TREATING CHRONIC ANXIETY

QI am a 44-year-old male. A year ago, I had a blood pressure of 140/85 mm Hg. I took Atenolol (25 gm) for four months and it became normal. I also suffer from chronic anxiety problem. I take Anfree for my anxiety. I want to know whether anxiety is related to high blood pressure. What is the treatment for chronic anxiety? — Anonymous

AIt is possible that chronic anxiety increases blood pressure. However, scientific evidence on this is still lacking. There are some studies indicating that chronic anxiety can increase overall cardiovascular morbidity. However, the data to support this is still not robust, possibly because of lack of enough research in this area. In any case, better assessment and management of anxiety in general may help the overall quality of life as well as possibly benefit occupational growth. There are several anxiety disorders and each of these have different treatments. Therefore, I suggest that you see a psychiatrist to get a comprehensive evaluation of the underlying anxiety and help you control the anxiety better. — Dr Nikhil Mathur Consultant emergency medicine

QI am 32 years old and I am suffering from allergic reactions. However, I am not aware of the foods that are causing these reactions. What is the best way to identify it and is there any medicine for food allergy? — Sunitha B.

AThe primary way to manage a food allergy is to avoid consuming the food that causes you problems. Carefully check the ingredient label of all food products and try to learn whether what you need to avoid is known by any other name.

Food can trigger a severe allergic reaction called Anaphylaxis and it can be life-threatening. For such allergic reactions, injections are given by doctors after evaluating the patient properly. — Dr Zeenath Fatima Consultant dietician and nutritionist