Glaucoma

Mar 4, 2020 Posted by admin Ophthalmology 0 comments

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Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” as it is a symptom less disease, and people usually do not realize that they are suffering from glaucoma unless they visit the ophthalmologist or have reached an advanced stage of disease. If undiagnosed and untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible loss of vision and even cause blindness. Though the disease is not curable, the progress of glaucoma can be halted and total blindness can be prevented if it is detected early.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease where the optic nerve that carries signals from the eye to the brain gets damaged due to unhealthy fluid pressure inside your eye.The intraocular pressure rises due to an alteration in the drainage system of the eye, which is either blocked or offers resistance to the normal drainage.Since the optic nerve is the primary carrier of visual stimulus to the brain, damage to it could actually result in significant loss of vision. Glaucoma generally affects both the eyes, although the pressure inside each eye could be different,the estimated number of cases of glaucoma in India is 12 million. This is around one fifth of global burden of glaucoma.

Glaucoma – Symptoms of this disease?

There are no early symptoms associated with Glaucoma.and hence a routine eye check up after the age of 40 is usually advisable to rule out glaucoma.

However, most Glaucoma patients visit a doctor due to one or more of the following symptoms:

Frequent changes of glasses, especially for near work, but none is satisfactory,
Rainbow colored rings around lights (seeing halos),
Blurred or foggy vision
Loss of side vision.
Redness of the eye

TYPES OF GLAUCOMA

The different types of glaucoma include

Primary open angle glaucoma – is the most common type of glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, the part of the eye through which the fluid of the eye flows out is open, permitting the outflow of fluid, but the patient still has high pressure. This type of glaucoma develops slowly without any symptoms. Initially it affects the peripheral or side vision and very gradually progresses to the centre. This is the reason why many people are not aware that they have the condition until they have significant vision loss affecting central vision.

Risk factors for primary open angle glaucoma are:

Age more than 40 years
Race – African Americans
Family history of glaucoma
Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease
Injuries to the eye
High myopia

Angle closure glaucoma or closed angle glaucoma –is a less common type of glaucoma which occurs due to narrow drainage channels in the eye. Gradual closing of the angle is called chronic angle closure and if the drainage angle closes suddenly, it causes an acute angle closure attack. Acute angle closure glaucoma usually presents as an emergency. A patient who is in an acute angle closure attack will have symptoms of eye pain, nausea, vomiting, redness and blurred vision due to a rapid increase in the eye pressure. In such cases the patient needs immediate treatment by an eye specialist.

Risk factors for angle closure glaucoma:

Age more than 40 years
Race – East Asians
Family history of glaucoma
Women
High hypermetropia or those with a high plus power

Normal tension glaucoma /Low tension glaucoma –In this type of glaucoma the optic nerve can get affected even though the pressure in the eye is normal. Although its cause is not entirely known or understood, normal tension glaucoma is believed to occur either because of an extremely fragile optic nerve that can get damaged even though the pressure in the eye is normal, or because of reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Because of its silent nature, people usually do not have any visual complaints until a very advanced stage of the disease.

Risk factors for normal tension glaucoma are:

Family history of normal tension glaucoma
Race – Japanese ancestry
Thinner corneas
Heart disease
Migraine and peripheral vascular disease

Secondary glaucoma –There are certain other types of glaucoma where there is an identifiable cause for increased eye pressure resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss. These are called secondary glaucoma. It may be caused by prolonged, indiscriminate use of steroids, severe diabetic retinopathy, injuries to the eye, inflammation of the eye (uveitis) or advanced cases of cataract.

If you believe you have any of these risk factors get an eye examination done. Always remember to inform your eye doctor about the risk factors that you have. This will help your doctor decide how often you need to get your eyes examined.

Glaucoma may also occur in children (congenital glaucoma) after trauma or with inflammation.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Initial glaucoma workup involves the measurement of the intraocular pressure (IOP) with the help of a Goldmann’s Applanation tonometer, evaluation of the angle of the eye with a Goldmann goniolens , examination of the optic nerve head by slit lamp bio microscopy and the measurement of the central corneal thickness using a pachymeter. Ultrasound biomicroscopy helps us to further assess angle details and dimensions and actively intervene based on the findings

The Visual Field test is a method of measuring your peripheral or side vision (which is affected first by glaucoma), through which your doctor can diagnose and monitor glaucoma. The data from the test is used to determine the severity of your glaucoma, level of vision loss, damage to the visual pathways of the brain, and other optic nerve diseases.

Ophthalmoscopy

Treatment:

Medication

Glaucoma can be treated with external medication or surgery. The medication generally involves the usage of eye drops to reduce the secretion of the fluid (aqueous humor).

Surgery:

Trabeculectomy (TRAB)

A surgery helps to open up the blocks in the drainage pipe to enable the outflow of the fluid. This can be performed by a procedure called Trabeculectomy (TRAB)

2. LASER Treatment

3. Glaucoma drainage valve implant placements are performed by qualified surgeons

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Further, in cases of congenital glaucoma surgery is opted.

Glaucoma – prevention, Diet,

There’s actually nothing you can do to prevent Glaucoma. However, with early detection, you could reduce the impact on the optic nerve, as the damage once done is irreversible.

The best way to tackle this disease is through regular eye check-ups.

Get glaucoma screening done if you have a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, migraine, thyroid disease, using minus or plus powered glasses, any history of trauma to eye. If detected in the early stage, the disease can be arrested and existing vision can be retained.

Babies born with whitish coloured eyes or bigger than normal eyes, or babies with severe watering and difficulty in opening their eyes at birth, should be screened for congenital glaucoma.

Ophthalmic consultation is a must for everyone over the age of 40, in an eye hospital rather than getting tested for near vision at an optical shop.

Avoid-Lifting of heavy weights is known to cause a temporary increase in the intraocular pressure. Hence, patients who already suffer from glaucoma are advised to avoid lifting very heavy weights. Yoga, which is a very popular form of exercise includes various ‘asanas’ or positions. Some of these asanas, particularly those with the head – down position (sheershasana) have been proven to cause an increase in the eye pressure. Therefore, patients with glaucoma are advised to avoid such positions.

Diet – Foods which are rich in trans-fats, the kind found in deep fried food, prevent the optimal functioning of omega 3- fatty acids and increases eye pressure. Such food should be avoided.Habit forming substances – such as caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and marijuana are known to have a negative effect on eye pressure. Caffeine, which is consumed widely, is known to cause a temporary increase in the eye pressure.

We’re sure, you now have a fair idea of what Glaucoma is all about and the way it could impact your life. Please feel free to contact us query@gtsmeditour.com if you’d like to take a second opinion on your condition or undergo treatment for glaucoma.

Hernia

Mar 2, 2020 Posted by admin Digestive Disorders 0 comments

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A hernia occurs when a piece of skin or organ tissue (like the intestine) bulges through the outer tissue layer that normally holds the area in.

What is a hernia?

Typically, protective layers of tissue called fascia hold organs and tissues in place. They act as a strong outer covering to keep tissue supported and in place.But sometimes the fascia can develop weak points. Instead of holding the tissue in, it allows the tissue to bulge or protrude through the weakened area. Healthcare providers call this a hernia.

Hernias don’t always require treatment, but they also don’t usually go away on their own. Sometimes you may be recommended surgery to prevent further complications from a hernia.

Symptoms:

Typically, hernias don’t hurt — you see a bulge or lump in your belly or groin. Sometimes, you only see the bulge when you laugh, cough, or strain, like when you lift a heavy object. Often, you can press it back into place. You may also notice:

The bulge gets bigger over time.
You have a feeling of fullness.
Pain, pressure, or a dull ache around the bulge
Pain when you lift something

Several different hernia types exist — and some can be extremely painful and require medical emergencies.

Keep reading to find out more about hernias, plus view images of some of the most common hernia types.

Types of hernias

Hernias involve a protruding internal organ or body part being pushed through the muscle or tissue. The most common types include:

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Inguinal hernia.

Most commonly found in men, these occur when the intestine or, very rarely, the bladder extend into the groin via the inguinal canal.

Femoral hernia. Though less common, femoral hernias are often confused with inguinal hernias because they occur in a similar area for similar reasons. However, these involve a bulge appearing in the lower abdomen, groin, hip, or upper thigh.

Hiatal hernia.

These occur when part of the stomach extends into the chest through openings in the diaphragm.

Umbilical hernia. Most commonly found in infants, these occur when part of the intestine pushes into the abdomen through the belly button.

Incisional hernia. Of those who undergo an abdominal surgery, 33 percent will develop an incisional hernia. Also known as ventral hernias, these develop when the closed tissue and muscles don’t entirely re-attach, allowing internal structures to protrude through the weakened area.

Inguinal hernia

The most common symptom for an inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin, which can appear without warning as a result of excess strain, such as:

heavy lifting
violent sneezing, such as from allergies
chronic coughing, such as from smoking
straining when urinating or having a bowel movement
increased internal pressure in the abdomen

These bulges tend to become more visible in an upright position and may cause pain or discomfort in your groin when:

bending over
lifting
coughing
laughing

Other symptoms include:

burning or aching in the area of the bulge

heavy dragging sensation in your groin

pressure, sensitivity, or weakness in your groin

swelling and discomfort around the testicles if the protrusion descends into the scrotum

Femoral hernias

Femoral hernias, especially small- or medium-sized ones, might not present any symptoms. However, larger ones might cause pain or discomfort when standing up, lifting heavy objects, or if they appear in the upper thigh or hip.

Umbilical hernias:

For babies with umbilical hernias, the bulge may only appear when crying or coughing. These are usually painless for children, but adult umbilical hernias may cause some discomfort in the abdomen.

Hiatal hernias:

Hiatal hernias tend to be so small that there’s a chance you won’t feel them at all. However, larger ones could result in the opening in your diaphragm also becoming larger, which makes you more susceptible to other organs extending into the chest. This may feel like heartburn.

Other symptoms include:

stomach pressure, including squeezing or twisting sensations
chest pain
acid reflux due to increased stomach acid retention
difficulty breathing or swallowing
indigestion
Stomach acid retention may also result in stomach ulcers, which can bleed and lead to low blood counts.

Incisional hernia

Incisional hernias depend on the size of the incision. They often develop within three weeks to six months after a procedure but can occur at any time.

A bulge or protrusion at the site of the incision is the most common symptom but if too much tissue or intestine gets stuck in the weak spot, it can create severe pain when the tissue loses blood supply. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.

Complications

Hernias may be susceptible to several complications if left untreated, such as:

pressure on surrounding tissues or muscles
incarcerated or strangulated hernia
bowel obstruction
tissue death

An incarcerated hernia occurs if the hernia gets trapped in the abdominal wall, which can result in an obstructed bowel or strangulation.

When the hernia is strangulated, it means that blood flow to the intestine has been cut off. This is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate repair.

Symptoms for these complications include:

fever
sudden pain that progressively worsens
nausea or vomiting
a bulge that turns to a dark color, such as red or purple
inability to pass gas or make bowel movements

Treating a hernia?

Surgery is the most likely treatment for relieving large or painful hernias. Your doctor may also recommend surgery as a preventive measure, to ensure there are no complications later on. Surgical options range from minimally invasive surgery to open surgery.

Open surgery

Open surgery involves a small incision, pushing the protruding tissue back into your body and securing the incision so the tissue doesn’t herniate again.

This often requires the surgeon to strengthen the herniated area with mesh. Once the tissue is in its rightful place, the incision is closed with stitches or stapled.

This procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation.

Rest is recommended, however, you should move around to encourage proper circulation and improve recovery. Be careful not to overexert yourself, as it may still be a few weeks until you can return to your regular levels of activity.

Depending on the site of your hernia, your surgeon will give you specific instructions on what activities you can do and when you can return to exercising and other regular activities.

Minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopy, involves a series of small incisions. A gas is used to inflate the affected area, which makes it easier for the surgeon to see the structures to be treated.

Another tube with a small camera will then be inserted into one of the incisions, with the others serving as entry points for the surgeon’s tools.

This procedure is typically performed with general anesthesia. Those eligible for minimally invasive surgery tend to experience less post-op discomfort, as well as less scarring.

You may also be able to return to regular levels of activity sooner than those who have open surgery.

Other options

Another option is watchful waiting, where you simply wait to see if your hernia symptoms go away or get worse.

A hernia truss or abdominal binder may also be useful. These are supportive braces designed to keep the hernia in place and prevent it from getting worse.

Abdominal/ Umbilical Hernia Belt for men & women

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Conclusion:

Although many hernia types aren’t considered dangerous, they don’t get better on their own and can lead to life-threatening situations if left untreated.

Talk to your doctor if you think you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a hernia. They can provide a personalized solution to your situation.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a strangulated or incarcerated hernia, such as very painful bulge and if the bulge is red or purple.

Contact us on query@gtsmeditour.com if you are experiancing any of the symptoms & get a complementary second opinion from our multi specialty hospital healthcare professional at the earliest.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Feb 26, 2020 Posted by admin Women Healthcare 0 comments

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OVERVIEW

Introduction:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is also a common and treatable cause of infertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The ovaries make the egg that is released each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. With PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be.

How PCOS affects your body

Having higher-than-normal androgen levels can affect your fertility and other aspects of your health.

Infertility

To get pregnant, you have to ovulate. Women who don’t ovulate regularly don’t release as many eggs to be fertilized. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women (12).

Metabolic syndrome

Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or obese (13Trusted Source). Both obesity and PCOS increase your risk for high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

Together, these factors are called metabolic syndrome, and they increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Sleep apnea

This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, which interrupt sleep.

Sleep apnea is more common in women who are overweight — especially if they also have PCOS. The risk for sleep apnea is 5 to 10 times higher in obese women with PCOS than in those without PCOS (14).

Endometrial cancer

During ovulation, the uterine lining sheds. If you don’t ovulate every month, the lining can build up.

A thickened uterine lining can increase your risk for endometrial cancer (15).

Depression

Both hormonal changes and symptoms like unwanted hair growth can negatively affect your emotions. Many with PCOS end up experiencing depression and anxiety

The 3 main causes of PCOS are:

Irregular period– which means your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulation)
excess androgen – high levels of “male” hormones in your body, which may cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair
polycystic ovaries – your ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs (but despite the name, you do not actually have cysts if you have PCOS)

If you have at least 2 of these features, you may be diagnosed with PCOS.

Few of the common of the symptoms of PCOS include:

They can include:

irregular periods or no periods at all
difficulty getting pregnant as a result of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate
excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks
weight gain
thinning hair and hair loss from the head
oily skin or acne

Causes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families.

It’s related to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that controls sugar levels in the body.Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of insulin in their body and produce higher levels of insulin to overcome this.This contributes to the increased production and activity of hormones like testosterone.Being overweight or obese also increases the amount of insulin your body produces.

Diagnosis criteria

A diagnosis of PCOS can usually be made if other rare causes of the same symptoms have been ruled out and you meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria:

you have irregular periods or infrequent periods – this indicates that your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulate)

blood tests showing you have high levels of “male hormones”, such as testosterone (or sometimes just the signs of excess male hormones, even if the blood test is normal)

scans showing you have polycystic ovaries

As only 2 of these need to be present to diagnose PCOS, you will not necessarily need to have an ultrasound scan before the condition can be confirmed.

Managing PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed.

Treatment options can vary because someone with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms, or just 1.

The main treatment options are discussed in more detail below.

Lifestyle changes

In overweight women, the symptoms and overall risk of developing long-term health problems from PCOS can be greatly improved by losing excess weight.

Weight loss of just 5% can lead to a significant improvement in PCOS.

You can find out whether you’re a healthy weight by calculating your body mass index (BMI), which is a measurement of your weight in relation to your height.

A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Use the BMI healthy weight calculator to work out whether your BMI is in the healthy range.

You can lose weight by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Your diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, (at least 5 portions a day), whole foods (such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals and brown rice), lean meats, fish and chicken.

Your GP may be able to refer you to a dietitian if you need specific dietary advice.

Read more about losing weight, healthy eating and exercise.

Medications

A number of medications are available to treat different symptoms associated with PCOS.

These are described below.

Irregular or absent periods

The contraceptive pills may be recommended to induce regular periods, or periods may be induced using an intermittent course of progestogen tablets

Fertility problems

With treatment, most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant.

The majority of women can be successfully treated with a short course of tablets taken at the beginning of each cycle for several cycles.

If these are not successful, you may be offered injections or IVF treatment. There’s an increased risk of a multiple pregnancy (rarely more than twins) with these treatments.

Unwanted hair growth and hair loss

Medications to control excessive hair growth (hirsutism) and hair loss (alopecia).

These medications work by blocking the effects of “male hormones”, such as testosterone, and some also suppress production of these hormones by the ovaries.

Surgery

A minor surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be a treatment option for fertility problems associated with PCOS that do not respond to medication.

Pregnancy risks

If you have PCOS, you have a higher risk of pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and miscarriage.

These risks are particularly high if you’re obese. If you’re overweight or obese, you can lower your risk by losing weight before trying for a baby.

Take away:

PCOS can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycles and make it harder to get pregnant. High levels of male hormones also lead to unwanted symptoms like hair growth on the face and body.

Lifestyle interventions are the first treatments doctors recommend for PCOS, and they often work well. Weight loss can treat PCOS symptoms and improve the odds of getting pregnant. Diet and aerobic exercise are two effective ways to lose weight.

Medicines are an option if lifestyle changes don’t work. Birth control pills and metformin can both restore more normal menstrual cycles and relieve PCOS symptoms.

further any query relevant please email us on query@gtsmeditour.com & get opinion from best multi specialty hospitals.

Suggested Reading: ovarian cancer | cervical cancer

Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA)

Feb 24, 2020 Posted by admin Pulmonology 0 comments

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA) is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep.This occurs because of narrowed or blocked airways.

It is the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing and is characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep The disorder results in decreased oxygen in the blood and can briefly awaken sleepers throughout the night

It is the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing and is characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep

Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

Excessive daytime sleepiness
Loud snoring
Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
Morning headache
Difficulty concentrating during the day
Experiencing mood changes, such as depression or irritability
High blood pressure
Nighttime sweating
Decreased libido
If you have OSA, you usually begin snoring heavily soon after falling asleep.

The snoring often becomes very loud.Snoring is interrupted by a long silent period while your breathing stops.

The silence is followed by a loud snort and gasp, as you attempt to breathe.

This pattern repeats throughout the night.

Most people with OSA do not know their breathing starts and stops during the night. Usually, a sleep partner or other family members hear the loud snoring, gasping, and snorting. Snoring can be loud enough to hear through walls. Sometimes, people with OSA wake up gasping for air.

Causes

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow normal breathing. These muscles support structures including the back of the roof of your mouth (soft palate), the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (uvula), the tonsils and the tongue.

When the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in and breathing may be inadequate for 10 seconds or longer. This may lower the level of oxygen in your blood and cause a buildup of carbon dioxide.

Your brain senses this impaired breathing and briefly rouses you from sleep so that you can reopen your airway. This awakening is usually so brief that you don’t remember it.

You can awaken with shortness of breath that corrects itself quickly, within one or two deep breaths. You may make a snorting, choking or gasping sound.

This pattern can repeat itself five to 30 times or more each hour, all night long. These disruptions impair your ability to reach the desired deep, restful phases of sleep, and you’ll probably feel sleepy during your waking hours.

People with obstructive sleep apnea may not be aware that their sleep was interrupted. In fact, many people with this type of sleep apnea think they slept well all night.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Children

In children, causes of obstructive sleep apnea often include enlarged tonsils or adenoids and dental conditions such as a large overbite. Less common causes include a tumor or growth in the airway, and birth defects such as Down syndrome and Pierre-Robin syndrome. Down Syndrome causes enlargement of the tongue, adenoids and tonsils and there is decreased muscle tone in the upper airway. Pierre-Robin syndrome actually has a small lower jaw and the tongue tends to ball up and fall to the back of the throat. Although childhood obesity may cause obstructive sleep apnea, it’s much less commonly associated with the condition than adult obesity.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea. However, certain factors put you at increased risk, including:

Excess weight.

Most but not all people with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight. Fat deposits around the upper airway may obstruct breathing. Medical conditions that are associated with obesity, such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome, also can cause obstructive sleep apnea.However, not everyone with obstructive sleep apnea is overweight and vice versa. Thin people can develop the disorder, too.Narrowed airway. You may inherit naturally narrow airways. Or your tonsils or adenoids may become enlarged, which can block your airway.

High blood pressure (hypertension).

Obstructive sleep apnea is relatively common in people with hypertension.

Chronic nasal congestion. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs twice as often in those who have consistent nasal congestion at night, regardless of the cause. This may be due to narrowed airways.

Smoking.

People who smoke are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.

Diabetes.

Obstructive sleep apnea may be more common in people with diabetes.

Sex.

In general, men are twice as likely as premenopausal women to have obstructive sleep apnea. The frequency of obstructive sleep apnea increases in women after menopause.

A family history of sleep apnea. If you have family members with obstructive sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk.
Asthma. Research has found an association between asthma and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

Complications

Obstructive sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition. Complications may include:

Daytime fatigue and sleepiness. The repeated awakenings associated with obstructive sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep impossible.

People with obstructive sleep apnea often experience severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. They may have difficulty concentrating and find themselves falling asleep at work, while watching TV or even when driving. They may also be at higher risk of work-related accidents.

Children and young people with obstructive sleep apnea may do poorly in school and commonly have attention or behavior problems.

Cardiovascular problems. Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during obstructive sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase the risk of heart disease.

The more severe the obstructive sleep apnea, the greater the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure and stroke.

Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). These abnormal rhythms can lower blood pressure. If there’s underlying heart disease, these repeated multiple episodes of arrhythmias could lead to sudden death.

Complications with medications and surgery. Obstructive sleep apnea also is a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia. These medications, such as sedatives, narcotic analgesics and general anesthetics, relax your upper airway and may worsen your obstructive sleep apnea.

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may experience worse breathing problems after major surgery, especially after being sedated and lying on your back. People with obstructive sleep apnea may be more prone to complications after surgery.

Before you have surgery, tell your doctor if you have obstructive sleep apnea or symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnea. If you have obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, your doctor may test you for obstructive sleep apnea prior to surgery.

Eye problems. Some research has found a connection between obstructive sleep apnea and certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma. Eye complications can usually be treated.

Sleep-deprived partners. Loud snoring can keep those around you from getting good rest and eventually disrupt your relationships. Some partners may even choose to sleep in another room. Many bed partners of people who snore are sleep deprived as well.

Diagnosis:

A sleep specialist may conduct additional evaluations to diagnose your condition, determine the severity of your condition and plan your treatment. The evaluation may involve overnight monitoring of your breathing and other body functions as you sleep.

Tests to detect obstructive sleep apnea include:

Polysomnography.

During this sleep study, you’re hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.

You may have a full-night study, in which you’re monitored all night, or a split-night sleep study.

In a split-night sleep study, you’ll be monitored during the first half of the night. If you’re diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, staff may wake you and give you continuous positive airway pressure for the second half of the night.

Polysomnography can help your doctor diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and adjust positive airway pressure therapy, if appropriate.

This sleep study can also help rule out other sleep disorders that can cause excessive daytime sleepiness but require different treatments, such as leg movements during sleep (periodic limb movements) or sudden bouts of sleep during the day (narcolepsy).

Home sleep apnea testing. Under certain circumstances, your doctor may provide you with an at-home version of polysomnography to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. This test usually involves measurement of airflow, breathing patterns and blood oxygen levels, and possibly limb movements and snoring intensity.

Treatment

Lifestyle changes

For milder cases of obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes:

Lose weight if you’re overweight.
Exercise regularly.
Drink alcohol moderately, if at all, and don’t drink several hours before bedtime.
Quit smoking.
Use a nasal decongestant or allergy medications.
Don’t sleep on your back.

Avoid taking sedative medications such as anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills.

If these measures don’t improve your sleep or if your apnea is moderate to severe, then your doctor may recommend other treatments. Certain devices can help open up a blocked airway. In other cases, surgery may be necessary.

Therapies

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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

An oral device or Non Invasive Device.

Positive airway pressure. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may benefit from positive airway pressure. In this treatment, a machine delivers air pressure through a piece that fits into your nose or is placed over your nose and mouth while you sleep.

Positive airway pressure reduces the number of respiratory events that occur as you sleep, reduces daytime sleepiness and improves your quality of life.

The most common type is called continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP (SEE-pap). With this treatment, the pressure of the air breathed is continuous, constant and somewhat greater than that of the surrounding air, which is just enough to keep your upper airway passages open. This air pressure prevents obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

Although CPAP is the most consistently successful and most commonly used method of treating obstructive sleep apnea, some people find the mask cumbersome, uncomfortable or loud. However, newer machines are smaller and less noisy than older machines and there are a variety of mask designs for individual comfort.

Also, with some practice, most people learn to adjust the mask to obtain a comfortable and secure fit. You may need to try different types to find a suitable mask. Several options are available, such as nasal masks, nasal pillows or face masks.

If you’re having particular difficulties tolerating pressure, some machines have special adaptive pressure functions to improve comfort. You also may benefit from using a humidifier along with your CPAP system.

CPAP may be given at a continuous (fixed) pressure or varied (autotitrating) pressure. In fixed CPAP, the pressure stays constant. In autotitrating CPAP, the levels of pressure are adjusted if the device senses increased airway resistance.

CPAP is more commonly used because it’s been well studied for obstructive sleep apnea and has been shown to effectively treat obstructive sleep apnea. However, for people who have difficulty tolerating fixed CPAP, BPAP or autotitrating CPAP may be worth a try.

Don’t stop using your positive airway pressure machine if you have problems. Check with your doctor to see what adjustments you can make to improve its comfort.

In addition, contact your doctor if you still snore despite treatment, if you begin snoring again or if your weight goes up or down by 10% or more.

Mouthpiece (oral device). Though positive airway pressure is often an effective treatment, oral appliances are an alternative for some people with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These devices may reduce your sleepiness and improve your quality of life.

These devices are designed to keep your throat open. Some devices keep your airway open by bringing your lower jaw forward, which can sometimes relieve snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Other devices hold your tongue in a different position.

If you and your doctor decide to explore this option, you’ll need to see a dentist experienced in dental sleep medicine appliances for the fitting and follow-up therapy. A number of devices are available. Close follow-up is needed to ensure successful treatment.

Surgery or other procedures

Surgery is usually considered only if other therapies haven’t been effective or haven’t been appropriate options for you. Surgical options may include:

Surgical removal of tissue. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure in which your doctor removes tissue from the back of your mouth and top of your throat. Your tonsils and adenoids may be removed as well. UPPP usually is performed in a hospital and requires a general anesthetic.

Doctors sometimes remove tissue from the back of the throat with a laser (laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty) or with radiofrequency energy (radiofrequency ablation) to treat snoring. These procedures don’t treat obstructive sleep apnea, but they may reduce snoring.

Upper airway stimulation. This new device is approved for use in people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP or BPAP.

A small, thin impulse generator (hypoglossal nerve stimulator) is implanted under the skin in the upper chest. The device detects your breathing patterns and, when necessary, stimulates the nerve that controls movement of the tongue.

Studies have found that upper airway stimulation leads to significant improvement in obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and improvements in quality of life.

Jaw surgery (maxillomandibular advancement). In this procedure, the upper and lower parts of your jaw are moved forward from the rest of your facial bones. This enlarges the space behind the tongue and soft palate, making obstruction less likely.

Surgical opening in the neck (tracheostomy). You may need this form of surgery if other treatments have failed and you have severe, life-threatening obstructive sleep apnea.

During a tracheostomy, your surgeon makes an opening in your neck and inserts a metal or plastic tube through which you breathe. Air passes in and out of your lungs, bypassing the blocked air passage in your throat.

Implants. This minimally invasive treatment involves placement of three tiny polyester rods in the soft palate. These inserts stiffen and support the tissue of the soft palate and reduce upper airway collapse and snoring. This treatment is recommended only for people with mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Other types of surgery may help reduce snoring and sleep apnea by clearing or enlarging air passages, including:

Nasal surgery to remove polyps or straighten a crooked partition between your nostrils (deviated septum)

Surgery to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids

Few Myths and Facts About Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Is Just Snoring

Myth. Snoring can be a symptom of the sleep disorder, but there’s a big difference between the two. People with the condition actually stop breathing up to 400 times throughout the night. These pauses last 10 to 30 seconds, and they’re usually followed by a snort when breathing starts again. This breaks your sleep cycle and can leave you tired during the day.

Sleep Apnea Is No Big Deal

Myth. All those breaks in sleep take a toll on your body and mind. When the condition goes untreated, it’s been linked to job-related injuries, car accidents, heart attacks, and strokes.

It Blocks Your Breathing

Fact. The most common type of the disorder is obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. It happens when your tongue, tonsils, or other tissues in the back of the throat block your airway. When you try to breathe in, the air can’t get through. Central sleep apnea is less common than OSA. It means the brain doesn’t always signal the body to breathe when it should

Only Older People Get It

Myth. Doctors estimate that more than 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. It’s more common after age 40, but it can affect people of all ages. You’re more likely to have the condition if you’re overweight, a man, African-American, or Latino. The disorder also tends to run in families.

Alcohol Will Help You Sleep

Myth. A nightcap may make you drowsy, but it won’t help you get the quality rest you need. Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the back of your throat. That makes it easier for the airway to become blocked in people with sleep apnea. Sleeping pills have the same effect.

Surgery Is the Surest Way to Fix Apnea

Myth. For some people, an operation may be able to cure OSA. A good example is a child with large tonsils that block her airway. Doctors can remove the tonsils to solve the problem. Some adults can improve their symptoms with surgery to shrink or stiffen floppy tissues. But that’s not a good choice for everyone. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of an operation before you go that route.

CPAP Is an Effective Treatment

Fact. It stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP machine blows a steady stream of air into your airway. You can adjust the flow until it’s strong enough to keep your airway open while you sleep. It’s the most common treatment for adults with moderate to severe OSA.

Naturopathy

Feb 21, 2020 Posted by admin Ayurveda 0 comments

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Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, Like;

Herbs,
Massage,
Acupuncture,
Exercise,
Nutritional counseling.

Ayurvedic or Indian Naturopathy has been around for over 3000 years, first mentioned in the Atharv Vedathe ancient texts that map out an entire system of indigenous natural medicine. Naturopathy treatments have seen a resurgence in this modern era across the world.

A number of people today, frustrated with the tenuous cycles of medication and over-medication, see Naturopathy as return to the gentle loving lap of mother nature. Naturopathic treatments are gentle, effective treatments that are completely organic and drug-free.

This system of medicine sees the balancing of five bodily elemental energies i.e.

Jal -Water
Vayu – Air
Akash -Sky
Agni – Fire

Prithvi (Earth). Together they constitute the Panchamahabhuta – the corporeal energy of life.

Few of the treatments based on Panchamahabhuta:

Earth – Mud baths, Mud packs.

Water – Hydrotherapeutic methods in the form of Baths, Jets, Douches, Packs, Compresses, Immersions .

Air – Breathing exercises, Outdoor walking, Open air baths.

Fire – Sun baths, Thermoleum baths, Magnetised water, Colour charged oils / water.

Ether – Fasting therapy.

The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person — that means mind, body, and spirit. It also aims to heal the root causes of an illness — not just stop the symptoms.

All chronic ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, all the respiratory disorders, orthopedic ailments, neurological conditions, etc can be cured by Naturopathy.

Who Practices It?

You can find people who support naturopathic medicine in hospitals, clinics, community centers, and private offices. They fall into three groups, and they all have different educations and backgrounds:

Naturopathic physicians: These are also called naturopathic doctors (ND) or doctors of naturopathic medicine (NMD). They usually attend an accredited four-year, graduate-level school. They learn the same basic sciences as conventional medical doctors (MD). But they also study nutrition, psychology, and complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy. Some states and territories require naturopathic doctors to become licensed. That means they have to pass an exam to practice and take continuing education classes.

Traditional naturopaths: These practitioners don’t attend an accredited naturopathic medical school or receive a license. Their education varies widely.

Healthcare providers: Some medical doctors, dentists, doctors of osteopathy, chiropractors, and nurses have training in naturopathic medicine. Many are either NDs or they studied naturopathy.

Before choosing a naturopathic practitioner, ask about his education or training and your state’s licensing requirements.

Naturopathic Therapies is used for most health issues. Some of the more common ones include:

Allergies
Headaches
Fertility issues
Digestive problems
Obesity
Hormonal imbalances
Chronic pain
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Diabetes
Arthritis
Sleep Disorders

You don’t have to be sick to try naturopathy. You may just want to boost your overall health or prevent an illness.

Other Naturopathic Therapies:

Oriental healing techniques like Reflexology, Acupressure, Acupuncture and Auriculotherapy.
Food and Nutrition.
Magnetotherapy.
Physiotherapy.
Chromotherapy.

A few naturopathic treatments have known side effects and risks:

Supplements (vitamin and herbal): Some of these may interfere with prescription medications. In large doses, certain vitamins may raise your risk of a disease like cancer.

Spinal adjustments: As part of naturopathic manipulative treatment, your practitioner may apply pressure to your spine. This can damage arteries, nerves, bones, and spinal discs. In rare cases, it may lead to a stroke.

Detox diets: These treatments are meant to rid your body of toxins. They involve cutting out certain foods or fasting. That means going for periods without eating. This can be dangerous for people with some chronic conditions, like diabetes. If you’re on the diet for a long time, you run the risk of not getting enough vital nutrients.

Tell your doctor if you’re thinking about trying naturopathy. He can make sure the treatments are safe and don’t interact with any other drugs you’re taking. You shouldn’t stop or delay your conventional medical care because of naturopathic medicine.

Naturopathy Can Be a Beneficial Complement to Women’s Health Care

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Naturopathy is an alternative medical system based on the body’s ability to heal itself without the use of drugs and with treatment techniques such as herbal supplements, stress reduction, exercise therapy, acupuncture, and dietary and lifestyle changes.

A naturopathic doctor treats each individual patient as a whole, not only assessing physical health but also mental and emotional health, as well as genetic, environmental, and societal factors.

female patients, especially those in their 40s experiencing menopause, have a noted a pattern of multiple obligations and responsibilities taking a toll on their health, and they don’t know how to manage them day-to-day.

“They may be working and they may have a ton of unpaid work, like taking care of family, their mom and dad, grandchildren,” “It’s a lot on the plate for women this age.”

Who Can Use It?

It’s a good option for people who might not find relief for their chronic illness through traditional medicine.

In many cases, you can use both conventional and naturopathic medicine to treat an illness. For example, naturopathic remedies may help ease the side effects of chemotherapy. But remember to tell your regular doctor about any naturopathic treatments you’re on. And, you should tell your naturopathic doctor about your conventional medications. That way, both providers can work as a team for your health.

Caution:

Don’t use it for an emergency or issue that requires a visit to the hospital, like major surgery. Nor should it be used in place of conventional medicine for serious conditions, like cancer and heart disease.

Flaxseed – Super Food

Feb 18, 2020 Posted by admin Health & Nutrition 0 comments

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Lets read how?

Flaxseed is a plant-based food that provides healthful fat, antioxidants, and fiber. Some people call it a “functional food,” which means that a person can eat it to boost their health.

People grew flax as a crop in ancient Egypt and China. In Asia, it has had a role in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Flaxseeds are high in fiber, with 4 grams of fiber per 2 tablespoons of whole or ground flaxseeds. The soluble fiber in flaxseeds helps slow down the emptying of the stomach into the small intestine, increasing the absorption of nutrients. This type of fiber also decreases risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing the amount of HDL, the ‘good’ type of cholesterol & lung disease

Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.

Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.

Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.

Possible health benefits

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flax seed contains some nutrients that may have various health benefits.

Like other plant-based foods, flaxseed is rich in antioxidants. These can help prevent disease by removing molecules called free radicals from the body.

Free radicals occur as a result of natural processes and environmental pressures. If there are too many free radicals in the body, oxidative stress can develop, leading to cell damage and disease. Antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body.

Flaxseed is a good source of lignans, which appear to have antioxidant properties.

According to some scientists, flaxseed may be over 800 times richer in lignans than most other foods.

Reducing the risk of cancer

Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids. Research suggests that these may help prevent different types of cancer cells from growing.

Flaxseed also contains lignans, which are antioxidants that may slow tumor growth by preventing them from forming new blood vessels.

Also, in 2018, the authors of a review concluded that flaxseed may help reduce the risk of breast cancer after menopause.

Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen, which is a plant-based nutrient that acts in a similar way to estrogen. There has been some concern that phytoestrogens may increase the risk of breast cancer, but recent research suggests that they may play a protective role.

Improving cholesterol and heart health

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommend eating more fiber and omega-3s to boost heart health. Lignans, too, may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Flaxseed contains all of these nutrients.

Flaxseed also contains phytosterols. Phytosterols have a similar structure to cholesterol, but they help prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.

Consuming phytosterols may therefore help reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol in the body.

In 2010, researchers looked at the effect of flaxseed on the cholesterol levels of males with moderately high cholesterol. Participants took either a 20 milligram (mg) capsule containing lignans, a 100 mg capsule, or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Cholesterol levels fell after taking lignans, especially in those who took the 100 mg capsules.

The researchers behind a 2012 study involving 17 people found that consuming flaxseed lowered LDL cholesterol levels and helped the body remove fat, although they note that the overall diet may also play a role. The team suggested that dietary flaxseed may be useful for lowering cholesterol levels.

it has also linked omega-3 oils, which are usually present in oily fish, to reductions in cardiovascular risk. Researchers have suggested that flaxseed could offer an alternative to marine sources of omega 3. This could make it a useful resource for people who follow a plant-based diet.

Easing the symptoms of arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, flaxseed may help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Some people take it for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Raynaud’s phenomenon.

They add that there is a lack of evidence to support its use for this purpose, but they say that the ALA in flaxseed may help reduce inflammation.

People can take it:

ground (one tablespoon per day)

as an oil (one to three tablespoons per day)

in capsules (1,300–3,000 mg per day)

Reducing hot flashes

In 2007, a team of scientists published results suggesting that flaxseed may help reduce the incidence or severity of hot flashes in women not using estrogen therapy during menopause.

In 2012, however, further research by the same team concluded that flaxseed did not, in fact, make any difference.

Diabetes

Lignans and other phytoestrogens may help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes.

In 2013, scientists gave 25 people 0 g, 13 g, or 26 g of flaxseed every day for 12 weeks. The participants had prediabetes and were either males with obesity or overweight or females who had undergone menopause.

The 13 g dosage appeared to lower glucose and insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, but the other dosages did not have this effect.

Also, a 2016 rodent study suggested that the compounds in flaxseed may help reduce the incidence of type 1 diabetes and delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. These results may not be applicable to humans, however.

The same year, 99 people with prediabetes took 40 g or 20 g of flaxseed or no flaxseed and no placebo each day for 12 weeks. Consuming flaxseed appeared to reduce blood pressure, but it did not improve blood sugar levels or insulin resistance.

Preventing constipation

Flaxseed is a good source of insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water, instead remaining in the digestive tract after eating. There, it absorbs water and adds bulk, which may help promote regularity.

Also, too much flaxseed or flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea.

Which foods can help relieve constipation? Learn more here.

Beauty Benefits :

Firmer Face
Less Wrinkles
Stronger nails
Radiant Skin
Boost Hair Growth

Other conditions

The studies reveal flaxseed can help with:

ovarian cancer

cardiovascular disease

metabolic syndrome

diabetes

asthma

inflammation

PCOS

Uses of flaxseed in Ayurvedic medicine include:

promoting overall health
restoring the skin’s pH balance
preventing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and arthritis
providing protection from cancer etc

HOW TO USE FLAXSEEDS

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Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil have a pleasant nutty flavor that is easily incorporated into a variety of foods. Whole flaxseeds have a very tough outer shell, too tough for our teeth to break down. Whole flaxseeds are a good source of fiber but the beneficial ALA content is not available to be absorbed. Flaxseed oil contains the beneficial ALA, but no fiber or lignans. ¹

To gain all the health benefits in flaxseeds, purchase ground flaxseed, or grind your own flaxseed using a clean coffee grinder. Store whole flaxseeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot for 6-12 months. Ground flaxseeds must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent the fat from becoming rancid, and should be consumed within 2-4 months. ¹

Grinding and typical oven temperatures used in baking do not significantly decrease the amount of ALA in flaxseeds. Adding ground flaxseeds to bread and muffins, or purchasing commercially baked bread with added ground flaxseeds, increases the antioxidant content of the bread and lowers the glycemic index. ¹

Flaxseed oil is easily destroyed by heat, light and oxygen. Look for flaxseed oil made from fresh pressed seeds that is bottled in dark containers. Store in the refrigerator to prevent rancidity and use only on cold foods or add to foods after cooking since it has a low smoke point. ³

Simple ways to add 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds to your foods each day:

Sprinkle on cold or hot cereal
Stir into yogurt
Add to the dry ingredients in muffins and bread
Mix into casseroles
Add to smoothies or fruit/vegetable juice blends
Stir into thick soups like lentil soup or chili
Mix into salad dressings or sprinkle on vegetable salads

CAUTION

Due to the fiber content, start with 1-2 teaspoons of ground or whole flaxseeds per day to avoid gas, bloating, or constipation. Drink 1-2 glasses of water with every meal that contains whole or ground flaxseeds. Gradually increase the amount of whole or ground flaxseeds over several weeks to improve tolerance.

Talk with your healthcare provider before adding flaxseeds to your diet as they may decrease the absorption of some medications and may interfere with fish oil, omega-3 supplements, or anticoagulant medications.

Congenital Heart Defects

Feb 17, 2020 Posted by admin Cardiology 0 comments

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Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defects. As medical care and treatment have advanced, babies with a CHD are living longer and healthier lives.

congenital heart disease (congenital heart defect) is one or more abnormalities in your heart’s structure that you’re born with. This most common of birth defects can alter the way blood flows through your heart. Defects range from simple, which might cause no problems, to complex, which can cause life-threatening complications.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment mean most babies who once died of congenital heart disease survive well into adulthood. However, signs and symptoms of the condition can occur in adults later in life, even those who had treatment as a child.Learn more facts about CHDs below.

Types

Listed below are different types of CHDs. The types marked with a star (*) are considered critical CHDs & needs immediate medical attentionAtrial Septal Defect

Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Coarctation of the Aorta*
Double-outlet Right Ventricle*
d-Transposition of the Great Arteries*
Ebstein Anomaly*
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome*
Interrupted Aortic Arch*
Pulmonary Atresia*
Single Ventricle*
Tetralogy of Fallot*
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return*
Tricuspid Atresia*
Truncus Arteriosus*
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

Cyanotic and Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Many doctors classify congenital heart disease as either cyanotic congenital heart disease or acyanotic congenital heart disease. In both types, the heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should. The main difference is that cyanotic congenital heart disease causes low levels of oxygen in the blood, and acyanotic congenital heart disease doesn’t. Babies with reduced oxygen levels may experience breathlessness and a bluish tint to their skin. Babies who have enough oxygen in their blood don’t display these symptoms, but they may still develop complications later in life, such as high blood pressure.

Causes

The defect typically interferes with the normal flow of blood through the heart, which may affect breathing. Although researchers aren’t exactly sure why the heart fails to develop correctly, suspected causes include the following:

The heart defect may run in families.

Taking certain prescription drugs during pregnancy puts a child at a higher risk for a heart defect.

Using alcohol or illegal drugs during pregnancy can increase a child’s risk of having a heart defect.

Mothers who had a viral infection during the first trimester of pregnancy are more likely to give birth to a child with a heart defect.

Increased blood sugar levels, such as occurs with diabetes, may affect childhood development.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms for CHDs depend on the type and severity of the particular defect. Some defects might have few or no signs or symptoms. Others might cause a baby to have the following symptoms:

shortness of breath
Problems with exercise
Blue-tinted nails or lips
Fast or troubled breathing
Tiredness when feeding
Sleepiness

Diagnosis

Some CHDs may be diagnosed during pregnancy using a special type of ultrasound called a fetal echocardiogram, which creates ultrasound pictures of the heart of the developing baby. However, some CHDs are not detected until after birth or later in life, during childhood or adulthood. If a healthcare provider suspects a CHD may be present, the baby can get several tests (such as an echocardiogram) to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment for a congenital heart defect depends on the type and severity of the defect. Some babies have mild heart defects that heal on their own with time. Others may have severe defects that require extensive treatment. In these cases, treatment may include the following:

Medications

There are various medications that can help the heart work more efficiently. Some can also be used to prevent blood clots from forming or to control an irregular heartbeat.

Implantable Heart Devices

Some of the complications associated with congenital heart defects can be prevented with the use of certain devices, including pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). A pacemaker can help regulate an abnormal heart rate, and an ICD may correct life-threatening irregular heartbeats.

Catheter Procedures

Catheterization techniques allow doctors to repair certain congenital heart defects without surgically opening the chest and heart. During these procedures, the doctor will insert a thin tube into a vein in the leg and guide it up to the heart. Once the catheter is in the correct position, the doctor will use small tools threaded through the catheter to correct the defect.

Open-Heart Surgery

This type of surgery may be needed if catheter procedures aren’t enough to repair a congenital heart defect. A surgeon may perform open-heart surgery to close holes in the heart, repair heart valves, or widen blood vessels.

Heart Transplant

In the rare cases in which a congenital heart defect is too complex to fix, a heart transplant may be needed. During this procedure, the child’s heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a donor.

Congenital Heart Disease in Adults

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Depending on the defect, diagnosis and treatment may begin shortly after birth, during childhood, or in adulthood. Some defects don’t cause any symptoms until the child becomes an adult, so diagnosis and treatment may be delayed. In these cases, the symptoms of a newly discovered congenital heart defect may include:

shortness of breath
chest pain
a reduced ability to exercise
being easily fatigued

The treatment for congenital heart disease in adults can also vary depending on the severity of the heart defect. Some people may only need to monitor their condition closely, and others may require medications and surgeries.

In some cases, defects that may have been treated in childhood can present problems again in adulthood. The original repair may no longer be effective or the initial defect may have become worse over time. Scar tissue that developed around the original repair may also end up causing problems, such as heart arrhythmias.

it’s important to continue seeing your doctor for follow-up care. Treatment may not cure your condition, but it can help you maintain an active, productive life. It will also reduce your risk for serious complications, such as heart infections, heart failure, and stroke.

Living & Managing with CHD

With the improved Medical advances & treatments babies and children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) are living longer and healthier lives.Ongoing, appropriate medical care help children and adults with a CHD live a healthy life.

People with a CHD need routine checkups with a cardiologist (heart doctor) to stay as healthy as possible. They also might need further operations after initial childhood surgeries. It is important for people with a CHD to visit their doctor on a regular basis and discuss their health, including their specific heart condition, with their doctor.

For more information & support you can share us the latest reports at query@gtsmeditour.com and get second opinion with our best cardiologists available at Apollo Hospitals, Columbia Asia Hospitals, Narayana Health Centre,Manipal Hospitals Etc..

Suggested Reading : Coronary Heart Disease

Seizures and Epilepsy – Overiew

Feb 14, 2020 Posted by admin Neuropathy 0 comments

Seizures And Epilepsy are not the same.

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What happens in the brain during a seizure?

The electrical activity is caused by complex chemical changes that occur in nerve cells.

Brain cells either excite or inhibit (stop) other brain cells from sending messages. Usually there is a balance of cells that excite and those that can stop these messages. However, when a seizure occurs, there may be too much or too little activity, causing an imbalance between exciting and stopping activity. The chemical changes can lead to surges of electrical activity that cause seizures.

Seizures are not a disease in themselves. Instead, they are a symptom of many different disorders that can affect the brain. Some seizures can hardly be noticed, while others are totally disabling.

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder, the hallmark of which is recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two unprovoked seizures (or one unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more) that were not caused by some known and reversible medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or extremely low blood sugar.

The seizures in epilepsy may be related to a brain injury or a family tendency, but often the cause is completely unknown. The word “epilepsy” does not indicate anything about the cause of the person’s seizures or their severity.

Common causes of seizures by age:

In Newborns:

Brain malformations

Lack of oxygen during birth

Low levels of blood sugar, blood calcium, blood magnesium or other eletrolyte problems

Inborn errors of metabolism

Intracranial hemorrhage

Maternal drug use

In Infants and Children:

Fever (febrile seizures)

Brain tumor (rarely)

Infections

In Children and Adults:

Congenital conditions (Down’s syndrome; Angelman’s syndrome; tuberous sclerosis and neurofibromatosis)

Genetic factors

Progressive brain disease (rare)

Head trauma

In Seniors:

Stroke

Alzheimer’s disease

Trauma

Triggers of Seizures:

Specific time of day or night

Sleep deprivation – overtired, not sleeping well, not getting enough sleep

At times of fevers or other illnesses

Flashing bright lights or patterns

Alcohol or drug use

Stress

Associated with menstrual cycle (women) or other hormonal changes

Not eating well, low blood sugar

Specific foods, excess caffeine or other products that may aggravate seizures

Use of certain medications

An Accurate Diagnosis is the First Step

Knowing if a person is having a seizure and diagnosing the type of seizure or epilepsy syndrome can be difficult. There are many other disorders that can cause changes in behavior and can be confused with epilepsy. Since the treatment of seizures depends on an accurate diagnosis, making sure that a person has epilepsy, and knowing what kind is a critical first step.

What happens during a seizure is one of the most important pieces of information. And, since seizures rarely happen in a doctor’s office, the information given to the doctor and other health care professionals by you or other witnesses is extremely important.

Types of Seizures

Seizures are generally described in two major groups:

1.Generalized seizures

2. Focal seizures.

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The difference between types of seizures is in how and where they begin in the brain.

There are now 3 major groups of seizures.

Generalized Onset Seizures:

These seizures affect both sides of the brain or groups of cells on both sides of the brain at the same time. This term was used before and still includes seizures types like tonic-clonic, absence, or atonic to name a few.

Focal Onset Seizures:

The term focal is used instead of partial to be more accurate when talking about where seizures begin. Focal seizures can start in one area or group of cells in one side of the brain.

Focal Onset Aware Seizures: When a person is awake and aware during a seizure, it’s called a focal aware seizure. This used to be called a simple partial seizure.

Focal Onset Impaired Awareness: When a person is confused or their awareness is affected in some way during a focal seizure, it’s called a focal impaired awareness seizure. This used to be called a complex partial seizure.

What to know about complex partial seizures

Unknown Onset Seizures:

When the beginning of a seizure is not known, it’s now called an unknown onset seizure. A seizure could also be called an unknown onset if it’s not witnessed or seen by anyone, for example when seizures happen at night or in a person who lives alone.

As more information is learned, an unknown onset seizure may later be diagnosed as a focal or generalized seizure.

How are different symptoms during a seizure described?

Many different symptoms happen during a seizure. This new classification separates them simply into groups that involve movement.

For generalized onset seizures:

Motor symptoms may include sustained rhythmical jerking movements (clonic), muscles becoming weak or limp (atonic), muscles becoming tense or rigid (tonic), brief muscle twitching (myoclonus), or epileptic spasms (body flexes and extends repeatedly).

Non-motor symptoms are usually called absence seizures. These can be typical or atypical absence seizures (staring spells). Absence seizures can also have brief twitches (myoclonus) that can affect a specific part of the body or just the eyelids.

For focal onset seizures:

Motor symptoms may also include jerking (clonic), muscles becoming limp or weak (atonic), tense or rigid muscles (tonic), brief muscle twitching (myoclonus), or epileptic spasms. There may also be automatisms or repeated automatic movements, like clapping or rubbing of hands, lipsmacking or chewing, or running.

Non-motor symptoms: Examples of symptoms that don’t affect movement could be changes in sensation, emotions, thinking or cognition, autonomic functions (such as gastrointestinal sensations, waves of heat or cold, goosebumps, heart racing, etc.), or lack of movement (called behavior arrest).

For unknown onset seizures:

Motor seizures are described as either tonic-clonic or epileptic spasms.

Non-motor seizures usually include a behavior arrest. This means that movement stops – the person may just stare and not make any other movements.

What if I don’t know what type of seizures I or my loved one have?

It’s not unusual that a person doesn’t know the type of seizure they have. Often seizures are diagnosed based on descriptions of what an observer has seen. These descriptions may not be fully complete or one can’t tell where a seizure begins from this information.

When seizures are difficult to diagnose or seizure medicines are not working to stop seizures, talk to your doctor or treating health care provider.

Seeing an epilepsy specialist or having an evaluation at an epilepsy center can help find out if you are having seizures. Not all events are due to epilepsy.

An epilepsy center help you explore other treatment options, such as surgery, devices, dietary therapy, new or add-on seizure medications, or a clinical trial.

Having tests like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to look at the brain and EEG (electroencephalogram) tests to record the electrical activity of the brain are very helpful to diagnose types of seizures and epilepsy properly.

Keep asking questions so you get the right tests and right treatment for your type of seizures and epilepsy.

“What should I do if I have a seizure? What should I do if I see someone else have a seizure?”

Feeling helpless watching a loved one, friend, even a stranger, have a seizure is difficult. This section will help you be prepared to respond to seizures safely and appropriately.

Stay calm with the person until they are awake & alert after the seizure.
Keep the person away from the harmful objects.
Turn the person on to their side, if they are not awake or aware.
Do Not Restrain
Do not put any objects into their mouth, it may choke their airways

Epilepsy:

Epilepsy is a neurological condition which affects the nervous system. Epilepsy is also known as a seizure disorder. It is usually diagnosed after a person has had at least two seizures (or after one seizure with a high risk for more) that were not caused by some known medical condition.

Epilepsy and seizures can develop in any person at any age. Seizures and epilepsy are more common in young children and older people.Epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological condition and epilepsy affects more than 65 million people worldwide.

More men than women have epilepsy overall by a small amount

When are people most likely to get epilepsy?

New cases of epilepsy are most common among children, especially during the first year of life.

The rate of new cases of epilepsy gradually goes down until about age 10 and then becomes stable.

After age 55, the rate of new cases of epilepsy starts to increase, as people develop strokes, brain tumors, or Alzheimer’s disease, which all can cause epilepsy.

seizures do happen frequently in people who have had a traumatic injury to the brain. This may include a fall, blow to the head, gunshot wound, or other traumatic injury.

The main symptom of epilepsy is recurrent seizures. However, if a person experiences one or more of the following symptoms, they should seek medical attention, as it may indicate epilepsy:

a convulsion with no fever
short blackouts or confused memory
intermittent fainting spells, during which they lose bowel or bladder control, frequently followed by extreme tiredness
temporary unresponsiveness to instructions or questions
sudden stiffness for no apparent reason
sudden falling for no apparent reason
sudden bouts of blinking without apparent stimuli
sudden bouts of chewing without any clear reason
temporarily seeming dazed and unable to communicate
repetitive movements that seem involuntary
fearfulness for no apparent reason
panic or anger
peculiar changes in senses, such as smell, touch, and sound
jerking arms, legs, or body, which will appear as a cluster of rapid jerking movements in babies

It is vital to seek consultation with a doctor if any of these symptoms occur repeatedly.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for most types of epilepsy.

A doctor may prescribe antiepileptic drugs to help prevent seizures. If these drugs do not work, some other potential options include surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, or a special diet.

Doctors’ objective is to prevent further seizures. They also aim to prevent side effects so that the person can lead an active and productive life.

It is important to note that some drugs may prevent seizures in one person but not in another. Also, even when a person finds the right drug, it may take some time to find the ideal dosage.

Surgery

If at least two medications have been ineffective in controlling seizures, a doctor may consider recommending epilepsy surgery. A 2013 study from Sweden found that 62% of adults and 50% of children with epilepsy had no seizures for around 7 years after epilepsy surgery.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, some surgical options include:

Lobectomy: During this procedure, a surgeon will remove the section of the brain in which seizures start. This is the oldest type of epilepsy surgery.
Multiple subpial transection: During this procedure, a surgeon will make several cuts to limit seizures to one part of the brain.
Corpus callosotomy: A surgeon will cut the neural connections between the two halves of the brain. This prevents seizures from spreading from one side of the brain to the other.
Hemispherectomy: In extreme cases, a surgeon may need to cut out a hemisphere, which is one half of the cerebral cortex of the brain.

For some people, undergoing surgery may reduce the frequency and severity of their seizures. However, it is often important to continue taking antiseizure medication for several years following the procedure.

Another surgical option is the implantation of a device in the chest to stimulate the vagus nerve in the lower neck. The device sends preprogrammed electrical stimulation to the brain to help reduce seizures.

Diet

Diet may play a role in reducing seizures. A 2014 review of research that appeared in the journal Neurology suggested that high fat, low carbohydrate diets could benefit children and adults with epilepsy.

Five of the studies in the review used the ketogenic diet, while another five used a modified Atkins diet. Typical foods in these diets include eggs, bacon, avocados, cheese, nuts, fish, and certain fruits and vegetables.

The review found that 32% of study participants adhering to the ketogenic diet and 29% of those following the modified Atkins diet experienced at least a 50% drop in the regularity of seizures. However, many participants had difficulty maintaining these diets.

Specific diets may be beneficial in some cases, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Diagnosis

A doctor will review an individual’s medical history and the symptoms they have experienced, including a description and timeline of past seizures, to diagnose epilepsy.

They may also request tests to determine the type of epilepsy and the type of seizures the person has. Based on these results, the doctor will be able to recommend treatment options, such as antiseizure medications.

Testing for epilepsy

a girl having an EEG to test for epilepsy — An EEG can help doctors test for epilepsy.

Several types of imaging test can help a doctor diagnose epilepsy. These tests include:

an EEG, to look for abnormal brain waves
CT and MRI scans, to detect tumors or other structural irregularities
functional MRI scans, which can identify normal and abnormal brain function in specific areas
single-photon emission CT scans, which may be able to find the original site of a seizure in the brain
a magnetoencephalogram, which can identify irregularities in brain function using magnetic signals

The doctor may also use blood tests to identify any underlying conditions that could be causing the epilepsy. Neurological tests may also help a doctor determine the type of epilepsy the person has.

Seizures can lead to drowning, falling, vehicle accidents, or other injuries that could be fatal. Although it is rare, SUDEP can also occur.

Cases of SUDEP typically occur during a seizure or immediately after it. For example, the seizure may cause the person to go too long without breathing, or it could result in heart failure.

The exact cause of SUDEP is unclear,

According to the CDC, people are at more risk of SUDEP if they have had epilepsy for many years, or if they have regular seizures. Following these steps can help reduce the risk of SUDEP:

taking all doses of antiseizure medication
limiting alcohol intake
getting sufficient sleep

Regularly taking prescribed medication may also help prevent status epilepticus, a condition wherein seizures last for longer than 5 minutes.

A 2016 study found that treating status epilepticus within 30 minutes reduced the risk of death.

Is it curable?

There is currently no cure for epilepsy, but people with the condition can usually manage their symptoms.

According to the WHO, up to 70% of people with epilepsy can experience a reduction in their seizure frequency and severity with antiseizure medications. Around half of all people with epilepsy may be able to stop taking medications after 2 years without a seizure.

In some cases, surgery can also reduce or eliminate seizures when drugs are ineffective.

This can have long-term benefits. In one 2018 study, 47% of the participants reported no debilitating seizures 5 years after surgery, and 38% reported the same after 10 years.

Prevention

The WHO explain that around 25% of epilepsy cases are preventable. People can reduce the risk of developing epilepsy by following these steps:

wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle, to help prevent head injuries

seeking perinatal care, to prevent epilepsy from birth injuries

managing risk factors for stroke and heart disease, which could cause brain damage that results in epilepsy

practicing good hygiene and preventative methods to avoid cysticercosis, an infection that is the most common cause of epilepsy around the world, according to the CDC.

A 2015 review of research in the journal Seizure also suggested that regular physical activity may help prevent the development of epilepsy and reduce how often seizures occur.

It is not possible to prevent all cases of epilepsy. However, taking the above steps may help reduce the risk.

Complications

Depending on the situation, seizures may lead to negative outcomes such as drowning or vehicle accidents. Long lasting seizures, or status epilepticus, may also cause brain damage or death.

People with epilepsy are eight times more likely than people without it to experience certain other chronic conditions, including dementia, migraine, heart disease, and depression. Some of these conditions could also make seizures worse.

To Get More Information about#Seizure,#Epilepsy Email us at query@gtsmeditour.com or you can Directly call on Ph:080 25470833 . Share reports & get second opinion with us.

Ovarian Cancer

Feb 12, 2020 Posted by admin Women Healthcare 0 comments

Why is it so deadly, and what can you do about it?

About the ovaries

The ovaries are part of a woman’s reproductive system. There are 2 ovaries, with 1 located on each side of the uterus. In premenopausal women, they are almond-shaped and about 1.5 inches long. These glands contain germ cells, also called eggs. Ovaries are the primary source of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones influence breast growth, body shape, body hair, and regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. During and after menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing certain hormones.

Ovarian cancer happens when cells that are not normal grown in one or both of your ovaries, two small glands located on either side of your uterus.

Doctors are unsure of what exactly causes ovarian cancer, but they have identified several risk factors associated with a higher likelihood of developing the disease. These are:

Age:

Women of all ages have a risk of these cancers, but women over 50 are more likely to develop these cancers. About half of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older.

Obesity.

If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher, your risk goes up.

Hormone replacement therapy. Some studies suggest using estrogen after menopause increases your risk.

Smoking:

Increased risk of serous ovarian tumors associated with smoking

Poly-cystic ovary syndrome, a problem with your endocrine system that leads to enlarged ovaries

Family history:

A strong family history of breast or ovarian/fallopian tube cancer puts women at higher risk for ovarian/fallopian tube cancer. Doctors believe this is because many of these families have genetic mutations (changes in the gene) that are passed from generation to generation

Weight:

Recent studies show that women who were obese in early adulthood may have an increased risk to develop ovarian/fallopian tube cancer.

Genetics:

About 10% to 15% of ovarian/fallopian tube cancers occur because a genetic mutation, or change, has been passed down within a family. This inherited risk is called a germline mutation.

There are several other genetic conditions that cause ovarian/fallopian tube cancer. Some of the most common include:

Lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, increases a woman’s risk of ovarian/fallopian tube cancer and uterine cancer. It is caused by mutations in several different genes. Lynch syndrome also increases the risk of colorectal cancer and several other cancers.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS).

PJS is caused by a specific genetic mutation. The syndrome is associated with multiple polyps in the digestive tract that become noncancerous tumors and with increased pigmentation (dark spots on the skin) on the face and hands. PJS raises the risk of ovarian/fallopian tube cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and several other types of cancer.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS).

Women with NBCCS, also called Gorlin syndrome, have an increased risk of developing fibromas. Fibromas are benign fibrous tumors of the ovaries. There is a small risk that these fibromas could develop into a type of ovarian cancer called fibrosarcoma.

It’s possible for women with ovarian cancer to not show any symptoms. It’s also important to note that symptoms are not specific and may be caused by a different medical condition that is not cancer.

Symptoms:

Abdominal bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms, such as urgency or frequency
Fatigue
Upset stomach
Indigestion
Back pain
Pain with intercourse
Constipation
Menstrual irregularities
Swelling in the pelvis or abdomen
Vaginal discharge, which may be clear, white, or tinged with blood

For many women, these symptoms occur often and are different from what is normal for their bodies. Women who have any of the symptoms listed above everyday for more than a few weeks should see their primary care doctor or a gynecologist.

Diagnoses:

Abdominal-pelvic examination:

Usually, the first exam is the abdominal-pelvic examination. The doctor feels the uterus, vagina, ovaries, bladder, and rectum to check for any unusual changes, such as a mass. Some cancers are very small before they spread and cannot be reliably felt and detected by pelvic examination.

Imaging Tests:

A physical exam cannot only reveal so much. Your doctor may want to use imaging tests to get a clearer picture of your ovaries.

One such test in a transvaginal ultrasound. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a probe (also called a transducer) into your vagina. The probe bounces soundwaves off the structures of your body, and those waves make echoes, which in turn form a picture on a computer screen.

Another imaging test is a CT scan, which stands for “computed tomography.” In a CT scan, an X-ray beam rotates around your body and takes images from various angles. A computer puts together all that information to produce a detailed look at that section of your body.

Blood Tests

There is no single blood test that shows whether you have ovarian cancer.

The main one that you may get is called the CA-125 test. It looks for a protein linked to ovarian cancer cells. But it’s not enough to make a diagnosis.

Some rarer types of ovarian cancer raise levels of other substances in the blood. Your doctor may order tests to look for higher levels of one or all of these:

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Another type of ovarian tumor can raise the amount of estrogen and testosterone in your blood, and also a substance called inhibin. You may have a blood test to check these levels.

Biopsy

The only way to know for sure whether you have ovarian cancer is with a biopsy. It’s usually done by a doctor called a gynecologic oncologist. It usually involves surgery to take out the area where cancer is suspected, after which it is sent to a lab for testing. A specialist called a pathologist will look at the tissue under a microscope and test it to find out if it’s cancer.

After diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review all of the results with you. As noted above, surgery and an examination of the lymph nodes may be needed before results are complete. If the diagnosis is cancer, these test results help the doctor describe the type & stage of cancer.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

There are three main types of ovarian cancer – each is distinguishable by the type of cell where cancer begins. These types include:

Epithelial tumors. About 90% of ovarian cancers fall into this category. This type of cancer begins in the thin layer of tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries.
Stromal tumors. About 7% of ovarian cancers fall into this category. This type of cancer begins in the ovarian tissue that contains cells that produce hormones.
Germ cell tumors. This is the rarest form of ovarian cancer, and it tends to occur in younger women. This form of ovarian cancer begins in the egg-producing cells.

Stages for Ovarian Cancer

The stage provides a common way of describing the cancer, enabling doctors to work together to plan the best treatments. Doctors assign the stage of cancer using the FIGO system.

Stage I: The cancer is only in the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Stage II: The cancer involves 1 or both of the ovaries or fallopian tubes and has spread below the pelvis, or it is peritoneal cancer.

Stage III: The cancer involves 1 or both of the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or it is peritoneal cancer. It has spread to the peritoneum outside the pelvis and/or to lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum (lymph nodes along the major blood vessels, such as the aorta) behind the abdomen.

Stage IV: The cancer has spread to organs outside of the abdominal area.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves some combination of medications and surgery.

Ovarian Cancer Surgery

Surgical options for ovarian cancer will depend on the stage of your cancer. The options include:

Removing one ovary

Removing both ovaries

Removing both ovaries and the uterus

Surgery with chemotherapy for advanced cancers

In cases where just one or both of the ovaries are removed, women may still be able to have children.

Prevention

Although there is no proven way to prevent these diseases completely, you may be able to lower your risk.

Certain factors may reduce a woman’s risk of developing ovarian/fallopian tube cancer:

Taking birth control pills:

Women who took oral contraceptives for 3 or more years are 30% to 50% less likely to develop ovarian/fallopian tube cancer. The decrease in risk may last for 30 years after a woman stops taking the pills.

Breastfeeding:

The longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk of developing ovarian/fallopian tube cancer.

Pregnancy:

The more full-term pregnancies a woman has had, the lower her risk of ovarian/fallopian tube cancer.

Surgical procedures.:

Women who have had a hysterectomy or a tubal ligation may have a lower risk of developing ovarian/fallopian tube cancer.

Surviving Cancer

Survivorship is one of the most complicated parts of having cancer. This is because it is different for everyone.

Survivors may experience a mixture of strong feelings, including joy, concern, relief, guilt, and fear. Some people say they appreciate life more after a cancer diagnosis and have gained a greater acceptance of themselves. Others become very anxious about their health and uncertain about coping with everyday life.

Survivors may feel some stress when their frequent visits to the health care team end after completing treatment. Often, relationships built with the cancer care team provide a sense of security during treatment, and people miss this source of support. This may be especially true when new worries and challenges surface over time, such as any late effects of treatment, emotional challenges including fear of recurrence, sexual health and fertility concerns, and financial and workplace issues.

Every survivor has individual concerns and challenges. With any challenge, a good first step is being able to recognize your fears and talk about them. Effective coping requires:

Understanding the challenge you are facing
Thinking through solutions
Asking for and allowing the support of others
Feeling comfortable with the course of action you choose.

For many people, survivorship serves as a strong motivator to make lifestyle changes.

For more such Support, Opinions, diagnoses, treatment plans you can contact us through

Email: query@gtsmeditour.com

Contact : 9880149003.

Chocolates

Feb 9, 2020 Posted by admin Health & Nutrition 0 comments

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Chocolates – Healthy & Unhealthy Facts

Well, we all love Chocolates isn’t it..?

No introductions are needed for this highly treasured food.

Chocolate makes us happy in so many ways, but it also does so much more. … A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that eating a small amount of chocolate could reduce your risk of heart disease.

Chocolate is believed to contain high levels of antioxidants.

Some studies have suggested chocolate could lower cholesterol levels and prevent memory decline.

Dark Chocolate – Rich in flavonoids (potent antioxidants), works to help blood vessels relax, which decreases blood pressure. This leads to a plethora of benefits, like increasing HDL (or “good”) cholesterol and LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, which can improve heart health

Listed few are healthy benefits of chocolate:

Chocolate decreases stroke risk

A Swedish study found that eating more than 45 grams of chocolate per week—about two bars worth—led to a 20 percent decrease in stroke risk among women. Chocolate contains flavonoids, whose antioxidant properties help fight strokes,

Chocolate reduces the likelihood of a heart attack

Other studies show that eating chocolate prevents blood clots, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attacks. Blood platelets clump together more slowly in chocolate eaters, the studies say.

Chocolate protects against blood inflammation

Eat one Hershey’s dark chocolate bar per week, and your risk of heart disease will decrease, a 2008 study found. About 6.7 grams of dark chocolate per day keeps the blood inflammation-inducing proteins away. Just like your mother always told you.

Chocolate helps improve mental health

Indian psychologists found that flavanols (a class of flavonoids, which are found in chocolate) helped people with their mental math. Study subjects had an easier time counting backwards from a randomly-generated number between 800 and 999 after drinking a cup of hot chocolate than they did without the cocoa. “The findings suggest students who binge on chocolate when revising for exams may gain a real benefit from doing so,

Chocolate may prevent cancer

Cocoa contains a compound called pentameric procyanidin, or pentamer, which disrupts cancer cells’ ability to spread. When researchers from the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University treated cancer cells with pentamer back in 2005, the proteins necessary for cancer growth were suppressed and the cells stopped dividing.

Chocolate reduces the risk of diabetes

The Italians know a thing or two about good eating.And a small study from the University of L’Aquila, in Italy, found that eating chocolate increases insulin sensitivity, which reduces the risk of diabetes. if consumed in moderation.

Chocolate is good for your skin

“Some people say that I eat too many chocolate bars …” Remember that acne infomercial from the 90s? No? Well, it doesn’t matter. Not only does it not cause breakouts, it’s actually good for your skin! (Well, dark chocolate at least.) Flavonoids found in dark chocolate protect women’s skin from the sun’s UV rays, according to German scientists. But that doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen.

Chocolate can control coughs

The most delicious way to kick your cough, apparently, is chocolate. One of the sweet’s chemical components, theobromine, seems to reduce the activity of the vagus nerve, the part of the brain that triggers coughing fits. Scientists are even working on a cough-quelling drug that uses theobromine in place of codeine—a narcotic common in cough medicine.

Chocolate improves blood flow

In 2008 Harvard scientists forced test subjects to undergo “two weeks of enhanced chocolate intake.” A fortnight of chocolate face-stuffing, they found, sped up blood flow through their subject’s middle cerebral arteries. In other words, more chocolate means more blood to your brain.

Chocolate strengthens your brain

It is found that dark chocolate shields cells in your brain, and accordingly protects it from damage caused by stroke. Epicatechin, a compound found in chocolate, significantly reduced the brain damage in mice who suffered strokes, they found. Scientists at California’s Salk Institute also found that epicatechin improved mice’s memories.

Chocolate makes you live longer

Jeanne Louise Calment lived to the age of 122—the oldest anyone has ever lived. She ate two and a half pounds of dark chocolate per week. Harvard researchers found that eating chocolate actually adds two years to your life expectancy.

Choclates has been used medicinally as well

Listed below are few:

Improves Digestion & bowel Function.

Eliminates Mental fatigue

Increases Appetite

Alleviates gout symptom

Enhances Sexual drive.

Unhealthy Facts About Chocolates

Chocolate contains a large number of calories.

People who are seeking to lose or maintain weight should eat chocolate only in moderation.

Chocolates consumed in excess amount can reverse the benefits and is harmful to the health.

Remember, always eat in small portion, chocolate contains high level of artificial sugar & fat, causing obesity

Increases risk of colon & other Cancers

Diabetes

Stroke

Heart Disease

Cavities, tooth decay

Always remember eating in moderation always keeps you healthy & wise.

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TYPES OF GLAUCOMA

Diagnosis & Treatment

Treatment:

Glaucoma – prevention, Diet,

Types of hernias

Inguinal hernia.

Hiatal hernia.

Inguinal hernia

Femoral hernias

Umbilical hernias:

Hiatal hernias:

Incisional hernia

Complications

Treating a hernia?

Open surgery

Diagnosis criteria

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Irregular or absent periods

Surgery

Take away:

Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

Causes

Risk factors

Excess weight.

High blood pressure (hypertension).

Smoking.

Sex.

Complications

Diagnosis:

Treatment

Therapies

Few Myths and Facts About Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Who Can Use It?

Possible health benefits

Improving cholesterol and heart health

Easing the symptoms of arthritis

Reducing hot flashes

Diabetes

Preventing constipation

Beauty Benefits :

Uses of flaxseed in Ayurvedic medicine include:

HOW TO USE FLAXSEEDS

​CAUTION

Types

Cyanotic and Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Causes

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Congenital Heart Disease in Adults

Seizures And Epilepsy are not the same.

Triggers of Seizures:

An Accurate Diagnosis is the First Step

Types of Seizures

“What should I do if I have a seizure? What should I do if I see someone else have a seizure?”

Treatment

Surgery

Diet

Diagnosis

Testing for epilepsy

Is it curable?

Prevention

Complications

Why is it so deadly, and what can you do about it?

About the ovaries

Ovarian cancer happens when cells that are not normal grown in one or both of your ovaries, two small glands located on either side of your uterus.

Age:

Obesity.

Smoking:

Family history:

Weight:

Genetics:

Diagnoses:

Abdominal-pelvic examination:

Imaging Tests:

Blood Tests

Biopsy

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Stages for Ovarian Cancer

CAUTION