Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Motherhood is always seen and portrayed as a very happy and joyous experience that is filled with excitement and love. However, for a few mothers, the reality could be quite different. Postpartum depression is a serious health issue that affects a lot of women worldwide. Unfortunately, it does have a few misconceptions that often stop women from getting it treated. Now, in this blog let us debunk a few myths and misconceptions about postpartum to build awareness and understanding on the illness.

Myth 1:  Postpartum Depression is the Same as Baby Blues

Fact: While both postpartum depression and baby blues occur after childbirth, they are not the same. Baby blues usually last for a few days to two weeks and involve mild mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is more severe, persistent, and can last for months if untreated. Symptoms of postpartum depression include intense sadness, extreme fatigue, loss of interest in daily activities, and even thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby.

Myth 2: Postpartum Depression Happens Immediately After Birth

Fact: Many believe postpartum depression occurs right after childbirth, but symptoms can develop anytime within the first year postpartum. Some mothers may start experiencing postpartum depression weeks or even months after delivery. This delayed onset can make it harder to recognize, emphasizing the need for continuous mental health check-ups.

Myth 3: Only Women Experience Postpartum Depression

Fact: While postpartum depression is more commonly associated with new mothers, fathers can also experience it. Paternal postpartum depression affects around 10% of new fathers, often due to hormonal changes, lack of sleep, financial stress, or the pressure of new responsibilities. It’s crucial to recognize that postpartum depression is not limited to women and to ensure support is available for both parents.

Myth 4: Breastfeeding Prevents Postpartum Depression

A lipoma is a common, benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump that forms under the skin. While generally harmless, some lipomas can become bothersome or require removal. This blog will explore lipoma symptoms, causes, and treatment options to help you better understand this condition.

What is Lipoma?

A lipoma is a gradually growing lump of fat that develops between the skin and the muscle layer. It is moveable, soft, and painless. Even though lipoma can be seen anywhere on the body, it is more likely to be found on the shoulders, arms, neck, and thighs.

How is Lipoma Diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose lipoma through proper physical examination. Also, they will recommend additional tests if they are needed. A few standard tests to diagnose lipoma include:

• Ultrasound: Helps determine the composition of the lump.
• MRI or CT scan: Provides detailed imaging to rule out other growths.
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample may be taken if malignancy is suspected.

Lipoma Symptoms

Recognizing lipoma symptoms is crucial for early identification and management. The most common symptoms include:

• Soft, doughy lump: Lipomas feel soft and quickly move under the skin.
• Painless growth: Most lipomas do not cause pain unless they press on nerves or contain blood vessels.
• Slow growth: Lipomas develop gradually over time.
• Size variations: They usually range between 2-5 cm but can grow larger.
• Located under the skin: Lipoma generally forms beneath the skin's surface.

What are Blood Sugar Spikes?

Blood sugar spikes occur primarily when blood glucose levels increase after eating foods high in carbohydrates. These fluctuations or spikes in blood sugar could be harmful over time, as they lead to insulin resistance and a high risk of diabetes.

Now, in this blog, let's learn a few important facts about blood sugar spikes, including their causes, symptoms, prevention, and management. Keep reading!

Blood Sugar Spikes:  Causes

• High-Carb and Sugary Food Intake: Eating foods rich in carbohydrates and sugar is one of the most important causes of blood sugar spikes. Foods like sodas, desserts, pastries, and sweets can instantly break your body's glucose, leading to blood sugar spikes.
• Lack of Fiber Intake: Including more fiber-rich foods in your diet is essential to prevent blood sugar hikes. A diet low in fiber will cause a blood sugar spike, leading to unstable body glucose levels.
• Skipping Meals: It is never good to skip meals, as skipping meals can lead to blood sugar spikes as the body tries to compensate by using the stored glucose. So, ensure that you eat healthy and balanced food.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Being physically inactive could also lead to frequent blood sugar spikes. Exercise regularly and keep your body moving to avoid these spikes.
• Poor Sleep and Stress: Inadequate sleep and chronic stress increase the chances of hormonal imbalances, which cause blood sugar spikes. This is when the body releases cortisol, leading to insulin resistance.

Blood Sugar Spike Prevention

• Choose more low-glycaemic index food items to help you control your blood sugar spikes. Legumes, whole grains, and non-starchy vegetables will be a great choice to prevent blood sugar spikes.
• Stay more hydrated. Keeping your body hydrated will support your metabolic functions and help prevent your body from blood sugar spikes. So, make sure to focus on body hydration.
• Eat a good balanced meal. Combining proteins, vitamins, minerals, and all the required nutrients in your balanced diet will keep your body prevented from blood sugar spikes.
• Stress management is crucial when it comes to blood sugar levels. Yoga, meditation, and deep breaths can help lower cortisol levels and manage blood sugar spikes effectively.

Blood Sugar Spikes: Tips to Control

Fistula is a serious health concern that many people are unaware of. It can occur in any part of the body and is often treatable with the right treatment option. So, it is important to be aware of the causes and symptoms of Fistula and seek prompt medical attention.

Now, let us get to understand what Fistula is, what causes it, and how it can be cured.

What is Fistula?

A Fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel. It can develop in any part of the body but in most cases, the Fistula is around the anus. Fistulas are cured on their own, but some cases may need medical attention. Fistulas are categorized according to their location in the body. Here are some common types:

Types of Fistulas

·       Anal Fistula: An abnormal tunnel forms between the inside of the anus and the surrounding skin. This is caused by infection or inflammation in the glands near the anus.

·       Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula: An abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, often created surgically for dialysis treatment.

·  Aortoenteric Fistula: A direct connection between the aorta (the body's largest artery) and the intestine, which can lead to serious complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding. These Fistulas are often caused by erosion of the aorta wall due to infection or inflammation.

Around 1% of the world’s population is affected by Vitiligo, a chronic skin condition characterized by a lack of pigmentation that leads to light or white-coloured patches on the skin. This happens due to the malfunctioning or destruction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin.  

Vitiligo Types

Vitiligo is diagnosed under two categories. They include:

Non-Segmental Vitiligo

This is a very common type that accounts for up to 90-95 percent of the cases. The common symptom of NSV is white patches on both sides of the body, which can be seen on the backs of the hands, eyes, arms, elbows, knees, mouth, and feet.

Segmental Vitiligo (SV)

This type of Vitiligo is uncommon and generally affects just one body part. SV often begins at an early age, worsens for one year or two, and then reduces and stops.

Vitiligo Symptoms

The most common symptom of Vitiligo is depigmented patches on the skin. A few other symptoms include:

• Eye Colour Changes: Change or loss in the colour of the retina
• Mucosal Changes: Loss of colour in the nose and mouth tissue lining
• Premature Greying: Greying or early whitening of hair on the scalp, eyebrows, beard, or eyelashes

Vitiligo Causes

The exact cause of Vitiligo remains unknown, but there are a few factors that can cause Vitiligo:

• Autoimmune Response: The immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes
• Genetic Factors: A family history of Vitiligo or other autoimmune diseases may increase risk
• Environmental Triggers: Factors such as sunburn, stress, or exposure to industrial chemicals might trigger Vitiligo in predisposed individuals

Researchers are still undergoing various research to know the factors that cause Vitiligo.

Vitiligo Treatments

While there is no effective cure for Vitiligo, a few treatments can help mitigate the effect of this health condition. The treatments include:

• Topical Corticosteroids
• Surgical options
• Depigmentation
• Phototherapy
• Calcineurin Inhibitors