I think I am addicted to tea. What should I do?

Dear doctor,
I am a 42-year-old male, and I noticed some pimples around my nipple. Some of them look like they have something white in them. What could these be? Should I squeeze them out?
Hassan

Dear Hassan,
There are hair follicles on the skin on the nipple and the areolar (the darker skin around the nipple). There are also sebaceous glands in this area, called areolar glands/ Montgomery glands. Just like the skin on other parts of the body, the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands can get blocked by oil, sebum, dead cells, sweat or dirt. 
When the pores get clogged, they can form bumps or pimples, and they can also get inflamed or infected. Men can get this type of rash around the nipples since it is similar to/or is part of an acne rash, where there are blocked hair follicles or sebaceous glands.

It is advisable not to squeeze out any pimples, but allow them to resolve on their own. If the rash is painful, or the swellings are growing bigger, or if there are any other changes on the nipple or the breast itself, then it is advisable to be reviewed by a health professional for evaluation and treatment.
Dear doctor,
What causes tongue-tie?
Millicent

Dear Millicent,
With ankyloglossia, otherwise known as tongue-tie, there is restricted tongue movement because the band of connective tissue between the tongue and the floor of the mouth is shorter and thicker than normal. Tongue tie is usually noted in babies. The severity of the restriction depends on how short and thick the connecting tissue is. In mild cases, the restriction is minimal, and the child can feed and talk as usual.
 However, when the restriction is significant, it can interfere with breastfeeding, feeding and development of speech. In this case, then, tongue tie is treated through a simple surgical procedure, to release the tongue from the floor of the mouth. The procedure is usually done as an outpatient procedure, and the child can feed well soon after.
Hi Dr Flo,
I have been having a lot of gas in my stomach for several weeks. My tummy has been rumbling and it also looks bigger than usual. What can I do to manage it?
Nelly

Dear Nelly,
There are several possible causes of bloating, or having a lot of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Some foods may trigger bloating e.g. legumes like beans and lentils; cabbage; brussels sprouts; cauliflower; fatty foods; carbonated drinks; and some artificial sweeteners. Some foods may cause bloating in some individuals but not in others. For persons who have problems with digesting milk, ingesting dairy products can also cause bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Some habits can contribute to bloating, such as eating very fast, overeating, chewing gum, drinking through a straw, and smoking.

Bloating may also develop as a result of a medical condition e.g. gastrointestinal infections; hyperacidity; inflammatory bowel conditions; problems with digestion and food absorption; food allergies; constipation; problems with bowel movement; or conditions affecting other organs within the abdomen and the pelvis like the kidney, the spleen, the liver etc.
To deal with the bloating, take smaller portions of food and eat more frequently; chew slowly; have a fibre-rich diet; take adequate amounts of water; and exercise regularly. Reduce or avoid foods or drinks that increase or trigger the bloating. Some medications can help reduce the bloating.
If the symptoms persist, you should be reviewed by a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and relevant tests. The treatment depends on the diagnosis e.g. antibiotics for infections or enzymes to help with digestion.
Dear doctor,
Whenever I don’t take tea in the morning, I get a headache, and I feel that I am not okay. Is it possible that I am addicted to tea? How do I deal with it?
Salome
Dear Salome,
It is possible to become addicted to tea. This is because tea contains substances that stimulate the brain. The main stimulant is caffeine, which is also found in coffee,  cocoa and kola nuts. There are other psychoactive substances in tea e.g. theophylline, theobromine, theanine, and flavonoids, among others. 
Symptoms of addiction to tea include the inability to stop yourself from drinking tea; craving tea; feeling stimulated when you take tea; and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you do not take tea e.g. headache, fatigue, drowsiness, problems with concentration, feeling disoriented and mood changes. The withdrawal symptoms tend to improve once someone takes tea.

As with any other substance or habit, once you feel that you are losing control when taking the tea, then it is advisable to get intervention. For self-care, you can begin by reducing the amount of tea that you take daily, and the concentration of the tea leaves in the drink. You can also introduce other beverages like coffee and cocoa/chocolate, and with time, add beverages with no caffeine, e.g., milk, yoghurt, juice or plain water. If the cravings are severe, or if you have to take more than 5 cups of tea per day, it is advisable to have a medical check-up, as this may be indicative of another health concern e.g. Vitamin C, iron, or phosphorus deficiency, or problems with the adrenal glands.

While tea is legal, and a part of most Kenyans' meals, if addiction to it becomes a significant challenge, you can also seek help from a mental health professional.

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