Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is a symptom of a problem in the gastro intestinal tract. Bleeding may come from any area or structure in the GI tract that allows blood to leak into the GI lumen and come out through the anus.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding involves any bleeding in the GI tract from the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, to the anus.

However, any level of bleeding can lead to serious problems. Microscopic levels of bleeding can lead to anemia over time, and more massive amounts of bleeding can leads to medical emergency.

Causes for Rectal Bleeding

• Hemorrhoids:Hemorrhoids are swollen rectal veins in the anal and rectal area. They can cause burning, painful and bleeding.

• Anal fissure:This is a tear in the lining of the rectum caused by the passage of hard stools and bleeding per rectum.

• Diverticulosis:Diverticula are out-pouching that project from the bowel wall. It is caused by decreased fiber in the diet. When the diverticula becomes inflamed and infected it is called diverticulitis, which may cause rectal bleeding sometimes.

• Infection:Bacterial dysentery is commonly the source of infectious, bloody diarrhea.

• Inflammation:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common cause of rectal bleeding in adults, typically younger than 50 years of age.

• Angiodysplasia:This is a vascular problem that involves enlarged veins and capillaries in the wall of the right colon. These areas become fragile and can cause bleed.

Bleeding Symptoms

• Bright red blood present in the stool
• Change in stool colour to black, red, or maroon
• Stool test positive for occult blood loss (blood may present, but you cannot see it)
• Rectal pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Fainting, palpitations or rapid heartbeat

Diagnostic tests

• Depending on the type and severity of bleeding
• Digital rectal examination:Initially examination for all rectal bleeding
• Blood tests:Complete blood counts and coagulation profile blood samples are taken to assess the extent of blood loss, the clotting ability of blood, and the possibility of infection.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy:A flexible tube inserted into the rectum is used to evaluate the rectum and lower end of the colon.
• Colonoscopy:To study the entire large colon. It is used to locate areas of bleeding, masses, or irregularities.
• CT scan:May be used to diagnose diverticulitis or tumours in the bowel.
• Angiography:A contrast dye study is used to evaluate active areas of brisk bleeding.

Remedies and Precaution to avoid Rectal Bleeding

• Decrease straining with bowel movements.
• Increase fibre in the diet and adequate water
• Take a sitz bath. This is a warm water bath with water just deep enough to cover the hips and buttocks, and can help relieve some symptoms of itching, pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• if the person's symptoms do not improve within one week of treatment, or he or she is older than 40 years of age, a doctor should be seen for further evaluation.
• The majority of people with significant rectal bleeding are elderly. Members of this population commonly have many other medical problems. All other causes of rectal bleeding should be evaluated and treated by a physician promptly.

 

Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the esophageal sphincter does not close correctly, causing the contents of the stomach to leak back into the food pipe. When stomach acid enters the esophagus it causes inflammation and burning sensations which are known as acid reflux. When the condition becomes chronic and serious, it is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease GERD.

The Causes

GERD can occur in people of all ages and is usually the result of overeating, eating specific foods or lying down immediately after eating. It is most common among people who:

• Are overweight or obese which causes increased pressure on the abdomen.
• Are pregnant which also causes increased pressure on the abdomen.
• Are taking some types of medication, including medicines for asthma, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, sedatives, and antidepressants.
• Are smokers or those who are exposed to second hand smoke.
• Consume alcoholic drinks.
• Do not get enough exercise.

In addition, certain foods and eating habits have been linked to the occurrence of acid reflux. These include:

• Greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• Chocolate
• Peppermint
• Coffee
• Carbonated drinks
• Acidic fruit juices
• Foods containing tomato products
• Foods that contain large amounts of salt
• Eating large meals
• Lying down soon after eating

Prevention

There are a number of actions and precautions that may be taken to reduce the chances of GERD occurring:

• Eating moderate amounts of food and especially not overeating.
• Not sleeping for 2 or 3 hours after eating.
• Stop smoking.
• Not wearing clothes that are tight or constrict the abdomen.
• Sleeping at a slight angle with the head elevated a little.

The Symptoms

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Other signs of the condition include:

• Dry, persistent coughing .
• Wheezing
• Stop smoking.
• Asthma and Recurrent pneumonia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Throat problems, such as soreness, hoarseness, or laryngitis (voice box inflammation)
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Chest or upper abdominal pain
• Dental erosion
• Bad breath

Complications
If not treated, GERD can become worse and turn into other medical conditions which include:

• Esophagitis: This is an inflammation of the esophagus.
• Esophageal stricture: In this condition, the esophagus becomes narrow, making it difficult to swallow.
• Barrett's esophagus: The cells lining the esophagus can change into cells similar to the lining of the intestine. This can develop into cancer.
• Respiratory problems: It is possible to breathe stomach acid into the lungs, which can cause a range of problems including chest congestion, hoarseness, asthma, laryngitis, and pneumonia.

Diagnosis

There are a number of tests, often used in combination, to confirm the presence of GERD. These include:

• Endoscopy
• Barium X-ray: Imaging the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum after swallowing a chalky liquid that helps provide contrast on images
• Esophageal manometry: Pressure measurement of the esophagus
• Impedance monitoring: Measuring rate of fluid movement along the esophagus
• pH monitoring: Acidity testing

Treatment

GERD is typically treated with medication. Proton pump inhibitors, which decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach, are one of the main pharmaceutical treatment options available. Lifestyle modifications can also help in dealing with the condition. These include:

• Posture improvement such a sitting correctly
• Wearing loose, unconstricting clothing.
• Losing excess weight is overweight or obese.
• Avoiding wearing tight belts or doing physical activities that increase pressure on the abdomen.
• Stopping smoking.

If the condition does not respond to medication and lifestyle changes, then surgical intervention, known as fundoplication may be required.

Understanding PCOS

Dr. K Birundha, Gynaecologist, Kauvery Hospital, Hosur, shares valuable insights regarding PCOS, its symptoms, and the various management methods. 

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder that occurs due to hormonal imbalance. People with PCOS develop numerous cysts in their ovaries and may also suffer irregular or skipped periods. They may also experience difficulty in getting pregnant. It has been related to obesity and insulin resistance.
PCOS and fertility 

Many women who come to the gynaecologist with infertility issues suffer from PCOS. The cysts in the ovaries can interfere with ovulation. Ovulation is the process in which your ovaries release an egg each month. If a healthy egg isn’t released, it is not available to be fertilized by a sperm, and therefore you can’t get pregnant.

PCOS diagnosis

Your doctor might recommend a physical examination, blood tests, and an ultra sound to check for PCOS.
How to prevent PCOS
PCOS can be prevented by making a few changes in your lifestyle like:-

• Weight loss
• Low-calorie diet
• A fitness program
• Medications to address the hormonal imbalance
• Infertility medication in case the couple is trying to get pregnant

PCOS is not to be taken lightly. It can occur to young people who are not married as well as to older people. If not addressed and treated, it could lead to other complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, gestational diabetes, and cholesterol. With a little help and a lifestyle change, PCOS can be treated effectively.

Importance of Exercising Right

Dr. S. Chockalingam, Orthopaedician, Kauvery Hospital Cantonment, shares useful tips on maintaining a healthy body and physique. 

Why should we exercise?

Our body needs exercise to be strong, healthy, and to look nice. Exercise helps tone our muscles, maintains balance, and keeps all our organs functioning properly. Exercise is essential for a human being at any point in life, but different activities are advised for different age groups. A person who is at optimum physical health can do high-intensity exercises. As we grow older, usually, due to age and, maybe, illness, the pace of exercising and the type of activities have to be changed to ensure that it is not taking a toll on the body.

Exercising as you age

A person who has been weight training and doing high endurance and high impact exercise most of their life may have to lessen the intensity of activity as they grow older. After a certain age, it would be wise to consult with a doctor to ensure that the exercises you are doing will not harm you. As we age, our muscles and bones become weaker, and so it is better to lessen weight training and concentrate more on low impact aerobic activity like walking, jogging, swimming, etc.

Pick an activity that keeps you fit but is not a strain on your body.

Being Heart Smart

On 29th September, World Heart Day, Dr. Ramesh, Chief Medical Officer, Kauvery Hospital, Heart City, shares valuable insights regarding the importance of staying vigilant and reaching out to an expert at the slightest hint of cardiac problem. 

Understanding your heart

The heart is one of the most critical organs in our body and keeping it healthy is essential. Some conditions, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, as well as lifestyle factors, such as unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, and alcohol and tobacco use, can put your heart at risk. Sometimes, a tendency towards heart disease can run in families. Everyone needs to be heart smart, but it is even more critical for people who have a higher risk of heart disease to be smart and look after their hearts.

Heart smart tips

The chance of developing heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk.

Some ways that you can minimize the risk of heart disease include:-

• Eating a healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting alcohol use
• Not smoking
• Keeping stress under control
• Maintaining optimum blood levels

People at higher risk of heart disease need to have regular health check-ups and consult with a cardiologist. In case of any discomfort, they should get to a hospital immediately.

Today, let us take an oath to protect ourselves against heart disease!

Do's and Don'ts of a Diabetic Diet | Kauvery

Ms. M. Mahalakshmi, Dietician, Kauvery Hospital, Trichy demonstrates a list of do's and don'ts diabetics should follow regarding their diet to keep their sugar levels at an optimum. There are many restrictions on the kind of food that a person with diabetes can and cannot eat.

Do's of a diabetic diet

A person with diabetes should exercise and maintain a healthy diet. Exercise should be done for at least 45 minutes. If it cannot be done at a stretch, it can be split into segments of 20/25 minutes, twice a day. It is not necessary to do vigorous exercise. A regular walk should do.

Don'ts of a diabetic diet

1. Avoid sweets, including honey and jaggery

2. Avoid or reduce salt

3. Avoid refined flour like maida, Maggi, noodles, etc. (Refined flours are higher in carbohydrates and thus contain more starch and sugar)

4. Avoid easily digestible foods like oats, porridge, juices, etc. (as they are digested faster, it cause glucose levels in the blood to rise)

5. Avoid aerated drinks like Coke, Fanta, etc.

6. Avoid processed instant powders like Boost, Horlicks, etc.

7. Avoid deep-fried food like bajji, vada, bonda, etc.

8. Avoid ghee, dalda (any oil that hardens when cold)

9. Avoid high sugar fruits like mango, pineapple, banana

10. Avoid tuber vegetables like potato, colocasia, yam, beetroot, etc.

Good eating habits include:-

• Stick to eating meat only once a week
• Eat meats like chicken, fish, and eggs
• Eat home-cooked food
• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
• Use different types of oil every month like sunflower oil, rice bran oil, groundnut oil, etc.

With a little care, you can successfully manage your diabetes.

Dengue Fever Awareness

While the world is dealing with a pandemic, mosquito season has come around again, bringing with it the risk of Dengue. To protect ourselves against Dengue, it is essential to understand the disease.

Dengue facts

• Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes.
• More than 67000 people a year across India are diagnosed with dengue fever every year.

Causes of Dengue fever

When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters that person's bloodstream and causes an infection.

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Aches and pains
• Eye pain, typically behind the eyes
• Bone pain
• Fever

Symptoms of Dengue typically last 2–7 days. Most people will recover after about a week.

The Dengue mosquito

The mosquito that spreads Dengue, Aedes aegypti, can be recognized by white markings on its legs and a marking on its thorax's upper surface. Both males and females have antennae. The mosquito with the shorter antenna is the female mosquito, which is the one that spreads the dengue virus. These mosquitoes are most active during the day. They breed in stagnant water.

Preventative measure against Dengue

• Use insect repellent in your surroundings
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants at home and outside
• Use mosquito meshing to prevent mosquitoes in your home
• Makes sure there are no stagnant water bodies around your house

With preventative action, you can get through the mosquito season without a problem.

Abdominal Pain - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Prof. D. Kannan, Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist at Kauvery Hospital, helps us understand abdominal pain symptoms, its causes, and treatment.

Our abdomen often called the "Temple of Surprises," has nine compartments, in which the upper abdomen, the middle abdomen, and lower abdomen are divided into 3 compartments each. 

Causes of abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is related to the organs underlying a particular area. Depending on the area, the doctor can diagnose the reason.

Upper abdominal pain

The organs in the upper abdomen include the liver, gall bladder, stomach, and spleen. If there is pain in the upper abdomen's right side, it could be a problem with the liver or the gall bladder. Gall stones are a frequent reason. If it is the upper left, it could be the stomach that is affected. 

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Middle abdominal pain

The middle of the abdomen includes the kidneys, pancreas, transverse colon, and small intestine. Any pain around this region could be due to pancreatitis. It could also be an infection or inflammation of the small intestine. If there is shooting pain from the middle of the back to the front and down to the groin, it could be a problem with the kidneys.

Lower abdominal pain

The lower abdomen consists of the appendix, large intestine, rectum, urinary tract, and bladder. If there is localized pain in the left lower abdomen, it could be appendicitis. If the pain is in the lower abdomen above the groin, it could be a UTI or an ovarian problem.

Home care for abdominal pain during the pandemic

Most abdominal pain can be eased with medication and antacids, which your doctor can prescribe over the phone. If it is very severe, it better to go to the hospital.

Tests to Diagnose Stomach Problems

The abdomen is a large area and consists of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and blood vessels. There are several tests to detect abdominal problems.

Abdominal ultrasound

· Used to evaluate the cause of stomach pain or bloating

· Check for kidney stones, liver disease, tumors, and many other conditions.

· It is safe, non-invasive, and does not use ionizing radiation.

· Is not useful in detecting problems in the stomach and intestine

Cat Scan (Computerized tomography scan)

· Creates cross-sectional images of internal organs of the abdomen like liver, biliary tract, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, intestines, and pelvic organs

· Shows detailed images of bones, muscles, tissues, and blood vessels

· CT scanning is fast, painless, non-invasive, and accurate

· Best test to diagnose stones

· Uses ionizing radiation (Should not be used for children and pregnant women)

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MRE (Magnetic resonance enterography)

· Shows detailed pictures of the small intestine

· Pinpoints inflammation, bleeding, and other problems.

Barium enema

An X-ray exam that detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.

Barium swallow

An X-ray test that helps examinethe back of your mouth and throat and the esophagus.

Diagnostic laparoscopy

It is used to examine the organs inside the abdomen.

Upper GI endoscopy

It helps diagnose and treat gastrointestinal tract problems that include the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.

Colonoscopy

Detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.

Sigmoidoscopy

Examines rectum and lower part of the large intestine.

Abdominal angiogram

· Images the blood vessels of the abdomen to assess the blood flow to organs of the abdomen, such as the liver and spleen

· It is also used to deliver medication into structures of the abdomen to treat conditions

Liver Transplant – What you should Know

Dr. Siddarth, a consultant for liver diseases and transplantation at Kauvery Hospital, explains the different aspects of a liver transplant. 

When should a liver transplant be considered?

If liver disease is not brought under control, it can lead to liver failure over a while. There are many symptoms and complications associated with liver failure. These include esophageal varices, which cause severe bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, a decline in brain function that causes confusion and loss of focus, etc., and swelling in the abdomen and legs. In some cases, the liver disease becomes so far advanced that it may affect the kidneys, the lungs, heart, and brain. In such cases of severe liver failure, a liver transplant is the only option. 

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How is a liver transplant done?

The treatment involves surgical removal of your entire liver. It is then replaced with all, or part, of a healthy donor liver. This may come from a living or deceased donor.

Benefits of an elective liver transplant

· It can lead to a better quality of life

· There will be less related complications

· Provides ample time to get a good match or find a donor

· Faster recovery due to fewer complications

It is better to do a liver transplant as an elective surgery rather than an emergency surgery for a positive outcome.

Managing Liver Health

Dr. Arivarasan, Dr. Dinakar Mani, and Dr. Kumaragurubaran of Kauvery Hospital help us understand how to keep the liver healthy and prevent liver disease. The liver acts as production, storage, cleaning, and filtering organ in our body. It is essential for digesting food and ridding our body of toxic substances. 

What causes liver disease?

Common causes include fatty liver (caused by fatty buildup in the liver), liver hepatitis (inflammation of your liver in reaction to alcohol, chemicals, drugs, etc.), and liver cirrhosis (caused by liver diseases like hepatitis and chronic alcoholism). If these problems are not addressed in time, it can lead to liver failure. 

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Preventing liver disease

· Eat foods that can help keep the liver healthy like nuts, leafy vegetables, paneer, plenty of eggs, soya, nuts, lean meat, fish.

· Avoid salty, baked, processed, and deep-fried foodstuff.

· Eat small meals 5 times a day.

· Have a high-calorie snack at night.

· Avoid alcohol

Managing liver disease symptoms

There are three common problems with liver disease.

1. Swelling in the abdomen and legs is one of the first symptoms. Treatment includes diuretics, albumin injection, and finally, an abdominal tap.


2. Hepatic encephalopathy is a decline in brain function because your liver can't adequately remove toxins from your blood, leading to sleepiness, lethargy, lack of focus, and blood poisoning. An enema will be given to rid the body of toxins


3. Bleeding problems like bleeding in gums, increased clotting time, vomiting blood, and blood in faeces. Endoscopy will be done to help deal with it.


If liver disease is severe, a liver transplant may be the only option.

Diseases of the Digestive System and Treatments

Dr. Arivarasan, Dr. Dinakar Mani, and Dr. Kumaragurubaran of Kauvery Hospital help us understand what causes digestive problems and how to deal with it. 

Common digestive problems

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This can irritate the lining of your esophagus.

Gastritis

Irritations to the stomach can cause indigestion, constipation, ulcers, burning sensation, and bloating.

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome can cause diarrhea, constipation, pain in the stomach, and bloating.

Causes of digestive problems

Stress is one of the leading causes of digestive complaints, and during the pandemic, stress levels have been alarmingly high, and patients presenting with digestive problems have increased. The doctors comfort patients with the advice that, most times, digestive problems are not symptoms of a major disease but can be eased with some lifestyle changes.

Managing digestive problems

· Lower stress with meditation/yoga

· Avoid spicy/oily food

· Eat a light meal at dinner

· Instead of 3 big meals, have 5 smaller meals

· Be more active

· Avoid smoking/drinking

· Identify your triggers and avoid them

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When to see a Doctor

If your symptoms are long-lasting, chronic, or are causing other complications, see a doctor. You may need to have tests done, which may include:-

Diagnostic endoscopy – a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person's digestive tract.

Therapeutic endoscopy - an endoscopic procedure that can diagnose as well as treat the disease.

Colonoscopy - used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) - used to diagnose diseases of the gallbladder, biliary system, pancreas, and liver.

Most times, digestive problems can be managed and eased with small lifestyle changes.

Functions and Diseases of the Liver and how to keep it Healthy

Dr. V.S. Hemamala, gastroenterologist, liver specialist, and liver transplant physician at Kauvery Hospital, explains the importance of good liver health.

Liver overview

The liver is an organ that sits under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. It regulates chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile. This helps carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines pass through the liver. It is essential for digesting food and ridding your body of toxic substances. 

Common Liver Problems

Fatty Liver - caused by fatty buildup in the liver.

Liver Hepatitis - Inflammation of your liver in reaction to certain substances to which you're exposed, like alcohol, chemicals, drugs, or nutritional supplements.

Liver Cirrhosis - Scarring of the liver is caused by many liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. 

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Preventing liver disease

The liver is a regenerative organ. It can heal itself. Most of the liver problems are caused by some abuse of the liver. If avoided, the liver gets better. Here are some ways to prevent liver disease:-

· Maintain a healthy weight

· Eat a balanced diet

· Exercise regularly

· Avoid toxins

· Use alcohol responsibly

· Avoid contaminated needles

· Practice safe sex

· Follow directions on all medications

The Importance of Salt in Your Diet

For World Salt Awareness Week, February 29th to March 6th, Dr. R. Balasubramaniam helps us understand the importance of regulating salt in our diet.

The average intake of salt in a day for a person should be 10-14 gms. We ingest much more than that. Why is that not good for health? Let’s find out. 

Why do we need salt?

It helps balance our fluid levels, helps our nerves transmit impulses, and enables our muscles to contract and relax.

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What happens when you ingest too much salt?

It can raise blood pressure, and high blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Too much salt can also affect our brain, heart, kidney, and blood vessels.

What are different ways to reduce salt intake?

• Eat less junk food

• Add salt at the table

• Avoid unprocessed food

• Don’t buy ready to eat foodstuff

• Incorporate more fresh, leafy vegetables and fruits

• Avoid eating out

• Use more spices instead of salt

On World Salt Week, it is crucial to becoming aware of how much salt we take daily and find a way to reduce it. This can help prevent many health problems and complications.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis | Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Chief Ortho Surgeon

On October 28th, 2020, World Osteoporosis Day, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj and Dr. Kathir Azhagan of Kauvery Hospital discuss the importance of raising awareness of osteoporosis.

Dr. Aravindan feels that in India, the diagnosis of osteoporosis is made very late. This is because people find out that they have osteoporosis only after returning to the hospital with a fracture. He stresses that the disease can be managed better with an earlier diagnosis. All it would take is a simple blood test and a scan. 

Understanding osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes the bones to become brittle, and due to this, the chances of a fracture increases. It is common among post-menopausal women but can affect men too.

Causes

• Vitamin D deficiency
• Calcium deficiency
• A decrease in estrogen (in post-menopausal women)

Diagnosis 

• Physical examination
• Blood test
• Dexa Scan or bone densitometry

Prevention

Keeping the bone strong and healthy is essential. This means having foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D. If there is a deficiency, supplements need to be taken to ensure that optimum levels are maintained.

It is essential to be aware of osteoporosis, get a yearly bone density test done, and maintain good bone health. Once you have osteoporosis, it is difficult to manage as it can lead to multiple fractures and related complications.

Treating Spinal Cord Injuries – Spine Care

The spine performs an integral function in our body. It supports our body and protects the network of nerves that connect the brain to the different parts of our body. A spinal cord injury could disrupt the system and have cataclysmic results in our body and our quality of life. 

Causes

• Vehicular accidents
• Violent trauma 
• Bad fall from a height 
• Sports injuries 
• Diving injuries 

Symptoms

Pain in back or neck

• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Loss of sensation
• Urinary problems
• Toilet problems
• Sexual problems

After an injury, if any of the above symptoms manifest:-

Do’s

• Call 108
• Make injured lie flat on the back
• Perform basic first aid
• Move to one side if nauseous

Dont’s

• Don’t give food or water
• Don’t let them sit up
• Do not take off the helmet

Importance of time to treatment

In any spine injury, the time to treatment is crucial. With spinal injuries, quick treatment is essential, but the early stages of recovery are equally critical. It may involve long-term hospital care and, sometimes, follow up surgery. So it is crucial to find a hospital that not only has the best doctors and medical care facilities, but where follow up care and rehabilitation facilities are equally good.

Kauvery Hospital’s Advanced Spine Centre comprises a dedicated team of stalwart neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, physiotherapists, and neuroradiologists that is complemented by a team of nurses specialized in spine care.

Treating Rare Medical Conditions – Autoimmune Encephalitis

Imagine how terrifying it would be to walk into a room and find your daughter having a seizure. This is what happened to the parents of a 14-year-old girl. Here, they share their experience and the help and support they got during this crisis.

                                     

The terrified parents rushed the child to Kauvery Hospital. They decided on Kauvery Hospital since they have one of the country's best intensive care and emergency units. They were glad they did because their daughter had another seizure as soon as they reached the hospital. True to form, the intensive care unit jumped into action, assessed the situation, and treated her.

The parents were updated on the condition of their daughter right through. She was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis, a very rare disease. The family was advised on the best way to tackle this illness and lifestyle changes that had to be made to cope with it.

The thankful parents are full of praise for Dr. Bhuvaneshwari Rajendran, neurologist, and neurophysiologist, and the extended team of rheumatologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, intensivists, nurses, and staff at Kauvery Hospital, who not only took such good care of their daughter but continue to do so in her follow up visits.

Fatty Liver – Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Methods

Fatty liver disease occurs due to the accumulation of triglycerides and other fats in the liver cells. Our liver should optimally contain 1-4% fat. If your liver contains between 5-15% fat, you have a fatty liver.

There are two kinds of fatty liver disease:-

• Alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 

Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Also known as alcoholic hepatitis, it occurs due to fat build-up and inflammation in the liver due to excessive alcohol consumption.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

This covers liver conditions that occur in people who drink little to no alcohol. Risk factors include:-

• High cholesterol
• Obesity 
• High blood pressure 
• Insulin resistance 
• Type 2 diabetes 

Symptoms of fatty liver

It could include:-

• A feeling of fullness in the middle or upper right side of the abdomen
• Nausea 
• Pain in abdomen 
• Fatigue/tiredness/weakness 
• Loss of weight/appetite 
• Jaundice 
• Swelling in abdomen and legs 
• Some people many not manifest outward symptoms 

How does a fatty liver affect you?

Fatty liver can cause inflammation and damage to the liver, leading to scarring. The build-up of scar tissue slows down the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, and toxins, leading to complications. 

Prevention

Ways to minimize the risk of fatty liver include:-

• Maintaining optimum weight
• Nutritious diet 
• Regular exercise 
• Avoiding alcohol 
• Taking medication as prescribed 

Say yes to a healthy liver!

A New Lease of Life

Many a time, the unexpected does happen in a person’s life. A seemingly healthy individual develops a sudden and sometimes life-threatening condition leaving family members shocked. One such story is that of Mr. Dhanamani from Salem. His mother, Ms. Juliana, relates her son’s story of sickness, his treatment and his subsequent recovery at Kauvery Hospital.

A Mother’s Shock

Ms. Juliana recounts how suddenly one day her son complained of numbness in his hands and feet. He was immediately taken to the hospital and while consultation was going on, his right hand and leg got paralyzed. He was rushed to the ICU and examinations and tests were done to identify the cause. The tests revealed that there was a block in the nerve that led to the brain and this was the cause for the paralysis. The doctors further revealed that the block was around 60% and if not operated on it would lead to coma and possibly even death.

The patient’s family immediately agreed with the doctor’s advice for surgery and placed their trust in the doctor and his team to do what they thought was best for Mr. Dhanamani. Dr Santhosh Kumar performed the surgery and the block was removed successfully.

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The Ordeal Continues

In spite of the surgery being successful, the doctor informed the patient’s family members that they would have to be on guard and watchful overnight. The surgery was performed on January 31^st and on February 2^nd another scan was done to check the outcome of the surgery. The scan result showed that there was swelling in the brain and to treat the swelling another surgery on the skull would be essential. This surgery too was performed with the family members’ consent.

Ms. Juliana recounts those 15 days which were indeed an ordeal to her and her family. She is filled with immense gratitude towards the doctors who were responsible for saving her son’s life. She recounts tearfully how her family had lost hope of her son’s recovery but the doctors managed to treat him successfully both the times.

Making the Mother Smile Once Again

Ms. Juliana’s gratitude knows no bounds as she talks about the doctors and support staff who helped her family and son through these trying times. Their care was unparalleled she says. Regular check-ups continued and 3 months after surgery a skull replacement surgery was also performed on Mr. Dhanamani.

Ms. Juliana says that her son is completely fine now and with folded hands thanks Kauvery Hospital for their treatment and care.

Watch Ms. Juliana recount her son’s illness and the treatment rendered by Kauvery Hospital 

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Is There Any Effective First-Aid for Heart Attack?

 There is no first-aid for heart attack. Patients need to be rushed to the hospital at the first suspicion of an attack. This is very important as the first three hours following the onset of an attack are called the golden hours. During these golden hours, if the patient is brought to the hospital and given proper treatment, even a massive heart attack can be reversed. Once this crucial period is past, the heart attack would have evolved, the muscles would have suffered damage and in spite of good treatment the desired result will not be possible.

In case of patients who have had a previous attack, the doctors give them a tablet called Sorbitrate for emergencies. If in spite of this tablet the pain persists, the patient has to be rushed to the hospital. Self-medication is to be prevented at all costs. What is suitable for one patient might not be suitable for another, hence consulting a doctor would be the best option. 

Kauvery Heart City

A heart attack is a block (caused by a buildup of cholesterol) in the blood vessel going to the heart. Due to the block, the blood flow to the heart is reduced and as a result the lack of blood flow damages the heart muscles. The treatment for heart attack is to get the blood flowing to the heart again. The success of the treatment is dependent on treating the patient within the golden hours.

All the facilities found in hospitals across the world, be it London, Australia or New York, are all present in Kauvery Heart City. All types of angioplasty, 24-hour emergency services, latest stenting procedures, state of the art procedures to normalize BP, temporary pacemakers, etc. are all available here.

The Latest Technologies in Use at Kauvery Heart City

Kauvery Heart City is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency services. It is a 100-bedded exclusive cardiac hospital; out of the 100, 35 are critical care beds. There are also two cath labs here and they incorporate the latest in technology. The advantage of the cath lab here is that the radiation emission is very low and hence the safety of the doctors and patients both are assured. The cath labs are in vicinity to twin operating theatres so that any emergency care critical patients may need can be rendered immediately. Kauvery Heart City is also licensed to perform heart transplants. Other than this, bridge-to-transplant procedures like ECMO for supporting the heart for a period of 2 weeks, LVAD and BIVAD to support the heart for more than 2 weeks are all performed here. The availability of all the aforementioned facilities at the same place make Kauvery Heart City the best place for the treatment of heart ailments. 

Primary angioplasty is performed here; this procedure is performed only in 2-3 hospitals in India and Kauvery Heart City is one among them. It is not possible to perform angioplasty for all conditions, in such cases keeping stents at different valves is the preferred option and this is performed in Kauvery Heart City. Similarly, at the bifurcation of blood vessels too angioplasty is difficult to perform, but this is done at Kauvery Heart City. As the expertise and the technology needed for the treatment of hard and stone-like blocks is available here, this procedure too is performed.  

Cost-wise too Kauvery Heart City being located in a tier-2 city like Trichy offers an immense advantage over all tier-1 cities. A procedure performed at any other city would cost around 1 ½- 2 times more than what is offered here. Patients eligible for CM’s welfare scheme are also treated here.

A Heartwarming Story of Patient Revival

A 50-year-old man arrived at Kauvery Heart City complaining of chest pain for the past 4 hours. He was diagnosed with anterior valve myocardial infarction, a particularly complex heart attack. In addition to that, this patient had an added complication in the form of a hole in the heart wall. This hole was the result of the heart muscles having suffered damage due to the heart attack. As a result of this hole, the pure and impure blood mix. This condition is called ventricular septal rupture and emergency surgery is the only option. The patient was immediately shifted to the cath lab, an angiogram was done and the patient was shifted to the theatre for surgery.

The surgery was a very complex one as the heart muscles were severely damaged and suturing them was tough. In addition, surgery revealed that along with the inner wall being ruptured, the outer wall too had started to decompose. So, the heart was put on artificial support and a Teflon patch was placed to close the tear in the ventricle. This complex procedure needed a lot of expertise and skill. The surgery was performed successfully and the patient was observed for the critical period of the next 3 days. A team of 5-6 people worked round the clock to ensure successful recovery. The patient recovered well and on the seventh day was ready for discharge

The doctors were extremely happy that they were able to revive the man from the brink of death and restore him back to his family.

In the Future

As of now, there is no absolute way of preventing heart attacks. However, with advancement in research (stem cell therapy) it is to be hoped that a way to prevent heart attacks would emerge soon.

Doctors’ Request

The doctors at Kauvery Heart City request people not to follow forwarded messages on the phone blindly; it is folly to believe that heart attacks can be treated with unverified home remedies. They urge people to realize the importance of immediate treatment in a condition like a heart attack; the first 3 hours can make a world of difference to a patient’s life and hence swift treatment is of paramount importance!

Watch the doctors of Kauvery Heart City talk about the various advancements in the techniques and treatment of heart attack -

Breast Cancer Awareness

How does breast cancer start ?

Most breast cancers begin in the inner lining cells of the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal cancers) or Sometimes start in the glands that make breast milk (lobular cancer).

How does breast cancer spread ? 

From a single cancer cell it multiplies and grows bigger and becomes palpable. Once the tumor grows larger it can directly affect the skin over the breast and nipple or invade the chest wall , it can spread along the lymphatics into axillary nodes or through blood into other organs like lungs , bone , liver and brain at a later stages .

What are the causes of breast cancer ? 

Some of the reasons for developing breast cancer are Early menarche, late menopause, Nulliparity, Not breast feeding, age at first child birth after 35 years, up to 10% cancers are hereditary. Most often it is multifactorial than singe risk factor. Up to 50% patients with breast cancer will not have any of these risk factors in which case it is unknown.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer ?

What is self breast examination ? 

Self breast examination should be practiced by all women above 20 years of age every month one week after the completion of menstrual cycle. It makes that particular women know her breast well and helps to identify ant changes in the breast like any lumps or skin changes so that it is addressed at a very early stage.

What is breast conservation surgery ? 

Few decades earlier for any breast cancer during surgery removing the entire breast was the standard treatment offered. At present because of advancement in treatment only the tumor can be removed preserving the breast in most patients with early cancers. 

Common myths about breast cancer 

Breast cancer is always painful and painless breast lumps are not breast cancer.

No breast cancer at early stages will not produce any pain , only in advanced stages will produce pain. 

Breast cancer occurs only in people whose family member has /had cancer or has any risk factors.

No , only 10% breast cancer is hereditary and only 50% of patients with breast cancer will have a identifiable cause and for the others the cause is not known.

Cancer aggravates on doing a biopsy or on surgical removal 

No , biopsy must be done in all tumors unless not possible before starting the treatment to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery still remains the main modality and most effective modality for treating most solid tumors and can be done safely and when combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy gives the best outcome at present.

Non-Invasive Valve Replacement

Invasive surgeries invariably cause a lot of fear among patients. However, now due to the advancements in medical technology, a lot of invasive procedures are being replaced by non-invasive ones. Dr A. B. Gopalamurugan, a senior interventional cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Kauvery Hospital, specializes in using minimally invasive techniques to treat heart diseases.

Dr A. B. Gopalamurugan explains one such procedure that has replaced the traditional open-heart surgery.

                                                 

The Heart Valve Disease

This disease often afflicts the elderly. As people age, their heart valves shrink. One of the most important valves, the aortic valve also shrinks with age. The blood from the heart reaches the different body parts through this aortic valve. Hence, shrinkage of this valve is a cause for concern. Earlier there was only one method of treatment for this disease and that was valve replacement; other than that, there was no other option available. Therefore, for a really long time in the past, patients suffering from this disease had to undergo an open-heart surgery. After surgery, hospitalization of nearly 10 days followed by rehabilitation was the norm. A return to normal life took patients nearly 1 ½ - 2 months.

Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Implantation or TAVI

For the past 15 years, aortic valve disease has been treated using TAVI without the patient having to undergo open-heart surgery. This is not the only benefit of TAVI. There is now evidence from world-over that suggests that TAVI is indeed the preferable procedure for high-risk and intermediate-risk patients. Thus, for elderly patients, patients with lung disease and for patients who have a problem with general anesthesia, performing valve replacement using TAVI would be the preferred choice. TAVI not only yields the same result as open-heart surgery but the quality of life too is better after surgery. The risk of the patient suffering a stroke lessens considerably with TAVI and the recovery period is as short as 2-3 days.

Kauvery Hospital performs the maximum number of TAVI procedures in India to non-invasively replace the aortic valve.

Watch Dr A.B. Gopalamurugan enumerate the benefits of TAVI here 

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