Ask our doc
Don’t be shy – Chat’s Dr Martin Edwards is a family GP who’s seen it all before…
Morning mucus
Q I wake up with my throat and mouth full of mucus. It’s horrible! Iris, Inverness
A Excess mucus can mean chronic sinusitis or an allergy, and a steroid nose spray might help. It’s worse in the morning because of build-up overnight, and a dry mouth while you’re asleep.
Don’t smoke, keep water by your bed and humidify the air.
Legs are spotty
Q I’ve hardly shown my legs all summer as they’re covered in red spots. What are they? Emily, Dorking
A Sounds like folliculitis, a bacterial infection in the hair follicles. Don’t shave, as this allows bacteria to enter through tiny nicks in your skin – waxing or epilation is better.
Use antibacterial wash on your legs – and, if necessary, your GP might prescribe antibiotic pills or cream.
Too hot to handle
Q I love spicy food, but it always gives me hiccups! What can I do? Nathalie, Doncaster
A Hiccups are spasms of the diaphragm. Eating, especially spicy food, can be a trigger. Let food cool, eat slowly, drink plenty (not alcohol) and don’t smoke.
See your GP if hiccups last over 48 hours.
Stop painkillers?
Q I take painkillers daily for headaches, but my GP says I should stop! How will I manage? Tali, Nantwich A You may have medicationoveruse headache, where regular use worsens symptoms.
Relaxation techniques and switching to other drugs such as antidepressants or anti-epileptics, which affect the nerves and parts of the brain that sense pain, can help.