Medical Library

Please note, Southern Cross Medical Library information is necessarily of a general nature.  Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you.

 

Children's health
Appendicitis (symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, recovery)

Inflammation of the appendix causing pain to the lower right side of the abdomen.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A developmental disorder characterised by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.

Chickenpox (symptoms, treatment, vaccination)

A common and highly infectious viral disease.

Circumcision

The surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Symptoms and Treatment

Atopic Dermatitis causes skin to become itchy, red, swollen and painful.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

An infectious illness characterised by fluid-filled blisters on hands, feet and inside the mouth.

Intoeing (Pigeon Toes)

Intoeing (pigeon toes) refers to feet that point inwards.

Roseola (Roseola Infantum or sixth disease)

A common and usually mild viral illness.

Slapped Cheek Disease (Fifth Disease)

A common childhood viral infection with a characteristic red facial rash.

Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism)

A male newborn disorder where one or both testicles don’t descend to the scrotum.

Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children

Urine flows back from the bladder to the kidneys, potentially causing infection and damage.

Whooping cough (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A highly infectious, bacterial respiratory disease.

Women's health
Breast cancer (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

The abnormal development of breast cells, forming malignant (cancerous) tumours.

Breast Reduction

A procedure to reduce the size and/or reshape the breasts.

Cervical Cancer

The development of cancerous tumours from abnormal cell growth in a woman's cervix.

Dilation and Curettage

A minor surgical procedure used to diagnose and/or treat conditions which affect the uterus.

Endometrial Ablation

A procedure to remove the endometrium from the uterus to treat abnormal uterine bleeding.

Endometriosis (symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, treatment)

A reasonably common condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Exercise (weigh up the health benefits)

Lower risk of heart attacks and strokes, weight loss and enhanced general health and wellbeing.

Healthy Heart Diet

Simple changes to what you eat can reduce your risk of heart attack.

High blood cholesterol levels

High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Raised blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Therapy to bolster declining oestrogen and/or progesterone hormone levels during early menopause.

Hysterectomy

The surgical removal of the uterus.

Menopause (signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

The years when a woman's ovaries gradually begin to produce fewer eggs and less female hormones.

Molar Pregnancy

Abnormal development of tissue around a fertilised egg causing miscarriage. 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

The development of cysts in the ovaries, causing a range of hormonal and metabolic effects.

Quit smoking

The risk of heart disease – the biggest killer of smokers in NZ - falls after you quit.

Stress (causes, symptoms, diagnosis)

The physical or emotional response to pressures which can have health impacts.

Tubal Ligation

A form of contraception where the fallopian tubes are permanently blocked or cut.

Urinary tract infections

Infections causing a painful, burning sensation when passing urine.

Men's health
Circumcision

The surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.

Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

As men age their prostate gland enlarges which can cause urination, bladder and kidney problems.

Exercise (weigh up the health benefits)

Lower risk of heart attacks and strokes, weight loss and enhanced general health and wellbeing.

Healthy Heart Diet

Simple changes to what you eat can reduce your risk of heart attack.

High blood cholesterol levels

High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Raised blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Hydrocoele

The collection of fluid in the membranes surrounding the testicles, causing scrotum swelling.

Prostate Brachytherapy

A treatment option for prostate cancer, implanting radioactive seeds in the prostate gland.

Prostate cancer (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

The most commonly diagnosed cancer among NZ men.

Stress (causes, symptoms, diagnosis)

The physical or emotional response to pressures which can have health impacts.

Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism)

A male newborn disorder where one or both testicles don’t descend to the scrotum.

Varicocoele - varicocele

An abnormal enlargement of veins around the testicles, similar to varicose veins in the legs.

Vasectomy

A sterilisation procedure for men.

Autoimmune conditions
Coeliac Disease

A condition caused by gluten intolerance that damages the small intestine.

Diabetes (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose which contributes to long term complications.

Endometriosis (symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, treatment)

A reasonably common condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

A rare disorder that may cause muscle weakness or paralysis of limbs, face and respiratory system.

Polymyositis

A rare inflammatory muscle disease that causes weakness and pain in various parts of the body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A condition that causes inflammation and deformity of the joints.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A long-term autoimmune disease that damages healthy skin, muscles and joints.

Ulcerative Colitis

A disease which causes swelling, ulceration and loss of function of the colon.

Bladder conditions
Kidney Stones

Solid material forming in the kidney that can cause severe pain.

Lithotripsy for Kidney Stones

A non-invasive alternative to surgery for kidney stones.

Nephrotic Syndrome

A kidney disorder characterised by swelling of body tissue, leading to kidney failure.

Urinary tract infections

Infections causing a painful, burning sensation when passing urine.

Blood and blood vessel conditions
Aortic Aneurysm

An abnormal bulging of the body’s largest artery which, if ruptured, is potentially fatal.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

The formation of blood clots in major veins which can dislodge causing serious complications.

Diabetes (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose which contributes to long term complications.

Giant Cell Arteritis

Artery inflammation that can cause headaches and blurred vision.

Haemochromatosis

A disorder involving the excessive absorption and inappropriate storage of iron.

High blood cholesterol levels

High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Raised blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Iron deficiency anaemia

The lack of iron affects the blood’s ability to transport oxygen, causing fatigue and other problems.

Raynaud's disease

Affects blood circulation in fingers and toes when exposed to cold, temperature change or stress.

Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

Damage to brain cells as a result of disruption of blood / oxygen supply.

Varicose veins (signs, symptoms, causes, treatment)

Veins that appear as bluish-green lines, which may bulge or appear twisted and contorted.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell production and maintaining nerve cell health.

Bowel conditions
Appendicitis (symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, recovery)

Inflammation of the appendix causing pain to the lower right side of the abdomen.

Coeliac Disease

A condition caused by gluten intolerance that damages the small intestine.

Gallstones

Gallstones can cause infection and inflammation to parts of the digestive system.

Hernia

When abdominal contents protrude through a weakened area of abdominal muscle.

Ulcerative Colitis

A disease which causes swelling, ulceration and loss of function of the colon.

Brain and nervous system disorders
Alzheimer's disease - causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention

The most common form of dementia, characterised by loss of intellectual capacity and function.

Bell's palsy (symptoms, causes, treatment)

The sudden onset of facial nerve paralysis causing muscle weakness on one side of the face.

Cerebral palsy - causes, symptoms, life expectancy

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for disorders caused by brain damage which affects the ability to control movement.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

A disorder of the nervous system, typically causing burning pain and other symptoms.

Essential Tremor

The involuntary shaking of parts of the body, sometimes mistaken for Parkinson's.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

A rare disorder that may cause muscle weakness or paralysis of limbs, face and respiratory system.

Motor Neurone Disease

The progressive and fatal degeneration of specialised nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Multiple Sclerosis

A disease of the central nervous system that affects movement, sensation and body functions.

Neurofibromatosis

Development of tumours on nerves or skin which can affect the way the body functions.

Parkinson's Disease

A progressive brain disorder characterised by tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement.

Post-Polio Syndrome

A condition of the central nervous system that affects 25% of polio survivors.

Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

Damage to brain cells as a result of disruption of blood / oxygen supply.

Eye conditions
Cataracts (Symptoms, surgery)

Clouding of the lens which, if left untreated, will eventually lead to blindness.

Laser Eye Surgery (PRK and LASIK)

Laser eye surgery for correcting short and long-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Pterygium

A benign growth in the eye that can obscure vision and may require surgery.

Heart conditions
Coronary Angioplasty

Procedure to widen coronary arteries narrowed by coronary heart disease.

Coronary Heart Disease

A condition reducing blood flow to the heart muscle, pain, rhythm disturbances or heart attack.

Exercise (weigh up the health benefits)

Lower risk of heart attacks and strokes, weight loss and enhanced general health and wellbeing.

Healthy Heart Diet

Simple changes to what you eat can reduce your risk of heart attack.

High blood cholesterol levels

High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Raised blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Infectious conditions
Cellulitis (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue.

Chickenpox (symptoms, treatment, vaccination)

A common and highly infectious viral disease.

Cytomegalovirus

A common viral illness related to the chickenpox and glandular fever viruses.

Dengue Fever

A viral infection carried by mosquitoes in tropical areas like the Pacific Islands and South East Asia.

Glandular Fever (Infectious Mononucleosis)

A viral infection with flu-like symptoms that can persist for several weeks.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

An infectious illness characterised by fluid-filled blisters on hands, feet and inside the mouth.

Hepatitis B

A virus spread through infected blood or body fluids that can cause liver inflammation.

Hepatitis C (Diagnosis, treatment, prevention)

A virus spread through infected blood that can cause liver inflammation and chronic liver disease.

Meningococcal Meningitis

A condition causing swelling around the brain, potentially leading to death or serious disability.

Nocardiosis

A rare and often fatal infectious condition caused by a fungus-like bacterium found in the soil.

Pneumonia (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

Pneumonia is a serious and potentially fatal bacterial or viral infection of the lungs.

Roseola (Roseola Infantum or sixth disease)

A common and usually mild viral illness.

Shingles (symptoms, causes, treatment, vaccination)

A viral infection that causes a painful skin rash.

Slapped Cheek Disease (Fifth Disease)

A common childhood viral infection with a characteristic red facial rash.

Whooping cough (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A highly infectious, bacterial respiratory disease.

Lung conditions
Asthma (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A long-term disease that causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed making it hard to breathe.

Bronchiectasis (Causes, symptoms, treatment)

A lung condition characterised by coughing up mucus.

Nocardiosis

A rare and often fatal infectious condition caused by a fungus-like bacterium found in the soil.

Pneumonia (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

Pneumonia is a serious and potentially fatal bacterial or viral infection of the lungs.

Quit smoking

The risk of heart disease – the biggest killer of smokers in NZ - falls after you quit.

Whooping cough (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A highly infectious, bacterial respiratory disease.

Muscle, joint and bone conditions
Achilles tendon rupture (tear)

Tendon fibres tear (partially or completely) causing pain and loss of function.

Achilles tendonitis / tendinopathy

An overuse injury where the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, causing pain and swelling.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

A form of arthritis characterised by long-term pain and stiffness in the back.

Bunions (causes, treatment, surgery, prevention)

The enlargement of the big toe joint causing inflammation and pain and leading to arthritis.

Bursitis (Causes, diagnosis, treatment)

Inflammation of fluid-filled bursae that cushion movement around the joints.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

A disorder causing pain and limiting use of the hand and wrist.

Cervical Spondylosis

The degeneration of discs and vertebrae at the top of the spinal column.

Costochondritis

Cartilage inflammation where ribs attach to the breastbone causing chest pain.

Dupuytren's Contracture

Tissue in the palm of the hand becomes tight and shortened, contracting the fingers inwards.

Fibromyalgia

Long-term muscle pain and fatigue most commonly diagnosed in women aged 30 to 45 years.

Gout (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A common and painful form of arthritis, most often affecting the big toe.

Herniated Disc

Spinal disks rupture and bulge, putting pressure on nerves causing pain.

Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS)

Muscle, joint, tendon or nerve pain/discomfort related to repetitive activities.

Osteoarthritis (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

The most common form or arthritis, causing cartilage breakdown in the joints.

Osteoporosis (Symptoms, treatment, prevention)

A disease that weakens the bones, increasing the risk of fracture.

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spur Syndrome)

Inflammation of tough fibrous tissue running along the sole of the foot, leading to heel pain.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

An arthritic condition characterised by severe pain and stiffness in various muscles.

Polymyositis

A rare inflammatory muscle disease that causes weakness and pain in various parts of the body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A condition that causes inflammation and deformity of the joints.

Sciatica (symptoms, pain relief, treatment, prevention)

Pain associated with the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower spine to the lower legs.

Tennis elbow

A condition caused by repetitive activities that place strain on the forearm muscles.

Total hip joint replacement surgery

Replacement of the hip joint with an artificial joint following arthritis or fracture.

Total knee joint replacement surgery

Replacing a knee joint impaired by arthritis or wear-and-tear with an artificial joint.

Skin conditions
Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common yet least dangerous type of skin cancer.

Cellulitis (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue.

Chickenpox (symptoms, treatment, vaccination)

A common and highly infectious viral disease.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Symptoms and Treatment

Atopic Dermatitis causes skin to become itchy, red, swollen and painful.

Keratosis pilaris

A skin condition characterised by numerous small, rough bumps on the skin.

Melanoma Skin Cancer (signs, symptoms, prevention)

A serious form of skin cancer that kills 300 New Zealanders each year.

Rosacea

A skin condition commonly characterised by a red facial rash.

Roseola (Roseola Infantum or sixth disease)

A common and usually mild viral illness.

Shingles (symptoms, causes, treatment, vaccination)

A viral infection that causes a painful skin rash.

Slapped Cheek Disease (Fifth Disease)

A common childhood viral infection with a characteristic red facial rash.

Miscellaneous medical conditions
Bee and Wasp Sting Allergies

From mild pain and swelling to more serious anaphylactic reactions.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (Tapanui flu)

A condition characterised by long-term debilitating fatigue that may affect up to 20,000 New Zealanders.

Depression (Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

Characterised by feeling "down" along with other signs or symptoms. 

Diabetes (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment)

A disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose which contributes to long term complications.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Reaction to common allergens in the environment such as pollen, dust mites, mould or animals.

Hypothyroidism

The insufficient production of hormones that regulate growth, development and metabolism.

Kleine Levin Syndrome

A rare sleep disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of excessive sleep and altered behaviour.

Narcolepsy

Uncontrollable and sudden daytime sleep attacks.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

A condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep.

Sinusitis

The inflammation of the lining of one or more of the nasal sinuses, most often caused by infection.

Snoring (causes, remedies, surgery)

The sound made by the throat or nose vibrating when air passes through narrowed airways.

Stress (causes, symptoms, diagnosis)

The physical or emotional response to pressures which can have health impacts.