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Health

Physician recommends high intake of water by patients

Physician recommends high intake of water by patients
By Chinenye Offor
Water
Abuja, Feb. 12, 2019 (NAN) Dr Roland Aigbovo of Asokoro General Hospital, Abuja, has advised patients to imbibe the culture of drinking lots of water in view of the prevailing dry season in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Aigbovo, who is a general medical practitioner, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
He stated that water could be food due to its richness in nutrients and stressed that lack of it could lead to dehydration.
He also noted that water contained lots of minerals such as chlorine, sodium, natural hydrogen and oxygen for healthy living.
According to him, drinking just water can sustain a patient for a whole day as well as helps keep the body hydrated.
“If you don’t have enough water in your body, you are challenging your kidneys because it is the work of it to remove toxins from the body and not having enough water in your body can lead to headaches,” he said.
He also encouraged patients to eat the right food and add lots of fruits and vegetables in their diet as well as exercise regularly for optimum health. (NAN)
CSO/OSA/MST
Edited by Shittu Obassa/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Acute respiratory infections commonest illness in children – Physician

Acute respiratory infections commonest illness in children – Physician

By Ummul Idris
Infections
Abuja, Nov. 9, 2018 (NAN) Dr Jonathan Anjola, a family physician, says acute respiratory infection is the commonest illness in children six to 10 years.

The physician said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

He said it was common for children six to 10 years to suffer respiratory tract infections in a year.

According to him, in about 10 to 30 per cent, the lower respiratory tract is also affected.

He said that the peak incidence is at six to 12 months of age, with an increase when the child first mixes with large numbers of children at nursery or school.

Anjola said that most respiratory infections are mild, self-limiting and caused by viruses.

“The incidence of lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis and bronchitis had been assessed in prospective studies.

“When assessing children who present with repeated chest infections it is important to recognise the factors that affect the incidence of these infections in children,’’ said the expert.

He said that child’s age influences the type and frequency of all respiratory infections.

“The normal fall in the incidence of respiratory infection with age reflects the pattern of exposure to infection and the development of the child’s immunity.’’

According to him, some infections occur only in children within specific age band, acute bronchitis occurs almost exclusively in infants aged 1-8 months.

“Although many affected children have recurrent cough, wheeze and breathlessness for months or years afterwards.

“Age also affects severity and two-thirds of childhood deaths due to respiratory infections occur in infancy.’’

He said that lower respiratory infections were more common in boys than girls for what could not be fathom at the moment.

“Infants born prematurely, and particularly those who develop chronic lung disease of prematurity after ventilation, frequently require hospital admission for respiratory infections in early childhood,’’ he said.

He said that the mortality from infection in these infants was higher than in term infants.

The physician said that parents who smoke increase the risk of all respiratory illnesses and symptoms, and particularly lower respiratory tract infection in children.

He said that the effect is greater in infants than in older children just as is related more to maternal than paternal smoking, and is dose-related.

“Both maternal smoking during pregnancy and postnatal passive exposure predispose the children of smokers to recurrent respiratory infections and symptoms,” Anjola warned. (NAN)
UMD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Physician flays Widal test for typhoid fever diagnosis, detection

Physician flays Widal test for typhoid fever diagnosis, detection
By Chinenye Offor
Typhoid
Abuja, Aug. 27, 2018 (NAN) Dr Emmanuel Ezenwa, a General Physician based in Abuja, has said that Widal test was not the best method for typhoid fever diagnosis and detection.
The physician therefore advised the public and hospitals to desist from using Widal test in the diagnosis and treatment of typhoid fever.
Ezenwa gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
He described Widal test as an outdated method, obsolete and inaccurate.
According to him, typhoid fever is mainly clinical which physical presentation and symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and constipation can be used as a platform in diagnosing the condition by a medical doctor.
He emphasised that the best form of detecting typhoid required running a full blood count test and reading in relative nyphotosis.
Ezenwa further identified having a confirmatory test such as bone marrow aspiration culture, stool culture, urine culture was key in detecting typhoid fever in patients.
“If typhoid fever is suspected in a patient, medication should be given immediately because it is contracted through faecal contaminated foods, water, among others.
“Typhoid fever is not what you pick anyhow, it can be avoided if hygienic practices are adhered to such as making sure that the food to be eaten is cooked very well as well as drinking a clean water,” he said.
The physician therefore enjoined patients to desist from running Widal test, saying that it is not an accurate way for typhoid fever detection.
He added that: “Widal test tends to increase the traces of typhoid in the blood if the patient has been vaccinated against typhoid and because it is an antigen it would likely show traces of typhoid.” (NAN)
CSO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Breastfeeding not cause of breast sagging – Physician

Breastfeeding not cause of breast sagging – Physician
By Ummul Idris
Sagging
Abuja, July 6, 2018 (NAN) Dr Mercy Luka, a family physician, says breast feeding is not the cause of breast sagging, but ageing.

Luka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that breast feeding increases the health of mothers.

The expert therefore has advised nursing mothers not to deny their babies enough breast feeding as it has nothing to do with sagging of breasts.

She said that it was natural for aging to result to change in body structure and sagging of breasts.

“Do not let worries about sagging breasts deter you from breast feeding your baby.

“Breast milk is still the best food for a growing infant.

“The breast undergoes changes in size due to the changes your body goes through during pregnancy.

“That makes the difference and not whether you breast feeds a child,’’ she said.

She said that research has shown that if the breast kept moving too freely without a properly fitted bra, breast may stretch the cooper’s ligaments (connective tissues) and will lead to sagging.

Luka said that changes in weight due to gain weight and loss could affect the hormones and make the breast sag.

She added that sagging was unavoidable because of the way breasts were built with fats, glands, milk ducts and cooper’s ligaments.

The physician said that as one gets older, the breasts would be losing the fight with gravity.

However, she said that wearing a properly fitted and supportive bras and breast lifting can help reduce sagging. (NAN)
UMD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

High blood pressure: Physician recommends hydration

High blood pressure: Physician recommends hydration
By Ummul Idris
HPB
Abuja, June 30, 2018 (NAN) Dr Mercy Luka, a General Physician, says staying adequately hydrated is one of the simplest ways to lower High Blood Pressure (HPB) naturally.
Luka made this recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
She warned that not drinking enough fluids could result in dehydration and higher sodium levels in our blood stream.
“Sodium is your body’s water insurance mechanism,’’ the physician said.
Luka said that when you don’t drink enough water your body attempts to secure its fluid supply by retaining sodium.
“Sodium is your body’s water insurance mechanism; water plays an essential role in maintaining your hydration and blood pressure levels.
“Eating foods and liquids that are high in salt contributes to raise blood pressure.
“Your body will continually seeks balance, and respond to changing levels of sodium and other electrolytes in your blood stream.
“When sodium levels in the blood rise too high, your kidneys respond by excreting excess sodium along with water in the form of urine, it is either by increasing or decreasing blood volume,’’ she said.
The expert also said that regular physical exercise could bring your blood pressure down to a safer level.
“Exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing can help lower your blood pressure and make your heart stronger.
“If you already have hypertension, you have to learn how to engage in regular exercise and also manage your stress,’’ said the physician.
She also advised hypertension patients to eat more potassium-rich foods and drink less alcohol. (NAN)
UMD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Physician says women are more prone to STIs

Physician says women are more prone to STIs
by Ummul Idris
STIs
Abuja, June 20, 2018 (NAN) A Physician, Dr David Bawa, says women are more prone to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) due to their anatomy.
Bawa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that women were more susceptible to infections due to the open structure of their genitals.
“A woman’s anatomy alone makes her more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections than a man.
“Unlike the relatively thick skin of the male organ, a woman’s cervical is covered by a thin, more delicate mucous membrane that more easily allows viruses and bacteria to pass through and cause infection.
“The vagina is also a warm and moist environment, an environment that could encourage bacteria to grow when they find their way in.
“STIs are the second most common burden of diseases in tropical Africa, commonly found in women,’’ he said.
He noted that most STIs were treatable while some have no cure.
“ Treating STIs means suppressing the organism causing the virus that such a person could live a healthy live,’’ the physician said.
Bawa decried the way most women claimed to have toilet infection, saying that medically, such claims are unacceptable while some were more prone due to bad personal hygiene.
“There is nothing like toilet infection, it is either an STI or an auto infection meaning infecting one’s self as a result of bad personal hygiene.
“Cleaning the anus down to the vagina, thereby moving the bacteria load from the anus to other parts of the body which could result to an infection.
“STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, if unnoticed and untreated, could lead to a condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women.
“PID could lead to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus). It could also cause infertility in women,’’ he warned. (NAN)
UMD/OIF/MST
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Malaria Day: Physician harps on drugs resistance

Malaria Day: Physician harps on drugs resistance
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Anti-malaria
Abuja, April 25, 2018 (NAN) Dr Femi Onasanya, a general physician with an Abuja based hospital, on Wednesday advised Nigerians to consult their doctors because of recurring cases of anti-malaria drug resistance.
Onasanya gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja to commemorate the 2018 World Malaria Day.
According to him, resistance of P.Falciparum to previous generations of medicines, such as chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), became widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, undermining malaria control efforts and reversing gains in child survival.
“Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable.
“Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, called malaria vectors.”
He said P.Falciparum was the most prevalent malaria parasite on the African continent, saying it is responsible for most malaria-related deaths globally.
Onasanya said malaria was an acute febrile illness, saying in a non-immune individual symptoms usually appear 10 to 15 days after the infective mosquito bite.
He said the first symptoms are fever, headache and chills, which may be mild and difficult to recognise as malaria, adding that if not treated within 24 hours, P.Falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness, often leading to death.
“Children with severe malaria frequently develop severe anaemia, respiratory distress in relation to metabolic acidosis, or cerebral malaria.
“In adults, multi-organ involvement is also frequent. In malaria endemic areas, people may develop partial immunity, allowing asymptomatic infections to occur,’’ he said.
Onasanya said vector control was the main way to prevent and reduce malaria transmission.
He said WHO recommends protection for all people at risk of malaria with effective malaria vector control.
“Two forms of vector control; insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying, are effective in a wide range of circumstances,’’ he said.
Onasanya said Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) with insecticides was a powerful way to rapidly reduce malaria transmission, adding that indoor spraying is effective for three to six months, depending on the insecticide formulation used and the type of surface on which it is sprayed.
The medical expert however said early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces disease and prevents deaths, adding that it also contributes to reducing malaria transmission.
He said the best available treatment, particularly for P.Falciparum malaria, is Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT).
Onansanya advised Nigerians to always consult a doctor when they have any symptom and they should avoid self medication.
NAN reports that the theme for this year’s World Malaria Day is “Ready to beat malaria”.
The theme underscores the collective energy and commitment of the global malaria community in uniting around the common goal of a world free of malaria. (NAN)
OEO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Physician warns against nap after meal

Physician warns against nap after meal
By Ummul Idris
Pains
Abuja, March 16, 2018 (NAN) Dr Zayad Ahmed, a family physician at the National hospital, Abuja, has advised people to avoid lying down immediately after a meal as such practice could be responsible for common abdominal pains.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that such practice could lead to indigestion and abdominal pains.
He explained that the body is made to digest food upright after meal and everything should be done to support such process.
“People should try to avoid anything that can trigger off stomach upset and abdominal pains,’’ he said.
Ahmed emphasised that the common experience of discomfort in the stomach and abdominal pain is either indigestion, gastric or wind, which is the breath of normal breathing and talking.
The medical expert also explained that eating too much at one go could also be a predisposing factor to abdominal pains, adding that one should eat moderately at all times.
He added that gas-generating foods like beans whether dried beans, soya beans, baked beans when consumed, may cause might also cause changes in digestion and can cause abdominal pain.
He also said that people should avoid eating too much spicy and oily foods as they could cause diarrhoea or constipation that can lead to cramps in the stomach and cause abdominal pains.
The physician said that stress also increases the production of gastric acid in the stomach that could lead to pains in the abdomen.
He advised people to exercise regularly and engage in relaxation activities to keep your stress in check and the body functional.

“But there are some abdominal pains that are severe and life threatening like gastro-intestinal diseases such as stomach ulcers, gallstones or cancer, it is important to go for a check-up.
“See the doctor immediately if you feel severe pain in your abdomen or you has serious abdominal discomfort for days.
“You should be able to describe what you are experiencing so it can easily be diagnosed and the right treatment given,” he said.
He however explained that the normal abdominal pains were less dangerous conditions that can be managed without the need for any major interventions. (NAN)
UMD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Squatting, hovering on toilet increases risk of infections -Physician

Squatting, hovering on toilet increases risk of infections – Physician
NAN-HG-2
Toilets
By Ummul Idris
Abuja, March 7, 2018 (NAN) Dr Amanda Felix, a family physician, has warned against squatting and hovering on toilets to avoid germs.
Felix told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that touching toilet seats increased the chances of getting infection.
He also said that by opening one’s legs while squatting on the toilet seat exposes the user to substantial amount of virus or bacteria.
She said that some people squat even on the floor of the toilet which she said could be more harmful, adding that there are more germs on the floor of a public toilet than the toilet seat itself.
She added that using the toilet seat reduced the possibility of splashing urine or water from the lavatory around and littering the rest rooms with faeces and urine.
According to him, one need to wash the toilet seat with water where one has to squat on the toilet.
The family physician said that proper flushing of the toilet and seats should be done before and after using them.
According to her, one should not be sitting directly on the toilet seat, it is better to cover the toilet seat with toilet paper or use antibacterial wipes and sit.
She added that it is possible to contact germs when the toilet seat is contaminated with germs.
The expert said that it is possible that bugs such as E-coli or Salmonella are contractible in a public toilet and this can increase your chances of getting a urinary tract infection.
She added that some of the diseases that can be contracted in the public toilet include gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, hepatitis, typhoid and worm infestation.
According to her, some toilet infections last for a short while and can be treated easily with mild antibiotics.
She said that when some are left untreated, especially in women, toilet infections can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which is the main culprit responsible for infertility in women.
She said that to her, it is not possible to contact sexual transmitted diseases by using public toilet.
“As long as you remember to wash your hands, your own immune system should protect you from the diseases in the public toilet.
“You can use antibacterial hand sanitiser for extra protection,’’ she said.
Felix said that leaving your hands unwashed after using public toilets increases the risk of getting infected. (NAN)
UMD/AAB/MST
Edited By Adeboye Ajayi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Physician lists benefits of early morning stretching exercise

Physician lists benefits of early morning stretching exercise
NAN-HG-6
Stretching
By Ummul Idris
Abuja, Feb. 28, 2018 (NAN) A general physician, Dr Mercy Luka, has advised Nigerians to engage in stretching exercise when they wake up in the morning.
Luka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that stretching would help in boosting digestion and circulation of blood.
She said that stretching in the morning could also help the body to recover by increasing blood flow to the muscles.
According to her, it will also flush out lactic acid which makes the muscles feel stiff and sore.
She said that most Nigerians do not know the importance of stretching, adding that those who knew often thought it might be inconvenient for them.
The physician said that stretching also helped to expand the blood vessels that would allow passage of good volume of blood.
“Stretching has so many benefits to the body and some people don’t see the reason to stretch at all but it makes you more flexible
“In the morning as you wake up, your body is relaxed; you have the energy why not take some few minutes to do the stretching and I am optimistic that you will tell the difference,’’ she said.
Luka said that stretching also helped the mind and the body to relax.
According to her, it should be done gently, without bouncing or forcing oneself into an uncomfortable position. (NAN)
UMD/COF/MST
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Muhammad Suleiman Tola