I’M EMBARRASSED TO SEE MY GP

Q: Over the past few weeks I've noticed blood in the toilet after I've been to the loo. I'm worried there might be something seriously wrong, like cancer. I'm too embarrassed to go to my doctor - please can you help? Jane, 40

A: Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and any sign of blood in your motions should be taken seriously. But bright red blood on the surface of your stools is most often due to piles. Not eating enough fibre, constipation and straining on the loo can all be triggers, but see your GP for a correct diagnosis. It's easily treated with suppositories or, as a very last resort, minor surgery.

Bright red blood can also be the result of inflammatory bowel disorder such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, a polyp (a small growth on the lining of the bowel) or a tumour in the lower colon, all of which are curable when treated early with surgery. If the blood is dark, there is a small chance you may have a stomach ulcer, but again see your GP for a diagnosis and the correct treatment.

Q: Last year I went for food allergy testing and discovered I was intolerant to tomatoes. I cut them out of my diet but lately, my bloating symptoms have returned. Could I be intolerant to other foods, and should I go back to my doctor? Laura, 33

A: About 45 per cent of people suffer from food intolerance. It's great that you've identified tomatoes as one of your trigger foods, but you may be intolerant to two or three others too. Research at York University has also shown that people may react differently to raw and processed food, so you may be fine with raw tomatoes but react to tomato extract. If the problem persists, see your GP to rule out anything serious. You can also buy a simple pin-prick home blood test (£19.99 from Yorktest.com), which tests intolerance to many foods.

Help! I've... burnt my hand

1. Run cold water over the burn or scald for a minimum of 10 minutes to take out the heat and relieve the pain. Cold milk, or even cold soft drinks, are a good option if water isn't available.

2. Cover the burn with cling film lengthways - from the wrist, over the palm of the hand and up around the fingers, and back to the wrist. Don't wrap it around the hand - burns can swell so the skin needs space to expand. Alternatively, put your hand in a plastic bag.

3. Keep germs at bay with antiseptic cream or lotion and allow your hand to heal naturally. See your GP if the burn is deep, the skin is white, blisters form, or if the pain doesn't subside.

ASPIRIN OR A&E?

Symptom: Lower back pain
You worry it's: A kidney infection.
Don't panic: The most common cause of lower back pain is muscle strain. Experts recommend staying active to promote healing and treat pain with simple painkillers. If it's a kidney infection other symptoms include a burning sensation when you pee and the need to go often. If you experience these, visit your GP.

Hit the hospital if: You get recurring infections, or if you have a fever, shaking or are dehydrated.

Email your health questions to drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk

COMPILED BY: JO UPCRAFT, SARAH-JANE CORFIELD-SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN IF YOU'RE UNDER 16

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