Q Hi doctor, what is infertility? Is infertility just a womens problem?

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying. Women who are able to get pregnant but then have repeat miscarriages are also said to be infertile. No, infertility is not always a Womens problem. In only about one-third of cases is infertility due to the woman. In another one third of cases, infertility is due to the man. The remaining cases are caused by a mixture of male and female factors or by unknown factors.

Q How to treat an oat allergy?

In an acute episode use of over the counter antihistamines are beneficial. As far as prevention is considered the best way is to avoid eating oats. Cereals, cereal bars, cookies and other similar foods are main sources of oats and hence should be avoided. Rice, potatoes, fruits contain many of the same health benefits as oats and can be substituted for oats.

Q Can eating plain cornstarch be harmful?

Cornstarch is a commonly used cooking ingredient. It is safe to eat plain cornstarch. This is unlikely to cause significant health concerns.

Q is epilepsy treatable?

Rather to say curable, epilepsy is very well treatable with medication (anti-epileptic drugs). Epilepsy is the disorder of the brain and central nervous system where abnormal electrical impulse leads to uncontrolled, involuntary movement of the body. The balance between the factors that begin electrical activity and factors that restrict it is lost, resulting in the body jerking. Several reasons are cited for the cause of the disease like neurocysticercosis (worms from intestine reach brain), tuberculosis of brain, brain tumour, brain stroke and even genetic. In most of the cases, the cause of the fits remains unknown. Neurologist would be able to select the best medication depending on the type of epilepsy and also age and sex of patient. The medicines are required to be taken for long-term without any discontinuation. Avoid driving, swimming and hazardous activities, as occurrence of seizures during these activities can be dangerous. With all above simple management you can live normal life with Epilepsy.

Q What is undifferentiated schizophrenia?

Undifferentiated-type schizophrenia is characterized by some symptoms seen in other types but not enough of any one of them to define it as a particular type of schizophrenia. It can be described as a mixed clinical syndrome.

Q After what age children can drink coffee?

Children under 12 are generally recommended to avoid caffeine or to limit its intake. Because, Caffeine is absorbed very quickly into the body and then passes into the central nervous system. In low doses caffeine can affect the body causing decreased appetite, increased urination, hyperactive behaviour and difficulty sleeping. The harmful effects may occur when a child consumes more than 4.5 mg of caffeine per pound of body weight.

Q I fell on a out stretched hand and my pinkie and wrist hurts badly and the x-ray came up normal. Could I have TFCC?

The TFCC is an abbreviation for triangular fibrocartilage complex. The function of TFCC is to provide stability and smooth movement of the wrist. Injury either due to a fall or while playing a sport can cause pain the TFCC region. However without a physical examination it is difficult to say whether you have develop TFCC or it is a simple strain. So to get correct diagnosis and treatment consult orthopedic physician.

Q What can i do if my child is overweight?

Overweight children are more likely to grow up into overweight adults, so your concern for raised weight of child is appropriate. It is usually better that the child maintains their current weight while they continue to grow in height. Making changes to your family~s lifestyle can make a real difference to your child~s weight. Eat regular meals, together as a first step towards a healthier diet. Use homemade food rather than relying on ready-made meals to help you to lower the fat and sugar content in your meals. Avoid the diet like snacks and meals that are high in fat or sugar, such as chocolate, biscuits, sweets and fizzy drinks, and aim to replace these with healthier alternatives such as fruits. Exercise is helpful to burn extra calories in your child. Kindly focus on light exercises done by your child like standing up, moving around, walking at a slow pace and less energetic play. Also active play (such as hide and seek and stuck in the mud), fast walking, riding a bike, dancing, swimming, climbing, skipping rope, gymnastics are helpful depending upon the age.

Q Whats the benefit of using condoms when we know that they are not 100 % safe ?

Unless a condom breaks or slips it is 100% effective to prevent pregnancy as well as STD. Failure of condom is generally due to its improper use, or vigorous sexual intercourse or poorly manufactured condoms. If a good brand is used with proper caution, there is very minimal chance of its failure. Also as it is said " It is better to be safe than sorry".

Q what is sadomasochism ?

Sadomachochism referes to giving and/or receving pleasure usually sexual by acts invovling infliction or reception of pain or humiliation. The person seeks out sexual gratification from these acts.