Question 1

I'm really concerned because I've been craving slate pencils for about six months now and I've already eaten a few. I'm worried if this could be bad for my health. I keep wanting to eat more. Is there something missing in my diet that's making me want them? How can I stop these cravings?

Accepted Answer

It can be harmful to ingest slate pencils in large quantities. It can result in constipation, lung infections, vomitting and diarrhea. Your craving could be a sign of lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. It is advisable to start taking multivitamins and supplements such as Revital, or Zincovit tablets. You may wish to do a serum electrolyte blood test in order to determine which minerals your body is lacking.

Question 2

I'm a bit concerned about my stool patterns. I've noticed that while in the morning it's more solid, in the afternoon and evening it tends to be flat. Could there be any potential reasons for this?

Accepted Answer

Chest X-Ray Findings

_Interpretation_

1. _Prominent bilateral perihilar vascular markings_: This means that the blood vessels in the lungs, particularly around the hilar region (where the lungs connect to the heart), appear more prominent than usual on the X-ray.
2. _Normal findings otherwise_: The rest of the X-ray findings are normal, which suggests that there are no other significant abnormalities in the lungs or chest.

_Possible Causes_

1. _Increased blood flow_: Prominent vascular markings can indicate increased blood flow to the lungs, which may be due to various factors, such as:
    - High blood pressure
    - Heart conditions (e.g., heart failure)
    - Pulmonary hypertension
    - Anemia
2. _Other possible causes_: Less common causes include:
    - Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
    - Pulmonary vein obstruction

_Level of Concern_

1. _Mild concern_: While the finding is not immediately alarming, it does warrant further evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
2. _Follow-up recommended_: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss the findings and determine the best course of action.

_Next Steps_

1. _Consult your doctor_: Discuss the X-ray findings with your doctor to determine the next steps.
2. _Additional tests_: Your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as:
    - Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
    - Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
    - Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest

Question 3

I'm wondering if it's okay to take 150mg of aciloc before meals twice a day and then have digene syrup after meals. Also, between PANTOCID 40mg and ranitidine, which one is better for dealing with indigestion? I'm trying to figure out the best way to handle this.

Accepted Answer

Erosive Antral Gastritis_

1. _Definition_: Erosive antral gastritis is a type of gastritis characterized by inflammation and erosion of the stomach lining, specifically in the antrum (the lower part of the stomach).
2. _Causes_: Common causes include:
    - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    - Excessive alcohol consumption
    - Stress
3. _Symptoms_: Common symptoms include:
    - Abdominal pain or discomfort
    - Nausea and vomiting
    - Loss of appetite
    - Weight loss
4. _Endoscopy results_: The endoscopy results confirmed erosive antral gastritis, which is a definitive diagnosis.

_Second Opinion and Concerns_

1. _Consult a gastroenterologist_: Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist to discuss the diagnosis, treatment options, and any concerns.
2. _Treatment and management_: The gastroenterologist will likely recommend:
    - Antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection (if present)
    - Acid-reducing medications to alleviate symptoms
    - Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods, managing stress, and quitting smoking (if applicable)
3. _Follow-up endoscopy_: A follow-up endoscopy may be recommended to assess the healing progress and rule out any complications.

_Reassurance and Next Steps_

1. _Reassurance_: Erosive antral gastritis is a treatable condition, and with proper management, symptoms can be alleviated.
2. _Adhere to treatment plan_: Ensure your father-in-law follows the recommended treatment plan and attends follow-up appointments.
3. _Monitor symptoms and report changes_: Encourage your father-in-law to report any changes in symptoms or concerns to the gastroenterologist.

More Gastroenterology/GI medicine Health Queries

I'm really concerned because I've been craving slate pencils for about six months now and I've already eaten a few. I'm worried if this could be bad for my health. I keep wanting to eat more. Is there something missing in my diet that's making me want them? How can I stop these cravings?

I'm a bit concerned about my stool patterns. I've noticed that while in the morning it's more solid, in the afternoon and evening it tends to be flat. Could there be any potential reasons for this?

I'm wondering if it's okay to take 150mg of aciloc before meals twice a day and then have digene syrup after meals. Also, between PANTOCID 40mg and ranitidine, which one is better for dealing with indigestion? I'm trying to figure out the best way to handle this.

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