Are blood pressure tablets the reason I get dizzy when gardening? DR ELLIE has the answer

I’m 87 and whenever I do some weeding in my garden, I get really dizzy. My blood pressure drops when this happens too. I take losartan for my blood pressure and have well-controlled type 2 diabetes. What could be the problem?

Dr Ellie Cannon replies: Doing gardening at the age of 87 is probably great for your health, so it’s important to find ways of managing these symptoms.

It is not uncommon for patients taking blood pressure medicines to get dizzy spells, particularly when leaning over. This can occur when the blood pressure falls too low. It’s a side-effect which can be potentially dangerous as a bout of sudden dizziness can lead to a bad fall.

Dizziness is not usually linked with losartan. However, it is possible that an overly-powerful dose might trigger this side effect.

Anyone who experiences this symptom might consider asking their GP whether they should take a lower dose of losartan.

Switching to a different type of blood pressure tablet, called an ACE inhibitor, may also resolve this issue.

Another way to keep blood pressure from suddenly falling is to wear compression stockings. These are tight socks that gently squeeze the legs to help blood flow back up towards the heart.

I’ve been getting emails advertising natural remedies that apparently cure Alzheimer’s. They contain mushrooms and claim to have no side effects. I’m scared of getting dementia. Would these remedies help?

Dr Ellie Cannon replies: This has the hallmarks of a health scam. Sadly, there are no drugs which can cure degenerative brain disease Alzheimer’s.

There are two medicines – lecanemab and donanemab – which appear to marginally slow its progression.

But these are potent pharmaceutical drugs given in hospital with a number of potential serious side effects – and certainly not natural remedies. Their benefit is so marginal that health chiefs have decided not to roll them out on the NHS.

Anyone who claims to be offering a treatment which can cure Alzheimer’s is lying.

It is important to remember that the word ‘natural’ is not an indication that something is safe or genuinely effective.

There are many medicines which are made using natural ingredients, but they undergo exhaustive clinical trials before approved for use.

It is also dishonest to claim a medical treatment has no side effects. Even the most simple medicines, like ibuprofen and paracetamol, can cause side effects in some people.

The good news is that doctors have an ever-growing understanding of the steps people can take to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s. These include physical activity, cutting out alcohol and smoking, losing weight, as well as increasing social contact by seeing friends and family.

Interestingly, research also suggests that getting glasses to correct poor vision – as well as undergoing cataract surgery if necessary – can also lower the risk of the disease. So, too, can getting hearing aids, if needed.

These are all simple and effective measures you can discuss with your GP and will actually make a difference unlike some unproven – and likely expensive – bag of mushrooms.

I’m 75 and have been suffering with a rash on my neck, hands and eyes for the past year. My GP has prescribed steroid creams but this has not helped. I am at my wits’ end. What can I do?

Dr Ellie Cannon replies: A persistent rash is sometimes a sign of an allergic reaction. If the cause isn’t tackled, no amount of creams will resolve the uncomfortable issue. One potential trigger could be a food allergy, so anyone who gets a new rash should consider whether they have introduced a new type of food into their diet recently. In some cases, supplements can lead to an allergic reaction too.

Other possible causes include new cosmetic products – including shampoos, soaps and moisturisers – as well as laundry detergents.

People who experience a persistent rash should consider trying out an anti-histamine tablet. If an allergy is the cause of the problem, there should be a noticeable difference after starting the daily pill.

A fungal infection can also lead to a rash. So, an anti-fungal body wash may help. This is something a GP can prescribe. Another condition to consider is dermatomyositis – a rare health problem which leads to muscle weakness and a skin rash.

Some patients do not initially get muscle weakness, so a lack of this symptom does not necessarily rule it out. This would need to be investigated by a skin specialist.

If a rash persists, patients should ask for a referral to a dermatologist.

Immunotherapy might be a useful treatment for hay fever (picture posed by model)

Pollen-packed pills cut hay fever misery 

Thought it was time to stop thinking about hay fever? Think again – for if you want to tackle troublesome allergy symptoms, now is the best time.

Immunotherapy is a growing area of treatment. It involves taking small tablets filled with pollen every day for several months. The idea is to train the immune system to get used to the presence of pollen so that, when allergy season starts again, it will lead to a weaker response, and so trigger fewer irritating symptoms.

My teenage son, who has terrible hay fever, is starting immunotherapy this month, and I’m excited to see whether it works in time for exam season next year.

I will be sure to keep you posted, as I believe it could make a real difference to many people.

Drinking at home a real danger 

I am working with a campaign that advises people how to ­moderate their drinking in an effort to tackle alcoholism.

Britain has a massive ­drinking culture and many don’t realise how dangerous this can be. Alcohol raises the risk of deadly diseases like cancer, heart disease and dementia. So we should do what we can to cut down.

However, I know it’s easier said than done.

Many of my patients say they could never quit because they love ­drinking with friends and worry they would lose their social life.

I always advise them that if they want to drink less cutting out all booze at home is a good first step.

We are all guilty of ­ pouring ourselves over-­generous servings. So just cut it out!