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Dr Sarah: Friendly bacteria may help baby's trapped wind

By Sarah Brewer
Sunday, 4 March 2007

My 18-month-old son has always suffered from trapped wind. We can hear his stomach bubbling after eating. He eventually settles after a burp but this can take ages.

Trapped wind is often helped by Infacol drops. These contain simethicone, which helps small bubbles of wind clump together so they are easier for your son to pass.

Digestive symptoms can be helped by a probiotic supplement supplying 'friendly' digestive bacteria. These are available as fermented dairy drinks (like Yakult, Actimel). If problems continue, ask your health visitor for advice, and ask your doctor whether the problem could be due to lactose or gluten intolerance which are relatively common, especially in windy children. If you are not happy you can also ask for a referral to a pediatrician for a second opinion.

A check-up will look for answer to tiredness

I'm a 20-year-old student radiographer. Since starting my course, I've felt really tired with lots of knee joint pains. I also get angry too quickly and get headaches. What's wrong with me?

As you are so worried, it is important to see your GP to discuss your concerns. It sounds as if you need a general check-up to look for conditions associated with tiredness (eg a screen for anaemia, diabetes, thyroid problems etc). You will also benefit from an examination of the knee and possibly even an x-ray, if the doctor feels this is necessary. Do you have a student health department where you could go for advice? You are obviously feeling quite distressed and it is important not to continue trying to cope on your own. I do hope you feel better soon.

See GP as soon as possible about pain in toe

My husband (age 45) has recurring problems with his big toe joints, especially bike riding. This week his foot is swollen, and extremely painful around the big toe.

Your husband needs to see his doctor as soon as possible. A large number of conditions can cause painful feet, including gout, arthritis, infection and even a fractured bone (metatarsal) which can happen spontaneously during exercise, especially in heavy people.

It sounds as if he is in a lot of pain, so don't delay in seeking medical advice from your doctor.

One in 20 have restless legs on regular basis

MY limbs often jump at night as I relax or go to sleep. I jump quite violently at times. I have tried to relate it to things like alcohol but there's no obvious link.

This sounds like restless legs syndrome, which is surprisingly common and affects most people at some time in their life.

Around one in 20 people experience it on a regular basis. Restless legs syndrome is associated with an unpleasant creeping sensation in the lower limbs, sometimes accompanied by twitching, pins and needles, burning sensations or even pain along with an irresistible urge to move the legs.

It tends to occur when you are tired, and typically an hour after you settle down to rest when leg twitching or jumping can affect sleep. T

he exact cause is unknown but is thought to be associated with poor oxygenation of tissues. It seems to be a form of nerve irritation linked with fatigue, anxiety, stress and smoking, but can also occur in pregnancy, diabetes, kidney problems, chronic respiratory illness and stroke.

Have a light snack before going to bed to see if this helps. Avoid alcohol and caffeine which may make symptoms worse. Supplements containing iron and folic acid will help to improve haemoglobin concentration, while co-enzyme Q10 encourages oxygen uptake in cells.

As restless legs are linked with reduced circulation of blood, extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves and garlic tablets are often recommended to improve blood flow through small vessels in the legs. Padma 28, which contains a complex mix of 20 Tibetan medicinal herbs is also beneficial in opening up blood flow through the peripheries. Magnesium supplements are also often effective. It may take a month or two to show benefits and in the meantime, magnetic therapy is worth trying.

 

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