Q I have recently started flying as a cabin crew member and have been suffering bowel problems, which result in diarrhoea during flights. Can you help?

PM from Manchester

A This sounds like irritable bowel syndrome, a condition often made worse by stress. Your new job may have triggered it with irregular sleep or eating patterns and the variable humidity on aeroplanes.

Stop-gap treatments such as Imodium taken before flying will reduce the chances of diarrhoea. In general, though, eat small amounts before flying, and little during shorter flights. Avoid spicy or acidic foods, keep your fluid intake normal and cut down on caffeine.

If the symptoms persist, see your GP. For more information visit www.theguttrust.org.

Q I am a regular gym and treadmill user. Since I changed my trainers my left ankle tends to become painful at the base of the achilles tendon. Apart from the new trainers, there is no difference to my workout. Any suggestions?

SW via e-mail

A This suggests an inflamed tendon or ligament, possibly due to a lack of support or cushioning around your achilles when running in a straight line. Treatment involves rest, placing ice packs on the area and elevating the foot whenever possible. Buy trainers that are spongier in the heel and designed to support your achilles.

Q After having a heart attack, I was prescribed amiodarone and a beta-blocker (bisoprolol). Since then, my asthma has become intolerable. The hospital says this is the price I have to pay. Is that true?

MC from Richmond, London

A Beta-blockers should be avoided by anyone with asthma as they can cause serious breathing difficulties – fatalities have been reported. Beta-blockers are also known to cause significant tiredness in some people. Tell your GP how you are feeling and he can look at other drugs, including ACE inhibitors such as ramipril.

All questions are answered by a practising doctor. To consult Dr Know, e-mail your query together with your initials and the town you live in to drknow@sunday-times.co.uk. E-mails cannot be answered individually

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