DR FLO: I have many ailments. What’s wrong with me?

Dr Flo, I have recurrent vaginal infections and protein allergies for which I seek treatment now and then. I also have pain on both sides of my upper abdomen, but when I press both sides inwards with my finger, the pain goes away.

I went for a scan, but nothing was found. Now the cold weather has brought the pain back. Back then I was told that I had pneumonia bacteria, but after treatment in different hospitals it appeared as if I didn’t have any.

I feel afraid because I can’t tell what’s wrong with me. Help! Damaris

Dear Damaris,

You have raised several issues – protein allergy, recurrent vaginal infections and upper abdominal pain.

Having a protein allergy means that your immune process reacts to protein, a trigger that may cause itching, a rash or “bumps” on the skin. It may also cause swelling of the lips or face, itching of the nose and eyes, or inflammation along the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bloating, pain, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

You need to see an allergy specialist for testing so that you can know the specific protein you are allergic to. The condition cannot be cured, but it can be controlled by avoiding the specific protein trigger. If the reaction to the protein is mild (protein intolerance), you can take small amounts of the protein and manage any reactions with anti-allergy medicine.

About the recurrent vaginal infections, visit a doctor, who will take a sample and examine it.

He or she may also ask for a urine test. Once the diagnosis is established, you will be put on medication, and given advice on what to do in the future.

Vaginal infections are recurrent in quite a number of women, and some have to take antifungal tablets every month at the start of their periods.

The infection can be triggered by taking antibiotics, hormonal changes at particular times of the menstrual cycle or due to pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, a weak immune system or even eating a lot of sugary foods.

To avoid infections, keep the area clean, wipe from front to back after using the toilet, wear cotton underwear, avoid excessively tight underclothes like tights and bikers, and avoid use of scented soaps, feminine products and douches.

The recurrent upper abdominal pain can be caused by any of the organs in the upper abdomen, including the stomach, the intestines, the liver, the gall bladder, the spleen, the pancreas and the kidneys.

Sometimes pain from the chest may also be felt in the upper abdomen.

There are many causes of upper abdominal pain including stomach acid, having a lot of gas, digestive problems, constipation, injury or infections in any of the organs, kidney stones, gall stones, or even cancer.

The only way to know the exact cause of the pain is to undergo a thorough examination by a physician. Appropriate tests will be carried out so that you can be treated for the specific issue.

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Dr Flo, I suffer from erectile dysfunction once in a while. Is this impotence and what causes it? Could it be due to depression or low libido? ADW

Dear ADW,

Having a problem with achieving an erection once in a while is not a cause for concern.

However, if it persists, it may be due to a physical and/or a psychological issue, such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues or performance anxiety.

You may also have a physical problem that is affecting the quality of your erections e.g. reduced testosterone levels, heart disease, high cholesterol, blocked blood vessels (atherosclerosis), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, nerve problems, some hypertension medicine, sleep disorders, obesity, alcoholism, smoking, drugs, injuries to the spinal cord or pelvic region, or Peyronie’s disease (formation of scar tissue in the penis).

Erectile dysfunction is also known as impotence, though it does not mean that someone is infertile. Low libido means that there is a decrease in desire for sexual activity, which can lead to a problem with achieving an erection.

A urologist can help you figure out the source of the problem and find a solution.

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