I have been suffering from earaches for months and am afraid the loss of my husband is to blame. DR. ELLIE reveals the surprising ways grief can affect your health

My husband died in August after a long illness. Since then I have suffered from earache, swollen face, flu-like symptoms and dizziness. My doctor prescribed antibiotics for a suspected infection, but that did not help. Can sadness make me sick?

Dr. Ellie answers: Mourning can certainly increase the risk of certain physical diseases. Research shows that strong emotions can weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections.

Sadness can also be a trigger for chronic conditions such as the hair loss problem, alopecia or painful arthritis.

These loss-related problems appear to be even more common and severe among those who were long-term caregivers before the death. This is partly due to the fact that caregivers often neglect their own health to prioritize their loved one.

Regardless of the trigger, it is important to diagnose and treat the disease. Earache and flu-like symptoms are often signs of a sinus infection, which often last for some time.

One possible treatment is a sinus rinse, such as a saline solution or saltwater spray. These are sold without a prescription in pharmacies and supermarkets.

Dizziness can also be caused by an inner ear infection known as labyrinthitis. If anyone

If you experience dizziness that is so severe that it affects your ability to perform daily activities, there is a drug called prochlorperazine that your doctor can prescribe.

Anyone struggling with grief may also benefit from seeing a therapist or counselor. A GP can offer a referral to a mental health specialist.

I am 77 and am getting severe heart palpitations I feel it in my throat and jaw. They seem to happen more often when I sit or do nothing. My doctor did tests, but there was nothing wrong. I take statins and blood pressure tablets. What could be the problem?

Dr. Ellie answers: It is always important to have palpitations assessed by a doctor. Simply checking blood pressure or oxygen levels is not enough.

A possible cause is angina pectoris – chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. While men often feel angina in the chest and left arm, women are likely to experience neck, jaw or throat pain.

Because angina is caused by heart disease, which can ultimately be fatal, it is crucial to rule it out early.

This is especially true for people taking heart medications, such as blood pressure and statin tablets, because they already have underlying problems that increase the risk of the disease.

A commonly offered test is an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart. Any abnormalities could be a sign of a heart problem. But an ECG only measures this activity for a few minutes. If palpitations do not occur within this window, the problem will not be noticed.

Instead, there’s a 24-hour ECG, which involves a device taped to the chest, which is better at spotting intermittent problems.

A possible cause could be atrial fibrillation – a heart rhythm problem in which the organ has a heartbeat that is too fast and irregular. It is essential to rule this out as it can lead to a stroke.

An overactive thyroid can also lead to palpitations, and these can be caused by anxiety.

A few months ago I stepped on a hair clip that bruised my left ankle. The bruising has since disappeared, but I still have severe pain in my heel, which I have been told is a condition called plantar fasciitis. Painkillers don’t help. What can I do?

Dr. Ellie answers: Plantar fasciitis is a chronic pain condition that affects the connective tissue in the sole of the foot. It usually causes heel pain, which is worse at the beginning of the day or after some rest.

Unfortunately, it tends to be worse for people who are overweight or who run a lot or stand for long periods of time. It is also more common in people with high arches or tight Achilles tendons.

Most people who develop plantar fasciitis get better within a year, and many do not require treatment.

It is important to rest the foot as much as possible so that the connective tissue can heal. Applying an ice pack to the affected area once a day can be effective in reducing inflammation. Patients may also be advised to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory tablets such as ibuprofen.

Physiotherapy can speed recovery and reduce pain. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen and stretch the damaged area.

Another option is a steroid injection. This can be a tricky proposition for some, especially since it involves inserting a needle into an already sensitive area. But in many cases it can significantly reduce pain.

The procedure can also be repeated after six weeks if it is found to help.

In extreme cases, patients may undergo surgery to repair the tissue, but this is usually an option for people who still have life-limiting pain after more than a year.

Be careful when taking new pills

Last week, an inquest into the death of Thomas Kingston was a devastating reminder that anyone taking antidepressants should be carefully monitored.

The son-in-law of Princess Michael of Kent had been prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for anxiety, along with sleeping tablets, after struggling to sleep due to stress at work. A coroner concluded last week that he had committed suicide after suffering “adverse effects” from the drugs.

SSRIs can really improve lives. However, in the first few weeks of taking them, many patients see their mood worsen. So it’s important that anyone starting to take an antidepressant keep their doctor informed of any sudden changes in their mood.

More importantly, patients should always tell their loved ones about new medications so that they can spot any concerning changes in behavior.

Have you ever suffered from these serious side effects of antidepressants? Write and let me know.