My chronic seasonal cough lasts more than 10 years. It’s affecting my social and personal life. This is embarrassing given the situation at Covid. It was only codeine that helped, and it returned as soon as it stopped. Please help – it’s affecting my sleep.
A constant cough can be a nuisance – especially in the current climate when no one wants to be potentially infectious.
Coughs can be caused by many things. The obvious causes include respiratory infections. But, side effects such as acid reflux or medication can trigger a cough.
Many tests are required by many specialists to uncover the root cause. There is often no clear answer but there are ways to get relief.
A constant cough can be a nuisance – especially in the current climate when no one wants to be potentially infectious. Many reasons can cause a cough. You can have a common cause, such as respiratory infection. However, a cough could also occur due to side effects of medications or acid reflux. (File photo)
A cough suppressant codeine can prove to be especially helpful.
A patient may be elderly and their cough prevents them from going out to visit people. I would prescribe codeine if the coughing becomes severe.
Codeine can be addictive but it is not recommended for seasonal or acute coughs. Codeine should only be taken six months out of each year.
This can cause constipation. However, it can be treated easily with laxatives or dietary modifications. These symptoms often follow a seasonal pattern.
This is usually due to changes in weather conditions and temperatures, as well as changes in winter behavior. In the winter months we are more likely to live in dry homes without heating, which can cause throat irritation.
A degree of comfort and relief can be achieved by increasing the humidity, especially at night.
My right wrist has been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome by a doctor over the telephone. My thumb’s base bone has been raised, and now I have pain in my thumb. Last year I lost my husband and now have to live by myself, making it very hard for me to finish my jobs. It has taken a while for my wrist to heal. I am using a gel on it. Is the problem going to be fixed?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the nerve that runs from the wrist into the hands becomes trapped or squashed.
It can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your hand.
Usually, the pain affects only three fingers and the thumb – and not the little finger, due to the pattern of the nerves controlling the hand. Nighttime is when symptoms tend to get worse.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve connecting the wrist and the hand is trapped. The result is pain, numbness and tingling in your hand. (File photo)
The cause is usually not known. It is more prevalent in those who perform repetitive movements such as gardening and hand movements at work.
People who are overweight, pregnant, diabetic, and/or arthritic have it more often.
According to studies, as much as one third of those suffering from the condition will experience relief within six months. If only one side of the body is affected, this is even more likely.
Wrist supports and pain relief may help. Hand exercises can also be useful to help the nerves. You can get help from a local physiotherapy and musculoskeletal provider. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website has exercises you can find online.
Steroid injections are an option to reduce inflammation if all other options fail. In severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery – an operation to reduce the pressure on the nerve.
Recently I’ve felt strange vibrations in my left breast – a sensation that feels like a mobile phone is in there. These vibrations aren’t painful, but they make me anxious. In September 2020, my last mammogram was clean. A cyst was removed from me previously. Is there something wrong?
Breast cancer patients should get immediate help.
You should not only be looking out for lumps, but any changes in your sensations, appearances, sizes, or feelings are also worth paying attention to.
It can cause a skin rash or dimpling, as well as a change in the nipple.
Normal feelings such as tingling and numbness could indicate that something is wrong with your nerve.
This could be a sign that a tumor is growing in your breast.
There is a possibility that scar tissue left from previous cyst removals could block the nerve.
To detect changes in breast health, GPs must conduct a mammogram.
Breast cancer is more common in women over 60. Patients who are referred quickly to a clinic for breast treatment should be aware that the risks increase with age.
Patients shouldn’t wait longer than 2 weeks to see a specialist.
A recent positive mammogram is reassuring – but a new symptom always warrants a further look.
Remember that breast symptoms do not always mean someone has cancer – in fact most lumps are not cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy and antidepressants can cause changes in breast sensation.
Sometimes the problem lies with underlying muscles or joints between the ribs – not the breast.
Additional investigations are necessary to rule out the worst-case scenario.
I know many people who swear by the positive mantras they say in the mirror every morning – with some claiming that it helps them get through various kinds of challenges
What can you do to prevent the side effects of jabs Be positive
I was curious if you have ever experienced any side effects of vaccinations. But many readers took this opportunity to share their tips and tricks for avoiding unpleasant reactions.
It was surprising to me how many believe that you will not become unwell if they just tell them.
Although this sounds bizarre, it seems that positive thinking works, as evidenced by the letters.
Some people told stories of telling their children, “You’ll be fine. You are strong and healthy.” Others credit their positive outlook.
I know many people who swear by the positive mantras they say in the mirror every morning – with some claiming that it helps them get through various kinds of challenges.
It’s unlikely that there are any scientific reasons for it. However, if you find it to be effective, continue doing so!