Recently, I was informed that I have Ramsay Hunt syndrome. My left facial side has drooped and is extremely painful. I am unable to shut my eye and my mouth feels rigid. Could you tell me how long these symptoms might persist?
Dr Ellie Cannon replies:
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a troubling variant of shingles.
It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which many individuals harbor since their youth.
It also leads to chickenpox, but during later stages of life when the immune system becomes weaker, it may reactivate, resulting in a agonizing blistering rash along one side of the face and neck area.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome happens due to a shingles outbreak
impacts a nerve within the skull known as the facial nerve
In addition to blisters, this may result in facial paralysis and issues related to hearing, balance, and vertigo. It can also lead to difficulties with taste and the persistent ringing in the ears known as tinnitus.
It is also extremely painful, which is precisely why the
NHS
provides a shingle vaccination for all individuals between 70 to 79 years old, along with those who turn 65.
Typically, it is addressed using the antiviral medication acyclovir, which aims at the virus and reduces the likelihood of long-term complications.
Considering the severe discomfort it induces, physicians should also offer pain management solutions like amitriptyline and gabapentin.
Sometimes, steroid pills are prescribed to combat the inflammation.
If patients are unable to close their eyes because of muscle weakness, it’s crucial for them to consult an ophthalmologist to ensure proper protection and prevent long-term harm.
However, even with treatment, the condition may persist for an extended period, and regrettably, symptoms like hearing loss and facial muscle weakness might turn into lasting issues.
Would you place your faith in a chiropractor?
Would you place your faith in a chiropractor?
I received a diagnosis of severe osteoporosis 14 years back and underwent treatment with alendronic acid for half a decade. Afterward, I was informed that my bones had recovered and the therapy ceased. This occurred almost ten years ago—should I consider getting tested again as a precautionary measure?
Dr Ellie replies:
Osteoporosis is a disorder that leads to the weakening of bones over time, and these risks become more significant as we age.
It is most prevalent among women, especially those who have experienced menopause.
Weaker bones make severe fractures more probable, which can be extremely painful and even fatal. Hip injuries are among the top reasons for mortality in elderly women because such breaks significantly reduce movement capability and heighten the chance of critical health issues.
If a person receives an osteoporosis diagnosis, physicians typically prescribe medications aimed at enhancing bone density, like bisphosphonates including alendronic acid. Additionally, the NHS suggests taking calcium and vitamin D supplements along with engaging in weight-bearing exercises such as walking or dancing.
Typically, after about five years, if the scans indicate considerable enhancement in bone strength, the treatment gets discontinued. According to NHS guidelines, patients ought to get scanned and evaluated by a bone specialist every two to five years—or sooner if they experience a fracture. Patients who haven’t had such a review should notify their General Practitioner, who will arrange for a referral accordingly.
In December, I received antibiotics for a persistent chest congestion and mucus buildup. The issue persists and disrupts my sleep despite having taken medication. Although I have asthma, this time there isn’t any associated wheezing, so I doubt they’re related. Any suggestions on what else I could try?
Dr Ellie replies:
A persistent cough accompanied by mucus might indicate a chronic lung condition.
Too much mucus that persists can be linked to chronic bronchitis, a form of COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—that causes swelling in the air passages. Its symptoms encompass a persistent cough with lots of phlegm, discomfort in the chest during coughing, difficulty breathing, and a painful throat.
Individuals who smoke are more susceptible to developing chronic bronchitis.
Family doctors usually consider a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis when patients produce an excess amount of mucus for at least three months each year over two or more successive years. However, if deemed necessary, they may offer treatments earlier than this timeframe. These treatments commonly include steroid-based inhalers aimed at reducing inflammation.
A persistent cough may also be linked to whooping cough – often referred to as the hundred-day cough – which is caused by a bacterial infection.
It is commonly addressed with antibiotics; however, numerous patients continue to have a lingering cough for multiple months even after the infection has subsided.
In this scenario, their only option is to wait it out – however, the symptoms will subside over time.
If individuals with asthma encounter a persistent cough following an infection, using steroid inhalers might prove beneficial. This is due to the fact that infections can intensify asthmatic inflammation, which could necessitate additional medication to regain control over their condition.
Occasionally, irritability from coughs can be due to the stomach, where acid moves up into the throat — this condition is referred to as acid reflux or heartburn.
Seeking advice from a pharmacist about trying an over-the-counter antacid medication might alleviate these symptoms and assist in identifying the root issue.
Read more