Expert Primary Care Insights: The 10-Minute GP Podcast.
with Dr Roger Henderson
Join Dr. Roger Henderson, a seasoned NHS GP with 40 years of experience, for your quick daily briefing on prevalent health conditions, diagnostic tips, and practical GP advice – all in convenient 10-minute episodes.
All Episodes: Your 10-Minute GP Clinic Podcast Library
Get your Weekly dose of primary care expertise in just 10 minutes.
Dr Roger Henderson, NHS GP of 40 years, delivers concise insights on common health issues, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
27th June 2025
Heat exhaustion
- Heat exhaustion is a milder illness with a core temperature up to 40°C, while heatstroke is a medical emergency with temperatures over 40°C.
- Caused by environmental heat or physical exertion, heatstroke can trigger a dangerous inflammatory response leading to multi-organ failure.
- Key signs of heat exhaustion are cool, sweaty skin, whereas heatstroke presents with hot, dry skin and central nervous system dysfunction.
- Prevention involves acclimatization, but suspected heatstroke requires immediate emergency transport to a hospital.
13th June 2025
Hypertension
- Dr. Henderson stresses that inaccurate BP measurement is a major issue leading to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of hypertension. He highlights the importance of correct technique and the value of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM).
- While medication is often necessary, Dr. Henderson emphasizes that lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of hypertension management and should always be discussed and encouraged.
- Hypertension management is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Henderson points out the need to individualize BP targets and medication choices based on patient age, co-existing conditions, and risk factors.
- Hypertension management is an ongoing process, not a one-time intervention. Dr. Henderson stresses the need for regular review and monitoring to ensure BP control and adjust treatment as needed.
16th May 2025
Insomnia
- Welcome to our podcast exploring insomnia, a common '24-hour disorder' characterised by unsatisfactory sleep, whether it's difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, impacting daytime well-being.
- It's important to understand that 'normal' sleep varies greatly with age and between individuals, and insomnia is a widespread issue, affecting around a third of the UK population, with women being more susceptible.
- For those struggling with insomnia, we'll emphasise the importance of identifying potential underlying causes through careful history-taking, sleep diaries, and considering medical tests or sleep studies when necessary, while highlighting that sleep hygiene advice is often the crucial first step.
- We'll discuss treatment approaches, stressing that intervention is most appropriate when insomnia causes significant distress or impairment, with a focus on the cautious and short-term use of hypnotics and the potential role of prolonged-release melatonin in older adults with persistent insomnia.
2nd May 2025
Depression
- Depression is a very common psychiatric disorder, largely managed in primary care using screening tools like the PHQ-9, with women more commonly affected but men at a higher risk of suicide.
- For mild cases, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment, while antidepressants (like SSRIs) are used for moderate to severe cases, often in combination with CBT.
- SSRIs are generally preferred due to their safety profile, and the choice of a specific drug may depend on factors like a patient's history or potential drug interactions.
- Effective management requires regular patient reviews, especially for high-risk individuals, and careful patient education on medication timelines, side effects, and gradual withdrawal protocols.
21st April 2025
Weight Management
- Weight management is a sensitive topic, and patients may be reluctant to discuss it. Dr. Henderson emphasizes that GPs need to be proactive in raising the issue and normalizing the conversation around weight.
- Drastic diets and unsustainable lifestyle changes are unlikely to lead to long-term weight management success. He advocates for focusing on small, realistic, and sustainable changes that patients can incorporate into their daily lives.
- Weight management is often a long and challenging process. Dr. Henderson highlights the importance of ongoing support and regular follow-up to provide encouragement, monitor progress, and adjust strategies as needed.
- GPs are busy, and weight management can be complex. Dr. Henderson reminds listeners that there are resources and specialist services available to support patients.
8th April 2025
Bed Wetting
- Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is a common involuntary wetting during sleep, considered normal in young children but affecting a significant percentage up to adolescence and even adulthood.
- Beyond the physical aspect, bedwetting can lead to social isolation, bullying, and low self-esteem, underscoring the importance of addressing it.
- Several factors can contribute to persistent bedwetting, including family history, constipation, obesity, behavioral disorders, and stressful life events.
- Effective management strategies exist, ranging from education and behavioral techniques to alarm therapy and, in some cases, medication like desmopressin, with complementary therapies showing little evidence of benefit.
21st March 2025
Headache
- Headaches are very common. They involve pain in the head or neck. Many types exist, like tension headaches and migraines.
- Headaches can be primary or secondary. Primary headaches are most common. Secondary ones have an underlying cause. Watch for "red flag" symptoms. These need immediate medical attention.
- Different headaches have different traits. Tension headaches are often bilateral and mild. Migraines are usually one-sided, throbbing, and disabling.
- Assessing headaches is important. We check for other headache types. We also rule out serious causes. Medication overuse headaches are common and often missed.
7th March 2025
Tired All The Time
- Fatigue is a very common primary care complaint, and while most cases are not due to serious illness, every patient's concern should be taken seriously.
- A detailed history and examination are crucial to screen for red flag symptoms (like weight loss or fever) and assess lifestyle factors that could be the cause.
- Investigations like blood tests are often performed for reassurance but have a low rate of finding an underlying physical illness in the absence of red flags.
- Management depends entirely on the identified cause, which may involve addressing lifestyle issues or treating a specific underlying medical condition.
28th February 2025
Low Back Pain
- Dr. Henderson emphasizes the importance of reassuring patients that most acute low back pain is not serious and will improve naturally within a few weeks. Over-medicalizing can be detrimental.
- Prolonged bed rest is harmful and outdated advice for low back pain. Dr. Henderson highlights the benefits of staying active and maintaining function within pain limits.
- Pain relief is important to facilitate activity and function, but strong opioids are generally not recommended for acute low back pain. Dr. Henderson advocates for a stepped approach to analgesia.
- Recommend simple analgesia like paracetamol and NSAIDs as first-line pain relief, used regularly rather than "as needed" initially. Consider short-term use of muscle relaxants if muscle spasm is prominent. Avoid routine prescribing of strong opioids for acute low back pain due to risks and limited benefit.
21st February 2025
Tinnitus
- Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source, is often associated with some degree of hearing loss, and its incidence increases with age.
- Diagnosis involves assessing for hearing loss and identifying red flag symptoms like pulsatile tinnitus or sudden hearing loss, which require urgent referral.
- Management focuses on non-medicinal approaches like hearing therapy and relaxation techniques, as no specific medication is routinely recommended.
- A key part of patient care is providing advice on preventing noise-induced hearing loss, especially for those who regularly use headphones.
14th February 2025
Erectile Dysfunction
- Erectile Dysfunction is a common problem, but often under-reported due to patient embarrassment and reluctance to initiate the conversation. Dr. Henderson stresses the importance of GPs being proactive in asking about sexual function.
- ED can be an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease. Dr. Henderson emphasizes that it's not just a sexual health issue, but potentially a marker for broader health risks.
- Management of ED is multi-faceted. Dr. Henderson highlights that there are various options beyond just medication, and treatment should be tailored to the individual.
- ED has a significant psychological impact on men, affecting self-esteem, confidence, and relationships. Dr. Henderson underscores the importance of addressing this emotional aspect.
07th February 2025
Syphilis
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, progressing through primary, secondary, and tertiary stages, with a latent period in between.
- Diagnosis is confirmed through serology, typically using a treponemal test to screen for exposure followed by a non-treponemal test (like RPR) to confirm active disease.
- The standard treatment, which is curative, is parenteral benzylpenicillin, and it should be managed within a sexual health clinic setting.
- Lifelong positive treponemal tests mean they cannot differentiate between past and active infections, so non-treponemal tests are crucial for monitoring treatment response and detecting reinfection.
31st January 2025
Contraception
- Dr. Henderson emphasizes the importance of proactively raising the topic of contraception with patients. Don't assume patients will always bring it up themselves.
- Patients have diverse needs and preferences. It's crucial for GPs to be knowledgeable about the wide range of contraceptive methods available, not just the most common ones.
- Many patients have misconceptions or anxieties about contraception, often based on misinformation or outdated beliefs. Addressing these concerns directly is vital for informed decision-making.
- Contraception advice for young people requires extra sensitivity and awareness of safeguarding principles. Confidentiality is paramount to encourage open communication and access to care.
24th January 2025
Emollient use in Dry Skin conditions
- Adopt Complete Emollient Therapy as the cornerstone of managing dry skin. This means advising patients that emollients should be used for all aspects of skin care, including washing and moisturising, every day
- Actively involve patients in choosing their emollients and provide thorough education on how to use them, including application techniques, frequency, and quantities.
- Prescribe emollients in generous amounts to ensure patients have enough for consistent use. Remember to prescribe different formulations (e.g., ointment and cream) to suit different times of day and patient preference, and always avoid prescribing aqueous cream.
- Understand and explain to patients that emollients work by repairing and maintaining the skin barrier. This constant repair is essential for managing dry skin and preventing flares in chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
18th January 2025
Sick Child Assesment
- While common childhood illnesses are frequent, complacency is dangerous. Dr. Henderson stresses the importance of a systematic approach to assessing sick children, not just rushing through. This includes a good history and focused examination.
- Dr. Henderson highlights specific "red flag" symptoms that are crucial to identify and assess in sick children. These are strong indicators of potentially serious illness.
- Parents are often anxious when their child is sick. Reassurance is important, but must be balanced with clear and robust safety netting advice. Dismissing concerns is risky.
- While temperature is a useful vital sign, it's not the only or most important indicator of serious illness in children. Focusing solely on temperature can be misleading.
10th January 2025
Smoking Cessation
- Dr. Henderson emphasizes the power of brief interventions. Don't feel you need a long consultation. Even a short, opportunistic conversation about smoking cessation can be impactful.
- Pharmacological aids like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Varenicline are highly effective and often underutilized. Dr. Henderson stresses their importance in increasing quit rates.
- While brief interventions and pharmacological support are key in primary care, some patients will require more intensive support. Dr. Henderson highlights the value of specialist stop smoking services
- Smoking cessation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding a patient's individual motivations and barriers is crucial for effective advice.
27th December 2025
Unintentional Weight Loss
- Unintentional weight loss is a serious concern. It's defined as losing over 5% of body weight in 3 to 6 months without trying. This can signal significant underlying health problems.
- Many causes exist for this weight loss. These range from malignancy and psychiatric illness to gastrointestinal disorders. It's often a complex diagnostic challenge.
- Early investigation is crucial. The main goal is to identify serious conditions like cancer, where early treatment greatly improves outcomes.
- A holistic approach is key. This involves a detailed history, examination, and initial tests. Remember, unintentional weight loss is linked to higher hospital admissions and mortality, especially in older adults.
13th December 2024
Croup
- Croup is a common viral respiratory infection in young children, causing a distinctive barking cough and stridor due to inflammation in the upper airways.
- Diagnosis is clinical, with severity classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the presence of stridor and chest recession while the child is at rest.
- While most cases are mild, red flags like lethargy, cyanosis, or severe distress indicate potential respiratory failure and require urgent medical attention.
- Treatment for all severities is centered on a single dose of oral dexamethasone, with severe cases requiring hospitalization for further treatment like nebulized epinephrine.
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Meet Your Host
Dr Roger Henderson
MBBS; LMSSA
- Dr Roger Henderson, a highly respected GP and media figure, was born in 1960 and raised in Cumbria. He qualified from St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, in 1985 and became a GP in 1990.
- Since entering the media in 1995, Dr. Henderson has been the medical columnist for the Sunday Times and is a prominent health broadcaster. He writes for many national publications, presents for GP Notebook, and co-hosts the popular dermatology podcasts Rash Decisions and Skin Deep.
- He has served as the medical director for LIVA Healthcare and as global content creator for Healthwords.ai. With extensive experience as a senior partner of a large GP practice, Dr. Henderson now works as a sessional GP and is a judge at the national General Practice awards. He continues to deliver clinical education at various health conferences and online platforms globally.