Ask our doc
Don’t be shy – Chat’s Dr Martin Edwards is a family GP who’s seen it all before…
Hearing things
Q I have whistling in my right ear. What is it? Tam, Bury St Edmunds
AHaving noises in your ear is called tinnitus and it often sounds like ringing, whistling, roaring or hissing. There are several possible causes, but tinnitus in just one ear rings alarm bells as it could point to an ear problem or a growth on the nerve to your ear. You should see your doctor.
Ankle issues
Q I have weak ankles, which keep twisting. But now my left ankle lets me down all the time. What can I do? Max, Dumbarton
ACould be a chronic sprain, where repeated twists leave the ligaments permanently weakened. Walking then becomes very tricky. The right shoes and strengthening exercises from a physio, should be able to help.
Nosebleed help
Q Someone in my pub had a nosebleed and everyone panicked. I realised none of us had any idea what to do! Lisa, Fleetwood
AFirst, stay calm and try to stop people panicking and making unhelpful suggestions!
Tell the patient to pinch their nose just below the bony part and sit forward over a bowl to catch any blood, breathing through their open mouth.
If bleeding doesn’t stop after 30 minutes, call for help.
Frothy wee!
Q My wee is frothy in the toilet bowl! Is that normal? Clare, Wakefield
AIt can be, particularly if you have a good, powerful urine stream! But constantly frothy wee might also mean you’re leaking protein into your urine, a possible sign of kidney damage.
Your GP can take a urine sample and arrange blood tests to find out.
Sore clitoris
Q After sex, my clitoris hurts! Am I damaging it? Amber, Derby
AThe clitoris is a delicate organ which swells and is more sensitive during arousal. A little bruising is common after vigorous sex and doesn’t usually mean permanent damage. But gentler sex, with lube, might make you more comfortable the next day.