DECEMBER – “Constipation Awareness Month”
As we are all soaked in the merriment and glee of this festive month... Let’s also remember that we are observing ‘Constipation Awareness Month’ along with these festivities!
Well, “CONSTIPATION” a frequently heard word and a rarely discussed topic, is the term coined for infrequent/incomplete and difficult bowel movements and evacuation of small and hard stool. As many people feel difficulty in discussing or opening up about this condition and feel extremely shy and hesitant in voicing out their queries concerning constipation, we present you with this handy with “whats”, ”whys”,” and hows” and also to create awareness among folks who are silently struggling!!
Lack of fiber and water content, in the food taken.
Elderly people: they tend to have less physical activity, lesser muscle contraction in their abdomen region, and slower metabolism than when they were young
Women: Most women face the issue of constipation during and post their pregnancy. Changes in hormones and the baby present in the uterus squish the intestine, which leads to constipation.
Presence of certain medical conditions- neurologic disorders, Colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, Scleroderma, amyloidosis. Other gastrointestinal disorders, e.g. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Intestinal obstruction, outlet dysfunction constipation (defect in the co-ordination of lower abdomen and pelvis muscles, which helps in the release of stool)
Certain medications (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-depressants, narcotics, anti-allergens, anti-convulsant, antacids containing calcium, beta-blockers, etc.,) present with constipation as one of the adverse effects.
- Changes in diet/eating patterns, travel, and daily routine
- Eating disorders
- Sturdy diet - rich in meat and dairy
- Stress
- Misuse of laxatives
- Hormonal problems and underactive thyroid glands
What does one feel when constipated?
Whilst signs and symptoms vary from person to person, the most commonly observed ones have been
listed below:
- Irregular to few bowel movements
- Trouble (strain) in expulsion of stool
- Hard and small stool
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Pain and cramping in the abdomen region
- Sensation/feel of incomplete evacuation
What happens when left untreated??
Apart from the uncomfortableness, chronic constipation can result in varied complications, which include:
- Rectal prolapse – a condition where the intestine sticks out or protrudes out of the anus. Further strain to result in a bowel movement can cause stretching and bulging of the rectum.
- Anal fissure: Otherwise known as ripped or torn skin in the anus, occurs while attempting to pass large and hard stools, with a burning sensation and radiating pain, which can last from a few days to even years.
- Fecal impaction: known as stool that’s stuck or can’t be passed.
- Hemorrhoids: strain to induce a bowel movement causes swelling in blood vessels in around the anus area.
How does one get
relieved from this!?
Following are the measures taken to relieve an individual from constipation:
Tweaking certain changes in the diet and physical activity is one of the easiest way and fastest ways to treat as well as prevent constipation:
Consistent intake of 1.5 - 2 liters of liquid intake to stay hydrated. This may include water and unsweetened fluids.
Intake of fiber-rich foods- whole grains, beans, bran cereals, prunes, and adding probiotics in daily diet.
Limited or no consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they root for dehydration.
Dairy products, meat, and processed food consumption can be cut down, for they are low in fiber content.
Having a target of 30 minutes of physical activity, at least 5-6 times a week.
Allowing oneself plenty of time, to relax muscles when using the bathroom.
When feeling/sensing the urge to have a bowel movement, it is best advised not to delay it as this may lead to hardening of the stools.
Discuss with a health professional regarding bowel training and positions so as to adapt bowel movements at the same time, every day.
Medications: Healthcare professionals may usually recommend an over-the-counter laxative (listed below), in case home remedies fail;
- Fiber supplements
- Stimulants
- Stool softeners
- Lubricants
- Osmotic agents ( e.g. milk of magnesia)
- Prucalopride – helps in the movement of stool along
the colon
- Plecanatide or linaclotide – regularises bowel
movements for people ailing with chronic constipation
- A health care professional might also suggest other strategies- biofeedback therapy, which helps a person retain their muscles, or the use of an enema, surgical removal of a blockage in a long-term chronic condition, such as IBS.
And now, we may perceive, for this to sound like a common issue, but only to remind one that it is far from normal. All the same, it is a condition that can have a weighty impact on routine life and have an enduring effect on one’s general health. Hence, it is of utmost importance to focus on healthcare and lead a healthy lifestyle, which will benefit in refining the quality of life.
Health is often overlooked in today's fast-paced society;
therefore, it is essential to draw more focus on the biggest threats to our
well-being: ‘The Diseases.’ Talking of diseases, are you aware of chronic
diseases? Do you know how it affects a person’s health?
Chronic diseases are those that last for an extended period and
worsen with time. Also, they have become a pressing issue in public health
across the world.
As per a few studies, chronic diseases account for more deaths. These diseases impact people from all age groups. Although people live longer, their risk of developing one of these conditions increases day by day. Also, it seems like a danger to men is more significant than that to women.
Cardiovascular Disease: The Silent Assassin
Diseases of the heart, such as coronary artery disease, heart
failure, and arrhythmias, kill more people than any other medical illness
combined. It is frequently referred to as the "silent killer" since
it can affect suddenly and damage the body's most important organ. The
following are a few a thing that plays important roles in the progression of
cardiac illnesses.
- Poor diet
- Insufficient physical
activity
- Cigarette smoking
- Alcohol consumption, and
- Psychological stress
Pro Tip: Frequent checkups, a heart-healthy diet, and the
management of risk factors may do a lot to reduce the probability of developing
heart disease.
Cancer: A Secret Invader
Abnormal cells multiply and spread uncontrollably, which is what
causes various types of cancer. It can affect any part of the body and is responsible for a
substantial number of deaths globally. Early detection through screenings,
understanding potential risk factors, and making healthy choices can aid in
prevention and improve treatment outcomes. Remember, knowledge is power when it
comes to combating cancer.
Currently, our medical sector has a lot of successful cancer
treatments. A few include the below:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Hormone Therapy, and many
more.
Pro Tip:
Maintaining a good lifestyle and having the best care for your health will keep
you away from cancer and any other chronic diseases.
Diabetes: A Sweet Saboteur
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body
processes glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes, often
linked to obesity and lifestyle, is on the rise. It can silently damage organs
over time, impacting the quality of life and increasing the risk of heart
disease, stroke, and other complications.
- Lifestyle modifications
- Regular monitoring, and
- Medication
are the few practices that can help manage diabetes and prevent
its complications.
Pro Tip:
One of the best tips to control diabetes is to cut carbohydrates and sugar from
your diet since both will rapidly increase blood sugar levels.
Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Lungs
Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and
asthma severely affect lung function, making it difficult to breathe. There are
a few environmental factors that contribute to their development. They are:
- Air pollution
- Smoking and
- Occupational hazards
Pro Tip:
Early diagnosis, avoiding triggers, and following prescribed treatments can
help improve lung health and enhance overall well-being.
Alzheimer's Disease: A Mind in Turmoil
Alzheimer's disease is a chronic brain disease that causes
cognitive and behavioral deterioration over time. As the most common cause of
dementia, it robs individuals of their independence and memories, impacting not
only the patients but also their families. While there is no cure, early
diagnosis, cognitive exercises, and a supportive environment can improve the
quality of life for those affected. Also, we have listed a few foods that you
can avoid in case of Alzheimer’s:
- Sweets
- Red meat
- Cheese
- Fast/fried food, etc.
Pro Tip:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Computed tomography (CT), and positron
emission tomography (PET) scans of the brain can be used to confirm a diagnosis
of Alzheimer's disease or rule out other potential causes for symptoms.
Kidney Disease: Silent Filtration Failure
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys
gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.
Often asymptomatic in its initial stages, CKD can progress to kidney failure,
requiring dialysis or a transplant. Managing blood pressure, and blood sugar,
and adopting a kidney-friendly diet can help prevent or slow down the
progression of kidney disease. The following are a few kidney-friendly diet
foods for your knowledge:
- Fruits and Veggies
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy
- Lean meats, etc.
Pro Tip: Consuming enough water every day helps in removing waste by flushing it through the kidneys. During a kidney cleanse, this is of the utmost importance.
The Future
There is a probability that the future is assumed to have more
youngsters getting affected by chronic illnesses, so it is very crucial
for all of us to focus on our health. Are you a youngster diagnosed with any of
the chronic diseases? Are you reluctant to get medicines from neighborhood
pharmacies every time you run out of your medicine refills? If yes, the medical sector has a lot of advances that you can make use of.
Summing Up
Preventing and managing any disease begins by diagnosing and
comprehending it. By understanding the risks, symptoms, and lifestyle
modifications associated with these six deadliest chronic illnesses, we can
take proactive measures to safeguard our health and well-being.
Kindly get regular medical check-ups and seek professional medical guidance to combat these illnesses.
Let us enlighten ourselves with more knowledge and make good
decisions for a healthier, and happier future.
25th Aug, 2023
In recent years, we have seen an
unexpected rise in the percentage of young people diagnosed with high
cholesterol. It is scary to hear that six out of ten Indians have abnormally elevated
levels of bad cholesterol, which is a consequence of the intake of junk food
and a poor diet. In addition, it coexists with other problems, such as obesity,
diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is essential to know what
high cholesterol is and how it affects your health.
To begin, Let
us Understand Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced
by the liver that helps in cell development and is needed to produce Vitamin D.
Additionally, it helps in fat digestion and nutrient absorption.
The body can also absorb this substance
from animal-based foods like eggs, milk, and meat.
There are two types of cholesterol. They
are,
-
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is considered ‘good cholesterol.’
-
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is ‘bad cholesterol.’
Cholesterol circulates in the blood and is
present in every cell in the body that uses cholesterol to build new tissues
and fix the damage in the old tissues, producing steroid hormones such as
oestrogen and aiding the liver in producing bile. However, as the cholesterol
level increases it results in lethal conditions such as cardiovascular disease
and kidney problems.
High Cholesterol
Many individuals do not experience any symptoms
of high cholesterol. If the cholesterol level increases in the blood, it leads
to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaques develop on the arterial walls
and reduce blood flow which leads to a variety of health problems, such as:
Heart attack:
You may have chest
pain (angina) and other signs of coronary artery disease if your heart's
blood-supplying arteries (coronary arteries) are damaged. This leads to a heart attack when a part of your heart's blood flow fails.
Stroke:
When a blood clot blocks
the blood supply to a part of the brain, a stroke occurs.
High blood pressure:
There is a
correlation between hypertension and high cholesterol. Cholesterol deposits and
calcium induce the hardening and constriction of the arteries. Therefore, your
heart must work harder to circulate blood through them. As a result, your blood
pressure rises to serious levels.
Diabetes:
Diabetes can
reduce the amount of good cholesterol in the bloodstream and increase the
amount of bad cholesterol that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How can you Control your High Cholesterol?
Changing your diet and exercise routine
might have a significant impact on your cholesterol levels. You can do the
following to help prevent high cholesterol:
-
Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
on a low-sodium diet.
-
Reduce your intake of animal fats and make moderate usage
of healthy fats.
-
Maintain a healthy weight.
-
Quit smoking.
-
Get at least 30 minutes of exercise.
-
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
-
Manage your stress.
Examine your Cholesterol Levels: When to
do it
High cholesterol levels can develop at any
age. Therefore, it is better to start screenings during childhood.
-
Check your cholesterol every five years beginning at the
age of nine. An infant too can have it if his or her parents have high
cholesterol or has a history of heart diseases.
-
Men, from age 45 to 65, should take a high cholesterol test
every one to two years. After 65 get a check-up done every year.
-
Women, from age 55 to 65, should take a high cholesterol
test every one to two years. After 65 get a check-up done every year.
Changes in food and lifestyle are not always sufficient to bring cholesterol levels down. Sometimes high cholesterol levels have a genetic part, so your doctor may suggest using medication to lower your high cholesterol levels. So, we suggest you take regular check-ups with your doctor and follow the prescribed medication to keep your cholesterol levels under control.
27th Apr, 2023
In today’s fast-paced culture,
tiredness and aches are common. This is often due to long work hours, lack of
exercise and poor diet. It is important to prioritize self-care and be
available for rest and relaxation to prevent burnout. But are these symptoms
caused by a stressful lifestyle, or could they be the result of an autoimmune
disease?
Autoimmune Disorders (AID) are one
of the most significant non-communicable diseases, and more than eighty
autoimmune diseases affect approximately one hundred million people globally
which include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. So, if you are tired,
have pain in your joints, or have inflammation, you should see a rheumatologist to rule out any underlying autoimmune
disorders.
Who is a Rheumatologist?
A Rheumatologist is a physician who
has ability in internal medicine and has other training in the field of
rheumatology. This branch of medicine specialises in the diagnosis and
treatment of musculoskeletal, autoimmune, and inflammatory conditions in
patients of any age.
Conditions Treated by a Rheumatologist
Rheumatologists diagnose, treat,
and manage a broad range of diseases which include:
-
Inflammation of the muscles,
joints, and bones (rheumatic) diseases.
-
Diseases of the connective tissue primarily affect the body's supporting
structures like the ligaments and tendons but can also have an impact on the
skin and other organs.
-
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks healthy
tissue, causing an autoimmune response.
They specialise in the treatment
of,
1.
Complex and Inherited disorders, such as:
-
Bechet’s disease
-
Osteoporosis
-
Psoriatic arthritis
-
Rheumatic fever
-
Sarcoidosis
-
Scleroderma
2.
Joint problems
-
Ankylosing spondylitis
-
Bursitis
-
Gout
-
Osteoarthritis
-
Rheumatoid arthritis
3.
Tendon issues
-
Achilles tendonitis
-
Patellar tendonitis
-
Rotator cuff issues
-
Tennis elbow
4.
Muscle conditions
-
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
-
Myopathies
-
Myasthenia gravis
-
Polymyositis
-
Rhabdomyolysis
When Should You Consult a Rheumatologist?
Rheumatic disorders like rheumatoid
arthritis can be chronic and have a significant impact on a person's quality of
life, therefore it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Early
diagnosis and treatment can help to manage symptoms and prevent further damage
to the joints and other organs affected by rheumatic disorders; thus, if you
have joint pain and other symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, hair loss,
inflammation in the lining of the lungs, or weak muscles, you should consult a
rheumatologist.
What Does a Rheumatologist Do During These Visits?
During these visits, a rheumatologist will perform a physical
exam, review your medical history, and evaluate results, and may recommend additional tests to help diagnose and monitor your condition, which includes:
-
Tissue biopsy for analysis of autoimmune disease.
-
Blood tests check the function of the liver and
kidneys.
-
Bone density test (DEXA scan).
-
To view organs and structures, a CT scan, MRI, or
ultrasound is used.
-
Lung issues are evaluated via chest X-ray.
-
Heart tests, like an electrocardiogram.
-
Electromyography is a test that evaluates the
health of a person's muscles and nerves.
- Endoscopy to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms.
When you have decided to consult a rheumatologist, you could keep your earlier medical records, such as lab copies
and imaging test results. Keeping a journal of your symptoms before visiting
your rheumatologist will help you recall the full spectrum of your symptoms.
20th Mar, 2023
In the recent years, there has been a
dramatic increase in the air pollution, contributing to the 50% of the global
total disease burden, especially in the major developing countries like China
and India. Pollutants in the air, particularly from the vehicle exhaust,
aggravates to the worsening respiratory problems and increase the likelihood of
new onset of asthma.
Asthma, which is
the most significant public health respiratory disease affects about 1 – 18% of
the population in various countries. Asthma ranks as the second most prevalent
disease and second leading cause of mortality among the chronic respiratory
diseases.
According to a
recent study, each year 16 million paediatric asthma cases occur, and 4.5
million premature deaths were attributable to air pollution. Now, let us get to
know what causes this threatening disease and what complications it can lead
to.
What is Asthma?
The word “Asthma”
originates from the Greek, meaning “short of breath” which causes chronic
inflammation of the airways, making them narrow and more difficult to breath through.
To understand
asthma, you firstly need to understand how the breathing system works. Typically,
with every breath you take, air flows through your nose or mouth, down through
your throat, and into your airways, finally making it to your lungs.
There are several
tiny passageways in your lungs that help to get oxygen from the air into your
blood. Those air passages become narrow and causes inflammation and tightening
of the muscles around the small airways, making it difficult to breath. Hence,
it is important to understand who is a pulmonologist and consult them as earlier as possible if you
feel the symptoms of asthma.
Symptoms of asthma
A person who has
asthma may experience,
- Wheezing
-
Shortness of
breath
-
Chest pain or
tightness in chest
- Difficulty in sleeping
-
-
Fatigue
These symptoms vary from person to person, and you might not have all these signs at the same time. When these symptoms become severe, it leads to “asthma attack.” Attacks might occur at any moment and can range from being mild to even life threatening.
Causes
Although the exact
cause of asthma remains unknown, we know that genetics, the environment, and
the individual behaviour all play a role. Some of the plausible causes include,
Allergies
Allergies happen
when a person's body becomes sensitive to a certain substance. Once sensitization
has happened, the person will be more likely to have an allergic reaction every
time they come in contact with the substance.
Most cases of
asthma are due to allergies and these asthma attacks are commonly triggered by
an individual inhaling an allergen.
Genetics
One can develop the
risk of asthma or other allergic disorders if there is a family history of an
allergic disease.
Environmental
Factors
People can develop
asthma after being exposed to materials that irritate the airways. Some of
these are allergens, toxins, fumes, and second- or third-hand smoke. These can
be especially harmful to babies and young children, whose immune systems are
not fully developed yet.
Complications of
asthma
While asthma can
usually be managed, it continues to be a serious disorder with significant
consequences.
This is why, if
your symptoms are worsening, it is important that you stick to your treatment
plan. The long-term complications include,
-
Feeling exhausted all
the time
-
Stress, worry or
depression
-
Lung infections
(Pneumonia)
-
Puberty delays
Some of the
serious complications are,
Medication side
effects
In some cases,
asthma medications can lead to:
-
Increased heart
rate
-
Hoarseness
-
Itching in the
throat
-
Insomnia
Asthma Attack
An asthma attack suddenly occurs when muscles around your airways constrict, leading to the sudden worsening of asthma symptoms. This tightening is called bronchospasm. During an asthma attack, the airway lining can swell or become irritated, and the body may generate more mucus than usual. All these factors such as bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production cause asthma attack symptoms like trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and trouble doing normal daily activities.
Treatment
There is no cure
for asthma right now, but treatment can help you control your symptoms so you
can live a normal, active life.
The most common
treatment is using inhalers, which are devices that let you breathe in
medicine. If your asthma is severe, you may also need pills and other
treatments.
The main types of
inhalers are;
-
Reliever Inhalers
– used to relieve asthma symptoms quickly and temporarily for a fleeting
period.
-
Preventive
Inhalers – used in a daily basis to avoid the onset of asthma symptoms.
You may order any type of inhalers through online.
20th Mar, 2023
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
affects over a billion individuals around the world and is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, and other health concerns, and
it is a major cause of premature death. However,
many are unaware of hypertension and this blog will help you to understand what
hypertension is, In what ways does it develop, and what might be the root
causes? and so.
Without further delay, let us get
started!!
Hypertension (high blood
pressure)
The body's major blood vessels
naturally push the blood against the artery walls as it travels through the
circulatory system, and this force increases to the point of hypertension when
the blood pressure against the arterial wall is excessive.
High blood pressure has
far-reaching consequences throughout time. It can induce a heart attack, kidney failure, and even blindness due to the fragility of the eye's blood vessels.
For the most part, a blood pressure result of 130/80 mm is considered to be hypertension. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology have defined blood pressure range into four different categories. In simple words, they are explained in the below table.
|
Type |
Systolic (mm Hg) |
Diastolic (mm Hg) |
|
Normal Blood Pressure |
<120 |
<80 |
|
Elevated Blood Pressure |
120–129 |
<80 |
|
Grade 1 Hypertension |
130–139 |
80–89 |
|
Grade 2 Hypertension |
≥140 |
≥90 |
Approximately 1.28 billion adults (aged
30-79) globally have hypertension and are unaware that they have the condition.
Causes
The causes of hypertension have not
been determined exactly but doctors have identified some possible contributors.
They are
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol
consumption
- Increases salt
intake
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Stress and
- Aging
Symptoms
Unfortunately, even when blood pressure
levels are extremely high, most persons with hypertension will show no signs or
symptoms and that’s why hypertension is called a ‘Silent Killer’. So, it is
essential that blood pressure is measured regularly.
In rare cases, a few people may
have
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Sleeping problems
- Blushing
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
might result in consequences like:
- Heart attack or
stroke
- Aneurysm
- Heart failure
- Kidney problems
- Eye problems
- Metabolic syndrome
- Changes in memory
or understanding
- Dementia
And this burden of hypertension can
be reduced by modifying our lifestyle, which includes:
- Eating more fruit
and vegetables
- Lowering salt intake
(to fewer than 5g daily)
- Regular exercise
- Quitting tobacco
use
- Reducing alcohol
consumption
- Reducing trans fats in the diet
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is suggested for persons with high blood pressure by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the US (United States) and it is a flexible and healthy eating strategy that has a strong scientific foundation. According to NHLBI studies, the diet reduces hypertension and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood fat levels. To avoid compilations you may consult a doctor.
8th Feb, 2023
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