Earache is most common in children up until the first year of school. Causes include infection, a build-up of wax or fluid, or damage to the inside of the ear. Most earaches pass in two to three days.…

An outer ear infection, or otitis externa, is inflammation and swelling of the skin that lines the ear canal between the opening of the ear and the eardrum. It is characterised by pain and itching in the ear, temporary hearing loss and a discharge of smelly yellow-green pus.…

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is the infection of a woman’s reproductive organs and surrounding pelvic tissues. It occurs most commonly when a sexually-transmitted infection spreads beyond the vagina to internal pelvic organs. This can lead to long-term complications if not recognised and treated early.…

Bronchitis is a common condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed. It causes coughing and difficult breathing. Acute bronchitis refers to the short-term type, and may occur in the aftermath of cold or flu. While the cough may be severe, it typically lasts for only a few weeks.…

Pneumonia is a lung infection, usually caused by bacteria or viruses, often after a cold or flu. It causes air sacs in the lung to fill with fluid and mucus, affecting breathing. Pneumonia can be more serious in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.…

Rubella is a viral disease which generally causes a mild illness and usually resolves after a few days. However, death or serious birth defects can occur if the virus is contracted during pregnancy. Vaccines exist for children at twelve and eighteen months and also for adults.…