Author: Tony Zhang

Fish oil is derived from the fatty tissues of fish and contains two important omega-3 fatty acids – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Marine fishes like tuna, salmon and herring are particularly rich in omega-3 acids, which provide the most health benefits. This article will look into three common misconceptions about this dietary supplement that has ben touted to manage cardiovascular conditions.  Figure 1. Capsules containing omega-3 fatty acids PSA: Medical Channel Asia (MCA) is now on Telegram! Join us here https://t.me/MedicalChannelAsia for daily reads and the latest updates at your fingertips! 1. Is Fish Oil a Scam?…

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by female mosquitoes (especially Aedes aegypti) and is widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics region in the world. The virus responsible for causing dengue is dengue virus (DENV), which comes in four different types and can infect the same person four times. Recently, there has been a surge in cases in South East Asia countries, including Singapore, where more than 8,000 cases have been reported so far this year, surpassing the total number of cases in 2021. This article will bring to you all the latest information we have on dengue.  PSA: Medical Channel…

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that affects people of all age groups. It is characterised by severe pain, swelling and inflammation in joints. These symptoms manifest as a gout attack when high levels of uric acid in blood cause the formation and accumulation of urate crystals in our joints.  Our body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines in certain foods. This article will look into 5 types of high-purine foods which gout patients should avoid.  PSA: Medical Channel Asia (MCA) is now on Telegram! Join us here https://t.me/MedicalChannelAsia for daily reads and the latest…

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of joint inflammation that affects people with psoriasis – an autoimmune condition that causes red, itchy scaly patches on the skin. Most people are diagnosed with psoriasis years before being confirmed and diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Commonly affected joints include those in the hands and toes, and spinal vertebrae joints. Without treatment, the joint inflammation could worsen over time. This article will look at the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment for patients with psoriatic arthritis.  There are around 1-9% of the population in Asia living with this autoimmune joint condition, compared to a higher number…

The human pancreas is a solid glandular organ located in the abdomen. It’s about 15 to 20 cm long and 2 to 3 cm wide. The head of the pancreas is surrounded by the first part of small intestine – the duodenum, with the tail of the pancreas covered by the stomach in front. Acute pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas that develops quickly.  Normally, the pancreas plays a key role in both digestion and blood glucose regulation. Key enzymes to break down proteins and fats in our food are secreted by the pancreas when food enters the small intestine.…

On 5 April 2022, WHO was notified of 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children under the age of 10 years across Scotland. As of 5th of May, more than 200 cases have been confirmed in 17 countries, mostly in the United Kingdom, Europe and America. However, it seems like this phenomenon has been observed in Asia too,  with 1 recent case in Japan, 1 in Singapore and 3 in Indonesia. Patients range from 1 month to 16 years old. 17 children have required liver transplants, and at least 4 deaths have been reported – 3…

The kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body. It is about the size of an adult fist, located at our lower back. It is commonly known for its excretory function – filtering 200 litres of blood daily to produce around 2 litres of urine. It is an important organ in maintaining the human body’s blood pressure, electrolyte balance and calcium level. Kidney cancer begins in the cell of the kidneys. A kidney tumour is formed when kidney cells start to proliferate in an uncontrolled manner. And when the tumour starts to grow in other organs other than…

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a branch of traditional medicine in China that has evolved over thousands of years. It encompasses both psychological and physical approaches as well as herbal products to address patients’ health problems.  Since China’s economic reform and opening up in 1978, Western researchers have conducted numerous studies into Chinese medicine and its practices. For the first time in 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognised traditional medicine in its influential global medical compendium. However, many still have doubts over its advertised benefits and potential side effects. This article will dive into the world of TCM and…

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cell grow in an uncontrolled fashion and spread to other parts of the body. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The most common form of cancer includes breast cancer, lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer, prostate cancer in male, skin cancer, and stomach cancer. Today, this article lists out 5 famous people that died of cancer. 1. Zhou Enlai (1898-1976) Figure 1. Zhou Enlai Zhou Enlai was the first Premier of the People’s Republic of China serving from 1st October…

This year’s Oscar was nothing but full of drama. Chris Rock, the comedian and host for the event, made jokes on Jada Pinkett Smith’s baldness on stage, and was subsequently slapped by her husband Will Smith.  Ms. Smith has a condition called alopecia – hair loss in simple words. It can affect our scalp or the entire body and could be either temporary or permanent. A study estimated that around 73% of Asian population has reported alopecia episode at least once in their life.  Figure 1. Jada Pinkett Smith What are the symptoms?  Hair loss is usually most noticeable…