Ask Dr Mel: Angina and eyelash extensions
Every week Woman's Weekly doctor Melanie Wynne-Jones answers your health problems. This week she answers questions on flying with angina, and the safety of eyelash extensions.
Q I'm nervous about flying since I developed angina - should I take any special precautions?
A Angina is a tight or heavy pain at the front of the chest that develops when the heart muscle runs low on oxygen - for example, during exercise, because the coronary arteries are narrowed by cholesterol deposits.
It's the same pain as a heart attack, but with angina the blood flow soon catches up, and the pain disappears without causing permanent damage to the heart.
Using a spray containing the drug GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) will improve blood flow and speed up pain relief. Most airlines will let you fly if your angina is stable and predictable, but not if it's recently become more severe or frequent - check with your GP.
You don't need to tell the airline, unless you need special assistance - for example, help with your luggage, or a wheelchair if it's a long way to the departure gate. But you must tell your travel insurers, as they could invalidate any claim if you've withheld information.
Cabin oxygen in-flight is slightly lower than on the ground, but doesn't usually cause problems. Make sure you carry all your medicines in your hand luggage (in their original packages with your name and the pharmacy label on), including your GTN spray.
Q My eyelashes are really thin and I'd love to have extensions, but are they safe?
A Similar to hair extensions, eyelash extensions are fixed to your lashes and last around six weeks. But our eyelashes aren't just decorative - they keep dust out of our eyes and protect them from sunlight, so it's important not to put them at risk.
Eyelash extensions are quite expensive (around £70 for a pair), and I agree with the College of Optometrists' advice that it's worth paying to get them done at a reputable salon, with good hygiene and well-trained staff - and remember that overseas salons may not work to the same standards.
You should be offered an allergy test first, as a reaction to the chemicals in the bonding agents and glues could irritate your eyes, or make your real eyelashes fall out.
Lashes can also fall out if they become weakened by the process, which involves gently pulling your own eyelashes - although they'll probably grow back, this will take several weeks. Make sure that you follow aftercare advice, and see your GP promptly if your eyes get sore or you notice problems with your vision.
- Read more expert health advice from Dr Mel
Note: Advice given here is for general information only and is correct on date of publication 31st July 2009, but may be subject to change. Please seek help from your own GP if you have a medical problem.
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