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.
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.
The Structure of the Tooth
Teeth are an important organ in the human body. Apart from tearing and chewing food, it also plays vital role in speech and helps building the facial structure. The dentists advise to take proper care of the teeth to maintain all its functions. The number and type of teeth had already been discussed here.
Let’s have a look at its structure closely.
The tooth comprises of two major parts, namely, the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part present uproot from the gums. The root is the embedded part in the jaw. It is not the visible part and anchors the tooth in the socket.
If we look closely, anatomically the following are the parts of a tooth-
Enamel- It is the hard, white color portion that forms the outer layer of the teeth. It is made up of calcium phosphate, which makes it the hardest element of the body.
Dentin- It is made up of live cells that underlies the layer of enamel. The dentin secretes hard mineral substance that fills the bulk of tooth. Without the enamel, it can suffer serious erosion.
Pulp- It is the soft living tissue in the inner structure of the tooth. The pulp has blood vessels and nerves running through them. It extends from the root tip to the crown of the tooth.
Cementum- It is a layer of connective tissue which helps the roots of teeth to bind with the gums and jawbone. It plays an important role to maintain the teeth stability.
Periodontal ligament – It is the tissue which keeps the teeth firm against the jaw. It comprises of thousands of fibers. These fibers hold the cementum tight to the bony socket. It also acts as a shock absorbent during heavy chewing.
Apart from the structure of the teeth, the followings are the structure around the teeth-
Oral mucosa- It is the moist soft tissue that lines the mouth.
Gingiva- Most commonly known as the gums, it is the soft tissue, which lies immediately around the teeth and bone. It protects the teeth and bone.
Bone- It is the solid structure that surrounds and supports the teeth, especially the root.
Nerves and blood supply- Each of the tooth and the periodontal ligament has a nerve to supply blood, which is vital for its function.
All of these must work together for effectual functioning of your teeth. Any deviation from the same must be consulted and corrected with the help of a well-qualified dentist.
Why Every Child Needs the ‘Child Checkup Package’?
As Benjamin Franklin had rightly said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The standard procedure of treatment that onsets after the symptoms begin to persist, and home remedies don’t work. After a series of discussions and screenings in the hospitals, a particular disease is recognized and suitable medications begin accordingly. This situation is far more delicate for the children.
To mitigate such long procedure and to ensure that children stays in good health, the hospitals are taking initiatives regarding the same. Meanwhile, we have introduced one of the best screening for children. It is called the ‘child checkup package’ and it comprises of the following tests-
- Complete hemoglobin with ESR profile
- ABO and Rh blood grouping
- Fasting blood sugar
- Urine test and
- Stool test
Each of these tests has its own significance. For instance, knowing the exact blood group will help greatly to deal with any serious medical emergency that need blood transfusion. Precious minutes can be spent to collect the suitable blood group, instead of doing a blood test and awaiting its result.
The stool and especially urine test in this season is very helpful to keep a track on the excretory system of children. During winters, children tend to drink a very limited amount of liquid and often this habit clings on to them even when summer arrives, which causes a higher concentration of salts in urine. A timely screening would disclose the exact condition and thus, the child can be guided to be more careful.
The best feature about this checkup package is that it comes with a complimentary session with a pediatrician. Thus, instead of simply handing over a bunch of paper with numbers and ranges on it, this package gives parents some quality time with a doctor for consultation. This way, the parents become aware which aspects of their child to be more careful for.
The child checkup package offered by ILS Hospital is very economical and affordable. It is best to keep these mentioned vitals in check and take preventive measures on time, rather than let them bloom over time and then take corrective measures for the same.
Thus, the child checkup package is recommended for every child to ensure a healthy childhood, growth and development.
10 Period Myths You Need To Bust Right Now
Our lives are all surrounded by myths and opinions. And sadly, the menstrual cycles are not any exception. Sometimes it appears as if common people have more facts regarding periods as compared to the gynecologists in Kolkata.
But, now it’s time to get rid of these myths and know the facts-
#1. Menstrual cycle is of 28 days
It is the average length of the cycle. However, it varies from woman to woman. Only your body can tell your cycle length, not your friends or internet apps.
#2. It is dangerous to wash your head during the cycle
Thank the almighty, it is a myth. Washing your body or hair has neither effect on your flow or length of the period, nor on your health otherwise.
#3. PMS is a myth
If you feel irritated and have mood swing, particularly before having your periods, and resolves soon after it onsets. Chances are that you are suffering from PMS and not bipolar disorder.
#4. You need to take bed rest during periods
It is true that you need rest if you lose a large amount of blood, during periods, though, you lose only a small amount. Though you can take a day off and relax in case of severe cramps, it is not a must-do.
#5. No exercise
Exercise is always good, even during periods. Sometimes, it even helps to soothe the cramps and uplifts the mood.
#6. You can’t get pregnant during the cycle
No gynecologists in Kolkata would give such a non-scientific advice. The chances of pregnancy are related to the ovulation cycle, not the menstrual cycle and thus, conceiving during periods it is quite possible.
#7. Swimming in the ocean is dangerous because it can attract sharks
No, never. Under no circumstances, you are likely to be a potential/favored target for shark biting, if you are swimming while menstruating. It is applicable for bear attack as well.
#8. Proper age of menarche
There is no right age of on-setting the menstrual cycle. Most girls get their periods somewhere between 9 years to 15 years. Often, your cycle begins close to other women’s in your family. But, in case, it does not, even when you or your ward reaches 15, it is better to get a consultation from a gynecologist in Kolkata.
#9. Missing period means you are pregnant for sure.
Just because you are missing your period for a few days or even weeks, sometimes, does not imply you are free to announce the good news. You can skip your cycles even for 2-3 months without a pregnancy. So, be extra sure before celebrating or panicking!
#10. Menstrual blood is not normal blood
Bleeding means loss of blood, no matter the biological location. And there is only one type of blood, the normal blood that rushes through veins.
So, don’t get drift away from facts and stay updated!
The Importance of Pathology in Modern Day Healthcare Industry
The term pathology is something we all have heard all our lives, but how many of us know its importance? Almost every one of us have been to at least one pathology lab at least once in our lifetime.
So let’s understand, what is Pathology? The word “pathology” comes from two words “pathos” meaning suffering and “logos” meaning study of suffering respectively. It is a major field in the modern diagnosis and thus for overall treatment. In simple words, it can be referred as study of disease.
Almost all the hospitals, in India and the world depend upon accurate pathological reports. It basically acts as a junction between medicine and science, using the cutting edge technology of genetics for better diagnosis, screening and treatment. It is done primarily for the benefit of the patient and also to make the treatment procedure much smoother for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals as well.
Several people actually believe that pathology is restricted to autopsy or more commonly known as post mortem and thus applicable for only the ones present in the morgue. However this notion is absolutely wrong, pathological screenings are carried out for disease which include, cough, blood, urine tests to biopsy for Cancer detection.
Pathology is a very wide branch and over 19 types of specializations coexist and all obviously pathologists doesn’t have the same work. Depending on their articular specializations, skill and interest, they work either in laboratories, hospitals, clinics or pathology centers. Often they provide valuable advice to the doctor and alongside decide for the best possible treatment in case of complicated diseases.
Out of the several specializations, the most significant are chemical pathology, hematology (diseases related to blood and its components), histopathology, medical microbiology (study of infections), toxicology, molecular genetics, Immunogenetics and histocompatibility. Apart from these, there are several more which has its own importance.
Apart from screening and identifying possible infection or severe diseases, pathology comes into play even during blood transfusion, blood storage, and organ storage. It is equally important during developing vaccines for several infections and diseases. Thus, any hospital with their own pathology lab is always a perk over the other who lack this feature.