I can’t raise my arm above my head. It gets stuck halfway and is excruciatingly painful. Combing my hair has become almost impossible. My doctor suggested an injection into the joint.

Stiff and painful shoulders are usually caused by injury or uncontrolled diabetes. If your blood sugar is high, it needs to be brought down. Steroid injections into the joint will provide short-term relief. The symptoms will recur after some time. You need mobility and strengthening exercises, long-term, for the shoulders daily.

Swollen lymph node

My daughter has a small swelling on the side of her neck. The doctor says it is a lymph node and “nothing to worry about”.

A: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are present in up to 30 per cent of children. It often starts with a viral infection and may persist for six weeks or longer. If there are no other symptoms, such as ear discharge, head lice, cuts on the scalp, fever, throat infection or pain over the node, it can be left alone. However, do keep an eye out for other nodes popping up or the appearance of the symptoms mentioned.

No exercise

I have not been able to exercise because of the pandemic. Do I stand the risk of getting Covid-19?

Exercise will definitely better your immune status and mental health. It will also help prevent dementia, improve cognitive health, sleep and balance, and decrease the likelihood of cancer. Governments all over the world are promoting physical activity. If you cannot leave your house, you can try walking in a figure of “8” indoors, climbing stairs and spot jogging. You need to aim for 30 minutes a day.

The only ways to prevent Covid-19 infection are immunisation, wearing a mask and strict social distancing.

Breathing trouble

I have asthma and am on inhalers. Every year, my doctor has been increasing the frequency of use.

Inhalers are best for asthma because the medication works locally in the lungs and does not enter the bloodstream. As you age, your lung capacity and efficiency will decrease. You can maintain your “lung health” by avoiding smokers and room pollutants. You can also increase the efficiency of your lungs by doing the pranayama breathing exercises. When you are sedentary at your desk, take 20 deep breaths every two hours.

Ear wax

I have wax in my ear and feel terrible about it. Can I clean it with buds?

The wax is actually protective — prevents dust and dirt from entering the ear and protects from infection. Resist the temptation to use earbuds or other objects. They may push the wax further in. Wax-dissolving ear drops are available. If you use them as per the instructions, the wax will most likely fall out.

Night sweats

I have terrible night sweats. The sheets often get drenched.

If this occurs regularly, it may be because of the onset of menopause or stress and anxiety. But get it evaluated because it can also be a symptom of infections such as tuberculosis or endocarditis. Overactive thyroid, low blood sugar and tumours like lymphoma may cause it too.

Constipation

Is there any way I can cure my constipation without laxatives?

Increasing your water intake to four litres a day. Eat 4-6 helpings of fruits and vegetables daily. This will provide adequate fibre to prevent constipation. Also, exercise aerobically 30-40 minutes every day to get your intestines moving actively.

The writer is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore and the author of Staying Healthy in Modern India. If you have any questions on health issues, please write to yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in