TV producers are forever asking me to cover breaking news stories about some rare tit-bit of medical research. But it's the programmes we make about the common cold and backache that we get most interest and feedback on.

Constant colds
Most people have two or three colds a year. But, some unlucky folk can be plagued by one head cold after another. Why? The viruses which cause colds are numerous and change their genetic make-up all the time. So, while you become immune to the virus you've just had, you're vulnerable to the next one you're exposed to.
Children and the elderly have weaker immune systems than middle-aged adults and this makes them prone to more complications. But young adults tend to socialise and work with different people so are equally exposed.
Are you doing anything that might weaken your resistance? Do you smoke? Do you drink excessively or eat a poor diet? Do you exercise over vigorously or not at all? Are you feeling a little poorly in any other way? There are many types of conditions, such as chronic tonsillitis, and blood or lymphatic system disorders which could be to blame, so if the symptoms return - seek help.

Fatigue
It's a common and universal symptom in children and adults alike. I always start by asking people about their lifestyles. It is amazing how many folk stay up watching TV until 3am or party four times a week and wonder why they want to nod off at work. Others may be drinking excessively, taking medication with a sedating side effect or just cramming too much into their day.
If there's no obvious explanation, I ask about their quality of sleep. Anxiety and depression can certainly cause fatigue and so can unresolved psychological problems. Physical causes include anaemia and an underactive thyroid gland - and there are a whole range of disorders and infections which can sap your energy and start off by giving you symptoms of tiredness.

Irritable bowel syndrome
The symptoms of IBS include bloating, wind and alternating constipation and diarrhoea. About 15% of the population suffer from it and most of them suffer in silence. Medically, it's only diagnosed when other more serious conditions have been investigated and excluded.
Stress does seem to make it worse. Adjusting the amount of fibre in your diet can make a difference and so can taking more exercise and practising relaxation exercises.
Try:
Peppermint and other herbal treatments
Antispasmodic preparations such as Colofac available on NHS prescription.
Hypnotherapy.

Indigestion
Almost all my patients experience some heartburn and indigestion. Many will self-treat with antacid remedies. But when symptoms of acid reflux and a burning sensation at the top of the stomach and behind the breastbone persist, it is time to seek further help.
Try:
Alginate preparation such as Gaviscon can be helpful.
If the gullet is already inflamed, a soothing antacid may work better.
If you're producing too much stomach acid in the first place, a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole
But none of these treatments should be taken without medical advice.
In some people, an organism in the stomach called Helicobacter pylori will cause the symptoms and resist usual treatments. A more serious condition, such as an ulcer or a cancer (in the over sixties) may be present and a gastroscopy - the passing of a narrow telescope into the stomach to view of the lining - diagnoses this.

Depression
Everyone feels low or fed up from time to time, but usually you can keep things in perspective. With clinical depression the low mood is profound and long-lasting. Sufferers find it hard to derive any pleasure from life and see nothing enjoyable in the future. They're often tired, have an altered appetite, poor concentration and an absent sex drive. And these symptoms often creep up gradually.
If you, or anybody you know, exhibits these symptoms - get help now. Often, talking your worries through is all that's needed. If not, skilled counselling and carefully selected anti-depressant treatments is recommended.

Backache
Back pain affects most of us at some time in our lives and for many it is recurrent and even disabling. The pain can emanate from any of the structures in the spine and all too often the problem arises because we neglect to keep our core muscles and our back muscles strong.
The most common type of back pain involves a pulled muscle.You might be lifting something heavy or awkwardly with a bent back without using your leg muscles. There's an immediate dull ache made worse on movement and it will take a few days to settle down with the help of painkillers and a heated supportive corset.
A slipped disc happens the same way, but the pain is very acute, sharp and stabbing, and often runs down into the buttocks or back of the leg (sciatica). This can often take up to six weeks to resolve in mild cases and in severe cases intense physiotherapy, epidural anaesthesia, rehabilitation exercises or surgery may be needed.
Chronic back pain can stem from wear-and-tear arthritis in the joints between each of the vertebrae, producing stiffness and aching especially after resting and first thing in the morning. Don't ignore your back pain, a precise diagnosis can allow you to get the most effective treatment.