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Medical Channel Asia Latest Questions

I recently fell sick and I’m getting this very sharp pain in my nostrils. It’s like dry and cold? I’m not congested but it feels very painful and deep inside. But not inside my head like where my sinus is. ...

  1. The following answer is provided by HELF AI (www.HELF.co), a next-gen AI backend built to power the health & wellness industry.

    Experiencing sharp pain in the nostrils, especially when it feels dry and cold, can be quite uncomfortable. This type of pain can be attributed to several potential causes, and understanding these can help guide appropriate management strategies. Potential Causes: 1. Nasal Dryness and Irritation: -Read more

    Experiencing sharp pain in the nostrils, especially when it feels dry and cold, can be quite uncomfortable. This type of pain can be attributed to several potential causes, and understanding these can help guide appropriate management strategies.

    Potential Causes:

    1. Nasal Dryness and Irritation:
    Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry air, particularly in heated indoor environments during colder months, can lead to nasal dryness. This can cause the mucous membranes to become irritated and painful.
    Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can exacerbate dryness in the nasal passages.
    Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, can dry out the nasal passages.

    2. Nasal Vestibulitis:
    – This is an inflammation of the nasal vestibule, the area just inside the nostrils. It can be caused by bacterial infections, often due to Staphylococcus aureus, and can result in sharp pain and tenderness.

    3. Nasal Trauma or Foreign Body:
    – Minor trauma from nose picking or the presence of a foreign body can cause localized pain and irritation.

    4. Allergic Rhinitis:
    – Although typically associated with congestion, allergic rhinitis can sometimes cause irritation and a sensation of dryness, especially if there is frequent nose blowing or sneezing.

    5. Chemical Irritants:
    – Exposure to irritants such as smoke, strong odors, or pollutants can cause nasal discomfort and dryness.

    Management Strategies:

    1. Humidification:
    – Use a humidifier in your living space to add moisture to the air, which can help alleviate dryness in the nasal passages.

    2. Nasal Saline Sprays or Rinses:
    – Regular use of saline sprays or rinses can help keep the nasal passages moist and clear of irritants. This can also aid in soothing irritation.

    3. Hydration:
    – Ensure adequate fluid intake to maintain overall hydration, which can help keep mucous membranes moist.

    4. Avoid Irritants:
    – Minimize exposure to known irritants such as smoke, strong perfumes, or harsh cleaning chemicals.

    5. Topical Treatments:
    – Consider using a nasal emollient or ointment, such as petroleum jelly, applied gently inside the nostrils to provide a protective barrier and reduce dryness.

    6. Medical Consultation:
    – If the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or discharge, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess for conditions like nasal vestibulitis or other infections that may require specific treatments, such as antibiotics.

    Considerations:

    Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms that may develop, such as changes in discharge, swelling, or systemic symptoms like fever, which could indicate an infection.
    Specialist Referral: If symptoms do not improve with initial measures, a referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) may be warranted for further evaluation.

    By addressing the underlying cause, you can effectively manage the symptoms and alleviate the discomfort. If you have any concerns about specific treatments or if symptoms worsen, seeking professional medical advice is recommended.

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husband-sleep-throwaway
husband-sleep-throwaway

I’m worried about my husband’s sleep schedule & how it’s impacting our relationship and family life. Any advice is apreciated. We have been married for 15 years and have two young children (3M, 5F), with another on the way (6m pregnant). ...

  1. The following answer is provided by HELF AI (www.HELF.co), a next-gen AI backend built to power the health & wellness industry.

    It sounds like you're facing a difficult situation with your husband's sleep habits, especially with the demands of parenting, pregnancy, and managing your own rest. His early wake-ups, energy drinks, and evening screen time are likely affecting his sleep quality, even if he falls asleep quickly. ThRead more

    It sounds like you’re facing a difficult situation with your husband’s sleep habits, especially with the demands of parenting, pregnancy, and managing your own rest. His early wake-ups, energy drinks, and evening screen time are likely affecting his sleep quality, even if he falls asleep quickly. These habits can lead to poor rest and persistent tiredness, which may also be worsened by his loud snoring—possibly a sign of sleep apnea. His sleep issues are clearly impacting your relationship and family life, leaving you with little couple time and a heavy load with the kids’ routines.

    To approach this, have an open and caring conversation, explaining how his habits are affecting both of you. Suggest he visit a doctor to check for possible sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, and gently encourage reducing energy drinks and screens before bed to improve his rest. It’s important to find a way to reconnect as a couple, even briefly, before he goes to sleep. Also, consider solutions for his snoring, such as nasal strips or a sleep study, and prioritize your own sleep as much as possible during this stressful time.

    This approach can help both of you feel better, reconnect, and find more balance in your relationship and family life.

    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

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.

    See less

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.

    See less