Learn about Fungal Infections and Diseases in Brief

Fungal Infection of the skin is also known as Mycosis. It is a mild disease, however, in some conditions, it can also lead to severe disease. It can affect anyone and can appear on any part of the body. Fungal diseases in humans are caused when an invasive fungus takes over an area of the body that the immune system cannot control. Different types of fungi can cause fungal infection and it can be contagious. The most common diseases caused by fungal infection are Athlete foot, Fungal nail infections, Ringworm, Vaginal candidiasis, candida infections on the mouth, throat, and oesophagus. There are several anti-fungal medicines available for fungal infection treatment.

Note: The treatment should be taken as per the doctor’s recommendation.

What is Fungal Infection?

Fungal Infection is a skin disease caused by fungus. Just like microbes, there are two types of fungus – helpful fungus and harmful fungus. A fungal infection is caused when a harmful fungus invades the body and starts growing in a particular region. These fungi can be difficult to kill and their growth prevention is only possible with the help of medicines.

Fungal infections can be contagious and can spread from person to person. Its prevention is a must. In some severe cases, one might be infected with disease-causing fungi, spread from infected animals, or contaminated soil or surfaces.

Fungal Infection – What are its types?

Fungal Infection can occur anywhere on one’s body. Mycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection. Although most fungi are harmless to humans, some of them can cause disease in certain circumstances.

The most common types of fungal infections are:

 

Athlete’s foot

The athlete’s foot is also known as Tinea Pedis. It is a fungal infection that infects your foot and is contagious. The fungi develop in warm and damp environments in areas like shoes, socks, locker rooms, etc. These are generally found in hot and humid climates.

Following proper hygiene like changing sweaty socks and cleaning shoes might prevent the infection.

Symptoms :
  • Itching
  • Stinging
  • Burning sensation
  • The skin might crack, peel or blister

Jock Itch

Jock itch is caused by tinea, a type of fungus. It is also known as tinea cruris. Tinea develops in warm and humid body environments like genitals, inner thigh, and buttocks. The infection usually happens in summer when the environment is suitable for the fungus to grow. Jock itch is a rash that is usually ring-shaped and is red and itchy.

Symptoms:
  • Redness on skin
  • Itchiness
  • Burning sensation
  • Cracks on skin
  • Rashes
  • Changes in skin colour

Ringworm

Ringworm, as the name suggests isn’t really a worm but a fungal infection. It is also called Tinea Corporis. Ringworm, as the name suggests, can cause a circular rash (ring-shaped) that is usually red and itchy.

Symptoms:
  • Patches that blister and bleed
  • Bald patches on the scalp
  • Ring-shaped patches
  • Thick, discoloured, or cracked nails

Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is also called Cutaneous Candidiasis. The infection is caused by a type of fungus called Candida. The infection is not contagious. It develops mostly in warm and damp areas of body-like armpits. This infection mostly affects obese people and the ones with diabetes.

Symptoms:
  • Pain
  • Itchiness
  • Fluid discharge
  • Swelling
  • redness

Toenail Fungus

Onychomycosis is a fungus that can harm your toenails, fingernails, and nail beds.
It is also known as Tinea Unguium. A small light-coloured spot appears on the toe skin and as it grows deeper, it changes into the colour of the nail.

Symptoms:
  • Patches under the nail
  • White or yellow streaks under the nail
  • Broken nailbed
  • Thick nails

Some common symptoms related to Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are most likely to affect the regions like skin, nails, or lungs. Once infected, fungi can also affect your organs. This can lead to many organ-related problems in the body.

There are some symptoms related to fungal infection. Understanding them might help you prevent the infection at an early stage. The symptoms of fungal infection generally depend on its type, but these are the most common symptoms of fungal infection:

  • Irritation
  • Scaly skin
  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Blisters

Diagnosis of Fungal Infection

fungal infection

Fungal infection is generally visible as it creates some patches or discolouration on the affected region. An infection caused by a fungus can be identified based on its appearance. In such conditions, it is necessary to consult a doctor and get it tested. If doctors are uncertain, they usually take a skin sample to inspect for the fungus. It is generally done to diagnose the type of fungus that has infected the area.

In some cases like yeast infection, the doctor may ask about the patient’s medical history and ask for a skin sample for test. They might also question if the person has taken antibiotics as it might also be the cause of infection.

Treatment:

After the diagnosis is done and the type of fungal infection is confirmed, the doctor will recommend a treatment, depending on the symptoms. A treatment includes – ointments for application on the skin, creams, anti-fungal medicines, tablets, and suppositories, as these are sufficient to treat maximum cases of fungal infection. Some severe cases might require regular check-ups and a prescription. Cleaning the infected area and maintaining the hygiene by keeping it dry, may help in quick recovery.

Prevention:

  • Wear loose clothes
  • Take a balanced diet as it helps in increasing immunity
  • Keep gentle parts of the body like – armpits, genitals, vagina clean and dry
  • Maintain proper hygiene
  • Wash underwear and clothes properly
  • Avoid using shared items like towels

Conclusion:

Regular treatment can be used to treat fungal skin infections. This includes – application of ointments, medicines, etc. Severe infections may necessitate the use of additional treatments. Taking necessary preventions might help in reducing the effect of the infection and block it from growing further. Always consult your doctors if any such symptoms are noticed on the skin, to prevent serious complications. Most cases of fungal infection can be easily treated with necessary precautions and medicines.

Understanding Post-covid Problems: How to handle symptoms after recovery?

COVID-19 is a malicious disease that has paced all over the world. After its first appearance, the world had to go under a second wave which saw more deaths and increased occurrences of post-COVID problems. By far, people are readily following government guidelines to prevent the third wave of COVID-19. The government has made it mandatory for all eligible individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Following its threat, people are not just frightened of the illness but also its after-effects. Coronavirus is a posing problem as it leads to various lung and heart diseases even after recovery.

Even a minor case of COVID-19 can cause agonizing headaches, intense exhaustion, and body aches that make it difficult to get comfortable. Most people being affected with COVID-19 gets better within a few weeks, but eventually, fall a victim to post COVID illness. Even after recovery people generally experience a month-long weakness, fatigue, and other health-related issues. Even persons who did not show symptoms of COVID-19 in the days or weeks following their infection can develop post-COVID complications.

These symptoms after initial recovery are also called long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID. Aged people or people with some long-term existing illness have high chances of experiencing lingering COVID-19 symptoms.

How do the post-COVID symptoms affect after recovery?

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which begins while a person is hospitalized and can even remain after being fully recovered and discharged. Severe sickness weakens thinking ability and post-traumatic stress disorder are all possible side effects of hospitalization (PTSD). PTSD is the result of long-term reactions to a traumatic incident.

Some symptoms that a person experience after their discharge are very similar to the symptoms of mild COVID illness. It becomes difficult to comprehend the after-effects of the virus and PTSD. However, it is necessary to consult a doctor before assuming anything. Good health is the sign of complete recovery, and in COVID, until and unless you are completely healthy you have not fully recovered.

Post-COVID Symptoms – What are those?

Usually, some people experience symptoms that can last for weeks or months after recovery from COVID-19. These symptoms can occur in any person even if they have mild or severe COVID illness. The post-COVID symptoms include:

  • Difficulty in breathing or short breaths
  • Fatigue
  • Conditions that worsen after physical or mental activities (also known as post-exertional malaise)
  • Difficulty in maintaining concentration
  • Cough
  • Chest or stomach pain
  • Headache
  • Fast heart-beats (also known as heart palpitations)
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Itching
  • Diarrhoea
  • Sleeping issues
  • Fever
  • Frequent dizziness
  • Rashes
  • Mood swings
  • Change in smell or taste
  • Changes in menstrual period cycles

People with maximum risk of developing post-COVID syndrome include:

  • Old age people
  • People recovered from severe illness
  • Individuals with bad health conditions, particularly cardiopulmonary issues, hypertension, diabetes, or obesity

What are the long-term effects of COVID-19?

The most common long-lasting effects of COVID are – Fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain, Chest pain. Some other long term effects include:

Lung Problems

A bad case of COVID-19 can cause long-term and permanent issues related to the lungs like breathing problems. Even a meagre infection can cause shortness of breath for a long period.

Heart Problems

It is proven that 60% of those recovering from COVID have signs of ongoing heart problems, leading to inflammation of heart muscles. Some common symptoms include – shortness of breath, palpitations, and rapid heartbeat.

Kidney Damage

If the COVID has caused kidney damage, it might need dialysis

Neurological problems

Long-term symptoms of COVID may include brain fog, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. More research is being done in the field.

Distorted Smell or Taste

The coronavirus directly affects the cells present in the nose and tongue as these senses are interrelated. A case of COVID-19 can result in a loss of taste or smell. It’s not life-threatening but a long loss of taste or smell can lead to a lack of appetite, anxiety, and depression.

Mental Health issues

The lingering effects of COVID-19 can even lead to anxiety and depression. Mental Health issues are very common in people recovering from COVID-19, especially those who were hospitalized. Physical and mental changes like long isolation, job loss, financial issues could be quiet problematic after a recovery. Consult a psychiatrist or a therapist for physical and mental health improvement.

It is also important to remember that most people who suffer from COVID-19 recover quickly but can still have lingering effects of COVID. The long-lasting impact of COVID-19, make it really necessary to prevent it from spreading. Its spread could only be reduced by following the necessary precautions. Precautions include wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, getting a vaccine when available, and keeping hands clean.

What should you do if you’re experiencing post-COVID syndrome?

  • Schedule an appointment with your primary health physician
  • If you were hospitalized for a more severe illness then there are chances that you were treated by a cardiologist.
  • Better consult a cardiologist for heart diseases and chest pain.
  • Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water
  • Keep a check on your heartbeats and breathing rates
  • Do breathing exercises to maintain breathing capacity after being affected by COVID

Lastly, remember these preventive measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and to stop it from spreading:

  • Social distancing
  • Wear a mask
  • Avoid crowds or large gatherings
  • Practice excellent hand hygiene and avoid touching your face constantly

How to reduce the long-term effects of COVID-19?

The long-lasting effects of COVID-19 become even more important for us to reduce its spread. This can be done by following a major step i.e. getting a COVID-19 vaccine. (if you are eligible) click here to read more – https://www.chaudharyhospital.in/corona-vaccine-important-information-hindi/

  • Consult your doctor or physician to understand self-management of these after-effects
  • Take the prescribed medicines till the symptoms are not eradicated completely.
  • Note down the symptoms, their ranges, and their impact on your well-being, and record the progress as well.
  • For symptoms of mental issues, consult a therapist or join self-help groups. It can help you deal with anxiety, depression, or sleep problems
  • Ensure that you have emergency contacts – doctors, physicians, cardiologists (for respiratory problems), and a therapist in all cases.
  • Stay motivated and take a healthy diet to improve immunity to fight against such diseases.

If you’re not eligible for vaccination, then take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from the threat of COVID.

Conclusion

Considering that the outcomes of COVID are severe, it becomes necessary to take necessary precautions in such hard times. The most important step is to get the COVID-19 vaccine and follow government guidelines. If any of your family members have suffered from COVID, and experienced post-COVID problems, then consult your doctor and take timely measures for complete recovery.

जानिए क्या हैं डेंगू बुखार एवं उसके कारण ,लक्षण और इलाज

मौसम में परिवर्तन होने के साथ ही बीमार होना भी स्वाभाविक है, इसमें कुछ ऐसी बीमारियां होती है जो आगे चलकर हमारे लिए घातक सिद्ध हो सकती हैं। ऐसे में इन बीमारियों से बचाव के उपाय ही हमें स्वस्थ रख सकते हैं। इसी में एक बीमारी है डेंगू।

डेंगू का यूं तो कोई पूर्णतः इलाज नहीं है इसीलिए प्रथम तौर पर इसके कारणों के रोकथाम को अपनाने की ही सलाह दी जाती है ताकि हम इस बीमारी से बचे रहें।

डेंगू क्या हैं?

डेंगू (dengue) एक प्रकार का वायरस है। इससे होने वाला बुखार ही डेंगू का बुखार कहलाता है। यह बीमारी एडीज नामक मच्छर के काटने से होती है। डेंगू आमतौर पर मादा एडीज़ इजिप्टी मच्छर के काटने से फैलता है। ये विशेष प्रकार के मच्छर होते हैं, जिनके शरीर पर चीते जैसी धारियां पाई जाती हैं।

एडीज के काटने के 3 से 5 दिन के बाद डेंगू बुखार के लक्षण दिखने लगते हैं। एडीज मच्छर को पूरी तरह से खत्म कर पाना संभव नहीं है और यह मच्छर गर्म माहौल में भी जिंदा रह सकता है। एडीज इजिप्टी मच्छर के अंडे इतने बारीक होते हैं कि इन्हें आंखों से नहीं देखा जा सकता है।

एडीज मच्छर के काटने पर वायरस तेजी से मरीज के शरीर में अपना असर दिखाने है। जिसके कारण तेज बुखार और सिर दर्द जैसे लक्षण दिखाई देते है। डेंगू होने पर मरीज के ब्‍लड में प्लेटलेट्स की संख्या तेजी से कम होने लगती है जिसके कारण कई बार रोगी की जान का खतरा तक बन जाता है। डेंगू के शुरुआती लक्षण सामान्य बुखार से मिलते जुलते होते हैं।

डेंगू के लक्षण क्या हैं?

डेंगू आमतौर पर बच्चों को होने वाली बीमारी है लेकिन बड़े भी इसका शिकार हो जाते हैं। वैसे तो डेंगू के लक्षण भी सामान्य बुखार जैसे ही होते हैं। एडीज मच्छर के काटने के 4 दिनों से लेकर 2 सप्ताह के बीच कभी भी डेंगू के लक्षण दिखाई दे सकते हैं।

  • 40°C / 104°F टेंपरेचर वाला तेज बुखार
  • डेंगू के दौरान रोगी को 40 डिग्री सेल्सियस तापमान का तेज बुखार आता हैं।
  • -तेज सिर दर्द
  • डेंगू में व्यक्ति के सिर में तेज दर्द होता है।
  • आंखों के पीछे दर्द
  • रोगी को सिर दर्द के साथ आंखों के पीछे भी दर्द होता है।
  • उल्टी, हड्डियों में दर्द
  • डेंगू के दौरान जी मचलना या उल्टी लगना, ग्रंथियों में सूजन हो जाना, जोड़ों, हड्डियों और मांसपेशियों में दर्द होना और त्वचा पर लाल चकत्ते होना भी

अन्य लक्षण

इसके अलावा गंभीर लक्षणों में मसूड़ों से खून आना, खून की उल्टी लगना, तेज-तेज सांस आना और शरीर टूटना/बेचैनी जैसे लक्षण भी डेंगू में देखे जाते हैं।

डेंगू बुखार को कैसे पहचाने

डेंगू की प्रथम चरण में पहचान मुश्किल है लेकिन कुछ लक्षणों के आधार पर हम इसे पहचान सकते हैं। डेंगू में बुखार का तापमान चढ़ जाता है और बुखार आने के वक्त ठंड लगने लगती है। इसके अलावा भूख लगनी कम हो जाती है और ब्लडप्रेशर भी गिरने लगता है और चक्कर आने शुरू हो जाते हैं।

इसके अलावा डेंगू से जब रोगी गंभीर अवस्था में पहुंच जाता है तब लक्षण बढ़ जाते हैं। जिसमें पेट में तेज दर्द होना, लीवर और सीने में फ्लूइड का जमा होना, खून में प्लेटलेट्स का कम होना, रक्तस्राव आदि लक्षण भी नज़र आने लगते हैं।

डेंगू बुखार होने के कारण

  • डेंगू दिन में काटने वाले 2 प्रकार के मच्छरों एडिज इजिप्टी और एडिज एल्बोपेक्टस के काटने से होता है।
  • डेंगू वायरस 4 प्रकार का होता है। यह DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4 के नाम से जाना जाता है। इसमें DEN – 1 और DEN – 3 अधिक खतरनाक होता है। डेंगू बुखार ‘डेंगू’ वायरस के संक्रमण से होता है।
  • डेंगू सभी प्रकार के मच्छरों से नहीं फैलता है। यह केवल कुछ जाति के मच्छरों के काटने से होता है। जो मुख्यतः ‘फ्लाविविरिडे’ परिवार और ‘फ्लाविविरस’ जीन का हिस्सा होते है।

डेंगू बुखार से बचाव के उपाय

1. डेंगू से बचाव के लिए घर के आसपास पानी जमा नहीं होने देना चाहिए। इसके अलावा लंबे समय तक किसी भी बर्तन में पानी भरकर नहीं रखना चाहिए क्योंकि इससे मच्छर पनपने का खतरा रहता है।

2. पीने का पानी को हमेशा ढंककर रखना और बदलते रहना चाहिए ताकि मच्छरों को बढ़ने का मौका नहीं मिले।

3. कूलर का पानी हर दिन बदलते रहना चाहिए, इसमें भी मच्छर पनपने का खतरा बढ़ जाता है।

4. खि‍ड़की और दरवाजों पर मच्छर से बचने के लिए जाली लगानी चाहिए ताकि बाहर के मच्छर अंदर नहीं आ सके।

5. हमेशा पूरी बांह के कपड़े पहनने चाहिए या फिर शरीर को जितना हो सके ढंक कर रखना चाहिए ताकि मच्छर नहीं काट सके।

डेंगू का इलाज क्या है?

डेंगू का इलाज चिकित्सकीय परामर्श से जरूर संभव है। लेकिन इसके लिए कोई वैक्सीन उपलब्ध नहीं है। इसीलिए डेंगू से रोकथाम की सलाह दी जाती है।

  • डेंगू होने पर अधिकाधिक आराम करें।
  • चिकित्सकीय सलाह लेकर इलाज करवाएं
  • शरीर में पानी की कमी नहीं होने दें।
  • तरल पदार्थों का सेवन करते रहें।
  • साफ, स्वच्छ एवं मच्छरों से बचाव कर सोए।

डॉ.चौधरी हॉस्पिटल

उदयपुर (राजस्थान ) के हिरण मगरी सेक्टर 4 एरिया में स्थित डॉ.चौधरी हॉस्पिटल शहर का प्रमुख मल्टीस्पेशलिटी अस्पताल है। 2005 में स्थापित डॉ.चौधरी हॉस्पिटल में संभाग भर से हज़ारों मरीज इलाज के लिए आते हैं एवं ठीक होकर घर जाते हैं। चौधरी हॉस्पिटल में उचित दरों में इलाज व जांच सुविधा उपलब्ध है।

डॉ.चौधरी हॉस्पिटल की विशेषताएं

  • एनएबीएच प्रमाणित
  • स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं में 15 साल का अनुभव
  • प्रति वर्ष 4 लाख+जांचें
  • विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टरों की टीम
  • सटीक परिणाम
  • अत्याधुनिक डायग्नोस्टिक लैब्स
  • कोविड केयर यूनिट

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