| Glandular Fever - the Kissing Disease - 178 sec
Glandular Fever (or infectious mononucleosis) is an infection caused by a virus -- the Epstein Barr virus.
It is sometimes known as the "kissing disease" because the virus can be passed on via saliva. Coughs and sneezes and sharing food utensils can also pass it on. It's harder to catch than a cold. It is not a sexually transmitted disease.
It generally affects teenagers and younger people. A full and quick recovery, without the need to see a doctor is the usual course of events.
Some can carry the virus in their body without developing infection. This is harmless.
Normally it's not possible to work out who gave the infection to who. However it is known that the virus is most likely to be passed on whilst the temperature is high, so very close contact, such as kissing, should be avoided at this time.
Symptoms develop between 4 and 8 weeks after infection and start with a very severe, sore throat, swollen tonsils, a high temperature and difficulty swallowing.
Other symptoms can include:
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches and headaches
- Swollen tender glands in the neck and armpits
- Skin rash (sometimes associated with antibiotics)
- Abdominal pain
- No response to antibiotics (given for presumed bacterial throat infection) makes glandular fever more likely.
Glandular fever is very difficult to diagnose from other causes of sore throats and tonsillitis. In most cases this does not matter, as symptoms will resolve quickly.
There is no treatment that will work for Glandular Fever -- like a cold it has to run its course. People are sometimes treated with antibiotics when more severe sore throat symptoms develop. Glandular fever symptoms are unlikely to improve with antibiotics (antibiotics don't work for viral infections).
Most sore throats need no investigation. However, if your symptoms are severe or fail to resolve after a trial of antibiotics your doctor may decide to take blood tests.
These can confirm whether Glandular fever is present and look for other infective causes. Still no treatment will be possible but at least you will have a better idea of what to expect.
If you have glandular fever your doctor will advise measures to help improve your symptoms by reducing your fever ensuring that plenty of fluids are drunk. Avoidance of alcohol is helpful.
Like most infections symptoms can range from mild to severe
But you should feel better in a week or so.
Unfortunately in some people glandular fever infection can be extremely severe -- this is rare.
Some people experience fatigue and low mood for weeks after initial symptoms have subsided -- this is not so rare.
Most cases of sore throat are not Glandular Fever.
Consult you doctor if symptoms are persistent or you are significantly unwell, have great difficulty swallowing or abdominal pain.
If you are unsure in anyway about your health then get checked out. Seek advice from your family doctor, nurse or clinic.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery.
Auteur : BuilthSurgery
Tags: Glandular fever kissing glands infection epstein barr virus saliva tonsillitis health nurse doctor clinic Builth
 | | How To Use A Peak Flow Meter - 146 sec
A Peak Flow Meter is a measuring device which enables airflow to be assessed in the lungs. It is particularly useful for monitoring asthma and can form part of a self-management plan. There are a number of different types of Peak Flow Meter but they all work on the same principle. In this episode we show how to correctly use one type of Peak Flow Meter.
Asthma is a common condition that can cause variable and intermittent symptoms such as cough, wheezing and breathlessness. A Peak Flow Meter can also provide essential information into the severity of acute asthma attacks. The meters are easy to use and available on prescription in the UK.
The readings from a Peak Flow Meter are generally unreliable in children under the age of six or seven.
Do not obstruct the cursor with your hand. Do not obstruct the mouthpiece with your tongue. Stand or sit up straight. Check the cursor is set to zero. Take a deep breath in and seal you lips around the mouthpiece. Blow out suddenly and hard. Check the cursor reading. Repeat twice more using the best reading of the three attempts. The meter records the speed of the blow and is measured in litres per minute.
Everyone has a predicted reading depending on age and height. It is important that you know your own best reading. This information is helpful for your doctor as well as for you and your own self-management plan.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery.
Auteur : BuilthSurgery
Tags: asthma peak flow meter monitor wheeze doctor medic nurse health medical blow Builth Wells Powys
| | Chlamydia Infection - 200 sec
Chlamydia infection is caused by a specific bacteria found in semen and vaginal fluid.
The bacteria is easily passed from person to person by sexual contact.
Chlamydia infection is the commonest sexually transmitted infection today. It is commoner in younger people, but anyone who is sexually active can get it.
It usually does NOT cause any symptoms in men or women.
But sometimes there may be -
In women:
- a vaginal discharge
- pain on passing urine
- unexpected vaginal bleeding
- lower abdominal pain
And in men:
- again, pain on passing urine
- a cloudy discharge from the penis
- or painful testicles
If you have any of these symptoms you must attend a doctor or local clinic for testing.
It is important also that your partner attends.
Without any symptoms it may be important to get tested if for instance
- you have had unprotected sex with a new partner
- a sexual partner tells you they have a sexually transmitted infection
-
Testing involves taking a swab (like a cotton wool bud) from affected areas
Treatment is usually simple and involves a course of antibiotic tablets -- normally doxycycline. You should avoid sexual contact until both you and your partner have finished treatment.
It is important to treat chlamydia infection because if left it can spread to other parts of the body causing more long term, serious problems. In women it can involve the womb and this may lead to infertility.
If you are unsure in anyway about your sexual health then get checked out. Seek advice from your family doctor, nurse or clinic.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery.
Auteur : BuilthSurgery
Tags:Chlamydia sex discharge infection vagina testicle sexual health nurse doctor clinic clap swab Builth Wells std sti
| | Flu Vaccination - 187 sec
A flu vaccination can greatly reduce your chances of getting flu.
A new flu vaccination is needed each year. Please take the threat of Flu seriously this year.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery.
Auteur : BuilthSurgery
Tags:flu influenza vaccine jab doctor nurse GP health builth infection virus
| | Cervical Screening (smear testing) - 129 sec
Smear testing can pick up early signs of serious disease in the cervix at a stage when curative treatment is possible. It is important to attend for your smear test when it is due.
This short film explains the importance of having a regular cervical smear test.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery.
Auteur : BuilthSurgery
Tags: Cervix health nurse women doctor screen sex cancer medical medic
| | Blood Sugar Testing - 153 sec
Diabetes is a common group of medical conditions where there is too much sugar in the blood. The condition is usually irreversible but a relativeley normal lifestyle can be achieved with treatment. Treatments involves dietary measures with or without tablets or insulin.Regular testing of blood sugar levels is an important part of monitoring health in diabetes.
This film shows how to test blood sugar levels with one type of meter.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery.
Auteur : BuilthSurgery
Tags: Diabetes doctor medic nurse health sugar glucose medical nurses
| | Spacer Devices part 2 - 133 sec
For both Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis, inhaled medication can be effective in controlling symptoms. This medication is given by pumps or inhalers. The effectiveness of inhalers is not only enhanced by good user technique (see "Inhaler Technique"), but also by the use of Spacer Devices.
In this episode we show how to correctly use a common type of Spacer Device - The AeroChamber.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery
Auteur : BuilthSurgery
Tags: Asthma inhaler wheeze doctor medic nurse health medical nurses drug drugs
| | Spacer Devices part 1 - 155 sec
For both Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis, inhaled medication can be effective in controlling symptoms. This medication is given by pumps or inhalers. The effectiveness of inhalers is not only enhanced by good user technique (see "Inhaler Technique"), but also by the use of Spacer Devices.
In this episode we show how to correctly use a common type of Spacer Device - The Volumatic.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery.
Auteur : BuilthSurgery
Tags: Asthma doctor nurse health spacer device volumatic nurses drug drugs medicine wheeze
| | Inhaler Technique - 106 sec
Asthma is a common condition that can cause variable and intermittent symptoms such as cough, wheezing and breathlessness. Chronic Bronchitis is similar but usually related to smoking.
In both conditions, inhaled medication can be effective in controlling symptoms. This medication is given by pumps or inhalers. Their effectiveness relies on good user technique.
In this episode we show how to correctly use a common type asthma pump, or metered dose inhaler.
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has made every effort to ensure that the information in these episodes is accurate, up to date, and as helpful as possible. However we will not be responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
In particular if you are unwell, it is important that you do not rely on information from the Internet - you should seek professional medical advice from your Doctor. If your condition is getting worse, or if you are seriously ill, you should call or visit your Surgery.
Auteur : BuilthSurgery
Tags: Asthma inhaler wheeze doctor medic nurse health medical nurses drug drugs
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