BY GEORGE NAVA TRUE II
IS IT true that if you don’t take a deep breath during an X-ray exam, the doctor might miss signs of tuberculosis in your lungs? – Name and address withheld on request
That’s a possibility if you don’t hold your breath during an X-ray exam. The X-ray technician usually asks the patient to be still, take a few deep breaths, and hold this for a few seconds. This is not meant to make you feel uncomfortable, but it helps get a clear picture of the heart and lungs.
If you don’t do this, the X-ray image may be blurred and you could get a wrong reading. The doctor won’t see what’s really wrong with you and might give a wrong diagnosis.
So it’s important that you stop moving and remove clothes and jewelry from the waist up during an exam to get clear X-ray images that will help your doctor understand your condition.
I feel pain whenever I urinate after sex, but I have no penile discharge. This has occurred for two weeks now. What’s wrong with me? – Name and address withheld on request
It’s hard to tell unless you consult a doctor since having pain while urinating can mean many things. The fact that this symptom has been with you for two weeks now should make you concerned.
The condition may be caused by a urinary tract infection or urethritis (the inflammation of the urethra), which is common in sexually active men. Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can make peeing painful are chlamydia, trichomonas, gonorrhea, and herpes.
Get tested to see if you have any of these conditions since ignoring the problem can make things worse. Other possible causes are prostatitis (the inflammation of the prostate gland) and genital warts.
If you have no penile discharge, this could mean you have no STD. Still, it’s best to see a doctor to find out what’s causing it.
Whenever I poop, I notice there’s fresh blood with a bright red color in the toilet. This has been happening for a month now. What’s wrong with me? – Name and address withheld on request
It appears you have hemorrhoids or piles. These are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum that are like varicose veins. Hemorrhoids can be found either inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).
The Mayo Clinic said their cause is often unknown, but they are common in old people and in those who strain during bowel movements, lack fiber, are overweight, pregnant, have anal sex, or sit on the toilet for a long time.
I suspect you have internal hemorrhoids which rarely cause discomfort, but there is painless bleeding during bowel movements. You can see bright red blood on toilet tissue or in the toilet.
To prevent hemorrhoids, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and soak your anal area in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day. Exercise regularly and avoid sitting for a long time. Go to the bathroom as soon as possible when nature calls and use over-the-counter fiber supplements to stop bleeding.
If nothing happens after a week, consult a doctor. Bleeding may be due to something else like colorectal or anal cancer.
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National Press Club and Philippine Dental Association awardee George N. True II has written two bestsellers based on his popular column that has been running for almost 40 years. For questions about health, email georgenavatrue@yahoo.com./PN
