Health

Watch Out For These 5 Health Hazards During Diwali

It is the time of the year when we all have the best excuse to have as many sweets we want because it is the festive season of Diwali. This festival brings joys and celebration, but sadly, it often brings several unwanted medical complications as well. Watch out for these health hazards that might come uninvited during this time.

1. Burn Injuries

The festival of lights is celebrated with candles, diyas, and firecrackers by the enthusiasts all over India. Moreover, cooking for hours and roaming around ritual fires also increase the chances of fire-related accidents. Needless to say, burn injuries are the most common accident that occurs during Diwali. Unless it is a minor, first-degree burn, it is always recommended to get it treated under a medical specialist.

Read more – A Guide To Types Of Burn And Its Treatment Approach

2. Blood Sugar Fluctuation

As Diwali involves binge eating on delicious treats and sweets, keeping blood sugar in check is quite challenging. In fact, many people hanging in the pre-diabetes zone become susceptible to diabetes during Diwali and seek diabetes treatment afterward. Though it is not exactly a medical emergency, it is crucial to keep count of the sugar intake as diabetes is tricky to resolve after it onsets.

3. Respiratory Discomfort

The level of air pollution increases profoundly due to fireworks during this period of time. This leads to severe respiratory discomfort, especially for children, expecting mothers and older people. People with any respiratory discomfort are particularly advised to practice caution against possible exposure to dense smoke and polluted air.

4. Ear Injury or Hearing Trauma

Firecrackers also produce an abundant amount of loud noise of high decibel. Often it gets corrected on its own, but exposure to the same from a close range can cause some severe damage such as temporary or permanent deafness. Just like the previous safe measure, ENT specialists advise people with a sensitive ear to practice caution to mitigate any severe injury or complications.

5. Cardiac Ailments

The eruption of sudden loud noise due to crackers causes alarm and uneasiness in people, especially, those who suffer from hypertension and other underlying cardiac discomforts. It also might induce sleep disturbance, restlessness, fidgetiness and impulsive behaviors among more susceptible people.

So, keep a note to avoid these health hazards amidst of enthusiast Diwali celebration. Always have a first aid kit within reach, but seek medical help, to rule out the chances of long-term consequences. Happy Diwali!

ILS Hospitals is open 24*7 even during this Diwali to offer you complete medical assistance if needed.

Health

Do You Need A Gallbladder Surgery To Cure Your Gallstones?

Your occasional stomach pain and digestion troubles not resolving even with home remedies and over-the-counter medicines? Are you certain it is not your gallstones? Knowing the symptoms of the gallstones help with an early detection and thereby a timely treatment. Few patients do not even realize the presence of the gallstones unless they block the path of bile, triggering ‘gallstone attack’ and cause unbearable, sharp pain. To avoid any such trauma and complications, it is advised to undergo timely, elective gallbladder surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy.

8 out of 10 patients with underlying gallstones need to undergo cholecystectomy either as an elective or emergency procedure. Those who might never need any surgical cure have what is called the ‘silent gallstones’ and can manage it and have a normal life with mild medication and lifestyle change. However, those who are experiencing any symptoms of the same, are always advised to avail the surgery.

The gallstone surgery can be done either by open or by laparoscopic surgery technique. The procedure is finalized by having multiple diagnostic screenings. These include blood tests, MRI (HIDA), ultrasound scan and endoscopy. After this thorough evaluation, the doctor finalizes the surgery mode. Here we present a brief description of them both. In both the procedures, often the gallbladder is removed altogether to mitigate the possibilities of its recurrence of the gallstones in the future.

Open surgery – The surgery is carried out through 5-8 inch incision made near the site. After the procedure, the incision is again stitched up. Now, it is suggested only for those who have some severe gallbladder complication or are in their 3rd-trimester pregnancy.

Laparoscopic surgery – It is also known as minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery and is carried out through 4-5 minute incisions and with the help of the modern instruments. These include laparoscope, camera, cold light source, and many other assisting instruments. A well-experienced surgeon operates effectively with the assistance of this advanced surgery and offers multiple benefits to the patients. These include much lesser operative and postoperative infection, bleeding, pain and recovery time.

ILS Hospitals, being a pioneer of laparoscopic surgery in eastern India, offers this advanced surgical technique for the people suffering from gallstones. However, open gallbladder surgery is also offered for patients with complications. In case, you or any of your loved ones is suffering the pain of the same, come down to ILS Hospitals to resolve it for once and all.

Health

5 Most Common Eye Surgical Procedure These Days

As H.G Wells, had rightly said, ”The beauty is in the eye of the beholder”

Indeed the eyes are the most important part of our body that enables us to unlock the beauty of nature. Most of us suffer from some or the other medical complications and discomfort related to vision that requires consultation and treatment from an expert eye specialist. Minor issues are often resolved with glasses, eye drops or mild medication. But, several of them need a surgical approach to resolve them for good or for better convenience.

Read more – 20 Fun Facts About the Human Eye

Here we present 5 most common eye surgery procedures that are prevalent.

1. LASIK and PRK Surgery

These are both surgical procedures to correct vision. Undergoing this surgery enables the individual to have good visuals even without their glasses and lenses. It uses the laser to reshape the cornea to correct vision, in case of the prior procedure and is somewhat similar in the later one as well. Both these procedures are done usually on an outpatient basis and are highly effective.

2. Cataract Surgery

Cataract is the natural cloudy formation over the lens that makes the vision blurry and dull. It is quite common in aged patient, but some young individuals are developing them these days as well. Cataract surgery is carried out by emulsifying the natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one. It is mostly an outpatient procedure.

3. Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma hampers vision significantly as it damages the optic nerve of the eye. It often leads to excessive build-up pressure in the eye and eventually towards blindness. There are two surgery procedures, laser, and conventional glaucoma surgery. Patients can resume their routine life in a matter of days.

4. Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery

It is prevalent among individuals who are suffering from diabetes and their fluctuating blood sugar is affecting their vision, by damaging blood cells of the eyes. It is often closely related to the formation of the floaters as well. Usually, a laser surgery is done to prevent swelling in the eye and promote new blood vessels in it.

5. Macular Degenerative Surgery

Macula of the eye enables focus on the details for the vision. It breaks down and hampers vision upon aging. The laser light is used to destroy unwanted blood cells and the surgery is often the outpatient type and might need to follow up procedures to address it more efficiently.

As we are observing World Sight Day, let’s pledge to take care of our vision. Any discomfort related to the vision must be addressed to a reliable eye specialist. Coincidentally, as we are also in between celebrating this puja festival, it would be incomplete to mention that goddess Durga has 3 eyes, but not we. So, let’s preserve both our eyes and vision.

Health

Health Tips To Stay Healthy This Durga Puja Festive Season

Durga Puja – the festival that brings us closer to our family and friends. Amidst these overwhelming seasonal spirit, often we let our guards down and fall in tarps to several health complications. ILS Hospitals lists out some of the health issues related to festive-season and offers some tips and precautions to stay healthy.

1. As we are going through a confused climate, it is uncertain to say whether or not it will be raining in between Puja season. So, take every precaution you should during this time. Also, while pandal hopping, don’t forget to use the mosquito repellent.

2. Despite the prevailing monsoon, the intense sunlight, during the day with clear sky, can cause severe dehydration and sunburn if proper measures are not taken. So don’t forget to carry your umbrella during your day voyages and apply your sunscreen cream as well.

3. You should also be very particular about the food and drinks you feast upon outdoors, with your friends and family. Practice extra caution while going for the Fast food items like Noodles, Rolls and Pani Puri from street vendors.

4. Carrying and consuming bottled water is highly advised. Unpackaged water can be contaminated and thereby can lead to Diarrhoea, Typhoid, Food Poisoning, and Hepatitis.

5. Being in crowded places can cause spreading of several contagious illnesses such as cold, cough, flu and viral infections. Stay on guard while being with crowds in pandals and never-ending queue leading towards the same.

6. Pandal hopping for hours, regardless, of day or night is tiresome. Adequate rest is extremely necessary for you. So, even if you are extremely busy having fun, take out atleast 6 hours each day for sleep. Staying awake all night long is particularly not advised for elderly people and children.

7. Over excitement and enjoyment without caution can also lead towards mild to major injury. So keep a leash on the same and make health and safety your first priority.

8. If you already have any medical discomfort, you should be extra careful. For eg., if you have diabetes, you should keep taking your medicine without a miss and in case you have asthma and respiratory discomfort, it is best to plan your visit to avoid crowds as it might trigger an attack.

So, follow these simple precautionary tips and reap the best of this festive season. Also, take note that ILS Hospitals is all set and functional during the entire puja season. So come down at ILS Hospitals to address any medical emergency or discomfort that you encounter.

Health

20 Fun Facts about the Human Eye That Will Amaze You

If only our eyes could take snapshots of everyday life, we could have amazing 574-megapixel resolution pictures. Often we don’t give a serious thought to our eyes unless our visions start deteriorating in some or the other way. In fact, it is not uncommon to find that people complaining about hazy vision in queues of diabetes clinics.

As we are observing the Eye Donation fortnight from August 25th Aug – 8th Sept, we present some fun facts about the Human eye.

1. The eye lens is photosensitive. Just like that of a camera’s, it adjusts the amount of light it requires for the ideal vision.

2. Just like the pulse, pupils can tell about a person’s excitement level. Both Wider and dilated pupil shows different emotions.

3. The eye becomes tired upon long exposure to electronic screen or even paper books.

4. Eyesight might be affected due to pregnancy hormones. Thankfully, it resolves on its own right after childbirth.

5. Brown eyes are the most common attributes among people in the world.

eye donation

6. All the folks with blue eyes supposedly have a common ancestor.

7. Many people have eyes of two different colors. It might be due to an injury, disease or heredity.

8. The first signs of diabetes type 2 are often detected during an eye test. A consultation in a diabetes clinic is required to confirm it later.

9. It is impossible to sneeze with open eyes. It is all due to the nerve arrangement, that makes blinking, a reflex action.

10. Minor eye injury heals within 48 hours with little medical attention.

11. A retinal scan is a better way of identification as iris has 256 unique characters, it is 40 in case of a fingerprint.

12. The presence of two eyes ensures the accurate perception of vision. It enables estimation of the distance of objects.

13. The eyes shut closed as a reflex upon perceiving dangers. It is an automatic response to mitigate injury.

14. Tears are a response to both physical and emotional stimuli. It also protects the eyes from several infections.

15. On an average, the human eye blinks 17-20 times in a minute.

eye donation

16. Due to the absence of gravity, it is impossible to cry in space. It will simply get collected in the eyeball and will cause eye irritation.

17. The cornea is the only body part devoid of any blood vessels. It facilitates the proper refractive index in the eyes.

18. The eyes have rod and cone cells. The rod cells enable adjustment of light while cones enable perceptions of colors.

19. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause damage to vision.

20. A baby can only perceive black and white colors at birth, along with few shades of grey.

On this eye donation fortnight, we encourage every healthy individual to consider eye donation indistinct future and primarily to take care of their eyes to enjoy the beauty of the earth around us.

eye donation

Health

Are You Having Gallstones? Know the Symptoms to be Sure

Do you experience episodes of abdominal pain from time to time? Are you also experiencing persistent digestive issues that won’t resolve with diet changes? Chances are high that you are suffering from gallstones. In case you are ruling out the possibility of the same, remember, most of the patients later going for gallbladder stone surgery admitted to experience no symptoms for a long period of time. Let’s discuss what gallstones are along with some of the warning signs of gallstones.

The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver and it secretes digestive enzymes that facilitate digestion. It is called the bile. When it concentrates into hardened mass, it becomes what we call the gallstones. It can either occur as one large stone or several small ones. The size of the same ranges from sand granule to as big as a golf ball.

There are some ‘silent gallstones’ that have no symptoms associated with it and often does not require any treatment either. Check out for the following warnings of gallstones that indicates you might need to consider a gallbladder stone surgery later on.

  1. A sharp pain for a brief period, which often is called an ‘attack’, is the most prominent symptoms of an underlying condition of gallstone.

  2. These episodes can be separated by some period of times. It can range anywhere between days, weeks, months or even years.

  3. Though the pain might onset unannounced at any time, it has often been found to onset after 30-40 minutes after consuming a highly processed junk food.

  4. This pain usually starts very mild but slowly turns severe. It stays constant for some time, which can last anywhere between 1 to 6 hours.

  5. The pain usually originates in the abdomen, which may later move to the right shoulder or back. It usually sets during late night and the sharp pain may even wake a person right away.

  6. The digestion associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, etc. are often seen in patients with gallstones.

  7. Symptoms like jaundice, fever and persistent severe pain need to be addressed immediately as it might indicate a blocked duct due to the accumulation of gallstones.

Unfortunately, gallstones are often recurring in nature. Those with a history of the same is highly susceptible to have it again in the future. Thus, it is always recommended to seek consultation before and after a gallbladder stone surgery to take measures against it.

Health

Allergies: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Before we start with allergies, let me ask you, do you know what is the exact definition of an allergy? Well, in response to certain foreign substances, your immune system starts reacting. It is that exaggerated reaction which is known as an allergy. The substances that produce allergies are known as allergens. Now let’s start with the symptoms of different types of allergies that are most common.

Symptoms of different types of allergies

Your allergic reactions can be severe or mild. Here are symptoms of some common allergies –

Food allergy

  1. Swelling of the tongue, lips, throat or face

  2. Anaphylaxis

  3. Tingling in the mouth

  4. Hives

Hay fever

  1. Stuffy, runny nose

  2. Sneezing

  3. Red, watery or swollen eyes

  4. Itching of the eyes, nose or roof of the mouth

Allergies
A drug allergy

  1. Itchy skin

  2. Hives

  3. Facial swelling

  4. Anaphylaxis

  5. Wheezing

  6. Rash

An insect sting allergy

  1. Hives or itching all over the body

  2. Swelling in a large area at the sting site

  3. Chest tightness, cough, shortness of breath or wheezing

Anaphylaxis

  1. Skin rash

  2. Loss of consciousness

  3. Severe shortness of breath

  4. A weak and rapid pulse

  5. Light-headedness

  6. A drop in blood pressure

  7. Vomiting and nausea

Eczema

  1. Scaly, dry skill appearing on inflamed red areas

  2. Burning sensation

  3. Extreme itchiness

Latex allergy

  1. Asthma

  2. Hives

  3. Rash and itching

  4. Anaphylaxis

  5. Watery eyes

Allergies
Skin contact allergy

  1. Inflammation, open sores, localized redness

Causes of different types of allergies

Here are some common causes of allergy –

  1. Insect stings such as from a wasp or bee

  2. In case of latex allergy or other substance allergies, they are caused when you touch them

  3. Food allergies are caused from certain foods including fish, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, milk, wheat and eggs

  4. Airborne allergens include animal dander, pollen and dust mites

  5. Drug allergy can be caused by certain medications including penicillin-based antibiotics or particularly penicillin

Treatment options for allergies

Of course, your treatment of allergies depends on the severity and type of your allergy. Here are some general guidelines –

Eczema

  1. To control itching, use oral antihistamines

  2. Keep your skin moisturized

  3. In severe cases, use immunosuppressive medications

  4. Topical corticosteroids

Asthma

  1. Oral maintenance medications

  2. Inhalers

  3. Injectable medicines under the supervision of our doctors

Hives

  1. Oral steroids

  2. Injectable medicines administered in our hospital

  3. Oral antihistamines

Prevention

The preventive measures that you should take to avoid allergies depend on the type of allergy you have. Here are some general measures –

  1. You can keep a diary with you in order to track what you eat or what activities you do. This will help you and your doctors at ILS Hospitals to identify the triggers

  2. Try to avoid the known triggers. This applies to the case if you already know what type of allergy you have

Allergies are not something you should take lightly. Some allergies are life-threatening. In order to make sure that you are safe, do consult our doctors at ILS Hospitals. They have knowledge about all health problems and diseases, and you will find yourself healed once you consult them. Call us now to make an appointment.

Health

An Insight of Surgeries Carried Out in ILS Hospitals

In this era, we have advanced technology for most of the things around us. However, even the best medication cannot resolve every illness. Thankfully, we have surgical treatment to address, resolve and cure such illnesses. With the help of the state-of-the-art technology such as the laparoscopic surgery, the remedy is now most effective than ever. Today, we bring insights of surgeries that we carry out in the ILS Hospitals.

At ILS Hospitals, at least 50 percent of the operations we carry out are related to the gastrointestinal tract. Most of our patient had a history of chronic indigestion, constipation and another digestive issue for a significant period of time. Indeed, the occurrence of digestive complication is on a constant rise since the introduction and commercialization of the fast food industry. It is often associated along with general surgery, which involves invasive correction of soft tissue and solid organs.

Laparoscopic Surgery

The figure is shortly followed by gynaecologic and obstetrician surgeries. Apart from childbirth surgical procedure, women also seek a surgical cure and care for family planning, and other gynaecological conditions. We also provide treatment and care for women suffering miscarriage or carrying risk pregnancy.

We handle and address significant numbers of orthopaedic surgeries throughout the year. It includes both prescheduled procedures such as total and partial knee replacement, hip joint, etc and emergency procedures such as accidental injury or trauma. Our 24/7 ambulance and ICU contributes a lot towards saving these lives.

As compared to other multispecialty hospitals, we have significant numbers of ENT, dental and eye surgery in our hospitals. In fact, we had carried out a cochlear implant in ILS Agartala unit, one of the rare and leading surgeries carried out in northeast India.

laparoscopic surgery

Cardiac surgery is on a constant rise, not only in ILS Hospitals but at hospitals in every corner of the world. However, we specialize in handling both preschedules heart surgeries and emergency cardiac surgeries. Our patients receive enormous support and care from the expert doctors.

Apart from these, we handle an enormous amount of species in miscellaneous specialties. At ILS Hospitals, we also have several patients seeking a surgical cure for their various urological conditions. We have many patients who chose us for offering laparoscopic surgery for the same. We, at ILS Hospitals, being the pioneer of laparoscopic surgery, offer mostly keyhole operation to our patients. Needless to say, our skilled nurses and staffs stay on guard, round the clock. In case, you or your loved ones need any consultation or surgery, book an appointment with us and secure your health.

Health

Include These 5 Foods In Your Everyday Diet To Manage Your Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions throughout the world. In India too, its statistics are alarmingly high. The treatment approach is determined by the doctor after evaluating the type and severity of the condition in a reliable diabetes clinic. However, patients suffering from all the types of diabetes are advised to consume certain healthy food and adopt healthy habits to manage diabetes more effectively.

Today, we will discuss a few food items that one should include in their diet to manage diabetes. So let’s begin the countdown

1. Bitter Gourd

As the name itself indicates, this vegetable is quite bitter to taste and people usually avoid it, if they can. However, they include a component commonly known as p-insulin that controls the glycaemic level in the blood. Including them in the everyday diet is an extremely effective way to deal with diabetes-associated complications such as kidney, heart and nerve damage.

Bitter gourd

2. Green Leafy Vegetables

These are rich sources of nutrients and antioxidants along with being low on carbs and calories. Many of the green leafy also contain vitamin and minerals. In a nutshell, it replenishes eye cells from degeneration and protects it against cataract, which happens to be few common diabetes-associated complications.

Green Leafy Vegetables

3. Protein-rich food

Protein from healthy sources such as eggs, fish, and meat helps to keep blood sugar in check. Moreover, food items like Paneer, Dals, Rajma, etc also happen to be an excellent source of protein as well. Having them in adequate amount controls diabetes.

Protein Rich Food - Diabetes

4. Amla

It is one of the most used ingredients to manage diabetes since ages, particularly as an Ayurvedic remedy. It regulates carbohydrate metabolism in the body, which in turn makes the body more receptive to insulin.

Amla - Diabetes

5. Yogurt

Every individual should ideally consume one serving of yogurt to aid one’s digestion and to attain weight loss. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as a controlled body weight can contribute towards the healthy management of diabetes. Moreover, the yogurt contains probiotic and thereby it reduces the risk of heart diseases as well.

Yogurt - Diabetes

These food items have been found to aid in better management of diabetes. However, before adding these in your everyday diet, it is best to seek consultation from a reliable diabetes clinic as well. The diabetologist not only will help you make a perfect diet chart but will also evaluate you from time to time to ensure that diabetes does not lead to any severe consequences.

Health

Attention Indian Youth! As You Might Be Susceptible To Premature Heart Ailments

Earlier it was said that heartbreak from a romantic relationship was one major reason for heart illness. But, these days, the scenario is quite different. The threat of heart attack is looming over Indian Youth more than it did until a decade ago. This paradigm shift has resulted in Indian youth susceptible to various heart ailments 8-10 years sooner as compared to other ethnic groups from all over the world. As per the statistics collected from some of the best heart hospitals in India, at least 35 percent of the heart patients are under the age of 40. Several cases have been reported where the age of the patient is as young as the early 20s.

Premature heart ailments

Causes and connections for heart ailments

Some of the common causes for these premature heart ailments that have been found are mainly due to family history, personal history of some heart conditions, diabetes /pre-diabetes, excessive stress and unhealthy lifestyle. The genetics root happens to be the most influencing factor when it comes to developing a cardiac ailment. Best heart hospitals have witnessed patients being diagnosed with premature heart ailments, happen to have a parent or sibling with a similar health history. Men are at more risk than women when we compare according to age. Women often show first signs of heart ailment approximately 10 years later than men. However, factors like diabetes in the family, and smoking, may cause, premature heart ailments even in women.

Why are Indian Youths suffering the most?

Indian Youths are somewhat dealing with the dual burden of mental and physical stress. On one hand, due to the cut-throat competitions, they are forced to work exhaustively in order to make a decent living leading to physical exertion and stress. On the other hand, their inability to cope up with the work stress, affect their family life leading to mental stress as well. As a result, the incidents of premature heart attacks are increasing among youth in their years of servitude.

How can Indian youth address it?

Though heart ailments sound scary to deal with, but it can be easily taken care of if preventive measures are taken on time. Heart attack is predominate, not a first-degree illness, meaning it often develops from underlying complications as already mentioned. Thereby, controlling these early warnings can help manage it effectively.

On this International Youth Day, we advise every India youth to take some time out of their busy lives and dedicate the same towards their health. Adequate exercise, quitting alcohol and smoking and leading a healthy lifestyle, often makes change and improve the lifestyle. In case, any symptoms of heart or chest discomfort arises, they are recommended to seek advice from one of the best heart hospitals at the earliest.