Sepsis (septicemia): Risk factors, symptoms, and treatment
DR KAYE: Why Am I Hit By Fits Of Sneezing During Sex – And Can I Stop Them?
I'm 80 and have been taking the erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil for a number of years now.
However, within 30 seconds of sex, I have a sneezing fit. It can often be violent and lasts for a whole minute.
What could be the cause?
Sneezing during sexual arousal is surprisingly common, but doctors are still unsure what causes it, guest columnist Dr Kaye writes
Dr Kaye replies: Sneezing during sexual arousal or orgasm is a surprisingly common condition and doctors are still unsure what triggers it.
One intriguing theory is that the inside of the nose contains erectile tissue – the same tissue found in the genital organs in both men and women.
It's possible that, when blood flows to the genitals in response to arousal, it also travels to the lining of the nostril.
This could block the nose, or irritate the skin, leading to fits of sneezing.
Sneezing could also be a side effect of taking tadalafil.
The erectile dysfunction drug is part of a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which improve blood flow throughout the body, including the penis.
Interestingly, studies suggest that this effect may mean that phosphodiesterase inhibitors improve heart health as well.
But, as a side effect, it's possible that this increased flow can lead to higher than normal levels of blood in the small blood vessels inside the nostrils.
This could lead to nasal congestion and, as a result, sneezing.
In fact, nasal congestion is listed as a common or very common side effect meaning that it affects as many as one in ten people.
The same effect is also sometimes seen in patients taking the most famous erectile dysfunction drug, Viagra.
If patients find this symptom concerning, it might be worth discussing it with a doctor, who might suggest a new medicine.
Last week, I woke up and found that I was deaf in my left ear. I also felt woozy and dizzy.
My GP gave me antibiotics for a possible infection.
However, nothing has changed. Is it possible that I have had a stroke?
Dr Kaye replies: Sudden one-sided hearing loss is considered a medical emergency and requires an urgent GP appointment or a visit to A&E.
The cause is often an ear infection. However, it can also be triggered by a blow to the ear or new medicines.
Whatever the trigger, the usual treatment for sudden onset deafness is oral steroid tablets, which reduce inflammation in the body.
Sometimes steriods might be injected into the ear. These medicines work best when given as soon as possible so it's crucial that anyone who suddenly experiences deafness – in one or both ears – seeks treatment immediately.
Likewise, in some cases, hearing loss can be a sign of a stroke – where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain.
A stroke would normally lead to other symptoms including a loss of balance, blurred vision, drooping on one side of the face, arm or leg weakness, or speech difficulty.
A stroke can have life-threatening consequences so it's important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible.
A long wait in A&E can be uncomfortable and boring, but the consequences of leaving a serious medical problem untreated are worse.
I'm 87 and suffer from arthritis in my hands.
Six months ago, the surface of my fingernails began flaking.
I've tried hand cream and strong nail varnish, which apparently makes them tougher, but to no avail.
It's worth speaking to a GP about any nail changes, Dr Kaye writes
Dr Kaye replies: Nail problems can often be an indicator of an underlying health problem.
For example, white spots can be a sign of an iron deficiency, red streaks could be related to a heart valve infection, and ridges due to diabetes.
Nail problems can also be related to a specific type of arthritis – called psoriatic arthritis. This is a type of joint inflammation that also triggers an itchy skin rash. It can also lead to nail changes, including flaking. Peeling nails can also be due to dry hands or excessive hand washing.
It's worth speaking to a GP about any nail changes, as they may be able to identify any possible causes.
Importantly, they can also ensure that arthritis patients are getting the correct medicines to help manage the associated pain – which may also help combat any nail-flaking.
In the meantime, patients with flaking nails might consider taking steps to protect their nails, such as wearing gloves while doing the washing up and moisturising them.
At last, payouts for mesh painThere was good news this week that more than 100 women in England who were harmed by vaginal mesh have now received payouts.
The treatment was initially designed to reduce the risk of incontinence and organ prolapse. However, the mesh was later found to harden and cause agonising pain, as well as damaging the bladder and bowels. More than 10,000 women are believed to have been harmed by the product.
Vaginal mesh was designed to reduce the risk of incontinence and organ prolapse, but it was later found to harden and cause agonising pain
And, thankfully, we now have many alternatives to vaginal mesh. The first step is seeing a physiotherapist who can help tighten the muscles in this area, reducing the risk of incontinence or prolapse.
If patients are still at risk, there are safe surgical options. These might involve stitching organs into place or strengthening the tissue lining that holds them inside the body.
If you are concerned about these issues, speak to your GP.
New winter virus jab rolled out too quietlyI WAS relieved when, earlier this year, the NHS announced it would roll out a first-of-its-kind vaccine for a common winter virus.
Every year, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalises older adults and young babies with severe infections.
From the beginning of September adults aged between 75 and 79 will be offered the jab at their GP surgery. Pregnant women will also be offered the vaccine 28 weeks into the pregnancy to protect the baby.
However, I am worried that many patients do not realise they are eligible – or are even aware of the RSV vaccine.
I've heard from patients who have received an NHS letter or text inviting them to have their RSV jab who say they don't plan to get it because they are unsure why they need it.
Have you received an invitation for the RSV vaccine? Do you plan to have it? Write in to the email below and tell me.
4 Reasons Why Your Cat Won't Stop Sneezing, From Allergens To Nasal Blockages
As a cat owner, you likely pay close attention to any sign that your feline friend feels less than purr-fect — like sneezing.
A solitary sneeze is typically nothing to fret over — your cat is probably dislodging some stray dust in their nose.
However, sneezing could pose a cause for concern if it happens:
Excessive sneezing is often a sign of an issue with your cat's airways. Some of the causes have an easy at-home fix, while others require medical attention.
Here are four reasons why your cat keeps sneezing, and what you can do to help.
1. Allergens"There are several household allergens and irritants that can cause sneezing or coughing in cats," says Patrik Holmboe, head veterinarian at Cooper Pet Care.
According to Holmboe, the most common allergens include:
These allergens can also cause breathing issues in humans. However, because cats rely so much on their noses for hunting and communication, they're likely to show symptoms before you do.
Cats are like a canary in a coal mine, so to speak, according to Stephanie Wolf, veterinarian at The Vets. "If the family cat is having trouble breathing, over time whatever is causing it may lead to health problems among human family members, as well," Wolf says.
Cats are especially susceptible to smoke. In fact, Wolf says cats commonly have breathing problems in homes where a family member smokes indoors. "While they have the strongest reaction to cigarette smoke, the same applies to vaping and cannabis," Wolf says.
What to do next: "Whenever a kitty has a breathing problem, the first step is to eliminate everything in the home with an odor," Wolf says.
You can clear out the air by:
According to Wolf, you may want to schedule a vet appointment if your cat:
Cats with severe allergies or asthma may benefit from medications, like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or bronchodilators to open up their airways. A vet can prescribe these drugs as an injection, a tablet, or a cat-friendly inhaler.
Important: These medications can be effective, but keep in mind they can't erase the effects of an unhealthy environment. "No amount of medications will treat a kitty's breathing problems until the air is clean and fresh," Wolf says.
2. Upper respiratory infections (URIs)While allergies might be a culprit, your cat's sneezing is much more likely a symptom of an upper respiratory infection (URI), says Holmboe.
URIs happen when viruses and bacteria attack your cat's upper airways around their mouth and nose. Many people refer to URIs as "cat flu," although strictly speaking, the influenza virus is rarely behind these infections.
Note: Two viruses — feline herpes virus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) — account for 90% of URIs. SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) can also infect cats, although it rarely causes severe disease for them.
According to Holmboe, most cases of the so-called cat "flu" are mild. Your cat will likely be as active and hungry as ever. Along with sneezing, you may notice they have a runny nose and teary eyes.
Severe URIs, though less common, may be more likely to affect kittens and older cats. Pay attention to symptoms like:
What to do next: Mild URIs generally clear on their own without treatment. You won't need to take your cat to the vet unless they continue sneezing for more than a week.
Stress can cause symptoms to flare up again. To minimize stressors in your cat's life:
Quick tip: You can encourage your cat to eat by warming up wet food and cutting it into smaller, easy-to-swallow chunks. Consider leaving small quantities of dry food on a separate plate, only offering one option at a time. You can also try moistening dry food so it's easier to eat.
Any symptom of a severe URI, however, warrants prompt medical attention. Regardless of what virus caused the symptoms, the treatment will generally include medications like:
Important: Contact a vet asap if your cat refuses to eat for more than a day or two. Three or more days without food can be deadly for cats, so they may need a dose of IV fluids or, in some cases, a brief hospital stay.
3. VaccinesVaccines for pets can cause mild side effects, so you may notice some mild sneezing and coughing two to five days after your cat's vaccinations.
Respiratory symptoms are particularly likely if they got an intranasal vaccine — a vaccine sprayed up their nose.
What to do next: If your pet develops side effects, just keep an eye on them to make sure the side effects don't get worse.
Some pets do have severe allergic reactions to vaccines, though this is fairly rare. Symptoms of a severe reaction may include:
You'll want to take your cat to the vet immediately if they have any of these symptoms shortly after a vaccine — symptoms of a serious allergic reaction usually show up within a few hours.
4. Nasal blockagesCuriosity usually doesn't kill the cat — but it can get some interesting objects stuck up your feline friend's nose.
According to a 2022 review, the most common foreign objects that appear in a cat's nose are plant materials: blades of grass, seeds, sticks, and sometimes even chunks of pine cone. So, if your outdoor cat suddenly starts sneezing, you can often thank these natural materials
Nasal polyps can also clog up your cat's airways. These fleshy growths aren't cancerous, but they can spread and become large enough to block mucus from draining out of the nasal passages. Bacteria in the trapped mucus then have the chance to multiply into a full-blown infection — and your cat may start sneezing in an attempt to expel the germs.
What to do next: Nasal blockages can cause many of the same symptoms as URIs, like wheezing and teary eyes. You can tell if your cat has a blockage by checking their nose — or having your vet perform this (dubious) honor.
A foreign object will only block the nostril it was inhaled into. Polyps also tend to favor one side — they often start in the middle ear and spread downward into the airways. Thus, you'll likely see discharge leaving only one nostril. Air will come out of the dry, open side, but you won't be able to feel much air coming out the congested half.
If an object or polyps are blocking your cat's airways, you'll need to take them to the vet — as the object probably won't come out on its own.
Important: Found a blockage in your cat's nose? It's unwise to try fishing it out yourself. Cats don't take kindly to tweezers in their nostrils, and you could easily end up hurting a squirming feline. Even professionals usually need to sedate a cat before poking around their nose.
The typical treatment for nasal blockages is a rhinoscopy. After sedating your pet, the vet will put a flexible tube, called an endoscope, up their nose. The tube has a fiber optic cable that shows your vet what's inside — though they may need to do a CT scan or MRI to find a deep blockage.
Once they find the trapped object or polyp, they may use a tiny hook or forceps to pluck it out. If it's a large or complex blockage, though, your cat may need surgery. After removing the object, your vet may prescribe some take-home antibiotics to prevent infection.
Insider's takeawayFeline URIs are the most common cause of excessive sneezing and other upper airway concerns. However, your cat's sniffles could also stem from allergies, polyps, vaccine side effects, or simply something stuck up their nose.
If your cat's only symptoms are sneezing and a runny nose, you can likely care for them at home. But if your cat also wheezes, has bloody discharge leaking from their nose, or refuses to eat, you'll want to contact your vet right away. These symptoms could signal a serious problem that needs medical attention.
Hay Fever: How To Stop Sneezing At Your Favourite Festivals
Red eyes, a sore throat and feeling tired.
All signs you've had a good couple of days at a festival.
But also something which shows you're one of the many having a rough time with hay fever this summer.
And sitting in a field for three days probably isn't going to help.
Whether you're going to Glastonbury or Glasgow for TRNSMT - we've got you covered on what to do to stop hay fever getting in the way of your favourite headliners.
Trees, tissues and tablets
Sophia Carey has been to more festivals than most - it's her job to photograph the artists.
She loves doing it, but not the "horrendous" allergies that come with it.
Sophia feels her hay fever is getting worse every year, and she's far from the only one thinking it's getting unbearable. According to the NHS, weekly visitors to the site's hay-fever advice pages have tripled in the past five weeks.
Sophia has had hay fever since she was a kid but feels it's getting worse every year
Recent warm weather means pollen levels are high to very high in England, Scotland and Wales.
"At Parklife it was really bad. I was under a load of trees, and I think I'm definitely allergic to what was coming off those," she says.
"You're already uncomfortable from being so hot. You can't even go and wash your face and have a shower, so you need to firm it out."
But Sophia does come prepared to try and counter the pollen attack.
"Having eye drops can help and having your antihistamine beforehand. If I'm working a festival, I won't put makeup on the bottom half of my face so I can wash around my nose and my mouth.
"And tissues! Lots of packs."
A pharmacist's top tips
Nyrah Saleem is a pharmacist and regularly tells her friends about ways to survive music events with bad hay fever.
Well, preparation is key, she says. Start taking your medication at least two weeks before, and when you're at the festival - think about what time you take your medication.
"There are actually two types of medicines - you can take drowsy ones and non-drowsy ones.
"Sometimes tablets can be pretty drowsy for some people, so it might be best if you actually take it the night before rather than first thing in the morning."
Nyrah says she has been giving her top tips to friends who struggle with hay fever during festival season
Nyrah advises bringing a spare, sealed bag to keep your worn clothes - which will likely have pollen on them - separately.
Putting Vaseline under your eyes and nose can be helpful, she says.
Of course, showering at festivals can be tricky - so Nyrah suggests people should consider bringing big bottles of water, so you can wash "your face, your arms and your hands - parts of the skin which really attracts all that pollen".
And she says you shouldn't take drugs while on hay fever medication.
If you're planning to drink alcohol at a festival, Nyrah advises cutting back, as it can make your symptoms worse - and mixing it with antihistamines can also make you drowsy.
"It's important to minimise where possible and monitor for these side effects," she adds.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.
Why your phone overheats and how to prevent it
Hay fever sufferers seeking NHS advice triples
Can you spend time in the garden with hay fever?
Glastonbury warning as highs of 27C possible
Comments
Post a Comment