I have been taking oestradiol following a hysterectomy. Does this increase the risk of DVT?

"The oestradiol you are taking is a supplement to the hormones you will have lost. It is the same as HRT. The risk is not really any more than before so you should not worry..."

My son is planning a gap year trip to south-east Asia. He has asthma. Is it safe?

"He must take a good supply of inhalers. Your GP will be happy to prescribe enough for the trip. Inhalers have a long shelf life and don't need to be kept chilled. I also suggest that he takes some broad-spectrum antibiotics in case of a chest infection..."

I am HIV+ and planning some international travel in the next few months. Any advice?

"Travellers who are positive for HIV or in fact anyone who is immunosuppressed, such as post-transplant patients, should think long and hard as to where they go travelling..."

Every time I swim in plankton-rich water I end up with an ear infection. What can I do?

"I always take antibiotic ear drops with me to use after I've showered. My preferred drops are Gentisone, as there is a small amount of steroid in them which can reduce the inflammation which is the main cause of the pain..."

I have recently undergone knee replacement. When will I be fit enough to ski?

"In three months, you are close to the time when you should be fine to ski, but there are a few mitigating factors. You must make sure you are as close to your normal weight as you can be, to reduce stress on your knees..."

Hiking in the Dolomites

There is a 28-day hike from Munich to Venice through the Dolomites. I have seen guide books in German. Where can I get the same information in English?

I’ve won a free holiday in Barbados but am scared of flying. Anything I can do?

"Effective long-term cures are available, but they can take a while. They mainly involve psychological re-training in which you sit in a flight simulator and learn deep-breathing exercises..."

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OurChemist

Our Chemist – Health