primarily, COPD is divided into four stages. Your GP (Glenroy GP) will use your COPD stage to assess the severity of your COPD and guide your treatment. To determine the stage of COPD, a general practitioner will look at your spirometry or other pulmonary function test results, symptoms, history or risk of exacerbations, and other health conditions.
COPD Stage 1 is considered a mild stage. At this stage, you will not have any idea that there is anything wrong with your lung function. If your FEV1 lies between 80 and 100% of your predicted value, then the doctor may assign you Stage 1 COPD.
Symptoms: If you are assigned Stage 1 on your spirometry test, you may not notice any symptoms. If you notice any symptoms, you may face increased mucus production and develop a cough. Many people mistake the early stages of COPD for the flu.
Treatment: Your doctor may suggest a bronchodilator medication to open the airways in your lungs.
If your FEV1 drops to 50 to 79% of your predicted value, your healthcare provider may assign you Stage 2 COPD.
Symptoms: During Stage 2 COPD, your symptoms may worsen compared to Stage 1. Your mucus production and coughing may become more severe, and you may struggle with shortness of breath when exercising or walking. Generally, it’s in this stage that people feel that something is not going well and seek medical attention from experienced doctors of Glenroy.
Treatment: Your doctor may suggest a bronchodilator medication to boost airflow to your lungs.
Stage 3 of COPD is considered severe, and your forced expiratory volume lies between 30 to 50 percent of your predicted value. You may have difficulty breathing while doing household chores.
Symptoms: During Stage 3, coughing and shortness of breath usually get worse, and you may find you get tired more easily than before. Here are some other symptoms:
Treatment: The treatment options for Stage 3 can be similar to Stage 2. You may need oxygen therapy in Stage 3.
Stage 4 is very severe. Your forced expiratory volume is less than 30% of your predicted value, and your blood oxygen levels are also low. In Stage 4, the risk of developing COPD complications also increases.
Symptoms: In Stage 4, you may have frequent flare-ups that can be fatal. You may find it difficult breathing even when you are resting.
Treatment: The treatment options for Stage 4 can be similar to Stage 3. Your doctor may also suggest lung surgery to enhance breathing.
COPD is a lung condition that can affect both men and women. However, keep in mind that COPD is not contagious.
COPD life expectancy may vary depending on the disease’s severity. The life expectancy of people with COPD can be influenced by many factors, such as the stage of the disease, smoking habits, and overall health condition.
Yes, COPD is considered a disability in Australia if it greatly affects your ability to carry out daily activities.
Yes, you can fly if you have COPD, but you may need careful planning and consultation with a doctor. You may need extra medication, supplemental oxygen, or other arrangements based on your condition.
Although the damage to your lungs cannot be reversed, early COPD management can help slow disease progression and relieve symptoms.
Conclusion
COPD is divided into 4 stages based on how much lung function has decreased. It will get worse over time if not managed properly. There are many things that can be done to slow the progression of the condition. You can get in touch with Magnus Medical Clinic, where our doctors will closely work with you to find the best treatment option.
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Living with complex PTSD can feel like an ongoing struggle with overwhelming emotions, deep exhaustion, and overwhelming memories. These things can affect every part of life, including self-worth, relationships, and physical health. If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD, you must first understand what causes it. While healing is not always easy, identifying the symptoms and seeking the right support can help you recover from PTSD.
After experiencing a traumatic event, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop, especially in situations where a person feels unable to escape. Unlike PTSD, which is often caused by a single event, C-PTSD is caused by long-term trauma, such as domestic violence, childhood abuse, captivity, war, medical trauma, or ongoing emotional neglect.
The symptoms of complex PTSD affect nearly every aspect of a person’s functioning. Here are the 17 symptoms of complex PTSD:
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of C-PTSD, you need to talk to a doctor. They can refer you to mental health experts, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also reach out to our Psychologist Glenroy at Magnus Medical Clinic to get personalized treatment for C-PTSD.
Conclusion
Identifying and understanding these 17 symptoms of complex PTSD is an important step toward getting the right treatment. You can contact Magnus Medical, a trusted Glenroy Medical Centre, to take the first step toward healing.
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Many women struggling with PCOS often ask questions about their pregnancy. This is because PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a very common hormonal disorder that can affect the fertility of a woman. In this blog, we’ll discuss the best age to get pregnant with PCOS, the causes of PCOS, and possible ways to get pregnant with PCOS.
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects how your ovaries work. Around 1 in every 10 women can be affected by PCOS. Many women don’t realize that they have PCOS. Those who struggle with PCOS often have small sacs filled with liquid in their ovaries, which are known as cysts. Polycystic means having many cysts. PCOS can occur in your teenage years and affect your period cycle. You might also find it difficult to conceive, which means it can affect the PCOS pregnancy success rate.
Symptoms of PCOS may vary from one woman to another, but they are commonly indicated by:
If you notice any of the above symptoms, you can consult with a Glenroy GP at Magnus Medical Clinic.
The causes of PCOS are not fully known, but family history and genetics can play an important role in causing PCOS. Many women don’t know they have it. This is because it can have similar signs to other conditions or may have no symptoms at all. Sometimes, women only find that they struggle with PCOS when they come to know why they are facing difficulty getting pregnant.
The best age to get pregnant with PCOS varies significantly, depending on many factors, such as a person’s general health and the extent of the problem. One such factor is age, because as you age, fertility declines, and this decline is usually more pronounced in those with PCOS.
If you struggle with PCOS and want to get pregnant, it’s advisable to try to conceive as early as possible. This way, you can try different fertility treatment options before you start facing age-related infertility issues (at about the age of 35).
Some natural ways can be followed to improve fertility.
PCOS does not go away on its own, even if you have a baby or lose weight. Even after menopause, women with PCOS usually continue to have high levels of androgens and insulin resistance. However, insulin resistance is reversible, but with the right treatment.
Conclusion
If you struggle with PCOS, you must look after yourself by managing the health issues for the rest of your life. You can also consult with trusted doctors of Glenroy if you notice symptoms of PCOS.
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Did you know that iron and sleep are interconnected? If you are struggling with your sleep, you might have an iron deficiency. Feeling tired, but finding it difficult to fall or stay asleep? Many people struggle with insomnia or poor sleep, which may indicate that they could have low iron levels. Iron deficiency and insomnia are closely connected. Iron helps in melatonin production and dopamine balance. If you wake up frequently, find it difficult to sleep, or struggle with leg discomfort at night, you may need to pay attention to your iron levels.
Now, you may be wondering: Does iron deficiency cause insomnia? In this blog post, you’ll learn how iron deficiency can cause insomnia.
Yes, iron deficiency can cause insomnia. Here are some ways that iron deficiency can lead to insomnia:
You can also get in touch with our psychologist Glenroy at Magnus Medical Clinic to identify the root cause of your insomnia and potential treatment methods. Generally, psychologists use cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, which helps in the long run.
One of the connections between sleep and iron is its link to restless legs syndrome (RLS). This condition causes you to move your legs at night, which can disrupt sleep. According to a study, low iron can contribute to restless legs syndrome because iron deficiency can interfere with dopamine regulation. Identifying iron levels may help improve sleep quality and reduce RLS symptoms.
Those who are searching for ‘Does low iron cause insomnia?’ know the answer. Now, the question arises: How can you improve sleep with iron?
Insomnia is not generally a disability on its own in many places. However, its potential causes might be considered disabilities. It can be considered a disability if it is a long-term and severe condition that impacts your daily activities, including work.
Mental health conditions can be some of the most common causes of insomnia. There are several other causes, such as neurological disorders, sleep disorders, and conditions that cause chronic pain. Any of these conditions could be considered disabilities, based on their effect on an individual’s ability to perform daily activities.
Iron plays an important role in how the body regulates sleep. If you struggle with a sleep disorder, insomnia, or restless legs syndrome, it’s essential to get your iron levels tested, which is an important step toward improving your sleep quality. You can consult with a psychologist at Magnus Medical Centre Glenroy for insomnia, and our dietitians can also help with a personalised diet plan to improve iron levels in your body.
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Many of you may be wondering: How many kilojoules should I burn a day? In simple words, we can say that the requirements for the kilojoules may vary person to person. You need to consider various factors to decide the number of kilojoules you need a day, such as weight, age, lifestyle, and height. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the science behind kilojoules and factors that can affect your daily energy intake.
To measure how much energy we get from different sources, like drinks and foods, we use a metric called kilojoules. With kilojoules, you will know the energy requirement to perform daily functions, such as blood circulation, breathing, and physical activities.
The consumption of kilojoules needs to match the amount of energy our body expends each day. Different foods and drinks come with different amounts of kilojoules depending on their ingredients and serving sizes. High-sugar and high-fat foods tend to have the most kilojoules, while carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, fruits, dietary fibre, and legumes have lower amounts.
Various factors can help you decide the number of kilojoules you should burn a day to lose weight, such as your age, weight loss goals, gender, and muscle mass. Basically, adults looking to lose weight to achieve a healthy weight must aim to burn more energy than they consume, creating a kilojoule deficit.
For reference, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that adults engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity or 1.25 hours of vigorous-intensity activity each week. With regular activities, you will not only burn kilojoules but also receive numerous health benefits.
Around 8,700 kilojoules per day is the average amount for an adult to maintain a healthy weight. However, it may vary from one person to another. Many factors can influence how much energy you may need, such as:
Here are some important factors that can influence average kJ intake:
If you want to shed some extra pounds to reach a healthy weight, you must take fewer kilojoules than your body needs.
To determine your daily kilojoule requirements, you can seek advice from our dietitian Glenroy at Magnus Medical Centre. You can also use different online calculators to check your daily kilojoule requirements. These requirements may be based on factors like age, gender, exercise level, and current weight.
Weight loss does not only consider factors like kilojoules and exercise, but it also includes a holistic approach that identifies habits, mindset, and overall lifestyle. Gradual and sustainable changes to your lifestyle, such as performing regular physical activities and maintaining a balanced diet, can also help you achieve a healthy body weight.
You can use kilojoules and calories to measure energy in food. The kilojoule (kJ) is an international system of units (SI) measurement, on the other hand, calories are used in the metric system. In the same manner that feet and centimetres measure height, calories and kJ measure energy.
At Magnus Medical Clinic, we have expert dietitians who offer personalised support and evidence-based treatments to help people achieve their weight loss goals effectively. Our Glenroy Medical Centre offers comprehensive programs designed by dietitians, including guidance on exercise and nutrition.
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Stitches, also called sutures, play an important role in healing from injury or surgery. They help repair tissues and ensure that the affected area heals correctly. However, removing stitches too late can result in a range of complications that could affect your recovery. Understanding the consequences of late stitch removal can help you pay attention to aftercare advice and accelerate the healing process.
There are different types of stitches your doctor may use, based on your wound.
How long should stitches stay in for?
Generally, stitches are removed after 5 to 10 days, but this depends on where they are situated. A GP doctor or nurse will advise you on the right time to remove sutures. If the stitches are removed too soon, the wound might not have healed completely. If the stitches remain too long, they can be more difficult to remove and may increase the risk of scarring. Dissolvable stitches don’t need to be removed. They will dissolve naturally in a week or two, but some may take several months.
Do GPs do stitches?
To repair your cut, a doctor will first clean your wound, remove any foreign substances, and close the wound with stitches. If you live in Glenroy and want to know how your wound can be cared for at home, you can get in touch with the GP Glenroy at Magnus Medical Clinic. They will give you tips to prevent an infection. Our GP will also:
• Give you a tetanus shot or painkillers, if required.
• Discuss any issues that could affect healing, such as recent illness or diabetes.
• Give you a referral to a specialist if required.
How long do dissolvable stitches last?
Dissolvable stitches dissolve on their own and don’t need to be removed. It may take up to 2 weeks, or longer in some cases.
Should I cover the wound after stitches are removed?
You may need to keep open wounds covered and dry for at least 3 days or as advised by the trusted doctors of Glenroy if you are getting your treatment done by doctors in Glenroy.
Conclusion
You can get a consultation from a general practitioner to determine if stitches are the right option for closing your wound. You can also get in touch with a GP doctor at Magnus Medical Clinic if you want to know when your stitches need to be removed.
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