What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute pain is a normal sensation triggered in the nervous system to alert you to possible injury and the need to take care of yourself. |
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Can opioids be taken orally
The low- and moderate efficacy opioids can be taken orally. Examples include codeine and tilidine. |
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What increases the risk for back pain?
Smoking, ageing, a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, obesity, pregnancy and genetic factors are all risk factors for developing back pain. |
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What different types of painkillers do we find?
There are four different types, namely opioids, NSAIDs, Paracetamol and local anaesthetics. |
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Is Tramadol less effective than pethidine or morphine.
It was initially found to be less effective, but then it was dicovered that the recommended doses were too low. |
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Can painkillers be addictive?
Yes, they can, which is why doctors limit the painkillers people may take. Many people become addicted to painkillers which are available over the counter. |
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Is it true that overdosing on painkillers can damage your liver?
Yes, it is. For this reason, there are usually strict instructions on recommended dosages for both prescription and over-the-counter painkillers. |
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How long will pethidine effectively relieve pain?
Only for 2 - 3 hours, although many doctors prescribe pethidine 6 - 8 hourly. This leaves people in pain for more than half the time. |
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What are the advantages of postoperative pain relief?
Postoperative pain relief is very important but unfortunately often neglected. |
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How can I prevent getting cancer?
There is much that you can do. Stop smoking, get out of the sun, eat fish, lots of fruit and vegetables... |
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Is cancer hereditary?
Certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, do seem to run in families. The important thing is to have yourself checked regularly if a family member was diagnosed with cancer |
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What are early warning signs of cancer?
This is a difficult one to answer as there are so many different types of cancer of which quite a few have almost no warning signs. |
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What are survival chances?
Depending on the type of cancer and the stage in which it is found, chances of survival are generally very high – up to ninety percent. |
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What is cancer?
Cancer is not just one type of disease. Hippocrates gave the name to a collection of diseases in 400 B.C. They have one common characteristic, namely uncontrolled cell growth. |
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What treatments are available?
Typically cancer is treated by means of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. (See 'Treatment of cancer' for more information) |
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What type of cancers do we find?
Basically five types: Carcinomas, Sarcomas, Leukaemias, Lymphomas and Myelomas |
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Why do cells grow?
Cells divide and replicate themselves all the time. These cells contain our genes. About one in a million cells does not develop normally, but usually this is not a problem. |
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How do I know I have malaria?
Look out |
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Can I go on holiday if I am on haemodialysis?
If you are on haemodialysis, going on holidays will require planning. You can only visit areas where a renal unit is available. |
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Can I have an active life after a transplant?
You could even compete in the Transplant Games to be held in July 2003 in France. National trials are being held in August 2002 in Cape Town. |
