THE DOC REPLIES

I’VE been taking quinine for cramp. A friend said I might have potassium deficiency – would bananas help?

Quinine can be helpful for cramp but should not be taken long-term. If you are not on any other medication and have a healthy, balanced diet then your potassium level is unlikely to be abnormal. Anaemia can sometimes cause cramp, so it may be worth having your bloods checked anyway.

MY son is taking tablets for high blood pressure, but he’s only 32. Is it unusual to have this problem at such a young age?

Although high blood pressure becomes more common as we age, younger people do suffer from it, particularly if there is a family history of the problem. If your son has been seen by his doctor and found to have high blood pressure, it is important he receives effective treatment as, uncontrolled, it can cause health problems in the future such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

ARE there any side-effects to long-term omeprazole use? I’ve been taking it for acid reflux but have started developing headaches.

Omeprazole and other similar drugs, called proton pump inhibitors, are fairly safe. However, the medication carries potential side effects, headaches included. People using omeprazole over the long term may have a slightly increased risk of suffering osteoporosis, a condition which weakens bones. Patients diagnosed with this must ensure that they maintain sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D. Most patients take omeprazole to treat heartburn, stomach ulcers and the effects of gastric acid and it is a fairly effective medication in controlling the symptoms in these cases.

I’VE been feeling a persistent itch deep in my left ear canal. I can’t seem to itch it with a cotton bud. Any ideas what it could be?

This may a type of eczema affecting the ear canal. It is important not to try to itch it with a cotton bud as it could make things worse and you could end up damaging your ear drum. You may also be feeling irritation due to wax, and using a cotton bud would simply cause further problems. Your doctor can check this out. Ear drops may help.

THE whites of my eyes have recently started looking quite yellow. What could this be, and should I ask my doc to have a look?

I would definitely make an appointment with your doctor to be checked over. It could be a sign of jaundice.

IS there a drug I can take to stop me blushing? I’m quite nervous in social situations and go red any time I have to

talk to a stranger, even for a moment.

Unfortunately, there is no magic cure to stop you blushing but you are probably much more conscious of it than other people. There are some cosmetics available that may mask your blushing to a certain extent.

I’VE lost my sense of smell fallowing a bad head cold last month. Will it come back?

It is not uncommon for us to lose our sense of smell and taste following a bad head cold. They usually do come back – even if it can take some time for the problems to settle.

MY cardiologist told me one of the valves in my heart was leaking, but not to worry about it. What caused the problem?

Sometimes the valves in the heart can be a little leaky, causing blood to leak backwards through the valve. Often there are no associated symptoms – many healthy people have a leaky heart valve without even knowing there’s anything wrong. As for the cause, it could be the result of a slightly enlarged heart, high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. If you have not shown any symptoms and your cardiologist has told you not to worry then it sounds as if your case is mild. Leading a healthy lifestyle will help to keep it under control.