THE DOC REPLIES
CAN I take a probiotic along with an antibiotic? Will they not cancel each other out?
Antibiotics are used to treat infections with bacteria. They work not by targeting one specific bacteria but rather a range of them. But this can then cause gastrointestinal upset. Some people find that using a probiotic to try to return the bacterial population of the gut to normal can be helpful. However, they don’t cancel each other out.
ARE energy drinks bad for your health? My son is a taxi driver and drinks three or four 500ml cans a day.
Energy drinks contain lots of caffeine. If taken in large quantities this can cause problems such as irritability and, in some cases, funny heart rhythms. Three or four 500ml cans a day would result in what I’d consider to be a high caffeine intake. Your son is likely to experience some symptoms due to this. I would suggest that you tell him he should cut down.
I HAVE a perforated eardrum after an accident at work. It hasn’t caused me too many problems, but I wondered nonetheless if it will eventually heal?
Unfortunately, these do not always heal. Some patients are left with a chronically perforated eardrum. This often does not cause any problems. If you are worried, though, please make an appointment to see your doctor, particularly if you feel that your hearing has changed.
I HAVE male pattern baldness, but have recently started losing hair on my chest.
Male pattern baldness affects the hair on the head. It does not normally affect your chest hair, however. If you are worried about any loss of hair on your torso then I would suggest seeing your GP. They will be able to rule out any other underlying cause of the hair loss.
MY granddaughter is seven but is plagued by nightmares. We’re trying not to make a big deal of it but wondered if there was a medical problem causing it.
Nightmares are not usually caused by underlying medical problems. They can, however, be distressing for both the person having the nightmares, and their family. Trying not to make a big issue of the matter is the right approach – it sounds as though you are handling this very well.
I’M 42 but have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my knees. Is this down to genetics or my lifestyle?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The inheritance pattern is not entirely clear but it is thought the condition is caused by a mixture of genetic and environmental reasons. MY doctor recommended I take fish oil. What is the benefit?
Fish oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids. There is little evidence to support their use though, and dietary intake of fish should be sufficient. There is some suggestion that fish oil may help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce blood pressure. There is also some suggestion that it may have a beneficial effect on psoriasis too.
I’M a man and my face goes blotchy and red after shaving, no matter which shaving foam or razor I use. Should I have this checked out? I’m not sure, unfortunately – it’s very difficult to assess skin problems if I can’t see it! If you’re worried then I would suggest seeing your GP so they can have a look up close.
I HAD my gallbladder removed last month. What are the long term consequences of not having a gallbladder?
Most people who have their gallbladder removed don’t actually experience any long-term consequences at all. Occasionally, patients will suffer from loose stools or diarrhoea. If this problem becomes persistent we occasionally prescribe a certain medication that can help replace some of the enzymes. This may help the bile symptoms.