Q What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. Its most commonly caused by severe tooth decay. Other causes of tooth abscess are trauma to the tooth, such as when it is broken or chipped, and gingivitis or gum disease. Sharp or shooting pain are common symptoms of an abscessed tooth. Symptoms include fever, pain when chewing, sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold, bitter taste in the mouth, foul smell to the breath, swollen neck glands, general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling, redness and swelling of the gums and swollen area of the upper or lower jaw.

Q What is pelvic floor muscle dysfunction?

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is a condition in which the muscles of the pelvic floor shows disability to work as they should be. Factors such as being over weight, pregnancy, menopause, disorder of the nerves in the pelvic region can lead to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Treatment will be determined by the underlying cause.

Q Can I take two packets of the pill back to back?

It is safe to do so when you want to avoid the period. You may notice a brown discharge also called as breakthrough bleeding. It is of no importance and does not affect the contraception effect in any way.

Q hi i having a white substance formation in my penis. my age is 26

You are probably referring to smegma- which are normal secretions of the penis, which when not cleaned accumulate as a white substance under the foreskin. The solution is very simple- everyday ehile bathing or otherwise, retract your foreskin and gently clean the penis underneath. It should disappear in a few days.

Q I am 14 and I get chest pains whats wrong with me ?

To evaluate whats wrong with you, we need further details about nature of your pain, your gender and lifestyle. Some of the common causes of chest pain at your age could be due to acidity, stress, anxiety, prolonged cough, trauma to the chest region, etc. Chest pain due to heart disease is less likely at your age. If it is recurrent and very sever, get yourself examined.

Q Hi, My son is 5 years old. About a year ago he had adenoidectomy and insertion of grommet in his ear for ear infection. Now one of the grommet is coming out and he is complaining of ear pain. Can you advise if he needs repeat surgery?

If the grommet is coming out and he is complaining of ear pain, there is need of reinsertion of grommet. My advise to you is revisit your ENT surgeon, who have operated your son. Because he is in a better position to advise you and do further management.

Q What are the kidneys?

Kidneys are bean shaped organ located at the back of abdominal cavity on either side of the spine. They receive their blood supply form the renal arteries and drain the blood into the renal veins. The urine form kidneys is excreted into the ureter on each side and is carried to the urinary bladder. The function of kidney is homoeostasis. It is achieved by elimination of waste products formed due to metabolism like urea, ammonia; maintenance of electrolyte balance, maintenance of acid-base balance, regulation of blood pressure, production of hormone like calcitrol, erythropoetin and enzyme renin, reabsorbtion of water, glucose and amino acids.

Q I get angry very often. How can I control my anger?

Getting angry is normal. One needs to concentrate not on "not feeling angry" or "controlling anger" but on how to manage that anger correctly. First of all try to identify the things, people, or situations that trigger anger. You can even keep a dairy. Note the ways in which you react to these situations. Then look for alternative ways of responding to the same situations. Practice this alternative adaptive response till it becomes a part of your nature. Recognizing anger and triggers, practicing alternatives and doing this persistently with positive attitude is the key.

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 My baby has a white curd-like coating in the mouth. It bleeds when I try to clean it. What could it be? Is it normal?

Hello. The white coating you have described in your babys mouth could be a fungal infection! It is not normal. It could be acquired from the mothers birth canal at the time of birth and called as thrush in medical terms. It looks like elevated white patches of cheese or curd on tongue or cheeks and leaves behid a red bleeding surface when cleaned. Dont worry! It is not dangerous; but, it is surely painful for your baby and interferes with the feeding. In some babies the condition is self limiting and needs no treatment. In others an antifungal gel or medications might be needed.