My hair’s been falling out in clumps – how can I stop it? DR ELLIE says sudden hair loss CAN be reversed, these are the treatments you need to know about

For the past four months my hair has been falling out. I’m taking a multivitamin but it doesn’t seem to help. What can I do to stop this distressing problem? 

There are a number of conditions that can trigger sudden hair loss. The good news is they can often be treated and the loss reversed.

One cause could be low levels of a crucial protein called ferritin which helps the body store iron. Ferritin levels have to be high for the hair to grow well and, when they dip, hair can begin to fall out.

A GP can carry out a ferritin blood test and, if levels are low, would typically recommend a daily iron supplement.

A multivitamin that contains at least 14mg of iron should have the same effect.

Thyroid disease is another condition that can lead to hair loss. The condition, which occurs when the gland in the neck doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones, can also be identified with a blood test. If diagnosed, a GP can prescribe thyroxine, which boosts thyroid hormones and should combat hair loss.

For women, the menopause is one of the biggest triggers of sudden hair loss.

Those who experience hair shedding during this period should ask their GP about trying a short course of oestrogen medication – one of the female sex hormones that the body stops producing at high levels once the menopause begins.

For women, the menopause is one of the biggest triggers of sudden hair los

There is also a condition called pattern baldness that can affect both men and women, that primarily affects the top and front of the scalp.

There are two drugs, finasteride and minoxidil, that can treat it. However, the NHS only offers minoxidil to eligible patients, meaning many have to pay for treatment through a private pharmacy or hair loss clinic.

It’s also important to remember that it’s normal to lose hair. Most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, they just don’t notice it, and the rate tends to accelerate as we age.

In some cases it can also be a temporary issue triggered by illness, stress, cancer treatment, or weight loss.

I developed a chronic cough after my last Covid vaccination. I’ve tried antihistamines, nasal sprays and even antibiotics, but nothing has worked. Could the jab have been the cause?

It would be highly unusual for a vaccination to cause this.

Since the Covid vaccine rollout began, there have been no studies linking them to this symptom. Likewise, coughs have not been linked to previous vaccines, such as the flu jab.

Dr Ellie Cannon says it’s important that patients consider whether medication they are taking could be behind the cough

However, a chronic cough should always be investigated by a GP, as in rare cases it can be a symptom of a life-threatening condition such as lung cancer.

More often it is triggered by less serious problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD. There is also a lung disease called bronchiectasis that can develop later in life that can cause a long-lasting cough.

A GP can carry out breathing tests and order chest X-rays to look for signs of these issues. If identified, they can be managed – though not cured – usually with inhalers and steroid medicines.

Allergies are another trigger of chronic coughs, as is acid reflux, also known as heartburn. This is when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus – the tube that links the throat and stomach – irritating the lining. 

While it is often accompanied with chest pain and nausea, some patients get only a cough.

There are prescription tablets, and over-the-counter remedies such as Gaviscon, that can help reduce this issue.

But the most effective way to manage heartburn is making lifestyle changes – avoiding fatty foods, fizzy drinks, alcohol, and smoking.

It’s also important that patients consider whether medication they are taking could be behind the cough.

I have high blood pressure but all the tablets I’ve taken for it have given me horrible side effects. Are there any natural alternatives I could take?

There is a huge range of high blood pressure medicines available on the NHS which work in various ways.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when the force of blood pushing against artery walls is consistently too high, straining the heart and raising the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Patients are usually prescribed drugs like ACE inhibitors – such as ramipril and lisinopril – and ARBs – like candesartan and losartan – that relax the blood vessels.

Combined, there are dozens of possible high blood pressure treatments, each with its

own unique benefits and side effects. However, the most effective way of tackling blood pressure also happens to be a natural approach – making lifestyle changes.

This includes a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as losing weight. Smoking and drinking alcohol are also both shown to raise blood pressure.

Stress also worsens blood pressure, so activities that improves mental wellbeing, such as yoga, walking and talking therapy, can help.

Have you found a way to beat sciatica pain? 

For some, like singer Adele, sciatica can repeatedly return, and surgery to decompress the nerve might be necessary

I’m worried many people who have agonising sciatica don’t realise what treatments are available for them.

Almost every day I see patients at my surgery with the nerve pain problem. It happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the foot, is irritated

or compressed. It usually gets better in a few weeks, but often it can last longer.

For some, like singer Adele, 37, sciatica can repeatedly return, and surgery to decompress the nerve might be necessary. This can be a frightening prospect. However, in my experience, this is only needed in rare cases.

For most, physiotherapy exercises and anti-inflammatory tablets are the answer. But many people don’t know this.

Have you been found a way to relieve your debilitating sciatica pain? Please write in and let me know.

Global news making us gloomy 

I’ve noticed a growing number of patients coming to see me who are feeling depressed or anxious due to events in the news.

These are often well-adjusted people with no history of mental illness.

However, current affairs, such as war or politics, are having a severe impact on their wellbeing.

Often these patients tell me they feel guilty about seeing a GP because they feel like they are wasting my time. However, I always tell them this is not the case.

Poor mental health, whatever the cause, is always something people should feel comfortable talking to their doctor about.

Moreover, while I wouldn’t normally prescribe anti-depressants to help patients having these feelings, there are steps I can advise they take, including enforced time away from social media and regular exercise.

• Do you have a question for Dr Ellie Cannon? Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk. Dr Cannon cannot enter into personal correspondence and her replies should be taken in a general context.