SIGNS OF MALARIA IN EARLY PREGNANCY
My wife is six weeks pregnant, but she complains of bitter throat and fever. What can she take.?
-Mr Ayuba, Dei – Dei Abuja
It is not advisable to prescribe a drug without examining the patient, more so, a pregnant woman. I will suggest you take her to a hospital to see a doctor. If malaria test is done and is positive, then she may need malaria treatment.
MINIMAL MENSTRUAL FLOW AFTER MYOMECTOMY
I had a myomectomy five months ago and my menstrual flow was normal for the first two months. Since then, it only drops for two days. I don’t even need to change my pad. Please what is the cause and what do you advise I do next?
-Abigael Minna
The possible causes include Asherman’s syndrome. This is common among women who have had myomectomy with intracavitary or submucous fibroids. If there are multiple incision in the endometrial cavity even when steps are taken it can still occur.
Steps taken to reduce the risk of Asherman’s during fibroids operation include, intrauterine insertion of Foley’s catheter and hormonal support for three months. The catheter is usually removed after seven days.
I will suggest you see a gynaecologist and part of the investigations should be HSG. If confirmed as Asherman’s syndrome then you will need hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. Where this is not available, traditional blind adhesiolysis can be done.
TEN-YEAR-OLD WITH COUGH AND CHEST PAINS
My ten-year-old boy complains of chest pain and cough I took him to the hospital and he was given Amoxycillin, cough syrup and painkillers, yet no relief. Please, what do I do?
-Hajia Salawu
How long has he experienced the cough? There are so many possible causes from chest infections like pneumonia to cardiac or heart conditions. The child will need to see a paediatrician for examination and tests. Tests like sputum (if it is productive) for culture and sensitivity, and chest X-ray.
ANY HARM IN COMBINING MY ROUTINE?
Is there any harm in combining my routine antenatal drugs with other multivitamins like Omega H3 and Pregnancy care?
-Stella, Kaduna
Too much of anything is bad. For each multivitamin, there is a recommended dose. It is advisable to stick to your doctor’s prescription. To combine routine drugs, omega H3 and pregnancy care might be killing the ant with a sledgehammer. You may combine the routine drugs with one of the other two.
WHICH IS BETTER, IUCD OR IMPLANON?
Which contraceptive would you advise I use? IUCD or Implanon?
-Mrs Ayomide, Abuja
Both are good and are long-acting. The duration for Implanon could be around three years while the IUCD (Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices) could last five years or more. The Implanon releases hormones to suppress ovulation. The current IUCD is also hormone impregnated. Depending on your preference provided all other parameters are normal. In the case of hypertensive patients, I will recommend the IUCD. Otherwise, either of them could be used. There is also the immediate return of fertility after discontinuation of any of them.
First published February 14, 2021