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<\/p>\nI am a 69-year-old woman with a long-standing snoring problem. I\u2019ve spoken to doctors about it to no avail. I get embarrassed when I go on holiday and stay in hotel rooms, knowing that other people can hear me. Can you help me?<\/p>\n
Dr Ellie replies: We don’t often talk about snoring in women, but we should \u2013 it affects them just as often as men. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get effective treatment through the GP, as there are limited options available.<\/p>\n
Referral is usually only possible in cases of sleep apnoea, where breathing stops during sleep.<\/p>\n
Some underlying issues, such as nasal polyps, allergies or smoking-related inflammation in the airways, can be addressed. In these cases, nasal sprays, drops or antihistamines may help.<\/p>\n
I often recommend seeing a dentist, as they can provide custom-made devices called mandibular advancement devices. They improve airflow by reducing vibration in the mouth, resemble a mouth guard and are worn overnight.<\/p>\n
It may also be worth trying over-the-counter options such as nasal strips or dilators. While snoring noise comes from the mouth and throat, blocked nasal passages can worsen it by forcing more air through the mouth. Improving nasal airflow can make a difference.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to trial each option separately to see what works. Training the body to sleep on its side and using a pillow between the knees can help, which can help stabilise your posture and limit snoring. Avoiding alcohol and smoking is also important.<\/p>\n
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Snoring affects women just as often as men. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get effective treatment through the GP, as there are limited options, says Dr Ellie (picture posed by model)<\/p>\n
I\u2019m short-sighted and regularly get \u2018eye floaters\u2019. Recently I\u2019ve started to experience flashes of blue light in my peripheral vision. This usually happens when I\u2019m tired. Should I be concerned?<\/p>\n
Dr Ellie replies: Eye flashes and floaters should always be checked out by an optician or GP. This is especially important if they are new or in somebody who is short-sighted.<\/p>\n
Floaters are dark spots that temporarily appear in the vision. They usually move about the eye and can look like a net or cobweb. They are caused by shadows of fibres in the jelly inside the eye. They aren\u2019t typically harmful but do get more common later in life.<\/p>\n
Repeated flashes of light can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. The retina is the thin, light-sensitive layer behind the pupil. Sometimes this can tear or entirely detach. It is unclear why but older adults and people with vision problems are most at risk.<\/p>\n
When the retina detaches it is important patients seek urgent medical attention at their local eye hospital. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.<\/p>\n
Flashes \u2013 usually likened to an old-fashioned camera flash \u2013 and a sudden increase in the number of floaters are the most common symptoms of a detached retina.<\/p>\n
But some people have flashes that are not caused by anything serious. Anyone who has had cataract surgery \u2013 to replace the eye lens \u2013 is more likely to get floaters and flashes. These are symptoms that some migraine patients experience too.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve had incontinence since 2014. I wasn\u2019t given HRT after a hysterectomy at 30, but finally started it at 65. I\u2019ve tried bulking surgery and private Botox with no success. I\u2019ve read laser therapy could help, but there\u2019s an 18-month NHS wait. I feel so low \u2013 it\u2019s not like me. Any advice?<\/p>\n
Dr Ellie replies: Incontinence is a difficult issue because it is stigmatising and embarrassing \u2013 as well as uncomfortable and inconvenient.<\/p>\n
We would now use HRT if you have a hysterectomy. You should be on an oestrogen-only HRT, which may help, either as a tablet or patch. But what would be even more crucial is vaginal oestrogen, which is known to be particularly good for postmenopausal issues, including urinary incontinence.<\/p>\n
It is proven that using oestrogen vaginally is better for these types of issues, and you should ask your doctor to prescribe this \u2013 or buy it over the counter.<\/p>\n
Oestrogen can be used vaginally either as a cream or a vaginal tablet called a pessary. It can also be used as something called an oestrogen ring, which sits in the vagina and is changed every three months. Women find this helpful for incontinence.<\/p>\n
Oestrogen is known to be important for the health and functioning of the urethra and bladder, and proper replacement of the hormone can help with these symptoms.<\/p>\n
Another valuable idea is to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist, sometimes called a women\u2019s health physiotherapist. Rather than simply doing pelvic floor exercises yourself, which are difficult to get right, consulting a physiotherapist can help to improve the pelvic floor muscles responsible for control of urine.<\/p>\n
They what are known as biofeedback devices to make sure you\u2019re doing the exercises properly. It can make a massive difference to a woman\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
Good incontinence products can help people feel confident and secure when going out. Ask your GP to refer you to the local bladder service for advice from incontinence nurses.<\/p>\n
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