Q Body too thin...some diet tips

Weight gain depends upon your diet and exercise pattern. Include calorie and protein rich foods in your diet such as eggs, chicken, fish, milk and milk products, nuts, pulses etc. Every morning have a glass of milk with honey and 2 bananas. Consume handful of mixed nuts everyday. Weight gain should be healthy and hence you should limit your intake of junk food. Instead of 3 large meals have 5-7 small meals. Join a gym and practice weight training under supervision.

Q What causes fast heartbeat in infants?

In some physiological conditions like crying, exercising or any vigorous activity the heart beats faster in infants. But, if at rest, the heartbeats are fast, then the causes are pathological like- dehydration, any lung disease, heart disease etc. It is an emergency condition and you can notice by the sudden paleness or bluishness of the skin, fainting of the baby etc. In such a case, you must visit your paediatrician as early as possible to get the accurate curative and preventive measures.

Q I am 43 year old man and my wife 41 year we have 4 year and 6 month daughter. We are very confused whether to go for second child as my only daughter feels very lonely. Can you advice?

First, determine whether you and your wife are physically, mentally and financially ready to have a second child. It is definitely possible to conceive at this age; however there are many factors that you should take into account before arriving at a decision. A womans fertility decreases drastically in her forties so there is a major possibility that your wife may have to use donor eggs to achieve pregnancy. The risk of complications during pregnancy such as diabetes and high blood pressure increases. Moreover, there are higher chances of premature and still births. You may need to use assisted reproductive techniques thus escalating costs. I am not trying to discourage you, but giving you the facts. On the other hand, some women do get pregnant well into their 40s, and many of them have complication-free pregnancies and healthy babies. Both of you should make an informed decision after knowing all the pros and cons. For any further clarification, visit a gynaecologist who will brief you about all available options. Do consider the possibility of adoption too.

Q Ear problem...heavy pain from right ear......blood is coming........dont know the reason..........problem is from childhood...

The commonest cause of pain and bleeding from the ear is a ruptured eardrum. The other probable causes are ear canal cancer or trauma to the head or ear. Please visit an ENT specialist at the earliest. Take care.

Q What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People with schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality, often a significant loss of contact with reality. They may see or hear things that dont exist, speak in strange or confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them, or feel like theyre being constantly watched. With such a blurred line between the real and the imaginary, schizophrenia makes it difficult even frightening to negotiate the activities of daily life. In response, people with schizophrenia may withdraw from the outside world or act out in confusion and fear.

Q i m 32 years serving army officer ..had a brain stroke 1 and a half year back..have recoverd a lot..started breathing on my own started eating,i do walk but with support..i remember everythng i write i can do calculations and my speech is slur.will i be alright

Being patient is the key word. Follow your routine and exercise schedule. Take medicine on time. You will definitely recover from this. You can take help of speech therapy for your slurred speech.

Q Does stress affect lutenizing hormone?

Stress such as excessive physical or metabolic stress causes release of corticotropin releasing hormone. This hormone inhibits the release of gonadotropin releasing hormone. Suppression of gondotropin releasing hormone causes reduce levels of leutenizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone in women.

Q What are the incubation periods for infections?

Incubation period is the time between exposure to an infectious disease and the appearance of the first signs or symptoms of the same. Different infections have different incubation period.

Q What Psychological Factors Contribute to Mental Illness?

The reasons which cause mental illness- Significant interpersonal loss and family instability, such as death of loved one, misfortune, poor relationship with family, domestic partner violence, separation, and divorce, emotional detachment have all been identified as risk factors. Financial stress, unemployment, and a drop in socioeconomic status can also be triggers for mental illness. This is also the case for a range of acute and chronic health problems, such as pain syndromes, or diagnoses of conditions like HIV or cancer. Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. In addition, defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain also have been linked to some mental conditions.

Q Foreskin wont retract over head

Unable to retract foreskin is called as phimosis. It is of two types complete phimosis where foreskin cannot be retracted even in flaccid state and relative phimosis where foreskin can be partially retractable. Depending upon the severity of complaint treatment option can be planned. Treatment option include non-surgical and surgical methods. Consult a urologist to know what is suitable for you.