My husband died in August after a long illness. Since then I have suffered from ear pain, swollen face, flu-like symptoms and dizziness. My GP prescribed antibiotics for a suspected infection, but that didn’t help. Could the pain be making me sick?
Dr. Ellie answers: Pain It can certainly increase the risk of some physical illnesses. Research suggests that strong emotions can weaken the immune system, leaving people more susceptible to infections.
Grief can also be a trigger for chronic diseases such as alopecia, a hair loss problem, or painful arthritis.
These loss-related problems appear to be even more common and severe in those who were long-term caregivers before bereavement. This is partly due to the fact that caregivers often ignore their own health to prioritize their loved one.
Regardless of the trigger, it is important to diagnose and treat the disease. Earaches and flu-like symptoms are usually signs of a sinus infection, which tend to persist for some time.
A possible treatment is a sinus rinse, such as a saline wash or a salt water spray. These are sold without a prescription in pharmacies and supermarkets.
Dizziness can also be caused by an inner ear infection known as labyrinthitis. if someone
If you experience dizziness so severe that it affects your ability to carry out daily activities, there is a medication called prochlorperazine that your GP can prescribe.
Anyone struggling with grief can also benefit from seeing a therapist or counselor. A GP will be able to offer a referral to a mental health specialist.
I am 77 years old and have been suffering from severe palpitations, which I feel in my throat and jaw. They seem to happen most often when I’m sitting or doing nothing. My GP ran tests on me and found nothing wrong. I take statins and blood pressure pills. What could be the problem?
Dr. Ellie answers: It is always important to have palpitations evaluated by a doctor. It is not enough to control blood pressure or oxygen levels.
One possible cause is angina: chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. While men typically experience angina in the chest and left arm, women are likely to experience pain in the neck, jaw, or throat.
Since angina is caused by heart disease, which can eventually prove fatal, it is essential to rule it out early.
This is especially true for those taking heart medications, such as blood pressure tablets and statins, as they already have underlying problems that increase the risk of the disease.
It’s always important to have heart palpitations evaluated by a doctor, writes Dr. Ellie Cannon
A frequently offered test is an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart. Any abnormality may be a sign of a heart problem. But an ECG measures this activity for only a few minutes; If a palpitation does not occur within this period, it will not detect the problem.
Instead, there is a 24-hour ECG, which involves taping a device to the chest, which is better at detecting intermittent problems.
A possible cause may be atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm problem when the organ beats too fast and irregularly. It is vital to rule this out as it can lead to a stroke.
An overactive thyroid gland can also cause palpitations, which can be triggered by anxiety.
A few months ago I stepped on a fork that hurt my left ankle. The bruising has since gone away, but I still suffer from severe heel pain, which I’m told is a condition called plantar fasciitis. Painkillers don’t help. What can I do?
Dr. Ellie answers: Plantar fasciitis is a chronic pain condition that affects the connective tissue of the bottom of the foot. It usually causes pain in the heel, which is worse at the beginning of the day or after any rest.
Unfortunately, it tends to be worse for people who are overweight or who run a lot or stand for a long time. It is also more common in people with high arches in their feet or tight Achilles tendons.
Most people who develop plantar fasciitis improve within a year and many do not require any treatment.
It is important to rest the foot as much as possible to allow the connective tissue to heal. Placing an ice pack on the affected area once a day can be effective in reducing inflammation. Patients may also be advised to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory tablets, such as ibuprofen.
Physical therapy can speed recovery and decrease pain. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen and stretch the damaged area.
Another option is a steroid injection. This can be a daunting proposition for some, particularly as it involves inserting a needle into an area that is already sensitive. But in many cases it can significantly reduce pain.
The procedure can also be repeated after six weeks if it helps.
In extreme cases, patients can undergo surgery to repair the tissue, but this is usually an option for those who still have life-limiting pain after more than a year.
Is excessive drinking the way to start a party?
I have long been concerned about the amount of alcohol people regularly consume, especially at Christmas.
And although for many years we have had to deal with the short and long-term health consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, there is now a new trend that concerns us GPs: excessive alcohol consumption.
Often associated with special occasions, heavy drinking is defined as when men have more than ten drinks in one night and women have more than eight; that’s double the medical threshold for excessive alcohol consumption.
Those who do this (and there are many people who do it regularly) increase the risk of alcohol poisoning or liver damage. So when does alcohol consumption become a dangerous problem?
Do you drink at high intensity? Please write to drellie@mailonsunday.co.uk and let me know.
Care when taking new pills
Thomas Kingston and Lady Gabriella Kingston at the Wimbledon tennis championships last year
Last week, an inquest into the death of Thomas Kingston was a devastating reminder that anyone taking antidepressants should be carefully monitored.
Princess Michael of Kent’s son-in-law had been prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for anxiety, along with sleeping pills, after having trouble sleeping due to stress at work. A coroner concluded last week that he committed suicide after suffering “adverse effects” caused by the medications.
SSRIs really can improve lives. However, in the first few weeks of taking them, many patients see their mood worsen, so it is important for anyone starting an antidepressant to keep their doctor informed of any sudden changes in their mood.
Even more important, patients should always inform their loved ones about new medications, so they can spot any worrying changes in their behavior.
Have you ever suffered from these serious side effects of antidepressants? Write to me and let me know.