I've got terrible earwax and it's affecting my hearing. My GP can't help... what can I do? DR KAYE reveals how to get rid of wax for good - and why you must avoid cotton buds

Cotton buds should never be put into the ears – but there are things that can be done to tackle uncomfortable build-ups of wax.

Earwax is produced for a reason. It helps keep the ears clean by trapping dirt, protecting against bacteria and lubricating the skin to stop it drying out.

Most of the time earwax falls out on its own, so there is no reason to actively remove it.

But sometimes it can build up, affecting hearing or creating an unpleasant blocked sensation.

In extreme cases it can trigger tinnitus or vertigo.

However, cotton buds are never the solution. This is because they can push the wax further into the ear canal, worsening the build-up. Pushing too far into the ear with a cotton bud can even damage the eardrum or scratch the ear canal, risking an infection.

Anyone struggling with earwax build-up should consider trying olive oil ear drops. This over-the-counter product is designed to soften and remove hardened earwax and should be used several times a day for a week.

If this doesn’t work, then there are more potent ear drops that are designed to dissolve earwax.

A pharmacist should be able to provide these.

For those with severe earwax build-up, there is also a procedure called microsuction.

It involves a small suction tube being inserted in the ear to remove excess earwax. Most GP surgeries do not offer the service, but many pharmacies will, usually for around £60.

Ramipril can raise the risk of complications during surgery under general anaesthetic – but a simple tooth extraction is unlikely to be an issue.

The tablet reduces blood pressure, a common heart problem that, left untreated, can lead to deadly heart attacks and strokes. It’s considered extremely safe to take.

However, in combination with general anaesthetic – where patients are put to sleep – there are risks. This is because anaesthetic also reduces blood pressure. Together they can lead to severe low blood pressure, which can damage the brain and heart as well as the kidneys.

This is why many ramipril patients are advised to stop the tablets in the 24 hours before any surgery.

However, there is little risk of blood pressure complications during procedures that involve local anaesthetic – where patients are still conscious but their pain is dulled. As most tooth extractions are done under local anaesthetic, ramipril patients can usually keep taking their tablets.

It is always important that patients inform medical professionals of all the drugs they are taking. Ultimately, it is their decision whether patients should take a medication in the lead-up to a procedure.

Bloating and fatigue are common symptoms of a number of bowel conditions.

One of these is irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, which affects nearly one in ten Britons, and can also trigger diarrhoea, constipation and cramps.

While there is no cure for IBS, there are a number of steps patients can take to manage their symptoms. These include prebiotic supplements, diet changes and even exercise.

There is also no test for IBS, so GPs typically rule out other bowel conditions that could also be triggering these symptoms.

Another reason for bloating could be coeliac disease, a painful problem caused by eating gluten, which can be found in bread and pasta.

GPs might order a blood test to look for antibodies in the gut. Alternatively they may advise patients to cut out gluten to see if their symptoms improve.

It’s important to mention there are different types of bloating. When the symptoms come and go, for example after eating, and resolve after going to the toilet, it’s unlikely that this will be caused by anything dangerous.

However, persistent bloating that remains regardless of what patients eat or whether they go to the toilet can be a sign of ovarian or bowel cancer.

I’m worried that people suffering from chronic itching are not given the care they deserve, often suffering in silence.

Read More

Every week in my clinic I hear complaints about the annoying sensation – which can occur anywhere on the body. Many say it keeps them up at night or that it’s affecting their mental health. And, in a concerning number of cases, this itching does not have a clear cause.

In most cases they will have tried treatments, such as moisturising cream, or looked for obvious triggers, like the fungal infection thrush or the skin condition eczema. And when they don’t respond to treatment or fail to find a cause, many resign themselves to a lifetime of itching.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are a number of treatments they can try, including antihistamine tablets or low-dose steroid creams. Sometimes, even antidepressants can be prescribed to help patients with chronic itching.

Do you have persistent itching? Did you find a treatment that works for you? Please write in and let me know.

There was some really good news in the world of arthritis research last week, which could make a big difference to sufferers in the future.

Osteoarthritis affects more than ten million people, leaving them with achy swollen joints.

In particular, the condition can wreck havoc on the knees. It’s the leading cause behind the more than 100,000 NHS knee replacement operations that take place every year.

Scientists at the University of Cambridge now say they have created a gel that, applied into the knee, can calm down painful flare-ups. It’s early days, but if successful it could help thousands dodge intensive knee replacement surgeries.

However, osteoarthritis patients who want to avoid the procedure don’t need to wait for this gel to become available – there are steps they can take now to reduce their risk of their condition progressing. This includes weight loss as well as simple leg muscle-strengthening exercises.

But have you found a solution to your achy, arthritic knees? Please let me know using the email address on the right.