Dr Ellie Cannon health Q&A

A Q and A with Dr Ellie Cannon covers crusty tongue patches menopause treatment costs blood pressure and NHS access to obesity drugs.

Dr Ellie Cannon tackles tongue health menopause care NHS access

Dr Ellie Cannon addresses several health questions in a wide ranging weekly column. She explains that crusty white patches on the tongue have a few common causes, including mouth ulcers thrush geographic tongue and lichen planus. New patches should be reviewed by a GP or dentist, and ulcers typically heal within two weeks. If a lesion lasts longer it can indicate more serious problems, including mouth cancer, particularly for people who smoke or drink heavily. Thrush or a yeast infection can also cause crusty patches and is usually treated with anti fungal drops or gel available over the counter. In some cases geographic tongue or lichen planus explains unusual patch patterns, and both conditions can be managed by good oral hygiene and avoiding irritants like spicy or acidic foods and smoking.

On menopause symptoms the cream form of oestrogen offered for vulvar and vaginal dryness can be bought without a prescription, but price and access vary. Dr Cannon notes that NHS prescriptions can lower a patient’s cost through a fixed charge and prepayment certificates, making long term use more affordable. Nalvee a newer tablet that provides progesterone alongside oestrogen may reduce vaginal bleeding and the need for invasive tests, but it is one option among several. When patients cannot find these products at a chemist they are advised to check large chains or order online, while those with repeated purchases may benefit from an NHS prescription pre payment certificate which covers many medicines for a year.

Shifts in blood pressure monitoring are also highlighted. Readings can naturally rise in the morning and during visits to a clinic, so home monitoring or wearing a 24 hour cuff can give a more accurate average. Doctors may adjust medication doses or suggest lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake and increasing activity. The column also touches on access to obesity drugs like Mounjaro, which remain tightly controlled by policy and budget. Some patients who pay privately for these injections are advised to switch back to NHS funded options as prices rise, a situation that reflects broader tensions between cost containment and patient need in the health system.

The piece shows how medical guidance travels from the clinic to the policy floor. It underlines a common tension in modern health care: patients want effective, timely treatment but face cost and access constraints shaped by budgets and politics. By layering tongue care, menopause therapies, and chronic disease management into one Q and A, the article spotlights how everyday health decisions are affected by policy levers and pharmacy availability. It also reveals a trend toward home based monitoring and over the counter options, which can ease clinic demand but raise questions about equity and safety for vulnerable groups.

Looking ahead, the column suggests that clearer pricing paths and simpler access to menopause and obesity treatments would help patients navigate a fragmented system. The responsibility falls on policymakers to balance safety with affordability while clinicians provide clear practical guidance. The overall tone is pragmatic rather than dramatic, urging patients to seek professional care when needed while pushing for fairer, more predictable access to essential therapies.

Highlights

Health care should be clear enough to guide patients through complexity without breaking the budget.