While India continues to face a deficit in blood donation, making Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) mandatory may ward off the risk of infections to those requiring regular blood transfusions, said experts here on Tuesday. National Voluntary Blood Donation is celebrated on October 1 every year to raise awareness about the importance of blood and the need for voluntary blood donation. India has consistently fallen short of the World Health Organization's recommendation that 1 per cent of the population donate blood. This is despite having a potential donor base of 402 million people. While the country needs 14.6 million units of blood annually, it faces a deficit of around one million units. Myths and misconceptions about contracting infections like HIV, and lack of awareness, are the major reasons for the lack of volunteer blood donations in India, said the experts. "Voluntary blood donation in India has seen growth, yet there remains a significant gap in meeting the national demand majorly due to lack of awareness," RishiRaj Sinha, transfusion medicine Specialist, AIIMS Delhi, said. "People probably do not know that there are so many people out there who need blood regularly. That is why there is no motivation to give blood voluntarily, a reason why there is so much demand-supply gap," added Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, member Secretary of the Thalassemia Patient Advocacy Group. Further, safe blood supply to needy patients, such as those who require repeated blood transfusions is also a concern, said the experts. This can be eased by making Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) mandatory. "No blood is donated to any patient across India, without proper testing. But, NAT is extremely beneficial as the highly-sensitive method of testing blood can detect even the lowest amount of virus in the blood," Sinha said. NAT test improves the safety of donor blood for transfusion, V. K. Khanna, director, Institute of Child Health Preeti Tuli Thalassemia Unit at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. "When compared with routinely performed tests on donor blood, NAT test reduces the chances of transmission of certain infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C by early detection of these infections in donor blood," he added. The expert explained that the implementation of NAT testing on donor blood would benefit everyone who receives a blood transfusion, especially those patients who receive repeated blood transfusions such as patients of thalassemia, sickle cell disease, haemophilia, aplastic anaemia, cancer, kidney disease, and others conditions. Mukherjee said safe blood is a huge challenge, especially for patients with thalassemia who need blood every 15 to 20 days. "Because we do not have much voluntarily donated blood, if screening is stringent, then probably that will take care of the safety aspect at least," she said, urging the government to make "NAT testing mandatory throughout India, at least in government hospitals". This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
02 October,2024 12:05 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSObesity, diabetes, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are the key reasons why India is seeing a rise in gynaecological cancers like endometrial, ovarian, and uterus, said experts on Monday. The rise is particularly of concern among younger women, and calls for greater awareness and early screening. There have been more incidences of endometrial cancer -- cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus -- among young women in their early 30s, a condition traditionally seen in post-menopausal women. “As obesity rates climb and more women delay childbearing or remain childless, they face prolonged exposure to oestrogen, a known risk factor for endometrial cancer. Conversely, progesterone, produced during pregnancy, provides a protective effect against this cancer,” Dr. Vandana Jain, Sr. Consultant and Chief of Gynae Oncology Services, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), told IANS. “Women with conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), who often do not ovulate regularly, also find themselves at heightened risk,” Jain added. According to statistics 1 in 100 women are either diagnosed with cancer of the uterus or cancer of the ovary. However, a steady rise in the numbers of these two cancers has been observed of late. “Obesity, diabetes, and PCOS have all been scientifically proven to be the reasons for the rise in the incidence of cancer of the uterus and ovary, albeit indirectly,” Dr. Sai Lakshmi Daayana, Senior Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Hyderabad, told IANS. Ovarian cancer is the third most common type of cancer among women in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the age-adjusted incidence rate of ovarian cancer in India is estimated to be around 6.8 per 1,00,000 women. Daayana said in the majority of cancers of the ovary, no particular cause is identifiable. The majority of these patients are above 50 years of age. “However, it has been established that women who seek fertility treatment are at an increased risk of developing cancers of the ovary many years down the line. Previously infertility was seen in about 1:10 couples. This number has now risen to 1:3 capsules. PCOS also contributes to a majority of female infertility,” the expert said. Further, the doctor explained that cancer of the uterus is seen with increasing frequency in two groups of people. Uterus cancer in women aged 50 and above, who have attained menopause is "due to the ever-increasing incidence of diabetes and obesity,” Daayana said. The other group of women where alarming numbers of cancers of the uterus are seen is the PCOS cohort. “Unfortunately this group is much younger, a majority are in their late 20s or 30s, and most of them have yet to conceive. These women face menstrual issues such as scanty and infrequent periods, diabetes-like metabolic profile, and weight gain -- all three being causative factors for cancer of the uterus,” Daayana told IANS. Stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the experts called for long-term lifestyle changes and medication. Also Read: Why contraception is still essential after 40 until menopause is confirmed This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 October,2024 12:38 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSFinding it hard to manage blood sugar levels? Take heart, limiting your food consumption to a 10-hour window daily may keep your diabetes in check, according to a study. Following the 10-hour eating window, a type of intermittent fasting, can also help you manage metabolic syndrome -- a group of medical conditions that can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Risk factors attributing to the syndrome include elevated blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol -- key factors for poor heart health. Researchers led by the University of California San Diego and Salk Institute in the US said the findings may help people looking to address their metabolic syndrome and reduce their risk for Type 2 diabetes. In the trial, published online in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 108 adult patients with metabolic syndrome were randomised into either a time-restricted eating group or a control group. Both groups continued to receive standard-of-care treatments and underwent nutritional counselling on the Mediterranean diet. In the time-restricted eating group, each person had to reduce their eating window to 10 hours per day, which began at least one hour after waking up and ended at least three hours before going to sleep. After three months, patients who had completed the time-restricted eating regimen showed significant improvements in key indicators of heart health. Satchidananda Panda, a professor at the Salk Institute explained that the time of day plays an important role in human bodies’ processing of sugars and fats. When people limit their eating window, they “re-engage the body’s natural wisdom and harness its daily circadian rhythms to restore metabolism and improve health”. The routine also helped people lose body weight, maintain proper body mass index (BMI), and manage abdominal trunk fat -- a type of fat closely linked to metabolic disease, the researchers said. Importantly, participants did not experience significant loss of lean muscle mass, which is often a concern with weight loss. Also Read: Midday Explains | Weight-loss drugs, diet fads, viral trends: Are they worth it for weight management? Experts answer This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 October,2024 12:20 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAs Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was hospitalised after he was diagnosed as suffering from leptospirosis, a disease not many are familiar with, a doctor explains how this bacterial infection occurs, its dangers, and the precautions that must be taken. Explaining how leptospirosis spreads, Dr M Wali, Senior Consultant from the Department of Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, said that this infectious disease is caused by the bacteria Leptospira, and often spreads to humans through rats. The infection can occur when food, water, or soil contaminated by animal urine comes into contact with the nose, mouth, eyes, or broken skin, he said. Regarding the symptoms of this disease, Dr Wali said that in the early stages of leptospirosis, patients may experience flu-like symptoms. However, in more severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding and organ damage. Early symptoms include high fever, eye infections or redness, headaches, chills, muscle pain, diarrhoea, and jaundice. In more critical situations, symptoms may include coughing up blood (hemoptysis), chest pain, difficulty breathing, and blood in the urine, all signs of internal bleeding. Dr Wali further revealed that globally, around 1 million cases of leptospirosis are reported each year, and 50 per cent of these cases result in death. To prevent leptospirosis, the best approach is to avoid contaminated water, he said, adding that food must be kept in places where rats cannot reach it, and always covered properly. Maintain distance from animal urine as much as possible. Rivers and streams are often places where animals swim or bathe, which can lead to infection if you enter such water. In areas affected by floods, extra precautions are necessary, he maintained. Dr Wali also emphasised that individuals should never self-medicate if they suspect an infection. If anyone notices any symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor and follow their advice for treatment. Leptospirosis is a serious disease, but taking the right precautions can help prevent infection and reduce the risk of severe complications, he added. Also Read: What is the extremely rare Leptospirosis which affected Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann? This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 September,2024 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe World Heart Federation (WHF) has launching a global petition, urging all countries to have a ‘National Cardiovascular Action Plan’ to tackle heart disease, the world’s number one killer. Improving cardiovascular health requires strategies that are tailored to the national, regional, and local context, and must take the socioeconomic environment and healthcare system into account, they argue. Marking this year’s World Heart Day with the petition launch, the WHF hopes the call to action will inspire a more robust and coordinated response to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is responsible for more than 20.5 million deaths every year. As many as 80 per cent of these deaths from heart attacks and strokes are preventable, but early findings by WHF show that as few as 7% of countries have standalone plans or strategies to tackle CVD. In contrast, 87% of countries have already developed National Cancer Action Plans, demonstrating the progress that must be made to improve cardiovascular health. So far, most of the countries with a standalone National CVD Action Plan or Strategy in place are based in Europe and the Western Pacific Region. The staggering number of deaths from heart disease combined with scarce plans to tackle the disease, highlights the urgent need for the remaining countries to develop tailored strategies to address cardiovascular disease. For over two decades, WHF has been leading the World Heart Day movement, which is celebrated every year on 29 September – raising awareness about CVD, calling for better healthcare policies and more funding for heart heath research. This World Heart Day, WHF aims to secure over a million signatures to send a strong message and urge elected leaders to make a bold political declaration at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases in 2025. Jean-Luc Eiselé, Chief Executive of World Heart Federation said: “Cardiovascular disease claims more lives than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined yet efforts to combat CVD at a national level fall short almost everywhere in the world. We have the knowledge and tools to improve cardiovascular health outcomes and give everyone access to appropriate care. “A National Cardiovascular Action Plan acts as a strategic tool to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke, while also cutting healthcare costs and losses due to low productivity—in turn, saving hundreds of billions of dollars annually worldwide. “This World Heart Day, we encourage people all over the world to sign our petition and send a powerful message to all political leaders that an action plan is necessary to improve heart health and prevent premature deaths caused by CVD. Nations need to develop tailored plans to protect communities from the world’s biggest killer.”
29 September,2024 08:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile the cause of lung diseases like lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has long been linked with smoking, an alarming increase in cases has been observed even amongst non-smokers, majorly due to passive smoking and air pollution, said experts on Wednesday. World Lung Day is observed every year on September 25 to raise awareness about lung health and promote better lung care around the world. Smoking is a major cause of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly improve lung health and reduce the risk of developing these diseases. However, a significant increase in respiratory cases has been observed even amongst non-smokers, said experts. “These are mostly traced to an increased exposure to second-hand smoke and increased air pollution, which are significant risk factors for lung disease. Microscopic pollutants have been found to penetrate the lungs and cause cell damage and inflammation within them, which over time, can induce cancerous mutations,” Dr. Sunil Kumar K, Lead Consultant - Interventional Pulmonology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, told IANS. “Such chronic exposure to polluted air not only harms lung tissue but slowly weakens the immune defense of the body. Even for those who have never smoked, passive smoking poses a serious threat. Breathing in smoke from the environment from someone smoking nearby or lingering smoke indoors can be just as harmful,” the expert added. The residual toxins even from third-hand smoke that settle on surfaces also put individuals, especially children and pets, at risk of health problems. The World Health Organization notes that 99 per cent of the world's population breathes unhealthy air. Climate change is a major driver of air pollution, which can impact lung health. Children, older adults, and people with existing respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. Other risk factors for lung problems in non-smokers include childhood respiratory infections that may prevail in adulthood also, Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, head of Critical Care and Pulmonology - CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said. “Repeated childhood infections may lead to bronchiectasis in lungs, and cystic problems can also destroy lungs,” the expert said Lung problems such as Respiratory infections, COPD, asthma, and TB infections are the most common among non-smokers, majorly due to low immunity levels, Grover said. According to Kumar, people in occupations like mining or construction are even more susceptible as they are continuously exposed to carcinogens, dust, and smoke, which disrupts their health. Lifestyle conditions like obesity, or engaging in minimal physical activity also predispose people to diseases by decreasing lung function. “While smoking remains a well-known risk factor, much more is required to protect our lungs than avoiding cigarettes. We need cleaner air, smoke-free spaces, and a better understanding of the various hidden dangers we're exposed to every day,” Kumar said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 03:11 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSAdequately spaced pregnancies can boost maternal and child health outcomes. This will lead to better maternal and child health, reduced unintended or unplanned pregnancies, and greater economic stability for families. “India's young population, with over 65 per cent under 35, requires urgent investment in contraceptive choices, especially spacing methods,” Poonam Muttreja, executive director of Population Foundation of India, said. According to NFHS 5 (2019-21), 4 per cent of India's unmet contraceptive need is for spacing methods. “Expanding access to these options will improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance economic productivity by allowing women to better participate in the workforce,” Muttreja said. She called on improving the quality of care in family planning and reproductive health services. “Policies must prioritise delivering respectful, high-quality care, as women who feel valued and respected are more likely to use contraception effectively and adopt healthier family planning practices,” Muttreja said. In 2023, India integrated two new Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) methods into its public health system: the subdermal implant and the subcutaneous Antara injection. However, it comes after a 30-year delay, during which Indian women were deprived of crucial contraceptive options. At the same time it was adopted by many countries around the world, including our neighbouring countries, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Muttreja said. The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel recently stated that the acceptance of modern contraceptives in India has increased to over 56 per cent. The country’s National Family Planning Programme currently offers a variety of reversible modern contraceptives encompassing condoms, intrauterine contraceptive devices, oral pills, injectable contraceptives, etc. Although contraception is an empowering tool, it is crucial to balance planning with the realities of reproductive health, Dr. Neha Khandelwal, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, told IANS. “While contraception is used by many couples to avoid unplanned pregnancies and to adequately space your pregnancies, they must not forget that the biological clock of a woman doesn’t wait for the ‘perfect time’ to conceive,” Khandelwal said. She noted that “fertility declines after 30 and declines rapidly after 35 years of age. Timely planning a pregnancy will help escape infertility issues”. The doctor also advised couples to have open conversations not only about when they feel emotionally ready but also about the potential biological challenges that can come with waiting too long. Meanwhile, Muttreja also urged for active male involvement in family planning programmes. “By engaging men as equal partners in family planning, we may unlock a critical pathway to driving meaningful change in the country,” the public health expert said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 03:10 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSExposure to dust mites in children can trigger severe allergic reactions, leading to conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, warned an expert on Saturday. Dust mites -- microscopic creatures found in household dust -- are a leading cause of allergies worldwide. These are so tiny, slightly bigger than human hair diameter, to be visible to the unassisted eye. In India, high humidity levels increase their growth and also a rapid surge in clinical manifestations, Dr Neeraj Gupta, senior allergy specialist from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, said. Asthma affects around 35 million people in India, with an estimated 2.4 per cent of adults and 4-20 per cent of children affected. Nearly 22 per cent of adolescents currently suffer from allergic rhinitis in India. Gupta explained that the hallmark signs of dust mite allergies include sneezing, which is frequent and severe, often accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose; persistent blockage of the nasal passages, leading to difficulty in breathing, particularly at night; a chronic dry cough that is more pronounced in the early mornings and at night; intermittent episodes of breathlessness, especially during physical activity, coupled with a wheezing sound while breathing. The allergens from dust mites, particularly their droppings and decomposed body parts, can trigger inflammation in the nasal passages and airways, leading to these symptoms, the expert said. While immunotherapy is effective, reducing exposure to dust mites is crucial in managing symptoms. Some recommended measures include the use of allergen-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and duvets; regular washing of bed linens in hot water; minimising the use of carpets and upholstered furniture at home as these can harbour dust mites; using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters; keeping indoor humidity levels below 50 per cent; adequate sunlight and cross ventilation. “By understanding the symptoms and signs, utilising appropriate diagnostic tools, and implementing targeted treatments like immunotherapy, along with preventive measures, it is possible to manage and even alleviate the burden of these allergies,” Gupta said. He also advised timely medical help for substantial improvement in quality of life. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 02:01 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSHeart attacks and strokes are a global health challenge, accounting for 3.9 million deaths annually, in the Southeast Asia Region, including India, said the World Health Organization on Saturday, ahead of World Heart Day. World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), accelerating actions to prevent, detect early, and manage heart health. The theme this year is ‘Use Heart for Action’ “Cardiovascular diseases remain a significant global health challenge responsible for over 18 million deaths each year,” said Saima Wazed, WHO regional director for South-East Asia. “The burden is particularly heavy in the WHO South-East Asia Region, where CVDs account for 3.9 million deaths annually, primarily due to heart attacks and strokes. This represents 30 per cent of all deaths in the region, with nearly half of these occurring prematurely, before the age of 70 years,” she added. The heart plays a crucial role in pumping blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and waste. When its function is compromised, the body’s performance declines, leading to serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Wazed attributed the high burden of CVDs to “modifiable lifestyle practices such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, particularly those high in salt, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption”. In addition, drug treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and high lipids are necessary to reduce acute events of CVDs, she said. Further, in the South-East Asia Region, “one in four adults has raised blood pressure, and one in 10 has diabetes. Alarmingly, less than 15 per cent of people living with hypertension and diabetes are on effective treatment,” Wazed said. Dr. S Venkatesh, Lead Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, said heart health is fundamental to living a long and fulfilling life. “Recognising early warning signs, like chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats, is also a key focus, as these symptoms can lead to prompt medical intervention, potentially saving lives,” he added. The experts called for increasing awareness and adopting heart-healthy habits. A healthy heart not only enhances physical and mental well-being but also boosts energy levels and overall quality of life. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 01:39 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSHeart disease is one of the most concerning health issues plaguing the modern world. According to World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. World Heart Day is observed on September 29 every year to raise awareness about heart health, highlighting risk factors and holistic solutions. While tobacco and alcohol use, junk food and lack of exercise are commonly recognised risk factors of this health concern, other overlooked lifestyle habits like sitting for prolonged periods and inadequate hydration are also secretly damaging your heart. Dr. Talha Meeran, Consultant, Advanced Cardiac Sciences and Heart Transplant, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, highlights, “In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the subtle habits that can silently undermine our heart health.” Processed foods One of these habits is the excessive consumption of processed foods without realising the hidden sugars and other additives they contain. “Many people believe they’re eating healthy simply by avoiding junk food. However, processed foods often hide high levels of sugars and unhealthy trans-fats that contribute to inflammation and high cholesterol,” explains Dr. Meeran. He adds, “Label reading is essential, yet many of us skip this crucial step, unknowingly consuming meals laden with harmful additives.” Dr Vivek Mahajan, Consultant Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, backs this, explaining, “Packaged foods consisting of excessive sugar, fat and sodium cause heart damage or severe heart conditions due to the fact that these ingredients gradually increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels.” Hydration missteps Along with right eating habits, proper hydration is also essential for maintaining heart health. Dr. Meeran informs, “Dehydration is a common but overlooked issue when it comes to heart health. Water is essential for maintaining cardiovascular function. Proper hydration supports circulation and helps regulate blood pressure.” Prolonged sitting In today’s work and sedentary entertainment-driven world, characterised by spending significant time in front of screens, sitting for a prolonged period of time has become a serious health issue. Not only does it put people at risk of obesity, but also harms heart health. Dr. Mahajan reveals, “Long periods of sitting have been linked with increased risk of heart disease. Increased screen time and a sedentary lifestyle that result in weight gain further increase these risks.” How to prevent this? Dr. Meeran suggests, “Small changes, like standing during phone calls or taking brief walking breaks, can make a significant difference.” Neglecting mental health The discourse around mental health concerns has steadily been rising, however, it is still an overlooked aspect of health. Neglecting emotional and mental well-being can have an impact on physical health as well. “Stress, anxiety, continuous multi-tasking and sleep deprivation overload the heart, which leads to rise in blood pressure and brings a person closer to the risk of heart disease. The problem can become worse as most people seek comfort foods or take alcohol as a remedy for their stress,” elaborates Dr. Mahajan. Stressing on the importance of adequate physical and emotional rest, Dr. Meeran says, “In our culture of productivity, sleep is often sacrificed. Poor sleep patterns can elevate blood pressure and contribute to obesity. Prioritising adequate rest is not just a personal luxury but a vital component of heart health.” Also Read: Is your sleep being sabotaged? Here’s why a digital detox is crucial “Integrating stress management techniques such as yoga and regular social interaction is also crucial for holistic heart health,” he concludes.
29 September,2024 12:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainIn an extremely rare case, doctors here saved a newborn with a rare and life-threatening defect in oesophagus and trachea. The baby, diagnosed with oesophageal atresia and a tracheoesophageal fistula, soon after birth was brought to HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka. Oesophageal Atresia (EA) is a rare and serious congenital condition that affects the development of oesophagus in newborns and turns the early days of life into a critical fight for survival. In some cases, this condition is accompanied by a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), which is an abnormal connection between the oesophagus and the trachea (windpipe). This connection can cause severe complications, as it allows gastric liquids to pass into the lungs, leading to respiratory distress, infections, and other serious issues, said the doctors. “The prevalence of EA with TEF is estimated to be between 1 in 5,000 and 1 in 10,000 live births worldwide, with a slightly higher occurrence in Europe,” paediatric surgeon Dr. ThichenKalden Lama, HOD - Paediatric Surgery, said. The team of doctors treated the baby with right thoracotomy and TEF ligation, followed by an oesophago-oesophageal anastomosis -- a complex surgical procedure to connect the upper and lower segments of the oesophagus. The baby was kept on intravenous fluids, supportive measures, antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) while being closely monitored. The baby showed some progress on the seventh day of life. Gradually, oral feeds were introduced. Despite challenges such as breathing difficulties and severe gastroesophageal reflux, the team employed a combination of medications, careful feeding techniques, and supportive therapies to manage the condition. “The baby showed remarkable recovery and after days of close monitoring and care, full oral feeds were successfully established and the baby was discharged with weight gain and parental education,” Lama said. Lama explained that the condition can be observed shortly after birth, in infants who cannot swallow their saliva, exhibit excessive drooling, or have difficulty breathing. “The presence of polyhydramnios -- an excess of amniotic fluid during pregnancy -- can also be an indicator, as the baby’s inability to swallow amniotic fluid leads to its accumulation,” the doctor said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 12:34 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
