Education Corner

Both the common cold and influenza (often called the flu) are respiratory infectious diseases, but they are caused by different viruses. In general, flu symptoms appear more suddenly and are more severe than those of the common cold. The flu can also lead to more serious complications. People with a common cold typically have symptoms like a runny nose, while those with influenza are more likely to develop severe complications such as pneumonia or bacterial infections, which may even require hospitalization. Therefore, getting the flu vaccine is an important measure to prevent influenza and its complications.

Everyone associates "cancer" with death and incurable diseases. Is it true that cancer has no prevention methods and no early warning signs?   1. Is cancer common in Hong Kong? And what causes it?The death rate from cancer in Hong Kong is quite high, accounting for about 30% of all deaths in the city. Common cancers such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer are among the most frequent.In fact, most cancers may show some early warning signs or symptoms in their initial stages, and early detection can greatly improve the chances of cure.Cancer is caused by abnormal uncontrolled proliferation of mutated cells in the body, forming tumors. Tumors are classified as benign or malignant, with malignant tumors referred to as cancer.   2. What are the early warning signs or symptoms of cancer? Weight loss Night sweats or fever Persistent fatigue Unexplained pain Skin changes: unexplained bruises or lumps Difficulty swallowing or persistent mouth ulcers Changes in bowel habits: indigestion, nausea, persistent constipation or diarrhea   3. How long is the golden period for cancer treatment?These symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked. It is therefore recommended everyone remain vigilant of their body’s condition and seek medical help promptly if feeling unwell.While the progression time varies depending on cancer type with no fixed definition of "how many months," earlier cancer detection generally improves cure rates.For example, according to the Hong Kong Cancer Foundation, the survival rate for colorectal cancer detected at stage one can be as high as 95.7%, but it drops to 68.7% by stage three. Early diagnosis usually means higher survival than late diagnosis. Thus, besides maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular health check-ups are advised.  

Every woman has a few days each month when they feel irritable. Can menstrual irregularities become a big problem?   1. How long should a normal menstrual period last?Most women have a menstrual cycle of about 28 days, with a normal range between 21 and 35 days. The duration of each period usually lasts around 3 to 7 days.   2. Does menstrual irregularity just mean late periods? When should you seek medical advice?Menstrual irregularity does not just mean delayed periods. The following symptoms can also indicate menstrual irregularity: Excessive or scanty menstrual bleeding Period lasting more than 8 days or less than 3 days Severe abdominal pain during menstruation Menopause before age 40If menstrual irregularities persist, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a comprehensive examination and appropriate treatment.   3. What causes irregular menstrual cycles?Menstrual irregularities may be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, etc. Irregular menstruation can be one symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which results from hormonal imbalance leading to irregular or absent ovulation, potentially causing infertility. PCOS may also lead to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. Since the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, doctors generally prescribe oral contraceptives to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms. Patients are also advised to maintain healthy diet and exercise habits to help stabilize ovulation.If you find yourself experiencing long-term irregular periods, remember to consult a doctor early and undergo gynecological examination!

1. Why does nerve damage occur? Trauma Herniated disc or tumor pressing on nerves Autoimmune diseases such as diabetes Vitamin B deficiency Long-term use of medication or alcohol   2. What are the symptoms of nerve damage? Numbness or tingling sensation in the skin, like being pricked by needles Pain when touching certain areas or cold objects Reduced pain sensitivity, unable to feel pain normally   3. How to prevent nerve damage?To prevent nerve damage, maintain a healthy diet, reduce alcohol consumption, exercise regularly, and have regular health check-ups. Diabetic patients should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels. These measures help reduce the risk of nerve pain.   4. Is nerve pain the same as muscle pain?When suddenly feeling a prickling sensation in the body, is it muscle pain or nerve pain? Even if the skin has no wounds but feels prickling on touch, it may not be muscle cramps or muscle pain, but nerve damage.Nerve pain and muscle pain are different.     Nerve Pain Muscle Pain Cause Due to disease or injury Caused by tension, stress, overuse, minor injury or strain Pain Prickling, tingling, sharp pain; pain intensifies when touching specific areas or cold objects Muscles may feel stiff or sore; pain when pressing or exerting the muscle   Nerve pain is just one symptom of nerve damage. If you suspect nerve damage, seek medical attention as soon as possible for treatment.

1. What is frozen shoulder?Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, commonly occurs in people aged 40 to 60, with women more frequently affected. Recently, younger people have also started experiencing it.Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages: the painful stage, the stiff stage, and the recovery stage. Painful stage: considered the early phase, patients feel shoulder pain, especially worse at night or with shoulder movement. The range of shoulder movement gradually decreases, affecting daily life. Stiff stage: pain decreases but shoulder movement is severely limited. The joint becomes stiffer, making basic actions like raising the arm, dressing, combing hair, or lifting objects difficult. Recovery stage: shoulder joint becomes more flexible and pain reduces. Patients can speed recovery with physical therapy and appropriate exercise.   2. What causes frozen shoulder? Decreased joint fluid and increased stiffness of the shoulder ligaments and joint capsule due to aging Overuse or injuries like falls or heavy lifting Inflammation of tissues around the shoulder joint Poor posture for extended periods, especially prolonged forward shoulder lean when using computers, causing muscle and ligament tightness Lack of shoulder exercise and stretching   3. Will frozen shoulder recover on its own? Can it be ignored?Frozen shoulder can last from several months to years and typically resolves gradually on its own. But during flare-ups, pain can be severe, and limited shoulder movement can disrupt normal life. It is generally recommended to seek medical help promptly to alleviate pain and accelerate recovery. Different stages require different treatments or medications prescribed by doctors.   4. What treatments are available for frozen shoulder?Doctors often use physical therapy like stretching exercises to restore shoulder flexibility and strength. Heat and cold therapy also help reduce pain. Patients should do home exercises to maintain shoulder mobility. Based on severity, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be performed to repair or remove inflamed tissue. If you experience prolonged shoulder stiffness and suspect frozen shoulder, see a doctor as soon as possible!

Many people experience tinnitus, but should it be ignored? Will it affect hearing?   1. What is tinnitus? Does it affect hearing? Tinnitus is a buzzing or hissing sound that occurs even when there's no source in the surrounding environment. It usually lasts for a few seconds and then stops. Both children and adults can experience tinnitus, but if it persists, you should seek medical attention immediately. Studies show that 90% of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss, so tinnitus may be a symptom of hearing loss. Tinnitus is categorized into two main types: objective tinnitus and subjective tinnitus. The key difference between objective and subjective tinnitus lies in whether the tinnitus heard by the sufferer can also be heard by others using headphones. While objective tinnitus can be heard by others using headphones, subjective tinnitus is only audible to the sufferer.   2. What causes tinnitus? The cause of tinnitus is unknown, but the following factors are associated with it: Exposing yourself to high-decibel levels for extended periods, such as at concerts or at construction sites. Hearing loss: Hearing loss gradually worsens with age and is also strongly associated with tinnitus. Ear diseases: Otitis media, inner ear infections, or excessive earwax blocking the ear canal can also affect hearing and cause tinnitus. Medication side effects: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs, may cause tinnitus. Temporomandibular joint disorders: Head or neck injuries can damage the ear structure, impairing the transmission of sound signals to the brain and causing tinnitus.   3. Is tinnitus preventable? To prevent tinnitus and protect your hearing, it's best to use earplugs in noisy environments or avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises. Also, pay attention to the volume when using headphones, and regular hearing tests are recommended. Since hearing loss can be severe or minor, and long-term tinnitus can directly impact your quality of life, it's recommended to seek medical attention and get checked out as soon as possible.   Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Hong Kong Department of Health Student Health Service - How Much Do You Know About Tinnitus?