MakatiMed answers awkward questions you're afraid to ask

Manila, Philippines -  Ever had a health-related question that you were too self-conscious to ask your doctor? Truth is, when it comes to nuances about health and the human body, most people just tend to shut their mouths for fear of embarrassing themselves.

Premier health institution Makati Medical Center reveals the answers to some of the most common yet pressing questions you’re afraid to ask your doctor:

1. “I can’t control my loud belches which happen frequently! Is there something wrong with my stomach?” 

Eructation, the medical term for burping and belching, is nothing but air escaping from the stomach; however, it can also be a sign of acid reflux or even an infection. “You may not know it but you swallow more air than you realize. And like everything that goes inside your body, it must also come out — and this is where burping comes in,” explains Johnny B. Sinon, MD, head of MakatiMed’s Emergency Department.

Drinking carbonated beverages, smoking, gum chewing, and certain medications can also lead to the excessive intake of air. Try avoiding or cutting back on these first, but if the belching continues, you may need a relief for reflux or a consultation with the doctor for the treatment of possible infections.

2. “How do I get rid of my bad breath? Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash don’t seem to work.”

Bad breath is caused by nasty-smelling sulphur compounds caused by bacteria situated on the food residue inside your mouth. Medically called halitosis, it also results from unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and it may be a sign of other health problems.

“Rinsing with a mouthwash containing germ-fighting ingredients is an effective way to combat bad breath. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and clean it with a scraper. However, you should also check the food you eat regularly. Avoid garlic and onions because the strong odor takes days to completely disappear,” reveals Dr. Sinon.

However, he adds, persisting bad breath can be a symptom of gum diseases, sinus infection, tonsillitis or a gastrointestinal infection, any of which require a visit to the doctor.

3. “I’m embarrassed to take my shoes off in public because my feet stink so badly. What will stop the odor?”

To beat this problem, always keep your feet, shoes, and socks clean and dry. “Other than the palm of your hands, your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body,” Dr. Sinon explains. “When sweat is trapped inside the footwear, a bacterium feeds on it and emits stinky acid.”

To prevent this, he prescribes wearing shoes made from breathable materials such as leather. Blow the bacteria out by washing your feet every day and ask your doctor about using antibacterial soap.

He reminds individuals to do their part and never hesitate to seek advice from their doctor, no matter how embarrassing the issue may be. “Every doctor wants to address all his patients’ health needs, but for that to happen, they should also be willing to come to us for help. Some of the most challenging health issues arise from seemingly minor concerns — so at the end of the day, it’s better to come right out and consult us about it, than experience something more difficult later on if you decide to keep the problem to yourself.”