Why does air come out my ear when I blow my nose? DR MARTIN SCURR answers your health questions

Air escapes from my ear when I blow my nose. I can even blow bubbles out of it when I’m underwater. It’s not painful but surely it can’t be right? I’m 67. Carol Lawrence, Morecambe, Lancashire. Air coming out of the ear is a classic sign of a perforated eardrum. The eardrum (or tympanic membrane) … Read more

Why does air come out my ear when I blow my nose? DR MARTIN SCURR answers your health questions

Air escapes from my ear when I blow my nose. I can even blow bubbles out of it when I’m underwater. It’s not painful but surely it can’t be right? I’m 67. Carol Lawrence, Morecambe, Lancashire. Air coming out of the ear is a classic sign of a perforated eardrum. The eardrum (or tympanic membrane) … Read more

DR MARTIN SCURR: Try physio to ease chronic coughing

My wife Patricia has many illnesses including asthma, bladder problems, Crohn’s disease, type 2 diabetes and bronchiectasis. The latter condition causes bouts of chesty coughing, but we have been told there is no cure. I would appreciate any advice. Brian Jones, Torquay, Devon. Bronchiectasis is a chronic, irreversible lung condition, and coping with it must … Read more

How to tackle heel pain and get back on your feet: DR MARTIN SCURR addresses your health issues 

My wife is a keen walker, but has not been able to walk for months due to heel pain. Her doctor and podiatrist both suggested plantar fasciitis, but it does not hurt in the typical area, and she has not responded to treatment. She is 67. Peter Goode, via email. Heel pain, as your wife … Read more

How to tackle heel pain and get back on your feet: DR MARTIN SCURR addresses your health issues 

My wife is a keen walker, but has not been able to walk for months due to heel pain. Her doctor and podiatrist both suggested plantar fasciitis, but it does not hurt in the typical area, and she has not responded to treatment. She is 67. Peter Goode, via email. Heel pain, as your wife … Read more

Are my blocked gut and hair loss linked? DR MARTIN SCURR answers your health questions

My hair has been falling out for well over a year, even though I’ve spoken to a trichologist. Two years ago I became constipated and, after trying various medications, my consultant says there is nothing more he can do. Is my hair loss caused by my poor bowel health? Pauline Tuckley, via email. The two … Read more

What can I do about my burning mouth? DR MARTIN SCURR answers your health questions

I’ve suffered from burning mouth syndrome for about 25 to 30 years. No one seems to be able to help. I am 78 years old. Can you suggest anything? Margaret Wheddon, via email. Burning mouth syndrome is a poorly understood condition and your experience with it must be debilitating.  As there are no tests for … Read more