Le Domaine Health

31/03/2026

24/03/2026

TB Awareness week. Check are article on symptoms and signs and when you're worried about a love one or yourself and need to be tested. Please contact Le Domaine Health on (031 355 0030) or hello@ldhealth.co.za

24/03/2026

Tuberculosis (TB):

An Overview

What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other parts of the body such as the spine, kidneys, brain, and lymph nodes (extrapulmonary TB).

TB remains one of the leading infectious causes of death worldwide, particularly in countries such as South Africa.

How TB Spreads
TB spreads through the air when a person with active pulmonary TB:
Coughs
Sneezes
Talks
Sings
Tiny droplets containing TB bacteria are inhaled by others nearby.
TB is not spread by:
Sharing utensils
Touching
Kissing
Sharing clothes or bedding

Types of TB
1. Latent TB Infection
The bacteria are in the body but inactive.
The person has no symptoms.
The person is not contagious.
It can become active later if immunity weakens.
2. Active TB Disease
The bacteria multiply and cause symptoms.
The person may spread TB to others.
Requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms of Active Pulmonary TB
Persistent cough (lasting more than 2 weeks)
Coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
Chest pain
Night sweats
Fever
Weight loss
Fatigue
Loss of appetite

Extrapulmonary TB symptoms depend on the organ affected.
TB and HIV
TB is especially dangerous in people living with HIV because their immune systems are weakened. In countries like South Africa, TB and HIV co-infection is common.

People with HIV are more likely to:
Develop active TB
Have severe disease
Experience complications
Diagnosis
TB is diagnosed using:
Sputum tests (GeneXpert / microscopy)
Chest X-ray
Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux)
Blood tests
Biopsy (for extrapulmonary TB)
Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent spread.

Treatment
TB is curable with proper treatment.
Standard treatment:
A combination of antibiotics
Usually taken for 6 months
Must be completed fully
Common TB medications include:
Isoniazid
Rifampicin
Pyrazinamide
Ethambutol
Incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), which is harder and longer to treat.

Prevention
Early detection and treatment
Good ventilation
Covering mouth when coughing
Wearing masks in high-risk settings

TB preventive therapy for high-risk individuals

BCG vaccine (given at birth in many countries)

The World Health Organization promotes global TB control strategies.

When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical attention if:
You have a cough for more than 2 weeks
You experience unexplained weight loss
You have night sweats and fever
You have been in close contact with someone with TB

Conclusion
Tuberculosis remains a serious but preventable and curable disease. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and community awareness are key to controlling its spread.

17/03/2026

WELCOME TO THE TEAM - Dr Dave Cummings (General Practitioner)

Dr Dave was born in Zimbabwe in the mid-1970s and moved to the Gillitts area in the early 1980’s. He completed his Matric at Kearsney College before studying a Science degree at UKZN. He then achieved his dream of studying medicine at Wits university graduating in 2003. He spent one year internship at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital in Umlazi and one year Community Service at Johannesburg General Hospital. After working for a few years as a GP in northern suburbs of Joburg, he returned home to Hillcrest.

He has been in General Practice now for nearly twenty years. Dr Dave enjoys all aspects of Family Medicine, but has a special interest in ADHD management – both children and adults, having completed a certification course under Prof Venter in 2012. He also enjoys treating diabetes and chronic metabolic syndrome, having been part of the Practitioner Network of the Centre for Diabetes Education since 2017. His wonderful wife Sue is an accomplished Hand OT practicing at Busamed Hillcrest Hospital, and together they have three amazing teenage children who attend Curro Hillcrest High School, as well as two large Ridgebacks and Rex the cat who thinks he rules the house.

Dr Dave practices from Le Domaine Health in the mornings and Hillcrest Surgical Unit in the afternoons. We are so happy to have him join our team. Warmest of welcomes!

26/02/2026

New and extended consultation hours at Le domaine health. More availability to attend to your health care needs

23/11/2025

Thank you to the residents of Le Domaine Estate who kicked off the food donations for KZN valley dogs❤ this week! Two more weeks to go and all donations would be highly appreciated. Drop off is at reception Le Domaine Health. Many thanks.

23/11/2025

Le Domaine Health Festive Hours

20/04/2025

We are open at Le domaine health normal hours 9am to 4pm from Tuesday 22 April. If anyone needs any help Hillcrest Surgical Unit is open 7am to 7pm as usual and I can see you there tomorrow (Monday)

20/04/2025

A very very happy Easter from thr Le Domaine Healt family. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend