Month: August 2024

Monsoon and Your Immunity

Monsoon and Your Immunity: Boosting Your Body’s Defenses for the Rainy Season

The monsoon season is on our head, the cooling showers and soft breezes are here to relieve us from the scorching heat of the summer. However, as cool as it seems, the monsoon season brings a lot of humidity, water diseases, and other health concerns. These altogether challenge our immune system, and all individuals face a risk of getting sick. As the rain transforms the weather from scorching heat to coll breezy showers, we also need to transform our health habits to stay robust and resilient. Here’s how you can fight with your strong immunity against all odds of the monsoon.

How Can You Boost Your Immunity in the Rainy Season?

Increase your Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C is the best immune booster. This vitamin protects a person against all odd diseases and infections during the rainy season. By improving the ability of immune cells to eliminate dangerous germs, it strengthens your immune system. Vitamin C is also helpful in managing and preventing a number of respiratory conditions, including the common cold and cough. Make sure you get adequate vitamin C from food or supplements. Natural sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, as well as vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, red bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts.

Enhance Your Lifestyle

  • Your lifestyle is a major contributing factor to your health. Incorporate these practices in your daily life to stay healthy and improve your immunity:
    • a.   Exercise Regularly – It is not always about the intensity of the workout but the consistency. Engage in little activities like Yoga, Gym, walking, or jogging. Exercise enhances circulation and helps the immune cells to perform efficiently.
    • b.   Healthy Sleep – By healthy night sleep we mean, quality sleep for up to 7-8 hours. Sleep is essential for the body to repair and regenerate the body’s tissues, and maintain a strong immune system.
    • c.   Hygiene Practices – Hygiene practices like – washing your hands every time you come home, using hand sanitizers, and keeping your surroundings clean to prevent infections.
    • d.   Avoiding Stagnant Water – Water stagnation gives rise to mosquito breeding. Use mosquito repellents and nets.
    • e.   Stress Management – Your mental wellness has everything to do with your immunity. Practice stress relief yourself, and monitor the healthy changes in your routine life.

Dietary Adjustment to Ensure Stronger Immunity

  • Along with certain lifestyle changes, it is necessary to ensure that you follow a healthy diet routine. Here are some dietary adjustments that you can consider:
    • a.   Drink Plenty of Water – Drink plenty of clean, and filtered water. Avoid drinking from plastic water bottles. Drink at least 8-9 glasses in a day.
    • b.   Balanced diet – Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are excellent for vitamin C, which enhances immune function.
    • c.   Probiotics – Intake more food supplements like – yogurt and fermented vegetables, to improve your gut health.
    • d.   Herbal Food – Avoid lots and lots of herbs and ayurvedic dietary choices. Drink herbal tea or green tea.
    • e.   Avoid Junk Food – Junk food that is fried, oily, or any street food should be avoided at any cost, especially in the monsoon season.

Use Natural Products

  • Incorporate lots and lots of natural herbal supplements like the following:
    • a.   Turmeric Milk – A warm cup of turmeric milk every day can go a long way. It can be very beneficial in boosting immunity and may have great anti-oxidant properties.
    • b.   Honey and Ginger – As weird as it sounds, honey and ginger is a great combination. A spoonful of honey with crushed ginger can soothe your throat and can work as a natural immunity booster.
    • c.   Amla – Amla is rich in Vitamin C, amla juice or raw amla can be consumed daily for a stronger immune system.
    • d.   Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Chew a few Tulsi leaves early in the morning. You can also prepare tulsi tea that will help your body fight infection and enhance your immunity.

What Precautions Should You Take During Monsoon?

  • You can take the following precautions to maintain your health:
    1. Boil Drinking water – Don’t drink cold water, drink either lukewarm water or boil it to kill all the germs and bacteria.
    2. Wear Appropriate Clothing – Ensure that you leave home with a raincoat or an umbrella to prevent wrenching in the rain. Dress in light, breathable, and waterproof clothing to prevent fungal infections and stay dry.
    3. Ventilation – Ensure there is proper ventilation in your home. Ventilation helps in avoiding dampness and mold growth.
    4. Footwear – Avoid wearing slippers or flip-flops. Wear waterproof and fully-covered shoes.

 

Conclusion

Monsoon is a beautiful season, however, it comes with its own issues and challenges. By incorporating a healthy lifestyle, dietary changes, and taking appropriate precautions, you can boost your immune system and stay healthy all monsoon. It won’t harm you to take the pleasure of rainy showers but maintaining your health is also important. This monsoon season, have fun, stay safe, stay healthy, and relish every moment of your life.

August 9, 2024 / by admin
Chandipura Virus

Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat: Understanding the Deadly Infection Affecting Children

On July 17, 2024 the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune confirmed that a four-year-old girl in Gujarat died from the Chandipura virus. Gujarat has reported a total of 133 cases of viral encephalitis over the past month, including 47 detected to be Chandipura virus, according to a statement from the State government. Of the 15 deaths, 13 are from Gujarat, with one each from neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Gujarat Health Commissioner Harshad Patel stated that nearly all the affected patients are children. Local health authorities are actively monitoring encephalitis cases and will continue to closely observe infections in the general population, increasing surveillance in areas with reported cases.

This is not the first outbreak of the Chandipura virus in India; previous outbreaks in 2003-04 in central India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of over 300 children. But what exactly is Chandipura Virus Infection? Let’s delve deeper to understand this deadly disease that seems to mostly affect children.

What is Chandipura Virus?

Chandipura Virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus within the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus. It was first isolated in 1965 from the blood of two adults with a febrile illness in a village near Nagpur, Maharashtra, and the virus was named after this village. Another notable instance of the virus being found in humans occurred in 1980 in Madhya Pradesh, from a patient suffering from acute encephalitis.

What are the Symptoms of Chandipura Virus?

The clinical presentation of Chandipura virus infection is both acute and severe, with a short incubation period of 24 to 48 hours. The disease is contracted suddenly, marked by high fever, altered sensorium, and seizures. These symptoms can quickly progress to an encephalitic syndrome, potentially leading to coma and death if not treated promptly.

These symptoms occur due to the inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Note the symptoms listed below:

  • Rapid onset of fever
  • Followed by vomiting
  • Altered sensorium (a change in consciousness)
  • Convulsions, diarrhea
  • Neurological deficit (like the inability to speak, loss of balance, vision changes)
  • Meningeal irritation (signs may include headaches, neck stiffness, photophobia and seizures)

How does the Chandipura Virus Infection Spread?

The virus is spread through the bites of sandflies, ticks, and mosquitoes. Sandflies are the primary carriers and can thrive in the cracks of walls or areas of homes made of sand or mud. Though the virus is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.

Does the Chandipura Virus mostly affect Children?

The Chandipura virus primarily affects children under the age of 15, with a significant impact in rural areas. During the 2003 outbreak in Andhra Pradesh, affected children ranged from 9 months to 14 years old, with most fatalities occurring within 48 hours of hospital admission. In the current Chandipura Virus outbreak in Gujarat, India, all reported deaths have been among children.

How is Chandipura Virus treated?

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial. Management primarily involves supportive care, including IV fluids, anticonvulsants, and fever control. In some cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary. Without medical intervention, the infection can be fatal within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. However, with advancements in medical care, the fatality rate has significantly decreased from 60-70% to less than 25%.

How Can We Reduce the Risk of Chandipura Virus Infection?

To minimize the risk of contracting the Chandipura Virus, consider spraying insecticides, encouraging children to wear long-sleeve clothing, using bed nets while sleeping, and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. These measures can significantly reduce the chances of infection from this dangerous virus.

August 2, 2024 / by admin
Periodic Fever Syndrome in Children

Periodic Fever Syndrome in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Are you a parent with a lot of care and concern for your child? Do you often struggle to deal with the spontaneous sickness of your child? Raising a child is a complete journey filled with joy, laughter, and lots of health concerns. One of the most concerning issues that parents often struggle with is the periodic fever syndrome. This is the problem of recurring fevers in children and can be alarming.

Let’s explore more about the disease and understand what periodic fever syndrome is and how we can take care of it.

What is Periodic Fever Syndrome?

Periodic fever syndrome refers to the problem of fever recurring in a child without the detection of any serious illness or infection. These fever episodes normally occur at regular times and can even last for days. Normally, fevers are caused due to infection and can be a result of any subsequent disease. Unlike other fevers, periodic fever syndrome is not caused by any bacterial or viral pathogen. In fact, they are a result of any underlying genetic factor.

What are the Types of Periodic Fever Syndrome?

  • There are several types of periodic fever syndrome that affects children:

    • PFAPA Syndrome

    • PFPA Syndrome is the most common syndrome, and it stands for Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis. In this type of periodic fever, children face the issue of fever every few weeks. This often leads to other issues like mouth sores, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. This syndrome affects children between the ages of 2 and 5. There are no long-term complications, yet treatment for the disease is advisable. PFAPA is a long-term disease, and will tend to recover as the kid grows up.

    • FMF Syndrome

    • Familial Mediterranean Fever or FMF is common among people of the Mediterranean area or Middle Eastern descent. This syndrome causes recurring fever and also leads to inflammation in other body parts like the abdomen, chest, or joints. Sometimes, painful swelling in the joints can even make it hard to walk. Normally, the syndrome affects the kids below the age of 10. If left untreated, it may lead to an unwanted build-up of protein and can even lead to organ failure.

    • Hyper IgD Syndrome

    • The hyper lgD Syndrome or HIDS is a genetic disorder. It is a rare genetic fever condition and is also known as Mevalonate Kinase-Associated Periodic Fever Syndrome. The symptoms usually start in the child in the first year and the fever can go up to 104 degrees. The symptoms may include – rash, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, etc.

    • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor

    • Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS) – This is a condition that causes intermittent fevers. These fevers are often followed by other issues like rashes, chills, and muscle pain.

What are the Symptoms of Periodic Fever Syndrome?

  • Periodic fever syndrome causes regular episodes of fever accompanied by other symptoms listed below:
    • 1.   Mouth Ulcers (Common in PFAPA)
    • 2.   Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes
    • 3.   Abdominal pain
    • 4.   Joint pain and swelling
    • 5.   Skin rashes
    • 6.   Headaches

How Can Parents Diagnose Periodic Fever Syndrome?

  • The diagnosis of this disease is a little challenging but you can start by cancelling out the other causes of periodic fever such as infection or any other disease. Some other common ways of diagnosis are:

  • Physical Test

  • The doctors will completely examine the child’s body and will look for signs associated with the disease such as – swelling, abdominal pain, rashes, muscle pain, etc.

  • Blood and Urine Test

  • Blood and urine tests are critical to identify if there is any other underlying condition or disease that a child is suffering from. Tests are often conducted both times, when your child is sick and when he is well to compare the inflammation at all times.

  • Genetic Test

  • This periodic fever syndrome could be a genetic condition, and that is why it becomes crucial to identify the true cause of it. This is conducted via lab test or physical examinations to identify if your child has an inherited syndrome.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Periodic Fever Syndrome?

The type of treatment for your child will depend on the diagnosis. The important aspect is to get a doctor’s consultation and get proper prescribed treatment. Doctors will advise ways or provide medications to mitigate the symptoms and reduce inflammations. Some periodic fever syndrome episodes demand long-term treatment while others may resolve quickly.

Parents may also incorporate some lifestyle changes and adjustments along with the medications. Take a regular fever check, give your child a healthy diet, make them drink plenty of water, and take extra caution in changing weather conditions.

Conclusion

Periodic fever syndrome is not easily detectable and requires a lot of precaution and care. Parents need to take extra care of their child to understand the problem in depth, and get relief. Consult your healthcare professional for other precautions, and ensure your child’ well-being at all times.

August 2, 2024 / by admin
Sensorineural Hearing Loss

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss & its Main Cause & Symptoms

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is one of the most common and persisting types of hearing loss. This condition has affected millions of people worldwide. It commonly occurs due to some abnormality in the inner ear or the neural pathway. This neural pathway connects the ear to the brain, and even a minor issue in this pathway can directly affect a person’s hearing capability. In this blog, we will understand more about Sensorineural hearing loss, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Sensorineural Hearing Loss is a type of hearing problem or impairment that is caused by damage in the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. Not like conductive hearing loss ( a hearing problem caused in the outer or middle ear), Sensorineural hearing loss affects the auditory nerve and inner ear which affects the sensory hair cells. This damage can cause the problem of partial or complete hearing loss, as it can impair the transmission of sound signals.

What are the Main Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

  • The inner part of the ear contains tiny hair cells or nerve endings, that transform sound into electric signals. Sensorineural hearing loss. When these electric signals are hampered by the tiny hair cells present in the ears, it causes hearing loss. However, there could be multiple reasons for this damage, such as:
    • 1.   Genetic Factors – In most cases, genetic factors are involved in causing sensorineural hearing loss. This damage is subjected to genetic mutations. These can be syndromic (associated with other symptoms) or non-syndromic (occurring alone).
    • 2.   Prenatal Factors – Sometimes, this problem is caused because of infections during pregnancy. Infections such as rubella or cytomegalovirus can affect the fetus at the developing stage and cause minor hearing loss. Moreover, additional diabetic problems or ototoxic drugs can also elevate the problem.

SNHL may develop in children or adults later in life as a result of:

  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Diseases related to blood vessels
  • Immune disease
  • Some infections such as meningitis, mumps, scarlet fever, and measles
  • Loud noise or sounds
  • Meniere disease
  • Tumors
  • A side effect of certain medicines
  • Working in a place with loud noises and sound.

What are the Symptoms Associated with Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

  • 1.   Difficulty in understanding conversations. Frequently asking to repeat the sentence
  • 2.   Muffled or distorted sound
  • 3.   People with SNHL experience tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound constantly in their ears without any external source
  • 4.   Damage to the inner ear can affect the vestibular system, leading to balance problems or dizziness.
  • 5.   People suffering from SNHL may experience hyperacusis. This is a condition of increased sensitivity wherein everyday sounds become painful and uncomfortable.
  • 6.   SNHL may occur suddenly sometimes and can cause partial hearing loss. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

How Can We Diagnose Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

SNHL diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach and may examine the following things:

  • 1.   A thorough review of the patient’s medical history, including any exposure to noise, ototoxic medications, infections, or family history of hearing loss.
  • 2.  A complete physical examination. This may include the examination of the ear, head, and neck. This comprehensive approach will help the examiner identify the intensity of the problem and other associated problems.
  • 3.   The examiner may also conduct some hearing tests like pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) to assess the type and degree of the problem.
  • 4.   In some major cases, the examiner might conduct an MRI or CT scan to check for further abnormalities in the sensory organs of the ear and brain.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Sensorineural Hearing Loss or SNHL?

Multiple treatment options are available for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This problem is other permanent but its side effects can be mitigated to manage and improve the quality of life.

  • 1.   Hearing Aids

  • The most common treatment for SNHL available medically is a hearing aid. These small electronic devices once attached to the affected person’s ear can amplify sound and can be modified as per the person’s hearing loss condition. Hearing aids are technologically advanced devices that also support communication patterns along with helping in hearing.

  • 2.   Cochlear Implants

  • For people with severe hearing problems who cannot benefit from hearing aids, another option for them is cochlear implants. A cochlear implant bypasses the damaged hair cells in the cochlea and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing the user to perceive sound.

  • 3.   Medications and Surgery

  • If SNHL is caused by a certain infection, or as a side effect of some disease, some medicines may help reduce the symptoms and mitigate the problem. In cases like acoustic neuroma, or a benign tumor, surgery might be necessary.

  • 4.   Therapy

  • Some speech therapy or auditory therapy can help the one suffering to improve their communication skills and adapt to hearing loss.

Takeaway

Sensorineural hearing loss or SNHL is a complex hearing condition. It is necessary to understand and completely diagnose the problem. People suffering from SNHL don’t merely need treatment for their disability but also seek moral help. Consult a healthcare professional immediately to cure the problem.

August 2, 2024 / by admin

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