The Doc Replies
Our expert answers your medical questions
I am in my late 80s and for a number of years now have lost my sense of smell and taste. I have been checked for Covid but I’m clear. How do I fix it?
Loss of smell and taste is not uncommon in older people, due to a number of causes. Most of taste is through smell, so if you lose your sense of smell it will affect your sense of taste. It is usually not serious but can affect quality of life significantly. People who cannot taste food can lose interest in eating, so there can be problems with weight loss and even depression. Try to ensure you are still eating well to keep your body healthy.
My mum has been diagnosed with kidney stones. What does it mean?
Kidney stones happen when waste chemicals, processed by the kidneys, form crystals in the urine that clump together and cause a stone. They can form in the kidney, ureter (tube that drains urine from the kidneys to the bladder) or bladder. In most cases, they are not a result of an underlying condition but there are things that can make them more likely, particularly having concentrated urine. They are more common if you have a family history of them, or have had repeated kidney infections. The main symptom is usually severe pain, and perhaps sweating and vomiting. They can also cause blood in the urine. Diagnosis is by X-ray or scan.
There is a variety of treatments, such as high energy shock waves to break up the stone and surgery is rarely needed. Stones can recur so prevention is important, especially drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
I regularly get small fatty cysts under my skin at various points in my body. My GP tells me they are harmless but I’m still worried.
It sounds like they are lipomas which are benign fatty lumps. They grow very slowly and do not need treatment, but unfortunately there is no way of preventing them. Occasionally, they will press on something and cause problems but that is rare. Lipomas are always benign, but if you have a fatty lump that is growing rapidly and is bigger than 5cm it is important to get it checked. Lipomas tend to run in families, so could be hereditary.
The Doc Replies
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