The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

For months I have felt like my left nostril is blocked. My husband says it could be a polyp. What is this, and should I get medical help?

Nasal polyps are fleshy swellings which grow inside the nose or sinuses. They are common and nothing to do with cancer.

Symptoms are a blocked, stuffed or runny nose, or sometimes a postnasal drip down the back of the throat. Polyps can also cause snoring and headaches.

We may refer a patient to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) department. Initially, you can treat polyps with steroid nose drops, followed up with a nasal spray to prevent recurrence.

If they are big polyps, or treatment doesn’t work, you can have surgery (a polypectomy). A steroid nasal spray is still required afterwards. However, if the blockage is always on one side, or if there is a bloody discharge, you should be checked by a doctor, as in rare cases this could indicate a cancer.

My 83-year-old mum has cataracts and needs an operation. Is it a risky procedure?

A cataract is a cloudy patch in the eye lens that impairs vision. Surgery is the only way to treat it. Any operation can have complications, so this would only usually be offered if the cataract was significantly affecting quality of life. However, the surgery is usually straightforward and successful. Only one eye is treated at a time, six to 12 weeks apart, to try to minimise any risks.

I have little white blisters at the end of my finger that are extremely painful. My old aunt said they were a whitlow. What is it and what should I do?

A whitlow is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is usually contracted from touching a cold sore. There is increased risk if you have a suppressed immune system, for example if you have diabetes or have been on chemotherapy. A whitlow can only be effectively treated with antiviral drugs if given within 48 hours. The affected finger should be kept clean and you should avoid touching other parts of the body with it, particularly the eyes. Painkillers can be used to relieve any discomfort.

The Doc Replies

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