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Does The Monsoon Makes People More Prone To Illness Than Usual?
Monsoon – the time of heavy rain in several parts of India. And needless to say, after the scorching summer, it is a respite. Apart from bringing joys and cool breeze, it also brings us another factor- the cold and flu. Monsoon is after all, highly associated with running nose and sick leaves from work and schools. Many are even seen in the hospitals in Kolkata when their self-medication does not work.
Is there a coherent connection between these two, or it is simply a silly reason to avoid getting drenched in rain. Let’s understand in details
There is an old myth that suggests getting wet in the rain lowers the body temperature significantly and attracts all the symptoms of several illnesses. However, one must remember that flu is caused due to the intervention of virus not due to prolonged contact of water on the body. If it had been true, a long shower or bath would result in flu as well.
So, let’s understand what happens. The rainwater itself does not possess any threat to our health, it is water after all, which we use to clean and freshen ourselves. However, the rainwater is circulated from open water bodies which are exposed to natural and chemical pollution and biological pathogens. Also, during the entire process of the water cycle, it attracts dirt and other airborne pathogens as well. Overall, the rain water is nothing resembling the distilled water, as many people believe it.
Once we are exposed to the rain, the pathogens get an easy pass to spread its count and cause symptoms. However, whether or not we directly get drenched in it, the rainwater certainly wets our clothes, building and other possession that we contact directly. This way, the virus and other pathogens enter our system and start hampering the immune system. The most common monsoon illness are the common cold, viral fever, flu, etc.
Moreover, being in wet clothes for a longer period of time can also lower the temperature significantly and weakens the white blood cells, thus it makes the work of immune system a bit more challenging. So, changing into the dry set of clothes after getting wet is highly recommended along with not eating junk food from the street vendors, which are directly exposed to all the ill effect of monsoon.
Despite all these effects, this season can actually be enjoyed with few precautions and trips to hospitals. So stay healthy and happy monsoon to you!
Why an Operation Theater Is Called So
Several times, the oral medication and therapy cannot cure a medical condition entirely and then it requires surgical care. Hospitals are equipped with several operating rooms to carry out these surgical procedures. These operating rooms are also known as Operation Theater.
Though the first thing that comes to mind when we hear the term ‘theater’ is mostly associated with a building that displays either real time or recorded film, play or stunt shows. The word theater comes from the Greek origin word ‘theatron’ which literally means ‘a place for viewing’. Then why is it associated with the sterile room, where no one but patient and medical staffs is allowed is called a theater?
It is a misnomer for the modern day operating room but is actually justified for the pioneer operating room, which was functional centuries ago. In the earlier times, the operating room had a sitting arrangement around the operating table. The medical student and interested people were allowed to be present and witness the procedure as it was carried out. This gallery resembled like the theater and the purpose being operation, gave rise to the term correctly as ‘Operation Theater.’
The purpose was to provide live, practical knowledge regarding surgery to the next generation of doctors and also to advertise the procedure in the newspaper and other keen participants. In fact, the number of people willing to witness (and also pay) this was so huge, that often operations had to postpone until a bigger theater is arranged.
Obviously, it did more harm than good. Unlike today’s operating procedures, the earlier rooms, equipment’s were not sterilized and also the doctors used to carry out these procedures one after the other without changing into a clean set of gloves, mask or gown. Due to exposure to germs, and infections, the number of death post-surgery were sky high.
Thankfully, with time, every negative aspect was addressed and improved. In current times as well, medical students attend several surgery procedures along with their senior doctors in the hospitals. However, that is purely for learning the purpose and they all maintain the same level of hygiene and sterility as the doctor and thus it no longer possess any threat to the health and recovery of the patient. Moreover, video recording of surgery has eliminated the singular need to be physically present in the operating rooms anymore.
Though having a surgical procedure in the aforementioned operation theater in the present era will be a nightmare for both the patient and the doctors, it must be remembered that medical science did not evolve into this current day scenario overnight. It took a lot of efforts from so many people over the ages and we are obliged to every single of them.
A Brief Introduction of Gynecomastia
We all have heard at some point in time that, it is important to love oneself, at every condition to be happy. However, it is rather difficult to do, than to say when an individual is suffering from a condition, they are very embarrassed from within. Gynecomastia is certainly one of such condition that qualifies for the same and can turn any man’s life into a nightmare. Often a surgical solution is the only way to make things better.
Gynecomastia or male breast enlargement is a condition characterized by enlargement of breasts in men. This swelling occurs due to the proliferation of fatty tissue underlying the breast. The breasts are the symbol of feminism and maternity and play a vital role in the well-being of a newborn baby in terms of providing nutrition and immunization from several diseases. Having well-developed breast in case of any men is not only useless but more like an embarrassment.
Even though most of the times the cell growth is non-malignant, which means it like not likely to grow into cancerous growth, but it may possess some difficulties and discomfort such as pain, swelling, and adjustment required to sleep to getting dressed. Also, the deformation of the normal chest contour of a man can hamper the self-confidence and social image, leading to depression and low esteem.
It has been found that the count of men suffering from this condition reach as high as 65 percent, however, not all of them require surgical intervention. Reason being several male individuals encounter this condition solely during the adolescent age due to hormonal change. With time, it readjusts on its own, eliminating any correction treatment. Some other men acquire this condition while battling with obesity. As obesity itself is a condition of accumulating fat, the breasts are no exception. However, work and metabolic treatment often address the situation.
This leaves with that individual who is seriously suffering from this condition and is in desperate need of proper medical help. Though oral medication and hormonal therapy can help with the entire treatment, often the breast reduction surgery is required to settle the problem completely. It is either done through liposuction or tissue extraction, depending on the condition.
With proper medication, if required a surgery at the best hospitals in Kolkata and help for family, friends and support groups, this condition can be overcome completely.
Thalassemia – Definition, Symptoms & Diagnosis. Can it be Cured Permanently?
Thalassemia is a genetically inherited medical condition which involves making an abnormal type of hemoglobin cells. It is one of the common illness treated in hospitals in Kolkata. The hemoglobin is the protein component in the blood that carries the oxygen. With time this condition further develops into anemia. It is another complicated condition, in which the individual does, not have an adequate amount of blood, namely the red blood cells in their body.
Thalassemia being inherited makes either of the parent, the carrier of the same. There are several types of the same, however, the two types- alpha and beta thalassemia. In the prior type, at last, one alpha goblin gene possesses a mutation. While in the later one, the beta goblin genes are responsible.
Symptoms of Thalassemia
Though the symptoms may vary greatly from type to type and as per the overall condition of the individual, some of the common ones for the same are as follows-
- Pale skin color including the occurrence of jaundice
- Fatigue
- Dark urine, indicating the breakdown cells
- Bone deformities particularly in the face
- Poor appetite
- Delayed growth and puberty
- Enlarged heart, liver
Diagnosing the disease is a very important tool to proceed towards a healthy treatment. It usually involves collection blood sample and screening them for the presence of anemia. The screening will also involve looking the blood cells under a microscope to see if the shape of red blood cells. The presence of abnormally shaped red blood cells is usually an affirmative sign of thalassemia. In order to investigate the type, the hemoglobin electrophoresis is carried out, which involves separating the different component molecules of blood and studying the exact abnormality type.
The occurrence of thalassemia is more prevalent among the people of Greek, Italian, South Asian, Middle Eastern and African descent.
Treatment
The treatment procedure entirely depends on the severity and type of the thalassemia. Some of the mostly executed treatment procedures include
- Bone marrow transplant
- Blood transfusion
- Medicines and supplements to suppress the effects
- In case, the disease gets to an advanced stage and becomes complicated the doctor might even suggest surgical removal of gallbladder and spleen
The doctor recommends iron supplements and chelation for some period of time, after a blood transfusion. With proper and timely medication one can live a significantly healthy life. However, this means leading an extremely cautious life.
A Brief Introduction of Depression
We all spend our lives between phases of happiness and sadness and obviously in between several shades of the mentioned emotions. A state of extreme happiness is euphoria and usually does not ring any alarm but the state of extreme grief or sadness, however, is called depression and it can cause some serious damage if not addressed on time.
Sadly, many myths surround depression, its treatment, and cure. And thus, many do not seek medical treatment for it in the best hospitals in Kolkata. Moreover, several individuals do not consult the treatment for the recommended time period and thus, often does not make full recovery and relapse due to the same in future.
Several people assume depression as a made up illness, ruling it out altogether from the list of medical problems itself. For them, it is a mood fluctuation that does not affect the overall physical or mental health or ability. However, it has been found that an individual suffering from clinical depression, might lose functionality in several aspects.
Another group believes that depression resolves on its own. Well, since anything is possible, it may be true for those with exceptional willpower, but for the rest, sadly it is not. Professional help, individual or group therapy are often required to cure the individual out of clinical depression. However, a handful of the reformed patients recommends making lifestyle changes, medication, yoga, and spiritual guidance can make a significant change and also empower them to deal with it in future.
There’s yet another group of people who do count depression as an illness and believes that it does not resolve on its own. Though it might appear like a sensible class of people, sadly, they believe no drug in the medical world can cure an illness of mind and mood. However, thankfully, in this era, medical science has ways to treat most of the problem. And depression is no exception. After ruling out the possibility of the thyroid through physical examination, an actual depression can be effectively addressed through medication.
In fact, about 80% patients respond positively to treatment. The remaining patients are musty those who discontinue treatment in between and relapse again. Thus, in a nutshell, depression is a very real medical illness and more people suffers from it than they admit it openly. But with medical help, it can be treated completely. Thankfully many hospitals in Kolkata offer best treatment for the same.
Abnormal Heartbeat: What Is It And What Consequences Does It Have?
Skipping a heartbeat or racing of the heart is a very routine event in literature and usually, leads towards a happy ending. But in reality an abnormal heartbeat, if too fast to too slow, is not normal and particularly, its repeated occurrence of the same happens without a medical review, things might be just opposite of a happy ending. That is why any irregularities of the heart beat should be considered as a cardiac emergency and medical opinion and care must be sought.
Having a cardiac arrhythmia or more commonly known as irregular heartbeats and cardiac dysrhythmia is a cluster of medical conditions in which the individual experience irregular heartbeat. The normal heartbeat is calculated in terms of a number of beats in a minute. The normal range between 70 to 85 and it varies between genders. A heartbeat of 70 to 72 beats for men and 78 to 82 for women is considered as ideal. However, it does not alarm any major cardiac abnormality as long as the heartbeat ranges from 60 to 100.
A cardiac arrhythmia is of two types, either due to being too slow or too fast. Tachycardia is the condition when the heart beats too rapidly, more than 100 beats in a minute. Bradycardia is the condition when the heart beats too slowly, less than 60 beats in a minute.
Having any pre-existing heart disease, misbalance of electrolytes such as potassium or sodium in the bloodstream, an injury from a previous heart attack, change in cardiac muscle, are all the medical risk factor for having an irregular heartbeat. Being stressed, emotional or adrenalin rush might also cause an irregularity in the heartbeat but these factors are not likely to onset a cardiac arrhythmia.
Though several cardiac arrhythmias are not serious, and limits to symptoms of the same such as shortness of breath, passing out, lightheadedness, palpitation and chest pain for a small period of time. Some of them, however, can lead to complications like heart failure and stroke and can prove fatal, particularly the ones that occur repeatedly.
Thus, in case the patient is an aged individual or experiencing the same for more than a couple of time, he or she is advised to consider this as a cardiac emergency and is recommended to seek medical treatment on time. In order to keep track of the same, the use of heart monitor or pulse indicator is advised as well.
Importance and Role of a Doctor in the Society
‘Some heroes don’t wear capes, we call them doctors’
This one-liner said by an anonymous person is something we all have felt at some point or the other in our lives. Indeed, doctors play a significant role in our lives. The absolute first and the last event of a human are both certified by doctors, in maternity hospitals and morgue. A doctor is a person with extensive knowledge in the domain of medical science, who applies and dedicates his knowledge to identify the medical problem faced by the patient and then uses his skill to prevent or cure it.
Hippocrates and Imhotep are some of the most ancient doctors in the world who contributed a lot towards mankind. In India, the history of medicine goes way back as well. Sushruta was the first surgeon in the world who lived around 800 BC. All these men belonged to different era and background, however, their dedication and passion for saving lives and mending them are what makes them stand together. They represent the community known as doctors.
Their contribution to human health is beyond comparison and the rich culture of the medicinal world is still in its glory in this era. So let’s have a look at how the doctors play an important role in our lives.
1. Saving life
Mostly this arises during the event for an emergency procedure or an elective procedure for a rather time sensitive or serious illness. An accidental injury and troubled labor also account for the same.
2. Extending life
Unfortunately, not every illness can be cured completely. But with the effort of doctors and medicines and therapies, the lifespan of the patient or onset of the worst effect of an illness can be extended significantly. Though this time varies greatly from case to case and patient to patient, the efforts behind the cause are commendable.
3. Improving lives
Not every disease threatens the life of the patient. However, living with the discomforts for a lifetime is not an acceptable option either. The effort of doctors makes it possible to mitigate these discomforts and help live their life to fullest.
4. Controlling the epidemics
Some diseases claim an entire population than just handful of random people. Contagious disease and other epidemic conditions are for instance, are a huge threat to the health of a common people living in that geographical boundary. Timely measures and awareness by doctors can curb or eliminate such catastrophic situation.
These are some of the many, many contributions these apron-wearing armies make for us. To pay our tributes to doctors in India, we celebrate Doctor’s day on 1st July every year. This date coincides with both the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. It reminds us the special contribution made by this legendary physical, who treated thousands and inspired millions of lives, including the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
On this very special event of Doctor’s Day, we are proud to say that ILS Hospitals house some of the most talented medical professionals in the country. These doctors are fully capable of dealing with any kind of medical emergencies, and thus, we feel that it is our privilege to be one of the best hospitals in Kolkata.
What Is Patient’s Right and How ILS Hospitals Contribute?
Being a preacher is hard, being a parent is even harder. However, there is one status that can be easily earned, i.e. being a patient. One morning you are doing fine, suddenly you get drenched in rain and in the evening get a sore throat that worsens overnight, and now you are a patient who needs immediate medical attention to get back to healthier self. In the hour of medical emergencies, you mostly tend to follow the doctors and the staffs of the healthcare system.
However, ILS Hospitals gives you an additional advantage and ensure that you get quality treatment. They provide a standard patient’s right. Patient’s right is a set of rules that ensure transparency between the patient party and the health caregivers. In India, however, not many people are aware of the same, the main reason being the fact that not all hospitals and clinics offer the same.
We believe that trust and hope is as important as medicines for recovery and good health. Thus, we provide a set of patient’s right for the same. The followings are the patients’ right we offer to anyone who seeks treatment in our institution-
Patient Rights
- Right to Impartial access to care
- Right to Respect & Dignity
- Right to Privacy & Confidentiality
- Right to personal safety & Security
- Right to know the identity & Professional status of the Care giver
- Right to informed participation in Decision involving his/her care
- Right to refuse treatment
- Right to go for 2nd opinion
- Right to be informed of Hospital rules & regulation
- Right to information on how to file a complaint
- Right to explanation for all items charged in Bill
- Right to access medical record
While talking about right, another important aspect that is correlated to the same is the responsibility. Unlike the prior set of guidelines, these are to be followed and respected from the patient’s side for establishing an effective system.
Patient information/guidelines
- Following the rule and regulation of the Hospital
- Providing complete & accurate information about your past illness, medical history, allergies etc.
- Following the treatment plan recommended by your care givers
- You are responsible for outcomes if you do not follow the instruction or treatment suggested by your care giver.
- Paying your bills promptly
- Misbehaving with hospital staffs or mishandling hospital’s asset is a punishable offense by IPC
- Notify your care giver if you do not understand the instruction
Having the patient’s right strengthens the assurance of patients towards receiving a better treatment and encourages us, the healthcare party to improve and deliver the best possible treatment.
ILS Hospitals Health Packages
Staying healthy all the time is more like a wish than reality. No matter how careful we are, we all fall into the trap of diseases at times. Surviving on spice-less, taste-less nutritious food is what we all have done at some point or the other in our lives. Unfortunately, some people need a lot more trips to hospitals than others for their treatment.
We, at ILS Hospitals are taking the initiative in this regard and helping to stay healthy with the help of the health packages. Here is a glimpse of all the packages with its highlights.
- Basic Health Check-up – As the name suggests, it covers the basic medical information, such as ECG, ABO and Rh grouping, random blood sugar, hemoglobin with ESR, chest X-ray, urine and serum profile.
- Child Health Check Up – It includes the screening required to ensure the sound health of the child. It includes blood sugar profile, urine and stool test, hemoglobin with ESR, ABO and Rh grouping.
- Well Women Check Up – It consists of all the tests mentioned in the basic package with a set of women-oriented tests, such as breast and abdomen USG, Pap smear, thyroid profile and also a consultation with the gynecologist.
- Care of Senior Citizen – As senior patients need extra care, this package has be designed for the elderly in our society. It comprises of all the tests of the basic package. In addition, it has cholesterol profile, USG abdomen and PAP/PSA for women/men respectively.
- Decoding Diabetes – By looking at the alarming statistics of diabetes in this era, this particular package is extremely helpful. It comprises of ECG, SGOT, SGPT, HBA1C, urea, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, creatinine and bilirubin profile and albumin-creatinine ratio in urine.
- Silver Healthcare – As the name suggests, this package consists of a wide range of screening to ensure one stays in perfect health. Several of these tests are common as that of the basic package. The add on are TSH, EEG, liver function, lipid profile, uric acid, pulmonary function, and USG of abdomen.
- Gold Healthcare – Being an upgrade of the previous package, it consists of all the screenings of the same. In addition, it includes electrolytes and renal profile, along with USG for women and PAP/PSA for women/men respectively.
- Cardiac care – The number of people getting affected with some or the other cardiac ailments call out for this particular health package. It includes ECG, chest X-ray, EEG, TMT, lipid profile, blood sugar fasting and haemogram profile.
- Renal Screening – The health of the kidneys often skip the minds of people. To bring awareness for the same, this package comprises of several screenings such as, ESR, calcium, bicarbonate, chloride, creatinine, Potassium, Inorganic Phosphorus, Sodium, urea, uric acid profile, along with screening of blood sugar fasting, haemogram, HbSAG and urine.
- Pre-Marital HCP for Male and female- Before two people start their relational-life, it is better to have a healthy start with these packages for men and women. It comprises of the ABO and Rh grouping, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin profile, Hb electrophoresis, HbSAG, HCV, HIV and DVRL screening for both partners. It also has an USG of lower abdomen and urine profile screening for females.
Thus, we encourage every individual to come forth and get a complete checkup to ensure they stay in perfect health.
Autumn Health Hazards – 8 Common Illnesses People Face during Rainy Season
After withstanding the scotching summer, its now the turn for monsoon to bring the drops of relief. The rainy season bring lots of excitement and fun, but unfortunately, it also brings several infections. Let’s have a glimpse of the illness that strikes the hardest doing the rainy season.
1. Cold and flu – Having a cold and later its progression into flu is quite common during rainy season. Generally, it resolves by rest, over the counter medicine and homemade remedies. But when it persists, it ought to be addressed in a hospital to be on safe side.
2. Malaria – Though malaria can strike any time of the year, especially in the places with low level hygiene such as slums, however, the risk of the same enhances significantly during rainy seasons. The main reason for the same is breeding of mosquitoes in unmanageable water logging and clogging of drains.
3. Typhoid – Typhoid is a very common water borne disease that arises due to the pathogen bacteria Salmonella typhi. It onsets with the consumption of contaminated water. Another prime source is improper sanitation. The symptoms of typhoid such as sore throat, fever headache and weakness are often confused with flu, and thus, its treatment becomes quite tricky.
4. Dengue – Just like malaria, the mosquitoes, namely the tiger mosquito are the vector for dengue pathogen as well. Using mosquito repellents and keeping the body covered can help to prevent the mosquito biting.
5. Jaundice – Though it onsets due to malfunctioning liver, Jaundice is yet another disease that often onsets during monsoon. Mainly due to consumption of contaminated water and food. The disease can be easily distinguishable due to yellowing of skin, nails and sclera of eyes.
6. Cholera – It is more than just a disease, it is a threat that used to wipe clean the population of entire geographic clan in earlier days. Thankfully it can be controlled to a large extent these days. However, since it spreads due to contaminated water and food, its occurrence is most probable during monsoon.
7. Viral fever – As clearly the name suggests, viral fever is caused by virus pathogen which are most active during the rainy season. It weakens the overall immune system of the individual and makes them prone to have several other illness as well.
8. Diarrhea – Yet another illness that occurs during the rainy season mostly due to the consumption of unhygienic food and drinks. It causes severe loss of fluids from the body and leaves the body very weak and susceptible.
Though these are the most common possible diseases that can strike during the rainy season, several others might attack as well. It is best to practice caution and care to stay in good health.