Ear infection

Ear infections are common and children are most often affected by this condition. Ear infections usually go away on their own within a week or two, but sometimes need treatment with antibiotics.

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Otitis media (middle ear infection)

Otitis media (middle ear infection) is very common in children and often disappears by itself. However, it sometimes needs treatment and can also affect adults.

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Coughs, colds and ear infections in children

It’s normal for a child to have 8 or more colds per year. Read this article to find out more about common childhood ailments.

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Grommets

Grommets are tiny tubes inserted into the eardrum after repeated ear infections or ‘glue ear’. Learn more here about how to care for a child with grommets.

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Ear disorders

Ear conditions may be caused by problems in the ear, the neck, sinuses or head. Babies and children are more vulnerable to ear infection. Learn more here.

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Earache

Earache is common, especially in children. The pain is generally the result of an ear infection. You should see a doctor if it persists, you feel nauseous or have a fever.

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Swimmer's ear (otitis externa)

Swimmer's ear is an inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal. There are several things you can do to prevent it.

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Glue ear

Glue ear is a condition where the liquid inside your middle ear gets trapped and becomes thick. Learn more about its causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Myringoplasty (child)

A perforated eardrum is a common problem. A myringoplasty can prevent infections and sometimes improve your child's hearing.

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Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the balancing centre in your inner ear. Here’s how it may come about, symptoms to look out for and treatment options.

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Fluid from the ear

Fluid coming from your ear is usually just ear wax, but sometimes it can be a sign of illness or injury. Read more here about its causes and treatments.

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Adenoids

The adenoids are small lumps of soft tissue found at the back of the nose in children. Healthy adenoids are part of young kids’ immune systems.

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Penicillin

Penicillin is the name given to a widely-used group of antibiotic drugs. Penicillin can have side-effects, and some people suffer allergic reactions. Find out more here.

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Myringoplasty

A perforated eardrum is a common problem. A myringoplasty will repair the hole, may prevent infections and in some cases, improve hearing.

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Chiropractors

A chiropractor is a health practitioner who manipulates joints. This article explains what chiropractors do, and questions you might ask.

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Hearing loss

Hearing loss is usually permanent, but you can protect your hearing by avoiding loud noise. Learn here about symptoms of hearing loss and when to get tested.

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Nose and throat

The nose and throat are part of the respiratory system, responsible for your sense of smell and swallowing. Learn about their functions and what can go wrong.

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Respiratory syncytial virus

RSV infects a person's airways and lungs. Learn about the causes, treatment and prevention of RSV, and how to stop the virus from spreading.

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Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoids, small lumps of tissue at the back of the nose in children. The adenoids can cause problems if they get infected.

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Differences between bacterial and viral infection

Bacterial and viral infections must be treated differently. Misusing antibiotics to treat viral infections leads to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

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How do I know if I'm immune to measles?

Cases of measles have risen by 30% globally, and in places where it was eradicated — including Australia. Now's the time to check your immunity to measles or get vaccinated.

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Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is an inherited condition that affects the middle ear. It's the most common cause of deafness in adults, but it can be treated with a hearing aid or with surgery.

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Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, whistling or hissing in one or both ears when there is no outside sound. Learn more about the symptoms and effects of tinnitus here and find out where to get help.

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Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect the throat, the lungs, the skin, the bowel and many others parts of your body. They can be can be highly contagious. This page explains how to avoid spreading infections.

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Apert syndrome

Apert syndrome is a rare condition that causes an abnormally shaped skull and fused fingers and toes. Other body parts and organs are also affected. Surgery and other treatments can, however, help development.

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Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Hay fever (or 'allergic rhinitis') affects up to 1 in 5 Australians at some point in their life. Learn here about the ‘triggers’ and how to manage the symptoms.

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Why 4 in 10 mothers stop breastfeeding by 6 months

Most new parents know 'breast is best', but while more than 9 out of 10 babies are breastfed at birth, few mums are breastfeeding exclusively 5 months later.

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Measles

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease, spread from person to person via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms and why vaccination is essential.

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Cold and flu during pregnancy

When you are pregnant you need to be careful how you treat cold or flu as it can effect your unborn baby.

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Ear wax

Ear wax (cerumen) is produced by tiny glands in the ear canal and helps keep the ears clean. The wax is not harmful, but if it builds up, it can cause problems.

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