Blog Archive | Page 6 of 17 | General Practice Private Doctors in UK

October 21, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Vitamin B12 & Folate

Vitamin B-12 is an important vitamin for many bodily functions, such as brain health, blood cell production, and proper nerve functioning.

Vitamin B12 and folate tests measures the vitamin levels in the liquid portion of the blood (serum or plasma) to identify deficiencies. Sometimes the amount of folate inside red blood cells may also be measured.

This help diagnose one cause of anemia or neuropathy.
To evaluate the nourishment status in some people.
To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

A need for a B-12 test, if you have;

Loss of appetite
Weakness
Confusion
Dementia
Tingling in the hands and feet
A racing heart
Problems with balance
Diarrhea or constipation
Exhaustion
Pale skin
Inflamed red tongue, or gums that bleed

Also if your suspected to have pernicious anemia, Your doctor might take you through this test.

Pernicious anemia- A reduction in red blood cells. It occurs when your intestines can’t absorb vitamin B-12, which is necessary for red blood cell production.

The average age of diagnosis is around 60, symptoms are not basically visible for people younger than 30 years.

High levels of B-12 can also be a sign of:

Kidney failure
Liver disease
Diabetes
Certain types of leukemia

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 GP.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

October 19, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Female Hormone Profile

Are irregular or heavy periods a drag for you? Are you getting to get pregnant or having fertility issues and need to see that your hormone levels are normal? Are you experiencing weight gain and fatigue and aren’t sure if it is menopause or a thyroid condition?

An overall hormone check for women examines whether a hormone imbalance is affecting fertility, mood, menstrual cycle, and more. In other words, this test can help you know if things like acne, irregular periods, and weight gain are because your hormones are imbalanced. It can also check and help you understand why you might be having trouble getting pregnant. This test also checks your thyroid function because a thyroid disorder can cause irregular, missed, or heavy periods.

The female hormones typically evaluated—often as part of a comprehensive hormone panel in which more than one hormone is tested—are estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone/DHEA, and thyroid hormones.3 What the results of testing these hormones mean will depend upon whether the amount is above normal or less than normal.

If you’re on any hormonal contraception or medication, your results will show your hormone levels as a result of that.
If you employ a topical estrogen-containing cream or gel, always use a glove when applying it. Contact together with your fingers could affect your finger-prick oestradiol result.
If you’re pregnant this test won’t be suitable for you at this stage

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

October 16, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical treatment. This method is certainly done by inserting hair thin needles on specific points of the body in order to treat different kind of pain and health conditions.

Studies have proved that acupuncture is an effective treatment to treat for sicknesses such as:

Low- back pain
Asthma
Osteoarthritis / Knee pain
Tennis elbow
Myofascial pain
Carpet tunnel syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Neck pain
Menstrual cramps
Headaches
Dental pain after surgery
Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy

Studies suggest that, acupuncture helps to reduce chronic pain such as; Low- back pain, Neck pain, Headaches and Knee pains specially.

It is also used in treating other Musculo skeletal and pain conditions such as;

Dental pain
Chronic pain
Joint pain
Post-operative pain

How Acupuncture is used

Not everyone needs to undergo acupuncture treatment.
Usually an acupuncture process lasts for 20 minutes to 1 hour.
The needles that are used in acupuncture are very thin and are usually a few centimeters long
These needles are used only once, which is pre-sterilized needles that are disposed immediately after use.
Specific points are used by the acupuncture practitioners according to the health conditions.
The needles are inserted under the skin or may be deeper, so they reach the muscle. Once the needles are placed, the position for a length of time lasts for around 30 minutes.
Normally, while inserting these needles you should not feel any significant pain. If you experience such a pain you should let your practitioner know about it immediately.
Acupuncture is generally very safe, rarely some experience short-term side effects such as;
Drowsiness
Feeling dizzy/faint
Pre-existing symptoms getting worser
Bleeding where the needles puncture the skin
Pain where the needles puncture the skin

If you are pregnant or having any mental allergy or infections, then you should talk to your GP before you have acupuncture.

‘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 GP.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

October 14, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Urea and Electrolytes Test

Urea and electrolytes is commonly used to identify abnormalities of blood chemistry, primarily kidney (renal) function and dehydration.

This test is requested when assessing kidney (renal) function and electrolyte balance.

They provide useful information about several aspects of health, such as the volume of blood and its ph. The most important aspect of U&Es is what they tell us about kidney functioning.

This test is performed to confirm normal kidney function or to exclude a serious imbalance of biochemical salts in the bloodstream.

This blood test requires a few milliliters of blood from a vein.

Some Common causes of electrolyte imbalance:

Hormonal imbalance
Kidney disease
Intestinal/digestive issues
Medications like antibiotics, diuretics and those used to treat cancer and heart disease
Illnesses with symptoms that cause fluid loss/dehydration (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, sweating)

So, if you are looking for reliable and quality urea and electrolytes test at home, then look no further and book with us to experience truly efficient healthcare service and friendly healthcare professionals.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

October 13, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Fit notes

Fit notes used to be called Doctors Sick Notes. A fit note is a politician written statement from a doctor giving their medical opinion on a person’s fitness for work.

They might also make recommendations for a way the employer could support the worker.

Whether you would like a fit note depends on the length of sickness absence.

Off sick for 7 days or less

If someone is absent thanks to sickness for 7 calendar days or less (including weekends), they do not need a fit note.

This means they tell their employer they’re not tolerably to figure and don’t get to provide any longer medical evidence.

This is called ‘self-certifying’ their sick leave. They should still be paid the quantity of wage that’s in their contract.

Off sick for more than 7 days

If someone features a period of sickness absence for extended than 7 calendar days (no matter what percentage days they work each week), then they ought to get a fit note from their doctor.

How to count sick days

When you compute the amount of days that you’ve got been sick, you would like to count all the times during a row you have been sick, including days you are doing not usually work, such as weekends and bank holidays.

Getting a fit note

If the worker knows they’re likely to be off sick for extended than 7 days, they ought to attempt to get the fit note to their employer on the 7th day of sickness absence.

Doctors cannot provide a fit note before the 7th day of absence.

If there’s a delay getting a fit note, for instance difficulty booking a doctor’s appointment, the worker should contact their employer and explain.

How can I get a fit note?

If you need a fit note, contact your GP surgery. Or if you’re getting hospital treatment, invite one from your hospital doctor.

Your doctor will assess you, and if they decide your health affects your fitness for work, they will issue a fit note and advise either that:

You are “not fit for work”
You “may be fit for work taking into account the following advice”

Your doctor will choose the “may be fit work” option if they think that you simply are ready to do some work, albeit it’s not your usual job, with support from your employer.

Discuss this recommendation together with your employer to ascertain if you’ll return to figure. For example, your doctor may suggest possible changes, such as:

Returning to work gradually, for example, by starting part time
Temporarily working different hours
Performing different duties or tasks
Having other support to do your job. For example, if you’ve got back pain, avoiding work

If your employer is unable to accommodate the changes advised by a doctor, then the fit note is treated as if it said “unfit for work”.

‘Ask Gogodoc About’ is an educational series providing information on various symptoms, pains, disorders and sick notes. (*intended for educational purposes only. If you are in need of sick notes, 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 GP.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

October 12, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Bariatric Surgery

Gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries — known collectively as bariatric surgery — involve making changes to your gastrointestinal system to assist you to reduce. Bariatric surgery is completed when diet and exercise haven’t worked or once you have serious health problems due to your weight.

What is obesity?

Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. BMI may be a measure of your weight about your height. Class 1 obesity means a BMI of 30 to 35, Class 2 obesity may be a BMI of 35 to 40, and sophistication 3 obesity may be a BMI of 40 or more. Classes 2 and three, also referred to as severe obesity, are often hard to treat with diet and exercise alone.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgical procedures cause weight loss by restricting the quantity of food the stomach can hold, causing malabsorption of nutrients, or by a mixture of both gastric restriction and malabsorption. Bariatric procedures also often cause hormonal changes. Most weight-loss surgeries today are performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery).

The most common bariatric surgery procedures are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each surgery has its advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of Bariatric surgery

While bariatric surgery offers many benefits, all sorts of weight-loss surgery are major procedures that will pose serious risks and side effects. Also, you want to make permanent healthy changes to your diet and obtain regular exercise to assist make sure the long-term success of bariatric surgery.
Weight Loss surgery can’t only assist you to look and feel better, it also can make sure that you lead a healthier life
Weight loss will improve the physical and lifestyle conditions related to being overweight
Weight loss surgery is perhaps the foremost effective and only method which ends up in significant weight loss future as long as you’ve got the proper aftercare
Energy levels will increase enabling you to maneuver around easier and improve your quality of life
To improve your self-esteem and self-worth. It can offer you a replacement found confidence, positive feelings, and control over a life that has had issues with being overweight for an extended time

After bariatric surgery

After weight-loss surgery, you generally won’t be allowed to eat for one to 2 days so that your stomach and the gastrointestinal system can heal. Then, you’ll follow a selected diet for a couple of weeks. The diet begins with liquids only, then progresses to pureed, very soft foods, and eventually to regular foods. You may have many restrictions or limits on how much and what you can eat and drink.

You’ll even have frequent medical checkups to watch your health within the first several months after weight-loss surgery. You may need laboratory testing, blood work, and various exams.

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

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

October 9, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Flu: Causes, Symptoms, and prevention

What is a Flu?

Influenza is commonly known as the Flu. It is an infectious disease that is caused by an influenza virus. This is also considered as a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes, the lungs.

For most people the flu resolves on its own at the same time it can also result in serious health problems such as pneumonia and hospitalizations.

Causes of flu:

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system which affects the nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses spread when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk.

Symptoms of flu:

At the initial stages, you may experience symptoms like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of flu include;

Fever
Shortness of breath
Headache
Aching muscles
Runny nose
Sore throat
Tiredness and weakness
Dry/persistent cough
Eye pain
Vomiting and Diarrhea

When to see a doctor?

Most of the time, the flu can be treated by themselves and often doesn’t need to see a doctor. But if the symptoms gradually develop and are at risk of complications, then you need to see your doctor right away.

Some of the emergency signs and symptoms include;

Chest pain
Seizures
Difficulty in breathing
Severe weakness or muscle pain
Worsening of the existing medical condition Dizziness
Blue lips

Complications of flu:

Flu isn’t usually serious. But it has a high risk of developing too.

Some of its complications include;

Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Ear infection
Heart problems
Asthma
Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Prevention for flu:

To prevent colds and flu, it is important to wash hands by rubbing the hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. It helps to slough germs off the skin.

Using antiviral medicine may also prevent the flu.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

October 7, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Back Surgery (Spinal Surgery)

What is back surgery?

This is a procedure that aims to change patient anatomy, such as removing a herniated disc that is causing pain, to provide pain relief. There are back pains that are quick to recovery while others are more extensive and takes a long period to recover.

Most of the pain that occurs in the lower back can be treated without any surgery. However, surgery often does not relieve pain. At times when the back surgery is a necessary option to treat serious musculoskeletal injuries or nerve compression.

Back surgery is mostly required and reasonable for patients whose pain has not decreased even after several months of non-surgical treatments.

When should you consider back surgery?

The decision to consider back surgery should always come after trying non-surgical treatments. If you continuously have the pain in the back then you may talk to your doctor about the surgery.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) advises surgery for those who have back pain that is caused by a tumor, an infection, or a nerve root problem called cauda equina syndrome, however, these cases are rare.

What are the risks of back surgery?

Because the back surgery is done closer to the nervous system, this can carry higher risks than other types of surgeries.

The recovery period is too long even after successful back surgery. Healing may take months. Also, you may lose some flexibility permanently.

Some of the other risks and complications include;

Heart attack
Herniated disk
Nerve damage
Infection
Bleeding
Stroke
Blood clots
Reaction to anesthesia or other drugs

What are the benefits of back surgery?

You’re more physically fit
Able to attend to work
Able to be more productive at work
Your mood improves
Ability to move around better
There’s no need to take any pain medications.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

October 6, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Fungal skin infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is Fungal skin infection?

It is a skin disease that is caused by fungus. This is also known as mycosis. These are most likely to develop in damp areas of the body. Such as the armpit, or feet. Some of the fungal infections are non-contagious and these infections are generally non- life-threatening.

Skin is the largest organ of your body. Its function is to protect your body from infections. As there are millions of species of fungi. We can find fungi in the dirt, on plants, on various surfaces, and even on your skin. Sometimes they can lead to skin problems like bumps and rashes.

Causes of fungal skin infection:

Fungi usually appear in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet, like between the toes, genital areas, and under the breasts.

The most common fungal skin infections are caused by yeasts. Fungi may spread from person to person, from animals to people, or very rarely, to a person from the soil.

You can also get infected from fungi if you come into contact with an infected person or animal. It can also pick up by sharing contaminated items such as towels, clothes, bedclothes, or hairbrushes.

Your also more likely to have a fungal skin infection if you:

Have been taking antibiotics have diabetes
Are pregnant
Have a weakened immune system through illnesses, for example, HIV

Symptoms of fungal skin infection:

Depending on the type of fungus that causes fungal skin infection, the symptoms also differ. The fungus can affect just one area or several areas of your body.

Some of the symptoms of fungal skin infection include:

Irritation
Itching
Blisters
Swelling
Redness
Skin rashes

Along with some infections, your skin may become red, sore, and pustule.

What is the most common fungal skin infection?

There are different types of fungal infections. They are:

Athletes foot
Ringworm
Yeast infection
Nail fungus
Oral Thrush

Athletes foot

This is a contagious fungal infection that affects the feet. The fungi grow in moist areas of the body and places such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and public showers.

They’re often found in the summer and hot humid climates. Some of its symptoms include; itching, blisters, burning, peeling, cracking and scaly feet, red skin, and softened.

As a treatment, your doctor might give you antifungal medication to put o your skin or in severe cases another kind to take by mouth.

Ringworms

This can spread through direct contact with infected people or animals. This isn’t a worm but a fungal skin infection, in a ring-shaped rash with a winding, worm-like edge.

Heat and humidity can help spread the infection. Some of its symptoms include; red, circular, flat sore that can happen along with scaly skin. Usually, the ringworm treatment involves antifungal medication that you put on your skin. Also, you might need prescription medications to put on your skin or taken by mouth.

Yeast infection

Some of the signs of yeast infection in your skin include;

Rashes
Patches that ooze clear fluid
Itching
Burning
Pimple-like bumps

Treatment for yeast infection depends on the infection. Medicated creams are used for most skin yeast infections.

Nail Fungus

This is caused when the fungus that’s normally in your fingernails or toenails overgrows. This condition usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection grows deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken, and crumble at the edges. Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and the type of fungus causing it.

Oral thrush

This happens when a yeast infection develops inside your mouth. This most often occurs in infants and toddlers. It causes white or yellowish bumps to form on the inner cheeks and tongue. This is usually harmless. This can easily be treated with the medications brought from the pharmacy.

Treatments for fungal skin infection:

The treatment depends on the cause of the infection and its severity. Some types of a viral skin infection may develop on their own within a few days or weeks. Generally, bacterial infections are often treated with topical antibiotics applied directly to the skin or with oral antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe you to apply medicated creams to your skin to treat parasite skin infections. Also, medications are recommended to reduce the discomfort like anti-inflammatory drugs

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

October 5, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Dry eyes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Dry eyes can happen when tears evaporate too quickly, or if the eyes produce too few tears. It is common in humans and in some animals. It can affect one or both eyes, and it can lead to inflammation.
Dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, and in people who are otherwise healthy. It is more common with older age, when the individual produces fewer tears. It is also more common in women than in men.
It is more common in places where malnutrition results in a vitamin A deficiency.

Causes:

The eyes produce tears all the time, not only when we yawn or experience emotion. Healthy eyes are constantly covered with a fluid, known as a tear film. It is designed to remain stable between each blink. This prevents the eyes from becoming dry and enables clear vision.
If the tear glands produce fewer tears, the tear film can become unstable. It can break down quickly, creating dry spots on the surface of the eyes.
Tears are made of water, fatty oils, protein, electrolytes, substances to fight off bacteria, and growth factors. The mixture helps keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear, so that we can see properly.

Dry eyes can result from:

An imbalance in the tear mixture, so that it evaporates too fast
Insufficient tear production for good eye health

Other causes include eyelid problems, some drugs, and environmental factors.

Symptoms:

A patient with dry eye syndrome may experience a range of symptoms, including:

A stinging or burning sensation, and a feeling of dryness, grittiness, and soreness in the eyes
A feeling like sand in the eye
Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
Eye sensitivity to smoke or wind
Redness of the eyes
Difficulty keeping the eyes open
Eye fatigue after reading, even for a short time
Blurred vision, especially towards the end of the day
Sensitivity to light
Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Tearing
Double vision
Eyelids sticking together when waking up

Some people find the pain very strong, and this can lead to frustration, anxiety, and difficulty functioning in daily life.

Complications may include a worsening of eye redness and light sensitivity, increasing painful eyes, and deterioration of eyesight.

Treatments:

A doctor will do a physical examination and ask the patient about symptoms, their medical history, any current medications, and about their occupation and personal circumstances.
Tests can reveal the quantity of tears behind the eyelid, whether the tear film is functioning properly, and the rate of evaporation.

Treatment aims to keep the eyes well lubricated, but the approach depends on the underlying cause.

Three ways of keeping the eyes lubricated are:

Making the most of natural tears
Using artificial tears or eye drops
Reducing tear drainage

Surgery

Eyelid problems, such as an incomplete blink, may be treated by an oculoplastic surgeon, who specializes in eyelid problems.

In more severe cases, tear ducts, which drain away the tears, may be deliberately blocked, partially or completely, to conserve tears. Silicone plugs can be placed in the tear ducts to block them. This helps keep both natural and artificial tears on the eyes for longer.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

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

A need for a B-12 test, if you have;

High levels of B-12 can also be a sign of:

How Acupuncture is used

Some Common causes of electrolyte imbalance:

Off sick for 7 days or less

Off sick for more than 7 days

How to count sick days

Getting a fit note

How can I get a fit note?

What is obesity?

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Benefits of Bariatric surgery

After bariatric surgery

What is a Flu?

Causes of flu:

Symptoms of flu:

When to see a doctor?

Complications of flu:

Prevention for flu:

What is back surgery?

When should you consider back surgery?

What are the risks of back surgery?

What are the benefits of back surgery?

Causes of fungal skin infection:

Symptoms of fungal skin infection:

What is the most common fungal skin infection?

Athletes foot

Ringworms

Yeast infection

Nail Fungus

Oral thrush

Treatments for fungal skin infection:

Causes:

Symptoms:

Treatments:

Surgery