Prolonged sinus symptoms could be a sign of cancer

Eveline Gan
eveline@mediacorp.com.sg

For most people, a blocked or mildly stuffy nose is probably not a cause for concern. 

But when 72-year-old retiree, Mr Chong - who preferred to be known only by his surname - began experiencing sinus symptoms, instinct told him that “something was not right”.

“I also found tiny traces of blood when I blew my nose. This made me suspicious,” said Mr Chong, who added that he has always been particular about his health. His suspicion was spot-on.

A nurse wears a surgical mask to protect against infection
©AFP/File - Peter Parks

PARIS (AFP) - Health providers must arm themselves against a deadly drug-resistant germ that is becoming increasingly common in hospitals and other settings, a study warned on Tuesday.

Headlines about hospital superbugs have focussed overwhelmingly on bacteria called MRSA, for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

But a different pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii, is an expanding threat and controlling outbreaks of it are proving extremely difficult, said the study, published in the British medical journal The Lancet.

BEIJING - Chinese doctors released the country’s first diagnostic definition of Internet addiction over the weekend, amid efforts to address an increasing number of psychological problems that reportedly result from Internet overuse.

Tao Ran, a medical expert at Beijing’s Military General Hospital, where the definition was developed, said it was also the first time for China to officially designate hospital psychiatric units to treat such cases.

Symptoms of addiction included yearning to get back online, mental or physical distress, irritation and difficulty concentrating or sleeping.

Symptoms of HeatStroke

Headaches
Nausea
Fainting
High fever
Sweating stops
Thirst
Severe fatigue
Giddiness

To prevent heatstroke before training exercise:

One should drink at least 10 litres of water on a hot day and drink until not thirsty.
Before any strenuous exercise, one should sleep at least seven hours the night before.
Remove extra clothing.
Report sick if anyone do not feel well.
Do not go training while on medical leave.

Read more on heatstroke on the following sites:

http://www.mindef.gov.sg/life/heatd.htm
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/elifestyle/articles/exercise_and_physical/understanding_heat.html

Though Chikungunya fever is rarely fatal but deaths have been reported overseas.  It is a viral ailment spread by Ades mosquitoes.

It can commonly found in countries like India, Africa, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Symptoms like dengue include joint aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, rashes and fever.

It is usually takes three to 10 days to recover but the pain can last for months.

In countries or places where virus is common, one should use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers as there is no cure in this disease.