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Ask Dr Chris: Emphysema and hot flushes

Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about emphysema and hot flushes.

The problem: 'Too young for this?'

My 19-month-old son's chest X-ray revealed a shadow on his lung, and it's thought to be emphysema. Isn't he too young for this?

The solution

Emphysema (and chronic bronchitis) is now called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. This is normally a disease of older smokers, not young children.

But he may have a rare genetic condition, and the doctor will almost certainly refer him to a specialised consultant.

The problem: 'Flushes make me faint'

I'm 36 and for the past nine years I've had awful hot flushes that cover my whole body and last for two days. I feel so faint that I have to stay in bed. My GP gave me Inderal, which made it worse. Any advice?

The solution

It's not impossible that you're experiencing a very premature menopause. There are also several rare hormonal conditions that release chemicals into the bloodstream that could cause flushing. Are you still having periods? If it's a premature menopause, you'll need advice on preventing osteoporosis, the bone-thinning disease.

Read more great health advice from Dr Chris

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