South Africa is one of the countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. This is exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and wide-spread drug resistance in the country. Globally, an estimated 2 – 3 billion people are infected with tuberculosis (TB) and an estimated 10 million people developed active TB disease in 2018. […]
Continue Reading... No Comments.TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause of death as a result of an infectious disease. In South Africa in 2018, approximately 301,000 people fell ill with TB and 64,000 people died of tuberculosis (TB). This of a disease that is both preventable and curable. TB is currently […]
Continue Reading... No Comments.Fair-skinned people are more likely to develop most forms of skin cancer because they produce less melanin. Melanin is the protective pigment in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and helps protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) light. About half of fair-skinned people who live to age 65 will have at least one skin […]
Continue Reading... No Comments.The skin is the largest and most accessible of our organs, directly exposed to environmental carcinogens. Skin cancer – the abnormal and atypical growth of skin cells – most often develops on skin exposed to the sun including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest arms and hands. However, skin cancer can also form in […]
Continue Reading... No Comments.Sinusitis is one of the most common medical conditions seen in the community setting. Sinusitis may be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection, or by an allergy. About 0.5% of all upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds, are complicated by sinusitis. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. However, when someone has a […]
Continue Reading... No Comments.Migraine is a common condition in primary care, and the pharmacist is often the first healthcare provider who is consulted by a patient who has migraine. Migraine is a type of headache characterised by attacks that each last from 4 to 72 hours. Typically, the headache is unilateral, pulsating, moderate or severe in intensity, aggravated […]
Continue Reading... No Comments.Patients often visit the community pharmacy with eye complaints. The pharmacy staff are well-placed to inform customers about maintaining healthy eyes as well as about managing common eye problems. This module discusses the presentation, the signs and symptoms and the treatment of common eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis. This module will enable you […]
Continue Reading... No Comments.Vision is our dominant sense. Some 70% of all the sensory receptors in the body are in the eyes. Common eye problems may range from tired, red eyes through to deteriorating vision. Patients often visit community pharmacies with eye complaints, and pharmacists are well-placed to advise them. This Module identifies the more common eye problems […]
Continue Reading... No Comments.Depression is a medical condition that is more serious than everyday sadness. It causes long-lasting symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to function. In children and adolescents, depression affects their ability to perform well in school and to develop and maintain relationships and is often accompanied by behavioural problems, substance abuse and other mental […]
Continue Reading... No Comments.Major depressive disorder (MDD) or unipolar major depression, is a leading cause of illness and disability globally and in South Africa. It is the most common psychiatric disorder worldwide with a prevalence that is increasing over time. Despite the high prevalence rates, few people with depression discuss their symptoms with a doctor. This is known […]
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