DK - WOW! The Visual Encyclopedia of Everything

Health

Laryngeal mirror is

placed in the mouth

to check the larynx

(voice box)

Inhaler is used to

introduce drugs,

such as those that

treat asthma, into

the lungs

Hypodermic syringe

is used to inject drugs

into the bloodstream,

skin, or a muscle

A healthy body is one that is fit, strong, supple,

and working well. Disease and injury prevent the

normal working of the body. While it is not always

possible to avoid illness, the chances of developing

a disease are reduced by adopting a healthy

lifestyle, including taking regular exercise and

eating a good, mixed diet of fresh foods. If a

person does become ill, a doctor has to work

out exactly what the problem is, and then

decides on a suitable course of treatment.

This might include drugs, surgery, or other

means to return the person to full health.

DRUGS

Chemicals that are used to treat and

prevent disease, by changing some

aspect of the way the body works, are

called drugs. Antibiotics, which kill harmful

bacteria, and analgesics, which reduce pain,

are both examples of drugs. They may be

given to a patient in a number of ways –

by injection, as pills and syrups that

are swallowed, or as a vapour

that is inhaled into the lungs.

DIAGNOSIS

If a person is ill their doctor first needs to

determine exactly what is wrong with them.

This is called making a diagnosis. The doctor asks

about symptoms – the features of the disease or

injury the patient has noticed – and considers the

patient’s medical history. Next, the doctor looks

for signs to help identify the illness, for example,

using a thermometer to check body temperature.

The patient may require further tests, such as

blood tests or X-rays.

FIRST AID

The initial treatment to a

person who is sick or injured

is called first aid. It is often

carried out by someone who

is not medically qualified, but

has been trained to use simple

yet effective treatments. In

more serious cases, first aid

may keep a person alive until

medical help arrives. A first-aid

kit contains essential items such

as disposable gloves, scissors,

antiseptic cream and wipes,

sticking plasters, sterile

dressings, and

bandages.

Otoscope has a

lens and a light

and is used to

look into a

patient’s ear

Stethoscope is

used to listen to

chest sounds

such as breathing

and heartbeat

Pills

Co

ug

h (^) sy
rup
Thermometer
Blue plasters are used by
to spot if they fall in foodcaterers as they are easy
86
Ophthalmoscope
enables a doctor
to examine the
inside of a
patient’s eye
086_087_Health.indd 86 03/01/19 12:09 PM