MIGRAINE STARTS EARLY IN LIFE

Q I am a 63- year- old male and I frequently suffer from headaches — sometimes on the right side of my head, and sometimes on the left side. It ends up ruining my entire day. Please suggest a solution.

— T. S. Chandramohan

The alternating pattern of your headache indicates that it could be a migraine. However, migraine headaches usually start early in life. The condition is usually precipitated by hunger, the lack of sleep, travel, stress, bright lights or loud noises. Since you are now retired, I don’t expect any of these factors to be playing a major role. I would advise you to consult a neurologist and get yourself examined. — Dr M. K. Singh, consultant neurologist

Q I am 44- years- old and I have been diagnosed with protein in urine ( 390 in 24 hours). I have lost five kg in the past two years. A nephrologist he asked me to take Ramistar 2.5 twice a day, which I have been doing for the past week. What does increased leakage of protein in urine indicate? Are there any dietary recommendations? — Anonymous

According to the available evidence, the increased leakage of protein in urine could signify early- stage chronic kidney injury or chronic kidney disease ( CKD). This could be a fallout of hypertension, as might be true in your case. You should focus should on controlling your blood pressure ( target 130/ 80mm Hg). Maintain a low- salt diet, eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and fruits, and practice some exercise activity. There is no need for dietary protein restriction. The eventual goal is to preserve your kidney’s filtering function. — Dr Vikranth Reddy, senior consultant nephrologist