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mca helf
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Medical Channel Asia Latest Questions

I’m a 15 year old girl and I regularly sleep 8 hours or more. However, I feel very tired during the day and I wake up feeling very groggy and unrested. My sister (who sleeps in the same room as ...

  1. Feeling tired despite getting 8 hours of sleep and waking up groggy could indicate that your sleep quality, rather than the quantity, might be the issue. Snoring or loud breathing could be signs of a sleep-related problem, such as sleep apnea or other breathing disturbances. Here are some possibilitRead more

    Feeling tired despite getting 8 hours of sleep and waking up groggy could indicate that your sleep quality, rather than the quantity, might be the issue. Snoring or loud breathing could be signs of a sleep-related problem, such as sleep apnea or other breathing disturbances. Here are some possibilities:

    1. Sleep Apnea:

    • What It Is: Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing temporarily stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to fragmented sleep, even if you’re in bed for 8 hours.
    • Symptoms: Snoring, loud breathing, daytime fatigue, and waking up feeling unrested are common signs.
    • Next Steps: If you suspect sleep apnea, it’s important to talk to a doctor. They may recommend a sleep study to monitor your breathing patterns during the night.

    2. Sleep Hygiene:

    • Routine: Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, with a regular bedtime and wake-up time, helps improve sleep quality.
    • Environment: Ensure your sleep environment is comfortable and quiet. If your room is noisy or too bright, this could also affect your rest.

    3. Other Factors:

    • Diet and Exercise: Eating well and exercising can improve your energy levels. However, heavy meals or intense exercise too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep.
    • Stress or Anxiety: Emotional stress can lead to restless sleep. If you’re dealing with stress, relaxation techniques before bed, like reading or deep breathing exercises, might help.

    4. Medical Consultation:

    • Since you’re feeling consistently tired and your sister has noticed loud breathing or snoring, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider. They can help determine if there’s an underlying issue, like a sleep disorder, and guide you toward improving your sleep quality.

    If this fatigue is affecting your daily life or school performance, seeking advice sooner rather than later is a good idea.

    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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diggydoo
diggydoo

I have a mole on my leg that is growing for the past 5 years. It’s round and black and used to be flat but now a bit raised. Still uniform in shape and colour so it’s not skin cancer ...

  1. Thank you for your question! This article helps explain more about your symptoms: https://medicalchannelasia.com/moles-when-should-i-be-worried/ Moles in general are common skin growths that develop when melanocytes, pigment-producing cells in your skin, cluster together. These clusters cause the daRead more

    Thank you for your question!

    This article helps explain more about your symptoms:

    https://medicalchannelasia.com/moles-when-should-i-be-worried/

    Moles in general are common skin growths that develop when melanocytes, pigment-producing cells in your skin, cluster together. These clusters cause the darkening of the skin and can appear anywhere on your body, including the scalp, genitals, and inside your mouth.

    Most moles are harmless and typically appear during childhood and adolescence. You can have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles by adulthood, and they may change in color, size, and texture over time. Some moles may even fade away completely.

    Here are some characteristics of moles:

    • Color: Moles can vary in color from light brown to black, pink, red, tan, or even blue.
    • Size: Most moles are smaller than a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters or ¼ inch in diameter).
    • Shape: Moles can be round, oval, or irregular in shape.
    • Texture: Moles can be flat, smooth, raised, or wrinkled. They may also have coarse hairs growing out of them.

    While most moles are benign (noncancerous), some can be cancerous. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, can develop from a mole. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of melanoma.

    Here are some tips for monitoring your moles:

    • The ABCDE rule: This rule can help you identify moles that may be cancerous.
      • Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
      • Border: The border of the mole is irregular, notched, or blurred.
      • Color: The mole has more than one color, or the color changes within the mole.
      • Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (¼ inch) in diameter.
      • Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
    • Perform regular skin self-exams: Look for any new moles or changes in existing moles. Pay particular attention to moles in areas you don’t normally see, such as your back or scalp.
    • See a doctor: If you notice any changes in a mole, see a doctor or dermatologist for a professional evaluation.

    If you’re experiencing any skin issues, it is best to consult a Dermatologist doctor to determine the cause and receive proper treatment. This information from Medical Channel Asia is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consulting a doctor is important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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I have had terrible headache for the past 3 weeks. Its on and off. Very painful and sometimes its pulsating. I check my blood pressure all seems to be normal. Should i go for an appointment to scan my head? ...

  1. Really? My mother also been complaining of headache. Last time take Panadol ok but now not enough. She going to see pain specialist in 2 weeks. Maybe u try.

    Really? My mother also been complaining of headache. Last time take Panadol ok but now not enough. She going to see pain specialist in 2 weeks. Maybe u try.

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I’ve been struggling with breathing issues during sleep lately, and it’s been quite concerning. I often wake up feeling short of breath or gasping for air. I’m curious about what might be causing this problem—is it related to sleep apnea, ...

  1. This answer was edited.

    Based on your description, it is clear that your breathing issues during sleep warrant further evaluation. Conditions such as sleep apnoea, allergies, nasal obstruction, or other underlying medical issues can significantly disrupt normal breathing patterns during rest. Sleep Apnoea: Sleep apnoea isRead more

    Based on your description, it is clear that your breathing issues during sleep warrant further evaluation. Conditions such as sleep apnoea, allergies, nasal obstruction, or other underlying medical issues can significantly disrupt normal breathing patterns during rest.

    Sleep Apnoea: Sleep apnoea is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. This disruption prevents restful sleep and lowers blood oxygen levels. A sleep study can confirm if sleep apnoea is the cause of your breathing issues.

    Allergies: Allergies can cause nasal irritation and inflammation, this is known as allergic rhinitis. The nasal swelling and congestion can make breathing through the nose difficult, especially when lying down, leading to restless sleep and the sensation of choking during sleep. Allergy testing can be done to identify specific allergens and guide effective treatments to reduce nasal inflammation.

    Nasal Obstruction: Structural abnormalities within the nose, such as a deviated septum, polyps, or enlarged turbinates, can block the nasal airway. This restriction of airflow can disrupt sleep. An ENT specialist can examine your nasal cavity with an endoscope to determine if these structures are impairing your breathing and if surgical correction is necessary. Breathing issues during sleep can severely impact sleep quality, increase the risk of medical conditions like hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and, and negatively affect overall health, quality of life, and productivity. It is crucial to consult an ENT specialist if you experience disturbed breathing at night.

    A thorough evaluation can identify and treat the underlying cause, ensuring you receive the appropriate care to improve your sleep and overall well-being.

    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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I’ve noticed a change in the color of my stool recently, and I’m wondering what it could indicate. It’s not the usual brown color—it’s either lighter or darker, sometimes even red or green. I’m curious to know if this change ...

  1. Brown poop or dark brown poop is generally a normal colour. If it’s black, that’s not good. It could mean bleeding. If it’s green, you probably have a lot of green vegetables. If it’s white, that’s not good because it may mean your bile duct is blocked. If it’s yellow, you may have too much fat andRead more

    Brown poop or dark brown poop is generally a normal colour. If it’s black, that’s not good. It could mean bleeding. If it’s green, you probably have a lot of green vegetables. If it’s white, that’s not good because it may mean your bile duct is blocked. If it’s yellow, you may have too much fat and grease. If it’s red, it could mean you had a lot of red fruits or vegetables, but it could also that there is blood and there is bleeding. That is not normal.

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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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I’ve recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, despite never having smoked a day in my life. I’m puzzled by how this could have happened and curious about the possible causes of lung cancer in non-smokers. Could there be other factors ...

  1. There are still a few risk factors that can cause cancer in a non-smoker. Number 1, second-hand smoke. Chronic exposure to second-hand smoke can cause cancer. Even if you don’t smoke, but your surrounding family members or friends smoke, second-hand smoke can cause cancer. Second is chronic chemicalRead more

    There are still a few risk factors that can cause cancer in a non-smoker. Number 1, second-hand smoke. Chronic exposure to second-hand smoke can cause cancer. Even if you don’t smoke, but your surrounding family members or friends smoke, second-hand smoke can cause cancer. Second is chronic chemical exposure, such as radon or asbestos. If you work in a factory that produces radon or asbestos, there is an increased risk of having lung cancer. Third, medical history. If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, a long-standing of infection will cause inflammation of the lung. It will subsequently lead to lung cancer. The fourth factor is genetically linked. Certain non-smoker lung cancers have this gene EGFR and ALK, which is specifically found in non-smokers. This can mutate and cause lung cancer.
    There are ways to screen for lung cancer. We normally do a low-dose CT scan every year to screen for lung cancer. Please contact your healthcare professional for this screening.

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I’ve been experiencing chest pains lately, and I’m curious about what could be causing them. They seem to come and go, sometimes accompanied by shortness of breath or discomfort in my arms. Could this be a sign of something serious, ...

  1. It could be angina. Angina is defined as chest pain precipitated by effort and relieved by rest or the medication nitroglycerine. There can be some subtle symptoms, like fatigability and shortness of breath. It occurs when part of your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. You should hRead more

    It could be angina. Angina is defined as chest pain precipitated by effort and relieved by rest or the medication nitroglycerine. There can be some subtle symptoms, like fatigability and shortness of breath. It occurs when part of your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. You should have a check with your doctor. They will do an ECG and check your medical history to confirm if it is coronary artery disease.

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