pert
Medical Q&a
ADVICE GIVEN HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. PLEASE SEEK HELP FROM YOUR OWN GP IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEMA
Secretly giving
someone who
understands what a
drug is for, the possible side
effects, and consequences of
not taking them is an illegal
assault. If this is the case, he’s
entitled to refuse, even if you
don’t agree with his decision.
This can be difficult where
the drug would make caring
easier. It’s worth checking, if
you can, whether he simply
doesn’t like the taste, or
finds tablets hard to
swallow, and would
willingly take a suitable
alternative. But if he
doesn’t have sufficient
understanding, as
confirmed by hisdoctor (called mental
capacity), then the law says
a ‘best interests’ meeting
should be arranged, including
the person who has Lasting
Power of Attorney, to agree
whether covert (secret)
administration would be
appropriate, and in what
circumstances. You’ll also
need advice from his GP and
pharmacist about which
medicines can be mixed
with suitable foods or drinks.A
Altitude sickness or
acute mountain sickness
can be life-threatening,
especially if you already have
medical problems so check with
your GP and travel insurers.
It’s caused by reduced
oxygen (‘thin’ air)
above 2,500m and
is more likely the
higher and/or
more quickly you
go up. Mild cases
cause sudden
or slow-onset
headaches, nausea,
vomiting, dizziness,
tiredness, breathlessness,
reduced appetite, sleep
disturbance, and irritability.
At higher altitudes it can
progress to cerebral oedema,
with confusion, unsteadiness
and seizures, or pulmonaryoedema. Being fit, younger,
or having been OK on previous
climbs won’t protect you.
Acclimatising may help, so
don’t fly/drive straight to higher
altitudes; get used to 3,000m for
a couple of days without
overexerting, then
climb 300-500m
daily, with
rest days every
1,000m. Drink
plenty of water,
and if you feel
unwell, tell your
guide who should
know if emergency
medical treatment is needed.
Acetazolamide tablets (from
travel clinics), started before
your trip, may help, but aren’t
suitable for everyone, and you
shouldn’t ignore symptoms,
however mild.A
Online gambling represents
a third of all gambling. Being able
to gamble in complete privacy,
‘free’ offers, and making it easy to stake
real money for ‘just one more go’ may have
contributed to the rise in both women and
problem gamblers.
You don’t say whether loved ones have
noticed your gambling, too, or whether
you’re in financial trouble, but well done
for admitting it to yourself.
Like other addictions, getting it under
control is essential, but not easy, and
you may also need to look at why you
gamble – for example, boredom, loneliness,
low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression.
Your GP can help by referring you
for cognitive behavioural therapy. Visit
gamcare.org.uk for more information, advice
and support and citizensadvice.org.uk for
help if you’ve got yourself into debt.(prescription-only
for the head
and neck) and
removing the
cause. This can
be hard to pin
down, so you
may need to see
a dermatologist.
Other possible
causes include
fungal infection
(try antifungal
cream), a reaction
to any tablets
you’re taking,
psoriasis and
other skin
disease, so
see your GP.Q
I’m a carer for my
husband, who refuses
to take his medication. Is it
safe to hide it in his food?
Q
My online
gambling is out
of control. Where
can I get help?
Q
I’ve been told I could
suffer altitude sickness.
How can I prevent it?
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