A Complete Guide to Night-Blindness
What is Night Blindness?
With the word blindness, one might think of complete blindness after it is dark, well, that’s the whole myth. Night Blindness is a condition where a person is unable to see things clearly at dark or may face difficulties in seeing things in the dark. It is also called ‘nyctalopia’.
Though some category of night blindness can be treated with a proper diet and medication, some require surgery and there are some which cannot be treated at all. It’s better to consult an Eye specialist, that doing anything by one’s own self so that one can take necessary steps for its treatment.
What are the causes of Night Blindness?
Night Blindness can be caused due to various reason. The most common causes of night blindness are discussed below:
- Vitamin A Deficiency: We all have studied this during our school day. The deficit of Vitamin A causes or leads a person towards night blindness. Vitamin A, also called retinol, plays a role in transforming nerve impulses into images in the retina. The retina is a light-sensitive area in the back of your eye. Prescribe nutritional diet can help to restore the condition back to normal if diagnosed at the initial stage.
- Genetic Disorder: Like many other genetic factors, a person might also inherit disorder such as night-blindness. Usher syndrome, which is another related genetic condition that affects both hearing and vision.
- Abetalipoproteinemia: This is an inherited condition where a body may not absorb the required necessary nutrition from the food, which later may cause the deficiency of vitamins and minerals which will result in first cause mentioned above.
- Cataract: It is a condition of eye lenses were a dense cloudy appearance stands between the person and the clear vision. It develops slowly and eventually interferes with your vision. You might end up with cataracts in both eyes, but they usually don’t form at the same time. Cataracts are common in older people above 70 years.
- Diabetic retinopathy: It is a condition that occurs as a result of damage to the blood vessels of the retina in people who have diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy can develop if you have type 1 or 2 diabetes and a long history of uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. It might also result in total sight loss if remained untreated.
What Is Low Birth Weight And Its Main Causes
After a full term of pregnancy, a baby is born with body weight ranging between 2500 to 4200 grams in order to live a normal functional life. However, very often some of these babies are born with exceptionally lesser weight than medically considered as ideal. These babies need critical care and are often kept at special care units of maternity hospitals.
As per World Health Organization, babies having a body weight of 2499 grams or less are considered as low birth weight. This is further subdivided into very low birth weight (having less than 1500 gram) and extremely low birth weight (having less than 1000 grams).
Having a low birth weight puts the baby subjected to developing a wide number of medical complications, both in short term and in long term.
Causes of low birth weight
The low birth weight is either caused due to preterm birth or due to being small for the gestational or environmental factor of the prenatal growth and development.
Preterm birth
The gestational period ideally consists of 37 weeks and any pregnancy than matures before this duration is considered as preterm birth. Being born before the ideal time than the baby is supposed to, results in making the baby susceptible to multiple medical issues and being born with a low birth weight is one of them.
Being small for gestational age
As already mentioned, the gestational duration does play an important role. However, some babies born with low birth weight even with a full term. This happens when the baby is doing full term but is underdeveloped with respect to his or her age. It is often a result of some or the other medical or genetic condition. As any malnourished individual would perform less and will be less immunized, the rules apply same for an infant only to a bigger proportion.
Environmental factors
Several factors such as a young age of mother, previous low birth weight babies, multiple pregnancies, poor nutrition, substance abuse and malnourished prenatal stage etc contribute towards negatively affecting the birth weight of the baby. It also includes exposure to smoke, pollutant air, water, lead and other toxic substances as well.
As already mentioned, the babies having a low birth weight is highly likely to suffer immense adverse health conditions. Thus, every family having an expectant mother is advised to take proper care of the mother and the child in every aspect to ensure a safe pregnancy and healthy child. In case of any doubt, it is always wise to approach a maternity hospital as soon as possible.
History, Evolution, And Importance Of Stethoscope In Medical World
The very first thing that everyone visualizes about a doctor is undoubtedly the stethoscope. A stethoscope is a medical device with a disk-like resonator, which is placed on the chest and a set of ear piece to enable hearing of the same. It is used to trace the auscultation, which is the technique of listening to the internal sounds produced inside the body.
Doctors of almost every domain in the hospitals carry a stethoscope for primary evaluation of the patients approaching the facility for check-up and treatment. But earlier what happened when the stethoscope was yet to be invented? Let’s understand in brief, how medical evaluations were carried out along with the birth of the first stethoscope.
Before the discovery of stethoscope, the doctors used the technique of simultaneous percussion and auscultation. For the same doctors used to put their ear directly on the chest of the patient. Though the procedure remained effective for a considerable amount of time, it was awkward for both the doctors and patients, when a lady patients were involved and the obvious fact that the number of female doctors in the world could have been counted on fingers.
The same problem was faced by the French physician Rene Laennec as well, in the year 1816, when he was to treat an overweight young lady, suffering from some type of cardiac and respiratory problem. To avoid embarrassment, he rolled up a few sheet lying around in a tube like structure and placed it over the heart of the patient and listened from the other open end.
To his surprise, this method yielded an excellent result and he began administering the same for all his patients. Also being a musician, he himself invented an improved structure, the monaural model with only one ear piece.
In the year 1819, he made the findings public and with time the model was improved as more and more physicians began to understand its importance. In the year 1851 came the first ever bi-aural stethoscope.
The ones we see these days are similar to the ones manufactured around the early 1930s, with a few changes in the aspect of material and the resonator etc. Gradually, the stethoscope was used alongside the sphygmomanometer to obtain the blood pressure as well. Nowadays some stethoscope also comes with a recording device to keep a record of the same for the future evaluation.
It is the first and foremost pathological device for diagnosis. We pay our tribute to the great minds that invented and improvised this useful medical device, which is literally the icon of medical science in the world.
A Brief Introduction Of Dengue
Independent of the fact whether you even had it or not, everyone is aware of this particular disease. it is an extreme condition of fever that infects about 390 million patients every year from all around the world. It is prevalent in certain geographical location as compared to others. The main reason for the same is the Aedes mosquito as they are the vector of the deadly dengue virus, which in turn is the pathogen of dengue fever.
These are becoming very common during monsoon in India as well, and several patients with suspected dengue are made to take test, post confirmation is admitted for the same.
Symptoms of Dengue
Symptoms of Dengue fever often onsets after 4-6 day of exposure to the infection. These are mostly-
- Fatigue
- Severe joint and muscle pain
- Sudden, high fever
- Vomiting
- Nose or gum bleeding, or easy bruising
- Pain behind the eyes
- Nausea
- Severe headaches
- Skin rash, that onsets two to five days after fever
These symptoms are often mistaken for signs of flu and thus are neglected.
Complications of Dengue
Young children and first timer to this particular virus become more severe to the symptoms and are at risk of developing complications such as hemorrhage fever, bursting of a blood vessel and lymph etc. In rare condition, it can progress to a potentially dreadful condition which is called the dengue shock syndrome that can lead to mass bleeding, shock or even death. It is more common among young children, people with weak immune system and people with subsequent dengue infection.
Diagnosis of Dengue Fever
Dengue infection can be diagnosed with a blood test. However, often this stage comes much later due to the negligence of people or mistaking as some other common illness.
Treatment for Dengue
There is no guaranteed medicine that can cure dengue fever completely. Pain killers are mostly prescribed for the same along with guideline for rest and recovery. This includes drinking plenty of fluid, adequate rest, avoiding any un-prescribed medicine as it can induce bleeding, and affect the biological blood clot mechanism. And it is extremely important to report any change to the hospitals of Kolkata for immediate treatment.
Prevention of Dengue
There is no particular immunization for preventing the dengue fever as of now. The only way to do so is by preventing the mosquitoes biting. This includes keeping the surrounding clean and prohibiting breeding and blooming of mosquito around by all means possible. In event of any doubtful symptoms, getting in touch with a hospital is highly recommended.
A Brief Introduction Of Endoscopy
Endoscopy is one of the most employed diagnostic probes that are used in the domain of medical science in the leading hospitals of India, which also includes Kolkata. The term endoscopy literally means to ‘look inside’ and for medical purpose, it rightfully enable the doctor to look inside the body and figure out the probable cause of any discomfort or as a treatment approach for some medical conditions. The technique is very similar to a laparoscopic surgery and is done by inserting a particular kind of instrument into the cavity and hollowed organs.
There are multiple types of the same depending upon the site on the body. Also, the patient may or may not be given a dose of anesthesia, depending upon the procedure. Endoscopy in broader term refers to the procedure, in usage, it is synonymously used for the procedures carried out in the upper gastrointestinal tract, primarily inserted through the nose or mouth.
An endoscopy is a highly efficient procedure to determine the underlying cause of any illness or discomfort without opening it up by making a large incision. Several times, it is also used to extract a few tissues for the site for the purpose of biopsy and other screenings. Though it is a bit rare and executed only when a possible case of cancer or malignancy is suspected. It also proves to be an extremely beneficial tool to determine the effect of any medication and new treatment procedure.
As already mentioned, for upper gastroenterology, the endoscopic probe is mostly inserted through the mouth, nose or rarely through a small cut made on the epidermal layer of the skin. It is stitched back after the completion of the procedure. The endoscopic procedure is almost similar to that of a laparoscopic surgery.
To aid the visuals, the endoscope probe also comprises of a cold light source and camera, which projects the real time image of the internal organ. The internal images can either be decoded and evaluated by the pathologist directly or can be screened and saved, for the respective doctor to analyze it later.
The endoscopy is an extremely popular diagnostic tool in the medical world. It is usually sufficient for determining the underlying cause. After it reveals the primary results, it might lead to either oral medication, drug therapy or surgical approach, depending upon the individual case and type of illness.
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.