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Medical Channel Asia Latest Questions

My dad just had a gallbladder surgery and he’s recuperating fine. Just wondering if there is anything specific I should be looking out for him or supporting him in recovery. Heard he can’t eat oily food? Can he still ...

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

    I'm glad to hear your dad's surgery went well. Here are some general guidelines for post-gallbladder surgery recovery: Dietary Adjustments: Avoid fatty and oily foods: Since the gallbladder helps digest fats, without it, the liver will still produce bile, but in smaller, continuous amounts. To helpRead more

    I’m glad to hear your dad’s surgery went well. Here are some general guidelines for post-gallbladder surgery recovery:

    1. Dietary Adjustments:
      • Avoid fatty and oily foods: Since the gallbladder helps digest fats, without it, the liver will still produce bile, but in smaller, continuous amounts. To help with digestion, it’s best to avoid greasy, fried, and high-fat foods for a while. Gradually reintroduce fats to see how his body tolerates them.
      • Small, frequent meals: This can be easier on the digestive system than large meals.
      • Fiber-rich foods: Help prevent constipation, but increase fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating.
      • Alcohol: It’s best to avoid alcohol in the early recovery period. Later, moderate consumption may be allowed, but it’s important to consult with the surgeon or doctor about when it’s safe.
    2. Monitoring for Complications:
      • Digestive issues: It’s common to have some digestive changes, like diarrhea, after the surgery, but these usually improve over time.
      • Infection signs: Watch for signs of infection like fever, increased pain, redness, or swelling at the incision site.
      • Bowel movements: Ensure normal bowel function returns. Severe constipation or diarrhea should be reported to the doctor.
    3. Activity Levels:
      • Rest: Encourage him to rest and gradually resume normal activities.
      • Avoid heavy lifting: For at least a few weeks, he should avoid lifting anything heavy or doing strenuous activities.
    4. Follow-up Appointments: Make sure he attends all scheduled follow-ups with his surgeon.

    It’s great that he’s recuperating well. Encourage him to follow his doctor’s specific advice, as they can provide the most personalized guidance for his recovery.

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

    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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Anonymous
Anonymous

My husband has been getting some acne on his back. We’re not quite sure what’s the trigger but maybe because the weather has been hot recently. I help to put some benzoyl peroxide cream but I hate that it ...

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

    For back acne (bacne), an acne body wash could be a good solution, especially if it contains ingredients that target acne effectively. Here are some options and general tips: 1. Acne-Fighting Body Washes: Salicylic Acid Body Wash: Salicylic acid is a great option for mild to moderate acne. It helpsRead more

    For back acne (bacne), an acne body wash could be a good solution, especially if it contains ingredients that target acne effectively. Here are some options and general tips:

    1. Acne-Fighting Body Washes:

    • Salicylic Acid Body Wash: Salicylic acid is a great option for mild to moderate acne. It helps exfoliate the skin and clear out pores, reducing breakouts. Popular options include Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash and CeraVe SA Body Wash. These are generally more affordable and effective.
    • Glycolic Acid Body Wash: Glycolic acid can help exfoliate the skin and fade hyperpigmentation. Look for products like Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap or Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash.
    • Tea Tree Oil Body Wash: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic with antibacterial properties. Products like The Body Shop Tea Tree Body Wash might help with breakouts.

    2. Benzoyl Peroxide Alternatives:

    • If you want to avoid the bleaching effects of benzoyl peroxide, adapalene gel (Differin) is a good topical alternative that doesn’t bleach fabrics. It helps with acne and hyperpigmentation, though it can take a few weeks to see results.

    3. Additional Tips:

    • Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation (once or twice a week) with a gentle scrub can help prevent clogged pores. Be cautious not to overdo it, as it can irritate the skin.
    • Moisturizing: Look for non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog pores. Keeping the skin hydrated can aid in healing and reduce hyperpigmentation.

    4. Hyperpigmentation:

    • Niacinamide: This ingredient can help with inflammation and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
    • Azelaic Acid: It’s effective for both acne and fading hyperpigmentation.

    Before purchasing a more expensive product like the Medicube body wash, it might be worth trying more affordable options like the salicylic acid body washes. If his skin doesn’t respond, you could consult a dermatologist for more targeted treatment.

    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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36 year old male here, im thin with no known underlying medical conditions. 2 days ago, I felt pain in my right calf. It feels aching and heavy, and deeper inside than a usual muscle ache. Only ache and no swelling ...

  1. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, such as those in your legs or arms. Left untreated, the clot could dislodge and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism - a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Some key warningRead more

    Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, such as those in your legs or arms. Left untreated, the clot could dislodge and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism – a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

    Some key warning signs of DVT include aching pain, swelling, tenderness in tue calf. Pain with walking or movement of the affected area is also common. However, the absence of some characteristic symptoms does not rule out DVT, as some patients may only report mild ache or heaviness in the leg. At the same time, while most leg pains are not due to DVT, it is important to get any concerning symptoms properly evaluated expediently, especially if they persist for days and does not improve in severity. The easiest thing is to put it down to a muscle strain. Risk factors for developing a DVT in the leg include trauma, dehydration, immobility, recent air travel especially long haul and a family history of clotting problems.

    I would not recommend taking aspirin on your own without seeing a vascular specialist first, as that could potentially worsen bleeding risks especially if you have pre-existing conditions such as a stomach ulcer. The best thing to do is schedule an appointment with a vascular surgeon to have your leg examined. We can perform a tailored physical exam and history taking to assess the likelihood of a DVT, and initiate further tests like a Duplex ultrasound scan and blood test marker to diagnose or rule out a DVT. Early detection and treatment are important for preventing longer term complications such as post thrombotic syndrome where the leg can feel particularly heavy when standing or walking for a long time and is associated with skin problems such as ulceration. The earlier you diagnose a DVT, the quicker you can be started on blood thinners and the more likely you can make a full recovery by dissolving all the clot. You can expect an ultrasound scan to be performed on the same day you are seen and and you will be informed whether you have a DVT or not.

    Do make an appointment promptly for an evaluation. If your symptoms significantly worsen or you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain or palpitations, you should seek immediate medical attention. Let me know if you have any other questions.

    Dr Tang Tjun Yip
    Senior Vascular and General Surgeon
    The Vascular & Endovascular Clinic
    https://vascularclinic.sg/
    https://www.facebook.com/theveclinic/
    https://www.instagram.com/theveclinic/

    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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Has anyone experienced any long-term side effects of BC? I have been on different types of birth control pills since I am 16 (I am 27 now) and recently my period has completely stopped. I was prescribed for endometriosis. I am ...

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

    Long-term use of birth control pills can come with both benefits and potential side effects, especially for managing conditions like endometriosis. Here are some things to consider: 1. Endometriosis and Birth Control: Management: Birth control pills are commonly prescribed for endometriosis becauseRead more

    Long-term use of birth control pills can come with both benefits and potential side effects, especially for managing conditions like endometriosis. Here are some things to consider:

    1. Endometriosis and Birth Control:

    • Management: Birth control pills are commonly prescribed for endometriosis because they help manage symptoms by reducing or stopping menstruation, which can alleviate pain and prevent the condition from worsening.
    • Period Stopping: It’s not uncommon for periods to stop on certain types of birth control, especially those designed to suppress menstruation (like continuous pill use). This is generally considered safe and a way to manage endometriosis symptoms.

    2. Long-Term Use of Birth Control Pills:

    • Bone Density: Some studies suggest long-term use of birth control can lead to a slight reduction in bone density, though this is more common with Depo-Provera injections than with pills. It’s worth discussing this with your doctor, especially if you’re at risk for osteoporosis.
    • Cardiovascular Risks: Long-term use of birth control pills may increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart disease, particularly if you smoke, have high blood pressure, or are over 35.
    • Cancer Risk: Birth control pills have been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer but may slightly increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer. The overall risk varies depending on individual health factors.

    3. Concerns About Periods Stopping:

    • Hormonal Balance: If your periods have stopped entirely, it’s important to discuss this with your gynecologist. While stopping periods can be a goal of endometriosis treatment, sudden changes in your menstrual cycle could signal a need to adjust your medication.
    • Long-Term Health: If you’re not sexually active and are concerned about the necessity of continuing birth control, your doctor might explore other treatment options for endometriosis. There are alternative therapies like progestin-only pills, hormone therapy, or even non-hormonal options depending on your symptoms and health goals.

    4. Considerations Moving Forward:

    • Health Monitoring: Regular check-ups and discussions with your healthcare provider are essential. If you have concerns about the long-term impact of birth control, they can guide you through the pros and cons of continuing or changing treatment.
    • Alternative Treatments: If you feel that birth control may no longer be necessary for you, it might be worth discussing alternative options to manage your endometriosis that don’t involve continuous hormonal treatment.

    Your health decisions should always align with your personal goals and comfort. If you’re feeling uncertain, it might be helpful to seek a second opinion from another gynecologist who can provide a fresh perspective on your treatment plan.

    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 apologise in advance for this question…🥲 recently noticed a small lump at the top/inner part of my anus. I can feel it with my finger, but it doesn’t cause any irritation or discomfort when I’m sitting. The lump is a ...

  1. Lumps in and around the anus are common issue that many patients see us for regardless of age or gender, so please don't feel like you are too young to see someone for it! From the description of the lump it does sound like it could be haemorrhoids (also known as piles) Haemorrhoids are actually norRead more

    Lumps in and around the anus are common issue that many patients see us for regardless of age or gender, so please don’t feel like you are too young to see someone for it! From the description of the lump it does sound like it could be haemorrhoids (also known as piles)

    Haemorrhoids are actually normal structures at the anus, and are present in every one of us! They are blood vessels that fill and drain to help with fine control of continence in addition to the anal sphincter muscle. However in some people they do become symptomatic and can swell, bleed and even prolapse (come out of the anus) and present like a new lump around the area.

    Anal cancer if present tends to be hard and fixed, may cause difficulty passing motion if large enough and may even have other symptoms associated like loss of weight and appetite. Based on your description it does not sound likely, but I would certainly suggest to go to a doctor to have it checked – even if it ends up being nothing I think it is worth the peace of mind!

    Dr Eugene Yeo
    Colorectal & General Surgeon
    Eugene Yeo Colorectal & Minimally Invasive Surgery (TEN Surgery Group)
    Email: [email protected]
    https://www.eugeneyeosurgery.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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Anonymous
Anonymous

CLINICAL FEATURES: penile pain. No dysuria INDICATION: SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS; Noted in the ventral position, mild thickening of the tunica albuginea with mild anechoic fluid collection measuring 2.1 mm and 2.6 mm in the right and let respectively. No mass seen in the corpora ...

  1. Peyronie’s disease is a wound healing disorder resulting in formation of a plaque in the tunica albuginea(TA). The TA is the layer that wraps around the muscle of the penis known as the corpora. The plaque can result in a lump over the the penile shaft and this can also result in penile curvatures,Read more

    Peyronie’s disease is a wound healing disorder resulting in formation of a plaque in the tunica albuginea(TA). The TA is the layer that wraps around the muscle of the penis known as the corpora. The plaque can result in a lump over the the penile shaft and this can also result in penile curvatures, affecting sexual function. This condition is benign and not cancerous. You should see a urologist who has sub-specialty interest and training in Peyronie’s disease as that he can tailor the most suitable treatment for you.

    As there is the finding of fluid on the ultrasound, you should get a consult as you would need a physical examination to rule out other conditions.

    Dr Ronny Tan
    Specialist Urologist and Andrologist
    https://urology.com.sg/
    https://www.facebook.com/advancedurologysg
    https://www.instagram.com/advancedurologysg

    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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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.

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Hi, I’m Syafiqah. I work as a safety officer at a factory (see picture attached). Lately our foreign staff was diagnosed with TB and is not under treatment and quarantined. My question is: 1) What are the symptoms of TB?

  1. This answer was edited.

    I understand you're concerned about a coworker who has TB. Here's information on tuberculosis (TB) symptoms: https://medicalchannelasia.com/understanding-tuberculosis-prevention-strategies-in-light-of-singapores-recent-outbreak/ Symptoms of Active TB: A cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks (may cougRead more

    I understand you’re concerned about a coworker who has TB. Here’s information on tuberculosis (TB) symptoms:

    https://medicalchannelasia.com/understanding-tuberculosis-prevention-strategies-in-light-of-singapores-recent-outbreak/

    Symptoms of Active TB:

    • A cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks (may cough up mucus or blood)
    • Chest pain or pain with coughing or breathing
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Night sweats
    • Weight loss
    • Loss of appetite
    • Feeling tired or exhausted
    • Not feeling well in general

    Important to Note:

    https://medicalchannelasia.com/world-tuberculosis-day-2023/

    • People with latent TB infection (inactive TB) don’t have symptoms and can’t spread TB to others.

    If your coworker has some of these symptoms, it’s crucial they see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing the spread of TB.

    Here’s what you can do:

    • Encourage your coworker to seek medical attention.
    • Maintain good ventilation in your workplace. This helps reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
    • Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items.

     

    Remember, this information from Medical Channel Asia is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consulting a doctor is crucial to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.  

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The pic not me I took from Google. I look something like that now. last yr I was in a minor car accident and had some nerve damage to my left eye. after that my left eyelid start to droop because ...

  1. Hello! I'm Dr Petrina, Senior Consultant Opthalmologist at Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery. I specialise in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (which includes droopy eyelid surgery) The muscle that helps us to open our eyelids is called the levator muscle. This muscle is supplied by a nerve and this may beRead more

    Hello! I’m Dr Petrina, Senior Consultant Opthalmologist at Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery. I specialise in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (which includes droopy eyelid surgery)

    The muscle that helps us to open our eyelids is called the levator muscle. This muscle is supplied by a nerve and this may be the nerve that has been injured in the car accident. Due to this, the muscle does not work so well . However with time, the disuse of the levator muscle has also caused it to weaken further thus causing more of the eyelid droop.

    Eyelid surgery to correct droopy eyelids is very manageable. To calm patients’ anxiety, we can have our anaesthetist to give some sedation at the start of the surgery . We will then do a small injection of local anaesthetic (but you won’t feel it at all because youre sedated) and we start the eyelid surgery. Your eyes are closed so you won’t be seeing any part of the surgery. After about 40 minutes, we will wake you up gently and ask that you help us open your eyes so that we can check that both eyes are symmetrical. Once we are happy with the results of the eyelid surgery, our anaesthetist will let you go back to your sleep and we close up the eyelid wound to complete the procedure.

    If you have any concerns about the procedure, feel free to reach out for more information. Happy to help answer any more questions!

    Dr Petrina Tan
    Senior Consultant Opthalmologist
    Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery
    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.

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