The NHS has issued fresh advice for people taking a widely prescribed medicine used to manage heart and circulation conditions. Across the UK, millions rely on beta-blockers to treat heart and blood vessel problems. Each year, more than 50 million prescriptions are written for these drugs, which help manage issues ranging from high blood pressure and abnormal heart rate to certain conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. Doctors most commonly prescribe bisoprolol, which NHS England lists as the seventh most prescribed medicine in the country.

What Is Bisoprolol Used For?

Bisoprolol, sold under brand names such as Zebeta, Bisotab, and Concor, belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It is mainly used to treat various heart-related conditions by slowing the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. This reduces strain on the heart and helps it pump blood more efficiently, according to the CDC. The NHS also explains that bisoprolol is used to prevent chest pain caused by angina and to manage atrial fibrillation and other irregular heart rhythms. By slowing the heart, it allows the heart muscle to work more effectively.

Data from 2024–25 shows that bisoprolol was dispensed around 32 million times in England alone. The NHS notes that for people with high blood pressure, taking bisoprolol can help lower the risk of future heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Bisoprolol Side Effects: Why Is NHS Warning Against Bisoprolol?

Like most medicines, bisoprolol can cause side effects, and patients are advised to stay alert to them. People starting the medication are often told to take their first dose at night, as it can make some feel dizzy. There are several common side effects that affect more than one in 100 people. According to the NHS, these are usually mild and tend to settle over time. They include:

• feeling dizzy or sick
• headaches
• cold hands or feet
• constipation
• diarrhoea

However, there are less common but more serious side effects that should not be ignored, as they may require urgent medical attention. The NHS advises contacting a doctor or calling 111 if:

• you experience shortness of breath with a cough that worsens during physical activity, swelling in the ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat, as these can point to heart problems
• the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow, which may be harder to notice on darker skin tones, as this can signal liver issues

Bisoprolol Warning: When Should You See Medical Emergency

The NHS also urges people to seek immediate help if certain symptoms appear. These include:

• chest pain, which could indicate heart trouble
• shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest, which may suggest lung-related problems

Emergency services should be contacted straight away if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. The NHS says to call 999 immediately if:

• your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swell
• you are breathing very fast or struggling to breathe, with wheezing or a choking sensation
• your throat feels tight or you have difficulty swallowing
• your skin, lips, or tongue turn blue, grey, or pale, which may be more visible on the palms or soles in people with darker skin
• you suddenly feel very confused, extremely drowsy, or dizzy
• someone collapses and cannot be woken
• a child becomes limp, floppy, or unusually unresponsive, with difficulty holding their head up or focusing

The NHS stresses that while bisoprolol is effective and widely used, knowing when side effects are harmless and when they signal an emergency is key to staying safe.

As winter transitions into warmer summer months, many people notice a sudden worsening of dandruff. During colder months, dandruff often appears as dry, fine flakes due to scalp dryness. However, as temperatures rise and humidity increases, dandruff can become oily and sticky because of increased sweating and sebum production. This seasonal shift highlights that dandruff is not limited to a particular time of year; rather, changes in climate can disrupt scalp balance and trigger flare-ups. Dr. Anupriya Goel, MBBS, MD, DPD (UK) – Dermatology, answered this for us.

Why does dandruff recur?

Many people struggle to understand why dandruff keeps recurring. It is often treated as a temporary cosmetic concern, but in reality, dandruff is a chronic scalp condition that requires consistent care and appropriate treatment. The primary cause of dandruff is a yeast called Malassezia globosa, which naturally resides on the scalp. This microorganism feeds on sebum (the natural oils produced by the scalp). As it breaks down these oils, it releases by-products that can irritate the scalp, leading to inflammation, itching, and visible flaking.

Seasonal factors further aggravate this process. In winter, cold air, low humidity, indoor heating, and frequent hot showers can strip the scalp of its natural moisture and weaken the skin barrier, resulting in dryness and flaking. In contrast, summer brings increased sweat and oil production. The combination of humidity, sweat, and sebum creates an ideal environment for Malassezia to multiply, which can worsen dandruff symptoms.

Read here: Simple Secrets To Establishing The Right Winter Hair Care Routine

What are the external factors responsible for dandruff?

Environmental factors such as pollution can also settle on the scalp and contribute to irritation. In addition, daily habits like wearing helmets for long hours, tying up damp hair, or not cleansing the scalp regularly can further disrupt scalp health. The transition period between seasons is often the most challenging, as the scalp has limited time to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Because dandruff is often mistaken for a temporary issue, many people rely on occasional treatments or home remedies. However, effective management typically requires regular scalp-focused care using clinically proven active ingredients.

Treating dandruff

One such ingredient commonly used in anti-dandruff formulations is Piroctone Olamine, an antifungal agent that helps control the growth of Malassezia on the scalp. By reducing fungal proliferation, it helps address the underlying cause of dandruff and can assist in decreasing flaking, itching, and scalp irritation. It also helps cleanse the scalp by removing excess oil and buildup while being relatively gentle on the hair and scalp.

Read more: 7 Ayurvedic Hair Health Tips You Should Try For Healthy Locks

For optimal results, individuals experiencing recurrent dandruff may benefit from incorporating an anti-dandruff shampoo containing Piroctone Olamine into their regular hair care routine. Consistent use is important for maintaining scalp balance. During periods of increased sweating, such as in hot and humid weather, washing frequency may be increased as needed. Maintaining hygiene practices such as regularly cleaning helmets, pillowcases, and hair accessories can also help minimise recurrence.

In addition to controlling dandruff, well-formulated shampoos containing Piroctone Olamine are often combined with conditioning and moisturising ingredients that help maintain hair softness and scalp comfort while supporting long-term scalp balance.

World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2 every year, a day to spread awareness about autism, its causes, symptoms, and what parents can do to help their children. But even when it comes to autism, there is a great deal of prejudice surrounding the disorder, which often forces parents into a state of denial. A condition which initially comes across as a personality trait—shyness, for instance—is usually diagnosed late. Dr Hamza Hussain, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, in an interview with Health and Me, explained how parents can spot the signs of autism early in their children.

How to know if your child is autistic or just shy?

It is completely understandable for parents to feel worried when they notice delays in their child’s speech, social engagement, or behaviour. That said, it is important to recognise the differences between early indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental patterns or conditions.

Read more: World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Can Cell Therapy Be The Future Of Autism Treatment?

Children who may be on the autism spectrum often display ongoing difficulties with social communication and interaction. They might avoid making eye contact, not consistently respond when their name is called, show delays in speech, or find it challenging to engage in two-way conversations. Repetitive actions—such as hand movements, arranging toys in a particular order, or insisting on strict routines—can also be early indicators. On the other hand, children with ADHD are usually more socially responsive but may struggle with focus, impulsive behaviour, and high activity levels. A speech delay alone does not necessarily point to ASD, especially if the child shows good non-verbal communication like gestures, expressions, and social interest.

What are ASD patterns?

One important way to tell the difference is by observing patterns over time. Signs of ASD tend to be consistent across different situations and environments, whereas other behaviours may change depending on the child’s mood, surroundings, or level of stimulation.

Support at home plays a vital role in a child’s development. Simple, consistent interactions can go a long way. Spending time in face-to-face play, encouraging eye contact, and talking through daily activities can strengthen communication skills. Reading stories, singing rhymes, and using gestures can further aid language development. It is also helpful to limit screen exposure, as too much screen time can impact attention span and social learning.

Read more: Why Autism In Women Is Often Overlooked And Misdiagnosed

How can parents help?

Having a structured daily routine can help children feel more secure, while encouraging and praising positive behaviours can reinforce learning. Above all, recognising concerns early and seeking timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes. If parents feel uncertain about their child’s development, consulting a professional early on can provide clarity and the right support for the child’s growth.

Autism in women is not often entirely recognized because this disorder does not always have to correspond to the “classic” picture characteristic of males.

The diagnosis is based on a male criterion with such behavior as obvious withdrawal from a group, overtly displayed repetitive behaviour, and limited interests. There can be mild social deficit or internalized anger and frustration that can pass unnoticed in clinical practice.

The Art of Masking

One of the most significant reasons behind underdiagnosis is masking (also called camouflaging). Masking is one of the most significant reasons for underdiagnosis. This is helpful in masking but also covers or conceals essential symptoms.

Masking causes mental exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout, but it does not address the underlying autism and leaves it undiagnosed.

Stereotypes And Gender Bias

There is a strong societal stereotype that autism is a “male condition”. This bias is felt by parents, teachers, as well as health care professionals.

Sex bias is evident in that boys get referred for evaluation early. Girls are often tagged “shy,” “sensitive,” and “introverted.”

Their struggles are normalized instead of being explored for any issues. Gender bias is a significant contributor to delayed or wrong diagnosis.

Different Interests, Less Suspicion

A restricted interest is another hallmark of autism, but in women, it tends to be more socially acceptable. Their interests conform to the norms of society; they do not predispose clinical suspicion as opposed to more masculine interests like mechanical systems or numbers.

Overlap With Other Conditions

Autism in women being misdiagnosed as other psychiatric disorders is due to symptom comorbidity. Some of the common misdiagnoses are:

• anxiety disorders,
• major depressive disorder,
• borderline personality disorder,
• eating disorders.

In many cases, these are secondary to autism as a result of years of living with undiagnosed autism.

Social Expectations And Conditioning

From an early age, girls are often conditioned to be socially attentive, empathetic, and compliant. This societal conditioning pushes autistic girls to adapt and hide their difficulties.

These may include forcing themselves into socializing. Fitting in is deemed more important than comfort. They end up creating coping mechanisms that mask their difficulties.

While this may benefit outward functioning, it postpones the recognition of underlying neurodevelopmental differences.

The Consequences of Late Diagnosis

Delayed diagnosis or missed diagnosis has the following effects:

• Chronic mental illness
• Low self-esteem
• Confusion about identity
• Inadequate support services