Ask Dr Chris: Dizziness and car phobia

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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 dizziness and car phobia.

The problem: 'I'm so dizzy'

A bad ear infection has left me feeling really dizzy. I can't get my balance back. Any ideas? I have seen my GP about it.

The solution

You may have labyrinthitis - inflammation of your balance mechanism in the inner ear. You may also be experiencing nausea and ringing noises. Lying still in a darkened room with your eyes closed will help, but it may take a few weeks to recover completely. If this doesn't help, contact your GP again.

The problem: 'I've got a real car phobia'

I'm absolutely terrified of car travel. Now I'm going on a family holiday involving a motorway journey. Just the thought of it gives me palpitations. Help!

The solution

The short-term solution is to ask your GP for a sedative to get you through the journey, but this will make you drowsy. Eventually, you need to overcome this phobia. Ask your GP to refer you to a local psychologist who specialises in phobias. You may receive a 'gradual exposure' programme which will help you to slowly overcome your problem.