Dear Doc, I get this nagging headache when I open a book

I feel so tired and keep falling asleep. The same happens when I try to read a book. Reading, especially, gives me terrible headaches. Please help me! PHOTO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • There are many other causes of headaches and dizziness apart from malaria and typhoid. You will need to have blood tests done, a CT scan or MRI of the head, as well as an eye checkup.
  • The issue of poor concentration and falling asleep in class is most likely a separate problem which might be caused by boredom or poor ventilation of the classroom, which leads to too much heat.

Dr Flo,

I am a 21-year-old college student and have been having severe headaches and regular dizzy spells for almost three years now.

I have been to hospital several times where I am diagnosed with either malaria or typhoid, but a few days after treatment the symptoms recur.

I cannot concentrate in class because I feel so tired and keep falling asleep. The same happens when I try to read a book. Reading, especially, gives me terrible headaches. Please help me!

Student

Student, you need a proper evaluation to determine the cause of the recurrent headaches and dizzy spells because the health professionals you have been consulting seem to have misdiagnosed you.

There are many other causes of headaches and dizziness apart from malaria and typhoid. You will need to have blood tests done, a CT scan or MRI of the head, as well as an eye checkup.

The issue of poor concentration and falling asleep in class is most likely a separate problem which might be caused by boredom or poor ventilation of the classroom, which leads to too much heat.

It could also be your body trying to strike a delicate balance between digestion (gut brain) and brain work. However, if the lack of concentration and drifting off happens in other environments, such as at home, in your social life or when working, you might need to be screened for attention deficit disorder.

*****

Dr Flo,

I am 23 years old, 5ft 8” and I weigh 64 kilogrammes. I am not happy with my body size — I am thin — and I would love to add some weight and get bigger.

My problem is my eating habits, especially in the morning when I have a healthy appetite but I am unable to eat because my stomach feels full all the time. What can I do to gain weight?

Timothy

Timothy, at a height of 5ft 8” or 174 cm, and weighing 64 kilos, your body mass index (BMI) is 21 (normal BMI is 18 to 25). This means that you have appropriate weight for your height, which is healthy. Your upper limit of weight, for a healthy BMI, is 75kg.

Just remember that heavier is not necessarily healthier. Some people add or lose weight easily, while others do not change their weight easily and it is healthier to have a body weight that does not change much.

As long as you are not under- or overweight, and you have no other health issues like getting sick frequently, then there is no need to worry. As you grow older, it will become easier to add weight as your metabolism slows down. Focus on eating a balanced diet, exercising and avoiding unhealthy practices like smoking or taking too much alcohol.

It might be more advisable to start the day with some water, milk, fruit juice or fruit in the morning when you are not able to eat a lot. Also, strive to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of a few large meals.

******

Dr Flo,

I stain my panties with a brownish discharge that doesn’t wash off, even with bleaches. I have had it for the longest time since I became a grown up woman. Is this normal?

Nimo

Nimo, it is normal for all women, starting at puberty, to have vaginal discharge, which is a mixture of fluid and cells that help to keep the vagina clean and moist and to prevent infection.

The appearance changes depending on the menstrual cycle, and can also be affected by exercise, stress, use of hormonal medication and sexual arousal.

The discharge may vary from white to clear, or watery to thick, at different times of the cycle.

It is also normal to have a brown or bloody discharge just before, during or after your periods, or sometimes in between your periods (spotting).

If there is abnormal colour (yellow, green, sometimes white), itching, a foul smell, or thick, chunky discharge, then most likely there is a vaginal infection.

Since you have had this for a long time, it is unlikely to be due to an infection or any other problems. You could visit a doctor and have the discharge checked, to be sure.

In the meantime, observe hygiene, and consider using panty liners to protect your underwear from staining.

 

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