Overview

Being a mother for the first time is always special. The birth of a child can evoke a wide range of strong emotions. For all the new moms, everything that happens is something to cherish for life. However, postpartum depression is not something we wish for.

They will be very conscious about even small details regarding the child. However, it can also lead to something unexpected. Depression is very common nowadays for new moms. 

After childbirth, most new mothers have ppd which include mood changes, crying episodes, anxiety, and problems sleeping. In this article we are discussing ppd.

What is postpartum depression?

Life with a newborn can be exciting and wonderful at times, it can also be difficult and stressful. For a few days or weeks after giving birth, many new moms suffer from the baby blues, a mild form of depression. 

It’s natural to experience emotional highs and lows at this time. Within a week or two of giving birth, the baby blues normally fade away on their own. You don’t need medical help if you have the baby blues.

Postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer than baby blues, which can cause significant disruption in daily life. Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious disorder that affects some women after they give birth.

Women who suffer from the baby blues are more likely to develop ppd. More acute sensations of grief, despair, worry, and anger characterise the disorder. The symptoms last longer and can appear at any point throughout the first year.

What are the symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

You sometimes not even realise you have depression. You may believe that you share the same feelings as all new mothers. Again, it’s natural for a new mom to feel fatigue, but depressed or hopeless is not.

Warning signs of postpartum depression:

• Sleeping problem
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Feel overwhelmed
• Gets frustrate easily
• Being hopeless

What are the Causes for Postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression  can caused by hormonal changes that occur after birth. The level of oestrogen and progesterone in the body drops dramatically after delivery, producing mood swings. 

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland may drop dramatically in some people, causing them to feel fatigued and anxious. These feelings might exacerbated by a lack of sleep and a poor diet. 

Another possible reason for ppd is emotional problems. You may be concerned about how your life has changed since the baby was born, or you may be afraid about taking care of your new infant. 

To all out there who say postpartum is drama. It’s not, postpartum depression is REAL.

Can a new father get postpartum depression?

It’s not that common but still there are chances to get ppd for men. Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, have relationship issues, or financially strapped are the most vulnerable to ppd. 

Paternal postpartum depression, often known as postpartum depression in fathers, can have the same negative impact on partner interactions and child development as postpartum depression in mothers. 

If you’re a new father and are suffering signs of depression or anxiety throughout your partner’s pregnancy or in the first year after your child’s birth they please do consider visiting a psychologist. Likewise, postpartum depression in fathers can treated in the same way as it is treated in moms with postpartum depression.

When should I seek help from a professional?

We may confused about emotions and really don’t know what to do. It’s all new and we are all worried about it. It is hard to find the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression. 

• Include ideas of self-harm or hurting your child
• After two weeks, you haven’t improve
• Things are getting worse
• Make it difficult for you to care for your child
• Make it difficult to carry out daily tasks

It’s possible that you’re hesitant or embarrassed to confess it. However, if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of postpartum depression or postpartum baby blues, you should seek medical help.

Unfortunately, many people laugh off the idea of paternal ppd. Saying that we all give birth to a child and it’s nothing that serious to have mood swings, kids these days are so dramatic. Yeah, some of us might get such comments. Postpartum depression is real. 

People who suffer from depression may completely ignorant of the fact that they are depressed. They may be unaware of depression’s indications and symptoms. If you feel a friend or loved one is suffering from postpartum depression or is developing postpartum psychosis, assist them in seeking medical care as soon as possible. Don’t wait for things to get better.

It doesn’t mean you are failing as a parent. Don’t blame yourself, just realise your emotions and accept reality. We are one call away to help you, call 1800 889 2559.

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It was only yesterday I was reminded about this year’s mother’s day when my marketing colleagues shared a mother’s day poster for team preview, the creative supply meant for our social handles to fulfill the routine feed. It wasn’t touchy from any angles. Nor did it have a compelling story for backing up the little graphical efforts they had copy-pasted. It was shallow for a periodic purpose, disappointing. I rejected it outright.

I sounded rude explaining it, even to myself, though. How many children would have their minds triggered seeing it, remembering their mothers emotionally, and caring for their health and wellbeing, at least?

Well, this mother’s day I have a short story to tell, about my own mother, perhaps useful for other mothers if told simple and straight, the painful ordeal my mother has been through in the past few weeks, still mildly persists as I write. Therefore, here comes my first blog on ShopDoc. My first try to write about real-life experiences in healthcare.

She’s 59 now. She became a mother before she turned 20.  As a small boy, I remember looking at my young mother with a lot of pride whenever ladies from the neighborhood would come to her for help carrying doctor’s prescriptions and medical reports. She was the only woman in the whole neighborhood and the entire family who could read English. That pretty much qualified her to interpret confidently and help the confused neighbors with detailed instructions in lay language (Warning: Half doctor kills the patients!). In the end, she would always add, go for minimal allopathic medicines, and beware of the side effects. She was hesitant to see doctors whenever she fell ill with seasonal sickness, she would often encourage everyone in the house to boost natural immunity, and she would also repeat, always, “prevention is better than cure”.

Fast forward 30 years, today, she consumes 6 – 8 tablets daily, and a box of medicines requires monthly refills without fail, the recurring task I’m entrusted with. Her prolonged suffering from multiple lifestyle diseases confirms she didn’t actually follow what she taught us and those ignorant housewives in the neighborhood.

It all started with her diabetes and thyroid disease, followed by cardiovascular, she underwent angioplasty to revive her ailing heart, another worry is regular hypertension, and to make her life really uncomfortable, constipation and gastritis.

And there’s one more villain lately who has been knocking her down, the newest entrant in her list of special attention seekers, which surprisingly went undetected for a few weeks, it had remained as an unresolved mystery that in turn ridiculously exposed the diagnosis processes of multiple hospitals including a private medical college, and specialist doctors at one of the leading tertiary care hospital brands in the country.

In 3 weeks, she was taken to 6 different hospitals. None of them could remotely figure out what exactly caused her pain, the unbearable stomach pain she said had almost killed her, in fact, they all only tried to kill her symptoms.

One doctor even suggested booking a Psychologist consultation as he couldn’t find any trouble in her body after multiple tests and imaging. We, the immediate family members also had our doubts, it was rather psychological, may not be physiological. 

Being the founder of ShopDoc, a platform that has over 3000 doctors and 200 hospitals in its digital network, I felt ashamed for not being able to diagnose my own mother’s new condition, I had to rush to my village to be around my mother, by the time I took her to a physician who’s also a general surgeon possessing expertise in endoscopy, she was already seen by a famous cardiologist, gastroenterologist, urologist, and obstetrician.

The physician found out, finally, it was a case of severe hyponatremia, in simple words, insufficient sodium in the blood. How come all of the other specialist doctors in those reputed big hospitals shockingly missed out to check her sodium level? They all took money for consultation, several diagnostic tests, and prescribed medications. She wasn’t suffering from any terminal illness.

Yet there was no positive outcome for weeks in terms of diagnosis, and the patient had to go through a horrible experience. The whole episode made me ask a few questions myself, why can’t we have a value-based care system as opposed to existing fee-for-service for better patient outcomes in a time-bound manner that can effectively determine the price of the care delivered? It can improve performance, and ensure transparency and accountability in the healthcare system. Introspecting my mother’s history, as she always believed, that prevention is less expensive than curative treatment. A strong preventive-focused primary care system in place could have probably saved my mother from falling into multiple chronic conditions early on. How? 

Instead of the existing primary care system, where people only see doctors whenever they fall ill, a new preventive-focused value-based primary care system will encourage the communities to subscribe to a set of value packages that include not just physician services but also the recommended regular services of a dietician, psychologist, fitness trainer, etc.

That’s why we at ShopDoc have the purpose of building our SmartClinics in every small town, a virtual-first hybrid-future primary care clinic to provide preventive-focused value-based essential healthcare services to the local communities. The societal impact of implementing such a primary care system is enormous.

Going back to my mother again, as a young mother, now I know she didn’t eat right, she probably didn’t know dieticians existed. She wasn’t aware of the importance of caring for her mental health and wellness. There was no support available to maintain her physical fitness. These are also supposed to be the essential elements of proper primary care she deserved. Lack of all these has cumulatively caused her multiple health complications relatively at a young age. I know I can’t reverse my mother’s conditions, but I can certainly help new young mothers to achieve healthier and happier life. Let us work together, to help achieve a healthier and happier life.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers.

Shihab Makaniyil, Founder & CEO, ShopDoc

People often confuse being unhappy with depression. Being unhappy is not the same as being depressed. Depression is a term that is frequently used to describe how we feel after a difficult week at work or when we are going through a breakup. However, major depressive disorder, a kind of depression, is far more complex. There are some unique signs that distinguish depression from the sadness that we all experience from time to time.

Depression is a common term and a popular cause of concern nowadays. It is a universal truth that Covid-19 has played a major role in causing a mental imbalance in people. 

Unemployment, homeschooling of children, work from home, lack of contact with other family members, restricted social life, and several other factors have triggered these mental conditions in people so what is actually depression? And what are its symptoms?.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental condition that causes chronic sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of mental and physical difficulties. It is also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression.

Symptoms of depression can be:

1. Loss of hope

Depression is a mental condition that impacts how you feel about yourself and your life as a whole hence the most prevalent symptom of depression is a hopeless or useless view of life. Along with hopelessness other emotions that may arise with depression are worthlessness, self-hatred, or inappropriate guilt.

2. Anxiety

While depression has not been proven to induce anxiety, the two disorders frequently coexist. Anxiety symptoms might include:

• Nervousness and restlessness
• A rapid change in heart rate
• Heavy sweating
• Feelings of panic
• Rapid breathing
• Trembling 
• Trouble focusing 

3. Loss of interest

Depression can rob you of the pleasure or happiness you get from doing the things you appreciate and another telltale indicator of significant depression is loss of interest or withdrawal from activities that you once looked forward to, such as sports and hobbies.

Sex is another area in which you may lose interest so a decrease in libido drive and even impotence are symptoms of serious depression.

4. Fatigue and sleep problems

fatigue is one of the reasons that you may stop doing things you usually enjoyed so depression is frequently accompanied by a lack of energy and an excessive sense of exhaustion, which can be among the most incapacitating symptoms of depression. This may result in excessive sleeping.

Depression and sleeplessness are also related, as one can lead to the other. They can also aggravate each other. Lack of quality, undisturbed sleep can exacerbate anxiety

5. Changes in appetite and weight

People suffering from depression may have fluctuations in their weight and appetite. Each person’s experience will be unique. Some people will gain weight because of their increased appetite, while others may lose weight because they are not hungry.

6. Loss of control over emotions

You may be experiencing an outpouring of rage but the next thing you know, you’re sobbing uncontrollably. Nothing outside of you caused the change, yet your emotions are volatile at best. Depression can cause mood swings.

7. Thoughts of death

In a survey conducted in the year 2013, it is found that 42,000 people committed suicide in the United States only due to depression. Depression often related to suicide

Suicidal people frequently exhibit symptoms first. Before ultimately ending their life, many people will talk about it or make the first attempt. If you believe someone is in immediate danger of self-harm or harming another person, take the following steps:

• Call the appropriate emergency number in your area.
• Remove any firearms, knives, drugs, or other potentially dangerous items.
• Stay with the individual until help arrives.
• Create a calmer mood above the heat of the situation.
• Listen without passing judgement, threatening, or yelling.

If anyone you know or yourself feels like having depression or suicidal thoughts, dial your local emergency number right away, talk to a psychologist, or confide in a trusted relative or friend.

For more help and support, contact us on 1800 889 2559. 

Belly fat is a common weight loss goal, it can act very adversely on our daily lives. Most of the time we can’t get our favorite dress or trousers in proportional sizes. And we settle for those mediocre-looking ones from clothing stores. Too much belly fat can affect your health in a way that other fat doesn’t.

Sometimes you may find it hard to do activities that you used to do. So we often get depressed or lose confidence. Fortunately, there are many methods to get back on track and lose that stubborn belly fat. Losing this fat can have significant benefits for your health and well-being.

What is belly fat?

Belly fat or pot belly is a cumulation of body fat to the abdominal area. If you gain too much weight, your body starts to store your fat in unusual places. Excessive fat deposit around the stomach and abdomen is termed belly fat.

It is also associated with health conditions like type two diabetes and heart disease. As losing this fat can promote significant changes in one’s mental and physical well-being. Certain weight loss techniques or strategies can target the belly fat area more specifically.

Methods to lose belly fat easily

Visceral fat like belly fat likes inactivity. Even thin people who watched their diets but didn’t exercise were more likely to have too much visceral fat. This concludes there is belly fat in those people who we all might think are “thin people”. So exercise along with diet is the most functioning and effective way to get rid of your belly fat problem.

The key is to be active, no matter what size or shape you are in. No need to force your body. Only if it pulls you back and has effects on your health condition then you can consider losing some fat.

• Avoid sugar and sugar-sweetened foods.

Foods added with sugar are very bad for your health. Studies show that added sugar has harmful effects on metabolic health and promotes fat build-up in the abdomen and liver.

• Exercise 

A daily exercise routine helps to break down and burn excess fat stored in your body. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week. Walking counts, as long as it’s enough to break out a sweat. It also makes your heart beat fast and breathe harder. There are exercises that specifically concentrate on belly fat like :

1. Russian Twists

The Russian twist is a core exercise that improves oblique strength and definition. The move is typically performed with a medicine ball or plate. It involves rotating your torso from side to side while holding a sit-up position with your feet off the ground.

2. HIIT

While the old thinking was that cardio sessions were best for burning fat. We now know that short and intense bursts of fast-paced cardio are much more effective. Now professional fitness trainers suggest doing exercise in some definite intervals and that works for different muscle groups simultaneously.

3. Yoga

Getting your yoga pants on may not burn as many calories as a hilly run or lifting weights. But it can help build muscle and improve your endurance and stability which are all crucial for boosting your metabolism. Some of the yoga poses include plank, chair, Chaturanga, and wheel. 

4. Planks

Planks are great for building core strength and stability, which helps to improve your core strength and reduce belly fat. A strong core can support you during other forms of physical activities. Also can even help protect your other body parts from getting injured.

• Eat fewer carbohydrates

Intake of lesser carbohydrates leads to fewer calories forming. When people cut carbs, their appetite goes down and so does their weight. Low carb and low-fat diets specifically reduce fat.

t in the abdomen and around the organs.

• Diet 

Maintaining a diet as a whole. It helps your body to reduce calories, and carbohydrate intake to slope down. And fibers, minerals, and other adequate nutrients to sum up the body.

• Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated not only helps to lose weight but also helps in flushing out toxins from your body. Drinking water lessens your appetite and keeps you full for a longer period of time.

• Sleep

Getting the right sleep. In one study, people who got  7 hours of sleep on average per night gained less visceral fat over 5 years compared to those who slept 5 or fewer hours per night or 8 or more hours per night. So get your sleeping habits right from today.

• Cardio

Simple cardio exercises like walking, running, skipping, swimming, and cycling also help in the reduction of belly fat.

If you still have a hard time losing weight you can always visit a dietician or just a physician. Get an expert’s advice so you know what works for you. For more help and support, call us at 1800 889 25559.

You may be asking if there is anything you can do to speed up the growth of your hair. Is there anything that can help? Is it possible to accelerate growth through dietary changes? What about treatments or medications?

We’ll try to answer such queries in this article. We’ll also look at the factors that influence hair growth and the activities you may take to increase your hair’s development.

What is the process of hair growth?

We are born with all of the hair follicles that we will ever have. On our scalp, there are around 100,000 follicles. When it comes to hair loss, shedding 50 to 100 hairs per day is quite normal.

Hair grows from the bottom of a follicle under your skin (root). Blood from your scalp travels to the follicle, where it delivers oxygen and nutrients to the hair root, allowing it to develop.

Hair will push through your skin and pass through an oil gland as it grows. The oil from this gland is what makes your hair shiny and soft.

What can you do to make your hair grow faster?

While genetics play a part in maintaining good hair development, there are several additional things to consider.

There is no magical formula or solution that will cause your hair to grow instantly, but there are actions you may take to promote it.

Let’s take a look at some things you can do to help your hair grow faster and stronger.

1. Restrictive dieting should be avoided.

We don’t have complete control over everything that influences our hair development. However, there are several things we can do to avoid stunted growth and excessive shedding. Dietary restrictions might reduce the resources and minerals required for hair development.

Hair development is slowed quickly when your body is stressed. Due to restrictive eating since hair growth is a low priority compared to other biological functions. Hair shedding frequently continues for months after returning to a healthy diet.

2. Evaluate your protein consumption

Hair will not grow optimally if your diet is highly restricted, and shedding may occur. It’s critical to have a well-balanced diet with enough protein to promote healthy hair development. In general eating at least 50 grams of protein, every day will help.

3. Avoid heat styling products

Heat styling can cause hair to break and become damaged. Your hair may not grow as quickly as you’d want if you frequently get blow-outs, use a curling or straightening iron, or use a hot comb. If you must use heat, follow these instructions:

• Apply a heat protector first
• Select the coldest option
• Reduce heat when styling your hair
• Try not to use it on a daily basis

4. Allow yourself to be pampered with a scalp massage

A scalp massage can help in relaxation and stress relief. It may, however, assist improve the health of your hair. A gentle massage will improve blood circulation. So getting a few-minute head massage may help hair to get thicker and stronger.

5. Trim your hair regularly

You may think that what role does a haircut play in hair growth? Well, trimming hair will aid hair growth. When you trim the ends or the weakest parts of the strands can help reduce split ends. Split ends can move up your hair shafts, shortening your locks. Because your hair grows about 1/2 inch per month, a 1/4-inch trim every three months or so is a good idea.

So we have discussed all possible tips and tricks that can help our hair to grow faster. Now there is a new procedure that really helps to grow hair faster. 

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP)

PRP therapy has shown potential in the treatment of hair loss sufferers. PRP is a ground-breaking treatment that restores and accelerates hair growth by injecting a concentrated concentration of a patient’s own platelets. Platelets are proteins and DNA taken from one’s own bloodstream that, when injected into the body, can behave like a stem cell.

PRP injections in the scalp can spark inactive hair follicles into life, resulting in increased hair growth. Treatments are once a month for the first three months, then every six months after that for maintenance.

Talk with your doctor if you are a candidate for PRP. For a second opinion from an expert call 1800 889 2559. For more help and support click here.

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Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne sickness that can be found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. A high temperature and flu-like symptoms characterize mild dengue fever.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe form of dengue fever that can result in major bleeding, a reduction in blood pressure (shock), and death.

These viruses are closely linked to the viruses that cause West Nile Virus and yellow fever.

Vaccines against dengue fever are being developed by scientists. For the time being, the best ways to avoid getting dengue fever are to avoid being bitten by mosquitos and to take action to lower the mosquito population in places where the disease is common.

Causes of dengue fever

There are four types of dengue viruses:

• DENV-1
• DENV-2
• DENV-3
• DENV-4.

Any of four types of dengue viruses can cause dengue fever, most commonly the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Hence the virus cannot be transmitted by being in the presence of an infected individual. Dengue fever is transmitted through mosquito bites.

Two species of mosquitoes carry the viruses that cause dengue, Which is common around human accommodations. So when a mosquito bites a dengue virus-infected person, the virus enters the mosquito hence the virus then enters the bloodstream of the next person.

Dengue fever is not to be confused with dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a different disease caused by the same virus but with far more severe symptoms.

Symptoms of dengue fever

Dengue fever begins with a sudden high fever, often as high as 105°F (40.5°C), 4 to 7 days after the infection.

A flat, red rash may appear over most of the body 2 to 5 days after the fever starts. A second rash, which looks like measles, appears later in the disease. Infected people may have increased skin sensitivity and are very uncomfortable. However many people experience no signs or symptoms of dengue infection. 

When symptoms do occur, they may be mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu. Few other symptoms of dengue are,

• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle, bone or joint pain
• Vomiting
• Pain behind the eyes
• Swollen glands
• Rashes
• Mild bleeding

So the majority of people recover in about a week. Symptoms might intensify and become life-threatening in some circumstances hence such condition is known as severe dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever, or dengue shock syndrome.

When your blood vessels become damaged and leaky, you get severe dengue fever. In addition, the amount of platelets (clot-forming cells) in your bloodstream decreases.  This condition can be vital and also can induce Shock internal hemorrhage and organ failure.

Signs of haemorrhage dengue are,

• Severe stomach pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Bleeding from your gums or nose
• Blood in your urine, stools or vomit
• Bleeding under the skin, which might look like bruising
• Difficult or rapid breathing
• Fatigue
• Irritability or restlessness

When do dengue rashes appear?

Dengue fever is characterised by a rapid high temperature that can reach 105°F (40.5°C) four to seven days after infection. 2 to 5 days after the fever begins, a flat, red rash may emerge over the majority of the body as a result later in the disease, a second rash that looks like measles occurs.

Can dengue cure on its own?

Above all most cases of dengue fever are mild and go away on their own after about a week. But lookout for the signs of severe dengue. If the condition persists or worsens after a week it is advised that you get diagnosed.

When to consult a doctor

In conclusion, if you develop a fever or have symptoms of dengue fever, see a doctor and inform him or her of your latest trip.

Take proper rest, also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Moreover, drink electrolyte-fortified water or sports beverages. Care for a sick infant, kids, or relative at home if the symptoms are moderate.

Remember dengue fever is a medical emergency that can be fatal. For instance, if you’ve recently visited a region where dengue fever is known to occur, you’ve had a fever, and you’ve developed any of the warning signs, seek medical help right away. For more help and support, contact us on 1800 889 2559. 

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Hiccups are harmless, funny, and annoying at the same time. Letting out strange sounds through your mouth without a warning, you can’t put a stop to it as it goes on and on. How awkward is that? Others may feel like laughing but for the person who is burdened with a hiccup, it’s a bit annoying. So what is that involuntary internal process that is causing those awkward hiccups and how to get rid of them?

Hiccups are involuntary or uncontrollable contractions of the diaphragm without warnings. Diaphragms are the muscles in between our chest and belly right below the lungs, Diaphragm marks the boundary between your chest and abdomen, and it also plays a vital role in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, your lungs take in oxygen. When the diaphragm relaxes, your lungs release carbon dioxide.  Each contraction is followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords for which the body reacts with a gasp or chirp, creating the sound characteristic of hiccups, a “hic” sound.

Causes of hiccups

Hiccups can happen to anyone, adults, children, and babies. Even though It’s not clear why people get hiccups. There are several reasons hiccups might happen:

• Having a large meal
• Excitement or emotional stress
• Eating spicy food
• Drinking carbonated beverages
• Consuming very hot or cold food
• Swallowing air while eating chewing gum
• Aerophagia 
• Sudden change in temperature
• Inhale toxic fumes
• Chemotherapy
• Take drugs (particularly those for anxiety and benzodiazepines)

 And several factors can increase your likelihood of developing a hiccup

 Studies show that the chances of getting hiccups are higher in males than females. Experiencing intense mental or emotional responses can trigger hiccups.

What is a long term hiccup ?

There are hiccups that you can’t get rid of and can last more than 48 hours, these are termed as long-term hiccups which can be due to other conditions.

Metabolic disorders

i) Diabetes 

 ii) kidney disease

iii) Electrolyte imbalance

Drugs 

i) Anaesthesia 

ii) Steroids

iii) Tranquilizers

iv) Alcoholism

Nerve damage or irritation

Long-term hiccups can happen due to damage in vagus nerves and phrenic nerves.

Which coordinates the diaphragm muscles. Damages can be of a tumor, cyst, or goiter in your neck, gastroesophageal reflux, sore throat, or laryngitis

Central nervous system disorders

Tumor, infection, or damage in your central nervous system can derange your body’s normal control over the hiccup reflex. Examples include:

i) Encephalitis

ii) Meningitis

iii) Multiple sclerosis

iv) Stroke

v) Traumatic brain injury

vi)Tumors

Is hiccup good or bad ?

Hiccups are generally harmless most of the time when you get hiccups it goes on their own within minutes. But things are not the same with the chronic condition of hiccups. chronic hiccups are usually signs of a medical issue and can last for years in some people. They can also cause health issues themselves. You may experience exhaustion and such hiccups keep you awake most nights. It can also lead to weight loss since they affect your appetite or desire to eat.

How to stop hiccups

You may have been told that if you drink a cup of water or get jumpscares you can get rid of those ever-annoying hiccups, but unfortunately, none of these are scientifically proven. However, there are few remedies that you can try, according to some experts measures like breathing into a bag or just holding your breath can serve the purpose.

Self help strategies

• Gargle
• Hold your breath
• Breathe into a paper bag
• Eat a bit of fresh ginger
• Take deep breaths
• Have a hot water and honey drink
• Suck on a lemon
• Drink a glass of water slowly
• Eat ice
• Sit down and lean forward over your knees
• Ask someone to give you a fright.

These are some conventional tricks that can help you out from that hiccup streak. If it continues for days, get an appointment with your doctor. As it is mentioned prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders.

For more help and support, contact us on 1800 889 2559. 

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A fistula is a connection between two body cavities (such as the rectum and the vagina) that is abnormal or a connection between a body cavity and the skin (such as the rectum to the skin).

A fistula can develop as a result of an abscess, which is a pus-filled pocket in the body. Fistulas occur when there is a breakthrough in the skin, another body cavity, or an organ. The abscess may be constantly filling with body fluids like stool or urine, preventing healing.

Types of fistula

Fistulas are common in the area around the genitals. There are four different forms of fistulas.

1. Enterocutaneous

The intestine connects to the skin in this sort of fistula. A surgical complication that causes an enterocutaneous fistula is possible.

It normally occurs in an intestine-to-surgery-site-to-skin pathway.

2. Enteroenteric or Enterocolic

This type of fistula occurs when there are abnormal body connections in the small intestine or large intestine. 

3. Enterovaginal fistula

This fistula is often regarding and affecting the vagina so a uterovaginal or vesicovaginal fistula is a complication that causes vaginal discharge of succus, urine, or stool, which can cause serious problems.

4. Enterovesicular 

This fistula connects the urethra to the bladder. These fistulas can lead to urinary tract infections or gas passing into the urethra during urination.

How do you know if you have a fistula?

An anal fistula is usually diagnosed by examining the area around the anus. Your doctor will search the skin for an opening (the fistula tract). Then will try to figure out how deep the tract is and which way it’s heading. Perform a self-examination before going to a doctor, look for signs of a fistula in your body. 

Signs of a fistula

The severity and location of the fistula affect the symptoms so here are some common signs, depending on the type of fistula.

• Constant urine leakage from the vagina
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Irritation and discomfort in the external female genital organs
• Leakage of gas and/or faeces into the vagina
• Fluid drainage from the vagina
• Pain in abdomen 
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Can a fistula heal on its own?

Ninety per cent of fistulas develop as a result of body infection. Bacteria, faeces, or foreign materials can clog an anal gland and tunnel into the tissue around the anus or rectum, where it might eventually gather in an infection.

Fistulas must be treated because fistula tracts do not heal on their own. If the fistula tract is left untreated for an extended length of time, it may develop as a cancer or tumour. However, the majority of fistulas are easy to treat. The tract or fistula can be opened and the space inside can be removed completely.

Treatment 

Fistula treatments differ depending on the location of the fistula and the severity of the symptoms. So patients seek the guidance of gynaecologists, urogynecologists, or colorectal surgeons for fistula closure. Following a fistula diagnosis, a medical specialist will determine the appropriate treatment approach based on the location, size, and signs of the fistula. So surgery may be required for more serious fistula treatment. The most common treatment methods for fistula are:

Non invasive treatment

• Fibrin glue treatment
• Plug 
• Catheters

Surgical treatment 

• Transabdominal surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery

Pharmaceutical treatment

Any infection caused by the fistula may be treated with antibiotics or other medications but currently, there is no medicinal way to eliminate fistulas.

Bottom line

While fistulas are a major threat to your health, remember that fistulas have a high success rate so don’t hesitate to get proper treatment at the right time. Moreover, prolonged treatment can lead to cancer or tumours in the specific region. So consult a doctor, get a proper diagnosis and then the treatment if needed.

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We all experience stomach aches once in a while and few have a chronic stomach ache as a health condition. Is that common? Or is it something much more severe?

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers are painful wounds on the lining of the stomach. Ulcers are painful and depressing. But there are treatments available for it.

Stomach ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer which are open sores in the inside lining of your stomach and also on the upper portion of your small intestine. Any ulcer that affects both the stomach and the small intestine is a peptic ulcer.

What causes stomach ulcers?

When the thick coating of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive fluids becomes weak, stomach ulcers develop. This permits the strong digestive acids in the body to eat away the stomach’s lining tissues resulting in an ulcer.

1.  Bacteria

Helicobacter pylori bacteria are the bacteria that live in the mucous layer that protects the stomach and small intestine, they are usually harmless but can cause inflammation in the stomach that causes ulcers.

2.  Use of painkillers

Regular use of painkillers like aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can trigger and cause the growth of ulcers in the stomach

3. Other medications

Certain other medications along with NSAIDs like steroids, anticoagulants, alendronate, and risedronate can also cause inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the stomach and small intestine.

Symptoms of stomach ulcers

First of all, a person should be aware of the symptoms of ulcers to diagnose and cure them. There are several symptoms related to stomach ulcers, few are:

• Burning sensation in the stomach
• Weight loss
• Changes in appetite 
• nausea and vomiting
• Burping 
• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Anemia

According to the severity of the condition, symptoms can vary.  Known symptoms for severe stomach ulcers are:

• Breathing trouble
• Blood in stools
• Feeling faint
• Vomiting blood

Diagnosing stomach ulcer

Stomach ulcers are curable if diagnosed and treated properly. There are blood, stools, breath tests to diagnose stomach ulcers. If you consult a doctor on this medical condition he may first go through your medical history and inspect your symptoms. According to it, your doctor advises you to have different tests. Other common tests used to diagnose stomach ulcers are:

• Barium swallow: You will be made to swallow barium, Barium is a thick white substance that coats your upper gastrointestinal tract and allows your doctor to see your stomach and small intestine on X-rays.

• Endoscopy(EGD): In this procedure a lighted tube is introduced into your stomach and to the first section of your small intestine through your mouth. This test is performed to check for ulcers, bleeding, and any abnormal tissue in the tract.

• Endoscopic biopsy: A very small piece of tissue from the specific area is removed and then analyzed in the laboratory.

How do you cure a stomach ulcer?

Do not treat a stomach ulcer or a potential stomach ulcer condition on your own. It can even worsen the already existing situation. Consult a doctor and get your medicines if (necessary) prescribed.

The treatment procedures can include

•  Antibiotics: Objective is to kill H. pylori bacteria which produce inflammation in the stomach lining. 

• Medications using proton pump inhibitors: Reduce stomach acid by blocking some functionings of the cell parts that produce acid.

• Acid blockers: acid blockers or histamine blockers regulates the excessive acid flow into the digestive tract which reduces the inflammations and promotes healing.

• Antacids: antacids neutralize existing acidity in the stomach. It can ease your pain but usually doesn’t have any healing effect.

How long does it take for a stomach ulcer to heal?

Stomach ulcers are very painful and irritating with proper treatment and medications.

Generally, ulcers should heal quickly once you stop taking the medication. For two to six weeks, antacid therapy may be given to aid healing and relieve pain.

Ulcers due to H. pylori start to heal right after the killing of the bacteria.  Antibiotics and acid-suppressing drugs are usually prescribed for two weeks. Then, for another four to eight weeks, you can take acid-suppressing medicine.

Gastric ulcers heal slower compared to duodenal ulcers. Gastric ulcers that aren’t difficult can take up to two or three months to heal entirely. It takes around six weeks for serious ulcers to heal.

Without antibiotics, an ulcer can heal briefly. However, if the germs are not eliminated, an ulcer is likely to reoccur.

When to see a doctor

Never take initiative to treat an ulcer on your own, as it can worsen your condition. If you come to notice blood in vomit or stools, have a severe stomach ache or other symptoms consult a doctor for expert opinion and treatments. Follow the doctor’s directions and take necessary medications.

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Breast cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the breast and spreads to other parts of the body. It can begin in either one or both of the breasts.

When cells proliferate out of control, cancer develops. After skin cancer breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in women. Breast cancer can strike both men and women, although it affects women significantly more frequently.

Types of breast cancer

One method doctors characterize breast cancer is depending on where it starts or spreads in your body.

Carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are two types of cancer. Carcinomas begin in the tissues that line your breasts and other organs and spread from there. The vast majority of breast cancers are carcinomas.

Breast cancers are commonly adenocarcinomas, a kind of carcinoma. These tumors begin in the cells that line the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or the glands that produce milk (lobe carcinoma) (lobular carcinoma).

What are the main causes of breast cancer?

A breast cancer risk factor is anything that increases your chances of developing breast cancer. However, having one or more breast cancer risk factors does not guarantee that you will get breast cancer. Many women with breast cancer have no recognized risk factors other than the fact that they are women. However few known causes of breast cancer are,

• Being female
• Age
• Personal history of breast conditions
• Family history
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Alcohol consumption
• Inherited genes
• Radiation exposure
• Obesity
• Having your first child at an older age
• Having never been pregnant

Hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors have all been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, according to research. However, it’s unclear why some people with no risk factors get cancer and others with risk factors never do. Breast cancer is most likely caused by a complicated combination between your genetic makeup and your environment.

What are the early symptoms of breast cancer

Look for the following early indicators of breast cancer:

• The form of the nipple changes.
• Clear, red, brown, or yellow nipple discharge from breast
• Swelling or a lump under the arm anywhere around the collarbone.
• A  lump that persists even after your next period
• Breast pain that persists even after your next period
• Breast redness, swelling, skin irritation, itching, or rash without a reasonable explanation.

These are the early symptoms of breast cancer. There can be a few other symptoms if you have cancer like,

• Thickening or swelling of the breast.
• Irritation or tightening of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nippular area of the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple and pain in the nipple area.

How does breast cancer start?

Breast cancer develops when some breast cells begin to grow inappropriately, according to doctors. These cells divide at a faster rate than healthy cells and continue to grow, generating a lump or mass. Cells in your breast may spread (metastasize) to your lymph nodes or other places of your body.

At what age does breast cancer occur?

The majority of breast cancers are diagnosed in women over the age of 50. Some women will develop breast cancer despite having no other known risk factors. You don’t have to have a risk factor to have the disease, and not all risk factors have the same effect.

How to reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Even in high-risk women, lifestyle adjustments have been shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. To reduce your risk, do the following:

• Be physically active
• Maintain healthy weight
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Breastfeed
• Regulate postmenopausal hormone therapy

Proper diagnosing and screenings may help detect cancer early when it is easier to treat. The treatment plan and outlook for people with cancer can depend on certain factors like the type of cancer, the stage at which it is diagnosed, and their age.

Book an appointment with your doctor at the earliest If you think you are having symptoms of cancer.

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