I had acute gastritis last year and recovered after treatment, but I have poor appetite since then. I can only eat small meals and eating a normal amount sometimes causes nausea or vomiting. Could this be a lasting effect of gastritis, anxiety or something else?
— Sukriti (37), Shimla
Acute gastritis can make the gut more sensitive to food. Your stomach muscles may not relax properly to adjust food. Sometimes these can move too slowly, slowing digestion, which makes you feel full or sick fast. This is called functional dyspepsia. Anxiety can also constrict the gut even more and make the symptoms worse. However, a stomach emptying test can help confirm the cause. Meanwhile, eat small, frequent, low-fat meals. Avoid alcohol, spicy and acidic foods. A 10-minute walk after meals can help digest the food faster.
— Dr Vivek Prakash, Consultant, Hepatology, Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana
My son (9) often complains of stomach pain, especially in the mornings. At times I have to give him a painkiller. I am concerned about this recurring issue. Please advise about the possible cause and treatment.
— Mamta Chauhan (37), Chandigarh
Recurring stomach pain in kids can occur due to acidity, constipation, irregular eating habits, anxiety, worm infestation, or food intolerance. Morning pain is quite common in school-going children. Avoid giving painkillers regularly without medical advice, as they may worsen stomach irritation or mask symptoms. Ensure your child eats on time, drinks enough water, and follows a balanced, fibre-rich diet. If the problem persists despite following the above measures, it warrants a proper paediatric evaluation to identify the exact cause, especially if the pain is persistent or associated with vomiting, fever, weight loss, or bowel changes.
— Dr Anmol Sidhu, Paediatrician, Livasa Hospital, Mohali
My father (71) is lately behaving impulsively, showing strange behaviour, and even mild aggression. He wants instant solutions for every issue, major or minor, or he gets upset. He also has a minor prostate issue. Please guide.
— Anil Kumar (45), Kharar
Even a minor untreated prostate issue in elderly men can be cause problems and disturb sleep due to frequent urination and discomfort. Over time, these symptoms may affect mood, behaviour, emotional stability, and cognitive well-being, making a person more irritable, restless, or aggressive. In some cases, untreated prostate problems can progress to urinary retention or recurrent infections and even cancer. Since the condition is still at a mild stage, timely medical evaluation, medications, regular monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments are advisable to control symptoms and potentially avoid surgery.
— Dr Rohit Dadhwal, Senior Consultant, Urology, Mohali
My grandfather (93), is physically and mentally alert and takes no medications. Recently, something unusual happened — while eating lunch, he had a strong bout of sleepiness. We later took him from our village to the district hospital, but his parameters were fine. He is fine now and this issue has not recurred since. What could be the possible reason?
— Nandini, Mandi
When we eat, a huge amount of blood goes to the gut to handle digestion. Sometimes, at 93, the heart and BP just won’t keep up due to vasovagal effect leading to low heart rate and BP, causing temporary lack of blood supply to the brain, leading to a sudden feeling of sleepiness, called postprandial hypotension. Measure his BP before and after eating. Increase his fluid intake and encourage slow walks after meals. It can also be transient ischaemic attack. At 93, it’s best to have a neuro-cardiac analysis to confirm the cause.
— Dr RK Jaswal, HoD, Cardiology, Fortis, Mohali
I’m a college student. Scrolling Instagram makes me hate my body. I compare myself constantly and it’s affecting my mental health and confidence. How do I handle this?
— Shriya Suri (19), Delhi
Scrolling through Instagram often creates or heightens issues with body image because endless reels of filtered, perfectly posed images set unrealistic beauty standards. This trains the mind to compare yourself constantly, breeding feelings of “not good enough” that chip away at confidence and mental well-being. Recognising this pattern is powerful, it shows the distress isn’t about your actual body, but about the distorted lens social media imposes. Therapy, especially CBT, can effectively restore self-worth.
— Ashita Mahendru, Clinical Psychologist, Naraina, New Delhi
My 2-year relationship just ended and I can’t stop crying or feeling worthless. I’m skipping college and everything feels pointless. Please help me overcome this pain.
— Vasudha Gupta (21), Amritsar
Heartbreak can trigger intense grief, and feelings of worthlessness, and hopelessness — normal responses as the brain adjusts to loss. Skipping college and finding everything pointless reflects a common cognitive distortion: all-or-nothing thinking that amplifies pain and stalls healing. Allow the tears, reach out to supportive friends, and try to resume small daily routines. Professional therapy, especially CBT or grief counselling, can help. This pain will ease eventually.
— Ashita Mahendru, Clinical Psychologist, Naraina, New Delhi
