The Doc Replies
Our expert answers your medical questions
What is antimicrobial resistance and is it something I should worry about?
The World Health Organisation has declared antimicrobial resistance a top global health threat. A lot of infections are caused by viruses for which we shouldn’t be using antibiotics at all. Other conditions for which antibiotics are often used are relatively minor.
We have to consider if it is worth using them in this instance, and risking their effectiveness to treat more serious conditions. Bacteria change over time and if they are exposed to antibiotics, they become resistant, whereas if they are not exposed there is no advantage to being resistant. If we stop using antibiotics when they are not really needed, bacteria without resistance can become more predominant and antibiotics are more likely to become effective again. So it is definitely worth putting in the effort.
The big worry is that if overuse continues, and antibiotic resistance gets worse, hospitals will not be able to carry out operations because they rely on strong combinations of antibiotics to prevent patients who have had surgery from developing infections and dying from sepsis. Overuse of antibiotics leads to the emergence of superbugs like MRSA (Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus) and C. diff (Clostridium difficile) which are causing an increasing number of deaths. New strains of bacteria might also emerge that antibiotics cannot fight. And truly innovative new antibiotics are very slow in coming so we must preserve those we already have as a precious resource.
I have had oral thrush and continue to have problems. What should I do?
Oral thrush is quite common and residual symptoms can occur. The risks of thrush are increased by taking antibiotics, inhaled steroids for asthma after which you should rinse your mouth, cancer treatment, diabetes and smoking. Symptoms are a sore or burning sensation, unpleasant taste or loss of taste, red mouth and/or white patches. Treatment is with an anti-fungal liquid or a lozenge, which sufferers let melt in their mouths.
The Doc Replies
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The rise in availability of online classes as instructors quickly adapted to the realities of lockdown has made it easier to join a yoga class.
Caroline Phipps-urch, who runs theyogacrow.com, recommends trying serval different instructors to get an idea of the kind of yoga class that suits you. Visit yogascotland.org.uk for a list of classes.
She said: “Trying some classes via Youtube can be a helpful a taster. I also recommend trying more than one teacher as there are different styles of yoga.
“Ashtanga is a lot stronger and physically demanding, Hatha is a little bit gentler while Vinyasa Flow focuses on more flowing movements.” Setting up at home is cheap and simple. “Yoga mats are inexpensive but you can do it on a carpet. Some yoga props can be made out of a towel or cushion, and a dressing gown tie is a good substitute for a yoga belt.”
“If you’re not as mobile, look for a chair-based class or a gentle Hatha yoga session. Yoga doesn’t have to be a strong practice to be beneficial. I teach a class for people recovering from Covid, which is very gentle.”
When practicing yoga at home, she advises to “make sure all your movements are gentle and safe and do not cause you any pain. Listen to your body and find a pace that suits you.”