Dr Ilse Wydeman

🌿 Asthma is more than just having an inhaler for emergencies.

🌬️ Key points:
• A reliever inhaler should not be your only asthma treatment.
• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) help control airway inflammation.
• Your treatment should be reviewed regularly and adjusted according to your symptoms and risk of exacerbations.
• Correct inhaler technique is essential — even the right medication won't work properly if it isn't used correctly.
• Know your asthma triggers and have a clear asthma action plan.
• Frequent need for your reliever inhaler is a warning sign that your asthma may not be well controlled.

💚 Good asthma control means being able to live, exercise and sleep without asthma constantly holding you back.

If you have asthma, speak to your doctor about whether your current treatment is still appropriate.

GP HealthyLungs

🌿 How to use a nasal spray correctly for allergic rhinitis 🤧

A nasal spray can be very effective for blocked, itchy or runny noses — but technique matters!

Here’s the correct way to use it:

1️⃣ Gently blow your nose first to clear the nasal passages.

2️⃣ Shake the bottle if the instructions say to do so.

3️⃣ Tilt your head slightly forward — not backwards.

4️⃣ Use the opposite hand to the nostril you are spraying. For example, use your right hand for your left nostril.

5️⃣ Aim the nozzle slightly outwards, towards your ear — not towards the middle wall of your nose (septum).

6️⃣ Breathe in gently through your nose as you press the spray. Don’t sniff too hard, as the medicine may run into your throat.

7️⃣ Repeat in the other nostril if prescribed.

💡 Tip: Nasal steroid sprays work best when used regularly and correctly. They may take several days to reach their full effect.

If you experience frequent nosebleeds, significant irritation, or your symptoms aren’t improving, speak to your doctor.

👩‍⚕️ Breathe easier this allergy season — good technique makes a difference!

GP DrIlseWydeman

Can a blood test screen for cancer?

Many people ask whether there is a simple blood test that can detect cancer early. The answer is: sometimes, but not always.
Blood tests can help identify signs that may suggest cancer, such as:

✔️ Abnormal blood cell counts
✔️ Elevated tumour markers in certain cancers
✔️ Signs of inflammation or organ dysfunction

However, no single blood test can reliably screen for all cancers. Depending on your age, s*x, family history, and risk factors, recommended screening tests may include:
🔹 Cervical screening (Pap smear)
🔹 Mammograms
🔹 Colon cancer screening
🔹 Prostate cancer testing
🔹 Skin examinations

📞 Speak to your GP about which screening tests are appropriate for you and whether any blood tests may be helpful as part of your assessment.

PrimaryCare StayHealthy

“Sorry doc… I Googled my symptoms.”

You’re allowed to. Really.

The internet isn’t the enemy — it’s just… a very noisy place. Some information is helpful, some is misleading, and some is downright anxiety-inducing.

That’s where I come in.

Think of me as your filter.
Bring what you’ve read, what you’re worried about, and what doesn’t make sense — and we’ll sort through it together.

No judgement. Just clarity. 💬

What you think being a GP is like vs what it really is like 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

What people think:
• “It’s just coughs, colds & antibiotics”
• Quick 10-minute chats and you’re done
• Routine, predictable days
• Lots of coffee breaks ☕
• Referring everything “serious” away

What it’s actually like:
• Being a detective 🕵️‍♀️ — spotting the one serious diagnosis hidden among many mild symptoms
• Managing everything — from mental health to chronic disease to emergencies
• Patients who trust you with their most vulnerable moments
• Balancing medicine, admin, counselling, and sometimes… tech support 😅
• Carrying responsibility that doesn’t switch off at 5pm

The truth?
Being a GP isn’t “just basics” — it’s being the front line, the safety net, and often the constant in a patient’s life.