Liverpool

Our four GPs hit the streets of Liverpool for an open air surgery as they offer their skills and expertise to anyone they meet.

First up is ferry worker Peter suffering shooting pains in his hip which Dr George reckons is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that affects an estimated 8 million people in the UK.

Dr Ayan pays an early morning call to a construction site where the builders think they have the symptoms of flu but Dr Ayan diagnoses the common cold. Colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won't work but Dr Ayan advises taking paracetemol for fever and flu like symptoms. Drink lots of fluids, get plenty of rest; inhale steam to alleviate a blocked nose and try hot lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat.

Over at John Lennon Airport Dr Jonty meets 12 year old Toby who is being kept awake at night with a dust mite allergy. For this Dr Jonty recommends you keep rooms cool and airy, use allergy covers on the mattress and pillow, wash your sheets at over 60 degrees once a week and use a vacuum cleaner with an allergy filter. If your symptoms persist see your GP.

In the city centre Dr George has met asthma sufferer Renu whose persistent cough is showing worrying symptoms. He wants her to have a chest x-ray to rule out tuberculosis. A positive result could mean months of treatment for Renu. Fortunately her results come back clear and Dr Jonty puts it down to her asthma and teaches her how to use her inhaler correctly which should, along with a steroid inhaler, get rid of her cough.

Asthma needs to be diagnosed as early as possible and properly managed. Symptoms include a persistent cough, wheeziness, shortness of breath or tightening of the chest. If you have any of these symptoms, either constantly or intermittently, see your GP.