I AM a 35-year-old mother of three. After I was diagnosed with fibroids, I started having heavy menstrual flows which usually left me worn out. Since I am no longer interested in having any more babies, I want to know if I can remove my womb through surgery?
— Diana (by SMS)
Yes, you can. Removal of the womb when done by experts is a safe and appropriate surgery under your conditions.
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Symptoms of high blood pressure
I have been informed that the incidence of High Blood Pressure runs in my family. Kindly let me know the symptoms so I can quickly seek help if necessary.
—- Bidemi (by SMS)
High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many people with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition until it is detected during a routine medical check-up or when they experience complications related to hypertension. However, as blood pressure levels continue to rise, some individuals may start experiencing symptoms, which can include: Headaches, Shortness of breath, Nosebleeds while blurred vision or eye problems may develop in severe cases. It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to high blood pressure and can be caused by various other factors. Thus, it is crucial to regularly check blood pressure levels, especially for individuals with risk factors or a family history of hypertension.
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Hypertension and its complications
I have been hypertensive for the past five years. I want to know at what age complications usually occur and what are the kind of complications?
—- Britus (by SMS)
As for the age at which high blood pressure becomes dangerous for the heart and kidneys, there is no specific age threshold. Hypertension can affect people of all ages, including children and adolescents, though it becomes more prevalent with advancing age. Generally, the risk of developing complications due to high blood pressure increases with the duration and severity of uncontrolled hypertension. The risk of heart and kidney complications due to high blood pressure can vary among individuals based on factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and overall health. If left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to various serious conditions, such as; heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, peripheral artery disease as well as kidney damage. It is recommended regular blood pressure screenings for all adults, starting at age 18. If an individual has normal blood pressure (below 120/80 mmHg), they should continue to have their blood pressure checked at least every two years. If the blood pressure reading is elevated or if there are risk factors for hypertension, more frequent monitoring is advised. It’s important to remember that high blood pressure can often be managed and controlled through lifestyle changes (e.g., adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, reducing salt intake) and, if necessary, with medications prescribed by a healthcare professional. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial in reducing the risk of complications associated with high blood pressure.
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Symptoms of heart attack
Kindly let me know the symptoms of Heart Attack. I am a 40-year-old man who is in excellent health. Still, I have read about my some otherwise healthy people who have died from heart attacks.
—- Chike (by SMS)
Symptoms for Heart Attack can be different for men and women. The most common symptoms in men are; sudden cold sweat, discomfort or tingling in the back, shoulder, arms, neck or jaw, chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath and nausea. In women, the symptoms can be extreme fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness, neck and jaw pain without chest pain, upper back pain, shortness of breath, chest pressure, vomiting, nausea, feeling of heartburn as well as discomfort or tingling in one or both arms. Anybody with any of these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.
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Is this diabetes
I have been feeling very weak for some time with some tingling sensations in my feet. Kindly let me know if this is Diabetes?
— Fatima (by SMS)
In addition to the well-known symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, and fatigue, there are several lesser-known symptoms that may also occur such as tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. This kind of feeling is usually due to nerve damage as a result of the diabetes. Other kinds of symptoms include; slow healing of wounds, blurred vision, recurring infections, erectile dysfunction as well as skin changes that include, itching and skin darkening. It is important to note that not everyone with diabetes will experience all of these symptoms, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Therefore, it is important to get regular check-ups and blood tests to monitor blood sugar levels and overall health.
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My problem with menopause
I have not seen my menses for the past six months and it seems to be affecting me badly. Apart from occasional night sweats, I sometimes find having sex very painful. Kindly advise me on what to do. I am 55 years of age.
—- Glory (by SMS)
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. In addition to your complaints, other symptoms could include; irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, loss of libido, sleep disturbances, urinary incontinence, as well as fragility of bones. Your occasional painful sexual experience can be due to vaginal dryness as a result of hormonal reduction. It’s important to note that not all women experience all of these symptoms, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary. Fortunately, many of these symptoms can be managed by the consumption of a balanced diet, adequate sleep, moderate daily exercise as well as reduction of stress and anxiety. A medical consultation of vitamins, lubricant gels for the vaginal dryness and some medications will also be advisable.
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Old age and body odour
I want to know makes some old people smell in a certain way. My father is now 88 years old and has some offensive body odor which we don’t know how to handle.
—- Camilus (by SMS)
The distinct “old person smell” is caused by a variety of factors, including changes in the skin and body that occur with aging. These changes can lead to alterations in the composition of sweat and sebum, the natural oils produced by the skin, which can produce a unique scent. As we age, our skin becomes more tender and drier, prompting diminished sebum creation and an expansion in skin pH. This adjustment of skin pH can change the sorts and measures of microbes that live on the skin, which can likewise add to the unmistakable smell. Also, a few more seasoned people might have ailments that can influence their stench, for example, kidney or liver infection, which can cause a smelling salts like fragrance. It is important to know that it is not all elderly people that have this kind of body odor. Furthermore, diet can likewise assume a part, as specific food varieties and drinks can cause an unmistakable smell when utilized by the body. It is therefore important to investigate to know what could be the causes of the smell and how to handle them.
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What is anthrax?
I have been reading about a disease called Anthrax. Kindly let me know what this is about. Is it true that the disease is now in Nigeria?
—- Godwin (by SMS)
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. People can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Yes, it has been confirmed that the disease is currently in Nigeria. Anthrax can stay hidden for years in the soil only to be brought to the surface by rain or tilling the fields. When these spores are eaten by animals they cause an outbreak. Anthrax is however, not contagious, which means an infected person cannot pass it on to others like a cold or flu. However, people can get sick with anthrax if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, and spores get cuts or scrapes on the person’s skin. Thus it often infects veterinarians, agricultural workers, livestock producers, or butchers. Eating raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal or drinking contaminated water can cause the disease. Anthrax can spread through the air, where the spores are inhaled, which can happen in places like slaughterhouses and tanneries. There are different types of anthrax symptoms depending on whether the spores enter the skin (cutaneous anthrax), are breathed in (inhalation anthrax), are eaten or drunk (gastrointestinal anthrax), or injected (injection anthrax). When anthrax spores get inside the body, the bacterium goes from dormant to active and multiplies, spreading through the body, producing toxins. Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax include blisters and sores on the skin, inhaling the spores can cause chest pains, shortness of breath and cough, and gastrointestinal anthrax can mean swelling of the neck, sore throat, bloody vomiting or diarrhea. Inhaled anthrax usually develops a few weeks after exposure but it can take up to two months. Without treatment, up to 20% of people with cutaneous anthrax die. If left untreated, more than half of patients with gastrointestinal anthrax die. However, treatment can save 60% of people. The standard treatment for anthrax is an antibiotic prescribed by a doctor. Since some spores can take up to two months to be activated, people need to take antibiotics for that long to be sure they are protected.
