Sudden Stroke leads Columbus Mom to Seek Second Opinion!!

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Paula Manchester, a lively Columbus native, had been healthy and active her entire life. She exercised regularly and spent leisure time with her husband and their three grown children.

“Every year at my physical exam, my doctor told me that my body was in tip-top condition,” Paula recalled. “I felt great.”

But in one split second, on a chilly Ohio day in November, 2010, everything changed when one side of her body suddenly went numb and limp. Paula, at the young age of 54, was having a stroke.

“There were no signs,” Paula said of her unexpected stroke. “I was at a healthy weight. I had never been a smoker. My blood pressure and cholesterol were both at normal levels. I wondered how this could happen to someone like me.”

For nine days Paula was hospitalized while her physicians continued to run tests. A brain angiogram finally showed the possibility of fibromuscular dysplasia in her carotid arteries. The diagnosis, however, was not confirmed until a follow-up MRI three months after the initial stroke.

Fibromuscular dysplasia, more commonly referred to as FMD, is a disease that can cause stenosis of the arteries, usually those in the kidneys and those that supply blood to the brain. As a result of this arterial narrowing, a heart attack or stroke can occur.

FMD, a rare disease, often does not lead to any noticeable symptoms. Occasionally, FMD patients will experience headaches or ringing in the ears; minor symptoms that can be easily ignored or misdiagnosed.

So, while Paula’s stroke could not be linked directly to her FMD diagnosis, her neurologist at home in Columbus believed it to be the cause.

“Naturally, I was concerned about being diagnosed with a condition like FMD that has no known cause and usually presents no symptoms,” Paula said. “Was I at risk of suffering another unexpected stroke or facing other serious complications? Was I doing everything I could to manage my disease at home? I wanted Another Opinion.”

Paula surfed the Web, looking for answers to her questions about living with FMD. It was through an Internet search engine that she came across Dr. Heather Gornik’s name, a Cleveland Clinic vascular physician who specializes in fibromuscular dysplasia.

“After reading about Dr. Gornik and the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute online, I knew I wanted to get a Second Opinion at Cleveland Clinic,” Paula said. “When I called to make an appointment, the  Patient Service Representative informed me that I could receive a Second Opinion from Cleveland Clinic through the Internet.”

The service that the Patient Service Representative was referring to is the Online Medical Second Opinion program; a sophisticated, Web-based extension of Cleveland Clinic’s. The secure, online program provides medical second opinions from Cleveland Clinic specialists for several life-threatening and life-changing diagnoses.

“Immediately, I knew I wanted to take advantage of the  Online Medical Second Opinion program,” Paula said. “I was still recovering from my recent stroke, overcoming neurological impairments that made some physical and cognitive tasks, like traveling, difficult for me. Receiving a Second Opinion from the comfort of my own home was a wonderful opportunity for someone like me.”

Shortly after sending her medical records and test results to Cleveland Clinic, Paula received her Online Medical Second Opinion report, completed by Dr. Gornik, the physician she had requested. She was pleased with how quickly she heard back and with the thoroughness of the report.

“Dr. Gornik confirmed my diagnosis of FMD and agreed with the medication routine that neurologist had prescribed to me,” Paula said. “She also recommended that I discuss undergoing a renal artery scan with my treating physicians at home to find out if FMD was affecting the arteries in my kidneys.”

Per Dr. Gornik’s suggestion, Paula’s physicians ordered the test to be done at her home medical facility in Columbus and those results indicated that her renal arteries were free of FMD, instantly lifting a weight off her shoulders.

Since her stroke, Paula has made great strides. She has started a light exercise routine and was able to celebrate her oldest son’s wedding day on May 31, 2011.

“I gained a sense of relief from the Online Medical Second Opinion I received from Dr. Gornik and Cleveland Clinic,” Paula said. “I know that FMD is always going to be part of me, but I feel confident knowing I’m as healthy as I can be and I don’t have to live in fear of having another stroke every day. I take life one day at a time and I focus on myself and my family now.”

Source: https://test.eclevelandclinic.org/displayContent?documentKey=document/testimonials&qualifier=standard/fibromuscularDysplasia1&testimonialPage=Sudden%20Stroke%20leads%20Columbus%20Mom%20to%20Seek%20Second%20Opinion

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Explained: What Is Hydroxychloroquine, The Drug Touted As Cure To Coronavirus!!

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Anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine is back in the news after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hinted at retaliation if India does not export the drug that is believed to be helpful in treating the Coronavirus.

The US President has been touting hydroxychloroquine’s potential and terming it a gamechanger. But does this anti-malaria drug have the potential to treat the disease? Could it be a possible miracle that can pull humanity out of the pandemic? That remains to be seen.

What is hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat malaria. The drug was invented during World War II. It is also prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Johns Hopkins University Lupus Center, the anti-malarial medication has been shown to improve symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, inflammation of the heart and lung linings, fatigue, and fever. Hydroxychloroquine is sold under the brand name Plaquenil and is available as generics.

Is it safe to use?

The Indian Council for Medical Research Director General Balrama Bhargava has recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine for treating healthcare workers tackling the suspected or confirmed coronavirus cases and also the asymptomatic household contacts of the lab-confirmed cases. The treatment protocol recommended by the National Task Force has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) for restricted use in emergency situations.

Another scientist at the ICMR said: “The empiric use of hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis of SARS-Cov-2 infection is recommended only for asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases.” he said.

Side effects of the drug can be heart block, heart rhythm disturbance, dizziness, giddiness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

In March, a man died while his wife was left in a critical condition in Arizona after they took chloroquine phosphate, an additive used to clean fish tanks that is related to the composition of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine.

Can hydroxychloroquine be used to treat Coronavirus?

In France, 40 coronavirus patients were given hydroxychloroquine and more than half of them experienced the clearing of their airways within three to six days. The study suggested that the anti-malarial drug can slow infections from Sars-CoV-2 — the virus behind Covid-19 — by blocking it from entering cells in the body.

“But more recent, albeit small-scale, research from China has shown that patients who were treated with the drugs fought off coronavirus no more quickly than those who didn’t get it. Indeed, one patient given hydroxychloroquine severely worsened in condition while four patients on the medicine developed signs of liver damage and experienced diarrhea,” the Guardian reported.

And it is important to note that a drug used with for treatment with subjecting it to a full and thorough clinical trial is, at the best, untested and may have severe drawbacks.

According to the European Medicines Agency, hydroxychloroquine should not be taken by coronavirus patients except for clinical trials or emergency use programs.

Source: https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-explained-what-is-hydroxychloroquine-and-can-it-be-used-to-treat-coronavirus/350221

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What is active and passive immunity and why both matter for the treatment of COVID 19!!

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Currently, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India is more than 18,000 out of which only 2,500 people have recovered. With no vaccine for the virus yet, the only option we have to keep ourselves safe from the virus is by keeping our immune system strong.

When someone contracts COVID 19 and heals from it, it doesn’t mean they are entirely safe from not getting the infection again. While most of the people think of the word immunity as something that protects them completely from the illness, but actually it’s much more complicated, says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

How do we become immune to a disease?

A person achieves immunity to disease through the presence of antibodies or proteins produced by the body that can destroy or neutralize the toxins or other disease carriers. These antibodies are our attack mechanisms against invaders.

But these antibodies are specific for specific diseases, which is why even if you got the flu shot this year, you have no immunity against the current coronavirus outbreak.

Two types of immunity

Our immunity can be divided into two categories – active and passive immunity. The difference between both depends on how the body was introduced to virus or bacteria it has developed antibodies for and to what extent and for how long they can prevent against future disease. The thing to be noted is that both types of immunity can play a role in the future protection treatment of COVID 19.

What is active immunity?

According to the CDC, active immunity is developed when exposure to a disease organism triggers the immune system to produce antibodies for that disease. This can happen in two ways – through infection with the actual disease, which is called natural immunity or through vaccination (a killed or weakened form of the disease that won’t make someone ill but triggers the body to make antibodies), which is called vaccine-induced immunity.

Active immunity isn’t immediate and can take several weeks to develop. That is why most doctors recommend getting the flu shot before the flu season kicks in.

There is much more research needed in the context of immunity against COVID 19. While the vaccine-induced immunity is still a huge question mark, researchers are currently looking at the immunity gained by people who have recovered from COVID 19.

According to the World Health Organisation, it’s still unknown whether those previously infected with COVID 19 can be re-infected and what type of immunity they have against the virus.

A person who has generated a full-blown response with detectable antibodies is expected to have protection for a period of time. But we don’t know how long that period would be, added the WHO.

What is passive immunity?

While a person develops active immunity when their body produces antibodies to disease through its own immune system, passive immunity is when a person is given antibodies. This happens in utero or through antibody-containing blood products, such as immune globulin, which is administered when immediate protection from a specific disease is needed. For instance, immuno globulin can provide protection against hepatitis A in instances when hepatitis A vaccine is not recommended.

The major advantage of passive immunity is that it provides immediate protection. But passive doesn’t last long as active immunity and loses its effectiveness within a few weeks and months, as per CDC.

Passive immunity may also be helpful when it comes to COVID 19. This can be done primarily through the potential use of convalescent serum or blood plasma collected from those who have previously recovered from COVID 19. This means giving antibodies from the blood of people who have recovered from COVID 19 to people who are actively ill. This can help prevent complications and fasten the recovery.

Convalescent plasma as a treatment for COVID-19 is still being studied and has not been yet recommended as a routine treatment. Researchers are hoping to use the technique to treat COVDI 19 patients and boost the immune system of health care providers and first responders.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/what-is-active-and-passive-immunity-and-why-both-matter-for-the-treatment-of-covid-19/articleshow/75250842.cms

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Autoimmunity Plays A Role In Parkinson’s Disease Confirms Study!!

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A new study co-led by scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) adds increasing evidence that Parkinson’s disease is partly an autoimmune disease. In fact, the researchers report that signs of autoimmunity can appear in Parkinson’s disease patients years before their official diagnosis.

The study has been published in the journal Nature Communications.

The research could make it possible to someday detect Parkinson’s disease before the onset of debilitating motor symptoms—and potentially intervene with therapies to slow the disease progression.

Scientists have long known that clumps of a damaged protein called alpha-synuclein build up in the dopamine-producing brain cells of patients with Parkinson’s disease. These clumps eventually lead to cell death, causing motor symptoms and cognitive decline.

“Once these cells are gone, they’re gone. So if you are able to diagnose the disease as early as possible, it could make a huge difference,” says LJI research assistant professor Cecilia Lindestam Arlehamn, Ph.D., who served as first author of the new study.

A 2017 study led by Sette and Sulzer was the first to show that alpha-synuclein can act as a beacon for certain T cells, causing them to mistakenly attack brain cells and potentially contribute to the progression of Parkinson’s. This was the first direct evidence that autoimmunity could play a role in Parkinson’s disease.

The new findings shed light on the timeline of T cell reactivity and disease progression. The researchers looked at blood samples from a large group of Parkinson’s disease patients and compared their T cells to a healthy, age-matched control group. They found that the T cells that react to alpha-synuclein are most abundant when patients are first diagnosed with the disease. These T cells tend to disappear as the disease progresses, and few patients still have them ten years after diagnosis.

The researchers also did an in-depth analysis of one Parkinson’s disease patient who happened to have blood samples preserved going back long before his diagnosis. This case study showed that the patient had a strong T cell response to alpha-synuclein ten years before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Again, these T cells faded away in the years following diagnosis.

“This tells us that detection of T cell responses could help in the diagnosis of people at risk or in early stages of disease development, when many of the symptoms have not been detected yet,” says Sette. “Importantly, we could dream of a scenario where early interference with T cell responses could prevent the disease from manifesting itself or progressing.”

Sulzer added, “One of the most important findings is that the flavor of the T cells changes during the course of the disease, starting with more aggressive cells, moving to less aggressive cells that may inhibit the immune response, and after about 10 years, disappearing altogether. It is almost as if immune responses in Parkinson’s disease are like those that occur during seasonal flu, except that the changes take place over ten years instead of a week.”

In fact, already therapies exist to treat inflammation from autoreactive T cells, and these TNF therapies are associated with lower incidence of Parkinson’s disease. Going forward, the researchers are especially interested in using a tool called a T cell-based assay to monitor patients already at risk for Parkinson’s to see if they could benefit from TNF therapies. These patients include people with REM sleep disorders and certain genetic mutations.

The researchers hope to study more Parkinson’s patients and follow them over longer time periods to better understand how T cell reactivity changes as the disease progresses.

Source: https://medicaldialogues.in/neurology-neurosurgery/news/autoimmunity-plays-a-role-in-parkinsons-disease-confirms-study-65053

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What is Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment!!

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People may wake in the middle of the night and find themselves unable to move or utter a sound. They might see a shadowy figure hovering in the corner, feel a pressure on their chest or sense a hand around their throat. Other times, they feel removed from their frozen bodies, as if floating out of their bed sheets. These bizarre experiences are known as sleep paralysis, a diagnosable and fairly common sleeping disorder.

Prevalence through history

References to sleep paralysis are scattered throughout history, though not usually under the name “sleep paralysis.” Folklore and myths from around the world describe the terrifying experience of being unable to move upon waking and sometimes seeing beings, being choked or being held down. Nightmares known as the “Old Hag” in Newfoundland, Kokma in St. Lucia, and tsog in East Asia may have all be borne of the same spooky experience, according to an article in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. In 1664, a Dutch physician described a patient’s experience of sleep paralysis as the “Incubus or the Night-Mare,” providing the first known clinical description of the affliction.

According to a 2011 review, about 7.6% of the world’s population experiences at least one episode of sleep paralysis in their lifetime, with higher rates noted among students and psychiatric patients, particularly those with post-traumatic stress or panic disorder. Sleep paralysis is also a common symptom of narcolepsy, a condition characterized by excessive sleepiness, sleep attacks and sudden loss of muscle control, as described by the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep paralysis in the absence of narcolepsy is known as “isolated sleep paralysis,” or “recurrent isolated sleep paralysis” if it occurs repeatedly.

Sleep paralysis demons and other hallucinations

Nowadays, scientists have gained a better understanding of sleep paralysis as a neurological disorder, rather than a brush with the paranormal. Sleep paralysis arises from disrupted REM sleep, named for the rapid eye movements that occur during this stage of the sleep cycle.

“During sleep paralysis, you have two aspects of REM sleep going on when you’re awake,” said Brian Sharpless, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-author of the book “Sleep Paralysis: Historical Psychological, and Medical Perspectives” (Oxford University Press, 2015). You’re most likely to experience dreaming during REM sleep, he said, and the body actually becomes paralyzed “presumably so you don’t try to act out your dreams.”

During an episode of sleep paralysis, a person becomes paralyzed for seconds or minutes just as they’re falling asleep or waking up. While frozen beneath their bedsheets, many people also experience vivid hallucinations.

People who have experienced sleep paralysis often describe sensing an evil presence, or demon in the room with them. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine last month reported that out of 185 patients diagnosed with sleep paralysis, about 58% sensed a presence in the room with them, usually something non-human, and about 22% actually saw a person in the room, usually a stranger.

Sleep paralysis may also cause people to feel pressure on their chest, or feel as though their body is moving without them directing it, according to the American Sleep Association. Sometimes people find the out-of-body hallucinations pleasant and feel as though they’re weightless, but more often, the sensations can be quite disturbing. Like paralysis, these hallucinations may also be a lingering manifestation of REM sleep.

“We know the amygdala is highly active in REM, which is important to fear and emotional memory,” said Daniel Denis, a postdoctoral scholar in psychiatry at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. “You have part of the brain actively responding to fear or something emotional, but nothing in the environment to account for that. So the brain comes up with a solution to that paradox.” That’s one possible explanation, he said; but the actual cause of the hallucinations is still unknown.

Risk factors and treatment

A myriad of factors, including substance use, genetic factors, a history of trauma, a psychiatric diagnosis and poor physical health and sleep quality, may increase the risk of developing sleep paralysis, according to a 2018 review. The frequency and severity of episodes has also been linked to anxiety-like symptoms and sleep deprivation.

“This may explain why [sleep paralysis] comes in waves or bouts,” Says Denis. “Episodes might coincide with a period of stress.”

There is no set treatment for sleep paralysis, but doctors usually direct diagnosed patients to improve their sleep schedule and maintain a better bedtime routine. In more extreme cases, patients may be prescribed a low dose of antidepressants, according to the National Health Society of the UK. These medications may help mitigatemediate the symptoms of sleep paralysis by suppressing certain aspects of REM sleep, Sharpless noted.

So, what should you do if you experience sleep paralysis?

“If you have rare episodes of sleep paralysis, but haven’t been seen by a sleep specialist, make sure your sleep hygiene is solid,” said Shelby Harris, director of Behavioral Sleep Medicine at the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at the Montefiore Health System in the Bronx, New York City. “For example, sleep paralysis can be a sign that you’re sleep deprived,”

Harris suggested that people experiencing sleep paralysis should make sure to get enough sleep on a regular basis, avoid alcohol, nicotine and drugs all night, starting 3 hours before bedtime. They should also limit caffeine after 2 p.m. and keep electronics out of the bedroom.

“If these things don’t help, and you’re having episodes that are becoming somewhat more frequent, see a sleep specialist to see if there’s any underlying medical disorder that might be causing the sleep paralysis,” Harris said.

Source: https://www.livescience.com/50876-sleep-paralysis.html

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Five Reasons Why You Must Drink Water From a Clay Pot or Matka in Summers!!

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Many of you might be habitual with the practice of storing water in a clay pot during summers. This practice of drinking matka water is not only a substitute for steel and plastic containers, but also has its own set of health benefits. This is the reason why many households still swear by the clay pot, as it has many therapeutic benefits.

Here are some amazing health benefits of drinking water from a clay pot in summers:

Natural cooling effect

Matka water provided chilled water back in those days when there were no refrigerators. These pots work on the principle of vaporization, which helps in cooling down the water. As the clay pot is porous, it gradually chills down the water which is a quality no other container has.

Good for throat

While the fridge water is too chilled and water kept outside is too warm, matka provides the perfect drinking water in summers. With its perfect cooling effect, it is gentle on throat and can be easily consumed by people suffering from cold and cough.

Prevents sun strokes

Sunstroke is a very common problem which strikes a lot of people in summers. The vitamins and minerals from the water stored in clay pots will help in maintaining the body glucose levels and will also provide a gentle cooling effect to your body.

Alkaline in nature

The human body is acidic in nature, while clay is alkaline. Water from these alkaline pots when consumed by you reacts with the acidic nature of our body and helps in creating a proper pH balance. This is the reason why drinking matka water helps in keeping acidity and stomach problems at bay.

Boosts metabolism

When we drink water stored in plastic bottles, it contains toxic chemicals like Bisphenol A or BPA, which harms the body in many ways. It is said to bring the testosterone levels down and is also known to be endocrine disruptor. Whereas, drinking water from a clay pot balances testosterone levels and even improves your body’s metabolism.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/5-reasons-why-you-must-drink-water-from-a-clay-pot-or-matka-in-summers/articleshow/75353942.cms

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What Is Plasma Therapy? And Is It a Cure For COVID -19!!

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Different parts of India are now running Convalescent Plasma Therapy as a treatment for patients with severe COVID-19 cases. Although the treatment is still in a trial phase, it has started to show promising results. According to IANS report the Ministry of Science & Technology, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), the top authorizing body in India, has also given its approval. In the states where plasma therapy was used the patients are also showing a positive result.

What is plasma therapy?

The method ‘Convalescent Serum Therapy’ dates to 1918; when it was used during the outbreak of the Spanish Flu. After which it has been used in 2005 during the SARS epidemic. According to the medical journal The Lancet, it was used to improve the survival rates of patients. In 2009 it was used for H1N1 patients, 2014 for those infected by Ebola in 2014 and in 2015 for MERS patients in different parts of the world.

Considering the number of positive cases, plasma therapy is being used even in the case of Covid-19. When our body is attacked by a pathogen it produces antibodies or immunoglobulin (Ig) to fight and these can help an infected patient. In convalescent plasma therapy, the liquid part of blood is collected from patients who are cured of infection as it contains antibodies that might help them fight the infection.

According to The Lancet, ‘Evidence shows that convalescent plasma from patients who have recovered from viral infections can be used as a treatment without the occurrence of severe adverse events.’ The antibodies from the recovered patients are injected into a critically ill patient to boost their fight against the virus.

How is plasma collected?

The blood is taken from the recovered patient and the plasma is separated. It is then tested for the antibodies and then administered to Covis-19 patients who is critically ill.

Plasma donors for COVID 19

Plasma donation is almost like a blood donation. Donors are hooked to a device that will separate the plasma from red blood cells and the entire process takes about an hour. According to reports for donating your plasma for COVID 19, you need to have been a patient before and should be completely symptom-free before donation.

One can donate for two weeks or 14 days after recovery. But donation is not so easy, one needs to be physically fit to qualify for plasma donation. As most of the survivors of COVID 19 are elderly or people with prior health problems finding an appropriate donor is difficult.

Treatments across the country

Several states in India are interested in trying plasma therapy as a treatment for Covid-19. India’s apex health research body, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has already given nod for plasma therapy across the country and Kerala was the first state to plan trails. Delhi which is one of the hotspots of coronavirus in the country has just recently completed round plasma therapy tests with four Covid-19 patients at the city-based Lok Nayak Hospital.

According to reports Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the initial results of the plasma therapy used on four coronavirus patients in the city were encouraging. The CM said that while plasms therapy cannot be considered as a cure for coronavirus, they will consider it as an option for serious patients. Gujarat has also used the therapy on two patients who according to the government showed positive results.

A PTI report also said that Maharashtra has also got approval to test plasma therapy which might be saving grace for the state which has become a hotspot. Plasma Therapy is showcasing promising results, and while medical researchers are working to look for a cure or vaccine for COVID-19 this therapy is so far helping on critically ill patients.

Source: https://news.abplive.com/news/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-plasma-therapy-1206297

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Colon Infection: Everything You Need to Know About It!!

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Intestinal infections continue to be a cause of worry for many patients and their families. As per a June 2019 study published in Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, in a developing country like India, intestinal parasitic infections remain an important public health concern. “The infection remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among children. It is presumed that the prevalence is high in developing countries probably due to poor sanitary conditions and improper personal hygiene practices.”

Colon infection

Colitis is a chronic digestive disease characterised by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon, the long, coiled, tube-like organ, also known as the large intestine, that is known to remove water and salt from digested food. When the body is ready for bowel movement, the waste is dumped into the rectum. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “the colon is a common site of infection for a heterogeneous group of bacterial pathogens”.

As per Dr Vivek Vij, director, Fortis Hospital, Noida; Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram; Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, “Colon infection or colitis is a broad term comprising any infection (bacterial, viral, amoebic etc.) of the large intestine. It can happen due to unhygienic food, water, etc.”

Symptoms

Inflamed colon symptoms include diarrhoea with or without blood, abdominal pain and cramping, fever, nausea, fatigue, weight loss and bloating, among others.

Causes of colon inflammation

Infection is one of the causes of colon inflammation. Colitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. Infection colitis can be contracted from contaminated water, foodborne illnesses or poor hygiene.

Other causes include Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), ischemic colitis and diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Prevention

It can also occur spontaneously in some patients with decreased immunity. It can be prevented by ensuring consumption of hygienic food and clean water. Patients with decreased immunity should be in regular touch with their physicians, advised Dr Vij.

Detection

Some common tests for colitis include X-rays of the colon, testing the stool for blood and pus, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Additional tests include stool cultures and blood tests, including blood chemistry tests.

Treatment

As per NCBI, “The presentation of disease in the colon is generally in the form of distinct syndromes, and it is important for physicians to recognise the causative organisms, because specific treatment is highly effective.”

The treatment depends on what is causing colitis. Many cases require a little more than symptomatic care, including clear fluids to rest the bowel and medications to control pain. Patients who have are acutely ill often need intravenous fluids among other interventions.

While colon infection caused by diarrhoea and colitis may potentially require antibiotics, depending on the cause, viral infections require fluids and time. Some bacterial infections, such as salmonella, do not need antibiotic therapy as the body is able to get rid of the infection on its own. Other bacterial infections, such as Clostridium difficile, require antibiotic treatment.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Medications are often used to control IBD. Anti-inflammatory medications may be used initially and medications that suppress the immune system can be added, if necessary. Surgery may be an option in severe cases, including removal of the colon and small intestine.

Ischemic colitis

Intravenous fluids are given to rest the bowel and prevent dehydration. If sufficient blood supply is not restored, surgery may be needed to remove parts of the bowel that lost blood supply.

Diarrhea and abdominal pain

Initial treatment at home may include a clear fluid diet for 24 hours and rest. If symptoms resolve quickly, no further care is needed.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/medical/colon-infection-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it/ar-BB13lZKa

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How to Detect Symptoms of Leukemia at an Early Stage!!

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Rishi Kapoor passed away yesterday, at the age of 67, after losing a two-year battle against leukemia. He was diagnosed with cancer back in 2018 and was being treated for the disease since then. Leukemia is basically a type of cancer which affects blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow, hindering the body’s ability to fight any kind of infection. It is caused due to the rise in the number of white blood cells in our body. The white blood cells then crowd out red blood cells and platelets, affecting their production, which is required for a healthy body.

Here are a few symptoms of leukemia, which will help you detect the disease at an early stage:

Unexplained weight loss

Loss of appetite and continuous weight loss is the first warning sign of leukemia. You might feel tired all the time and won’t feel like eating anything. Feeling of nausea might become constant. If you feel yourself losing weight without exercise or dieting, make sure you contact your doctor and get yourself tested.

Discomfort under the lower rib

Due to an enlarged liver or spleen, there might be a constant discomfort under the lower rib. Leukemia patients usually suffer from swollen nodes, which is the reason why this symptom is a unique one. It is better to get yourself tested if you detect this symptom, accompanied with any other symptoms that follow.

Tiny red spots on skin

Another unique symptom that people with leukemia might notice is tiny red spots on their skin. These spots are usually caused by tiny broken blood vessels, called capillaries, under the skin. You might notice these red spots on your arms, legs and back.

Easy bruises

People suffering from leukemia are more susceptible to bruising, than other people. They might get severe bruises or bleeding, even from small knocks. As there aren’t enough platelets in the blood of leukemia patients, the body cannot prevent blood vessels from bleeding under the skin upon injury.

Frequent infections

If you get infections from time to time, then you must get yourself checked immediately. Recurrent infections can occur because the patient’s body is not able to produce enough white blood cells to keep the immune system working. This means that the body is not able to efficiently destroy viruses, bacteria or fungi that have made their way into the body.

Excessive sweating at night

Do you wake up at night drenched with sweat, even when the room is not that hot? This is a warning sign of leukemia and can occur frequently. Though, it is not the only symptom. Get yourself checked, if you notice night sweats, which are accompanied by the above given symptoms.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/how-to-detect-symptoms-of-leukemia-at-an-early-stage/photostory/75473587.cms?picid=75473600

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Timely Cancer Specialist Opinion Saves Life of Cancer Patient!!

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A large population in India lives far from metro cities whereas cancer centers are established mainly in the metro cities. Since cancer affects elderly population more and it makes the access even tougher for patients with other comorbid conditions to reach out to the oncologist care in timely manner. The current shortage scenario of 2400 oncologist managing 15 lac new cancer cases in India with vast geography needs advance solutions such as remote monitoring and Online Second Opinions to diagnose better and intervene faster.

Cancer is a deadly disease that prevails around the world. India is one of such countries wherein the vast demography of people is not spared from the clutches of this disease. Currently, it has been speculated that there are around 2.25 million people in India who live with the disease and seek for medical attention and care, while battling hard against it to survive as well.

All came under a baffling halt for Mrs. Abha Roy, when she was diagnosed with blood cancer as well. However, this did not seem to deter her from fighting for her life and she made it certain to do everything that she could, in order to survive. However, it was not easy as she had previously ascertained.

Early diagnosis of the early cancer stages can help patients take the right step towards avoiding the spread of the deadly disease from benign to malignant stages. However, the biggest challenge that most health professionals face is the late stage diagnosis of the disease. Mrs. Roy’s family tried to seek out all the help that they could avail, as soon as she was diagnosed with cancer. However, time was running out and each moment was crucial in order to take the right step towards recovery. When all hopes were lost, the last ray of hope shined on Mrs. Abha Roy when her son Prantosh found on the internet about Cancer Second Opinion Program helpline number which was an initiative by a Cancer Hospital.

Mrs. Abha Roy belongs to a middle class family and hails from a remotely located village in Tripura, near Agartala. Given the nature of healthcare infrastructure and its availability, Mrs. Roy was in dire need of professional help and that too, in a very short period of time. Unfortunately, her condition had deteriorated to a level that made it even more difficult for her to relocate herself to the nearest healthcare facility.

The Cancer Hospital with the Second Opinion Program had been interacting with patients just like Mrs. Abha Roy, for quite sometime now. One of the foremost challenges in the step towards recovery is lifting up the spirits of patients and convincing them that all hope is still not gone! And that’s how it lifted up the spirits of a 53 year old Mrs. Roy, by conducting exclusive counselling sessions with a well renowned psychiatrist.

The next set of advice provided was to take a few blood tests as advised by the expert team headed by Dr Rahul Bhargava. These blood tests were taken at her home in her own village as suggested by Dr Rahul Bhargava, who is an eminent and established blood cancer care specialist or hematologist and is also the Director of pediatric and adult Bone Marrow Transplants. The foremost step that Dr. Bhargava took was to review Mrs. Roy’s case and constituted a team that was to be deployed personally for her aid.

A team was formed in just about 2 hours since Mrs. Roy contacted the Cancer Hospital For Opinion. The team was briefed about the condition of Mrs. Roy, her ailment as well the next set of directives as instructed by Dr. Bhargava. The core team included Dr. Bhargava himself, a local physician, a pathology team from Agartala and case manager from the Cancer Hospital to help coordination between every one. The team along with the patient’s son was available right at the reach of Mrs. Abha and was ready for her help in a very short period of notice.

Mrs. Roy was immediately shifted to a local hospital in order to stabilize her case since her Haemoglobin content had fallen to fatal levels. However, in about 12 days since the point of contact, Mrs. Roy showed signs of great improvement in her condition – she could now walk and thus, could get admitted at a better facility for further treatment. A biopsy investigation suggested some medication for Mrs. Roy that could prolong her life for many years. The patient is now put under a remote monitoring program which allows the patient to report the symptoms and track changes during the course of treatment. Patients who seek help early when the disease is developing can benefit by getting the right test done specially in cases of aplastic anemia and lymphoma said Dr. Rahul Bhargava.

The story only confirms the belief on how comprehensive cancer care can save lives and help patients lead a quality life as well. In India, cancer care is getting evolved and The Second Opinion Program of the Cancer Hospital has taken the lead by building a virtual comprehensive cancer care hospital by solving the gaps in cancer care delivery. However, a major challenge that lies in this process is the easy availability of the same infrastructure and healthcare personnel around the entire stretch of this vast country. This is where the Cancer Hospital comes to the picture to provide comprehensive care.

Source: https://www.aninews.in/news/business/cancer-rounds-timely-cancer-specialist-opinion-saves-a-life20191023191158/

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