Ask the doctor

You drugs: Septrin (cotrimoxazole)Septrin 80mg/400mg Tablets are made up of two different medicines called sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. These medicines are sometimes given the combined name co-trimoxazole. Both belong to a group of medicines called antibiotics. They are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Like all antibiotics, Septrin only works against certain types of bacteria. This means that is only suitable for treating certain types of infections.Septrin can be used to treat or prevent lung infections (pneumonia) caused by a bacteria called pneumocystis jiroveci, and infections caused by a bacteria called toxoplasma.Septrin can also used to treat:• bladder or urinary tract infections (water infections)• lung infections such as bronchitis • ear infections such as otitis media• an infection called nocardiosis, it can affect the lungs, skin and the brain.Do not take Septrin if:• you are allergic (hypersensitive) to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, co-trimoxazole or any of the other ingredients of Septrin.• you are allergic to sulphonamide medicines. Examples include sulphonylureas or thiazide diuretics (water tablet).• you have liver or kidney problems.• you have ever had a problem with your blood.• it is for your child and they are less than six weeks old or were premature. Unless it is for the treatment or prevention of PCP. In this case, babies should be at least four weeks old.If not sure, talk to your doctor.Can the embarrassing yellow stains on my teeth be removed?Is it normal for one to bleed after menopause?Dear Doctor;My 48-year-old sister had menopause four years back. But recently she had bleeding again for a day or two. She has thyroid and is a diabetic as well. She is using morning walker regularly, twice a day for the last two months. Is it normal to bleed four years after menopause? Anna.Dear Anna, Normally, one does not get bleeding after menopause. Mild spotting may occur intermittently for six months, but not after that. Bleeding occurring after four years is a sign that something is definitely wrong. This can be a malignancy of the uterus or cervix. It can be secondary to intake of some drugs like aspirin or clopidrogel. Platelet deficiency due to bone marrow cancers, leukemias, etc can result in bleeding anywhere in the body, even vagina. Your sister needs to consult a gynecologist urgently.What precautions do I take against diabetes?Dear Doctor;I am a 35 years old man having high blood pressure for the last 12 years. Recently I have tested positive for diabetes. What precautions should I take? Claude, Remera.Dear Claude, You have to be very careful as high blood pressure and diabetes both are risk factors for coronary artery disease, where coronaries (vessels supplying blood to heart are blocked). This can lead to heart attack and sudden death. Take a suitable fat free, low calorie diet. A professional nutritionist can plan your diet as per your height, weight and level of physical activity. Regular aerobic exercises like brisk walking, jogging, etc, are very useful. Also try to keep yourself completely relaxed both physically and mentally. Ensure that total and regular compliance with medicines.Dear Doctor;My child is now a year. I am told Vitamin D can be got from the sun and that without Vitamin D, my son will grow up to have legs curved like a bow. How should I expose my child to sunlight and how much is enough for the child? Is it true about Vitamin D and the curved leg syndrome? Martha, 26.Dear Martha, Your child definitely needs vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones. Deficiency of vitamin D leads to rickets where the legs become curved and other deformities can develop in limbs due to softening and spontaneous breaking of bones. However, children who are not at all exposed to sunlight or whose mothers are not at all exposed to sunlight due to cultural or religious reasons are at greater risk. There is no precise time for exposure but dark skinned people are said to need longer hours of exposure. Sun is as such strong near the equator. Let the child play or move in bright sunlight regularly, that would be useful. Supplements of vitamin D with calcium are also available.