Ask The Doctor

Dear Doctor

I feel tired and sleepy all the time, especially during the day. I’ve adjusted my bedtime to earlier but it isn’t helping.

Being tired all the time might be due to mental health issues like depression. How is your appetite and general mood? Has something happened recently that might have affected you? Also, chronic illness can present with fatigue.

Like hypertension, diabetes, anaemia. Please visit your doctor and get a full body work-up to exclude all the above. Improving your diet to a healthy one with fruit and vegetables and less sugar can also improve your energy.

Dear Doctor

What is the best treatment for a constantly bleeding nose? It bleeds at least twice a week. I feel tired and sleepy all the time, especially during the day. I’ve adjusted my bedtime to earlier but it isn’t helping. 

Bleeding nose can be caused by bleeding disorders or other chronic illnesses like hypertension. With bleeding disorders you might have other sites bleeding as well, like gums when you brush your teeth, joints or bleeding for long time after injuries. Hypertension bleeding is usually associated with headache and dizziness. Please see your doctor.

Dear Doctor

Is athlete’s foot a recurring infection? Is there a way to get rid of it permanently?

It is a fungal infection and many of them recur, especially if associated with sweating and heat. To prevent recurrence good foot hygiene and keeping your feet dry will help. Take two baths a day to keep clean feet. Use anti-fungal powders prescribed by your doctor regularly as well.

• Send your questions to Dr Dulcy 
• SMS the world HEALTH followed by your question to 32212 or send an e-mail to health@citizen.co.za