Symptoms, Aches & Pains

Why are my breasts sore?

October 6th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Breast pain and tenderness are very common symptoms. But breast pain is frightening for women – they immediately think of something serious, like cancer. Luckily, more often than not, the pain is caused by hormonal changes and is not cause for alarm. Breast pain is seldom a symptom of breast cancer!

As doctors we like to put things into groups, and with breast pain (or Mastalgia as it is also known), it can be grouped into 2 types:

Cyclical Breast Pain – this means that it’s part of your hormonal cycle
Non-Cyclical Breast Pain – this means that it is outside of your hormonal cycle

Cyclical breast pain

This means that the pain/tenderness/heaviness occurs at a regular and predictable time in your monthly cycle, and it’s usually worst in the week before your period.
The discomfort can be in one or both breasts and can move into the armpit. Once your period starts the pain goes away.
This is the most common type of breast pain
It is due to hormonal changes
It is most common in women in their 20’s-40’s
It also occurs during perimenopause
It can be associated with “lumpiness” of both breasts when at the most tender (just before your period)

Non-cyclical breast pain

This means that the pain does not change with your monthly cycle – it is either there all the time, or it happens at random times and is not related to your period.
It is usually only in one breast, and the pain is burning or stabbing
The exact cause is not known
It is most common in women in their 40’s and 50’s
Sometimes the pain is not actually coming from the breast, it is coming from the chest wall! Your doctor will be able to find this on examination

Not sure if your pain is Cyclical? It can help to keep a diary: when you get the pain, make a note, and count the days of your cycle. Day 1 of your cycle is the day after your period ends, and the last day of your cycle is the last day of your period. Take note of when you get your pain. If it’s mainly in the week before your period, it’s most likely due to your hormones!

When should I see my doctor?

If you are unsure of what type of pain you are having
If you feel any lumps in your breasts or armpits
If you have a discharge from your nipple/nipples
If you see any changes in the skin of your breasts
If there are signs of infection: redness/warmth/swelling of the breast

I have seen my doctor and all is well, but how can I manage my pain?

Often it’s all we need to be told that the pain is nothing serious and it becomes easier to bear without any more treatment. Anxiety about pain can often make the pain feel worse. If, however the pain or discomfort is worrying you, try this:

Use an anti-inflammatory when needed, such as ibuprofen (remember to follow the instructions!)
Use something for pain as needed, such as paracetamol
Make sure your bra fits properly! Many women wear bra’s that do not give enough support and this can lead to pain.
Speak to your doctor about the pill- this can help with cyclical breast pain by controlling the hormonal changes that happen during the month
Evening Primrose oil, a supplement, can be very helpful in managing breast pain in some women. It must be taken daily and often a difference is only felt a month or so after starting to use it

If you still feel anxious about any breast pain you may be experiencing, see your doctor for an examination.

Author: Dr Lynelle Hoeks

Botox used to treat chronic migraines

August 18th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

By Dr. Albert Viljoen

A few years ago, the idea of injecting toxins from pig’s meat into your face to look pretty, was largely frowned upon (no pun intended). Today, though, Botox has made its way up the ranks, and many housewives (not all desperate) book regular visits to their aesthetic practitioner for facials, peels, and the ‘quick lunch-hour injection’. As more and more patients use the product with excellent results, Botox’s use is dramatically being de-stigmatised.

Botox and Chronic Migraines

However, apart from preserving the youthful appearance of thousands of women (and men), this controversial drug has now also been approved by the FDA to treat patients who suffer from chronic migraines.

A friend of mine recently asked me about the mechanism of Botox, and why it helps for migraines. Rightly so; because if you Googled it, the answers you’d find, are confusing at best. The simple answer to this question would have to be “We just don’t know.” However, doctors find it hard to utter these words: if someone entrusts their health, and oftentimes their lives into your hands, they expect resolute certainty : they expect you to know (preferably everything). Much of medicine, though, is based on probability, theory and studies. We definitely don’t simply take things at a whim, but we also don’t always have clear-cut explanations for everything.

Does Botox Work for Migraines?

What it boils down to, is that Botox has been proven to work effectively in treating chronic migraines, and that it is a very safe drug when injected only locally. (If you want to know how Botox works, it basically paralyses the local muscle that it is injected into. But why this helps for migraines, is still unclear, since the mechanism of how migraines work, lies in the vessels inside the brain, not in the muscles that are injected. Theories ventured to explain how it works, are unfortunately only that: theories.)
The upside? You can now get wrinkle-treatment and migraine-treatment in one sitting, and it can last anything from 4 to 6 months.

The Downside?

Botox is relatively expensive, and one treatment can cost from around R5000,00 up to R10 000,00.
Apart from migraines, Botox can also be used to treat severe teeth-clenching (a condition requiring multiple specialists to adequately treat), profuse sweating and strabismus (misaligned eyes), all with great results.

Penicillin is made from mould. Botox is a toxin from a bacteria. And yet, if used correctly, both these drugs can offer tremendous results. So, don’t let your prejudice get in the way of progress: too many people have suffered unnecessarily, (and some even died) because of hang-ups and stubborn thinking.

Have you downloaded the new Hello Doctor app? It’s FREE. Simply sign up on our website, and download the free Hello Doctor app from the Google Play or iTunes store. With the app, you can talk to, or text our doctors, anytime, anywhere!

I’m always tired. Could it be Addison’s disease?

January 13th, 2020 by Content Editor

It’s not even 7am and you’re already exhausted… you didn’t even have a late night! Perhaps a third cup of coffee will help keep you alert?

If you’ve been feeling fatigued lately or experiencing pain and/or unexplained weight loss, it’s possible you could have Addison’s disease.

Your adrenal glands, located on top of your kidneys, produce many of the hormones your body needs to function at its best. When your adrenal glands are out of whack, Addison’s disease develops because your body can’t produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones are important because they’re in charge of giving instructions to almost every tissue and organ in your body.

The symptoms for Addison’s disease usually develop slowly over a few months, and include extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, decreased appetite, salt cravings, darkening of the skin, nausea and weight loss. You may also experience muscle and abdominal pain, depression and body hair loss.

You could be at risk for Addison’s disease if you:

Take blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants)
Have a chronic condition like tuberculosis
Had surgery where a part of your adrenal gland was removed
Have an autoimmune disease like Type 1 diabetes or Graves’ disease
Have cancer

Prevention

Although Addison’s disease itself cannot be prevented, taking steps to prevent those conditions associated with it could lower your risk.

Managing these risk factors may prevent Addison’s disease:

Treating fungal infections.
Treating diabetes.
Identifying cancer symptoms to prevent cells from spreading into the adrenal glands and bloodstream.
Treating bacterial infection like tuberculosis

How is Addison’s disease treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your condition, but both lifestyle change and medication are used to manage the condition.

Untreated Addison’s disease may lead to a severe case of the disease. Once you have your treatment plan, you must follow it correctly.

If you develop other conditions related to Addison’s disease like high blood pressure, your doctor will need to treat that too.

Medications

Usually prescribed to decrease inflammation in the body, medications are taken for the rest of your life to effectively manage your disease. In addition, hormone replacements may be prescribed to replace any hormones your adrenal glands are struggling to produce.

Home care

It’s crucial that you always keep your medication on you. Make sure you have an emergency kit with you and add a medical alert card to let others know about your condition.

Lifestyle changes

Manage your stress levels and keep an overall healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about stress-relieving techniques like yoga, Tai Chi or meditation. Simple exercises like walking or jogging are excellent stress busters too.

References:

I have a lump in my armpit – what do I do?

October 21st, 2019 by Content Editor

Armpit lumps are common and are usually caused by a swollen gland or lymph node. Lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped structures found in your body’s lymphatic system. They play a role in your immune system.

Armpit lumps could also be caused by cysts (a growth), an infection or irritation from shaving or antiperspirant use.

The most common causes of armpit lumps are:

Bacterial or viral infections
Fat tissue growths.
A fibroadenoma (noncancerous fibrous tissue growth)
Allergic reactions
Bad reactions to vaccinations
Fungal infections
Breast cancer
Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
Leukaemia (cancer of the blood cells)

Symptoms

Although the obvious symptom is the armpit lump itself, the kind of lump could help you to find out the cause. The texture and size of the lump is good indicators.

For example, a cyst, infection or fatty growth may feel soft to the touch. Cancerous tumours or fibroadenomas may feel stiff. Painful lumps are usually caused by an allergic reaction or a lymph node infection. Besides the lump, infections commonly include other symptoms like a fever and night sweats.

For women, an armpit lump may mean breast cancer. Women should do monthly breast self-exams and tell their doctor about any lumps immediately. Clogging and inflammation of the glands under the armpit could also be the cause of lumps. These lumps are usually painful and boil-like lumps which may be filled with pus.

Diagnosing armpit lumps

As there are many possible causes for armpit lumps, your doctor will ask you questions. You’ll be asked about any changes in the lump and if you’re experiencing any pain in the area.
Your doctor will examine the lump to check the texture and lymph nodes in the area. If it isn’t harmful and will clear up, the diagnosis would end. If your doctor suspects it’s more serious, treatment will be given.

Treatment

In most cases, armpit lumps don’t have to be treated and will disappear over time. Home remedies such as warm compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers may be advised to ease discomfort.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the armpit lump. For allergies, medication is also prescribed, and you’ll need to avoid certain allergy triggers.

If the cause is a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to fight it. Within a few days, the armpit lump should start to disappear. In serious cases, if antibiotics don’t work, you may need to be hospitalised for treatment.

References:

5 Teas you can drink for an upset tummy

October 21st, 2019 by Content Editor

Ah. Nothing beats a soothing cup of tea after a long day. The herbs in teas have a calming effect and some can even help ease pain and nausea.

Choosing the right tea for your symptoms is important, though. These herbal teas could help.

If you have indigestion and nausea:

Ginger tea

If you’ve had too much to eat and are suffering from indigestion, sipping on ginger tea could help. Ginger is also known for decreasing symptoms of abdominal gas and motion sickness, including nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. It especially helps with nausea, but if your nausea is severe see your doctor immediately.

Brew it: Make ginger tea with freshly grated ginger and boiled water or ginger teabags.

If it is that time of the month:

Peppermint tea

Suffering from period cramps or nausea? Try refreshing peppermint tea. Peppermint works by soothing the stomach muscles and increasing bile (fluid that helps with digestion) flow. This helps your body digest fat with ease and your food to pass through the stomach faster. When your stomach muscles are relaxed, abdominal gas also moves out the body more quickly.

Brew it: Use fresh, crushed peppermint leaves, steeped in hot water for five minutes, or peppermint teabags.

If you’re constipated:

Fennel tea

Your first thought probably wouldn’t be tea when it comes to fennel, but it makes for a soothing drink. Fennel is a herb that comes from a plant called Foeniculum vulgare. It tastes like liquorice and can be eaten raw or uncooked. Studies have shown that fennel can help ease stomach ulcers and constipation.

Brew it: Make fennel tea by pouring a cup of boiled water over one teaspoon of fennel seeds. Steep for five to 10 minutes, sieve the seeds and enjoy. You can also use fennel teabags or freshly grated fennel root.

If you need to relieve gas:

Chamomile tea

Known for promoting relaxation, chamomile tea contains ingredients that eases pain too. Sipping on this tea soothes the intestinal wall which relieves gas and any discomfort. It could also help you to doze off at night and ease anxiety and stress. However, talk to your doctor before drinking chamomile tea as it may cause an allergic reaction such as a rash, throat swelling or cramps in some people.

Brew it: Place a handful of fresh chamomile flowers in an infuser. Steep them in a kettle or pot for five minutes. Remove the flowers and enjoy. You can also use chamomile teabags.

References:

10 home remedies for common symptoms

October 6th, 2019 by Content Editor

Whether you have heartburn or dry skin, here are some home remedies for those pesky day-to-day issues.

If you’re constipated

Prunes may not be anyone’s snack of choice, but if you’re struggling to poop, it’s just the ticket. Prunes are dried plums and rich in insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre doesn’t dissolve in water which means more bulk so that waste in your body can be pushed out of the digestive system. It also contains sorbitol and dihydrophenylisatin which act as natural laxatives. To give your constipation a kick, eat one or two prunes a day.

If you can’t sleep

Fresh, zesty kiwi has a hidden talent – it can help you catch some much-needed z’s. Research found that people who ate two kiwis about an hour or two before bed had better sleep quality and duration. This could be because kiwi contains high levels of serotonin. Furthermore, this fizzy fruit also contains folate. If you’re deficient in folate then you could struggle to sleep. Slice up some kiwi before bed to kick-start your serotonin levels.

If your skin is dry

Skip expensive exfoliating scrubs and check your cupboard for a remedy. The thick grains of sea salt make a great exfoliator if you’re suffering from dry skin. Mix one cup of sea salt with half a cup of a natural oil of your choice (e.g. coconut oil). Combine it in a bowl until the mixture is moist, like wet sand.

If you have PMS

The mood swings and irritation before your period are the worst and as many as three out of four women experience it. The good news is that upping your calcium intake can help. A study of women taking 500mg of calcium twice a day for three months found that they experienced fewer symptoms than women who didn’t take a supplement. Ask your doctor about a calcium supplement if you experience PMS. You can also try eating calcium-rich almonds, broccoli, leafy greens and dairy products.

If you have IBS

The inflammation caused by irritable bowel syndrome can cause painful symptoms, but fennel could help. It’s packed with an essential oil called anethole, which is anti-inflammatory. This can combat the stomach cramps and other pain from IBS. Try sipping on fennel seed tea or sprinkle fennel seeds on salads and cooked foods.

If you have heartburn

Good news: an apple a day keeps the heartburn away. This crunchy fruit contains a soluble fibre called pectin which is a pro at absorbing stomach acid. Prevent or remedy heartburn by munching on red and golden delicious sliced or whole apples.

If you have an infection

Thanks to a super compound called curcumin, turmeric is known for being a remedy for infections and even wounds. Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which helps with healing and cleansing. A study in the Biochemical journal found that curcumin can prevent bacteria from multiplying. If you have a cut or scrape, try dabbing a little turmeric on it instead of bacterial ointment. You can also use half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a drop of water to make a paste. If the wound is still bleeding, it’s best to only use powder.

If your eyes are puffy

Placing slices of cucumber on your eyes may seem like a silly beauty trick, but it actually works. Cucumbers are 95% water and when chilled can offer a cooling sensation which can reduce inflammation. What’s more; cucumber slices fit perfectly to the shape of your eyes, making them a better choice than ice packs. If you need to reduce swelling on your eyes, place slices of cucumber on your eyes for 10 minutes.

If you’re nauseous

Swap your nausea medication for ginger. Ginger is filled with active ingredients like gingerol and shogaol which are said to help with inhibiting the parts of the brain that control vomiting. A study of 2000 naval cadets found that those who were given one gram of ginger suffered less seasickness and cold sweat than those who were given a placebo. To ease nausea, motion or morning sickness, chop or grate fresh ginger and use it in tea or your cooking.

If you have a toothache

Sesame seeds contain pain-relieving properties that can ease aches like toothache. To use this remedy, put four teaspoons of sesame seeds into a cup of boiling water and leave it to cool. Apply the liquid to your gums or teeth with a cotton bud. It should take up to an hour for you to get some relief.

References:

How chilli peppers can help treat pain conditions

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

Chilli peppers are known for adding a spicy kick to dishes, but did you know they may also be able to ease pains and aches? They contain a powerful ingredient called capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the heat your mouth feels when you eat chilli peppers.

This hot chemical is commonly used to treat surgery related pain, joint conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as muscle sprains and headaches.

Capsaicin works by activating certain nerve receptors in and under the skin that cause stings or itching sensations. If these nerves are activated for a long period, they eventually lose their ability to function properly and can’t process pain signals. If capsaicin treatment is used regularly then the nerve signals will be kept at bay, and your pain may be reduced or even stopped.

There are two main forms of capsaicin:

Topical capsaicin  

Topical capsaicin can be used for all kinds of pain relief. It comes in the form of creams, lotions, gels, and ointment. You don’t usually need a prescription for it. To use for headaches, dab a bit inside your nostrils. For pain on the body, rub it into the affected area. If you have a headache, apply the cream to your scalp, three times a day. Always remember to avoid your mouth and eyes and wash your hands before and after use.

Capsaicin patches 

Capsaicin patches have higher levels of capsaicin than the creams. Due to this, it can only be prescribed by your doctor and is mainly used for conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic neurotherapy.

Pain relief is usually experienced within 2 hours of applying a patch, and can last for up to three months. You shouldn’t touch the patch while it’s on your skin.

Good to know

You should never apply capsaicin creams to open wounds or cuts.
Talk to your doctor before you start using any capsaicin products and ask for directions on how to apply it.
Both the cream, patches and other capsaicin treatments come with possible side-effects. The most common are redness and swelling, dryness, burning, itching and pain. These side-effects can worsen if you’re exposed to hot or warm water and hot weather while using the products.
Capsaicin may make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Use sunscreen every time you head outside.
If you experience hives, swelling, chest tightness or itchiness after using capsaicin, see your doctor immediately. It could be an allergic reaction.
Besides pain relief, the heat from capsaicin can also help with a cold. Sprinkle chilli flakes, powder or fresh chillies on your food to help drain your nasal passages and sinus areas. Chilli also has a good dose of Vitamin C to boost your immune system.

References:

Home remedies for fibromyalgia

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes pain, tenderness, and fatigue in the muscles of specific parts of the body. It usually affects the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. You experience pain whenever someone puts pressure on these areas.

Common symptoms include:

Tender and painful joints.
Sleep problems.
Fatigue.
Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, legs and arms.
Body stiffness.
Anxiety or depression.
Headaches.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Doctors and researchers don’t fully understand what causes fibromyalgia. Those most affected by the condition are middle-aged men and women, and those with a history of rheumatoid arthritis.

Although there isn’t a cure for fibromyalgia, there are ways to manage it using specific lifestyle changes, natural remedies and certain medications.

Try to:

Wind down

Like most things, feeling stressed out can make you feel worse, so it’s important to manage your stress levels. Get to a good mental state with stress-busting techniques. Start writing in a journal to let go of your thoughts and feelings in a healthy way. Round up some friends and join a relaxing yoga class or go jogging. You could also join a fibromyalgia support group. Being around those who can relate to your condition can make you feel good and less alone.

Catch regular Zs 

Sleep is vital for everyone, but particularly those with conditions like fibromyalgia. The condition can make you feel drained, so a good night’s rest each night will help combat fatigue. To ensure you’ll have proper sleep you should:

Avoid napping during the day.
Limit light and noise before bed.
Leave two to three hours between eating a heavy meal and going to bed.
Avoid using screens (phones and laptops) before bed.
Don’t drink alcohol and caffeine before bed.

Move more 

If you have fibromyalgia, you may avoid exercise if you often experience pain with movement. At first, exercising may be difficult, but over time, it will get easier and you’ll reap the health benefits. It becomes easier because exercise provides a natural anti-inflammatory effect, as well as strengthening up muscles. Talk to your doctor before trying any new workouts, but swimming, walking and cycling are good choices.. What’s more is that these kinds of exercise can help reduce pain, stiffness and fatigue.

Try acupuncture 

Acupuncture therapy works by lowering your anxiety, pain and fatigue levels. Many people with fibromyalgia find relief with this technique.

Have a massage

A massage can help with the constant pain you feel with fibromyalgia. According to researchers from the Touch Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, massage therapy can improve sleep, lower joint pain and keep stress hormones at bay. Book an appointment for a massage to help you cope with any pain. Why not have a couple’s massage with a loved one so it can be a fun, relaxing activity?

Talk to your doctor 

If home remedies aren’t helping to ease and manage your symptoms, talk to your doctor. He may prescribe certain medication. Common medications are muscle relaxants, fatigue medication and painkillers. Don’t try any medication or home remedy unless your doctor gives the go-ahead or prescribes it to you.

References:

Why are your lips dry?

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

We all have dry, chapped lips sometimes. But if you have them often and to the point where they are painful and bleeding, there may be a medical reason why. Finding out why your lips are dry and painful can help you choose the right treatment.

Dry, or chapped lips are most commonly caused by the weather, breathing through your mouth, certain medications and licking your lips excessively. As with most things… prevention is better than cure! Try to:

Avoid licking your lips 

Licking your lips doesn’t add moisture to them, it just dries them out more. This is because saliva evaporates quickly, leaving them drier than before.

Use unflavoured lip balms

If your balm smells and tastes delicious, you’re bound to lick your lips at some point. And licking your lips can lead to dry and cracked lips.

Always use sunscreen 

Protecting your lips from the sun is just as important as shielding your skin. If you’re going out, use a lip balm with sunscreen. It’ll help prevent your lips from sunburn and the dryness and peeling that comes with it.

Stay hydrated 

Particularly in cold weather, keep the air in your room moist with a humidifier. Drink plenty of water and moisturise your skin and lips often.

Cover your mouth 

If you’re going out in cold weather, cover your mouth with a scarf to prevent your lips from drying out.

Avoid allergens 

If you have sensitive lips, they may become irritated when they come into contact with some perfumes, fragrances, cosmetics (lipstick) and dyes. Avoid products that irritate your lips and talk to your doctor about possible lip allergens you may have.

Treat dry lips

Exfoliate gently 

Chapped lips can become rough and even peel.. To remove dry skin safely, apply a gentle exfoliator like a sugar scrub or a tiny bit of baking soda with your finger. Rub your lips gently with the scrub, rinse well and then moisturise.

Stay moisturised 

Moisture will keep your lips smooth and soft. Moisturise them with products that contain beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter and petroleum as these products all work to seal in moisture. Apply throughout the day and again before bed.

When to see a doctor 

In some cases, if common treatments aren’t helping your chapped lips heal, there may be an underlying condition, something like cheilitis, for example. Cheilitis is when chapped lips become infected with bacteria that enter through the dry cracks. This needs to be treated by a doctor.

If you wear orthodontic braces or dentures then you’re more at risk for developing it.

Common symptoms of cheilitis include:

Dark pink or red lips.
Lumpy lip texture.
Lip ulcers.
White plaque growths.

If you experience any of these, see a dermatologist immediately.

References:

Could your swelling be from lymphedema?

May 12th, 2019 by Content Editor

Your lymphatic system is an arrangement of channels and glands that run through your body. The main function of the lymphatic system is to remove excess liquid from your body and assist in fighting infection.

Lymphedema is a long-term condition where excess fluids in your tissues cause swelling in your arms and legs. It develops when your lymphatic system doesn’t work properly.
There are two main types of lymphedema: primary and secondary lymphedema.

Primary lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is underdeveloped. It is mainly causedby faulty genes and can happen at any age. Secondary lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged in some way. This damage can be from an injury, inflammation in the limbs (arms and legs), lack of limb movement and/or problems with drainage within the lymphatic system.

Symptoms 

The main symptom of lymphedema is swelling in the limbs or another part of the body. The swelling usually comes and goes but may get worse over time.

Other common symptoms include:

Skin infections.
Fluid leaking through the skin.
Hard, tight skin.
Folds in the skin.
Difficulty with movement.
A heavy or achy feeling.
Wart-like growths on the skin.
Restricted range of motion.

Diagnosis

Swelling is a common symptom, so your doctor will first try to rule out other potential culprits, such as a blood clot or infection. If you have recently had surgery or lymphatic treatment, lymphedema may be diagnosed based on your other symptoms.

If there’s no obvious cause for lymphedema, then imaging tests might be done. This includes an MRI scan, a CT scan or a Doppler ultrasound scan.

Treatment

There’s no cure for lymphedema, but there are ways to manage your symptoms. You can do this by using techniques that minimise fluid build-up. Common ways to achieve this include wearing compression garments, exercising regularly, massage therapy and following a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) is the usual treatment for lymphedema. Initial therapy is intensive, with daily sessions to drain fluid, followed by a maintenance programme. Maintenance is made up of four parts: remedial exercise, skincare, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and multilayer lymphedema bandaging.

Remedial exercises are light exercises that help with moving the lymph fluid out of your limbs.
Skincare is vital because good skincare lowers your risk of skin infections.
MLD is where a lymphedema therapist uses special massage techniques to move fluid into working lymph nodes, where the fluid can be drained. The therapist also teaches you how to give yourself this kind of massage.
Lastly, multilayer lymphedema bandaging is where the muscles surrounding your lymph vessels and nodes are bandaged. This helps fluid to move through your lymphatic system.

See your doctor immediately if:

There’s persistent swelling in your arm or leg.
You’re already diagnosed with lymphedema and there’s a sudden increase in the size of the affected limb.

Reduce the risk of lymphedema by lowering your risk of infection:

Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes.
Don’t take long, hot showers or baths.
Don’t walk barefoot outside.
Look for changes or breaks in your skin.
Stay moisturised by applying lotion and drinking enough water.
Use gloves when gardening and keep your nails short.

References: 

What to do when a pain in the butt is a pain in the butt

April 8th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

You’ve been spasming, having difficulty passing a poop, or have even seen streaks of blood after a stool. Don’t panic. Anal pain, or proctalgia, is not often a sign of any major problem, but might sometimes need medical attention.

What causes anal pain?

Stress: There’s now plenty of evidence that stress can literally make you sick to your stomach, especially in the part of your digestive system that includes your rectum and anus.
Treatment: Relax! Try deep breathing, drinking warm water and massaging your tummy in clockwise circles.

Anal fissures: These are small tears in the skin of the anus, which can be caused by an especially large or hard poop, vaginal delivery, long-term diarrhoea, or an old injury. Symptoms include sharp pain or rectal bleeding or a burning pain that lasts a few hours after your visit to the toilet. You might also feel pelvic pain.
Treatment: Add more fibre to your diet and drink more water. Sometimes you may need surgery, or your doctor will prescribe an ointment. A Botox injection may also be an option.

Haemorrhoids (piles): Many pregnant women can tell you about piles, which are essentially swollen veins in your bum. These are often caused by pregnancy or appear after constipation. It’s one of the most common anal problems and mostly affects people between 45 and 65 years old. You’ll know you have piles if your bottom is itchy or you pass blood after a poop, you feel like you have lumps around your anus, or if there’s redness with pain.
Treatment: Eat more fibre and drink lots of fluids. See your pharmacist for an effective pain remedy. Sometimes blood clots in the veins need to be removed under local anaesthetic.

Anal fistulas and abscesses: If you have a fever, experience irritation around your anus, pass blood after a visit to the loo, have swelling and redness in the area, and constant pain that gets worse when you sit down, you may have an abscess or anal fistula. These are serious and you will need medical help.

Treatment: If you catch it early, you can treat the abscess with antibiotics, but a large one will need to be removed through surgery.

More serious causes of anal pain

Proctalgia fugax involves sudden pain in the rectal and anal area that can last for up to 30 minutes or more at a time. More women than men, and those between 30 and 60 years old report it.
Treatment: Your doctor may recommend muscle relaxants.

Levator ani syndrome shows similar symptoms to proctalgia fugax but incudes pelvic muscle pain. The pain may also be felt after sex, a poop, when you are stressed, or travelling long distance.
Treatment: Pelvic muscle exercises can relieve the symptoms.

Crohn’s disease: Around 1.6 million Americans suffer this disease. Along with anal pain, symptoms can include tummy cramps, bloody diarrhoea and weight loss.
Treatment: Speak to your doctor about the right treatment for you.

Fungal or sexually transmitted infections (STI): Itching may signal a fungal infection or STI.
Treatment: To avoid these, keep the area clean and use condoms during sex. Your GP will advise any antifungals or antibiotics.

Bone problems such as tailbone pain or pain from arthritis or bone tumours.
Treatment: Your doctor will refer you to a specialist.

Prostatitis: infection or inflammation of the prostate gland is quite common.
Treatment: Antibiotics are the go-to for this problem.

Anal cancer tumours: These aren’t common but are increasingly being reported as men practise unsafe sex, spreading the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is a cause of cervical cancer and anal cancer. The symptoms are similar to those of piles and anal fissures.
Treatment: Practising safe sex and getting an HPV vaccination can help prevent cancer. A specialist will advise treatment if these do develop.

When to see a doctor

If the pain isn’t going away, is becoming draining, and you’re still bleeding, visit your GP, who will do a rectal exam and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

References:

Why do women get cold more easily than men?

April 8th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

There’s a reason why men are always draping their coats over women’s shoulders in movies, and often in real life. And no, it’s not (just) in the name of romance. Turns out that on average, women are more sensitive to the cold than men are.

One of the main ways your body regulates temperature is through the blood vessels. When you feel hot, the blood vessels in your skin dilate (get wider) to release heat through your skin. When you feel cold, your blood vessels contract (get narrower) to retain heat. A person’s regular body temperature is 37 degrees, but it can go up or down by a degree during the day.

Men and women are generally able to keep a constant, safe core (internal) temperature, despite fluctuating external temperatures. However, even though our core temperatures are the same, the temperature of our skin may differ, and this is where the differences between men and women come in.

A study published in The Lancet found that women’s hand temperatures are approximately three degrees lower than men. The common reasons: differences in size, weight and body proportions. Together, these all affect the way we’re able to retain heat.

The colder, fairer sex

Women have more body fat

Although you’d think extra kilos would keep you toasty, for women, that’s not always the case. Fat helps protect your organs, but it can also restrict blood flow. This brings on the chills. Women also have less muscle mass and lose heat faster from their skin than men because they’re naturally smaller.

Women have slower metabolic rates

Your metabolism is the rate at which your body can burn fuel, and a man’s metabolic rate is about 23% higher than a woman’s. For women, this is a downer for two reasons. One, this means women gain weight more easily than men because they can’t burn food as fast. And two, a woman’s body is often colder because the longer it takes fuel to burn, the less heat it can create to keep you warm.

Women have “lady problems”

Besides the painful side-effects that come with menstruation, like cramps and headaches, a woman’s temperature is also affected at that time of the month. Their body temperature fluctuates due to increasing and decreasing hormone levels. This means women feel chillier or warmer at different times during the month. Due to its effects on hormones, birth control can also trigger changes in body temperature.

Good to know

Feeling cold is usually harmless, but if you’re frosty all the time to the point of discomfort, it could be related to another condition. Some other signs that may be clues to a cold-related condition include:

constant chills
you sweat more or less than usual.
your nails turn blue or dark.
you feel colder than normal quite often.
your skin is brittle or very dry.

If this is you, why not chat to one of our doctors, so you can get the right treatment to help warm up those joints.