Author: MYCLNQ

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Seeing Thin Red Lines Under Your Nails? Is It Endocarditis?

Thin red or reddish-brown lines under your fingertips can appear due to various reasons, such as trauma to the finger and other health conditions, including endocarditis. The appearance of these lines has traditionally been a part of the clinical criteria for diagnosing this rare condition.

Endocarditis occurs when the heart’s inner lining gets infected and leads to inflammation, which manifests into several flu-like symptoms and affects other parts of the body, like your fingernails. Read on to learn more about this rare heart infection and why it is critical to seek medical attention immediately.

How endocarditis affects your fingernails

Apart from flu-like symptoms like chills, fever, and nausea, endocarditis may cause. These are thin red lines under your fingertips running in the same direction as the nail grows and resembles splinters, hence their name. These marks indicate that small clots have damaged the capillaries under the nails or the blood vessels have been impaired or swollen.

What causes endocarditis

Endocarditis typically stems from a bacteria that finds its way into the body through various means, including a cut in the skin, dental work, or surgery. The bacteria travel through the bloodstream until they reach the heart and may get stuck in the heart lining or latch onto the heart valves and start to grow.

Small clumps of bacteria could also develop at the infection site and act like blood clots that move through the bloodstream and reduce blood flow to the organs. People are more prone to developing endocarditis if they have a heart valve disease, long-term central venous catheter, or a health condition that weakens their immune system. In addition, you may also increase your risk of endocarditis if you have had a previous case of it, have a history of intravenous drug use, and have poor dental hygiene habits.

The risks of endocarditis-induced splinter haemorrhages

Splinter haemorrhages alone are not particularly dangerous, but if you see them on your nails, it is important to notify your doctor immediately to determine their cause, as they may indicate a serious health concern.

As per a 2016 research, around one-third of the people with the condition developed thin red lines under their nails. Hence, these haemorrhages traditionally served as one of the bases for diagnosing endocarditis caused by infections as it is one of its telltale symptoms. Hence, with endocarditis being a rare and serious condition with potentially life-threatening consequences, it is best to see a virtual doctor in Singapore if you notice splinter haemorrhages and any of its other symptoms.

Treatments for endocarditis

If endocarditis is causing your fingernail haemorrhages, your doctor may prescribe treatment using IV antibiotics. This approach involves performing a blood culture on your blood and consulting with infectious disease specialists to determine which antibiotics are best suited to treat your specific case.

Patients typically undergo six to eight weeks of antibiotic treatments upon receiving an endocarditis diagnosis. This may be accompanied by surgery to replace affected heart valves and implanted materials like defibrillators and pacemakers or if the condition has affected the heart muscles or other body parts.

Conclusion

Splinter haemorrhages under the fingernails are a sign of blood vessel damage, which may be caused by endocarditis that has reached its later stages. Given that this condition could have potentially fatal consequences, it is highly recommended to contact your doctor immediately to prevent it from progressing any further.

With the MYCLNQ app, getting in touch with a certified healthcare provider has never been easier. In just a few clicks, you can book an online medical consultation as well as access many other key medical services, including private ambulance transport, supervised ART test booking, medical e-commerce, and more.

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Heart Attack And The Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

A heart attack generally occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked or severely reduced, causing tissues in the heart muscles to die out. This process starts when cholesterol, fatty deposits, and other substances build up over time, forming plaques in the heart’s arteries. If these plaques rupture, they can cause a blood clot to develop and block blood flow to the heart.

These events do not take place all at once but gradually, which is why some people typically experience the warning signs of a heart attack hours or days leading up to its more dramatic symptoms, like heaviness in the chest or crushing chest pain. These early signs are not as obvious as one might expect, but knowing how to recognise them could save your life or those of your loved ones. Below are some helpful tips for learning these early signs and knowing when to seek treatment.

Warning signs of a heart attack

Myocardial infarctions or heart attacks generally occur due to a blockage in one of the heart’s blood vessels that prevents it from getting the blood it needs to stay alive. As the heart muscles begin to die, the flow of blood all over the body also gets disrupted. Some heart attacks are unmistakable and happen suddenly; a person may have diffuse sweats, clutch at their chest in pain, vomit, and even faint, all without warning. Most people imagine this when they think of someone having a heart attack.

But as mentioned, there are also heart attacks that come on more slowly and show signs that are not as obvious as the former type. Since these symptoms do not seem like an emergency, many ignore and shrug them off. These include:

• Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or arms
• Tightness or pressure in the chest (instead of pain)
• Shortness of breath
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Cold sweats
• Unusual fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting

It’s important to note that while the symptoms of a heart attack can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as panic attacks, they are not the same. Panic attacks and heart attacks differ in that panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense discomfort or fear that can cause physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. These symptoms can be similar to those of a heart attack, but panic attacks are not caused by a blockage in the arteries.

Heart attack signs between men and women

Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women, but the latter are more likely to experience its more subtle symptoms. Couple this with the misconception that women are at a lower risk of getting a heart, and you get a recipe for disaster.

As such, it is common for women to experience these less obvious symptoms but brush them off as something else because they do not think they are at risk of suffering a heart attack, which delays them from seeking care and increases the potential of suffering a serious injury. Therefore, health experts highly recommend that any sign of a heart attack be taken very seriously.

Who is at risk of a heart attack?

Anyone can have a heart attack, regardless of health status, sex, or age. In fact, heart attack cases are on the rise among people below the age of 40. That said, certain lifestyle choices and health conditions can put you at a higher risk of a heart attack, including:

• Diabetes
• High cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Obesity
• A history of smoking
• A history of a previous heart attack or heart disease
• A family history of heart attacks

Should any of the above apply to you, it is vital to be more attentive and listen to your body if you experience vague symptoms that may be associated with your heart. This ensures you have a better chance of getting quick treatment to restore your blood flow and survive a heart attack.

What to do if you think you’re having a heart attack

People who notice the early warning signs of a heart attack often hesitate to head to the hospital since these symptoms overlap with other less serious causes. Moreover, it can be frustratingly difficult to explain to a healthcare provider that you just feel that ‘something is not right’. Nonetheless, it is still highly recommended to seek emergency care anyway, as mild symptoms tend to quickly turn severe, and it is always better to err on the safe side whenever in doubt.

Acting quickly ensures the best possible outcome, as a heart attack can seriously damage the heart muscles and cause vital tissues to die fast without urgent treatment. In most cases, it is best to call an emergency hotline when you believe you are having a heart attack, as emergency responders can provide care while transporting you to the hospital.

Conclusion

When it comes to heart attacks, every second counts. Thus, being vigilant about the early warning signs means the sooner you can get treatment, the better the outcome will be. Even if you feel healthy and are in the prime of your youth, it is essential to learn how to recognise the signs of a heart attack and act fast once you feel them.

If you need to consult with a health professional quickly, look no further than the MYCLNQ app. With the app, you can arrange for an online medical consultation in just a few clicks as well as access many other essential medical services you need, such as private ambulance transport, supervised ART tests, medical e-commerce, and more. For more information about the MYCLNQ app, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

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Clogged Arteries: Causes And Early Symptoms To Look Out For

Every cell in our body needs oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to function, and the arteries serve as the pathway that enables them to circulate from head to toe. If this blood supply gets cut off for whatever reason, you may experience different kinds of symptoms with varying degrees of severity. Depending on the affected organs and tissues, they may continue functioning normally despite the drop in blood supply and regenerate or completely die off with no chance of recovery.

Early symptoms of a clogged artery

When it comes to clogged arteries, the brain and the heart are the two most important organs to consider. A stroke, or more specifically, an ischemic stroke, is a common type of artery blockage that affects a blood vessel supplying blood and oxygen to the brain.

Similarly, coronary artery disease (CAD) develops when the arteries supplying the heart with blood get blocked or narrowed over time due to plaques. These plaques are essentially buildups of fat that can increase in size until they break off into pieces that get lodged in other areas of the blood vessels or get big enough to cause a complete blockage where no blood can flow through.

Every second counts in the case of both ischemic stroke and CAD, as tissues in the brain and heart die quickly if they are deprived of oxygen for too long, resulting in permanent and irreversible damage. In short, a blockage that leads to a stroke may result in neurological symptoms, while those that affect the coronary arteries usually cause a heart attack.

Symptoms of a clogged cerebral artery include:

• Slurred speech
• Facial drooping
• Changes in vision
• Balance problems
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

Meanwhile, some of the symptoms of a clogged coronary artery are:

• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Chest pain that radiates into the arms, back, neck, and jaw
• Sudden loss of consciousness

The symptoms of a stroke are highly specific to the certain part of the brain where blood flow has stopped. Once the tissues are damaged, normal functioning in those areas can no longer be restored.

Likewise, clogged arteries in other parts of the body will cause symptoms specific to those areas. For instance, a blockage in a retinal artery will cause vision problems, while a clogged peripheral artery will cause swelling in the legs and feet. As such, if you notice symptoms that reduce or weaken function anywhere in your body, consult with a virtual doctor in Singapore as soon as possible. Other unusual symptoms that look out for are:

• Change in urine colour
• Change in skin colour
• Cold hands or feet
• Back pain
• Erectile dysfunction
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness

Causes and risk factors of clogged arteries

High cholesterol is among the primary risk factors for developing blocked arteries. This type of fat circulates in the blood and can cause a buildup in the walls of blood vessels, gradually reducing the space through which blood can pass through until it eventually becomes completely blocked.

Family history and genetics play a big role in developing high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Other factors that also increase the risk of a clogged artery include:

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Eating a diet of high cholesterol or high fat
• Smoking

Treatments for clogged arteries

Testing for clogged arteries requires getting tested by your healthcare provider. Upon determining whether or not enough blood is making its way to the more distant tissues in your body, they will recommend the appropriate treatments based on the following:

• Your felt symptoms
• What caused the blockage
• The severity of the problem

Suppose your doctor verifies that your arteries have stiffened or narrowed or you have high cholesterol levels. In that case, they may prescribe a combination of medications and lifestyle strategies to improve the strength and health of your heart and reduce buildup in your blood vessels.

Clearing blocked arteries will require either minimally invasive or invasive treatment. The former typically involves using catheters or stents.

• Catheters

Catheters are small tools placed through arteries in the groin or arm and serve as a way to manually clear blockage at the source or deliver medication. Depending on which part of the body is affected, treatment methods will vary but share the same goal of clearing the clog using tiny tools or medicines that thin the blood.

• Stents

Your doctor may place stents in the location of the blockage to keep the affected blood vessel open. Upon receiving the device, patients must take blood-thinning medication temporarily or permanently to prevent a new clot from forming.

Conclusion

Arteries are the critical pathways that carry blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. Any clogs or blockages that disrupt blood flow can lead to varying degrees of tissue damage, the most severe of which is when the affected flow is towards the brain or heart. Even a momentary interruption can lead to severe consequences. As such, consult your doctor if you notice the early symptoms of clogged arteries to prevent a full blockage.

To get quick answers for all your medical concerns, download the MYCLNQ app today. As the leading app for telemedicine in Singapore, MYCLNQ lets you access all the key medical services you need in the comfort of your home, such as online medical consultation, private ambulance booking, and medical e-commerce. For more information about our products and services, feel free to contact us anytime.

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Burnt Your Tongue? Try These 5 Remedies To Soothe The Pain

Virtually everyone has experienced burning their tongue before, be it out of carelessness or impatience when dealing with hot foods and beverages. As such, consuming something way hotter than you expect usually leads to a minor yet painful tongue burn. These types of burns generally do not require medical treatment, but since they still hurt, it is natural to want to soothe the pain until your tongue recovers.

An overview of the different degrees of tongue burns

The delicate tissues inside the tongue that make your first bite so delectable are also what make your tongue extra sensitive to heightened temperatures because they are very easy to injure. As a refresher, there are different types of burns, namely first-, second-, and third-degree burns, which is how medical professionals quickly describe the severity of the damage to the issues caused by a burn. These categories also apply when classifying tongue burns.

• First-degree tongue burns

First-degree burns are the most common type of burn that happens when you eat something hot a little too quickly. Despite only affecting the top layer of tissue, it may still result in mild pain and swelling and cause the tongue to look hot red or pink.

• Second-degree tongue burns

These burns are more severe as they cause greater pain than first-degree burns since they go beyond the top layer of tongue tissue. Blisters may also form on the tongue on top of swelling and causing it to appear red or hot pink.

• Third-degree tongue burns

As the most severe type of burn that reaches the deepest layers of the tongue, third-degree burns may lead to excruciating pain or numbness and cause the affected areas to turn white or take on a very dark shade.

For injuries beyond first-degree burns, it is advised to seek a healthcare provider immediately as burns of that nature are too severe to treat without help and doing so may lead to unwanted complications. If you are unsure just how serious your tongue burn is, you can get an online medical consultation to verify. Thankfully, most cases of tongue burns are typically first-degree burns, which means home remedies will suffice, and you can treat them yourself.

Home remedies to heal first-degree tongue burns

Try these to help speed up the recovery of your burnt tongue and soothe the pain while it heals;

1. Apply a layer of milk, sugar, or honey over your tongue

Milk works great for beating the heat (and spicy foods). Still, you can also use other kitchen staples to ease the pain, like sugar and honey, the latter being especially helpful with its anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Suck on ice cubes and consume plenty of cold foods

Enjoying a cold treat or simply sucking on regular ice can help numb the pain, but make sure it isn’t too cold to avoid getting your tender tongue stuck. Alternatively, you could also have your fill of your favourite cold foods and beverages like ice cream, sorbet, and soft drinks for the first couple of days following a tongue burn. Just make sure to stick with food items that are non-irritating and gentle on the tongue to avoid exacerbating your symptoms.

3. Take over-the-counter pain medication

Consider taking medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when you experience a lot of swelling or pain that interferes with your daily activities.

4. Rinse your mouth with salt water

Rinsing salt water eases the pain and reduces the risk of your tongue getting an infection. However, just make sure to steer clear of alcohol-based mouth rinses, as they have the opposite effect of increasing pain and irritating wounds.

5. Observe good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene doesn’t just apply to denture wearers. Regular brushing and flossing are even more important when you have a wound in your tongue as it keeps it clean and prevents infections from developing.

6. Temporarily avoid spicy, hot, and acidic foods and beverages

Lastly, take care to avoid irritating the damaged tissue of your burnt tongue by temporarily skipping your favourite hot, acidic, or spicy foods and beverages.

Conclusion

A burnt tongue not only feels painful but also temporarily diminishes your sense of taste. Thankfully, our tongues are incredibly resilient organs that usually heal quickly on their own, which means you can enjoy your favourite foods again sooner than later. However, if your tongue is not healing, it’s best to consult a virtual doctor in Singapore as soon as possible.

With the MYCLNQ app, reaching the medical professional best suited to address your concerns is easier than ever. Moreover, you can access many other essential medical services you need in just a few clicks, including private ambulance services, medicine e-commerce and delivery, and even supervised ART tests. For more information about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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More Than A Sunburn: How To Tell If You Have Sun Poisoning

Sunny days make for perfect weather to get out, enjoy some fresh air, and bask in the sunshine. But given today’s climate conditions, it is easier than ever to take in too much of the sun’s rays and get sunburnt. But is what you feel on your skin just a normal case of sunburn, or could it be sun poisoning? While both are common during sweltering days and especially in the summer, they have keen differences, as we explain below.

How to tell apart regular sunburn from sun poisoning

Sun poisoning is fundamentally a more harmful and severe kind of sunburn in which symptoms and duration last longer than usual. Normally, sunburns go away in several days, but sun poisoning lingers much longer and manifests as blisters, hives, and nausea. This is why sun poisoning is generally described as a condition that goes beyond a simple burn and is more of a sickness or allergic reaction.

Although both sunburn and sun poisoning cause redness, swelling, and pain on the skin, the latter brings additional symptoms beyond the surface level. Healthcare providers denote that sun poisoning looks just like a sunburn at its early stages, but soon after, blisters will soon pop up on the skin due to inflammation and cause peeling once they rupture. The following symptoms are the common signs that denote there may be more to your sunburn than meets the eye:

• Blisters
• Severe sunburn
• Itching or pain
• Headaches
• Rapid heart rate
• Fever
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Skin feels hot to the touch

Treating sunburn and sun poisoning

Treatment for sunburn and sun poisoning can be similar since the two conditions generally go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, you can treat both with home remedies, provided you only have mild sun poisoning. To find relief, consider the following steps:

1. Stay out of the sun

First and foremost, take shade immediately if you notice your skin is having an adverse reaction to sunlight and avoid further exposure for the time being.

2. Rehydrate

Dehydration is a common occurrence when you get sunburn and sun poisoning, so take care to replenish your fluid levels by drinking lots of water or drinks that contain electrolytes.

3. Do not pick at your skin

Expect your skin to peel and flake when you have sunburn and sun poisoning, with the latter also causing blisters. As such, it is vital to refrain from picking at your skin since it will exacerbate the inflammation and result in unwanted scarring.

4. Take a cold shower or apply a cold compress

In certain cases where sunburn or sun poisoning is less severe, cooling down your skin by taking a cold shower or using a cold compress can help relieve the symptoms.

5. Try over-the-counter pain relievers and creams

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other similar medications can help with the pain, discomfort, and stinging feeling common in severe cases of sunburn and sun poisoning. Similarly, creams like natural aloe vera and hydrocortisone can mitigate other symptoms like itching, redness, and a burning sensation. That said, be careful when choosing creams, as certain products may cause your sun poisoning to worsen.

For more severe cases of sun poisoning, medical attention and proper treatment may be necessary. These include:

• Intravenous fluid (IV) treatment

Since severe sun poisoning also leads to severe dehydration, an intravenous fluid (IV) treatment will be necessary.

• Oral or topical medications

Steroids or antibiotics can help treat extreme sun poisoning, specifically the areas affected by symptoms and prevent infections.

When to see a doctor

Home remedies are usually enough to treat most cases of sun poisoning, but there are cases where seeking medical attention and going to the emergency room will be necessary. Once admitted, you will likely be cared for at the burn unit or provided with intravenous fluids.

As a rule of thumb, see a doctor immediately whenever you feel intense burning pain and notice widespread blisters on your skin, even after trying home remedies or when you start showing signs of heat stroke.

Conclusion

The discomfort caused by sunburn is undoubtedly inconvenient, but it will heal in no time, especially with the help of proper treatment. Should severe symptoms like blistering, dizziness, and nausea arise, you likely have a case of sun poisoning and need to visit a healthcare provider.

If you want to confirm if you are dealing with sun poisoning or normal sunburn, get in touch with a virtual doctor in Singapore via an online medical consultation today. By getting a consultation first using the MYCLNQ app, a professional medical expert can assess your symptoms and let you know if your symptoms are worth taking a trip to the hospital or if home remedies and rest will be enough to get you back on your feet. To learn more about the services you can access with the app or understand more about the symptoms you are experiencing such as vision disturbances, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

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Get To The Bottom Of Why Your Heartburn Flares Up At Bedtime

Among the signs of underlying health issues you mustn’t ignore is heartburn. For those prone to heartburn, avoiding the common triggers like eating spicy foods or wearing tight belts or pants is vital to prevent that burning sensation from surfacing. But despite such efforts, there are times when the flare-ups cannot be averted, particularly at night during bedtime, where it even seems to worsen and get in the way of sleep.

This exacerbation is mainly due to the force of gravity. Gravity helps when standing or sitting as it moves the food through the oesophagus to the stomach, where digestion occurs. But when you are in a lying position, gravity no longer aids in clearing food, bile, and acids from your oesophagus and leads to heartburn. People with heartburn have different experiences from one another and encounter symptoms during the day and night. However, many find it difficult to manage nocturnal flare-ups.

What causes the unpleasant feeling of heartburn?

The food you eat passes down the throat and oesophagus toward the stomach. An opening between the oesophagus and stomach is controlled by a muscle called the lower oesophagal sphincter and remains closed whenever you are not swallowing food.

If something hinders this muscle from closing once the food passes through, reflux can occur, which is when the acids in the stomach can go back up the oesophagus and cause that burning sensation of heartburn.

How to reduce nocturnal heartburn

Apart from consulting a virtual doctor in Singapore for advice, there are many things you can do to reduce heartburn, such as:

1. Eat smaller and less fatty meals and mind your food sensitivities

Those with chronic heartburn are advised to stick to meals with at most 20 grams of fat and 500 calories. Eating smaller meals later in the day is also recommended to relieve nighttime heartburn. When it comes to the foods you eat, avoid those that may trigger digestive issues, like dairy products, lemons, tomatoes, and alcohol.

2. Wait for a few hours after dinner before sleeping

It takes the stomach at most five hours to fully digest a meal, so it is best to wait at least three hours before heading to bed.

3. Take prescribed medication

Proton pump inhibitors are commonly prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn. Although these are generally safe, it is best to consult with healthcare providers should long-term usage be necessary to better understand its potential risks.

If you need something more suited for on-demand consumption, try alginate preparations. Alginate forms a raft atop the pocket of acid sitting in the stomach and is shown to be an effective agent for managing heartburn symptoms on an as-needed basis.

4. Use a body pillow when sleeping

Use a sleep-positioning device like a body pillow to keep your head elevated and your body on the left side when sleeping. Sleeping in this position gets gravity to work for you even when lying down and also enables the acids in your gut to pass through the lower oesophagal sphincter and down to the stomach.

5. Adapt certain lifestyle changes

People with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or above are at a much higher risk of heartburn, which is why losing weight and maintaining a healthy BMI score is recommended. In addition, quitting smoking is another vital step to reducing heartburn, as studies show that it is highly effective at alleviating heartburn.

Conclusion

If you suffer from heartburn, you should now have a better idea as to why flare-ups are harder to control at night. Try out the tips mentioned above and see if you notice any improvements during bedtime. Otherwise, getting online medical consultation is the next best step.

With the MYCLNQ app, booking a consultation with a certified doctor is easier than ever. In addition to online video/teleconsultation, you can also access many key medical services you need, such as private ambulance services, medical e-commerce, and supervised ART testing, all in just a few clicks. For more information about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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Bowel Movement Pain: 4 Most Common Causes To Look Into

Feeling pain when doing your business in the bathroom can be alarming and have you worrying the next time nature calls. If this only happens rarely, it is typically not a big deal. However, ongoing or severe pain during bowel movements is a glaring sign that something is amiss with your health and that you should not ignore it. Read on to discover the common causes of bowel movement pain to narrow down what you may be dealing with.

1. Intestinal causes

Three common health conditions involve pain associated with the bowel that can range from cramping to intestinal spasms: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colon cancer.

IBS and IBD share many overlapping symptoms, primarily cramping and abdominal pain. That said, these two conditions are not the same. For one, IBD is a group of autoimmune diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In contrast, IBS is not a disease nor involves inflammation but rather a group of symptoms that, while far from being a non-issue, do not threaten one’s health, unlike IBD.

Lastly, the more serious possible cause of painful bowel movements is colon cancer, which develops in the large intestine and influences bowel habits. Apart from abdominal pain, other prominent symptoms of colon cancer include bloating, cramping, and rectal bleeding.

All in all, be on the lookout for the common symptoms of IBS or IBD if you experience bowel movement pain, as either is the most likely cause.

2. Anal pain

At times, painful bowel movement has to do with moving stool out of the body and can stem from anal fissures or haemorrhoids.

An anal fissure is a tear in the anus lining that often results from passing hard stool. In contrast, haemorrhoids are generally caused by constipation, leading to swollen veins in the rectum and anus. Both conditions share similar symptoms that, apart from pain when defecating, include bright red blood on stools (or on the toilet paper after wiping) and rectal itching.

3. Endometriosis

Women experiencing gynaecological symptoms alongside bowel movement pain may be dealing with endometriosis, which stems from endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus. Endometriosis typically occurs in women who had periods early, experience short or heavy periods, have never given birth, or are going through menopause late.

This condition has a wide variety of symptoms on top of painful bowel movements, such as:

• Painful urination
• Painful intercourse
• Heavy flow
• Menstrual cramps
• Nausea, bloating, and vomiting
• Constipation and/or diarrhoea
• Pelvic pain
• Infertility

4. Pregnancy

Lastly, pain during bowel movements is also common during pregnancy due in part to hormonal changes that affect intestinal sensitivity and function. Moreover, the weight of the developing foetus can also put pressure on the digestive tract and its organs, increasing the risk of painful bowel movement, constipation, bloating, flatulence or farting, and haemorrhoids.

Conclusion

Experiencing frequent or constant pain during your trips to the bathroom is a sign of a health problem. As such, do not write it off as normal, especially if the pain is persistent, severe or getting worse.

If you seek answers for your painful bowel movements, get a virtual consultation today with the MYCLNQ app. The leading app for telemedicine in Singapore, MYCLNQ allows you to access medical services at the palm of your hand, from supervised COVID-19 home testing to doctor consultations over video. To learn more about the medical services you can access on your phone, contact us today.

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Why You Wake To A Dizzying Start First Thing In The Morning

Getting out of bed can prove difficult as it is, and waking up with dizziness only makes it much harder. Feeling dizzy out of the blue is a common reason people get online medical consultations for quick answers, but getting to the bottom of it is not straightforward as there could be many causes. For one, ageing makes us more susceptible to blood pressure issues and various health conditions that could cause morning dizziness.

However, if you only wake up dizzy occasionally, there is generally nothing to worry about. It only becomes a concern if it happens regularly or becomes a daily occurrence. There are several reasons why you may wake to a dizzying start, including:

• Dehydration
• Certain medications
• Sleep apnea
• Low blood pressure
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Heart failure

What is dizziness?

The best way to describe this feeling is when you experience a disturbed or impaired spatial orientation relative to your surroundings, i.e. having a weird or funny feeling in the space around you. A good example is vertigo or imbalance, wherein you feel like you or the world around you is spinning with or without your body and head moving. Besides waking up feeling dizzy, one might also experience dizziness when standing.

Despite this, dizziness is subjective since people’s experiences may differ. For instance, those who experience vertigo or lightheadedness may describe how they feel as dizziness.

Why you wake up feeling dizzy

1. Dehydration

Insufficient fluids in the body cause your blood volume to drop along with your blood pressure. A lower blood pressure slows down blood circulation to the brain slower, which results in dizziness when waking. As such, drinking more water and eating well throughout the day to rehydrate your body should suffice to resolve the issue.

2. Medication

Certain medications can cause dizziness in the morning due to their effects on the body’s blood pressure or interactions with other medicines. Examples of such medicines include:

• Antidepressants
• Antibiotics
• Antipsychotics
• Anti-epileptics
• Antiretroviral medications
• Immunosuppressants
• Diuretics
• Opioid pain relievers

If you think your medication is causing the issue, consult your healthcare provider to figure out if that is truly the case and to find a workaround and do not just stop taking them unless they recommend it.

3. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is when your breathing becomes inconsistent while asleep, preventing the blood from getting enough oxygen and causing lightheadedness, dizziness, or feeling like you might faint. This condition can also develop into other problems like headaches, whose symptoms include dizziness.

4. Low blood pressure

Certain sleeping positions can cause fluctuations in blood pressure first thing in the morning since blood tends to pool in the trunk of the body when lying down. Getting up causes most of the blood to head to the legs and abdomen, leading to a drop in blood pressure. The body can typically restore blood pressure to normal levels quickly, but if you have low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension, the process may happen sluggishly hence why you feel dizzy.

Although low blood pressure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness or various other uncomfortable feelings when waking up, it is only temporary and should last for no longer than a few minutes. That said, talking to a virtual doctor in Singapore is still recommended if these sensations occur regularly.

5. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is a problem in the inner ear affecting its five sensory organs that can cause dizziness when waking or when first getting into or rolling over in bed. This condition may also lead to debilitating symptoms such as trouble walking straight, nausea, and vomiting.

6. Heart failure

Having heart failure means your heart can no longer effectively pump the blood your body needs, causing blood pressure problems that result in dizziness when changing positions. According to medical experts, there is a known connection between imbalance problems, heart failure, and an increased risk of falling. Therefore, those with cardiovascular problems are more likely to experience dizziness and balance issues.

Conclusion

If you experience dizziness upon waking, check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can check your blood pressure and see how it responds when your body changes positions, rule out problems like cardiovascular issues, and get to the bottom of your morning dizziness.

The MYCLNQ app connects you to the right medical professional that can help you with your morning dizziness and any other ailments you may be experiencing. As the leading app for telemedicine in Singapore, it also provides many other medical services you need, such as medicine e-commerce and delivery, private ambulance services, and supervised ART tests. For more information about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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Understanding Why You Bruise Easily And The Dangers Involved

It can be confusing to suddenly find a bruise on your body yet not recall ever bumping into anything to cause it. People commonly bump into things yet do not remember them, so this is rarely alarming. The bruise eventually disappears along with your concerns, but it is important not to dismiss bruising so easily, especially if they occur unprovoked.

How bruises happen

Bruises occur from an injury that affects the skin or the tissues underneath it without causing any cuts or surface damage. While there is no external bleeding from a bruise, the blood vessels below the skin get damaged and rupture. This causes blood to leak and pool, leading to the characteristic skin discolouration of bruises. The bruised area initially takes on a purplish or red colour that eventually turns green, brown, or yellow as it heals. Apart from discolouration, the area may also feel painful, tender, or swollen.

Potential reasons why you bruise easily

Minor accidents like dropping something on your leg, falling, and running into furniture are the most common causes of bruising. Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications like blood thinners, ibuprofen (and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), aspirin, and antidepressants increase your tendency to bruise. Even supplements like fish oil, ginseng, and garlic can make you bruise easily as they inhibit normal platelet function.

Age is another factor, as seen in older people, who tend to get bruised easily compared to young adults due to having less fat under their skin that can cushion the blood vessels. Of course, there are many other causes for bruising, such as:

• Malnutrition
• Severe alcohol abuse that could also lead to the harming of kidneys
• Certain blood conditions like Von Willebrand disease, platelet function defects, haemophilia, or other blood clotting disorders
• Deficiencies in certain vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B12, or vitamin K

When to be concerned about bruising

Bruises caused by minor accidents or injuries generally disappear on their own in one to two weeks and will change colour throughout their healing process. That said, it is recommended to consult a virtual doctor in Singapore if you notice any of the following about your bruise:

• Shows no signs of recovery after a week
• Located somewhere in the body where experiencing an accident or injury is highly unlikely
• Keeps coming back
• Develops unprovoked and is unusually large

When doing an office visit, your healthcare provider will review your personal medical history and family history and ask questions regarding things such as:

• Inherited blood disorders (if any)
• Experiencing bleeding from the oral cavity or nose
• Past surgeries that caused above-average bleeding
• Current supplements and medications
• Noticed a heavier menstrual flow
• Experienced other types of blood loss, such as through urine or stool
• Unusual bleeding in locations like the brain, muscles, or joints

If your healthcare provider determines that your medication is causing the bruising, they will conduct a risk-benefit analysis and discuss your other options. If the bruising is severe and interferes with your daily life, they may speak to your prescriber to replace your medication. Otherwise, they could keep you on the drug if it is essential to controlling another disease you may have.

However, if the cause of the bruising is not identified, your physician may recommend getting some blood work to check for blood clotting abnormalities or platelet problems.

Conclusion

Getting a bruise is mostly not a cause for concern and will resolve itself with time. But suppose you notice something unusual about your bruises, such as showing no signs of recovery or developing in places that normally would not get bruised. In that case, checking with your doctor for underlying issues like serious bleeding disorders is recommended.

If you have any concerns requiring immediate medical attention, download the MYCLNQ app to connect with the healthcare provider that best addresses your condition. As the leading app for telemedicine in Singapore, you can reach professional medical assistance in just a few clicks and access key medical services from the comfort of your home, including booking private ambulance services, online medical consultations, and more.

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Treating Puffy Eyes And When It Can Be A Cause for Concern

Seeing your eyes become swollen and puffy typically happens when crying, sleeping, and doing other everyday activities. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the thin layers of tissue surrounding the eyes. However, other reasons also cause this swelling, as explained later on.

Swelling in the lower or upper eyelid is typically nothing more than an uncomfortable annoyance that goes away on its own. But suppose the swelling lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours. In that case, it is vital to consult an eye professional for treatment to prevent damaging your eyes and avoid the slight yet nonetheless possible risk of blindness.

Causes for puffy eyes

Apart from the usual reasons mentioned above, there are many other causes for puffy eyes, including:

1. Stye

Styes are infections in a tear gland or eye follicle and appear as red, tender bumps at the edge of the eyelid.

2. Pink eye or conjunctivitis

Pink eye is another infection caused by bacteria, viruses, and other irritants and commonly occurs during the flu and cold season.

3. Allergies

Allergic reactions from hay fever or other causes like certain foods and chemicals can also cause puffy eyes.

4. Trauma-related injuries

When hit by a blunt-force strike, the eyes compress and retract, causing blood to pool beneath the damaged area and result in swelling and discolouration.

5. Chalazion

A chalazion is similar to a stye and is a harmless, small bump caused by blocked oil glands.

6. Eye cancer

Although eye cancer will rarely ever be the reason for your puffy eyes, it is still worth knowing that it is one of its symptoms. Eye cancer is also accompanied by vision loss or blurred vision, and you may also notice ‘floaters’ moving slowly around your field of vision.

How to reduce swelling

While most cases of puffy eyes will generally disappear within a few days, there are ways to reduce swelling in the meantime:

1. Wash your eyes: If there is a discharge with swelling, try washing your eyes with water.

2. Apply a cold compress: Place a water-soaked cloth or a chemical cold compress over your eyes for relief.

3. Use antihistamine eye drops: Only use these eye drops when you have allergies. Steroid eye drops can also work well in this case, but check with your healthcare provider first and apply them as prescribed, as careless use can be harmful and cause blindness.

When to call a doctor

Reach out to a virtual doctor in Singapore right away if the swelling persists and if you notice any of the following:

• Pain in one or both eyes.
• Reduced vision.
• Blurry vision.
• Seeing floaters.
• Feeling something is stuck in your eye.

Conclusion

Puffy eyes are usually nothing to be concerned about unless they persist for over a day or two. The home remedies above should suffice to help reduce the swelling, and if you ever notice vision disturbances associated with the swelling, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If your eye swelling is not recovering on its own, book an online medical consultation today via the MyCLNQ app, the best app for telemedicine in Singapore. In just a few clicks, the MyCLNQ grants access to the key medical services you need from the comfort of your home, including supervised ART test booking, online doctor consultations, and private ambulance services.