Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
WHY IS HE SUDDENLY OUT OF BREATH?
Q My husband and I are keen walkers. We try to walk about five miles each morning. In recent weeks, I have noticed that he gets short of breath on hills and has to stop for a few moments to catch his breath. I’m worried that this could be a problem with his heart, but he insists that it’s to be expected at 70. Should he see his GP?
AYes, I think he should. It sounds like your husband’s baseline fitness is quite good, and a new onset of shortness of breath on mild exertion should be checked out. His GP will want to examine his lungs and heart and may arrange some tests to check this out.
Is my liver OK?
Q A few months ago, I collected a friend from the hospital and drove him home (it took four hours). He’d had radiotherapy to treat liver cancer and we were told that he should not sleep in the same room as another person that evening. At a recent health check, I discovered that I had raised liver enzymes. I have Googled side effects and I’m now worried that I could have damaged my liver by being in close contact with him. Please help.
ASide effects of radiotherapy can affect the liver, but this is mainly in the patient receiving the treatment. It is possible that exposure to radiation could have caused a slight rise in your liver enzymes. I expect your doctors will want to repeat your blood tests, and the most likely scenario is that they will return to normal.
UNUSUAL REMEDY FOR MY WARTS
Q I have several warts around the nail fold of my index finger, which are quite unsightly. I have been trying various over-the-counter remedies from the chemist, but nothing seems to work. A friend
