ABOUT
Dr Mamoretsi Magashule is a compassionate Specialist Physician based in Life Mercantile Hospital in Port Elizabeth. She obtained her Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography (B Rad (Diagn)) degree in 1989 from Sefako Makgatho University. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 2001. In 2018 she became a Fellow of the College of Physicians of South Africa (FCP (SA)).
Services includes :
- Diabetes
Naturally, the body breaks down sugar and carbohydrates in food and turns it into glucose, which is used for energy. Diabetes, also known as sugar diabetes or sugar disease, is when the pancreas produces too little insulin or the insulin produced can’t be used properly. This is a chronic condition that may be controlled but, if left untreated, diabetes may progress to serious health problems such as heart disease, foot and eye damage, hearing problems and kidney failure. It may also cause conditions such as depression and stroke. Therefore, managing diabetes is essential. Dr Magashule may suggest a change in lifestyle, which may consist of exercise and a healthy lifestyle, and medication or insulin injection to help manage blood sugar levels. - Hypertension
Blood pressure is the force in which the blood pumps through the arteries, and high blood pressure is when the force is too strong. This causes damage to the arteries, which may lead to life-threatening complications such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and aneurysms. Other complications include lack of blood flow to the kidneys or eyes and metabolic syndrome if left untreated. You are at high risk of hypertension if you are obese or overweight, stressed, over the age of 65, and are an alcohol drinker. Depending on your condition and health, the physician may recommend diet change, exercise and medication. Dr Magashule may prescribe medication such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and angiotensin II receptor, to help lower blood pressure and support your kidneys. - Infectious diseases
These are contagious diseases that may spread through the air, water, physical contact, or exposure to bodily fluids. These diseases may be viral, bacterial or fungal and may affect various parts of the body. The most common and serious infectious disease include TB, HIV, AIDS and opportunistic infections. Opportunistic diseases take advantage of a weak immune system. Opportunistic infections of HIV and AIDS include candidiasis, hepatitis B and C, herpes simplex (HSV), and cryptococcal meningitis, to name a few. TB is an opportunistic infection or a co-infection of HIV. Both TB and HIV/AIDS require chronic management and Dr Magashule will help ensure that you comply with treatment. - Metabolic syndrome
These are conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions may lead to hypertension, high blood sugar levels, increased body fat and high levels of cholesterol. Left untreated, they may result in serious health complications. Metabolic syndrome is most common in people who are diagnosed with obesity or overweight, and people with insulin resistance. Symptoms of metabolic syndrome include large waist circumference, frequent urination, high blood sugar, fatigue and blurred visions. Dr Magashule may prescribe medication to lower high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, even though lifestyle changes are considered to be the only way to treat metabolic syndrome. - Rheumatologic conditions
These are diseases that affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles. Left untreated, they may lead to joint damage and severe pain. Common rheumatologic conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, gout and scleroderma, to name a few. Rheumatic diseases normally occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s own tissues, which may be caused by genetic and environmental factors. Signs and symptoms of rheumatic conditions include joint pain, fatigue, inflammation of the joints and loss of motion in the affected joints. Depending on the diagnosis, Dr Magashule may assist with the management of the condition or may refer you to a specialist rheumatologist for further treatment. - Respiratory conditions
The respiratory system includes the nose, throat, the windpipe, the lungs and the diaphragm. The respiratory system may be affected by bacterial and viral infections as well as genetic conditions. There are different types of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, and pulmonary oedema, to name a few. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing difficulty breathing, have a stubborn cough, lingering chest pain and coughing mucus or blood. Most respiratory conditions are treatable, but early detection is key. Dr Magashule will diagnose and treat you depending on your condition. - Renal conditions
The kidneys are responsible for eliminating the waste produced by the body in the form of urine. Renal conditions include urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones and kidney disease, which may damage the kidneys and their structures, which then results in the kidney is unable to remove waste from the body. When chronic kidney disease progresses to an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluids, electrolytes and waste build up in the body, which may lead to kidney failure. Signs and symptoms of renal conditions may include fever or chills, passing little or no urine, sharp pain in the lower abdomen or back, and fatigue and general weakness. Depending on your condition and its severity, treatment may include medication, and in more severe cases, you may be referred to a specialist nephrologist for further treatment. - Cardiac diseases
These are heart diseases which affect the heart, including the heart's muscles, valves rhythm and blood vessels. These heart diseases are normally called cardiovascular disease and left untreated; these conditions may cause serious health complications such as heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest, a stroke, heart attack or aneurysm. These cardiac diseases may be caused by congenital heart defects, long-term high blood pressure, heart infections and certain medications. These may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, abnormal heartbeat, fatigue and swelling in the hands, ankles or feet. Treatment may include cardiac medications, and in severe cases, you may be referred to a specialist cardiologist. - Gastrointestinal conditions
The gastrointestinal tract consists of that oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine including the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. These organs make up the digestive system which is responsible for breaking down food into smaller components and used by the body for energy. Gastrointestinal conditions may include irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular diseases, celiac disease, colon polyps and ulcerative colitis, to name a few. These conditions may cause symptoms such as constipation, stomach pain, anaemia, unexplained weight loss and diarrhoea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, Dr Magashule will help diagnose and treat that your condition. - Migraines and strokes
Headaches and migraines may range from mild to severe, be occasional or recurring, and may be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Headaches may become migraines which may cause visual distortions, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, smell or touch. Migraines may be caused by stress, insufficient sleep, shoulder or neck tension, and poor posture. In some cases, a mini-stroke may be mistaken for migraine because they both have similar symptoms. A stroke occurs when a part of the brain doesn’t receive oxygen-rich blood due to blood flow being cut off to the brain, which then results in brain tissues dying. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you might be having a stroke. - Endocrine disorders
The endocrine system consists of glands that are responsible for producing hormones which help regulate metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, tissue function, sleep and mood. The thyroid gland influences most metabolic processes in the body and abnormal production of the thyroid hormones may cause small and harmless conditions and may progress to life-threatening cancer. The most common endocrine disorder include an underactive thyroid also called hypothyroidism, and an overactive thyroid also called hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism may be caused by an autoimmune disorder, exposure to excessive amounts of iodide, or a result of the removal of the thyroid gland. At the same time, hyperthyroidism may be caused by Graves' disease, toxic adenomas, pituitary gland malfunctions and cancerous growths in the thyroid gland. - Dyslipidemia
This is a condition where there are abnormal levels of blood lipids, which may affect the LDL cholesterol levels, HDL cholesterol levels, triglycerides and a combination of these lipids. Hypercholesterolemia is when cholesterol levels are high, and when they are low, it is called hypocholesterolemia. When the triglyceride levels are high, it is called hypertriglyceridemia, and when they are low, it is called hypertriglyceridemia. Dyslipidemia can be genetically caused by a defective gene, lifestyle factors, liver disease, uncontrolled diabetes and untreated hypothyroidism. Dr Magashule may prescribe medication to help lower lipid levels to prevent developing heart disease.
