Brains of people with high glucose levels and inflammation can age faster, increasing their risk of developing dementia, according to a study. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden used an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to analyse brain images from 739 cognitively healthy people aged 70-years to explore the brain’s biological age. They found various risk and health factors that determine the speed at which the brain ages. The study, presented in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, showed that diabetes, stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, and inflammation were linked to brains with an older appearance, On the other hand, healthy lifestyles involving regular exercise were linked to brains with a younger appearance, the study added. The team conducted MRI scans of the participant’s brains and then estimated the age of the resulting brain images using their AI-based algorithm. Further, blood samples were taken for measuring lipids, glucose, and inflammation; and their cognitive abilities were also tested. The AI tool estimated the brain age for both sexes to be on average 71 years. The researchers then looked at the ”brain age gap” by subtracting the participants' estimated biological brain age from their chronological age. “A take-home from the study is that factors that adversely affect the blood vessels can also be related to older-looking brains,” said lead author Anna Marseglia, a researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet. This “shows how important it is to keep your blood vessels healthy, to protect your brain, by making sure, for instance, that your blood glucose level is kept stable,” Marseglia added. The team next aims to launch a study to understand how women and men may differ in how they build resilience. 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.
21 December,2024 04:54 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA 52-year-old gentleman, who had been suffering from severe stiffness and difficulty walking for months, has shown a remarkable improvement following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. After experiencing progressive tightness in his back and legs, the patient found it increasingly difficult to walk more than 200-300 meters without the onset of intense muscle stiffness, which led to him losing his balance and needing to catch hold of nearby walls for support. Initially, the patient’s condition raised concerns for possible spinal canal stenosis and vascular claudication, but after thorough testing, including MRI and Doppler scans, no such conditions were found. With the clear absence of clues in the investigations pertaining to common neurological and vascular issues, a clinical diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) was made. Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterised by severe stiffness and muscle spasms, particularly in the back, legs, and arms. This condition often goes underdiagnosed, as its symptoms can resemble those of psychological conditions or other neurological diseases. However, in this case, a detailed assessment led to the initiation of IVIG therapy. The results were immediate. Within just one day of receiving the first dose of IVIG, the patient showed significant improvement—reporting a 60% reduction in stiffness. After five days of treatment, the patient was able to walk for 15 minutes without experiencing the tightness and discomfort that had previously hindered his mobility. Dr. Sheetal Goyal, consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said, “This case exemplifies the importance of clinical acumen in diagnosing rare conditions like Stiff Person Syndrome, which can easily be overlooked. Despite standard tests like MRI and Doppler coming back normal, we took a holistic approach to the patient's symptoms and were able to treat him effectively. The patient’s quick recovery with IVIG therapy highlights the potential for successful outcomes even in rare neurological disorders.” Despite the absence of the typical autoimmune antibodies associated with Stiff Person Syndrome, the patient responded remarkably well to the IVIG treatment. The patient’s quick recovery allowed him to resume his daily activities and return to work earlier than expected. He also expressed his gratitude in a letter, thanking the medical team for their swift diagnosis and treatment. “The case highlights the importance of clinical acumen in diagnosing rare conditions, even when standard tests come back normal,” said Dr. Goyal. "Stiff Person Syndrome is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, and this patient’s rapid improvement is a testament to the effectiveness of IVIG in managing such rare conditions." This case underscores the value of early intervention and the role of personalised treatment in addressing rare neurological disorders. As Stiff Person Syndrome remains a largely unrecognized condition, the healthcare community is encouraged to be vigilant and proactive when diagnosing patients with unexplained muscle stiffness.
21 December,2024 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEnvision being thousands of feet above ground seated inside a crowded aircraft when suddenly an in-flight medical emergency occurs. A passenger seated in the aircraft was having trouble breathing and her skin turned pale and strained. Other passengers looked on in concern but did not know how to intervene, Dr. Smita Moitra, consultant and in-charge, Emergency Department, Manipal Hospitals, Broadway in Kolkata took charge of the situation. The incident occurred on a Kolkata-to-Delhi flight on December 6, when a 45-year-old woman from Bikaner started experiencing severe hypertensive heart failure due to a long history of high blood pressure. With the aircraft being mid-air, every second was critical. What followed was a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how human instinct and compassion can come together to make a difference in the face of crisis. The passenger, traveling alone from Kolkata to Delhi, started feeling unwell 15 minutes into the flight. Initially what was just mild discomfort, soon turned into severe shortness of breath, chest pain, and a choking sensation. Her condition appeared to be deteriorating rapidly—she began to sweat profusely, her restlessness intensified, and she could not speak anymore. Her blood pressure rose to life-threatening levels of 240/120 mmHg in moments, where even breathing seemed impossible to her. Amid the chaos, as the cabin crew ran to help the panicking passengers, it was the real-life hero, Dr. Smita, who took charge of the situation. After calmly assessing the patient, she diagnosed her with hypertensive heart failure, a critical condition that could have led to cardiac arrest or respiratory collapse if not treated promptly. With minimal emergency supplies on board, she acted quickly. She injected the patient with Lasix to reduce fluid overload, sublingual nitroglycerin to relieve her chest pain, and Ecosprin to manage cardiac stress. The patient was provided oxygen to help with her breathing. As the patient stabilized, the crew informed the pilot, and the flight was diverted to Ranchi, where an emergency medical team awaited the patient. Without her timely diagnosis and intervention, the consequences could have been catastrophic. Dr. Smita stated, “It was an incredibly tense situation where every second felt critical. Staying calm and making quick, effective decisions is vital in such cases. The risk of things going wrong, like cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, was very real. Still, I’m grateful that I could use my training and experience to act quickly and stabilize her before the flight could land safely. Knowing that my efforts saved her life is the most rewarding part of being a doctor.” Thanks to the doctors efforts, the passenger was stable by the time the flight landed. She was transported in a wheelchair to a local hospital for further treatment. Later updates confirmed that the patient had recovered and had gone back to her normal life.
21 December,2024 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA study has estimated that one in every 127 people globally, or 6.18 crore individuals, had autism in 2021, with the neurodevelopmental condition featuring among the top 10 causes of non-fatal health burden in youth aged under 20 years. The disorder is associated with repetitive behaviour and affected social skills. Signs, which can begin to show as early as 12 months of age, include poor non-verbal communication, such as avoiding eye contact and not responding to their name. Published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal, the results showed that globally, autism cases among men were over twice of those in women -- 1,065 cases for every one lakh men and 508 for every one lakh women. The estimates come from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study, the largest and most comprehensive ones to assess health loss around the world over time, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, US, which coordinates it. "An estimated 61.8 million individuals (one in every 127 people) were on the autism spectrum globally in 2021," the authors wrote. Regions such as high-income Asia Pacific, including Japan, revealed the highest prevalence (1,560 per one lakh population), while Tropical Latin America and Bangladesh reported the lowest, researchers said. The findings underscored the importance of early detection and support to autistic young people and their caregivers globally, the authors said. They also called for efforts to improve accuracy of the study's findings, including a better understanding of how autism prevalence differs with geography. "The work presented here can guide future research efforts, and importantly, decisions concerning allocation of health services that better address the needs of all autistic individuals," the authors wrote. 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.
20 December,2024 01:38 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIIn a successful medical procedure, a 45-year-old Navi Mumbai man who had been experiencing avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head for the past year, underwent a total hip replacement surgery in Navi Mumbai. The patient, Mahesh Dhawalkar’s condition was a result of unmonitored steroid usage for managing Covid-19 infection. He had been suffering from walking pain for more than a year. Despite seeking help from multiple doctors and trying various medications including painkillers, he found no relief. A team led by Dr Deepak Gautam, Director of Orthopedic Medicine, Medicover Hospital, Navi Mumbai, conducted the surgery. The patient was seen walking pain-free in the post-operative room just hours after the surgery and was discharged within 24 hours. Talking about the condition, Dr Gautam said, “Avascular necrosis (AVN) or osteonecrosis means the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It causes tiny breaks in the bone and causes the bone to collapse. AVN can occur due to long-term use of steroids, excessive alcohol, hip injury and other medical conditions. In his condition, the cause was due to steroid use after getting infected with Covid-19.” “The surgery involved removing the damaged bone and hip cartilage and replacing it with prosthetic components,” he added. During conventional hip replacement surgery through a posterior approach, the joint is approached from the back of the hip and requires a longer healing and recovery period. “We have been performing THR by this relatively newer technique in India - Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) where patients have to stay in the hospital for a minimum period. In this approach, no muscle is disturbed, hence pain is less and the patient starts moving soon after the effect of anaesthesia is over. Other benefits include less blood loss, and reduced chances of hip dislocation; the joint structure is not affected as well,” informed Dr Gautam. Expressing gratitude, the patient stated, "My life was completely disrupted due to excruciating pain while walking. It made even the simplest daily tasks feel daunting. Fortunately, I was able to receive prompt treatment here. Dr Deepak Gautam and his team employed an innovative method to address my AVN, which has transformed my life. I can now move freely and engage in activities that once seemed impossible.” Also Read: Mumbai: How a groundbreaking surgery gave a woman with Parkinson’s new hope after 9 years Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
20 December,2024 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDiarrhea and related infections continue to be a leading cause of death among children under five years and the elderly, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, even though deaths from these conditions have dropped globally by 60 per cent between 1990 to 2021, a study says.Published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, the study found that in 2021, diarrheal diseases -- infections that cause diarrhea -- were responsible for 12 lakh deaths worldwide, a significant decrease from 29 lakh deaths in 1990.These estimates are the latest and most comprehensive from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, US.The findings suggest that health interventions, including oral rehydration therapy, improved sanitation, and global immunisation efforts against rotavirus (which causes diarrheal infections), are proving effective, researchers said.They also found that the largest decline in deaths occurred among children under five, although mortality rates remain highest in this age group.Individuals aged 70 years or older were the second most affected age group in terms of death rates, making diarrhea and related infections a leading cause of death across all age groups, the researchers noted.Regionally, children under five in sub-Saharan Africa had the highest mortality rates, with over 150 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to other global regions. In South Asia, the highest mortality rates were found among those aged 70 and older, with 476 deaths per 100,000 population.The authors stated that preventive measures targeting key risk factors and infection-causing microbes could further reduce the global burden of diarrheal diseases."The new granular-level analysis in our study can help decision-makers better target and prioritise evidence-based strategies to fight diarrheal diseases," said Dr. Hmwe Hmwe Kyu, a study author and associate professor at IHME."Despite the encouraging progress made in combating diarrheal mortality, a multipronged approach is needed to simultaneously implement life-saving solutions while also prioritising preventive interventions to alleviate the burden on health systems," Dr. Kyu added.The authors also suggested that as more vaccines are added to the World Health Organisation's Expanded Programme on Immunisation, combining them could reduce manufacturing costs and make scheduling easier. 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.
20 December,2024 01:21 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIWalking speed can be a quick, equipment-free tool for identifying metabolic health risks among people with obesity, according to a study. The study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, suggests that a faster walking pace can prevent metabolic diseases in obese people. More than helping in increasing mobility, it can also signal poor health. Past studies have suggested that a slow walking speed is correlated with the development of cardiovascular diseases and an increased risk of mortality in the elderly. The study by researchers from Doshisha University in Japan explored the connection between subjective walking speed and metabolic disease risk, particularly in individuals with obesity. The findings suggest that assessing how a person perceives their walking pace relative to peers could become a vital tool for public health. “This study clarified that even individuals with obesity, who are at higher risk for metabolic diseases, have lower odds of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia if they report a fast subjective walking speed,” said Prof. Kojiro Ishii from the varsity. The researchers said that subjective walking speed is self-reported and readily incorporated into standard examinations, unlike objective walking speed, which needs resources, time, and space to assess. According to the study, individuals who walk quickly may be more fit and have a lower risk of metabolic diseases. The team explained that walking fast can lead to better cardiorespiratory fitness, associated with lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress -- two key drivers of metabolic diseases. The study assessed the walking speed of 8,578 individuals with obesity, 9,626 individuals with high waist circumference, and 6,742 meeting both criteria. The results showed people who walked faster had significantly lower risks of diabetes (30 per cent lower) and smaller but notable reductions in the risks of hypertension and dyslipidemia. “Promoting a faster walking pace may be a helpful individual behaviour to help prevent metabolic diseases, particularly in individuals with obesity,” Dr. Ishii said. Also Read: What does it take to get the blood pressure reading right? 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
20 December,2024 10:13 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSMariam Abdalla Mohamed Ali, a 17-year-old teenager from Kenya, has successfully regained her mobility and independence after undergoing a challenging hip replacement surgery at a Mumbai hospital. The procedure, performed by Dr. Safiuddin Nadwi, a renowned joint replacement surgeon, has given Mariam a new lease on life, enabling her to walk pain-free after four years of suffering due to a failed surgery in Kenya. Mariam’s troubles began after a road traffic accident four years ago, which led to bilateral femur screw fixation. Unfortunately, the surgery resulted in complications, including leg length discrepancy (LLD) and persistent limping. Her leg shortening caused uneven pressure on her hip joint, which worsened over time. Adding to her challenges, Mariam gained significant weight, putting additional stress on her hip. Daily activities became a struggle, and the constant pain severely affected her quality of life. With limited options in Kenya, Mariam and her family sought advanced treatment in India at Apollo Spectra Hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, Mariam was evaluated thoroughly. Dr. Nadwi said, “When Mariam came to us, she was in immense pain and struggled with mobility. The combination of post-surgical complications and her weight gain had accelerated the deterioration of her hip joint. After detailed evaluations, it was clear that hip replacement surgery was the best solution to restore her ability to walk and live pain-free.” Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged portions of the hip joint with an artificial implant designed to mimic the natural joint movement. The procedure not only alleviates pain but also restores normal mobility, allowing patients to regain independence in their daily activities. Given Mariam’s condition, the surgery was critical to eliminate her pain and correct the leg length discrepancy caused by the earlier procedure. Dr. Nadwi elaborating about the surgery’s success, said, “During the procedure, we carefully replaced the damaged joint with an advanced implant that ensures stability, durability, and a natural range of motion. Mariam responded exceptionally well, and within days, she was able to walk without limping. Hip replacement is a proven, safe, and effective solution with quick recovery times and minimal risks when performed with precision.” The surgery marked a turning point in Mariam’s life. For years, her parents had witnessed her struggles with daily activities, a heartbreaking experience for any family. Mariam’s father expressed his gratitude for the life-changing outcome, saying, “Seeing my daughter limp every day and struggle in pain was devastating. She often felt anxious and stressed, knowing she was dependent on us for even basic tasks. Today, we are deeply grateful to Dr. Safiuddin Nadwi and his team for their expertise and compassion. This surgery has given Mariam her life back, and we are optimistic about her future.” Following the surgery, Mariam has regained her confidence and is now looking forward to resuming her education and pursuing her dreams. The ability to walk without pain has not only improved her physical health but has also had a positive impact on her mental and emotional well-being. India has become a preferred destination for international patients seeking advanced orthopedic care. The country performs around 2,00,000 joint replacement surgeries annually, offering world-class medical expertise and cutting-edge technology at affordable costs. Mariam’s story is a testament to the power of timely medical intervention and expert care. Her journey, from struggling with pain and immobility to walking tall and embracing a brighter future, serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. With her new lease on life, Mariam is determined to make the most of her recovery and move forward with optimism.
19 December,2024 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMore often than not, patients and even nurses and doctors are skipping steps that help paint an accurate portrait of someone's blood pressure -- how someone sits and positions their arm, whether they just had a cup of joe or chitchat with their practitioner during the measurement, and other factors can produce readings that are higher or lower than normal blood pressure. "To really make a dent at improving people's cardiovascular health, we need to screen and treat people for hypertension, but we need to do it correctly," Tammy Brady, a pediatric nephrologist at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore who studies blood-pressure measurement and cardiovascular health in children and adults, told The Wall Street Journal. "Getting the right reading is important for preventing heart attacks, strokes and other potentially fatal conditions," noted the newspaper, Xinhua news agency reported. What does it take to get the reading right? The patient should sit with both feet on the ground, legs uncrossed, back straight and your arm supported on a table or other surface, according to guidelines from the American Heart Association and other organisations. "A cuff should be positioned over your bare arm at the level of your heart. You shouldn't talk or scroll on your phone while it is being measured, and your bladder should be empty. And you should take your blood pressure at least a couple of times in a sitting," added the report. Meanwhile, last month, a research published by experts from an international academic collaboration led by the University of Sydney and University College London, had suggested that doing five minutes of physical activity, such as walking uphill or stair climbing every day may help to lower blood pressure. According to the study by the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep (ProPASS) Consortium, replacing sedentary behavior with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day can result in a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure. "High blood pressure is one of the biggest health issues globally, but unlike some major causes of cardiovascular mortality there may be relatively accessible ways to tackle the problem in addition to medication," Emmanuel Stamatakis, joint senior author and Director of the ProPASS Consortium from the University of Sydney, said. "The finding that doing as little as five extra minutes of exercise per day could be associated with measurably lower blood pressure readings emphasises how powerful short bouts of higher intensity movement could be for blood pressure management." The research team analysed data from 14,761 volunteers to see how replacing one type of movement with another is associated with blood pressure. The team estimated that replacing sedentary behavior with at least 20 minutes of exercise daily could reduce cardiovascular disease incidence by 28 per cent. The World Health Organisation estimated that 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, consistent elevated blood pressure, and that 46 per cent of adults with hypertension are unaware they have the condition. Also Read: Standing at work can actually be detrimental to blood pressure: Study 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
18 December,2024 03:51 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPunjabi singer-actor Singga recently opened up about a deeply personal battle – a struggle with severe depression. The mental health challenges led him down a difficult path, causing him to gain significant weight, and lose touch with his physical and emotional well-being. While navigating these emotional struggles, Singga realised the need to reclaim his life. "I wasn’t myself. I didn’t feel like doing anything. I was ignoring my health and work, and every day felt like a struggle,” he expresses. “But then, one fine day, something changed. Something hit me, and I realised I needed to give myself a second life. I had to rebuild myself—not just for me but for my family, who must have been worried seeing me in that state,” he added. Sharing how physical fitness and diet played an important role in his journey of transformation, Singga says, "I began my mornings early, with rigorous gym sessions that helped me channel my energy positively. I pushed my limits by running under the blazing sun in June and July, often between 1–2 PM. Sweating was my therapy." Determined to build abs and tone his body, the singer also focused on a healthy diet. "I controlled my sugar and salt intake and adopted a diet rich in green vegetables and fruits. Drinking warm water and maintaining hydration were key elements of my regime. I started learning about exercises and techniques on YouTube. It’s amazing how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it,” he comments. For him, the gym became more than his physical space -- it was his sanctuary. "Every drop of sweat felt like I was leaving my pain behind. I stopped worrying about what people thought and kept my focus on my goals, as I feel, you unlock a new level of freedom,” he concludes. Also Read: Mental health a major concern among the youth; experts explain why
17 December,2024 03:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRenowned musician Zakir Hussain, who weaved magic on tabla, passed away on Monday morning, after being admitted in a San Francisco hospital due to deteriorating health condition. As per the family statement, ‘idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis’ is stated as the cause of death. Pulmonary fibrosis, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is a chronic, progressive lung disease that can severely affect the respiratory functions of the body. Mid-day.com speaks to Dr Kamlesh Pandey, Consultant Chest Physician, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road and Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, Consultant – Pulmonary Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Whitefield, who explain the symptoms and causes of the disease, also stressing on why early diagnosis is essential to slow down its progression. What is pulmonary fibrosis? Pandey: Pulmonary fibrosis is a term used when there is a progression of fibrosis in the lungs. It is a diffuse lung disease. Lung is an elastic organ. During pulmonary fibrosis, the lung function declines over a period of time i.e., elasticity of the lungs goes down. Over time, the oxygen levels also go down, causing difficulty in breathing. Chaurasia: Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lungs due to some injury. It is an umbrella term that covers multiple diseases that by different mechanisms cause lung injury and initiate a cellular and inflammatory reaction – the end result of which is permanent scarring of the lung known as fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis causes stiffening of the lungs by replacing normal airway cells with scar tissues. This hampers the gas exchange as well as decreases the compliance of the lungs. In simple terms, the lungs become thick, stiff and shrunken, and patients will have to put in more effort to breathe normally. What are the causes of this respiratory condition? Are there any risk factors? Pandey: There could be multiple causes, falling into categories like autoimmune connective tissue diseases, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, certain infections like COVID-19, etc. Smoking is a major risk factor. Chaurasia: There are over 200 causes of pulmonary fibrosis, with the most common ones being environmental, drug-induced, toxin-related, autoimmune diseases, occupational and idiopathic. Irrespective of the cause of pulmonary fibrosis, the majority of these conditions are progressive in nature and the speed of progression is variable and unpredictable. What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? Pandey: A lot of times, no particular cause is found for the disease. This is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and is more prevalent from what I have observed in my practice. Chaurasia: In a great number of cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis couldn’t be ascertained and these are called idiopathic. What are some symptoms one should look out for in order to ensure early diagnosis? Pandey: Some common symptoms include persistent cough, breathlessness that is progressive over a period of time, frequent infections during seasonal changes that exacerbate the condition, etc. Chaurasia: Clinical features are non-specific with the majority of patients presenting with chronic dry cough in the early stage and slowly progressive breathlessness at a more advanced stage. The diagnosis may be difficult at the early stage because symptoms are often non-specific and chest x-ray may not identify the disease at the early stage. Thus, in the early stage, it is often misdiagnosed as allergic bronchitis or asthma. Is there a treatment for the condition? Pandey: Pulmonary fibrosis is irreversible. There’s no cure. The treatment offered is only to delay the progression of the disease. Chaurasia: The main goal of the treatment is preventing or slowing the progression of the disease. Pulmonary fibrosis is an end outcome of a variety of insults to the lung and is irreversible, hence early diagnosis is paramount. Once the disease is significantly progressed, it can cause respiratory failure and subsequently right heart failure. The only treatment available at this stage is a lung transplant or heart-lung transplant depending on the severity. However, if diagnosed earlier, the progression of the disease could be slowed down or checked by certain anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic medications. So, a chronic cough and breathlessness not responding to regular treatment should be evaluated at an early stage by a pulmonologist. Can pulmonary fibrosis be prevented? Pandey: There is no particular way to prevent it. But if the cause is identified, the exposure to those elements can be avoided. Smoking should be avoided. If someone in the family has suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, people should be more careful and go for active screenings. What are some things that pulmonary fibrosis patients should keep in mind? Pandey: Patients should be vaccinated against common infections like flu and pneumonia. Certain exercises and rehabilitation practices, as advised by doctors, can aid in preserving lung function and improving quality of life. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance. Also Read: Lung cancer rising among non-smokers in India; doctors raise concern
17 December,2024 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainADVERTISEMENT
