Hyperhidrosis- Don't Sweat It!!

Summer’s well under way, and, for most of us, the idea of warm sunshine and thinner clothes is a pleasant one. We all feel sweaty from time to time- this is entirely normal- but, for an unfortunate 1% or so of the population, excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a real pain! The good news is, there is much that can be done – approach a sympathetic GP (like Dr Stephanie Hughes!) for advice rather than suffer in silence.

Does your baby have undiagnosed cows' milk allergy?

This week is food allergy awareness week and we have enlisted the help of Joan Gavin, State Registered Paediatric Dietitian within the NHS and holder of a Masters degree in Applied Paediatric Nutrition to advise on the topic of cows' milk allergy in babies. Food fad, or fact? Read on to learn more. 

  • Reflux (frequent regurgitation of feeds)
  • Constipation or loose and frequent stools
  • Eczema
  • Abdominal pain
  • Severe colic
  • Difficulty putting on weight?

If your baby suffers from any combination of the above symptoms it may be because they have an undiagnosed cows’ milk allergy. 

Surprisingly, cows milk allergy can be evident even in exclusively breastfed babies who have never consumed any cows’ milk! Cows milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in childhood affecting more than 1 in 50 children under the age of 3 years, presenting initially in the first year of life. Babies with a mother, father or sibling with asthma, eczema or hay fever are more likely to develop cows milk allergy than those with no family history of these medical conditions.

The difference between cow’s milk allergy and lactose intolerance
Cows’ milk allergy is an immune reaction to one or more of the proteins found in milk, and is triggered either through cows milk protein present in breast milk, a formula feed or a dairy weaning food. The symptoms are easily confused with lactose intolerance, an enzyme deficiency that creates an inability to digest the milk sugar (lactose) causing similar gut symptoms, but these are not related to the immune system unlike an allergy, and require a different dietary treatment. Lactose intolerance is rarely seen in babies under 1 year except following a bout of gastroenteritis which may cause a temporary lactose intolerance.

Cows’ milk allergy can present in two ways:
a)   “immediate onset” reaction, where symptoms such as hives (nettle rash), vomiting, lip swelling, worsening of the eczema, red flushing of the face and body and breathing difficulties rapidly appear after taking a small quantity of cows’ milk

b)    “delayed onset” reaction where symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, reflux, blood in stools, progressive worsening of eczema appear several hours or even days after ingestion of a larger quantity of cow’s milk

“Immediate onset” reactions can be confirmed by IgE mediated allergy skin prick testing or a specific IgE antibody blood tests undertaken at an NHS hospital through GP referral to a consultant paediatrician.

“Delayed onset” reactions are the most common presentation of cows’ milk allergy and the only way of diagnosing this type of reaction is to exclude cows milk from the formula and diet, or from the maternal diet, if breastfeeding, and reintroduce it after a prescribed period of time.

Elimination of milk and dairy from the diet should always be done under the guidance of a paediatric dietitian who will take a detailed clinical history to assess, diagnose and treat the cow’s milk allergy ensuring both mother and baby are being provided with all the nutrition they need in the absence of this major food group from the diet. This is especially important in the first year of life when a baby’s nutritional requirements are high and growth is rapid.  To access a paediatric dietitian, ask your GP to refer your baby to the dietetic department at your local NHS hospital. Alternatively, for direct access to a private consultation with a paediatric dietitian email joangavin@dietitian4kids.co.uk

About Joan Gavin
Joan Gavin has 20 years of clinical experience as a State Registered Paediatric Dietitian within the NHS and holds a Masters degree in Applied Paediatric Nutrition. Her specialities include food allergies and gastroenterology and she has published articles in medical journals and books. Joan can assess, diagnose and treat nutrition related conditions providing up to date practical advice suited to your child’s needs. She is a member of the British Dietetic Association and registered with the Health Professions Council.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) - insights from consultant urologist Rowland Rees

Frequently referred to as impotence, ED is the inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. In one study from North America, almost half of all men over 40 suffered from a degree of erectile dysfunction at some point or another, with 1:10 suffering complete ED. Regrettably, only about 10% of sufferers actually receive treatment. To learn more about the support and treatment options for ED, read this specialist blog post by Hampshire-based consultant urologist Rowland Rees. 

Why do men hate going to the doctor?

Why do men hate going to the doctor? A series of observations, musings, generalisations and general reflection from Dr Steph's surgery swivel chair on why men seem to find it more challenging to seek medical advice, or, when they do, to ask the questions that are really bothering them. This week is Men's Health Week - please share and forward this blog to anyone you know (male or female) for whom you feel it might strike a chord in some way... 

Teenage Health & Wellbeing

The teenage years are DIFFICULT – teenagers can often seem to BE “difficult”. Plenty of parents of teenagers struggle with the new relationship they find they are having with their child, and they wonder whether they are doing something wrong, or whether there might even “be something wrong” with their teenager. Fear not, because Dr Stephanie Hughes is on hand to talk us through the various different factors, or “Tasks of Adolescence”, which are all at play in the teenage years, and how they exert their influences on a teenager’s development and behaviour. 

Running injuries: What causes them and how to avoid them!

There is no doubt that running is a good cardiovascular sport but novices and top athletes alike face injuries to hips, muscles and knees caused by the hard, repetitive impact that hitting the ground has. Winchester GP has called in the experts, in the form of Mr Datta and Mr Jennings of the Hip & Knee Clinic, who have very kindly given us their run down of typical running injuries, and how to address them. 

Snoring...a manual for peace and bedroom harmony

Snoring refers to the rattly noise, noticeable by others, which people might make when they breathe whilst sleeping. It is very common - the chances are extremely high that the person reading this is either a snorer him/herself, or lives with someone who is! Read on to learn why snoring happens, how it might be impacting your health and that of your sleeping partner, and what can be done about it! 

Getting ready for Spring Sunshine

Is that a hint of Spring we detect in the air?? We certainly hope so, and this is exactly the right time to start thinking about your sun care. We've teamed up with Winchester GP's great friend and colleague, consultant dermatologist Dr Samantha Hunt to give you the low down on sun safety, so that you can look after your skin for now, and for the future.

Navigating the Menopause

Many women have questions about the menopause. This normal and natural phenomenon affects all women by the time they reach their mid-50s, and is nothing to be alarmed about. However, while for some women the menopause passes by almost unnoticed, for others it may bring symptoms which are noticeable enough to disrupt normal life – and for a few it can seem to make life quite miserable.  It is important that women feel fully informed about what it happening to them during the menopause, including which options exist to manage any symptoms that they wish to control. It is also important that women feel fully supported, and sensitively listened to by a doctor who views them holistically, and respects their decisions regarding treatment. Read on for Dr Stephanie Hughes' guide to navigating the menopause.