Latest news with #DrDonaldGrant
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bird flu symptoms in humans to look out for following outbreaks around the UK
Bird flu has made a comeback across the UK with the latest outbreak reported in Dorset This resurgence has raised questions about the disease. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, discussed the details about bird flu. Dr Grant clarified: "Bird flu, or avian flu, as it's also known, is an infectious disease that's passed among birds. "While most strains are harmless to humans, there are some instances where the flu can infect and even kill individuals. This is rare, but it does happen, with one person dying in the US in January." He further explained that there have been four strains since 1997 that have prompted the culling of infected birds to limit the spread among wildlife and humans. These strains are believed to have caused concern in 1997, 2013, 2014 and 2016. READ: Peregrine falcon dies after contracting bird flu For the infective strains, transmission can occur via contact with infected birds; whether dead or alive, touching their droppings or consuming infected meat. Dr Grant said: "If an individual believes they have contracted the illness, they should contact the NHS on 111 where a professional can assess symptoms over the phone. "In-person, a doctor can provide antiviral medicines that can help reduce the intensity of the illness, but quarantining is crucial in the meantime to minimise spread." Describing the symptoms, Dr Grant said: "While symptoms can range from person to person, there are some incredibly common ones experienced by most infected people. "In rare cases, the flu can even be symptomless, making it difficult to identify while still transmitting it to unsuspecting individuals." The most frequently reported symptom is a high fever of at least 38 degrees Celsius. This affects the body's temperature-regulating system, leading to fevers that can hinder daily tasks such as work. READ: Dorset warning after bird flu detected in sheep The gastrointestinal tract is also affected, resulting in diarrhoea. If not managed correctly, diarrhoea can lead to dehydration which worsens the symptoms. Dr Grant recommended Dioralyte Sachets to combat this. Bird flu can also cause changes in eye health, such as conjunctivitis and muscle aches. "The immune system releases white blood cells to fight the flu, which can cause inflammation, muscle pain and aches." Common flu symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath can also occur. "As bird flu continues to pose a risk around the UK, understanding the symptoms relating to the illness is crucial, helping people identify and avoid the harmful condition," Dr Grant said. "It'll be intriguing to see how farmers manage the spread over the next few months."
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
From killer cancer to a 999 emergency – the signs your shoulder pain could be more serious revealed
IF shoulder pain wakes you up in the night, makes simple tasks like brushing your hair challenging, or stops you from reaching up for that item on the top shelf, you're not alone. Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders -and that's because shoulders are one of the most mobile joints in the body. 3 The shoulder's complex anatomy, including multiple bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, makes it prone to instability, injury, and overuse, and can lead to a variety of painful conditions. And shoulder pain can feel very different depending on what's causing it. For some, it's a dull ache deep in the joint, while others describe feeling a sharp, catching pain when making certain movements. It can also spread down to the arm and be associated with other symptoms like stiffness or weakness. According to Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, injuries stemming from overuse or age are the most common causes of shoulder pain. He tells Sun Health: "Typically, the rotator cuff can experience issues, including muscle tears or tendonitis. "Other common causes of shoulder pain include dislocations, frozen shoulder, damaged nerves and sprains." Frozen shoulder is a condition where the lining of the shoulder joint becomes thickened, tight, and inflamed, causing pain and stiffness that can last for months, sometimes years. The two main symptoms of frozen shoulder, according to the NHS, are: Pain in your shoulder which can be worse at night and disturb sleep Stiffness in your shoulder which makes it difficult to move Unexpected everyday habits that could be causing your back pain The condition can be treated with shoulder exercises and painkillers. But in some cases, shoulder pain could be caused by something more serious. Dr Lewis Raiman, a Sport & Exercise Medicine Doctor, warns: "Most shoulder pain is not serious, but in some cases, it can be a sign of an underlying problem. "Rare causes include nerve issues, inflammatory arthritis, or pain referred from the neck or chest. "If it comes on suddenly, is severe, or happens with chest pain, breathlessness, fever or swelling and redness around the joint, seek urgent medical help." Dr Grant adds: "A lot of people are unaware, but intense shoulder pain can be a sign of an oncoming heart attack. "Sudden pain in the left shoulder often signifies a major heart event - and knowing this can ensure people receive essential care. 'Additionally, shoulder pain may also be a sign of a broken collarbone or lung cancer - as Pancoast tumours growing on the lungs apply pressure onto the shoulder, causing pain and discomfort." IS YOUR SHOULDER PAIN SERIOUS? IF shoulder pain is caused by something more serious, other symptoms may offer clues, says Dr Raiman. Shoulder pain caused by nerve issue often comes with symptoms like tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness in the arm or hand, he explains. "The pain may shoot down the arm or get worse when you move your neck, and you might notice your grip is weaker or you're dropping things," he says. "These are clues the issue could be coming from a nerve in the neck. "While these signs can be helpful, symptoms don't always follow the textbook. If you're unsure or concerned, it's best to get checked by a healthcare professional." Inflammatory arthritis pain in both shoulders tends to feel worse in the morning, often with stiffness, he adds. There may be swelling, warmth, or other joints affected and sometimes general fatigue or feeling unwell. But symptoms can be mild or develop gradually, he says, so even if it's not a classic presentation, persistent or worsening pain should be reviewed. Shoulder pain linked to a heart attack is usually felt on the left side, and may be accompanied by chest pressure, pain radiating to the arm, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, he said. He warns: "This is a medical emergency, call 999 if these symptoms appear. "Some heart-related symptoms can be vague or come on gradually, so if there's any doubt, it's safer to seek urgent medical advice." Shoulder pain linked to lung cancer is complex, and there are different types of lung cancer with a wide range of symptoms, he said. In many cases, the first sign of a Pancoast tumour - a type of lung cancer that grows at the top of the lung - is a sharp pain in the shoulder or arm, which can be persistent and may worsen at night. Other symptoms of Pancoast tumours include Horner's syndrome, which includes a drooping eyelid, small pupil, and loss of sweating on one side of the face. HOW LONG SHOULD THE PAIN LAST? WHILE it depends on the underlying cause, a mild muscular strain from over-exercise could improve in a matter of days, says Dr Gordon. With conditions like frozen shoulder, it can last for months or even years. Dr Daniel Gordon of Olive Health advised: "Most muscle or tendon issues tend to improve within a few weeks with the right combination of rest and rehabilitation. "But they can of course come back if you don't address the underlying problem." WHEN TO GET HELP 3 DR Gordon's general rule is any pain that lasts over two weeks should be checked out by a health professional. But with shoulder pain, it's important to be mindful of those rarer and more serious causes. He adds: "If your pain is severe, associated with chest pain, shortness of breath or any other unusual symptoms you should seek help immediately. "If your pain is caused by a musculoskeletal problem, remember that early intervention and rehabilitation can make a big difference in your recovery, so if your symptoms aren't settling as you expect, it's best to be safe and see your GP or a physiotherapist sooner rather than later." How to ease shoulder pain IF your shoulder pain isn't caused by anything serious, try our doctors' tips below for easing symptoms yourself... Dr Lewis Raiman, Doctify-rated Sport & Exercise Medicine Doctor: "Try to keep the shoulder gently moving to avoid stiffness, but avoid heavy lifting or overhead activity that makes it worse. "Ice can help in the early days, while heat may relax tight muscles after that. "Over-the-counter pain relief or anti-inflammatories may also help if they're safe for you to use. "Physiotherapy exercises can also help maintain movement and reduce symptoms." Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy: "To ease pain, I recommend using a combination of hot and cold therapy, as using ice and heat packs can help reduce aches and swelling. "Gentle exercises can also prove useful, helping restore mobility and avoid long-term stiffness. "Additionally, over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can also help reduce pain." Dr Daniel Gordon of Olive Health: "Gentle movements can be helpful to avoid stiffness, whilst applying an ice pack can ease inflammation in the first few days. "Many over-the-counter painkillers (especially anti-inflammatories) work well for shoulder pain and can provide some short-term comfort, allowing you to progress with your rehabilitation. "If done properly, specific shoulder strengthening exercises can be helpful, but it's always best to do this under the guidance of a professional like a physiotherapist. "And remember to consider avoiding any movements that may have triggered it in the first place."
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
GP issues urgent warning over 'summer penis' phenomenon that could destroy intimate moments
British men may be enjoying a 'summer penis' thanks to warmer weather but doctors warn that as the mercury rises so too does risk of erectile dysfunction. Summer penis is a term given to the phenomenon where men find their manhood swells in size as the temperature climbs. This is a simple biological reaction to the heat with blood vessels in the member expanding instinctively to help cool the body. As a result, this can make the penis seem slightly larger or fuller than normal. However, Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senor clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warned that warmer weather wasn't completely good news for men's nether regions. 'Across the UK, we've been blessed with some incredible spring weather as temperatures exceed 25C in some cities,' he said. 'While this is welcome news, the warm weather can also affect many health conditions, exacerbating symptoms. This includes erectile dysfunction (ED).' He explained that hotter temperatures can worsen impotency—which is where men are unable to get or keep an erection—in multiple ways. 'One of the main ways warmer weather can affect ED symptoms is through dehydration,' he said. 'When we become dehydrated, our bodies reduce blood volume, making it more difficult for men with penile issues to achieve and maintain an erection.' Dr Grant said another way the heat could ruin men's intimate moments was through simple tiredness and a lack of sleep. 'The warmer weather forces our bodies to work harder to maintain a safe internal temperature, which can often trigger fatigue,' he said. 'Poor sleep can have a direct impact on hormone production, limiting the amount of testosterone produced, which, in turn, worsens ED symptoms and makes achieving an erection more difficult.' He explained the combination has a knock-on effect on ED sufferers, increasing stress and worsening performance anxiety. Finally, while the warm weather may make some men crave for an ice-cold pint Dr Grant warned this will also make ED worse. 'When temperatures rise, so does alcohol consumption, as Brits make use of beer gardens and host get-togethers to enjoy the warm weather. 'However, alcohol can have an extremely negative impact on ED symptoms, lowering blood pressure and affecting blood flow to the gentile area. 'Long-term, unhealthy alcohol consumption can damage nerves and blood vessels, further impacting men with this condition.' Erectile dysfunction, also called impotency, is thought to effect about half of men over 40. While most cases of erectile dysfunction are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotency should be checked out by a GP. It can be an indicator of serious health problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone problems and mental issues like depression and anxiety.
