Ask our doc

Don’t be shy – Chat’s Dr Martin Edwards is a family GP who’s seen it all before…

Elbow cure?

Q I have tennis elbow. My GP says wait for it to get better, but surely there’s treatment? Pam, Northampton A a forearm muscle is damaged where it joins the bone on the outer side of your elbow. this usually gets better, though can take a year or more.

Painkillers, exercises and injections ease pain but aren’t usually a faster cure.

Tackling toenails

Q My toenails are thick and yellow. My GP thinks it’s a fungus but won’t treat me until lab tests come back. Why? Em, Morecambe A it’s to ensure the treatment is right for you. you may have to take tablets for up to six months, though with some fungus types you might get away with antifungal nail paint.

Painful stone

Q After two days of agony in hospital, I passed a kidney stone. I had an X-ray and was sent home. What now? Kate, Manchester A a stone can cause severe pain as it passes from your kidney to your bladder along your ureter. most pass safely on their own, and if your X-ray confirms no blockage, there’s no need for treatment. a stone that won’t pass might mean surgery.

My paper bag trick

Q I can sometimes stop my breathless panic attacks by breathing in and out of a paper bag. How does that work? Donna, Belfast A People often say it’s because you’re breathing your own carbon dioxide – but that’s nonsense. it’s simply that the paper bag shows you how fast you’re breathing, and so helps you slow down!

‘Erm,it’s a bit... personal’ Scary not hairy

Q My pubic hair is thinning. What’s going on?! Maggie, Aberdeen A hormone loss during your menopause, and the effects of ageing on hair-producing skin follicles, can cause your pubes to thin with age.

your doctor can check for rarer causes, such as an underactive thyroid gland or iron and vitamin deficiency. treatment will depend on the cause.

It’s a bummer

Q I keep getting boils and pus around my bottom and my doctor’s diagnosed a fistula. What’s that? Kerry, Stockwell Q an anal fistula is a hollow connection between your skin and the inside of your anus.

usually, it develops after a boil in that area hasn’t healed properly, and can lead to soreness, infections and discharge.

treatment may mean an op to remove it.