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Medical Channel Asia Latest Questions

Sorry i think its v embarassing to ask this. I am male, 35yo, n I fluctuate between 98-115kg depending on the time of the year. I am 175cm tall. yes I know I am fat. I have been trying over the ...

  1. This answer was edited.

    Hi Lucian, thank you for your open sharing about your struggles with weight loss. I can certainly empathise with the challenges you've faced, as many of my patients have experienced similarly. As a gastroenterologist, I have experience with various weight loss interventions, including the use of gasRead more

    Hi Lucian, thank you for your open sharing about your struggles with weight loss. I can certainly empathise with the challenges you’ve faced, as many of my patients have experienced similarly.

    As a gastroenterologist, I have experience with various weight loss interventions, including the use of gastric balloons like you asked. The gastric balloon is a deflated silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach by swallowing grape size ball and then inflated inside the stomach. This takes up space in the stomach, which can help reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness. In my practice, this balloon does not require surgery or endoscopy for insertion. After 4 months, the balloon will self-deflate and passes out naturally through the body.

    The gastric balloon can be an effective option for many patients who have had difficulties achieving their weight loss goals through lifestyle changes alone. Patients who undergo the gastric balloon procedure lose on average 10-15% of their total body weight over the 16 week period the balloon is in place. If needed, after thorough assessment by doctors, this balloon can be combined with other weight loss therapy such as medication for enhanced weight loss outcomes.

    The best weight management approach is highly personalised and depends on a variety of factors like your individual goals, overall health, lifestyle, personal preferences, and risk factors for obesity. There are a range of effective treatments available, and many people find success using a combination of different interventions over time.

    I would encourage you to have an open discussion with your doctors to review your full health history, understand your specific needs and objectives, and then recommend the right combination of interventions to help you achieve safe, sustainable weight loss. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to learn more.

    Dr John Hsiang
    Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
    https://richmondgastro.com.sg/
    FB – Richmond Gastroenterology Centre
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552438412862&mibextid=ZbWKwL
    https://www.tiktok.com/@gastrodoc_sg

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

    See less

I’m 14 weeks pregnant (baby boy) and i have zero appetite. almost everything sounds unappealing and the act of eating feels like a chore. I thought I will show a bigger bump by now but I’m barely visible! I just ...

  1. It’s understandable to be worried about your appetite and weight during pregnancy, especially with the well-being of your baby in mind. Here's some guidance to help you navigate this: Appetite Loss During Pregnancy: It’s not uncommon to experience appetite changes, especially during the first trimesRead more

    It’s understandable to be worried about your appetite and weight during pregnancy, especially with the well-being of your baby in mind. Here’s some guidance to help you navigate this:

    1. Appetite Loss During Pregnancy:
      • It’s not uncommon to experience appetite changes, especially during the first trimester, as your body adjusts to pregnancy. Nausea, food aversions, and changes in hormones can all contribute to this.
      • Focus on small, frequent meals: If large meals are too daunting, try eating small portions throughout the day. Even snacking on nutrient-dense foods like nuts, yogurt, fruit, or smoothies can help.
      • Stay hydrated: Sometimes liquids like soups, smoothies, or even water can be easier to manage than solid foods. Staying hydrated is also crucial for your baby’s development.
    2. Nutritional Support for Baby:
      • Prenatal vitamins: Continue taking your prenatal vitamins, as they can help cover any nutritional gaps.
      • Consult with your doctor: It’s important to mention your weight loss and appetite to your doctor or midwife. They can provide specific advice and, if necessary, refer you to a nutritionist.
      • Weight gain during pregnancy: Early pregnancy weight loss can happen, especially with morning sickness or food aversions. As long as you’re working with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients, your baby can still thrive.
    3. Premature Birth Concerns:
      • While it’s natural to worry, a slight weight loss or appetite change in the early stages doesn’t automatically increase the risk of premature birth. Your doctor will monitor your progress and provide support as needed to keep you and your baby healthy.

    Please reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your concerns in more detail. They can help you develop a plan to manage your appetite and weight throughout your pregnancy. You’re doing a great job looking out for your baby, and your care team will support you every step of the way.

    https://www.helf.co/en

    All responses provided by HELF are generated by its AI architecture. The information shared is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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I’ve noticed that a family member is showing signs of depression, and I’m concerned about how to best support them. They seem withdrawn, disinterested in activities they used to enjoy, and have been expressing feelings of sadness and hopelessness. I’m ...

  1. Here are some options for Singapore!   National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 (8am-12am daily, from 1 Sep 2020)  Mental Well-being- Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service- Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389-2222)- Samaritans of Singapore (1800-221-4444)- Silver Ribbon SingapoRead more

    Here are some options for Singapore!
     

    National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 
    (8am-12am daily, from 1 Sep 2020)
     Mental Well-being
    – Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service
    – Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389-2222)
    – Samaritans of Singapore (1800-221-4444)
    – Silver Ribbon Singapore (6385-3714)
     Marital and parenting issues
    – Community Psychology Hub’s Online Counselling platform
     Violence or abuse
    – Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre (6445-0400)
    – HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre (6819-9170)
    – PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection (6555-0390)
    – Project StART (6476-1482)
    – TRANS SAFE Centre (6449-9088)
     Counselling
    – TOUCHline (Counselling) – 1800 377 2252
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A sudden change in weather from hot to cold, due to rain, i got joint pain started. mostly at knee and elbow.  what is the reason and case.

  1. Hi Jibran! When the weather changes, especially from warm to cold, some people may experience joint pain. A drop in barometric pressure often accompanies weather changes and can lead to joint swelling, which increases pressure in the joints and causes pain. Additionally, cold weather can make muscleRead more

    Hi Jibran! When the weather changes, especially from warm to cold, some people may experience joint pain.

    A drop in barometric pressure often accompanies weather changes and can lead to joint swelling, which increases pressure in the joints and causes pain. Additionally, cold weather can make muscles and ligaments stiffer, leading to discomfort, particularly in areas of past injury.

    Temperature changes can also affect the synovial fluid in your joints, which acts as a lubricant. When it cools, this fluid may become thicker, resulting in increased friction and pain during movement.

    For individuals with underlying conditions like arthritis, weather changes can exacerbate symptoms. If you have a history of joint issues, the fluctuation in temperature may trigger pain in those areas.

    If your pain persists or worsens, be sure to consult with a doctor for an evaluation and advice for management. In the meantime, keep warm, stay active, and use over-the-counter pain medication as needed to help manage your symptoms.

    Dr Sean Leo
    Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
    Orthokinetics Singapore

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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I’m 31 female. Been getting reddish stools, no pain though. at first I saw it was near menses period, so I think could have been menses. but menses no more and its still persists. Not pain and also no changes in ...

  1. It is always best to check with your doctor if there are any changes in your bowel habits, especially if symptoms persist. The gastroenterologist can investigate further to see if the change in stool colour is indeed food-related or not. You can consider stopping the food for few days to see if theRead more

    It is always best to check with your doctor if there are any changes in your bowel habits, especially if symptoms persist. The gastroenterologist can investigate further to see if the change in stool colour is indeed food-related or not.

    You can consider stopping the food for few days to see if the red stool colour disappears, and restart again and see if redness recur.

    More serious causes of red stools can include:

    • Hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which can bleed when passing hard stools.
    • Gastrointestinal bleeding from conditions like ulcers, colon polyps or colon cancer.

    If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, black stools, fatigue, weight loss, get it checked by a gastroenterologist.

    Dr John Hsiang
    Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
    https://richmondgastro.com.sg/
    FB – Richmond Gastroenterology Centre
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552438412862&mibextid=ZbWKwL
    https://www.tiktok.com/@gastrodoc_sg

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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I have a ringing sound in the ear. My doctor does not think it is serious. Is it a sign of a health problem?

  1. Thank you, Gerald, for sharing your experience with tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ear. Tinnitus is quite common and typically isn't a sign of a serious health issue. However, if it worsens or becomes chronic (lasting more than three months), it can significantly impact your mood and sleRead more

    Thank you, Gerald, for sharing your experience with tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ear.

    Tinnitus is quite common and typically isn’t a sign of a serious health issue. However, if it worsens or becomes chronic (lasting more than three months), it can significantly impact your mood and sleep.

    If your tinnitus persists or interferes with your daily life and sleep, it’s crucial to have it evaluated by an ENT specialist. Tinnitus can stem from various causes, including:

    • Exposure to loud noise
    • Age-related hearing loss
    • Ear injuries or infections
    • Medication side effects
    • Tumors like acoustic neuroma

    An ENT specialist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the exact cause of your tinnitus and rule out any serious conditions. This evaluation may include a physical examination, hearing tests, and imaging scans.

    Once the cause is identified, your ENT doctor can recommend the most suitable treatment plan, which may include:

    • Sound therapy to mask the tinnitus
    • Medications to manage related conditions or underlying infections
    • Hearing aids if there’s associated hearing loss
    • Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction and avoiding loud noises

    I would encourage you to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist for a thorough assessment and to discuss the next steps for managing your tinnitus. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

    Dr Valerie Tay
    Senior Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon
    https://www.aspire-ent.sg/
    https://www.instagram.com/drvalerietay/

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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Hi, I have been wearing glasses my whole life n I want to do laser correction. Some of my friends who did lasik say that it went well but one of my friend experienced v dry eyes even until now ...

  1. This answer was edited.

    Hello! I’m Dr Petrina, Senior Consultant Opthalmologist at Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery. I specialise in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Refractive surgery can be broadly catergorised into two ways: 1) Laser procedures that flatten the cornea, and 2) Implantable contact lens (nothing to do with the cRead more

    Hello! I’m Dr Petrina, Senior Consultant Opthalmologist at Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery. I specialise in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery.
    Refractive surgery can be broadly catergorised into two ways: 1) Laser procedures that flatten the cornea, and 2) Implantable contact lens (nothing to do with the cornea). Here is an overview of LASIK procedures & implantable contact lens.
    For laser procedures that work on the cornea, these include PRK / EPILASIK, FEMTOLASIK, SMILE. Because these procedures work on the cornea, dry eyes is a by-product and side effect. Some patients do better after the first month but some patients may need constant lubricant eyedrops even after some time. Prior to refractive surgery like LASIK, we will screen our patients for dry eyes.

    • PRK or EPILASIK removes the outer surface of the cornea with either a blade or alchohol. An excimer laser is then applied to flatten the cornea. The outer surface of the cornea then heals in 1 week.
    • FEMTOLASIK is whereby a femtosecond laser creates a flap, thereafter the excimer laser is applied to flatten the cornea. The flap is then respoitioned.
    • SMILE is whereby a femtosecond laser makes a small wound at the side of the cornea, the laser also fashions a pocket of tissue such that the surgeon can remove that pocket of cornea tissue to bring about a “flattening” of the cornea.

    On the other hand, implantable contact lens (ICL) procedure has no lasering of the cornea and thus no problems with dry eyes. It is highly recommended for patients with high degrees of shortsightedness (like yourself) as we preserve as much cornea as we can.
    If you have any concerns about your options for shortsightedness, feel free to reach out for more information. Happy to help answer any more questions!
    Dr Petrina Tan
    Senior Consultant Opthalmologist
    Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery, Eagle Eye Centre
    Instagram: @drpetrina_eyedoc

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

    See less

Hi doctors, I’m a 24 year old female and for the past few weeks I’ve been noticing that I seem to be going to the toilet to poop much more frequently than usual. My appetite is same same. I feel ...

  1. Frequent bowel movements can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue, but it's also possible that it's a temporary change in your body's rhythm. Since your appetite and diet haven't changed significantly, it might be worth considering other factors. Here are some potential causes to think about:Read more

    Frequent bowel movements can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue, but it’s also possible that it’s a temporary change in your body’s rhythm. Since your appetite and diet haven’t changed significantly, it might be worth considering other factors.

    Here are some potential causes to think about:

    1. Stress or Anxiety: Both can affect your digestive system and lead to more frequent bowel movements.
    2. Caffeine Intake: Coffee is a known stimulant for the digestive system, which can increase bowel movements. If you’ve increased your caffeine intake or are particularly sensitive to it, this could be a factor.
    3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause changes in bowel habits, including increased frequency. Other symptoms may include bloating, cramping, or discomfort.
    4. Dietary Factors: Even if your diet hasn’t changed much, certain foods might affect your digestion more at certain times. High-fiber foods, artificial sweeteners, or certain fruits can increase bowel movements.
    5. Infections or Gastrointestinal Conditions: Infections or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also cause increased frequency, though these are often accompanied by other symptoms like pain, weight loss, or blood in the stool.
    6. Hydration Levels: While 2L of water is generally a healthy amount, changes in your water intake or your body’s response to hydration might influence your bowel habits.

    Given that this change has been persistent for a few weeks and is starting to concern you, it might be a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can take a detailed history, conduct a physical exam, and possibly run tests to rule out any underlying conditions.

    In the meantime, you might want to monitor any other symptoms, such as changes in the consistency of your stool, any abdominal pain, or changes in weight, and share these with your doctor.

    https://www.helf.co/en

    All responses provided by HELF are generated by its AI architecture. The information shared is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

    See less