Hello,

Sign up to join our community!

Welcome Back,

Please sign in to your account!

Forgot Password,

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.

Ask A Question

Please type your username.

Please type your E-Mail.

Please choose the appropriate section so the question can be searched easily.

Type the description thoroughly and in details.

Choose from here the video type.

Put Video ID here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdUUx5FdySs Ex: "sdUUx5FdySs".

Captcha Click on image to update the captcha.

You must login to send a message.

Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.

mca helf
What's your question?

Medical Channel Asia Latest Questions

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.

    See less

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.  

    See less

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.

    See less

Hi, I have been wearing glasses my whole life n I want to do laser correction. Some of my friends who did lasik say that it went well but one of my friend experienced v dry eyes even until now ...

  1. This answer was edited.

    Hello! I’m Dr Petrina, Senior Consultant Opthalmologist at Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery. I specialise in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Refractive surgery can be broadly catergorised into two ways: 1) Laser procedures that flatten the cornea, and 2) Implantable contact lens (nothing to do with the cRead more

    Hello! I’m Dr Petrina, Senior Consultant Opthalmologist at Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery. I specialise in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery.
    Refractive surgery can be broadly catergorised into two ways: 1) Laser procedures that flatten the cornea, and 2) Implantable contact lens (nothing to do with the cornea). Here is an overview of LASIK procedures & implantable contact lens.
    For laser procedures that work on the cornea, these include PRK / EPILASIK, FEMTOLASIK, SMILE. Because these procedures work on the cornea, dry eyes is a by-product and side effect. Some patients do better after the first month but some patients may need constant lubricant eyedrops even after some time. Prior to refractive surgery like LASIK, we will screen our patients for dry eyes.

    • PRK or EPILASIK removes the outer surface of the cornea with either a blade or alchohol. An excimer laser is then applied to flatten the cornea. The outer surface of the cornea then heals in 1 week.
    • FEMTOLASIK is whereby a femtosecond laser creates a flap, thereafter the excimer laser is applied to flatten the cornea. The flap is then respoitioned.
    • SMILE is whereby a femtosecond laser makes a small wound at the side of the cornea, the laser also fashions a pocket of tissue such that the surgeon can remove that pocket of cornea tissue to bring about a “flattening” of the cornea.

    On the other hand, implantable contact lens (ICL) procedure has no lasering of the cornea and thus no problems with dry eyes. It is highly recommended for patients with high degrees of shortsightedness (like yourself) as we preserve as much cornea as we can.
    If you have any concerns about your options for shortsightedness, feel free to reach out for more information. Happy to help answer any more questions!
    Dr Petrina Tan
    Senior Consultant Opthalmologist
    Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery, Eagle Eye Centre
    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.

    See less

Hi!!! I have acl surgery scheduled in 2weeks and I’m start to prep myself (mentally and logistically) since it’ll be one of my friends helping me recover (not living with family) I’m putting together a list of things I may need after ...

  1. This answer was edited.

    Hi Yong Quan, As a knee surgeon, I’ve seen my fair share of post-op patients. A few things I would recommend adding to your care package for post-op: Hot/Cold pack – Keeping the area iced will help with pain and swelling at the start. You can rotate icing 20 minutes on/off. You can use the pack forRead more

    Hi Yong Quan, As a knee surgeon, I’ve seen my fair share of post-op patients. A few things I would recommend adding to your care package for post-op:

    • Hot/Cold pack – Keeping the area iced will help with pain and swelling at the start. You can rotate icing 20 minutes on/off. You can use the pack for warm compress down the road
    • Shower stool/chair – You may not feel strong enough to stand initially and the shower can be slippery so this can be helpful
    • Extra pillows and Ortho Wedge – This can help to keep you in a stable position in bed, and propping your knee up helps with the swelling too
    • Stool softener – The pain meds and inactivity after surgery can cause constipation, so stay regular with a stool softener and enough fibre in your diet, you wouldn’t want to strain

    Remember to follow post-op instructions from your surgeon and physical therapist, especially rehab exercises, to enhance your healing journey. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Feel free to reach out to me if any other questions come up, and all the best for your upcoming surgery.

    Dr Sean Leo
    Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
    Orthokinetics Singapore

    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
Anonymous
Anonymous

I realised that my penis is not normal. is a quite curved and a bit painful. I found out 2 yrs ago. i got ask my GP but he say its normal that penis is not straight, but I think ...

  1. Thank you for your question. It's understandable to be concerned if your penis curves more than you think is normal and it causes pain. Here's some information that might be helpful: Slight Curvature is Common: Many penises have a slight curve, up, down, or to the side. This is usually nothing to woRead more

    Thank you for your question.

    It’s understandable to be concerned if your penis curves more than you think is normal and it causes pain. Here’s some information that might be helpful:

    Slight Curvature is Common: Many penises have a slight curve, up, down, or to the side. This is usually nothing to worry about.

    Painful Curvature Could Indicate Peyronie’s Disease: A condition called Peyronie’s disease can cause scar tissue to form in the penis, leading to a more pronounced curve and pain during erections. This could be what you’re experiencing. Peyronie’s Disease is a condition where the penis becomes curved, making erections painful or difficult. This can cause significant emotional and psychological distress for those affected. Although Peyronie’s Disease can affect any man, research suggests that it is more common in men of Asian descent. It is estimated that approximately 5% of men in Asia have Peyronie’s Disease.

    Talking to a Doctor is Important: Since you have pain and a significant curve, it’s best to see a doctor again, especially a urologist (a specialist in the urinary tract and male reproductive system). They can do a physical exam and discuss your concerns.

    Treatment options for Peyronie’s Disease depend on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, doctors may suggest a wait-and-see approach, as the condition may improve on its own. In more severe cases, however, treatment may include medication to reduce the pain, injections of medication into the penis to reduce curvature or surgery to remove the plaque and reconstruct the penis.

    Here are some resources you might find helpful:

    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.

    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
diggydoo
diggydoo

I have a mole on my leg that is growing for the past 5 years. It’s round and black and used to be flat but now a bit raised. Still uniform in shape and colour so it’s not skin cancer ...

  1. Thank you for your question! This article helps explain more about your symptoms: https://medicalchannelasia.com/moles-when-should-i-be-worried/ Moles in general are common skin growths that develop when melanocytes, pigment-producing cells in your skin, cluster together. These clusters cause the daRead more

    Thank you for your question!

    This article helps explain more about your symptoms:

    https://medicalchannelasia.com/moles-when-should-i-be-worried/

    Moles in general are common skin growths that develop when melanocytes, pigment-producing cells in your skin, cluster together. These clusters cause the darkening of the skin and can appear anywhere on your body, including the scalp, genitals, and inside your mouth.

    Most moles are harmless and typically appear during childhood and adolescence. You can have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles by adulthood, and they may change in color, size, and texture over time. Some moles may even fade away completely.

    Here are some characteristics of moles:

    • Color: Moles can vary in color from light brown to black, pink, red, tan, or even blue.
    • Size: Most moles are smaller than a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters or ¼ inch in diameter).
    • Shape: Moles can be round, oval, or irregular in shape.
    • Texture: Moles can be flat, smooth, raised, or wrinkled. They may also have coarse hairs growing out of them.

    While most moles are benign (noncancerous), some can be cancerous. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, can develop from a mole. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of melanoma.

    Here are some tips for monitoring your moles:

    • The ABCDE rule: This rule can help you identify moles that may be cancerous.
      • Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
      • Border: The border of the mole is irregular, notched, or blurred.
      • Color: The mole has more than one color, or the color changes within the mole.
      • Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (¼ inch) in diameter.
      • Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
    • Perform regular skin self-exams: Look for any new moles or changes in existing moles. Pay particular attention to moles in areas you don’t normally see, such as your back or scalp.
    • See a doctor: If you notice any changes in a mole, see a doctor or dermatologist for a professional evaluation.

    If you’re experiencing any skin issues, it is best to consult a Dermatologist doctor to determine the cause and receive proper treatment. This information from Medical Channel Asia is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consulting a doctor is important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

    See less