ASK THE DOCTOR

Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions

- Dawn Harper

DO I NEED TO HAVE MY MOLE CHECKED?

Q On my back, just at the site of my bra strap, I have a mole which has started itching. I'm pretty sure that it's just irritation from the strap, but my son - who is a nurse - is nagging me to get it checked out. I'm very mindful that the surgery is snowed under at the moment. What do you think I should do?

A Though you might be right, we would recommend that any changing mole should be checked out. The signs to look for are a change in colour, size or shape, or new-onset bleeding or itching. It will take your doctor a few seconds to check this out and they will want to see you, so make that appointment.

Why have I been prescribed tablets?

Q After being told I have a hiatus hernia, my GP suggested to me that I take some omeprazole tablets, but didn't actually explain my diagnosis. I know you shouldn't, but I looked online, and it seems some of my stomach is in my chest. How can tablets make this better?

A You are right. A hiatus hernia is a weakness in the diaphragm that allows part of the stomach to roll or slide up into the chest cavity. There is usually a tight muscular sphincter which stops stomach acid from coming back up into the oesophagus. The tablets you are taking are to prevent the acid from irritating the oesophagus.

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