Q: My sister-in-law was recently sent to hospital because doctors thought she was having a heart attack. Then they told her she had pleurisy, a lung condition. Can you tell me more? What caused this? Dr Rose writes: Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, which are thin, two-layered membranes surrounding the lungs. It is usually caused by infection or an injury.
In some cases this condition can lead to a build-up of fluid between the two layers of pleura, resulting in severe, sharp chest pain felt when coughing, sneezing or taking a breath. This can also result in shortness of breath, sweating, anxiety and may lead to more severe complications.
This condition can mimic a heart attack. Therefore, doctors consider pleurisy when a patient has chest pain but does not have the usual risk factors associated with heart disease such as old age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, family history of heart attack, smoking and obesity. Treatment of pleurisy involves curing the underlying condition causing the problem. Any fluid build-up between the pleura is also treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics for the pain. If the fluid build-up impairs lung function, it may be necessary to drain it with a needle inserted through the chest wall.
Q: My husband and I suspect that our daughters are allergic to some foods. What are the typical symptoms of food allergies? Dr Rose writes: Food allergies are implicated in a wide variety of medical problems including ear and sinus infections, headaches, viral infections, asthma, indigestion, stomach distention and pain, diarrhoea, eczema, hives, itching, rashes, arthritis, swelling of the face, hands and feet, hyperactivity, inability to concentrate or sleep well, and even bed-wetting.
Because the symptoms can be so varied, the causative agent may be very difficult to decipher. So, it is important to first find an expert in children's allergies. It is also important to be patient, as locating the causative agent is long and tedious and success cannot be guaranteed.
Q: I have been suffering from terrible pains in the balls of my feet and have been seeing my orthopaedic surgeon for several years without much relief. He has now recommended surgery. A friend says she consulted a podiatrist for her foot problem and was extremely satisfied with the excellent care. Is a podiatrist a licensed physician? Do they have good training? I don't want to have someone operating on my feet who is not fully qualified.