Education Corner

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?

1. Are all acne the same? Are there different types? The most common types of acne are as follows: Whiteheads: Raised bumps on the skin with white or yellow pus inside. Blackheads: Open comedones with a darker surface. Papules: Small, red rashes without pus. Pustules: Usually red with a white pus-filled surface, generally considered moderately inflamed. Nodules: Large, firm, and buried deep in the skin. Cysts: Larger than nodules and filled with pus, generally more painful. If the skin is already red, indicating inflammation, it is generally not recommended to pop it yourself. This is because popping it can worsen the inflammation and may even cause scarring.   2. What are some effective ways to prevent acne? In addition to maintaining a positive mood, you can also try the following to prevent acne: Face cleansing habits: Use gentle cleansing products both morning and evening, avoiding over-cleansing. Avoid frequent contact with your face. Dietary habits: Avoid consuming high-sugar, high-fat foods, and dairy products. Lifestyle habits: Exercise regularly and avoid staying up late.   3. When should you see a doctor? What treatments are available? Acne typically develops during adolescence. Hormonal factors can trigger acne growth, and many adults also develop acne due to excessive stress or an unbalanced diet. Most acne breakouts gradually subside after adolescence. If an adult experiences persistent breakouts for more than two months without improvement, it's recommended to seek medical attention. Your doctor will prescribe topical and oral medications, such as isotretinoin and antibiotics, based on your skin condition. In severe cases, steroids or laser treatments may be recommended to reduce inflammation and scarring, and promote skin repair.

Has anyone ever experienced dizziness or loss of balance while walking? You might think it's just low blood sugar, but it could actually be a sign of a stroke!   1. What is a stroke? Strokes are generally divided into three types: ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery, obstructing blood flow, or when the blood vessel wall thickens, reducing blood flow. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when bleeding within the brain or subarachnoid hemorrhage affects blood circulation to the brain. Transient ischemic stroke, commonly known as a "mini-stroke," typically lasts from a few minutes to a few hours and resolves within 24 hours.   2. What are the symptoms of a stroke? Half of the face droops, asymmetrical expression Difficulty speaking, slurred speech Weakness in one limb Severe headache or dizziness Loss of balance   3. Who is at high risk for stroke? Stroke is actually caused by a combination of high-risk factors. Individuals with this condition should pay special attention to their health and prevent it. High blood pressure, high cholesterol Diabetes Heart disease Family history of disease Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption Obesity   4. Is there a golden window for stroke treatment? Since strokes typically occur suddenly, if diagnosed as an ischemic stroke by a doctor, according to the Hospital Authority, the chance of recovery is higher if intravenous thrombolytic therapy is received within three hours. Therefore, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately if a problem is identified. This golden window is crucial for seeking medical attention.

Although COVID-19 has eased over time, the disease has not completely disappeared, and infections leading to death continue to occur each year. Fatal cases caused by COVID-19 have never ceased entirely, so the risk remains present.   Why is COVID-19 still a concern?While COVID-19 is no longer considered a global pandemic, infections and deaths continue to be reported worldwide — including in Hong Kong. According to the Centre for Health Protection, from January 30, 2023 to December 28, 2024, there were still 1,398 deaths preliminarily assessed to be related to COVID-19. Therefore, until the disease is fully eradicated, the situation should not be taken lightly. Are there any government-subsidized services available?Yes. Even though the pandemic has ended, the government has continued its COVID-related initiatives. Eligible individuals can still receive government-funded COVID-19 vaccinations. Further details are available on the government’s dedicated webpage:https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/106934.html In addition, the government provides the oral antiviral medication Paxlovid free of charge to eligible COVID-19 patients. This medication helps relieve symptoms and can reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization by 85–89%, especially in high-risk groups. It is recommended that patients begin treatment within five days after symptom onset. Paxlovid can also be obtained through private doctors participating in the government scheme. Human Health is one of the designated organizations authorized to distribute the medication. Confirmed patients may visit their nearest Human Health Medical Centre for inquiries. More details can be found here:https://humanhealth.com.hk/zh-hant/Gov-funded-Programme/details/covid_paxlovid   Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)   How long do I need to take the oral COVID-19 medication?Treatment should start within five days of symptom onset and continue for a total of five days without interruption.   Who should take special precautions before using COVID-19 oral medication?The medication can be used by individuals aged 12 or above, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, it affects liver enzymes, so it is unsuitable for patients with severe kidney impairment or liver failure. It may also interact with cholesterol-lowering drugs or HIV medications. Patients taking these long-term should consult a doctor before starting treatment.   Are there any side effects from the COVID-19 oral medication?Known side effects of Paxlovid include changes in taste and diarrhea. Less common reactions may include mild headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, high blood pressure, and general discomfort. These effects usually resolve after completing the full treatment course. If significant discomfort occurs, patients should seek medical advice.