ASK THE DOC Will the NHS pay for my hair transplant op?
I’m a 46-year-old man who is going bald. Can I have a hair transplant on the NHS?
A hair transplant is a procedure to move hair from an area unaffected by hair loss to an area of thinning or baldness. It is suitable for people with androgenetic alopecia (male- and female-pattern baldness) or scarring resulting from injury or burns. It is not usually appropriate for other types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata. A hair transplant isn’t normally available on the NHS, as it is regarded as cosmetic surgery. It is a major decision – a permanent alteration to your appearance – so weigh it up carefully and don’t rush into anything. A hair transplant can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £30,000, depending on the extent of hair loss, the type of procedure you have, and the quality of the clinic. I seem to get a bloated stomach, including cramps and pains after I drink milk. Could I be allergic?
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually develop within a few hours of consuming food or drink that contains lactose. The severity of your symptoms and when they appear depends on the amount of lactose you’ve consumed. Some people may still be able to drink a small glass of milk without triggering any symptoms, while others may not even be able to have milk in their tea or coffee.
Depending on what dairy products you’re able to eat, you may also require additional calcium and vitamin D supplements to keep your bones strong and healthy.
In some cases, your GP may refer you to a dietician for further advice. For further information on allergies check: www.nhsinform.scot I’m climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as part of a fundraiser – should I be concerned about altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is a common condition that can occur when you climb to a high altitude too quickly. The decrease in atmospheric pressure makes breathing difficult because you aren’t able to take in as much oxygen.
Most cases are mild, with symptoms that can include headache, nausea, dizziness and exhaustion.
In rare cases, altitude sickness can cause fluid to build up either on the lungs or the brain.
These are very serious conditions and require immediate medical attention.
If you have mild symptoms of altitude sickness, you shouldn’t go any higher for at least 24 to 48 hours.
You can continue to climb if your symptoms improve after this.
Proper acclimatisation to altitudes of about 2,500m (just over 8200 feet) or more is the best way to prevent altitude sickness.
It usually takes a few days for the body to get used to a change in altitude.
Ascending slowly will give your body time to adapt to the change in altitude.