Dr Andy Field is a GP who is also interested in all forms of complementary medicine.

Q My six-year-old old son has been diagnosed with asthma after having a chest infection. Is this likely to go away and what can we do to help?

AAsthma is a serious condition and the diagnosis can often be hard to make. The diagnosis can be made where the main problem is a long-standing cough at night or while exercising, or when there is a wheeze.

Often it can take months for the diagnosis to be made because after a viral chest infection the airways are stripped of their lining which takes at least four to six weeks to fully re-grow. During this time the upper airways are leaky, tight and irritable.

This situation mimics asthma.

Your own doctor and probably the practice nurse will run very helpful asthma clinics and it is important to take their advice on treatment.

Asthma may be brought on by infections, most often viruses affecting the upper airways for which there is no specific treatment.

The other main causes are hayfever and other allergies such as to pets, house dust mites, or some foods, particularly dairy products.

There are many things which you can do to help your son and it is possible that his asthma may improve or go away.

Firstly, do not smoke and keep him from smokey areas.

Work hard to minimize house dust mites, particularly in his bedroom, by regular vacuuming, washing of bed linen and duvets, pillows, curtains and so on.

Soft toys can be a source of mites.

Keep pets out of the bedrooms.

Research shows healthy eating helps, so try to promote a fresh fruit and vegetable diet.

Also, many asthmatics are helped by learning to control their breathing.

Yoga breathing is a great way to do this and your practice nurse may be able to advise you on abdominal breathing and how to relax while breathing.

For more information, call the National Asthma Campaign helpline on 08457 010203.

Q I have heard that antibiotic resistant bugs are increasing and getting harder to deal with. Is this right and is it possible that I have caught one as antibiotics do not help my chest ?

A It is true that the incidence of antibiotic resistant bacteria is increasing and that in some circumstances these bacteria are hazardous to health.

Sadly, a lot of this is due to the over use of antibiotics for illnesses which would get better on their own.

Today, most of the serious drug-resistant infections are limited to hospitals and are not cropping up in the community.

However, resistant strains of illnesses are a theoretical risk and if you feel this is a possibility you should consult your GP who can arrange for tests to find out which bugs are responsible if any for your illness.

Most often illnesses like chest infections are not caused by bacteria but by viruses and antibiotics are useless against viruses.

These infections will be more common and last longer in those who smoke as will diseases like asthma and emphysema which might be a cause for chronic chest problems.

In general, a healthy diet, daily exercise, proper relaxation and plenty of rest both helps to prevent and to cure such illness.

Often time is the great healer and patience and attention to what your body is telling you it needs are the most important ingredients to getting well again.

Next week, complementary therapist Pippa Watt will be answering your questions.

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