It is fairly typical for asthma symptoms to worsen after a chest infection or cold, but if this occurs, it is essential to consult a primary care physician or a specialist nurse.
This can sometimes result in a change in treatment.
Priority should be given to examining the lungs, as the underlying issue may not be an asthma exacerbation but rather an untreated infection that can develop into pneumonia.
Other illnesses, such as heart disease and anemia, can also cause shortness of breath; therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is essential.
Patients will be asked to complete what is known as a peak flow test, which involves blowing into a tube that monitors the volume of exhaled air.
Inhalers are the most common asthma treatment, however, there are other varieties. A patient may require one with a larger dose or one that further dilates the airway. These are prescribed as salmeterol or Serevent medicines and are compatible with various inhalers.
A cold has exacerbated my asthma
This is also a wonderful opportunity to discuss inhaler usage with a physician or nurse. Many patients believe they are using them correctly, while in fact, they are not. On its website, asthma.org.uk, the charity Asthma And Lung UK provide helpful instructions for using inhalers.
I am a 67-year-old woman with a painful, lumpy rash across the bridge of my nose. It was initially red and blotchy before turning white. I was prescribed hydrocortisone cream, but after noticing the appearance of fractured veins, I stopped taking it. I have previously had precancerous cells on my face, therefore I am concerned. What might this be?
There are a variety of causes for bumpy rashes. However, when it is painful, affects the nose, and occurs in female patients above the age of 30, it is most likely rosacea.
Also present are reddened cheeks, fractured veins, and painful eyes. In addition to the nose, it can affect the cheekbones, forehead, and middle of the face.
Rosacea sufferers rarely experience all symptoms simultaneously. Instead, they frequently discover that one characteristic stands out the most, such as a spotted or puffy nose or excessively red cheeks.
There is typically a cause for the flare-ups. Usually, it is caused by extreme heat, wind, sunlight, spicy foods, alcohol, or strenuous activity. This can make the skin extremely sensitive, causing it to respond negatively to cleansers, face washes, makeup, and sun cream.
It is essential to maintain a log of all goods consumed to identify these triggers.
We do not utilize steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, to treat rosacea. Instead, we would begin by moisturizing the region using a relaxing, unscented emollient lotion available at pharmacies. In addition to recommending soothing creams that disguise the redness, pharmacists can also recommend prescription creams that aid to calm the spots and redness. Some physicians recommend using antibiotic pills.
Because the face is regularly exposed to sunlight, skin malignancies, and precancerous cells are prominent in this area. If individuals have even the slightest suspicion that this may be the case, they should consult with their primary care physician.
A few years back, I developed a rectocele, a sort of prolapse. I underwent a successful operation to treat it, but a fissure was left behind. According to what I’ve read, there is little that can be done to alleviate the suffering. Is this correct?
Few individuals seek treatment
Back passage injuries can be excruciatingly painful, yet few individuals seek treatment because of embarrassment.
It indicates that there is a tear or a crack in the lining of the back tube, which produces excruciating agony when using the restroom. If a fissure has been present for an extended period, doctors refer to it as a chronic fissure.
Frequently, the cuts are caused by underlying conditions such as intestinal illness, cancer, or constipation. It might also be a result of a previous surgical procedure or childbirth.
In the majority of instances, fissures heal on their own within a couple of months. About four out of ten people, however, develop a chronic condition.
It is crucial to make the process of opening the bowels as simple and comfortable as possible by drinking plenty of water and eating more fiber-rich meals, such as wholemeal bread and fruit.
This should reduce straining, which might aggravate the damaged tissue. Warm water baths can ease discomfort, and it may be worthwhile to take paracetamol and ibuprofen as well.
In addition, a general practitioner can prescribe a specialized local anesthetic or a cream called glyceryl trinitrate ointment, which is only appropriate for certain people. Diltiazem ointment can be advantageous as an option.
In extreme situations, a wound may require an operation. Despite being unpleasant, these procedures are often effective.
Would the sight of this on a train make you queasy?
Some individuals disapprove of diabetics administering life-saving insulin shots in public. According to a letter I read last week in a local newspaper, this is how the general populace reacted to people injecting themselves on the train.
Let’s be clear: diabetics do not always have the option of choosing where and when to inject insulin.
Most must do it multiple times each day and in a very little period before or after meals. Sometimes they must do so to prevent extremely low blood sugar levels, which might cause unconsciousness. I am concerned that patients may be put at risk if they feel they must inject in secret.
I’m curious as to whether or not witnessing individuals self-inject makes you queasy. Or you may have felt embarrassed by a member of the public. Send me an email using the address below.
Put on your skates for a boost
Today is the last day you can receive your third Covid injection, regardless of the reason.
By the end of 2021, the majority of people had their booster, but one-third of Britons had not.
After today, Covid injections will only be offered to patients who require supplemental doses, such as the elderly or those at a higher risk for serious disease.
People at high risk who were supposed to receive a fourth or fifth dose but never did will be permitted to do so.
However, if you are among those who have not yet had their third vaccination, there are still a few pharmacies and walk-in vaccine facilities available today that can supply you with this critical dose of protection.
The majority will operate for only a few hours and will likely be busy. On nhs.uk, you can view which sites accept walk-in patients and their operating hours.
