I have weak digestion. Whenever I start exercising, I feel an urgent need to pass stool. I had previously suffered from typhoid and an E. coli infection. Since then, my food has not been digesting properly, and even milk causes discomfort. What could be the cause of these symptoms, and how can I improve my digestion?

Your symptoms may be due to a sensitive gut after a past intestinal infection, such as typhoid or E coli. After such infections, some people develop a condition in which the bowel becomes more reactive than normal, known as post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome. This can lead to a sense of urgency to pass stool, especially during exercise, because physical activity naturally stimulates bowel movements more strongly in sensitive individuals. Difficulty digesting milk may happen if your body temporarily struggles to break down lactose after an infection, or if the digestive system is still recovering and producing fewer digestive enzymes than usual. To help improve this, try eating small, simple meals instead of heavy or oily foods. Reduce milk for a while or switch to lactose-free alternatives. Curd or yoghurt may be easier to tolerate and can support gut health. Drink enough water and avoid exercising immediately after meals. Start physical activity slowly and gradually build up tolerance. If symptoms persist or you notice weight loss, blood in your stools, fever, or persistent pain, it is important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation.

My child has been suffering from a cough. He seems fine throughout the day, but in the morning, he tends to vomit after drinking milk. What could be the reason for this?

Morning vomiting after drinking milk in a child with a cough is usually not due to the milk itself. More often, it happens due to irritation in the throat or stomach. When a child coughs at night, mucus can build up at the back of the throat. In the morning, this may lead to gagging or vomiting, especially after drinking milk on an empty stomach. Another common reason could be acid reflux, where a small amount of stomach acid moves up into the food pipe, causing nausea or vomiting, particularly in the morning. Sometimes, repeated coughing alone may also trigger the vomiting reflex in children. Milk is generally not the cause, but it may make the feeling of heaviness or nausea slightly worse in some children. This situation is often seen with viral coughs or colds with post-nasal drip. Make sure your child drinks enough fluids and starts the day with light, easy-to-digest foods rather than heavy milk if it triggers vomiting. If vomiting persists, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, breathing difficulty, poor appetite, or unexplained weight loss, it is important to consult a doctor or paediatrician for proper evaluation.

I experience itching all over my body after consuming milk and dairy products. Could this be due to a dairy allergy?

Itching after consuming milk and dairy products may be a sign of an allergic reaction in some people. In a true milk allergy, the immune system reacts to proteins in milk and may cause symptoms such as itching, skin rashes, hives, swelling of the lips or face, stomach discomfort, or, in severe cases, breathing difficulty. This is different from lactose intolerance, which usually causes bloating, gas and diarrhoea rather than skin symptoms. If you notice itching every time you consume dairy, it is important to avoid these foods for now and seek medical advice. A doctor may recommend allergy testing to confirm the cause. If it is confirmed as a milk allergy, you will need to avoid milk, cheese, butter and other dairy products. Antihistamine medicines may help relieve itching symptoms if advised by a doctor. Seek urgent medical help if you ever develop breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat after eating dairy products.