Dear Doctor, It’s two weeks now and my stomach has been grumbling a lot lately. This makes me uncomfortable and ashamed me in public. What could be the cause of this and what’s the remedy? Malick, 24.Dear Malik, Grumbling of the stomach can be caused by many things. Sensation of hunger produces grumbling sounds in many people, while some get it after a good meal due to the gases being produced. If the bowels are not cleared regularly this will even contribute to the grumbling sound. At times infections of the bowels can cause grumbling sound along with cramps like pain. Try taking small frequent meals with much fiber and less oil. If it persists get a stool sample tested for infection, if positive take suitable anti infective drug.My baby bit my nipple too hard and I now fear breastfeeding himDear Doctor;My one-year-old son recently bit my nipple so hard and I can hardly breastfeed him now for fear of being bitten. People have advised me to put pepper on the nipple for it to heal but it seems more painful. What should I apply to take the pain away? Hellen 30, Kibagabaga.Dear Hellen, Usually when a baby bites while breast feeding, it is at the end of the feeding. Because while feeding, he has his lips on the nipple with which he sucks. When a baby bites the nipples, it usually indicates that he is full and does not need more milk. Theories state that baby needs more attention when he bites or there may be irritation in his gums. Just use some soft lubricating substance over your nipple, it will heal. Do not use pepper as it will hurt you more. Continue feeding your baby with all attention on him. If you are vigilant enough, you can tell when he is full and about to bite. Give him some soft clean toy to bite or play with after. If you feel that he has just put his teeth on the nipple, just pinch his nose slightly for a moment, this will force him to put his head back and gently divert his attention.How do I deal with ‘ugly’ stretch marks on my body?Dear Doctor;I have ugly looking stretch marks all over my thighs and arms. I have used body oil that contains cocoa butter but it didn’t work. What is the cause and cure? Vicky 28.Dear Vicky, Mostly, stretch marks come at your age when you lose much weight suddenly. These lines come where skin has been stretched to maximum and then gets lose. Other causes can be adverse effect of glucocorticoids taken as tablets or ointments, hormonal disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome where there is excess production of glucocorticoids. Unless there is an underlying disease process, these marks are usually benign. There are many remedies suggested but none are totally effective like use of lubricating creams, vitamin C. and or retinoids containing creams, laser therapy, etc. As you are young, hopefully the skin will regenerate collagen and regain its normal elasticity, thus causing marks to reduce and then disappear.Body odour is embarrassing meDear Doctor;I shower twice a day and even use a deodorant but I still have a terrible body odour that makes my life and the people around me uncomfortable. Could It be some disease and what should I do? Samuel, Remera.Dear Samuel, Most common cause for a body odour is use of spices such as garlic which are passed through sweat. Bacterial or fungal infections under the armpits can also cause bad smell, particularly when one sweats after hard physical labor or sports. Hormonal changes in body like in boys around puberty, women during menstruation, etc, can also cause body odour. Extreme stress is also said to cause foul odour from the body. Uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disorders, liver diseases are some of the sinister causes for bad body odour. You need to maintain good personal hygiene all times, use only cotton undergarments and try using some anti-fungal dusting powder. If problem continues, get tested for diabetes and thyroid disorders.Nausea draining me outDear Doctor;Lately, I get nauseated at the sight and taste of most foods I used to like. This has destroyed my appetite for food. I thought I was pregnant but tests confirmed not. I don’t have any other signs that would suggest fever or malaria. What could be the other causes of my nausea? Chantal, Kimicanga.Dear Chantal, Pregnancy is not the only cause of nausea and anorexia. It could simply be a dyspepsia, that is, indigestion, causing aversion to foods. If you remain constipated, this problem will be aggravated. Use of alcohol can also lead to nausea and loss of appetite. If you have no fever then infectious causes for this anorexia are ruled out. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nausea and rarely loss of appetite also. Liver disorders like hepatitis manifest as total loss of appetite and nausea with or without vomiting. It is better you consult a doctor who shall help find the true cause for your symptoms.
