I am a girl of 18 years. I recently noticed that my fingernails are turning brown and the nails on my toes are cutting into two. Kindly let me know the cause of these and what I should do about it.
— Blessing (by SMS)
The most common causes of yellow or brown fingernails are the frequent use of nail polish and cigarette smoking. Taking a break on the polish or quitting smoking may allow the dark nail to grow out as the new nail comes in. A yellowish coloring of the nails may also be caused by diabetes, lung problems, arthritis, lupus, certain medications, lymphatic system disorders and liver disease. Not having enough vitamin B-12 can cause nails to turn dark, thin and possibly spoon shaped. Your doctor may want to perform some tests to check for nutrition problems or an illness. Fungus infections of the fingernails can also turn the nails brown or yellow. The texture usually also changes; nails often become very thick and may crack or peel. Nail fungus infections are more common in the toes than the fingers. These infections can be difficult to treat, and taking an oral antifungal medication is usually required.. However, if things do not improve, you may need to see your doctor for a more expert advice and treatment.
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My constant headache
What can I do if I have headache for more than one week despite having taken drugs for it.
— Ibukun (by SMS)
Headaches can be due to emotional issues such as anxiety and unresolved problems. They can also be due to some underlying illnesses. In order to know the actual cause, you will need to see your doctor who will check your Blood Pressure and carry out some Blood Tests including that for malaria. The results will indicate what the problem is.
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Is this middle age spread?
I have been putting on weight in the last couple of months despite all the exercises I have been doing. My friends say it is ‘Middle Age Spread’ which I cannot stop. However, I am not happy with what is happening. Kindly let me know what to do about it. I am 55 years of age.
— Salome (by SMS)
Men and women tend to put on more weight as they grow older into the middle age. The main culprit is the fall in the level of hormones in the body which slows our metabolism making us to burn less energy and therefore store more fat. While it is true that the ‘middle age spread’ is an inevitable part of our life, we can still take necessary steps to control the spread. These steps include, reduction in the intake of high levels of starchy, fatty and fried foods as well as fizzy drinks. In addition, regular exercises geared towards weight loss are also welcomed. It is also important to reduce stress in our lives as stress increases the level of cortisol (a form of steroid) in our body and can lead to weight gain. Regular and adequate sleep is also very helpful.
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I have a chronic sore throat
I have been on antibiotics treatment for sore throat and cough for the past three weeks but the sore throat has persisted and I am worried. Please let me know what I should do.
— Ijeoma (by SMS)
It is not all cases of Sore Throat that require antibiotics treatment since some sore throats are caused by viral infections. Having been on antibiotics treatment for a while without any improvement, it will be a good idea for you stop your current medications and see a doctor. Apart from inspecting your throat to specifically see whether your tonsils are enlarged or not, the doctor may also take a swap of your throat for Laboratory examination. The outcome of the examination will determine your ultimate treatment.
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My baby has a tongue tie
My baby was born with his tongue tied to the floor of his mouth by a strip of muscle band. Even though he cries well and the tongue is free enough to touch his lips, my friends are advising me to take him for an operation which will release the tongue. Please help me.
— Jumai (by SMS)
If as you said, your baby cries well and freely moves his tongue, there is no reason for you to subject him to the trauma of having to cut the tongue tie. I will advise that you leave him alone as he is.
