Little Prithvik was the apple of his parents’ eye. This is a short account of him having suffered an unfortunate burn injury, his subsequent treatment at Kauvery Hospital and his recovery.
Mr. Praveen recalls how Prithvik, his 1 ½ year old son, had an accident with hot water while playing outside their house. A vessel with extremely hot water had been kept outside the house and Prithvik who was playing nearby, accidentally touched it and sustained burns in his hand and parts of his body. He was immediately taken to a doctor nearby who suggested that Prithvik be taken to a bigger hospital. Prithvik’s family did so and he was treated for an hour at the hospital. However, after the treatment, the doctors themselves suggested that Prithvik be taken to Kauvery Hospital, Hosur for further treatment. At Kauvery Hospital, Prithvik was treated appropriately and he recovered quickly. Later, plastic surgery was also performed and during the post-operative period, little Prithvik was well taken care of by the doctors and staff. Mr. Praveen was very happy with the services rendered at Kauvery Hospital and was thankful for his son’s successful treatment.
One of the common cardiac problems that patients face is shrinkage in the arteries. For many of these patients, bypass surgery is recommended. For some, angioplasty is recommended. In angioplasty, blocks are removed through a technique called angiogram.
Dr. A. B. Gopalamurugan, a senior interventional cardiologist at Kauvery Hospital, explains that the treatment plan chosen for elderly patients should be one that improves the quality of life of the patient. He says that old people might undergo an open-heart surgery and come out of it successfully but what truly matters is if after surgery their quality of life has seen an improvement.
Angioplasty as an Alternative to Bypass Surgery
Dr Gopalamurugan explains that most of the surgeries he does, feature angioplasty with highly sophisticated techniques instead of bypass surgery. Earlier, bypass surgery was the only option available to patients but now this is not the case. Unfortunately, the fact that there is an option is not known to many people. He suggests that patients get an opinion from both a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon to arrive at what is known as a heart team decision. This decision is one that has the best interest of the patient at heart. It is one which improves the symptoms of the patient and leads to an improved quality of life for the patient. It should also be the least invasive procedure. These three factors are of paramount importance while deciding on the treatment plan.
In today’s day and age, a majority of the patients are treated without bypass surgery. However, many people are still skeptical and believe that if there is a block in the main vessel or if there are three or more blocks then bypass surgery is warranted. Dr Gopalamurugan reassures that this is not true. He says that the results of angioplasty are very similar to bypass surgery and the quality of life that the patient leads after angioplasty is even better than after bypass. There is concurrence on this from all over the world.
However, he stresses that before opting for any procedure, patients should have a thorough discussion with their cardiologist or cardiac surgeon and then decide on the best course of action.
To watch Dr Gopalamurugan, explain the advantages of angioplasty click
Also watch Dr. S. Aravinda Kumar presents insights on Cardiovascular Disorders at Trichy
The prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes in our day-to-day life. Some of these changes may be considered insignificant, but in the long run, their effects on our body are definitely not insignificant to say the least. One such lifestyle change that has been brought about is that many people now no longer bathe before lunch, preferring to postpone bathing to after lunch. This might seem like a trivial thing, but as Dr Muralidharan Parthasarathy of Kauvery Hospital explains, bathing after meals has more repercussions than we realize.
Dr Muralidharan who is a general, GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon, explains that the pandemic has changed the way we live. Our daily routine of getting up, bathing, breakfasting and then leaving for work has been upset because of many factors caused by the pandemic. As a result, people bathe at times convenient to them, often after meals, not realizing that this has adverse effects on their digestion.
When we eat, an increased volume of blood supply is needed by the stomach and small intestine to aid in the process of digestion. If we bathe after a meal, the bath causes a change in our body temperature. This in turn results in an increased requirement of blood by the skin and other parts. Therefore, the blood that was meant to aid in digestion is now diverted to the skin. This practice of bathing after meals, when it is done on a regular basis, puts people at risk of many digestion disorders.
Dr Muralidharan explains that it is best to wait for at least an hour after lunch and then bathe. Even better would be to take a bath before lunch. These simple solutions could avoid digestion problems.
To listen to Dr Muralidharan himself explain digestion issues caused by variations in bathing times,
The importance of a finger pulse oximeter is something we keep hearing about nowadays because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all aware that the finger pulse oximeter is an extremely useful device but what exactly are its uses and how it helps us during these difficult times is still unclear to people who aren’t a part of the medical field.
Coronavirus affects the lungs; the lungs perform the key function of absorbing the oxygen from the air that we inhale. As a result, when the lungs are affected, the process of oxygen filtration is hindered. This is what causes the main COVID-19 symptoms of shortness of breath and inability to breathe deeply. The finger pulse oximeter monitors this drop in oxygen level.
The finger pulse oximeter is extremely useful in:
Monitoring oxygen saturation for people in home quarantine
Keeping an eye on people who are suffering from mild COVID symptoms
Ease of Use
The device is small and portable and is available in a small cardboard box in which are present other than the finger pulse oximeter itself, two batteries and one detachable rope. Before using the device, the batteries have to be inserted through a push open cover at the back. The device is then ready for use.
After switching on the pulse oximeter, the index finger should be placed in the probe. Information on two important parameters will be displayed:
The oxygen saturation level or SpO2
Pulse rate
SpO2 indicates the oxygen carrying ability of the blood. For a normal person, this value can be anywhere between 96-100. A reading below 94 shows that the working of the lungs has been affected.
The pulse rate is the number of heartbeats per minute. This value for a normal person can lie anywhere between 60-90 beats per minute. Oxygen saturation levels lesser than 94 and pulse rates of 50 beats per minute or lesser require immediate examination by a doctor.
By keeping track of these two important parameters, patients can conveniently self-assess at home and can stay alert to any deterioration in health.
Appendicitis is a condition for inflammation in the appendix, a small finger-like tube that extends from the large intestine to the right side of the body—the inflammation results in severe abdominal pain. Immediate surgery to remove the appendix is the standard procedure because if left in place, the inflamed appendix would burst and result in the infection spreading through the body, often with the most severe consequences. The appendix is not an essential organ, and removing it does not affect the health in any way.
The Symptoms
The exact nature of the symptoms and the severity may vary significantly from person to person. However, there are some common signs of an inflamed appendix that appear in almost all cases. These include:
Loss of appetite.
Fever that may go up to 102 degrees F or even higher.
While pain in the lower right side of the abdomen is common, the location may vary depending on the patient’s age and the location and size of the appendix.
Contact a Doctor without Delay
If you or someone you know has any or all of the symptoms given above, contact a Best Gastroenterologist in Salem. Because the symptoms of appendicitis are similar to those of bladder or urinary tract infections like gastritis, Crohn’s disease, gallbladder problems, kidney stones, intestinal infections, etc., only a highly qualified and experienced doctor at a hospital with the latest medical equipment will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis. Among the tests, the doctor may use are:
Physical examination of the abdomen to find signs of inflammation
Appendicitis is a common medical condition, and treatment is through surgery. As long as the symptoms are caught early, and treatment is begun without delay, there is typically no cause for concern and the patients will be able to make a full recovery and lead a completely normal life in all respects.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can affect anyone at any age. The condition is a mixture of abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. The changes could be either more frequent movement or a reduction in the frequency. The type of stool may also change with IBS. IBS itself is not considered to be life-threatening, but it can lead to other more severe conditions such as ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and colon cancer.
Treatment Options
IBS can generally be treated effectively, but the type of treatment that is suitable will differ from patient to patient because the causes of the condition may vary significantly. Among the common causes are reactions to certain foods, medications, infections, emotional stress, and so on.
A person suffering from IBS must contact a medical specialist for a detailed examination to be done so that an accurate diagnosis of the cause can be determined. Only then can a course of treatment be prescribed. The best place to go for a diagnosis and treatment is a reputed hospital with a Best Gastroenterologist in Salem. In the first stage, the doctor may advise changes in the diet and lifestyle. Some of the possible diet changes are listed below.
Avoid caffeine by not drinking tea, coffee, or soft drinks.
Increase the amount of fiber in the diet by eating more fruits, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables.
Increasing the daily water intake.
Stop smoking and the use of other tobacco products.
Reduce or preferably stopping alcohol consumption
Stop the use of recreational drugs and stimulants
Reduce stress and improve relaxation through yoga or meditation.
Get more exercise but without overstraining the body.
Restrict the intake of dairy products
Control the amount of fried and highly spiced food consumed.
Eat smaller meals more often. In other words, eat 5 or 6 times a day while keeping the total food intake for the day the same as it was.
A patient of IBS is often advised to keep a detailed record of all the food and drink consumed. This will make identifying the triggers of the condition more manageable.
If dietary or lifestyle changes do not produce the desired improvement in the patient’s status, the doctor may prescribe medication to bring the problem under control.
IBS can be challenging to recognize. If you have ongoing or regular bouts of abdominal distress, contact a medical specialist to have an examination conducted so that an accurate diagnosis can be provided based on which an effective treatment plan may be devised.
Thanks to many awareness programs, people are now well-informed about the many hazards of smoking. Smoking is responsible for cancer, cardiac problems, bronchitis and emphysema. Every year we lose 6 million people to smoking related issues. The title of this article calls sitting the new smoking. A lot of people might find this hard to believe. This article will try to throw some light on the ill-effects of prolonged sitting.
Notice toddlers, how flexible they are. They crouch, crawl and even pop their toes into their mouth with ease. This is how agile our human body is. Unfortunately, when children start their schooling, they are more often than not chained to their desks. This sitting becomes their new normal. Our body which was designed to be mobile and active is forced to remain stationary.
Scientific Evidence on the Dangers of Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged sitting refers to being seated for 3-4 hours continuously along with a sedentary lifestyle. A number of studies have concurred that this can lead to many health issues, a few of which are given below:
Cancer: There is a greater incidence of various kinds of cancers in people who remain seated for 6-8 hours a day. This is irrespective of the amount of exercise that they do.
Heart Disease: People who are seated for more than 6 hours have a greater risk of developing a heart disease in comparison to people who are seated for only 3 hours.
Obesity: Diet and exercise were considered till now the cornerstones for avoiding obesity. However, only a few people are aware that sitting contributes to obesity. Being active is indeed another very important factor in avoiding obesity. According to studies conducted by Mayo Clinic, it was found that people who sit for long hours have a higher tendency to become obese in comparison to people whose work requires them to stand and move about. Obesity in turn increases the risk of heart attack, diabetes, cancer, and depression while also elevating cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol: Lipoprotein lipase is a chemical which controls cholesterol by burning fat. This chemical’s production is reduced in people who sit for many hours together thus leading to an increase in their cholesterol level.
Depression: Studies have shown that 47% of people involved in jobs requiring them to be seated for more than 7 hours suffer from depression. This increases to 90% in people who do not exercise.
Back Pain: Prolonged sitting leads to weakened back muscles and improper spine posture causing back pain. Normally people over 40 years of age develop back pain. But with prolonged sitting, there are increased chances of people developing back pain by 30 years of age. Sitting increases the pressure on the spinal discs, causes early wear and tear of back muscles and weakens the muscles leading to early degeneration.
Tips to Overcome Problems Caused by Prolonged Sitting
Avoid being seated for more than 2 hours at a stretch. If your job demands your presence at your desk continuously, take a 5- or 10-minute break to walk around and stretch your legs.
Try standing and working, stay mobile and while sitting, sit erect.
Do not slouch when you are seated. A correct sitting posture is one in which your back and thigh are at 90 degrees to one another.
Make sure that the computer on which you are working on is positioned properly at the right level.
During tea/coffee breaks, take a stroll instead of staying confined to the office space. The natural light will indeed do wonders.
Avoid stress and work out regularly.
Sit Smart!
A normal working day of a person involves being seated for 6-8 hours and a commute of 2 hours. This translates to spending nearly 32 years of life seated. We cannot avoid going to work or sitting at our desks, what we can avoid are the hazards of prolonged sitting now that we are aware of it. Follow the above tips, sit smart and stay healthy.
Watch Dr. G. Balamurali, senior consultant for spine and neurosurgery at Kauvery Hospital, explain the hazards of prolonged sitting and his pointers on sitting smart
