Q What is "Selective Mutism"?

Selective mutism is a condition in which a person who is normally capable of speech is unable to speak in given situations or to specific people. Selective mutism usually begins in childhood. It usually co-exists with shyness or social anxiety. Its important to understand that when the mutism happens, the child is not voluntarily refusing to speak but is literally unable to speak, feeling frozen. In time, they learn to anticipate the situations that provoke mutism and do all they can to avoid them. Example: selective mutism while interacting with the opposite sex. Other attributes of children or adults with selective mutism are nervousness, socially awkward, clingy, excessively shy or withdrawn, stubborn or aggressive. Behavioral therapy forms the mainstay of treatment with medications used in a few older patients. Most children will work their way through SM with sympathetic support, although they may remain reserved and anxious in social situations.

Q Is there any reliable tips to reduce weight as I am working woman and do not find time for exercise but yes if you can suggest diet I can follow

When it comes to losing weight, good eating plan and regular exercise schedule go hand in hand. It is not possible to achieve permanent result by substituting one for another. Along with healthy eating a minimum of 150 mins of exercise in a week can make huge difference. As far as eating healthy is concerned you can make following changes in your routine. Instead of three large meals, have 5-7 small meals. Replace refined foods with whole grain foods. For example replacing white bread with brown bread. Include plenty of fresh fruits and green veggies in your meal. Avoid intake of processed foods, junk foods and sugary drink. Make sure your there is some amount of protein rich food in your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, milk, cheese, curd, paneer are good source of proteins.

Q Can dark circles be treated completely with laser?

There are very effective modern laser and light treatments that can permanently remove the dark circles under your eyes.However, these dark circle treatments must be directed at the underlying medical cause of the dark circles for removal to be effective. Always consult a good doctor and ensure that he knows what he is doing. Since the skin under the eyes is delicate, a wrong laser treatment may cause serious damage to the eyes. You may also consult a dermatologist to recover from dark circles.

Q I have notice white substance attached to my tonsils, I am suffering from tonsillitis and fever, can you please explain what is this?

Exact diagnosis cannot be made without examining your throat. However probable cause for your complaint can be bacterial infection of the tonsils or tonsilolith also known as tonsil stones. I would recommend that you consult an ENT specialist, who after an examination can tell you the exact cause and start you with appropriate treatment.rnrn 

Q My 10 year old daughter continues to wet the bed. Not every night, but i thought it would stop as she grows but still hasnt. I wonder if there is something medically wrong.

If you daughter has nocturnal enuresis sometimes, it may need further evaluation, as this is not so common in teenagers. There are some factors that may affect urine control in teens. These include excessive intake of caffeine drinks like tea or coffee, deep sleep pattern which can be a normal for growing teen, excessive emotional stress or fear of something, inconsistent sleep timings etc. These things can be corrected in order to fix the problem. Other things to give consideration are certain medications, diabetes of other medical diseases, family history of parents having the same problem, urinary tract infection, etc. If she is having this problem since her childhood, then this can be considered as primary nocturnal enuresis and she can be out of 2% of girls who continues with this till they reach their teen. This thing can be improved with proper counselling to her. Making her to use bathroom before going to bed. Limiting her fluid intake before going to bed. She can be effectively treated with moisture alarms while asleep. It will be less likely that she will need medications for this. Proper counselling and educating her may motivate her to take initiation to cure herself. You may take her to physician to rule out underlying disease if any.

Q Is any side effect of masturbatiion?

Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure. It is a natural and harmless expression of sexuality for both men and women. It does not cause any physical injury or harm to the body, and can be performed in moderation throughout a persons lifetime as a part of normal sexual behavior. Masturbation is only considered a problem when it inhibits sexual activity with a partner, is done in public, or if it is done compulsively and/or interferes with daily life and activities. Hence, it is advisable to indulge in masturbation only when you are sexually excited and not as a daily habit.

Q Should my child drink alcohol?

Absolutely not. No person under the age of 18 should be allowed to drink alcohol.

Q Though it takes lots of courage to commit suicide why suicidal people are called coward?

Committing suicide is considered wrong and unjustifiable. Suicide gives up all your future, everything you could have done, because you cant put up with the past or the present. People usually commit suicide when they lack the courage to go on. Its like giving up on the hope that things will ever get better. Under the influence of emotional despair, a suicidal person kills himself in total disregard for those who care for him, those who would have helped him. However at the same time, it is not right to call suicidal people cowards. In fact, they need maximum help and support from those around them. One should lend them a helping hand until they start feeling better about themselves and the situations in their life. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It is important for suicidal people to remember, "this too, shall pass."

Q Will my hernia come back after Ive had an operation to repair it?

It might. All hernias carry a risk of recurrence even after surgical repair. Surgery performed by an experienced surgeon can reduce the risk of recurrence.

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.