What Are The Types of Neurological Problems That Can Occur And How To Prevent It

A neurological disorder is a medically defined term used to represent a condition where a person goes through structural, biochemical, or electrical abnormalities in the nervous system, involving the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.  

However, this is the most overlooked medical problem, and most people do not even know that they have a neurological disorder. 

Thus, apprehending the state and stage of a neurological disorder is essential. Further, this can help get the best treatment from a neurologist in Kolkata.

Often, neurological disorders are confused with mental conditions or “psychiatric illnesses”, associated with abnormalities of thought and behavior. 

Thus, it is imperative to understand the key neurological problems that you may come across. 

Headaches

This is the most common neurological disorder that can affect anyone irrespective of gender and age. Most of us do not consider headaches a serious condition and settle for over-the-counter painkillers. But, if it is repetitive or sudden, there might be underlying conditions.

The most common conditions that can cause recurring headaches are high blood pressure, infections, temporal arteritis, and tumors. So, look out for red flags such as fever, stiffness of the neck, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Epilepsy and Seizures

This disorder results from an abnormal electrical activity inside the brain leading to recurrent and unprovoked seizures. However, if you have one seizure, that doesn’t indicate that you will have epilepsy. But, if it increases with time, then you definitely have an underlying epilepsy condition.

The general symptoms of a seizure are cognitive or emotional symptoms, including fear, anxiety, loss of consciousness, temporary confusion, and uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs. And, require immediate intervention by the best neurologist in Kolkata. 

Stroke

This occurs due to inadequate blood flow into the brain, which often leads to clots or blockages within the artery. There are three types of stroke – Ischemic stroke, resulting from a sudden blood clot; Hemorrhagic stroke, resulting from a ruptured blood vessel; and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), resulting from a temporary restriction in blood supply to the brain.

The general symptoms to detect stroke include blurred vision, confusion, trouble speaking, loss of balance, numbness of one side of the body – the face, arm, or leg and severe headache.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. However, it is a rare neuromuscular condition that affects the brain and spinal cord of the nerve cells. But, there is no exact reason behind this condition. However, doctors assume that genetic and environmental factors could be the possible cause.

The general symptoms are muscle weakness, twitching of muscles, tight and stiff muscles, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing food. 

Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia

With age memory loss becomes quite a common condition, but neurological diseases are categorized based on the degree of memory loss. And, if it turns out to be something severe, these are signs of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The general symptoms include feeling lost, unable to recall addresses, inability to manage finances, and difficulty going through everyday work. In extreme cases, forgetting names and problems speaking the mother tongue are accompanied by behavioral changes.

How to Prevent Neurological Problems?

Lifestyle modifications can help to control and manage neurological symptoms, such as –

  • Following a healthy diet that prioritizes fruits and vegetables.
  • Involving in daily exercise to stay fit and maintain well-being. 
  • Getting screened and diagnosed periodically for carotid stenosis.
  • Monitoring the blood pressure after a fixed interval
  • Quitting smoking and excessive drinking.
  • Balancing personal and professional life to manage stress, anxiety, and fear.

However, these work at the introductory stage, and later, steroids or surgery might be prescribed to treat the neurological condition. 

These diseases affect different aspects of the central and peripheral nervous systems. And, any progressive condition must be evaluated by a neurologist. Consult with the best neurologist in Kolkata at ILS Hospitals for advanced facilities and appropriate treatment. 

 

Pharmacy’s role in a modern health continuum

Is it often questioned whether over-the-counter medicines are safe or not? We will answer that today. Well, it is not risky, but there is a gap between – ‘getting the right drug’ and ‘getting the drug right’. And, this can be bridged only through a registered pharmacy. Are OTC medicines ill-legal? They include a limited range of drugs permitted to be sold without prescriptions. Further, health developments had made it possible to set up a 24×7 pharmacy in Kolkata, reducing the drug redundancy and resulting in better patient outcomes.

The pandemic taught every individual the necessity to access immediate medical support. With innovative team-based models of care and coordinated drug therapy management, the pharmacies have made it possible. 

They have been in the frontline of medical support during emergencies. And, advancements have made it easier for a pharmacist to contribute towards patient care. 

Let’s see how –

What is the role of a pharmacy in daily life?

The prime duty of certified pharmacies is to reduce health costs by preventing medical errors and reducing the chances of morbidity. A pharmacist runs a pharmacy who has acquired the medical qualification to aid minor ailments and help patients get the best care possible. 

They receive years of training in medicine compositions and are a significant support for wellbeing advice. And, most importantly, you do not need an appointment to seek help for health issues. Based on recent studies, a pharmacist has the potential to reduce the risk of adverse drug events.

Services provided by a pharmacy

Pharmacy can provide medicines for minor illnesses such as cough, sora, stomach aches, diaper rash, menstrual pain, allergy, mouth ulcer and muscular pain. A 24×7 pharmacy in Kolkata offers genuine drugs round the clock.

They stock medications of all compositions and almost all manufacturers. And, they even stock essential medical household products, such as baby food, skincare, floor cleaners, etc.

Prescription support

The pharmacist answers your questions about the prescriptions and dispenses the correct medicines. They help to adjust prescriptions and substitute medicines during inventory shortages. If a drug is unavailable, they provide an alternative with the same composition to maintain the continuum. 

Extension of prescription

If the doctor’s appointment is months away and the prescription is about to expire, then they have the right to extend it for a few days. This helps to prevent interruption in the drug treatment. 24×7 pharmacy in Kolkata services is inclusive of repeat prescription assistance.

Prescribe medicines when no diagnosis is required

A pharmacy prescribes medicines for minor health or habit changers that require no diagnosis, such as quitting smoking, emergency oral contraception, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and folic acid or multivitamins or calcium supplements. They also provide medications for diarrhea, acute mountain sickness, malaria, etc.

An emergency supply of medicine

A 24×7 pharmacy in Kolkata provides doorstep service to supply Prescription Only Medicines. Their executives collect your prescriptions and deliver the medicines on time. Online services are also available, and you can easily order medicines by uploading the prescription’s scanned images.

Disposal of unwanted medicines

Due to the alteration of medicines by the practitioner, certain drugs either become out-of-date or are no longer required. A pharmacy can help to dispose of them safely.

Screening and vaccination services

Screening tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure can be done at a pharmacy. They also provide weight management support and anticoagulation monitoring. Flu and tetanus vaccination can also be available at a pharmacy.

Technical help

They help you use any medical device -asthma inhaler use, sugar testing kit, how to take medicines and when to take them, and the restrictions. They also help you with the correct dose of medications.

Conclusion

Pharmacist interventions are a key element that prevents medication-related problems. Hospital pharmacists are in direct contact with patients, which helps them provide detailed reports or assessments about the cohort patient status and reduce disease severity. By aligning with the clinical practices, they help the health professionals with drug therapy management. Get in touch with the pharmacy associated with ILS Hospitals for an immediate supply of prescribed medicines.

What Happens During Urodynamics?

Ageing can be fun, but it brings new challenges such as wrinkles, lack of energy and unwillingness to participate in activities. Along with this, there are also functional changes within the body. The most-reported problem is – You might notice that even sneezing can result in involuntary leakage of urine or peeing. These circumstances can be embarrassing, but the good news is that it is treatable. The best urologist in Kolkata suggests Urodynamic testing to diagnose incontinence in urine passage. This test also detects additional urinary tract symptoms, such as infection and blockage, irrespective of male and female. 

So, if your prescription reads urodynamic tests, here’s what you should be prepared for:

What do the urodynamic tests measure?

The most basic purpose of urodynamic tests is to understand the condition of the urinary system, which includes – the bladder, urethra, urine storage, sphincters and presence of infections. 

The test reports give a clear idea about:

  • Nerve and muscle functions are associated with the urinary system.
  • Pressure building within and around the urinary bladder.
  • Urinary flow rates and factors related to urinary discharge.

When does a urologist prescribe urodynamic tests?

  • If there is urine leakage while doing any random activities
  • Following incontinence in urine flow
  • Sudden urges to urinate 
  • Unable to empty a full bladder 
  • Frequent urination (bladder remains full after peeing)
  • Pain urination with a burning sensation
  • Urinary tract infections

What are the primary urodynamic tests?

Urodynamic tests include a combination of tests that are prescribed based on the reported symptoms, such as –

Cystometry 

This test helps to understand and measure the leak point pressure. Catheters are used to measure the pressure inside the bladder to know how much urine it can hold. It also determines the elasticity, and pressure flow and detects abnormal contractions.

Electromyography 

In this test, electrode patches are placed near the urethra and rectum to record the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves associated with the sphincters and bladder.

Uroflowmetry

You have to have a full bladder to proceed with this test. You need to urinate into special equipment that automatically measures the amount and flow rate. This creates a graph that notifies about any changes and detects blockage.

Postvoid residual measurement 

This is measured with ultrasound equipment to understand the amount of urine left in your bladder after you empty it.

Video urodynamic tests

It is a combination of cystometry, uroflowmetry, and X-ray cystography urinary tests. This helps to determine the proper bladder and urethral function and shows the changes in size and shape of your bladder.

How can you prepare for a urodynamic test?

Urodynamic tests do not require any particular preparation routine. You might be asked to change certain fluid intake habits or restrictions on certain medications until the test is complete. 

But, these are just for a few hours before the examination. However, few particular tests require you to keep your bladder full before you come for examination. Or, you might be instructed to drink fluid after arriving at the diagnostic centre— Consult with the best urologist in Kolkata prior to the test.

Is it painful? Are there any risks?

The level of discomfort tends to vary from person to person and lasts for a few hours. Some women reported a slight burning sensation after the test, while others didn’t. You may feel discomfort while peeing after the test. 

So, you are advised to stay hydrated, drink enough water, use a warm damp cloth to dab at the urethral opening to get relief and avoid caffeine for the next 24 hours. Often, prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed to avoid the chances of UTIs. 

There is no risk, but if the level of irritation increases, you must consult with the renowned urologist in Kolkata at ILS Hospitals for a follow-up.

Pediatric pain treatment and prevention

Children are counted among the most vulnerable populations who require immediate attention regarding pain assessment and management. Unfamiliar pain can bring stress to both patient and the caregiver. And, this is where renowned pediatrics in Kolkata intervene to ease the situation.

Pain can be experienced in two forms by a child – acute and chronic. And, most of them go undertreated due to poor recognition methods. 

Some even go untreated due to the careless action of the caregiver. Thus, good pain management is required to speed up the recovery period for a child.

Let’s go through the process of pediatric pain assessment, treatment and prevention:

Understanding the intensity of the pain

 

Assessing the pain in a child includes 3 major components – biological, psychologically and socially. Different children experience pain differently, based on age and development level.

A neonate can experience 7+ painful procedures when admitted to the Intensive Care Unit based on recent data. Thus, parents need to relate to cues if the child is unable to describe the pain. So, you need to rely on their gestures such as crying, laughing, verbal expressions and changes in the eating routine. 

For a child aged 3 and above years old, the most common assessment tool is a verbal numerical scale that helps understand how bad the pain is. But, for those who cannot yet quantify the level of pain, different assessment tools and techniques are used by Pediatrics in Kolkata.

Types of pathophysiologies:

 

  1. Acute somatic pain can develop due to tissue injury; it may be a cut or bruise, and the general response is localized pain. 
  2. Neuropathic pain results from severe injury and leaves the patients with a burning sensation. This includes headaches and musculoskeletal pain.
  3. Visceral pain includes chest and abdominal pain, and the general sensation is cramps and unlocalized ache.
  4. Persistent pain develops from internal damage and continues without any expectation of healing.

Treatment process

 

Pediatrics in Kolkata usually warn the parents against over-the-counter medications for a child. Because detailed information is required to prescribe medications for a child. That includes – medical history, imagery or laboratory investigation, and clinical examination. Underlying diseases such as infection and trauma require specific tests.

Mild pain

Basic analgesia is usually administered, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Vapocoolant sprays are also advised to ease muscular pain.

Acute pain

Opioids are administrated for severe acute pain. After controlling the side effects, oral medicines or IV (directly into the vein) are also prescribed. 

Chronic and Persistent pain

Both basic analgesia and opioid are administrated at the same time. Operative methods are prescribed for regional blockage. 

Along with medications, an interdisciplinary rehabilitative approach is also included in the daily routine. This helps the child to get back to a normalized life, including playing, going to school, adequate sleep and social interaction. The right decision can help a child cope with pain at the right moment.

Avoid misconceptions about pediatric pain

Certain misconceptions lead to undertreatment of pain and cause hindrance in the recovery process, such as –

Myth 1- Infants and children do not feel pain like adults.

Myth 2- Routined pain assessment is not required for children.

Myth 3- Analgesic medications can lead to respiratory depression

Myth 4- There is no fixed dosage for pain management in children.

Myth 5- Children takes much longer to heal.

Child Pain Prevention 

You cannot obliviate the possibility of a child going through an injury or pain. Instead, as a caregiver, you can help them cope. For example, after any surgical process, look for the child developing side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, excessive sleeping, constipation, etc. 

You need to stay in touch with the experienced pediatrics in Kolkata during the recovery process to manage the child’s care plan. So, don’t hesitate to contact the pediatrics at ILS Hospitals to get the best medical facilities for your child.

Treatment of Obesity: Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery

Are you overweight? If your BMI depicts 18.5 – 24.9, your weight is categorized as normal. But, people above this range need to undergo the treatment of obesity because they are at risk of major ailment.

Diet, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, or overdose of steroids or other medications can lead to obesity. You can book a meeting with a specialist in obesity surgery in Kolkata to understand how weight reduction can help you fight against co-morbidities and improve your quality of life.

“Eating less helps you lose weight” is a myth and not at all scientifically approved. Rather eat responsibly and mindfully, plan your meals and stay hydrated. You must not skip breakfast, and losing weight should be a part of self-care.

Treatment for obesity

Maintaining a healthy weight can minimize the risk of heart disease and other non-communicable diseases and lower the risk of the development of cancerous cells. Now, the real question arises- How?

Change in your habits

Modification in your daily calorie intake routine, with the regular support, and patience, can be the starter pack for weight loss. Track your progress using an online activity tracker or calorie intake applications. Set goals and never shy away from asking for help from friends, family and trained health professionals. 

Weight management programs

These programs are designed by specialists based on your current weight, risk of NCDs, and daily activities. All you need to do is – Stick to the plan. And, always avoid crash dieting; it has its own share of risk.

Weight loss supplements

You can take suggestions from doctors regarding the intake of weight loss medicines, along with healthy eating and physical activity. This can quicken the process of weight loss. You can opt for dietary supplements or natural remedies to help you lose weight. Go for over-the-counter supplements that claim to be herbal without any side effects.

When non-invasive procedures fail to work, surgical intervention is required. You must agree that biological factors play a more intensive role in weight loss. So, if your BMI is >40, bariatric surgery is your appropriate solution.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a cumulative effort of gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries. The basic process involves changing how your digestive system works to lose weight. If diet and regular exercise cannot help you lose weight, then bariatric surgery is recommended. This can prevent serious health problems by limiting the amount of food you can eat. Along with that, after the obesity surgery in Kolkata, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients also gets reduced.

Bariatric surgery types

  • Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
  • Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
  • Sleeve gastrectomy

The type of weight-loss surgery recommended depends on specific factors.

Can anyone opt for Bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone. You need to meet precise medical guidelines, go through an extensive screening process to qualify for this weight-loss surgery. People suffering from high blood pressure, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), heart disease, sleep apnea or Type 2 diabetes can undergo bariatric surgery. 

What to expect!

After undergoing obesity surgery in Kolkata, you’ll have to go through periodic medical checkups for a couple of months. You need to incorporate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise in a week to prevent weight gain. Learn to focus on low glycemic index food and add plenty of dietary fibers to your diet chart. You can consult with the renowned obesity surgeons associated with the ILS Hospitals. Book your appointment today!

Angiogram: Procedure, Cost, Side Effects, and Safety

Our sedentary lifestyle has led to the rise of NCDs (non-communicable diseases). It is directly linked to economic growth and is known as “diseases of the rich”. These diseases primarily have four major risk factors: physical inactivity, excessive alcohol use, tobacco and unhealthy diets. 

The majority of these NCDs involve cardiovascular disease, and with an angiogram test in Kolkata, the risk can be easily assessed. Angiogram is basically an invasive test with no serious complications. 

But, is Angiogram Safe? You are about to find out.

What is Angiogram?

Abrupt pain in your chest, sudden jaw pain or neck pain that has no explanations, even after undergoing a non-invasive test, are the primary symptoms of coronary artery disease. Doctors recommend angiograms to detect abnormalities within the blood vessels, including weak blood vessels, plaque deposits, and clots. Angiograms have opened up the possibility to intervene and treat blockage within the heart and brain.

Why is an angiogram recommended?

Certain conditions recommend immediate angiogram test in Kolkata, such as:

  • Unstable angina
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Non-invasive heart stress test which gives abnormal results 
  • Blood vessel problems
  • Chest injury or major accident
  • A problem within the heart valve 

Procedure- What to expect?

Angiography/angiogram is prescribed to locate blockages within the lung, heart, brain, and smaller blood vessels. This also helps to determine internal bleeding or abnormal dilation of blood vessels. 

During an angiogram, a type of dye is injected into the blood through a long, narrow tube, which is perceptible by an X-ray machine. And, the tube is also called a catheter which is inserted into an artery located in the arms or upper thigh. A series of rapid images, also known as angiograms, are taken to get a closer view of the blood vessels.

However, angiograms are advised only after non-invasive tests fail to provide valid results or reasons.

Guidelines to be followed 

Angiograms are conducted in the catheterization lab of the cardiac speciality hospital. You need to follow specific instructions prior to the test

  • You cannot eat or drink before your angiogram.
  • Medications that interfere with steady blood flow cannot be taken.
  • If you have diabetes, insulin or other oral medications should only be taken after consulting with the doctor.

After the test is over, you must drink plenty of fluids to flush out the dye from the body.

Is angiography expensive?

The cost of angiogram test in Kolkata depends upon multiple factors, such as:

The type of hospitals and in which city it is located.

The part of the body for which the test is being conducted, such as pulmonary, coronary etc.

Insurance covered the medical test and treatment.

About 30 minutes to 2 hours is required for the test, and the cost ranges from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 35,000 approximately.

Are there any Side effects?

After angiography, often people report having –

  • Bruises
  • Sore around the area of invasion
  • Accumulation of blood where the cut was made

But, there is nothing to worry about, these problems improve within a few days. Doctors suggest basic painkiller medication to alleviate the discomfort.

Are there chances of risk?

We cannot deny that this invasive procedure has some risks, but serious complications are rare. Minor complications may arise if you fail to maintain a steady recovery period. You need to give it some time to heal the incisions made. 

Possibility of minor complications

  • The cut can get swollen and painful due to the presence of infection. This can be treated with antibiotics.
  • An itchy rash can develop due to a mild reaction to the dye. It can be cured with medicine
  • Allergic reactions to the dye can lead to dizziness, breathing difficulties, or unconsciousness.

Book an appointment with your physician, discuss any queries. At ILS Hospitals, you get to meet top medical experts and world-class treatment.

Keyhole Surgery: Types, Benefits, What To Expect

Owing to the advent of modern surgical techniques, it is now possible to treat and prevent acute disease. At present, minimal access and invasion operations, in the abdomen, are gaining a steady hype. These are being performed with a minor invasion of about 0.5-1.5 cm, and the method is medically termed Keyhole surgery.

Types of keyhole surgery

Your surgeon will decide the type of keyhole surgery that your medical condition requires. And, based on the region where the surgery will take place, the types are named:

  • Laparoscopy: This is the most common keyhole surgery performed in the abdomen or pelvis.
  • Arthroscopy: This keyhole surgery takes place after diagnosing a joint problem and is the best choice for treating problems inside the joints.
  • Parathyroidectomy: This keyhole procedure removes parathyroid glands or parathyroid tumours.
  • Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): This process is used to diagnose and treat chest problems that include lungs and oesophagus. During this procedure, a thoracoscope, a small camera is inserted into the chest through a keyhole incision.

Benefits of keyhole surgery

Keyhole surgery is less expensive when compared to traditional open surgery. But, is the procedure safe? Choosing Keyhole surgery implies you are opting for an impeccable number of advantages.

  • The recovery time gets reduced. 
  • The operation takes utmost 30 minutes to accomplish (based on complication, time tends to vary).
  • There is less blood loss during the operation.
  • Reduced level of pain post-surgery (Mild to moderate pain just around the incision)
  • There are no signs of haemorrhaging or obstruction.
  • No scars are left behind after the recovery.
  • Shorter stay at the hospital and often you can go home on the same day.

Keyhole surgery has made it possible to remove the appendix in cases of appendicitis and gall bladder sectins of the intestine. It has made it more painless to treat hernias, stomach ulcers, ectopic pregnancy, tumor, endometriosis, etc.

As the procedure is refined, keyhole surgery has become popular in recent decades. It has been rightfully named bandaid surgery or MIS. And, it comes with a varied number of advantages over traditional open surgery. You can expect up to four small incisions only. Depending on the medical condition and type of surgery, it barely takes 30-60 minutes.

What to expect!

Usually, the common side effects are witnessed while recovering from anesthesia. After a successful surgery, the patient is kept under strict monitoring – whether they are fully awake, are able to eat and drink independently, and checking the passage of urine. 

A minimum cleaning and dressing procedure are advised to be carried out at home. The stitches are dissolvable, or you might need to remove them after a week or two after consulting with the doctor, and you might have to return for a follow-up appointment.

You might feel subtle pain and discomfort around the incision during the recovery period. Was a breathing tube used? Then, you might also suffer from a sore throat, painkiller medication can help you ease the pain. 

Ofen, gas is used to inflate your abdomen, and if some of it remains, it can cause cramps, stomach bloating, irritated diaphragm, and shoulder pain. But, there is nothing to worry about. 

Do not get impatient

you need to give your body the time to recover. It usually takes 5- 3 weeks for minor surgeries to get back to normal activities. And, for major surgeries, including cancer, it might take at least 12 weeks. 

These symptoms are pretty natural, and if you feel too tired than usual, even after weeks since the surgery, consult with your doctor. ILS Hospitals houses the best surgeons who can diagnose and treat critical ailments.

Appendicitis: Symptoms, Tests, Treatment & Prevention

Appendicitis is quite common as well as a tricky disease. But, it is serious at the same time, accompanied by severe abdominal pain. You may discern discomfort in your gastrovascular region due to the inflammation of the appendix. 

A small pouch-shaped tube-like organ that projects out from the large intestine is medically termed an appendix. Treating appendicitis mandates extracting the infected appendix. You can consult the best hospital in Kolkata for appendix and get an appointment for an appendectomy.

The appendix has no particular use. And, scientists believe that it is a useless remnant associated with our evolutionary history. So, by now, you know that you can live without it and survive.

What are the Symptoms?

Gastrointestinal discomfort can be the initial indication of appendicitis, and it is often accompanied by mild fever, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite. However, do not confuse appendicitis with gallbladder problems or gastritis.

When the appendix gets blocked either due to pus or bacterial infection, it swells up. This can occur due to any abdominal injury, digestive tract infection, enlargement of lymphoid follicles, inflammatory bowel disease or tumor. You may feel pain in the abdominal region, along with: 

  • Nausea
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Inability to let out gas
  • Painful urination

The symptoms start to get worse. The abdominal pain can get triggered even due to coughing or slight body movement. 

Appendicitis can be divided into two categories:

Acute Appendicitis

It is mostly diagnosed among the age group 10 to 30 years old. And, studies show that it occurs more frequently in males than females. Why this discrepancy? Book an appointment with the best hospital in Kolkata for appendix to seek your answers.

Chronic Appendicitis

It is less common when compared to acute appendicitis, and they have relatively milder symptoms. Thus, making it hard to diagnose. The symptoms are similar, but they may keep recurring after a month or two.

Test to Determine Appendicitis

Appendicitis, if left untreated, can rupture, leading to fatal complications. Thus, you need to consult with a renowned hospital in Kolkata for appendix. The doctor may ask you to go through a blood test as a preliminary test, which will confirm the presence of infection in your body. If a condition is detected, you also may have to go through an imaging scan. 

  • Computed tomography (CT): The scans reveal a cross-sections image of the body’s internal organs. 
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The scan produces elaborated images of the abdominal organs.
  • Ultrasonography (USG): An abdominal ultrasound shows the condition of organs.

If any of these test results depict the signs of blockage, or inflammation or chances of organ rupture, immediate treatment is suggested.

What is the Treatment?

Appendicitis treatment typically requires an operation to extract the infected appendix. But, in some cases, you can get cured with antibiotics for mild appendicitis. But, there are two conditions: 

Condition 1: If the appendix hasn’t ruptured yet

Surgery is the only process that can prevent that rupture, keep the infection intact, and stop it from spreading. Prior to the surgery, the patient is injected with intravenous (IV) antibiotics to block the infection. 

Condition 2: If the appendix has ruptured

If your doctor determines that the appendix can rupture at any moment or has already ruptured, then surgery is the only process to treat the disease. Appendectomy is mainly done through laparoscopy because it involves minimally invasive and less pain. 

Prevention

You cannot prevent appendicitis, but you can definitely reduce its chances of developing. Try to include a fiber-rich diet in your daily routine. Your palate must include lentils, beans, legumes, whole wheat, vegetable fruits and enough water. 

Appendicitis can be prevented through a thorough health check-up from a hospital in Kolkata for appendix. At ILS Hospitals, you get to meet world-class treatment facilities and doctors.

All You Need To Know About Angiograms

Angio means blood vessels related, whereas gram refers to a picture. Angiograms are tests conducted by doctors to find narrow or blocked arteries. Arteries are not visible on normal X-rays. Hence contrast dyes are used to make them visible. Getting angiography in Kolkata is an easy process with very few complications involved.

If your doctor has recommended you to get an angiography done and you are looking for all the information related to it, you have come to the right place. We have pooled for you all the information related to angiography, from the basics to the important bits usually ignored and which no one talks about.

Why Are Angiograms Done?

As already stated above, angiograms are done to find blocked arteries or find reasons for unexplained chest pain. It can also be done in case of 

1 – Heart attack

2 – Heart failure

3 – To find out the source of internal bleeding

4 – To determine the renal artery’s quantity, location, and condition in case of a kidney transplant.

5 – Detect any other problem happening to the patient’s blood vessels.

Procedure Of Angiogram

1 – Before you are prepped for angiography in Kolkata, the medical team reviews your medical history and checks your blood pressure and other vital signs. 

2 – It’s usually advised not to eat or drink anything the night before the surgery. 

3 – You will be changed in a hospital gown, and you have to lie on the x-ray table, where sedatives will be given to you through an IV line inserted in your veins.

4 – A tiny incision will be made through which dye will be inserted into your arteries to make them visible. You might experience slight discomfort when the dye is injected, but it would be manageable. In case it is causing you too much discomfort, let the doctor know about it.

5 – Once the dye is injected, the doctor would discover any blockage easily. Any further action would be decided accordingly.

6 – The whole process can take about 45 minutes to one hour. Once the process is completed, you will be taken back to the recovery area, where you will be monitored for a couple of hours.

7 – You can be discharged on the same day, or in some cases, asked to stay overnight in the hospital. It is advised to consume a lot of fluid to get the dye out of your body. 

When To Call Your Doctor?

Once your angiogram is done, you will recover quite easily. But in the following cases, please don’t hesitate to give your doctor a call:

1 – You have a fever or show signs of infection

2 – You face breathlessness or sudden chest pain

3 – At the incision site, you feel continuous increasing pain.

4 – There is numbness or weakness at the incision site

Conclusion

An angiogram is an easy procedure that is mostly painless. You should not be worried about getting angiography in Kolkata done since the procedure comes with minimal risk, and the recovery process is easy and discomfort-free. In most cases, the report is made available within a day by the doctor, after which a further treatment plan is decided. You can browse through https://www.ilshospitals.com/ and schedule an appointment if you want to get an angiography in Kolkata. 

A Patient’s Guide On Total Knee Replacement

Is the constant knee pain preventing you from finishing even the daily regular chores? Is the discomfort affecting the quality of your life? If you answered yes to both the questions, it’s time you consider knee replacement surgery. If you are wondering what precautions to take and how to get knee replacement surgery in Kolkata hassle-free, we have the right resource for you.

Knee replacement surgery is a simple surgery where the femur’s end and tibia (shin bone) is replaced with metal and plastic parts. A knee replacement surgery will help you move your knee more freely, reduce your pain significantly and even end it, and remove any stiffness that you have been experiencing in your knee.

When To Opt For Knee Replacement Surgery?

A knee replacement surgery is recommended when all the traditional treatment methods fail to relieve the patient. Usually, two requirements need to be fulfilled to qualify for replacement surgery. The first is whether the loss of cartilage is significant enough. The surgeon can determine this by inspecting the X-ray of your knee.

The second requirement is whether the loss of cartilage is debilitating enough to have an adverse impact on the quality of your life. If the surgery is not done, the problem will escalate and affect your hip joints, making you immobile. 

Precautions to take before you go for knee replacement surgery

Smoking

It is advised for the patients to stop smoking at least 8 weeks before the replacement surgery. Avoiding smoking during recovery is also insisted on having an easy recovery without any complications.

Alcohol

Similar to smoking, it is also advised that you stop consuming alcohol at least a week before the surgery and during the recovery process.

Diet

A healthy diet is necessary as your body needs nutrition to recover from the surgery easily. Unless instructed, one should not eat or drink anything the night before the surgery after 10 p.m.

Exercise

There is no restriction regarding doing exercise before or after the surgery. In fact, exercise will keep your bone healthy, increase the flexibility of your joints and make the muscles surrounding the joints stronger. 

Precautions To Take After Your Knee Replacement Surgery

Diet

It is advised to drink plenty of fluid and water after the surgery. Have frequent meals, even if you do not feel like it. You must have small meals at least five times a day to keep your body strong.

Exercise

Do light exercises as taught by the physiotherapist after having knee replacement surgery in Kolkata. Constantly use your crutches while walking or moving around.

Pain And Other Problems

You might experience pain, stiffness, and other discomforts after the surgery. You might also experience constipation and feel a decrease in the energy level. Ensure that you are taking pain medication as prescribed by your surgeon.

Conclusion

Getting knee replacement surgery in Kolkata might seem like a daunting task to many. But if you take the necessary precautions and follow the necessary instructions given by the surgeon, the whole process gets much easier and manageable. Remember that the earlier you get the surgery, the higher the success rate. For any issues related to knee replacement surgery in Kolkata, you can visit https://www.ilshospitals.com/.