World Tuberculosis Day

About one-quarter of the world’s population is infected with tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. Only a small proportion of those infected will become sick with TB. People with weakened immune systems have a much greater risk of falling ill from TB. A person living with HIV is about 20 times more likely to develop active TB.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.

Once rare in developed countries, tuberculosis infections began increasing in 1985, partly because of the emergence of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens a person’s immune system so it can’t fight the TB germs. Many strains of tuberculosis resist the drugs most used to treat the disease. People with active tuberculosis must take several types of medications for many months to eradicate the infection and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Symptoms

Although your body may harbour the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB), your immune system usually can prevent you from becoming sick. For this reason, doctors make a distinction between:

• Latent TB. In this condition, you have a TB infection, but the bacteria remain in your body in an inactive state and cause no symptoms. Latent TB, also called inactive TB or TB infection, isn’t contagious. It can turn into active TB, so treatment is important for the person with latent TB and to help control the spread of TB.
• Active TB. This condition makes you sick and in most cases can spread to others. It can occur in the first few weeks after infection with the TB bacteria, or it might occur years later.

Signs and symptoms of active TB include:

• Coughing that lasts three or more weeks.
• Coughing up blood.
• Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• Night sweats.

Tuberculosis can also affect other parts of your body, including your kidneys, spine or brain. When TB occurs outside your lungs, signs, and symptoms vary according to the organs involved. For example, tuberculosis of the spine may give you back pain, and tuberculosis in your kidneys might cause blood in your urine.

Causes

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that spread from person to person through microscopic droplets released into the air. This can happen when someone with the untreated, active form of tuberculosis coughs, speaks, sneezes, spits, laughs or sings.

Although tuberculosis is contagious, it’s not easy to catch. You’re much more likely to get tuberculosis from someone you live with or work with than from a stranger. Most people with active TB who’ve had appropriate drug treatment for at least two weeks are no longer contagious.

Risk factors

TB can happen to anyone everywhere. Certain risk factors highly increase your chance of getting TB. These factors include:

Weakened immune system

A healthy immune system often successfully fights TB bacteria. However,a number of diseases, conditions and medications can weaken your immune system, including:

• HIV/AIDS.
• Diabetes.
• Severe kidney disease.
• Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy.
• Cancer.
• Drugs to prevent rejection of transplanted organs.
• Malnutrition.
• Very young or advanced age.

Preventing the Spread of TB

If you have active TB of the lungs, you can infect other people. For that reason, your doctor will tell you to stay home during the first few weeks of treatment, until you’re no longer contagious. During that time, you should avoid public places and people with weakened immune systems, like young children, the elderly, and people with HIV. You’ll have to wear a special mask if you have visitors or need to go to the doctor’s office.

If you have active TB, keep your germs to yourself. Follow these tips to help keep your friends and family from getting sick till you become infection-free:

• Stay at home.
• Ventilate the room.
• Cover your mouth while coughing sneezing.
• Wear a surgical mask.

Finish your medicines

This is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and others from tuberculosis. When you stop treatment early or skip doses, TB bacteria have a chance to develop mutations that allow them to survive the most potent TB drugs. The resulting drug-resistant strains are much more deadly and difficult to treat.

Vaccinations

Infants often are vaccinated with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine because it can prevent severe tuberculosis in children.

Tuberculosis in India

According to the latest report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) India accounted for 27 per cent of the total TB cases, followed by China with 9 per cent, Indonesia at 8 per cent, Pakistan (6 per cent) and Bangladesh (4 per cent). As per the report 10 million people had TB in 2018. While 26,90,000 people had TB in India, out of which 19,90,000 were notified. According to the report, TB kills 1.5 million every year and is the leading killer of people living with HIV/AIDD and a major cause of deaths due to anti-microbial resistance.

Myths and Facts for Tuberculosis

1. Myth: Tuberculosis happens only to smokers.

Fact: Smokers are predisposed to developing respiratory diseases. However, TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. So smoking increases the risk for developing tuberculosis.

2. Myth: TB is a poor man’s disease.

Fact: In reality, tuberculosis has broken all barriers and can affect anyone irrespective of their socio- financial background and living conditions.

3. Myth: It can be fatal.

Fact: If a patient follows the complete treatment module, then the disease is fully curable.

4. Myth: Tuberculosis is hereditary

Fact: Tuberculosis is NOT hereditary. TB is an airborne disease that is spread when a person with active TB coughs, laughs, sneezes or sings, breathing out tiny infected particles into the air. The particles may then be inhaled by others nearby.

Are you suffering from persistent cough or any other Tuberculosis symptoms? Consult experts at our Department of Pulmonary Medicine for more assistance. Please find below link:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine.html

What are Kidneys?

The kidneys are 2 bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are found in your back on either side of the spine. Kidneys are mainly responsible for filtering waste products, excess water, and other impurities out of the blood. These toxins are stored in the bladder and then removed during urination. The kidneys also regulate pH, salt, and potassium levels in the body. They produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control the production of red blood cells. The kidneys even activate a form of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium.

What is kidney disease?

It occurs when your kidneys become damaged and can’t perform their function. Damage may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, and various other chronic (long-term) conditions. Kidney disease can lead to other health problems, including weak bones, nerve damage, and malnutrition. If the disease gets worse over time, your kidneys may stop working completely.

What are the types of kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease

The most common form of kidney disease is chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition that doesn’t improve over time. It’s commonly caused by high blood pressure. Kidney function will eventually deteriorate to the point where the kidneys can no longer perform their job properly and the patient may need dialysis. 

Diabetes is also a major cause of chronic kidney disease. The increased level of sugar in the blood damages the blood vessels in the kidneys over time. This means the kidneys can’t clean the blood properly. Kidney failure can occur when your body becomes overloaded with toxins.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are another common kidney problem. They occur when minerals and other substances in the blood crystallize in the kidneys, forming solid masses (stones). Kidney stones usually come out of the body during urination. In some cases, they need medical help.

Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes numerous cysts (small sacs of fluid) to grow in the kidneys. These cysts can interfere with kidney function and cause kidney failure. 

Urinary tract infections

Urinary Tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections of any part of the urinary system. Infections in the bladder and urethra are the most common. They are easily treatable, however, if left untreated, these infections can spread to the kidneys and cause kidney failure.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Kidney disease is a condition that can easily go unnoticed until the symptoms become severe. The following symptoms are early warning signs that you might be developing kidney disease:

• Muscle cramping.
• Swollen feet/ ankles.
• Puffiness around the eyes in the morning.
• Dry, scaly skin.
• Frequent urination.

Severe symptoms that could mean your kidney disease is progressing into kidney failure include:

• Nausea/ vomiting.
• Changes in urine output.
• Fluid retention.
• Anaemia.
• Sudden rise in potassium levels. 

What are the risk factors for developing kidney disease?

Here are a few factors that increase your risk of getting a kidney disease:

• High blood pressure.
• Uncontrolled diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Family history of chronic kidney disease.
• Old age.

What is Kidney Failure?

Kidney (renal) failure is when kidneys don’t work as well as they should. The term “kidney failure” covers a lot of problems.

Dialysis and kidney disease

Dialysis is an artificial method of filtering the blood. It’s used when someone’s kidneys have failed or are close to failing. Many people with end-stage kidney disease must go on dialysis permanently or until a donor’s kidney is found.

There are two types of dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis

In hemodialysis, the blood is pumped through a special machine that filters out waste products and fluid. Hemodialysis is done at your home or in a hospital or dialysis center.

Peritoneal dialysis

In peritoneal dialysis, the peritoneum (membrane that lines the abdominal wall) stands in for the kidneys. A tube is implanted and used to fill the abdomen with a fluid called dialysate. Waste products in the blood flow from the peritoneum into the dialysate. The dialysate is then drained from the abdomen.

Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure to place a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly. When your kidneys lose this filtering ability, harmful levels of fluid and waste accumulate in your body, which can raise your blood pressure and result in kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease). End-stage renal disease occurs when the kidneys have lost about 90% of their ability to function normally. A kidney transplant can treat chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease to help you feel better and live longer.

Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease

You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage. Here are a few health tips to keep your kidneys healthy:

1. Make healthy food choices

Choose foods that are healthy for your kidneys. Cut back on salt and sugar and avoid processed foods. Eat whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Make physical activity part of your routine

Be active for 30 minutes or more on most days. Start a workout plan you enjoy like gymming, pilate, running or join an active sport you like playing.

Get enough sleep

Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, take steps to improve your sleep habits.

3. Stop smoking

Smoking highly increases your risk of kidney disease, quit today.

4. Limit alcohol intake

Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure and add extra calories, which increases your risk of getting a kidney disease.

5. Explore stress-reducing activities

Take up activities like yoga, meditation or join a hobby to help manage your stress better.

6. Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, the best way to protect your kidneys from damage is to keep your numbers in control and to take all medicines as prescribed. 

Are you suffering from any kidney disorders? Do you suspect any symptoms of kidney disease? Consult our highly experienced nephrologists at our Department of Nephrology for more help. Please find below link:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/nephrology.html

Despite making up half of the world’s population, women face major bias when it comes to healthcare. Most women don’t get timely access to healthcare services. A research conducted by a well known medical institute in India found only 37% of women got access to health care, as compared to 67% of men. Many of today’s health problems are preventable and manageable, as long as the appropriate time and care are given. It is time to increase the awareness about women’s diseases and ensure they get equal access to medical care. Women themselves must also make their health a priority and take the time to address their health concerns.

Common Women’s Diseases

Here is a list of the most common health disorders suffered by women:

1. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatable it is, so it’s important that women over the age of 40 years must do regular self-checks and mammograms. Here are the common risk factors of breast cancer:

• Genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Family history of breast cancer.
• Early onset of menstruation (before age 12) or menopause.
• Smoking or excessive alcohol intake.
• Obesity.

2. Osteoporosis

Women have a lower bone density than men and they tend to lose bone mass more rapidly as they age, this can lead to osteoporosis. Like many other common health issues for women, osteoporosis is influenced by the hormone estrogen. Estrogen helps regulate your reproductive cycle and keeps your bones strong. Because women experience dramatic drops in estrogen with menopause, they’re more likely to experience bone loss and osteoporosis at that time.

Here are a few health tips for stronger bones:

• Ensuring adequate calcium intake.
• Maintaining proper vitamin D levels.
• Be regular with your exercise routine.
• Avoid aerated drinks.
• Reducing your intake of salt.

3. Heart Disease

Although heart disease is often thought of as a problem that mainly affects men, heart disease is the most common cause of death for both men and women. Women experience different symptoms of a heart attack as compared to men. Here are a few symptoms:

• Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain in one or both arms.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sweating.

4. Depression

More women are diagnosed with depression, compared with men, with one in five experiencing depression at some time in their life. Women are more likely to experience these conditions during pregnancy and postpartum. Here are a few symptoms to watch for:

• An ongoing sad and anxious mood.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
• Irritability, restlessness or persistent crying.
• Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
• Sleeping problems – oversleeping or insomnia.

5. Fertility issues

10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have struggled with getting pregnant and/or staying pregnant. Some of the underlying reasons why women may be having issues with fertility are endometriosis, uterine fibroids, dysmenorrhea and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

6. Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is cancer arising from the cervix. It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that can invade or spread to other parts of the body. Early on, typically no symptoms are seen. Later symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse.

7. Pregnancy issues

Certain complications during pregnancy can threaten the health of a mother and her child. Asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and depression can harm the mother and child during pregnancy if not managed properly.

8. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune disease occurs when body cells that eliminate threats, such as viruses, attack healthy cells. Common autoimmune disease seen in women includes psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders.

Recommended health tests for women

Women’s bodies go through a lot of hormonal imbalance during their life. Make regular health screenings a part of your life. Being proactive regarding your health can prevent several health problems. We highly recommend these health tests for women:

1. Breast Examination

It is recommended to start your mammograms once you cross 40 years. Early detection ensures better chances of recovery. Complete self breast self-examination is also recommended every month. Talk to your doctor if you spot anything unusual.

2. Pelvic examination

It is always advisable that you visit your Gynaecologist periodically and have a complete pelvic examination and a Pap smear test. Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death amongst women in India.

3. Bone density test

A Bone Density Test helps detect your bone condition. This helps detect osteoporosis.

4. Thyroid test

Many women complain of unexplained weight gain, hair loss, brittle nails, and exhaustion. A common reason for this is an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism which controls the metabolism of the body. Get your thyroid levels checked.

5. Vitamin D test

This is a vital nutrient needed for bone growth and maintenance. The most important source of vitamin D is exposure to the sun. As we age, the tendency to synthesise this nutrient decreases.

6. Lipid profile tests

This test checks for good and bad cholesterol along with triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fat molecule, which is present in higher levels can get accumulated in the blood vessels and can affect the health of your heart, blood vessels, and brain.

7. Blood sugar test

A blood sugar test helps to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes. Diabetes has a tremendous impact on a woman’s health and has severe long-term complications.

8. Cardiac check-up

Get your cardiac check-up done if you have a family history of hypertension, heart disease or if you’re overweight, or if you are a smoker.

This International Women’s Day be proactive about your health. Consult experts when in doubt, do not rely on home remedies and self-medication. Please find below link to our Departments which specialize in women’s healthcare:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_motherchild.html

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer.html

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/gynaecologyobstetrics.html