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How poor air quality can affect you (1)

How Poor Air Quality can Affect You?

Feb 20th, 2023

Archive for 2023

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How Poor Air Quality can Affect You?

Monday, February 20th, 2023

Suffering from chest pain, wheezing and a cough that refuses to go away? Air pollution is a major problem in urban and rural India, and it is having a significant impact on the health of the people who live there. Many cities in India have very poor AQI levels, which mean that the air is highly polluted and can cause a range of health problems. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the quality of the air that we breathe, and it is used to describe how polluted the air is. According to the network of monitoring stations that make up the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 0-49 is regarded as “good,” 50 to 99 as “satisfactory,” and 100 to 199 as “moderate.” AQI in excess of 200 is considered “poor”, and above 300 “very poor”, AQI above 400 “severe” and above 500 is considered “severe+”. In the first week of February 2023, the AQI in Mumbai was recorded in the very poor category as it stood at 303. Mumbai’s air quality has deteriorated and is now worse than Delhi’s AQI.

Mumbai has been ranked the second most polluted city in the world last week. Throughout the last winter, Mumbai has experienced slow to very slow windspeed in most of the days, due to which the suspended particulate matters remained suspended in air for longer duration, therefore affecting the AQI. Experts attribute this weather condition as well as external factors like construction and vehicular emission for the deteriorating air quality. Pollution levels have been soaring in the financial capital for the last few weeks, leading to more and more respiratory infections for residents, especially the elderly and young children.

How poor AQI harms your health?

Several people are visiting hospital and clinics with complaints of respiratory distress, asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic inflammation of the airways, among other issues. The health effects of poor air quality can be significant. High levels of air pollution have been linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. One of the most common pollutants in the air is particulate matter (PM), which is made up of tiny particles that can get into our lungs and cause serious respiratory problems. In addition to PM, other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide can also cause health problems. Exposure to air pollution for long periods can also exacerbate existing health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. It has also been noted that ophthalmologists in the city are getting cases with eye irritation related to air pollution, especially in people who travel daily for long distances.

Health precautions

So, what can people do to protect their respiratory health in areas with poor air quality? One of the most important things is to monitor the AQI levels and take appropriate precautions when the levels are high. These include:

  • Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high
  • Try to stay indoors if possible
  • Wear a mask if stepping outdoors
  • Quit smoking
  • Invest in an air purifier
  • Keeping indoor plants
  • Don’t burn wood or garbage
  • Take medication for asthma

The AQI in many cities in India is a major public health concern, and it is essential for individuals to take steps to protect their respiratory health. This might include monitoring AQI levels, maintaining good indoor air quality, and staying informed about the latest research on air pollution and its health effects.

Do any members of your family have chest pain or breathing difficulties? Do your kids have a persistent cough and cold? Consult our highly experienced team of doctors at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine. Our pulmonologists can help manage your symptoms with prompt diagnosis and care and also recommend preventive care. Call 022 42696969 for appointments or visit our website for more assistance: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine.html

Understanding Epilepsy

Friday, February 10th, 2023

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects over 50 million people worldwide, with the majority of cases occurring in developing countries. It is characterized by recurring seizures that are caused by sudden and excessive electrical discharges in the brain. The incidence of epilepsy is highest in children under the age of two and in individuals over the age of 65. Let us understand some of the key facts about epilepsy diagnosis and treatment in this blog.

Causes behind Epilepsy

While the exact cause of an epilepsy diagnosis is not known, some factors may increase your risk of getting diagnosed with epilepsy. These include:

  • Perinatal or congenital disorders
  • Fever/infection
  • Metabolic or chemical imbalances in the body
  • Alcohol or drugs
  • Trauma to the head or brain injury
  • Genetic factors

What are Epilepsy seizures?

Seizures involve sudden, temporary, bursts of electrical activity in the brain that may disrupt the way messages are communicated between brain cells. These electrical bursts can cause involuntary changes in the body movement or function, sensation, behavior or awareness. It is important to note that not all people with epilepsy have seizure triggers, and for those that do, triggers may differ from person to person.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of each seizure vary depending on where in the brain the disturbance first starts, and how far it spreads. Some temporary symptoms include loss of awareness or consciousness, and disturbances of movement, mood, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), or other cognitive functions. Some of the most common symptoms of seizures include:

  • Staring
  • Temporary confusion
  • Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
  • Stiffening of the body
  • Loss of consciousness or awareness
  • Breathing problems
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Appearing confused or in a daze
  • Periods of rapid eye blinking

With early diagnosis and medical intervention, about 70 percent epilepsy patients are able to successfully manage epilepsy seizures with medication and certain types of surgery.

Common seizure triggers

Managing epilepsy requires a team approach. Work closely with your neurologist and therapist to help manage your condition better. Learning as much as you can about epilepsy and your seizure triggers can help you avoid the seizures. Some of the common triggers include:

  • Missed medicine
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Stress
  • Alcohol/ drug abuse
  • Menstrual cycle
  • Flashing lights

Treatment of Epilepsy

Seizures can be controlled with timely and appropriate use of anti-seizure medicines. In certain cases, surgery might be highly beneficial to patients who respond poorly to drug treatments. Experienced specialists at our Centre for Neurosciences will help you understand epilepsy better and guide you with further treatment. It is critical to take seizure medicines each and every day as prescribed. Any irregularity may have a direct impact on seizures and the medicine may not be able to prevent seizures.

We have established a “Comprehensive Epilepsy Care Programme” for the evaluation of people with epilepsy to provide the best medical and surgical management. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai is the first and only centre in Western India that provides state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities for epilepsy evaluation under one umbrella. The team of neurologists and neurosurgeons is committed to provide multidisciplinary care to the affected that goes beyond medication and surgery. Together as a team we aim to create awareness and remove the stigma attached to this disease. Additionally, our Support Group for Epilepsy conducts regular informative sessions to address issues related to medication, education, employment and social issues for patients and caregivers.

For more information regarding multidisciplinary Epilepsy care offered at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, please visit our website: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_neurosciences/epilepsy.html

Importance of Early Detection in Cancer Care

Friday, February 3rd, 2023

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and early detection plays a crucial role in increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. When cancer is detected in its early stages, it is often more treatable and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. Early stage patients are known to require only a single modality treatment, either surgery or radiation therapy but once it comes to stage III or IV multimodal treatment is always required, either two or three forms of treatment. In fact, statistics suggest that more than 50% cancer deaths in India are due to late diagnosis.

Several screening tests can help with early detection of cancer. In addition to screening tests we recommend regular health check-ups, reporting unusual symptoms and conducting self-examinations to increase the chances of early detection. Additionally by adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, promptly treating infections, abstaining from tobacco and alcohol and minimizing exposure to toxins you can lower your risk of developing cancer and improve your general health.

Cancer screening

It is important to be proactive in maintaining one’s health and to seek medical attention if any symptoms or concerns arise. Here is a list of various cancer screening tests to be performed as per your doctor’s advice:

  • Mammogram
    A low-dose X-ray of the breast used to detect changes or abnormalities that may indicate breast cancer.
  • Pap smear
    A test to detect abnormal cells on the cervix that could indicate cervical cancer.
  • Colonoscopy
    A test that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the colon and rectum for signs of cancer or precancerous polyps.
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
    A blood test to measure the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland that can indicate prostate cancer.
  • Liver function tests
    Blood tests that measure levels of certain enzymes and proteins produced by the liver to detect liver cancer or other liver diseases.
  • Endoscopy
    A test that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine for signs of cancer or precancerous changes.
  • Chest X-ray
    A low-dose X-ray of the chest to detect changes or abnormalities that may indicate lung cancer.

It is important to note that these tests may vary based on individual risk factors, such as age, family history, and lifestyle habits. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and to discuss the benefits and risks of each test. Further, an early detection does not guarantee a cure, but it can greatly improve the chances of a successful outcome and increase the chances of survival. Early detection can also reduce the need for more extensive and invasive treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Cancer treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Our Centre for Cancer brings together the expertise within the hospital to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for patients with all types of cancers, including solid tumours and blood related diseases. We offer a broad scope of cancer services, ranging from public awareness programs, screening and diagnosis, to treatment, pain management and palliative care. The range of care provided is organised into a number of patient-centred clinics, which includes Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, Surgery, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Pain and Palliative Care. Our centre is supported by a Day Care Chemotherapy Unit that allows patients to go home the same day while under treatment. Besides, we offer cutting edge services that include:

  • Minimal Access Surgery and Robotic Surgery for most cancers
  • Trilogy for radiotherapy, EdgeTM and Novalis Tx for radiosurgery
  • Latest PET Scan for precise diagnosis

We also offer Precision Oncology, a landmark in cancer care which offers personalized, precise and individualized cancer treatment for each patient.

The Comprehensive Breast Care Unit at our Centre is a dedicated service that has been created to specifically diagnose and treat various diseases affecting the breast including breast cancer and is known to provide evidence based medicine using a multidisciplinary approach. Our highly experienced team has successfully performed over 19,500 complex cancer surgeries with excellent outcomes.

When it comes to your body, remember you are in charge. If you do spot something unusual, don’t put it off. Speak to your doctor, or reach out to our cancer specialists for further investigation. In most cases it won’t be cancer – but if it is, finding it early can make a real difference. For more information regarding the advanced cancer treatments offered at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, please visit:

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

Cervical Cancer: Important points you must know

Friday, January 20th, 2023

India accounts for the highest number of cervical cancer cases in Asia, according to a latest Lancet study on the disease. There were around 6,04,127 new cases of cervical cancer in 2020 and India reported around 21% of the total cervical cases, as per the data. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the lower part of the uterus called the cervix – a part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This disease is caused by various strains of human papillomaviruses (HPV), a group of viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections. When the human body is exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system typically prevents the infection from viruses but sometimes people with weaker immune systems cannot fight against the infection caused by HPV, which results in the virus surviving in their body for years, contributing to the process of cervical cells becoming cancerous cells.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Sadly, cervical cancer doesn’t initially show any symptoms that are obvious. Only when the cancer has progressed do symptoms start showing up. It is advised to undergo routine screening tests that are known to identify the likelihood of having cervical cancer because in its early stages, the disease may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms of cervical cancer in women include:

  • Vaginal bleeding between periods or following sexual intercourse
  • Vaginal discharge that is heavy, foul-smelling, or contains blood
  • Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss
  • A change in bowel or bladder habits
  • A lump or mass in the pelvic area
  • Lower back pain

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not all women with cervical cancer will have symptoms. That is why it is important to have regular cervical cancer screenings.

Cervical Cancer: Do’s & Don’t

Here are some essential healthcare precautions to note to reduce your risk of cervical cancer:

Do’s:

  • Get regular Pap tests and cervical cancer screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider
  • Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of HPV infection
  • Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to support overall health
  • Understand the symptoms of cervical cancer and seek medical attention for any unusual changes
  • Get the HPV vaccine

Don’ts:

  • Don’t ignore or avoid recommended cervical cancer screenings
  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
  • Don’t rely solely on alternative medicine to treat cervical cancer
  • Don’t ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical attention

Cause of Cervical Cancer

Here are some medically researched risk factors that increase your risk of getting cervical cancer:

  • Poor vaginal hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Increased number of childbirths
  • HIV infection
  • Prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills
  • Sexual intercourse with multiple partners

Lead a healthy lifestyle, take care of your reproductive health and see a gynaecologist for any unusual changes.

Cervical Cancer treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Cervical cancer is a serious disease that affects many women worldwide. Early detection and treatment are crucial in increasing the chances of survival. The Centre for Cancer at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai is staffed with experienced and compassionate oncologists and onco-surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. We use state-of-the-art technology for prevention, screening and early detection, advanced imaging (including PET CT) to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy all under one roof to provide our patients with the best possible care. We are committed to fighting cervical cancer and saving lives. Please find below our website details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/gynecologicaloncology.html

Warning signs of thyroid disease you must know

Monday, January 9th, 2023

The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It significantly affects general health and wellbeing and is essential for your body’s metabolism. Unfortunately, millions of people throughout the world experience thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Statistics suggest that thyroid disorders are one of the most common endocrine disorders and affect nearly 4.2 crore Indians.

How does the thyroid gland function?

The thyroid gland makes hormones that control various aspects of the body’s metabolism, such as heart rate, body temperature, and the rate at which energy is used by the body. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are released into the bloodstream to do this. These hormones are essential for preserving the body’s homeostasis, or overall equilibrium. The body’s metabolism runs more efficiently when the thyroid is in good health. However, thyroid abnormalities can result in a number of different health problems.

Common thyroid disorders

There are several thyroid disorders that can affect the body’s metabolism and overall health. The most common include:

  • Hypothyroidism
    This occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. 
  • Hyperthyroidism
    This occurs when the thyroid gland makes high levels of thyroid hormone.
  • Goiter
    This is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to become enlarged, resulting in a visible swelling in the neck. This may occur due to a variety of factors, including an iodine deficiency, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications.
  • Thyroid nodules
    These are small lumps that can form in the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous), but some rare ones may be cancerous.
  • Thyroid cancer
    This is a cancer that affects the thyroid gland.

Warning signs of thyroid disease

Depending on whether the body is producing too much or too little thyroid hormone, different indicators of thyroid disorders might be seen in different people. Thyroid issues are more common in women than in men. Around 1 in 8 women may experience thyroid issues at least once in their lives. Some women are more prone to thyroid issues than others, depending on factors including age, body type, and the level of thyroid hormone in the body. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a thyroid abnormality:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Significant weight gain or weight loss
  • Change in the appearance
  • Feeling miserable
  • Headaches
  • Mood swings
  • Digestive issues
  • Dry skin
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Fertility issues
  • Thinning hair

While these symptoms may not necessarily indicate thyroid problems, you must still speak to your doctor for further testing and diagnosis. Thyroid disorders can often be diagnosed through a blood test that measures the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the body. This helps take the required medical action and reduces your risk of suffering from thyroid complications.

Facts about your thyroid

Here are some essential things to know about your thyroid gland:

  • A TSH test is the most accurate way to diagnose a thyroid imbalance.
  • Stress can worsen thyroid disorders.
  • A thyroid imbalance must be addressed before and during pregnancy.
  • Thyroid disorders can be emotional.
  • Thyroid disorders usually require lifelong treatment.
  • Women are more prone than men to have thyroid issues.
  • Most thyroid disorders cannot be prevented.

Treatment of thyroid disorders

Treatment for thyroid disorders typically involves medication to correct hormone imbalances. Surgery might be required in some complex cases to remove all or a part of the thyroid gland. Thyroid imbalance is serious and can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. You must take charge of your thyroid health without any delay and seek specialist care. Consult doctors at our Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes for a detailed evaluation, management and care of your thyroid. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent long-term health complications. Do refer this link for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/endocrinologydiabetes/thyroidclinic.html

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