The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

What causes mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are small sores that usually appear inside the mouth, on the cheeks or lips. They are usually white, red or grey and can be painful. There are many causes.

Aphthous ulcers are most common and there may be no obvious cause, but mouth ulcers can also be caused by a specific condition like a virus, vitamin deficiency, Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease. Aphthous ulcers can be aggravated by things such as smoking or sodium lauryl sulphate, a compound used in toothpaste.

Women can get them during their periods due to hormonal changes. Some foods can aggravate them, including chocolate, nuts, coffee, strawberries and tomatoes. Other triggers can be chewing gum or stress. Some medication also can cause mouth ulcers, such as betablockers, anti-inflammatories and an angina treatment called Nicorandil.

Treatments from the pharmacist include anti-microbial mouthwashes, painkillers, and steroid lozenges for adults; you can also get a steroid inhaler to spray onto the ulcer on prescription. If they don’t clear after three weeks, see your GP.

Is bruising easily a sign of iron deficiency?

It’s not a classic sign of iron deficiency, which is more likely to cause fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and sometimes a sore tongue and a crawling feeling in your legs.

Bruising can be caused by medication such as blood thinners or steroids. Low platelets (components of the blood that make it clot) can increase bleeding and affect bruising.

Slight bruising usually isn’t anything to worry about but if they don’t fade, or are associated with bleeding you can’t stop easily, like nose bleeds or heavy periods, consult your GP.

Why do I sweat a lot at night?

Common causes are anxiety, some medications like antidepressants; low blood sugar, an overactive thyroid, infections like TB and blood conditions such as lymphoma.

It could be premature menopause if your periods have stopped. To help, sleep in a cool room, open a window, wear breathable pyjamas, lightweight sheets, have a water spray bottle by the bed and limit alcohol.

The Doc Replies

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