FROM burps to sweaty feet and itchy bottoms, they are the bodily quirks we put up with every day.
They are usually harmless — but why do they happen?
GettyFrom burping to itchiness we put up with a lot when it comes to our bodies[/caption]
SuppliedFormer GP Dr Courtney Roberts answers your burning health questions[/caption]
We ask the questions about our weird, wonderful and very common health problems and get expert answers from occupational medical consultant and former GP Dr Courtney Roberts.
Why do I burp after eating?: Belching is generally caused by gulping down too much air when scoffing and drinking quickly, or talking while eating.
Carbonated drinks will also continue to release gas in the stomach if drunk fast.
What causes pins and needles?: Limb tingling is technically known as paraesthesia and occurs when the nerves leading to the affected area aren’t working properly.
This can happen if you interrupt the blood supply by pressing or knocking it.
Movement should bring feeling back.
Why do my feet get so sweaty?: Feet have more perspiration glands for their size than the rest of our bodies, which can cause damp soles and smelly trainers.
Wash your feet after exercise and change your socks.
Cotton are better than nylon.
Why does my tummy rumble all the time?: Officially called borborygmi, rumbling is caused by gas moving through the bowels.
Some growling is normal, especially when hungry — peppermint tea can help.
But it may be a sign of illness, especially if accompanied by pain or change in bowel habit.
Why is my bottom itchy?: This is extremely common.
Seek help if it is persistent but symptoms often can be treated easily at home.
ShutterstockTry loose cotton undies to relieve an itchy bottom[/caption]
Try loose cotton undies and gently washing after bowel movements using only water.
Families should also watch out for threadworms.
Why do my ears pop?: Ear blocking, often experienced when flying or swimming, is felt when there is a pressure difference across the eardrum.
Popping occurs when air rushes in, equalising the pressure, frequently as a result of yawning or chewing.
GettyAn ear blockage is felt when there is a pressure difference across the eardrum[/caption]
Why do my joints crack?: Crackling knees and knuckles are usually harmless.
The best explanation for the loud phenomenon appears to be cavitation within the joint.
This can cause dissolved gas within the joint to form bubbles, which then collapse, producing the distinct sound.
Why are my feet always cold?: Poor circulation is the most common culprit for chilly tootsies.
In cold weather, the body can divert blood flow from the skin to prevent heat loss and to keep critical organs at normal temperature.
Extremities such as feet are more likely to be affected.
Wrap up warm or move to prevent this.
Why is my eyesight worse in the evening?: Lots of reasons including tired peepers and reduced light.
Cells in the part of the eye responsible for the sharpest vision are made up of cones.
They can see colour but are less sensitive to light, so they stop being effective in low light levels.
For any vision problems visit the opticians.
Why do I get cramp?: These short-lived muscle spasms can be painful.
They appear to be more common if you are dehydrated, exercise too hard or don’t change position enough.
Stretching and massage can help.
Why do I get indigestion?: It is usually caused by stomach acid irritating the lining of your tum or throat.
It can be made worse by acidic, fatty, or spicy foods, smoking, being overweight, stress and some medicines, for example ibuprofen.
Why is my skin itchy when it’s cold?: Cold, dry air can suck all the moisture out of winter skin, leaving it dry and tight and giving you the urge to scratch.
Keeping skin lubricated with cream can help mitigate this.
Why do I feel dizzy when I stand up quickly?: When standing blood vessels need to contract slightly to maintain pressure.
If this response is slightly delayed, the brief drop can cause dizziness, or even fainting.
To avoid, change position slowly and with caution. Long-lasting symptoms should be checked out by a GP.
What are the black spots in my vision?: As we age, a jelly-like substance inside the eye liquifies and contracts.
This can cause microscopic collagen fibres to clump together, which cast shadows on your retina that appear as “floaters’’.
See your doctor if you also see flashes or lose vision.
Why do I get watery eyes?: Tears protect peepers by washing away irritants and keeping eyes clean and lubricated.
Watery eyes can be caused by allergies, cold and dry winter air, or decreased drainage such as from a blocked tear duct.
Try using drops.
Why do I cough outside?: This spluttering is usually due to inhaling cold, dry winter air.
Coughing is a natural reflex to any irritation caused to our upper airways to keep them clear, wearing a scarf or collar may help.
Why can’t I hear when there’s background noise?: Ears convert sound into nerve signals, then our brains pick out which to pay attention to and which to ignore.
The more background sound there is, the harder this is to do.
As people lose hearing, for example with age, it becomes increasingly difficult to do well.
Why do I get yellow toenails?: An unpleasant toenail tinge is commonly caused by a mild fungal infection and may be accompanied by thickening, flaking or white spots.
This is probably one for a podiatrist.
Why does my scalp itch at night?: Also called nocturnal pruritus, an itchy bonce can be triggered by skin conditions such as eczema or dandruff, allergies, inflammation or hormonal changes.
We often perceive things at night that we don’t notice during the day simply because there is less distraction.
Why is my grip getting weaker?: Age is the most common culprit here, usually due to muscle loss and arthritis from 65 onwards.
Weakness in younger ages or a rapid grip loss may indicate a problem needing medical attention.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss my teeth?: It is normal for gums to bleed when you first begin flossing and is an indication that you should do it more regularly.
Smoking also causes Gingivitis (bleeding gums) and is one of many reasons to give up.
GettyIndigestion can be made worse by acidic, fatty, or spicy foods, smoking, being overweight, stress and some medicines[/caption]
