I've lost the feeling in my face
Q I recently lost the feeling in one side of my face, and my mouth and eye drooped down. It lasted two weeks and I was terrified I'd had a stroke, but my friend said it could be Bell's palsy. I don't know what that is, but I'm OK now - should I still see my doctor? Maria, 37
A It sounds like Bell's palsy - especially as the loss of feeling was specifically in your face. The condition is very common and affects around one in 4,000 people in the UK every year. It can happen at any age, but mostly in people aged 15-45. It occurs when a facial nerve has become damaged or inflamed. It's still not known what actually causes the nerve to swell, although viral infections such as a cold could be a trigger.
When the facial nerve is damaged it can leave one side of your face paralysed and cause the sagging that you describe. Other symptoms include intense earache and an increased sensitivity to sound, drooling and a loss of taste. Thankfully, Bell's palsy corrects itself within a matter of weeks, as the swelling goes down naturally, but you should always go and see your doctor, so they can examine you and put your mind at rest.
Q A week ago a large red spot appeared on my neck. I've tried to squeeze it but to no avail. Now it seems to be getting bigger. Could it be a boil? And if so, what can I do? Gemma, 28
A A boil is a red, painful, pus-filled swelling under the skin caused by a bacterial infection. It starts in a hair follicle or sebaceous (oil-secreting) gland, often in moist areas of the body or where clothes rub such as around the collar. As tempting as it is, try not to squeeze it, as this can spread the infection under your skin. Instead, apply a hot flannel directly on to the boil four times a day for five minutes at a time. This will draw blood up to your skin's surface where white blood cells lie, and will destroy the bacteria and remove the pus. If it continues to get bigger, spreads, becomes more painful or doesn't burst spontaneously, your doctor can drain it with a needle.
DIY DOC: Help! I've... cut myself
1 For a minor cut with nothing in it, wash the wound thoroughly with water. If there's glass or a large object in the wound, don't remove it - go straight to hospital, as there's a chance you may need surgery or a tetanus injection.
2 If you start to feel faint, sit down. Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. To stop the bleeding, raise the affected area above your heart and keep it there for at least 10 minutes.
3 Once the bleeding has stopped, cover the wound with a plaster or sterile dressing. Keep replacing this every few days, and take paracetamol for any pain. The wound should heal in a couple of days.
EAT TO BEAT: ASTHMA
Asthma occurs when the walls of the airways in your lungs swell, making it
difficult to breathe. These foods can help fight against it:
Garlic
stimulates nerves in the mouth. It creates a watery fluid, which thins the
mucus in the airways.
Coffee opens up the airways, making it easier
to breathe.
Fish contains anti-inflammatory properties to soothe
swollen airways.
Spinach is also reputed to have an
anti-inflammatory effect so it's worth making it a regular part of your
diet.
COMPILED BY: JO UPCRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOPE BEAUTY *SOURCE: ASTHMA UK PICTURE POSED BY MODEL
This article has 1 comment
Ever since i fell down in school 7yrs ago, the problems never stopped. But the biggest problem I have is swelling. Mainly it is just my whole leg plus my foot that swell and become heavy. However sometimes areas such as my chest, arm and even stomach can swell. and its very painful when they do!! Can u give me any advice as to why and what should I do. I mean I am at the point where I am sick and tired of it. Will please help? thanks
By mariam 18. Posted November 13 2009 at 11:41 PM.