The Doc Replies
Our expert answers your medical questions
I’ve been having problems with my left eye which has been blood shot and sore to touch. What should I do?
This may be anterior uveitis which is an inflammation of the inside of the front of the eye, but most common is iritis which is inflammation of the iris (the coloured part of the eye). Because of the red eye people can assume it is conjunctivitis, but iritis presents with the redness mainly around the iris, and can also cause pain or a dull ache in and around the eye. The condition can also cause blurred vision and headaches.
The shape of the pupil can be slightly affected because the iris is inflamed. It can be caused by injury, or auto immune response, and is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. It is important to have it diagnosed and treated quickly to avoid complications and any permanent loss of vision. Treatment is simple with steroid eye drops and drops to relax the muscle behind the iris. If you have a painful, red eye you should be seeing the optometrist quickly who can refer you for further tests if necessary.
I’m flying to Spain on holiday. Could Covid-19 be passed through the plane’s air filter and what measures can I take to protect myself against infection generally on the flight?
Risks are probably similar to other forms of public transport – except of course you cannot open a window and may be in an enclosed space for a long time. The aeroplane filter is usually good, but if any of the passengers have the virus, it’s likely it will have gone around the aircraft before it goes through the filter.
The main risk is to passengers in the same row, in front or behind somebody who has the infection. If all passengers wear a face mask it will help them to protect one another. I am a woman in my 70s and for the past few years have had a really cold nose, while the rest of my body is warm. Is this age-related?
The nose like hands and feet is a periphery and can generally become cold. As we grow older circulation becomes slightly less efficient. Usually it’s nothing to worry about.
The Doc Replies
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