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The immune system helps our body fight infection. White blood cells, lymphocytes and antibodies form part of the defence.
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Vaccines trick the body into building immunity against infectious diseases without causing the actual disease...
Fluid retention (oedema) occurs when fluid isn't removed from the body tissues, including the skin. Causes include the body's reaction to hot weather, a high salt intake, and the hormones associated...
The lymphatic manages fluid levels in the body, filters out bacteria and houses types of white blood cells...
Women who have undergone treatment of breast cancer are particularly susceptible to lymphoedema of the arm...
Lymphoma is a general term for a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system...
Surgically removing a diseased or damaged spleen is possible without causing any serious harm to the person...
Any conditions that cause a rapid breakdown of blood cells can place great strain on the spleen and make it enlarge...
Lupus can be mild or life-threatening, depending on which tissues are affected...
The most common infections for people with lupus include those of the respiratory tract, skin and urinary system...
Lupus most commonly appears in women of childbearing age...
Lupus can be controlled with medications, so the majority of affected women are able to have children...
Most cases of Addison's disease are caused by an autoimmune response that attacks and damages the adrenal glands over time...
There is generally no cure for an autoimmune disorder, but the symptoms can be managed...
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome, can affect people of any age, including children...
Type 1 diabetes can affect anyone of any age, but is more common in people under 30 years...
Most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome experienced some form of viral or bacterial infection before the onset of symptoms...
Henoch-Schonlein purpura causes a purple spotted skin rash which lasts around one to four weeks, and is often marked by relapses...
In Australia, HIV is most commonly spread when having sex without a condom and when sharing needles and other injecting equipment...
Hughes syndrome is thickening of the blood caused by abnormal immune system cells...
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which a person?s immune system destroys the platelets that help their blood to clot...
Lipoedema is a painful, chronic, symmetrical swelling in the legs, thighs, buttocks and sometimes arms due to the accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous tissues. The onset often occurs during puberty...
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness...
Polymyositis is hard to diagnose and may be mistaken for muscular dystrophy...
Raynaud's phenomenon can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, so see your doctor if you experience it...
Reactive arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs as a result of some bacterial infections...
Retroperitoneal fibrosis is the abnormal growth of tissue on and around abdominal structures, including blood vessels and ureters...
Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is important in helping you manage the condition more effectively...
The most common symptom of scleroderma is a thickening and hardening of the skin, particularly of the hands and face...
Sjogren’s syndrome can be managed with medications and products such as artificial tears and saliva...
Hashimoto's disease progresses very slowly over many years, so the symptoms may go unnoticed...
Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed with a simple blood test that measures thyroid hormone levels...
If you feel uncomfortable about asking questions or talking with your healthcare professionals, having someone there to support you during appointments can help you make difficult decisions and ensure healthcare professionals respect your rights.
Want to know more about the medications you are taking. Search and find information sheets on over 4,000 prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Find out more about over 170 common surgeries including risks, benefits and after care.