Expert Health Insights

How does asthma differ from other lung conditions?

Asthma is significantly different from other conditions as it is a chronic lung disease. It’s marked by airway inflammation and narrowing, which make breathing difficult. Unlike many other lung diseases, asthma is often reversible with the right treatment.
– Anton Fourie, pulmonology technologist, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

How do inhaler treatments work?

Inhalers are a cornerstone of asthma treatment, and the right type depends on your specific needs. A doctor will determine which is best for you. Reliever (rescue) inhalers work quickly to open airways during an asthma attack, providing immediate, short-term relief. Preventer inhalers are used daily and contain corticosteroids that reduce long-term airway inflammation to prevent attacks. Combination inhalers contain both a long-acting bronchodilator and a corticosteroid for long-term control and some immediate relief.
– Anton Fourie, pulmonology technologist, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

What is autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition where the brain processes information differently from early childhood. It mainly affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. It’s not something to “fix”, but to understand.
– Dr. Khutso N. Sebetseba, specialist paediatrician, Johannesburg, South Africa
Read More

Are boys and girls affected differently?

Yes. Autism is diagnosed more often in boys, but girls are underdiagnosed because they tend to mask their difficulties, imitate social behaviours, and present as shy or withdrawn rather than overtly atypical. This often leads to later or missed diagnoses in girls.
– Dr. Khutso N. Sebetseba, specialist paediatrician, Johannesburg, South Africa
Read More

Can children with autism attend mainstream schools?

This depends on the child’s communication abilities, behavioural regulation, sensory tolerance, and availability of school-based support. Some thrive in mainstream environments with accommodations; others do better in specialised settings. The decision is individualised and can change over time.
– Dr. Khutso N. Sebetseba, specialist paediatrician, Johannesburg, South Africa
Read More

How do I let go of fears around breastfeeding?

An antenatal consultation with a lactation professional can build confidence by explaining how breastfeeding works, addressing personal concerns, and offering guidance tailored to you. Preparing for breastfeeding, just like preparing for birth, can make the early weeks much easier.
– Tara Williams, doula & lactation specialist, Johannesburg, South Africa
Read More

What are some common breastfeeding concerns?

One of the most common breastfeeding challenges is low milk supply, or perceived low milk supply. This can affect mothers who are exclusively pumping, such as with premature babies, as well as those who are directly breastfeeding. In many cases, mothers may feel their baby is not getting enough milk if the baby cries frequently or feeds often, even when milk supply may be adequate.
– Tara Williams, doula & lactation specialist, Johannesburg, South Africa
Read More

How common is breast cancer in South Africa?

It accounts for roughly 25–30% of cancers in women and about 15% of all new cancer diagnoses overall.
– Dr. Relebogile Francisco, GP, Johannesburg, South Africa
Read More

Who is most at risk of breast cancer?

Higher risk applies to:

• Women over 50
• People with a family history
• Those with the BRCA gene mutation
• Individuals with hormonal, lifestyle, or environmental risk factors
• People with limited access to screening

South Africa also sees more cases in younger women compared to global averages.
– Dr. Relebogile Francisco, GP, Johannesburg, South Africa
Read More

How do I reset after overeating?

Shift your focus to the next choice, not the last one. Simple reset steps, like drinking a glass of water, taking a short walk, or choosing a lighter next meal with lean protein and vegetables, can quickly help you break the cycle and get back on track.
– Sprague Ogilvie, registered dietitian, Durban, South Africa
Read More

What’s a common nutrition myth?

Nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another. Health is built through personalised, realistic habits, not rigid rules or extreme diets. No single food is perfect or harmful on its own; what matters most is your overall eating pattern.
– Dr. Monique Piderit, registered dietitian, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

What’s the difference between a seizure and a seizure disorder?

A seizure is an event. Epilepsy is a condition. Many people will have a seizure at some point in their lives – due to fever, infection, alcohol withdrawal, or head injury. That doesn’t necessarily mean they have epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed when the brain has an ongoing tendency to produce unprovoked seizures.
– Dr. Aayesha Soni, neurologist, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

Are regular eye check-ups necessary if I see perfectly well?

Clear vision doesn’t guarantee healthy eyes. Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and early macular changes can develop quietly without affecting sight at first. Regular examinations allow early detection and treatment, helping preserve long-term vision.
– Dr. Mpopi Lenake, ophthalmologist, Johannesburg, South Africa
Read More

What exactly are fibroids and how do they grow in the womb?

Fibroids are made up of smooth muscle tissue and develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can vary widely in size, from very small to quite large. Essentially, a fibroid is a type of tumour, meaning an abnormal growth of tissue. However, fibroids are benign, not cancerous. In other words, they are non-malignant growths that do not spread like cancer does.
– Dr. Sibu Lubelwana, OB/GYN, Durban, South Africa
Read More

Why are fibroids more common and often more severe in African women?

It’s a well-recognised pattern, but not one we can fully explain yet. The exact cause of fibroids (their aetiology) is still not clearly understood.  What we do know is that African women, particularly those of West and East African descent, have a higher likelihood of developing fibroids. They also tend to experience more severe symptoms. Genetics probably play a role, along with hormonal influences and possibly environmental or lifestyle factors.
– Dr. Sibu Lubelwana, OB/GYN, Durban, South Africa
Read More

Can fibroids cause infertility or pregnancy issues? How does this happen? 

Yes. Fibroids can sometimes reduce fertility or cause pregnancy complications, depending on size and location. They may interfere with conception by physically blocking or distorting the uterus or fallopian tubes. This can make it harder for sperm to reach the egg, or for a fertilised egg to implant in the uterus. In pregnancy, larger fibroids can sometimes increase the risk of complications due to space they occupy in the uterus. 
– Dr. Sibu Lubelwana, OB/GYN, Durban, South Africa
Read More

What’s normal tiredness versus chronic fatigue?

There are two types of fatigue; adrenal fatigue and neurological fatigue where no amount of rest is helpful or restorative and one awakes feeling exhausted despite a good night’s sleep. When people have both types of fatigue they tend to experience chronic fatigue syndrome at an extreme level.
– Dr. Nadine Haberfeld, alternative medicine specialist, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

When does menopause start?

Menopause typically begins with perimenopause, which can start as early as age 35 when oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate and ovarian reserve gradually declines. Most people start noticing symptoms from around age 40, when ovulation may become irregular and hormonal changes become more pronounced. Menopause itself is diagnosed once you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period. After that point, you are considered postmenopausal. The average age for menopause is around 51.
– Dr. Sibu Lubelwana, OB/GYN, Durban, South Africa
Read More

When does a heavy period stop being normal?

Generally, we say that a normal period is one that is at least two to seven days. Once it exceeds seven days, it starts being abnormal. In terms of the actual bleed, it’s if you have more than five sanitary changes per day because of the heavy bleeding or if you are bleeding more than is normal by your own estimations.
– Dr. Sibu Lubelwana, OB/GYN, Durban, South Africa
Read More

What are some of the biggest concerns or fears that expectant mothers have?

Expectant mothers commonly worry about two key areas: breastfeeding and childbirth. Many have concerns about breastfeeding due to fears, stigma, or conflicting information they’ve heard. At the same time, the biggest concern is often the birth itself, particularly whether they will be able to cope with the pain and manage a vaginal delivery, even if that is their preferred option.
– Tara Williams, doula & lactation specialist, Johannesburg, South Africa
Read More

When should men start prostate screenings?

For most men, annual prostate screening is recommended from age 40 onward. Earlier screening may be necessary when there is a strong family history of prostate cancer.
– Dr. Ilse G Domingo, GP, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

What are common signs of prostate health problems?

Frequently waking at night to urinate, a weak urine stream, bladder-emptying problems, urgency, or urine leakage may all be signs of prostate enlargement or other prostate issues.
– Dr. Ilse G Domingo, GP, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

Do we really need eight hours of sleep a night?

Sleep needs vary. Some adults feel good with seven hours, others need closer to nine. What matters is how refreshed you feel and whether you can function well during the day.  Quality rather than quantity.
– Cecille van Gent, clinical technologist, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

How much sleep do children need?

Including naps, recommended sleep amounts are: newborns (0–3 months) 14–17 hours, infants (4–12 months) 12–16 hours, toddlers (1–2 years) 11–14 hours, preschoolers (3–5 years) 10–13 hours, school-age children (6–12 years) 9–12 hours, and teenagers (13–18 years) 8–10 hours.
– Cecille van Gent, clinical technologist, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

Is vaping safer than smoking?

E-cigarettes still deliver nicotine, sometimes in very high concentrations. Nicotine is addictive, whether it comes from a cigarette or a vape.
– The Cancer Association of South Africa
Read More

Can alcohol cause cancer?

There is strong evidence that alcohol causes cancers of the colon, rectum, breast, mouth, pharynx, larynx, liver, and oesophagus. There’s also growing evidence that heavy drinking might be linked to cancer of the pancreas.
– The Cancer Association of South Africa
Read More

What are the signs of low testosterone?

Many men ignore early warning signs of low testosterone because they assume they’re simply tired from work or stress. Persistent fatigue, low mood, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, and increased abdominal fat should not be brushed aside.
– Dr. Ilse Domingo, GP, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More

Does low testosterone affect sexual health?

Testosterone affects far more than sex drive. Testosterone plays a major role in bone density, muscle strength, fat distribution, mood, energy levels, libido, and sperm production. Low levels can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing.
– Dr. Ilse Domingo, GP, Cape Town, South Africa
Read More