The Doc Replies

Can herbal remedies help with sleep? Would you recommend any?

As an NHS GP, I am not familiar with herbal medicines and therefore not in a position to recommend any. I don’t know of any strong evidence for usefulness or harm for herbal remedies – but it is up to the person selling such remedies to be able to inform you. I recommend that, in general, medicines be avoided for sleep. If you are having unusual sleep problems then there may be a medical cause for it, and you should discuss it with your GP.

How can I tell I’ve got conjunctivitis? Also, should I be asking my GP or my optician?

Conjunctivitis can be an infection – either viral or bacterial. It can also be an allergy such as part of hay fever. The treatment depends on the cause. If you have symptoms from your eyes such as itch, or pain or discharge you should see the GP. If your problems are with vision, then make the optometrist your first port of call.

I’ve been booked in for surgery for a hiatus hernia. What will this entail?

Nowadays, hiatus hernia surgery is treated via keyhole surgery. This means instead of opening you up, tiny wounds are made so the tummy can be inflated with gas, and little telescopes put in to help visually. The hiatus hernia is where the stomach “seeps” into the chest cavity. A little sling is put around the top of the stomach and it is then fixed down inside the abdominal cavity so that it cannot slip back up. Sometimes eating can be a little tricky immediately afterwards – but a lot of patients get good long term benefits. Surgery is a last resort for dealing with a hiatus hernia.

Unfortunately the Doc can’t directly respond to each query, or guarantee a reply.

When in doubt contact your own GP