I am a 65-year-old pensioner. I have been hearing strange voices for the past two months. Initially, the voices were of very low sound but have become louder in the last few days. Kindly let me know what I should do about this.
— Goggo (by SMS)
Hearing of strange voices (Auditory hallucination) happens when you hear voices or noises that don’t exist in reality. In some cases, they’re temporary and harmless, while in others, they may be a sign of a more serious mental health or neurological condition. Auditory hallucinations have many possible causes. Auditory hallucinations are often associated with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions, but they can happen for several other reasons, such as hearing loss. Some people experience auditory hallucinations that specifically take place as they’re falling asleep. These types of hallucinations are common and usually not a cause for concern. It’s a good idea for all cases of Auditory Hallucinations to be properly investigated by competent medical hands.
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Dark circles under the eyes
I recently noticed dark circles under my husband’s eyes. He is a very busy business man who rarely sleeps. He is 50 years old. Kindly advise us on what to do.
— Grace (by SMS)
Dark circles under the eyes mean the area of skin below the eyes looks darkened. This area may appear as shades of blue, purple, brown or black, depending on your natural skin color. Dark circles under the eyes may make the person look tired or older than the person is. The condition is more common in elderly people and those with a family history. As a person ages, the skin below the eyes begins to loosen and thin out so the blood vessels under the skin may become more visible. This can darken the appearance of under eyes. Studies have shown that dark circles under the eyes may run in families while some skin diseases, lack of sleep, dehydration, stress, excessive alcohol intake and smoking can also cause the condition. Getting rid of the dark circles may entail getting enough sleep at night (at least seven hours), use of pillows to reduce eye puffiness, fluids Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night to prevent shadows from appearing around your eyes. When these procedures do not work, a visit to a Medical Doctor for a proper investigation will be highly recommended.
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My son’s hair loss
The hair on the head of my 15- year- old son has been falling off for the past two months. The doctor we saw gave us some drugs to use but this does not seem to work. Please advise me on what else to do
— Kazeem (by SMS)
Alopecia areata is the medical term for a condition that causes a person’s hair to fall out. Although anyone can develop alopecia, however, the chances of having alopecia areata are slightly greater if the person concerned has a relative with the condition. Alopecia areata is an unpredictable disease. In some people, hair grows back but falls out again later. In others, hair grows back and remains. Each case is unique. Even if someone loses all of his or her hair, there is a chance that it will grow back. The ailment cannot be cured. It can however be treated and the hair can grow back. However, when the condition cannot be treated, there are some cosmetic and protective techniques that people with alopecia can try. These include the use of wigs, hats or scarves. Consumption of a well-balanced diet is also very important because hair growth is a vitamin- and mineral-dependent process. It is equally important for people with the disease to reduce stress because of the connection between stress and the condition.
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HIV from hand shakes
I just learnt that some people in my office are HIV positive. I am afraid of catching the disease because these people are always shaking hands with very one in the office
— Ireti (by SMS)
HIV cannot be transmitted through hand shake, therefore, you have nothing to worry about. HIV can only be transmitted through unprotected sex, transfusion with unscreened blood as well as use of unsterilized needles and sharp metallic instruments used for circumcision and surgical procedures.
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A ganglion on my wrist
I recently noticed a rubbery swelling on the back of my wrist. The doctor I consulted diagnosed a Ganglion which he said must be removed surgically. Kindly let me know what causes Ganglions and whether or not they can be cured by medications since I am afraid of operations.
— Collins (by E Mail)
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump below the surface of the skin that appear on near joints and tendons.No one knows exactly what causes a ganglion cyst to start growing. Some theories indicate that a cyst may develop after something injures a joint, allowing tissue to leak or bulge out.Although anyone can get ganglion, certain factors such previously injuries, and family history may increase your chances of having one of these cysts. In addition, while some ganglions may disappear on their own after some time, those that persist will need surgery to remove them. When done by a competent person, the surgery is simple and safe.
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What is fasting blood sugar?
My sister was recently directed to go for a Fasting Blood Sugar test. Kindly let me know what this test is all about.
— Rahman (by SMS)
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS or Fasting Glucose) is a test that measures blood sugar levels. Elevated levels are associated with diabetes and insulin resistance, in which the body cannot properly handle sugar (e.g. obesity). The test requires a 12-hour fast. Your sister should wait to eat and/or take a hypoglycemic agent (insulin or oral medication) until after test has been drawn, unless told otherwise.
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Why are my testicles swollen?
I am an 18-yea- old man. I started having swollen testicles about a month ago. Kindly let me know what to do since I don’t have money to see a doctor.
— Richard (by SMS)
Many conditions can cause swelling in one or sometimes both testicles. These include: an injury such as a direct kick or accident to the scrotum. Swelling can also occur when the scrotum fills with extra fluid, making it look swollen. It usually develops on only one side and tends to be painless. It’s much more common in babies, but sometimes you can get it as an adult. This condition known as Hydrocele usually goes away on its own. Other causes, could include an infection of the testicles (Orchitis), hernia as well torsion of the testicles. Any swelling of the testicles or scrotum especially when the swelling is progressing needs urgent medical treatment.
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Pains in my teeth
I usually have a lot of pain in my teeth anytime I consume hot, cold foods or drinks. The pain is usually sharp and very deep. I have tried rinsing my mouth frequently with warm salt water. Please let me know what to do
—Abdul (by SMS)
What you have is called ‘Teeth sensitivity’. It can occur when you develop sudden sharp and deep pains in your teeth after consuming hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks. The pain can be sharp, sudden and shoot deep into tooth nerve endings. Teeth sensitivity usually occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth — the dentin — becomes exposed. This can happen due to erosion (wear and tear) and gum recession (when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots).Teeth roots, which aren’t covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to your tooth’s center (the pulp). These dentinal tubules (or channels) allow stimuli — for example, hot, cold or sweet food — to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel. Dental sensitivity can also be a symptom of other issues, including cavities, gum disease or a cracked tooth. Many factors can lead to the development of sensitive teeth. These include, brushing too hard, gum recession, gum disease, cracked teeth, plaque buildup as well as regular consumption of foods with high acid content. Treatment depends on the cause. If you develop lingering teeth sensitivity or discomfort, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll need to rule out any serious conditions so they can recommend appropriate treatment.
