I always get ill around Christmas – what can I do to fight off all the bugs this year?
● You’re probably under quite a bit of strain over the holiday season and stress, tiredness and exhaustion can all reduce resistance to infections. Plan ahead, agreeing in advance how family and guests will help on Christmas Day. Try to get plenty of sleep and avoid drinking to excess. Prolonged use of zinc supplements may reduce the chances of catching a cold while vitamin C might also give limited protection, but supplements are not a substitution for eating and sleeping well.
Asthma alert
Why does my asthma always get worse in the cold weather? Is central heating to blame?
● Asthma is caused by
inflammation in the airways, which makes them narrow and produce mucus. This can result in coughing, breathlessness, chest tightness and wheezing. Some sufferers find attacks are triggered by exercise, allergens, stress, the weather, smoke, colds or specific medicines. It’s probably the
weather that sets off your asthma as central heating is generally better for asthmatics than other sources of heating. Keep your home well ventilated as this helps control levels of house dust mites. When it turns chilly, or if you have a cold, increase use of preventer medication.
Or talk to your asthma nurse to review your asthma control.
Enjoy your celebrations – but try not to overdo it. The symptoms of excess can mimic several serious health problems. If they seem severe or you’re unsure of the cause, you may need medical help
Festive SOS Tightness in your chest?
It’s indigestion if… antacids help ease the pain, it is similar to previous bouts of indigestion or you’re suffering from acid reflux.
Put it down to overindulgence if… you know there has been overeating, bloating and there are none of the symptoms to the right.
many if… you were in good health before and you’ve been enjoying the festive tipples.
It’s a hangover if…alcohol was consumed. Symptoms include vomiting, tiredness, dizziness and dehydration.
It could be a heart attack if… pain is heavy with breathlessness, faintness, palpitations or sickness. If you have any doubts, call 999.
Nausea and vomiting?
It may be food poisoning if… diarrhoea/vomiting is severe. See a GP if symptoms are acute or persist over five days.
Dizzy, confused, slurring words and blurred vision? It’s likely to be a case of one too
It could be hypoglycemia if… the person has insulinoma or is on diabetic medication. Give sugary food and seek medical attention.
Crushing headache and nausea?
It could be meningitis if… you feel very unwell, your temperature is over 38°C, you are vomiting and have a bruise-like rash.
The surgery
Need some advice? Ask Dr Helen Crawley, our resident doctor. A mum of two, Helen is on hand to deal with all your health worries
MY TOP TIP The best cure for
a hangover? Good old-
fashioned water as they are mostly caused by dehydration. Take
paracetamol for your headache
*We regret that Dr Helen cannot answer individual letters