Your Complete Guide On Thyroid
The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck and it resembles the shape of a butterfly.
It secretes thyroid hormones responsible for stimulating metabolism, growth, development and determining the body temperature. An excess or dearth of thyroid hormones result in various thyroid disorders.
Today, ILS Hospitals would discuss some common health-conditions related to the thyroid gland in detail.
Goitre
Goitre is an abnormal swelling of your thyroid gland. It happens due to iodine deficiency or due to thyroid inflammation. Some symptoms of goitre are as follows:
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Swelling in the neck
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Breathing difficulties
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Difficulty in swallowing
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Coughing.
Sometimes, medication and surgery are recommended for large goitres.
Hypothyroidism
In Hypothyroidism or Hypoactive thyroid gland, your thyroid gland does not produce adequate thyroid hormones due to that it fails to meet the requirements of the body. Women are at a higher risk than men to suffer from Hypothyroidism. Let’s look at some of the symptoms now:
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Weight gain
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Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding
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Constipation
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Depression
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Dry skin
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Stiff and aching muscles
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High blood cholesterol
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Mood swings
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Fatigue
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Loss of hair
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Weakness
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Sensitivity to cold
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Swollen face
Hypothyroidism can be regulated by taking oral supplements for the thyroid hormone. Even injections can be prescribed for treating severe hypoactive thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism or Hyperactive thyroid gland is a result of excessive levels of the hormone, thyroxine. People with high iodine levels in the body can also suffer from hyperthyroidism. The signs and symptoms include:
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Mood swings
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Increased appetite
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Nausea and vomiting
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Palpitations
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Nervousness
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Weakness
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Heat intolerance
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Frequent bowel movements
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Swollen thyroid (goitre)
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Sudden weight loss
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Shaky hands
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Insomnia
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Changes in the menstrual cycle
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Excessive sweating.
The treatment for Hyperthyroidism includes anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, beta-blockers and even thyroidectomy (partial or complete surgical removal of the thyroid gland).
You can avoid thyroid diseases by following these tips:
1. Avoid Smoking.
2. Do not overindulge in fasting or follow a starvation diet.
3. Stay away from harmful radiations from X-Rays, MRI etc.
4. Visit a medical professional regularly for screening your thyroid.
You can always come to ILS Hospitals in Kolkata or Agartala to consult an experienced endocrinologist.
Certain Significant Diagnostic Tests That You Should Know
Diagnostic tests are some important processes through which medical professionals identify certain diseases and conditions. There are numerous diagnostic tests in medical science, but today, ILS Hospitals would like to highlight a few of them. Let’s know about certain diagnostic tests in brief.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
Computed tomography scan or well-known as CT scan is a diagnostic imaging test done by the medical professionals to view the inside of the body. CT scan takes X-ray images from different angles and a computer to generate cross-sectional (tomographic) images of bones, blood vessels, organs and other soft tissues. CT scans are used by the doctor to diagnose-
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Bone fractures
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Infections
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Bone tumours
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Internal injuries
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Internal bleeding
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Blood clots
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Cancer
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Cardiovascular diseases
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To determine the method of treatment for operations, biopsies and radiation therapy
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To observe the efficacy of treatment, like radiation therapy etc.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan
MRI is a diagnostic imaging tool which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce comprehensive images of the organs in the body. An MRI scan helps in diagnosing conditions, like tumours, injuries in the brain due to trauma, cysts, abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord, heart conditions, stroke and many more.
As MRI scan uses strong magnetic fields, it is not suitable for pregnant women and people with pacemakers, cochlear implants, artificial joint, metal plates, dental fillings, intrauterine device (IUD) and some others.
Electromyography (EMG)
Electromyography helps in diagnosing the health of your muscle and nerve disorders, like muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). You’ll be prescribed EMG if you suffer from muscle cramps, numbness, tingling etc. In EMG, the technician will insert electrodes at various parts of the body as per your symptoms. The electrodes will release electrical current at certain times to check for the muscle’s activity, so it can cause a little discomfort to the patient.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is another diagnostic test in which an endoscope, a long and thin flexible tube attached with a light and camera is inserted through the mouth to get detailed images of the digestive system. The gastroenterologist recommends endoscopy to determine certain health-conditions as follows:
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Polyps
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Ulcers
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Chronic constipation
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Chronic diarrhoea
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Gastritis.
Liver function test/s (LFT/s)
Liver function tests are also called hepatic panel and are a collection of blood tests recommended by the doctor to determine the person’s liver health and performance by measuring the proteins, enzymes and bilirubin in the blood as discharged by the liver. This diagnostic test is required to check for inflammation (hepatitis), infection and other diseases in the liver. You are most likely to be recommended LFT by the medical supervisor if you have serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia etc.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography is used to monitor the heart’s functioning and defects. In an Echocardiography, sound waves are produced by the machine to create live images (echocardiogram) of the heart. During the test, the Echo technician will attach soft sticky patches (electrodes) on your chest and put gel on a transducer to be pressed on your chest for the examination.
At ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala, we provide the above diagnostic tests and many other medical services to our patients. For more details, get in touch with us.
Do You Have Fatty Liver Disease? Find Out The Answer
The primary function of the liver is to purify the blood, detoxify the system and to store certain vitamins, minerals and glucose. Hepatic steatosis or commonly known as Fatty liver disease (FLD) is the accumulation of more than normal fat in the liver. If this condition is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, then we call it Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD). Fatty liver can lead to serious health conditions, like liver inflammation, cirrhosis and even liver failure. Do not ignore if you have already been diagnosed with FLD and get immediate liver treatment.
Causes of Fatty Liver Disease
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol and fat in the blood
- Overconsumption of alcoholic drinks
- Sudden weight loss
- High blood sugar or diabetes
- Certain liver infections like Hepatitis C
- Poor nutrition
- Genetics.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
The symptoms of fatty liver are mild during the initial stages, hence can be only discovered through proper diagnosis. If the condition deteriorates, you’ll notice the following symptoms:
- Tiredness or Exhaustion
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Swollen abdomen
- Nausea
- Poor appetite
- Confusion.
Diagnostic tests for Fatty Liver Disease
A correct diagnosis is required to pinpoint Hepatic Steatosis. Your medical history is extremely important for the doctor to find out the exact cause of FLD, so ensure that you provide accurate previous medical reports and answer all the questions precisely. The medical professional will recommend the diagnostic tests as mentioned below:
- Physical exam, in which the doctor presses on your abdomen to check for any enlargement.
- Liver function tests, which are certain blood tests to determine the health of your liver.
- Diagnostic imaging tests, such as Ultrasound, MRI and CT scan, to find the presence of excessive fat in the liver.
- Liver biopsy, in which a tissue sample of your liver is collected to inspect the liver’s condition and damage.
There’s no specific treatment for Hepatic steatosis but with certain changes in the lifestyle and medical guidance, the damage can be reversed and the condition can be in full control. Let’s look at the lifestyle changes you are most likely to be prescribed by the gastroenterologist.
- Avoid drinking alcohol (in case of Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD).
- Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet.
- Losing weight.
- Getting regular check-ups and treatment from the concerned doctor.
You can always visit ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala for any kind of medical help.
Can You Conceive Again After A Miscarriage
Miscarriage or pregnancy loss is a condition where the fetus dies before the four months of pregnancy. Pregnancy loss is a disturbing situation which can hamper the emotional state of the woman. The first question that all couples frequently ask the gynaecologist after a miscarriage is, will they ever be able to become parents again or is conception possible after a miscarriage.
To help such couples, ILS Hospitals would clear all the misconceptions related to pregnancy after miscarriage. So, can a woman get pregnant again after a pregnancy loss? The simple answer is, yes, she can. Several medical cases reveal that women who previously miscarried can give birth to healthier babies, so if you have experienced a miscarriage, do not believe or assume that you can never become a mother ever. The only thing to consider is whether the woman is emotionally and physically healthy enough to become a mother again. It is always preferred to wait for two-three menstrual periods after miscarriage before you try for a baby, to ensure that your hormones are perfectly balanced.
If you’re planning to conceive after a miscarriage, take note of these following tips:
1. Eat a diet full of essential nutrients:
If you follow a healthy diet, you will have a healthy body which significantly means a healthy and successful pregnancy. Make fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, lentils, legumes, dry fruits, poultry and seafood a part of your diet.
2. Quit unhealthy lifestyle choices:
The two most lethal unhealthy habits responsible for decreasing your chances of conceiving are – smoking and alcohol consumption. If you frequently eat outside food, you should stop that from now onwards. Avoid a desk-bound or inactive lifestyle.
3. Do not stress:
As we all know, stress is a silent killer. Understandably, stress and worry are common when you’re trying to conceive after losing a baby, still being positive and free of any stress is the only option. Stress surely has an impact on your ovulation process which further determines your chances of conception.
4. Consult with a gynaecologist:
If you’re trying to get pregnant, then gynaecologist is the only person you should ask for medical supervision. Your OB-GYN will diagnose and address any underlying cause behind the previous miscarriage and might prescribe you fertility treatment, if needed.
You can always visit ILS Hospitals in case of any medical assistance. We have expert gynaecologists in our hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala.
How To Add Enough Vitamin K In Your Diet
Do you know what Vitamin K is? Like all other vitamins, Vitamin K is another vitamin vital for the human body. So, what makes Vitamin K essential for our bodies?
Vitamin K is responsible for the clotting of blood or coagulation. Coagulation is a vital process that helps prevent excessive bleeding after a cut or injury. The said vitamin also helps in bone metabolism and calcification. Vitamin K deficiency is a serious condition and can lead to many health issues including:
– Decreased bone strength
– Osteoporosis
– Tooth decay
– Coronary Heart Disease
– Certain types of cancer.
Do you know the symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency? They are mentioned as follows:
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Heavy menstrual bleeding
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Easy bruising
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Excessive bleeding during cuts, injuries, injection or surgical sites
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Presence of blood in the urine or stools
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Bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Today, ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata, would like to give you a list of food items that are rich in Vitamin K so that your body never lacks in this essential vitamin. Before we proceed further, let’s make you know that there are mainly two types of vitamin K – K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is derived from plant sources whereas we acquire vitamin K2 from animal products.
Make these Vitamin K-rich foods a part of your daily diet!
Soybeans
Soybeans, the only plant-based food that contain both vitamin K1 and K2, a relief for vegetarians who cannot get their vitamin K2 supply from meat sources. Apart from the mentioned fact, soybeans and soya chunks are an excellent protein provider for non-meat eaters. You can also consider cooking your meals in soybean oil as the oil contains not only vitamin K but also other pivotal nutrients, like polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids etc.
Leafy Greens
Green leafy vegetables are another plant-source for vitamin K. If you want to have sufficient vitamin K in your diet, eat lots of spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, beet greens and so on.
Eggs
The yolk of an egg has more vitamin K than the white portion. It is always advised to consume eggs for receiving adequate nourishment. You may eat boiled eggs daily for a healthy body.
Pumpkin
Another vegetable that contains vitamin K is pumpkin. One cup of cooked pumpkin has almost 1.96 mcg vitamin K1. So, do include pumpkins in your diet.
Other good sources of vitamin K are chicken, pine nuts, blueberries, dried basil, sage and thyme etc.
To get your customized diet-chart, visit ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala.
Peptic Ulcer: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
A peptic ulcer is an inflammation that develops in the lining of the stomach, the lower part of the esophagus and upper portion of the small intestine. It is a gastroenterological condition and thus, treated by gastroenterologists. They are open lesions and mainly of three types based on their location as follows:
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Gastric (stomach) ulcer: Ulcers that occur in the stomach.
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Esophageal ulcer: Ulcers that happen in the esophagus.
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Duodenal ulcer: Ulcers that develop in the upper portion of the small intestine.
It is important to know why peptic ulcer happens in the first place. The primary reason behind the occurrence is when the stomach acids responsible for digestion damages the lining of the stomach and sometimes even travel to the esophagus causing esophageal ulcer. The bacteria Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) also contributes by inflaming the lining of the stomach. Surely, other causes are present as well which you’ll find below:
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Smoking
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Overuse of over-the-counter drugs
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Infection from H. Pylori bacteria due to consuming contaminated food, water, using uncleaned utensils etc.
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Overconsumption of alcohol.
Let’s now focus on the symptoms of a peptic ulcer.
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Indigestion
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Heartburn or acid reflux
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Vomiting or regurgitation
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Bloating and burping
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Belching
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Black stools
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Nausea
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Fatigue
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Unintentional or unexpected weight loss
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Loss of appetite
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Pain in the abdomen and chest
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Facing difficulties in breathing.
A diagnosis is always needed to confirm any medical condition. Apart from the mandatory physical examination in which the doctor check for bloating and pain, certain other crucial diagnostic tests can also be prescribed by the medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. They include:
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Blood test – to determine the presence of H. Pylori bacteria.
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H. Pylori stool antigen test – to look for H. Pylori infection.
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Urea breath test or H. Pylori breath test – to conduct this test, the patient is asked to consume something with radioactive carbon (either in pill or liquid form) and then the breath samples are taken for lab testing procedure which accurately confirms the existence of the bacteria.
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Gastroscopy – an endoscope is anaesthetically inserted inside the patient’s mouth to view the stomach, duodenum and esophagus for ulcers.
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Endoscopy biopsy – the same as gastroscopy and in case of an ulcer detection, the samples are taken for clinical purposes.
The treatment options are as follows:
1. Antibiotics (to kill the bacteria, H. Pylori)
2. Antacids (to neutralize the stomach acid)
3. Cytoprotective drugs (to protect the mucous lining of the stomach)
4. Surgical treatment (if the above method fails and the ulcer recurs)
Get accurate diagnosis and treatment for peptic ulcer only from ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala.
What Is Food Poisoning? Is Food Poisoning A Medical Emergency?
Food nourishes our body but sometimes it can even become poisonous due to the presence of dangerous bacteria, parasites and viruses like Salmonella, E.Coli, Listeria, Trichinella, Toxoplasma, and Norovirus. Food poisoning is a common gastrointestinal condition caused by the consumption of infected or contaminated food. If left ignored, it can even become a medical emergency.
Today, ILS Hospitals would like to discuss food poisoning in brief. So, read this blog to understand more about this unpleasant medical condition.
Symptoms
There are always tell-tale symptoms of any medical condition. The symptoms of food poisoning are mentioned below:
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Nausea and vomiting
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Diarrhoea
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Poor appetite
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Abdominal cramps
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Fever and chills.
Immediately rush to the hospital’s ER if the above symptoms persist for more than three days and when you notice severe symptoms as shown below:
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Dehydrated body (dry mouth and no urine)
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Blood in vomit, stool or urine
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Dizziness and weakness
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High fever
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Hazy vision
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Muscle cramps
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Severe weakness.
Causes
Apart from certain bacteria, parasites and viruses, are there any other causes for food poisoning? Yes, the following can also cause food poisoning.
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Eating raw or undercooked eggs, fish, chicken and other meats
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Eating uncleaned or not properly washed fruits
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Consuming raw and imperfectly cooked vegetables and leafy greens like cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, cauliflower, mustard greens etc.
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Preparing food without maintaining any hygiene
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Drinking unpasteurized milk and consuming its products
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Having improperly stored food.
Diagnosis
The doctor will diagnose your food poisoning through physical exams and by keeping note of your medical history and present condition. In the case of food poisoning, you’ll be prescribed these primary diagnostic tests by the medical practitioner:
– Samples of the eaten food
– Blood test
– Stool test.
Treatment
Mostly, food poisoning cases solve on their own by doing the following things:
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Sipping plenty of fluids and oral rehydration solution (ORS)
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Eating a bland and nutritious diet
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Avoiding spicy, fatty and oily foods
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Eating lighter meals
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Consuming vegetable soups and fruit juices
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Avoiding dairy and dairy products
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Taking plenty of rest
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Having medicines prescribed by the medical professional.
If the condition still doesn’t get better, then it might indicate a serious medical condition. Food poisoning is surely a medical emergency if it lasts for many days and the symptoms get worse. So, always eat fresh, clean and properly cooked food. Also, ensure that the food is prepared by freshly washed hands. Come to ILS Hospitals in Kolkata or Agartala for any medical help.
Mouth Ulcer? Know The Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
What is a mouth ulcer? Mouth ulcers or informally known as canker sores are white or red bruises that occur on areas like- inside the mouth, cheek, gums, tongue and even lips. We all have witnessed canker sores at some point in our lives and know how annoying and painful they can get. Generally, mouth ulcers can be self-treated but if it prolongs for, say, three and a half weeks, then it’s a serious condition and you need to get medical supervision from the hospital at that immediate moment.
Let us now know the causes behind these unbearable mouth ulcers.
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Brushing vigorously with a hard-bristled toothbrush
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Using toothpaste and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulphate or other harsh chemicals
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Improper oral hygiene
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Unintentional bites inside the tongue and cheeks
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Being allergic to certain foods like eggs, coffee, nuts, citrus foods (such as lemons, apples, tomatoes, strawberries), chocolates and so on
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Side effects of some medicines
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Deficiency of iron, zinc, vitamin B-12 and folate
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Incorrect dentures or new braces
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Infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi
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Constant stress and anxiety
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Insomnia.
The symptoms associated with mouth sores are visual and include the following:
– Swelling and redness in the affected area
– Facing difficulties while brushing teeth
– Problems in eating spicy, sour and salty foods
– Poor appetite.
Mouth ulcers are common and can get self-healed but if you frequently get them, then it becomes a problem and you should seek medical help from a good hospital or clinic.
The diagnosis is a visual exam for mouth ulcers and in case of recurring and serious mouth ulcers, other diagnostic tests are prescribed by the concerned doctor.
Here are some ways to self-treat mouth ulcers. Let’s look at them below:
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Drink plenty of cold fluids preferably through a reusable glass straw (because environment matters too)
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Applying a cold compress to the sore area
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Avoid eating spicy, sour and salty foods
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Avoid drinking too hot or cold beverages
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Do not chew any gum
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Gargle with warm saltwater
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Get medically-prescribed medicines.
If you get no respite from your mouth ulcer, then visit your dentist or an ENT specialist without any excuses.
There’s no sure-fire way to prevent mouth ulcers but we can always avoid them to some extent by
– Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild toothpaste
– Avoiding foods that trigger allergies
– Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet
– Getting regular dental check-ups from a clinic or hospital.
For getting medical assistance, contact ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala.
Let’s Know Everything About Computer Vision Syndrome
Everything has pros and cons including our digital world. While the digital world has given us access to vast information and improved our lives, it surely made our eyes pay the price. Constant engagement with digital devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and television can cause a lot of strain and eye-related problems. This is called Computer Vision Syndrome or Digital Eye Strain.
ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata, would like to enlighten everyone on this particular syndrome. Since we know the main culprit behind Computer Vision Syndrome is being engaged for prolonged periods with a computer or other digital devices generally at work , it becomes important to minimize contact or get frequent breaks for protecting the eyes. When we work on a computer, our eyes overwork due to constant focusing and refocusing, also the brightness and glare from the monitor screen affect the eye vision.
Computer Vision Syndrome does not differentiate between a person’s age. It can happen to both children and adults. Here are some more common reasons responsible for digital eye strain.
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Using computer, smartphones, e-reader etc. in improper lighting
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Wrong body postures
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Untreated vision problems
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Incorrect monitor viewing distance.
Let’s look at the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome.
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Overexerted eyes or eyestrain
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Vague or blurred vision
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Dry eyes
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Pain and discomfort in the eyes
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Itchy, irritated, and red eyes
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Headaches
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Pain in areas like the neck, back, and shoulder.
Computer Vision Syndrome can be easily diagnosed by an ophthalmologist through an inclusive eye examination. So, is there any solution for preventing and treating Computer Vision Syndrome? Certainly yes, just look at the tips below:
1. Maintain proper posture at the workplace:
Almost a majority of people have a job that demands them to work in front of a computer. You cannot avoid the computer but can surely do things like sitting on a proper back-support chair and following minimum monitor viewing distance of 20 inches. Also, keep your back straight and sturdy.
2. Use eye protection software and apps:
Digital devices like computers and smartphones emit blue light that can even damage retinal cells so install a blue eye filter software or app in your office computer and your smartphone. You should customize the display settings of your device as well.
3. Get anti-glare computer glasses:
You should consider anti-glare computer glasses if you spend more than three hours in front of a computer.
You can always consult an eye specialist from ILS hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala to get a proper diagnosis and prescription for computer power glasses.
Make These Health Resolutions For New Year 2020 To Lead A Healthy Life
Finally, it’s New Year 2020. A new year represents new beginnings, new opportunities, and new resolutions. Many people make New Year resolutions every year but find it difficult to implement them. It happens because they are not adamant enough to make their New Year resolutions into a success. But we all want to live a healthy and happy life, isn’t it? In that case, following certain health resolutions is a compulsion.
This New Year 2020, let’s not make an excuse and practice these health resolutions said by ILS Hospitals, to proudly lead a healthy and prosperous life.
1. Eat nothing but healthy:
We all make this promise almost every day to ourselves but cannot keep it when we see our favourite not-so-healthy foods, like french fries, cheeseburger, chicken wings, and many more. It’s time to become resolute and eat nothing but only nutritious meals. Here are ways to execute your healthy diet plan.
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Less consumption of processed and canned foods
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No to fatty, oily, deep-fried, and stale foods
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Eat healthy nuts, fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, legumes, sprouts, millets, etc.
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Eat fresh, seasonal, and home-cooked meals
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Less sugar, salt, and refined flour or maida
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More plant-based diet, less meat consumption
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Less tea and coffee, more fruit juices, coconut water, vegetable soups, and green tea.
You can also get a customized diet chart made by the best dietitians in our hospitals.
2. Quit unhealthy habits:
The New Year 2020 is the perfect time to get rid of our bad habits, one of which is smoking. Seek therapy for your nicotine addiction without any fail and add a few more years to your life. Other unhealthy habits that ruin our health are excessive alcohol consumption, drinking less water or healthy fluids, being unhygienic, living in uncleaned surroundings, undereating or overeating, living an inactive lifestyle, being constantly stressed and depressed, and getting angry over petty things. It’s time to strike off these unhealthy habits from your life. Change starts with you!
3. Get regular health check-ups:
Regular health check-ups allow the doctors to get an early diagnosis for any potential health condition, thus, ensuring that you live a healthy and disease-free life. You can avail health check-up packages offered by ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala.
For any health-related solutions, come to ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala.