Dr Elise Dallas is aGP whose expertise you can trust
SORRY, DR DALLAS CAN’T REPLY PERSONALLY
It’s hello from me!
I’m so excited to be joining Chat as your new doctor. If you have any questions about your health and wellbeing, I’d love to hear from you via chat_magazine @futurenet.com.
Boob blues
Q My nipples often go hard. Why is this and should I be worried?
A Firstly, rest assured, this is totally normal. Nipples can be quite responsive to both physical and emotional triggers.
Friction from your clothes can sometimes stimulate the nipple’s nerves and provoke a reflexive response. Emotions such as stress, anxiety and excitement can lead to involuntary nipple erections too. No need to stress, though! However, if you notice persistent or concerning changes in nipple appearance or sensation, see your GP.
I’m so dizzy
Q When I get up or tilt my head to the left, I feel really light headed. I’m 50, generally healthy and have normal blood pressure. Is it just ageing?
A Dizziness is common, with possible causes ranging from heart-related issues to hormonal changes, nutritional imbalances, neurological factors and middle ear conditions. So no, it’s not just you getting old!
See your GP for an examination. They’ll want to ask questions about your medical history and if you have other symptoms, such as hearing loss, tinnitus or vomiting.
They’ll also conduct tests, including moving your head in certain positions, examining your ears and assessing bloodpressure changes as you move from sitting to standing.
If the symptoms occur when you stand up quickly, it may be linked to a drop in blood pressure or heart-related concerns.
Hormonal fluctuations might play a role, especially if you have hot flushes or menstrual changes. Head movement-triggered symptoms could indicate middle ear conditions, like labyrinthitis or benign positional vertigo.
The good news is that once all these conditions are diagnosed, they are treatable.
Help! I’m all stuffed up
Q My nose is constantly blocked and has been for years. My GP thinks it’s an allergy, but antihistamines aren’t helping. What can I do?
A A persistent nasal blockage can be not only annoying, but also disrupt sleep and daily alertness. Did your GP give the inside of your nose a thorough examination? If they expected allerg
