Blog Archive | Page 3 of 17 | General Practice Private Doctors in UK

January 20, 2021 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Heart Stroke

A stroke is a serious emergency medical condition that happens when the blood flow to part of your brain is cut off. This can cause your brain cells to become damaged or die.

The types of strokes;

Ischemic strokes– This happens when an artery supplying blood to your brain is blocked by a blood clot.
Hemorrhagic strokes– This happens when a blood vessel ruptures (or bursts), causing a bleed in the brain. This means less blood gets to the surrounding brain cells causing them to die.
Mini-strokes, or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)– This happens when there’s an interruption in blood flow to part of the brain for a short time causing symptoms, such as temporary speech loss. TIA’s usually resolve after a few seconds or minutes.

Causes of a Stroke:

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. They happen when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.

Some of its causes include;

Diabetes
Excessive intake of alcohol
Smoking
Obesity
High cholesterol levels
High Blood Pressure

Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel inside the skull bursts and bleeds into and around the brain.

Some of its causes include;

Lack of exercise
Stress
Smoking
Being overweight
Excessive intake of alcohol

Symptoms of a stroke:

Some of the symptoms include;

Facial Weakness– The person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
Arm weakness– The person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them steady because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
Speech problems– Their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
Time– It’s time to call 999 immediately if you see any of these symptoms.

Other symptoms include;

Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Paralysis in one part of the body
Difficulty in swallowing
Problems with balance and coordination

Treating stroke:

Strokes are usually treated with medication. This includes medicines to prevent and dissolve blood clots, reduce blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. In some cases, procedures may be required to remove blood clots.

There are many things you can do to help lower your chances of a stroke:

Quit smoking
Eat Healthy
Control High Blood Pressure
Control Blood sugar levels
Control High Cholesterol
Keep to a healthy weight
Do not consume Alcohol
Be physically active

‘Ask Gogodoc About’ is an educational series providing information on various symptoms, pains, and disorders. (*intended for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to book an online GP consultation with a Gogodoc GP.) Talk to a doctor online at a time that suits you from home with a phone or video appointment. You can easily book an appointment with a GP.

Book a video consultation today, and get expert advice!

January 19, 2021 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Amenorrhea Profile

This is the absence of menstruation, which means one or more missed menstrual periods. Women who have missed at least three periods in a row, they have amenorrhea.

Causes of Amenorrhea:

Some of the common causes include;

Pregnancy
Being overweight
Stress
Taking contraceptive pill
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Sudden weight loss
The menopause

Symptoms of Amenorrhea:

Some of the common symptoms include;

Acne
Vision changes
Headache
Hair loss
Milky nipple discharge
Pelvic pain
Excess facial hair

Treatments for Amenorrhea:

Initially, the doctor will ask you about your menstrual function since puberty, your lifestyle and your sexual activity. They will want to know about any other condition you may be suffering from and what medication you are on.

They will probably carry out a physical examination and want to take a blood sample. The blood sample is usually for the measurement of hormones such as human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Prolactin. Other hormones which may be measured are thyroid hormones, testosterone and estradiol. But blood analysis depends on what the doctor finds out from you and what he suspects may be the cause of your amenorrhea.

Other, later tests may include ultrasound scanning of the ovaries and possibly a scan of the head, genetic investigation and further blood tests.

Gogodoc also provides an educational series of information on various blood tests (*intended for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to book an online GP consultation with a Gogodoc GP.) Talk to a doctor online at a time that suits you from home with a phone or video appointment. You can easily book an appointment with a GP.

Book a video consultation today, and get expert advice!

January 13, 2021 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Barium Enema

A barium enema is a test used to help see the outline of the large bowel.

During the test, a white liquid called barium is passed into your bowel through your bottom.

This test is used to look for problems in the large bowel (colon). These problems may include;

Inflammation
Narrowing of the colon
Tumors
Small fleshy lumps
Pouches in the bowel
Bowel cancer

The above conditions can be detected during a barium enema.

Side effects of barium enema:

Laxative side effect such as feeling sick, mild headaches and bloating
Barium side effects such as constipation, and diarrhea. Also, in rare cases allergic reactions can occur.
Radiation exposure
Bowel Perforation

Some of the complications of barium enema:

Arrhythmia
Drug allergy
Barium impaction leading to bowel obstruction
Bowel perforation leading to acute peritonitis and shock
Dilutional hyponatremia (water intoxication)

A barium enema may be requested by any doctor who thinks you might have a problem with your bowel, including your GP.

The test will usually be carried out at a hospital radiology department by a radiologist or radiographer.

Book a video consultation today, and get expert advice!

January 11, 2021 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This is a common condition, which is a chronic (long-term) disorder that affects the digestive system.

It is estimated that 10-20% of the UK’s population is affected by IBS at any one time.

This is more common in women than in men. This causes abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation.

Symptoms of IBS:

As there is no exact cause for IBS, there are some of the most common symptoms. They are;

Bloating and swelling of your abdomen.
Change of bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, or sometimes both.
Passing mucus from your rectum.
Abdominal pain and cramping which is often relieved by emptying your bowel.
A feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowel.

The symptoms of IBS can fluctuate. At times you may experience troublesome symptoms and at times you may experience no symptoms at all.

Treatment:

There is no cure for IBS, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms

Some of the general tips to relieve Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS) are;

Get plenty of exercises
Avoid food items that triggers your IBS
Find ways to relax yourself
Do not delay or skip meals
Do not eat lots of fatty, spicy or processed foods
Do not drink lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks
Dink plenty of water

Book a video consultation today, and get expert advice!

December 31, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Menopause Profile (FSH, LH, Testosterone, Free Androgen Index, SHBG)

Menopause is the point at which a woman stops having periods and is unable to get pregnant naturally.

Periods normally begin to turn out to occur less frequent over a couple of months or years before they stop completely.

Menopause naturally begins between the age of 45 and 55 years, as a woman’s estrogen levels decrease.

What causes the menopause?

As you grow older, the balance of the body’s sexual hormones change, and this causes menopause. Menopause can happen at any age.

There are some situations where menopause is caused by certain surgery done to remove the ovaries, some breast treatments and radiotherapy.

Symptoms of the menopause

Most women will encounter menopausal symptoms. A portion of these can be very serious and significantly affect your day to day activities.

Some symptoms include:

Hot flushes
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness and distress during sex
Difficulty resting
Low mind-set or nervousness
Reduced sex drive (charisma)

Problems with memory and fixation

Menopausal symptoms can start months or even a very long time before your periods stop and last around four years after your last period.

When to see your GP

Your GP can generally confirm whether you are menopausal depending on your side effects, however, a blood test to measure your hormone levels might be completed in case you’re matured 40 to 45.

Blood tests may likewise be completed to help analyze untimely menopause in case you’re under 40 and have menopausal symptoms.

Treating menopausal symptoms

Your GP can offer medicines and recommend way of life changes if you have serious menopausal symptoms that meddle with your everyday life, including:

- Exercising regularly
- Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT)
- Vaginal estrogen creams, greases or lotions for vaginal dryness
- Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT)
- Eating a healthy balanced diet

Book a video consultation today, and get expert advice!

December 31, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Anal Fistula Surgery

Anal Fistula is the tunnel that runs inside the anus or in other words it is the small tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus (where solid waste is passed from your body).

This also tends to develop if you’re experiencing an infection that is affecting the glands around your anus. This can cause abscess between your skin and anus.

Complex anal fistulas – The condition where additional tracts are developed from the tunnel or muscles of your anus that is between your skin and your canal.

Causes of Anal Fistula:

Some of the causes of anal fistulas are;

Crohns’ disease (Long-term bowel conditions)

Abscess in the anus

Sexually transmitted diseases

Tuberculosis

Symptoms of Anal Fistula:

Some of anal fistula related symptoms include;

Diarrhea

Swelling, pain, and discomfort around your anus

Redness

Discharge from the opening of the fistula in your skin

Diagnosis:

Normally the symptoms are not always caused by an anal fistula but, if you tend to have these symptoms, see your doctor.

There will be a drainage from the external opening in most of the cases, at the same time some fistulas are easy to identify.

Signs of oozing fluid or bleeding are examined by your doctor.

Treatments:

A surgery can be suggested as the best treatment for this condition, because there’s no fixed medication for this condition.

Book a video consultation today, and get expert advice!

December 30, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Flu vaccinations

The flu vaccine help protect people at risk of flu and its severity. This is a safe and effective vaccine.

Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but millions of people get flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are used to make the vaccine.

When should I get vaccinated?

Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins.

Reasons why you need a flu vaccine every year?

To protect your immune system, when vaccination reduces by time. Therefore, an annual vaccination is needed for maximum protection.

Because flu vaccinations may be updated from one season to another.

Who can have flu vaccination?

Those who are pregnant
Having certain health conditions
Those who are 50 and over
Those who are under long-stay residential care
Health and social care workers

Side effects of flu vaccination:

These side effects are mostly mild and lasts only for a few days or so;

Sore arms
Muscle aches
Slightly raised temperature
Nausea
Fever
Headaches
Fatigue

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

December 30, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

HRT 1 Profile

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve the symptoms of menopause. It replaces female hormones that are at a lower level as you approach the menopause.

The menopause is when a woman’s ovaries stop producing an egg every 4 weeks, which means she will no longer have monthly periods or be able to have children naturally. Normally, a menopause occurs when a woman is at her 50’s

Common symptoms of menopause:

Some of the common symptoms of menopause include;

Night sweats
Reduced sex drive (loss of libido)
Mood swings
Hot flushes
Vaginal dryness
Bone thinning
Stress incontinence

The main benefit of HRT is, that it can relieve most of the menopausal symptoms.

This is also helpful in preventing weakening of bones which is a common symptom after menopause.

If you are a woman having symptoms related with the menopause, then you are advice to consult a doctor on HRT.

Some instances where HRT is not suitable for you;

If you have a history of blood clots
If you have a history of breast cancer, womb cancer or ovarian cancer
If you have untreated high blood pressure
If you have liver disease

Types of HRT:

There are several ways they can be taken, including;

A patch that you stick on your skin
Estrogen gel
Tablets
Implants

Side effects of HRT:

Some of the common side effects include;

Headaches
Fluid retention
Vaginal bleeding
Depression
Breast tenderness or swelling
Indigestion
Bloating
Leg cramps

The main benefit of HRT is that it is a very effective method of controlling menopausal symptoms.

It can reduce a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis and cancer of the colon and rectum.

HRT slightly increases the risk of developing breast, womb, and ovarian cancer and stroke.

Some of the alternative measures that can be taken to reduce some menopausal symptoms are;

Do regular exercises
Have a balanced diet
Reduce your stress levels
Reduce consumption of caffeine
Stop smoking
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness then try vaginal lubricant or moisturizer

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

December 30, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a surgery that uses a tiny camera and surgical tools to examine or repair the tissues inside or around your ankle through small incisions. Surgeons can diagnose problems such as damage to the joint surfaces or ligaments and arthritis through this.

The problems inside your ankle can be often diagnosed using magnetic scan (MRI Scan) but still you may need an arthroscopy to treat the problems.

Why is ankle arthroscopy used?

Ankle arthroscopy can be used to surgically remove inflamed tissues that do not respond to non-surgical treatments. In other words, it is used to identify scar tissues and to remove it.

Ankle arthroscopy can be used in some of the situations;

For ankle fractures
To repair and look for cartilage injuries inside the ankle
For infections
For injuries
For Arthritis
For inflammatory conditions
For unexplained ankle symptoms

Complications and risks of Ankle arthroscopy surgery:

Some of these complications can be very serious.

Some of the general complications are;

Infection of surgical site (wound)
Damage to the nerves and blood vessels
Bleeding / blood clots
Difficulty in passing urine
Pain

Some of the specific complications are;

Infection in the ankle point
Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your ankle
Damage to nerves around your ankle

The operation usually takes 30 – 45 minutes

A magnetic Scan (MRI Scan) can often be used to diagnose the problems inside your ankle. Yet, you may then need an arthroscopy to treat the problem.

After an ankle arthroscopy surgery, if signs and symptoms of infection occur. Call your doctor.

Some of the signs of an infection include:

Fever

Increase in pain for more than 2 days after surgery

Red streaks from the incisions

Pus drainage from the incisions

Some of the benefits of Ankle arthroscopy Surgery are:

The problems in your ankle can be identified easily and can be treated at the same time.

Book a video consultation today, and get expert advice!

December 29, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Male Hormone Profile

Some of the health conditions affecting men are related to changes in hormonal levels, such as lack of energy and vitality, erectile dysfunction, and loss of hair, loss of sex drive and other emotional and physical symptoms when they reach their late 40’s to early 50’s.

Causes of male menopause:

Some of the common causes of male menopause include;

Low -self esteem
Lack of exercises
Smoking
High consumption of alcohol
Poor diet
Lack of sleep

Common symptoms of the male menopause include:

Increased tiredness or difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
Lack of energy
Poor concentration
Irritability and mood swings
Reduced ability to exercise

The above mentioned symptoms can interfere with you, experiencing a quality life. So, it’s important to understand the underlying cause and try to resolve it.

The reason for erectile dysfunction, loss of libido and mood swings can be due to; stress, depression and anxiety.

The male hormone screen:

This test is done using a simple blood test, which tests the levels of FSH, LH, Testosterone, SHBG, Free Androgen Index, DHEA Sulphate, Prolactin and Glucose.

Having your levels checked will help your doctor to understand the symptoms that are affecting the quality of your life.

Book a video consultation today, and get expert advice!

In-Clinic GP Consultation, Online Consultations & GP Home Visit

Causes of a Stroke:

Symptoms of a stroke:

Treating stroke:

Causes of Amenorrhea:

Symptoms of Amenorrhea:

Treatments for Amenorrhea:

Side effects of barium enema:

Some of the complications of barium enema:

Symptoms of IBS:

Treatment:

What causes the menopause?

Symptoms of the menopause

Treating menopausal symptoms

Causes of Anal Fistula:

Symptoms of Anal Fistula:

Diagnosis:

Treatments:

When should I get vaccinated?

Reasons why you need a flu vaccine every year?

Who can have flu vaccination?

Side effects of flu vaccination:

Common symptoms of menopause:

Types of HRT:

Side effects of HRT:

Why is ankle arthroscopy used?

Complications and risks of Ankle arthroscopy surgery:

Some of the signs of an infection include:

Some of the benefits of Ankle arthroscopy Surgery are:

Causes of male menopause:

Common symptoms of the male menopause include:

The male hormone screen: