Back pain is estimated to affect up to 85% of adults at some time in their lives. In most cases the cause is non-specific and is due to simple strains or sprains with symptoms resolving within one to three months.  Despite this, it can be quite debilitating and ranks as one of the commonest medical…

Dyspepsia and upper gastrointestinal discomfort is common, affecting about 25% of the population and impacting significantly on quality of life. Symptoms vary from burning or abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating or fullness which often occurs soon after eating food. Reflux of acid from the stomach into the gullet is one of the commonest causes and gives…

Depression is estimated to affect about 450,000 people in Ireland at any one time and has a lifetime risk of about 10%. The burden of depression is considerable with the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicting that by 2030 it will account for the highest level of disability accorded any physical or mental disorder in the…

Insomnia or difficulty with sleeping is a common problem that has often multifactorial causes. At any one time, approximately 30% of the population are affected by significant insomnia with higher rates in older adults and in those with psychiatric disorders and certain medical and neurological conditions. Persistent sleep loss or poor quality sleep can cause…

We are all familiar with the adage in medicine that “prevention is better than cure,” a thought that should keep all of us focused on doing the right things to stay healthy. While it may not be as easy as ‘eating an apple a day’ to keep the doctor away, optimising our health through lifestyle…

The importance of Vitamin D in our diet, with Dr Kevin McCarroll

Medical Matters with Dr Kevin McCarroll

Guidelines apply to a typical person and cannot be applied in a one size fits all approach

Medical Matters with Dr Kevin McCarroll