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  Allergy is an immune response by your body to an external substance.  Food, dust, pollen, drugs and various other substances cause allergic reactions.  In fact the same substance may be harmless to some other people.  However, your body has become sensitive to it and reacts differently.   The immune response may be in the form of itching, redness, sneezing, swelling etc.  There may be chest tightness or shortness of breath.  Furthermore the more serious form is swelling in the throat or inside your body.  An allergic reaction becomes life threatening if it occurs very quickly within minutes or seconds.   You may be allergic to a common prescription antibiotic.  Some common examples include penicillin group, cephalosporins, and sulfa drugs.  Consequently when visiting a doctor it is very important to mention your drug allergies.  That is if you are aware of any allergy.  The doctor will desist from prescribing such group of drugs.  Hence it will prevent unwanted body reaction and sufferings on your part.   Importance in Children Observe your child closely if they are on antibiotics.  The child may not be able to properly express any reactions.  In fact it may be their first exposure to the drug.  Hence you must be careful of any adverse reactions in your child.  The symptoms are same as in adults.  It is important to discuss any symptoms with your child specialist. Read the full article

  Eczema is a common recurring skin problem marked by itching.  It occurs frequently in childhood.  However, it is also common in adults.  Eczema causes parts of the skin to become dry, patchy, and rough.  People affected by it scratch the skin repeatedly.  This causes the symptoms to worsen.  In children it interferes with sleep making them irritable and uncomfortable.   In medical terms eczema is known as atopic dermatitis.  Eczema may occur in any part of the body like hands, feet, ankles, and wrist.  It is also common on the neck and chest areas.  There are six to seven different types of eczema which can be diagnosed by your doctor.   There is itching and blisters form on the skin.  Scratching the skin may cause puncturing of the blisters and bleeding.   Symptoms in Children Eczema is most common in children.  They usually start with dry, itchy, and scaly skin.  Some rashes may form with blisters and clear fluid.  In some eczema there are light or dark spots on the skin.  Also the skin may become thick and leathery.  The child will show signs of irritation and may have trouble sleeping.   Risk Factors & Causes of Eczema The primary cause is over-activation of the body’s own immune system.  It means more number of inflammatory cells are produced that cause the symptoms.  A major risk factor is genetic.  Consequently if someone in the family has dermatitis, you may be at risk.  They may also have allergies and asthma. Read the full article

  The liver is one of the five vital organs that is essential for human life.  The liver performs various important functions related to digestion and metabolism.  Furthermore it is the only organ that can regenerate on a regular basis.  However, permanent liver damage can lead to serious complications.  And includes high risk of mortality.   Viral infection of the liver is a contagious disease.  Infections of the liver are self-limiting in general.  However, in some cases it may cause liver damage and serious complications.  This is a common disease and awareness will help to reduce it.   Hepatitis is the scientific term for commonly occurring liver disease.  It means inflammation or swelling of the liver.  The result is damage to the liver functions.  The damage is usually short term.  But some like Hepatitis B can cause long-term damage to the liver.   Hepatitis virus transmits in humans in two ways.  They are waterborne and blood-borne.  There are different types of the hepatitis virus, which cause infection.   Types of Hepatitis Virus Hepatitis A -This is commonly known as jaundice.  Spread occurs through food or water contaminated with the feces of an infectious person.  Consequently it is common in areas with low hygienic standards.  Also it spreads easily in places with poor quality of drinking water supply. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) - Infection spreads via contact through blood or fluids of an infectious person.  Again it is contagious.  Read the full article

  Child obesity is a global epidemic with an estimated 158 million children-adolescents (5 to 19 years) expected to be obese by the year 2020.  Unfortunately the recent episodes of COVID-19 has added to this phenomenon.  Parents of young children must be aware of the dangers of obesity on the child's future. Obesity is due to three main factors.  First is genetic, second is behavioral, and lastly environmental factors.  We will discuss the current and future risks due to obesity of children. Whether a child is obese can be gauged by measuring by his/her BMI.  You can easily use a BMI calculator available on the net for children.  The normal or healthy BMI for a child is between the 5th and 85th percentile.   COVID in Children   Fortunately, up to now medical complications of COVID-19 rarely seriously affect children.  There are two reasons for this but they are not scientifically confirmed.  On the contrary some recent scientific reports predict that the third wave of COVID will affect more children. However, obese children are more likely to experience serious complications of corona virus if infected. It is thought that the COVID virus propagates by attaching to angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptors.  These receptor sites are mainly in the respiratory tract and the intestine.  In children; however, the ACE-2 receptors are not well-developed. Another reason forwarded is that BCG and MMR vaccines give some innate immunity.  Read the full article

  Wounds are a common occurrence of everyday life.  They range from simple cuts and abrasions to lacerations and ugly bed sores.  Wounds have to be properly taken care to prevent further complications. Wound is an injury to a living tissue in which the skin is cut or broken.  This may be caused by a blow, impact or a sharp object.  The body typically responds by trying to restore the tissue and heal the wound.   Types of Wounds There are different types of wounds on the basis of damage to the tissues. Superficial wounds involve the uppermost layer of the skin such as cuts. They may bleed moderately but usually heal within a few days. Partial wounds affect the two uppermost layers of the skin i.e. dermis and epidermis. Full-thickness wounds are those which involve all the skin layers. Moreover, they may extend to muscle, bones and tendons.  These wounds require expert medical care. Laceration is wide damage to the tissue caused by a tearing force. As a result they may not bleed as much as cut wounds.  Lacerations are caused by blunt force such as road accidents. Abrasion is a wound caused by a scraping force or friction. In fact they are not very deep injuries.  A fall on lose ground or graveled surface may cause abrasions. Puncture wound is a deep wound caused by a sharp object like a nail. The puncture site may be small but it may damage deep tissues.  Consequently punctures on the head, chest, or abdomen may cause damage to internal organs. Read the full article

  Skin is the body’s largest organ.  The skin regulates our body temperature, which is vital for survival.  It is also our first line of defense against microorganisms.  When there is a damage to the skin it cannot regrow the same tissue.  It forms scar tissue which covers up the area.  Scar is a part of a normal wound healing.  Scars form after there is injury, burns or trauma to the skin.   As you may have seen the villain in many films have ugly scars on their face.  This sort of depiction increases the social stigma of scars.  A scar is physically disfiguring and is considered a blemish.  It can cause pain, itching, and tightening of the skin.  Furthermore scars which are visible may cause psychological issues.  We will discuss here how to avoid scars and what to do in case of scars.   How Scars Form Scars form when the deep thick layer of skin is damaged.  Consequently once the wound completely heals the body starts to form scars as cover-up.  Scars contain a substance called collagen fibers, which fills up the void.  Collagen is a protein present in various body tissues.  However, the texture and smoothness of the scar is different from the surrounding skin.  Also it looks thicker but the scar tissue is actually weaker than our natural skin.   Types of Scars There are many type of scars which form on the body.  Immature scars are those which are still remodeling and have not fully matured.  Some scars while immature are easier to treat and minimize scarring. Read the full article

  Head injuries account for thousands of deaths each year.  It also leads to temporary or permanent disability in many people.   Head injury does not necessarily mean brain injury.  The brain is protected by the skull.  The skull is made up of bones and cartilage, which protect the brain.  Beneath the skull bone are the meninges.  These are membranous coverings of the brain.  The meninges encase the brain which has three lobes.  Thus the brain is protected from mild to moderate impact.   Head Injury Causes There are various common causes for head injuries.  Some are usual events like a fall.  Examples are fall at home from stairs, in the bathroom, from ladders etc.  Furthermore vehicle collisions involving cars, two-wheelers, and pedestrians are a common occurrence.  Likewise head injuries also happen during sports and exercises.  This may be during contact sports like football, hockey, boxing, roller skating and such.  Finally head injuries may occur from physical violence.  This includes assaults, domestic violence, child abuse etc.   Important to Note There may be scalp lacerations or skull fractures without any brain injury. The skull cannot absorb heavy impact from a direct blow and may result in fractures. There can be bleeding to the brain tissue directly beneath the injury site. The brain is a jelly-like substance and can bounce around in the skull on impact.  Such impact can cause traumatic brain injury. Read the full article

  The COVID pandemic is raging all around the world today.  A matter of concern is the complications arising post-COVID treatment and hospitalization.  Some of these have long-term health implications.  Symptoms are wide-ranging, fluctuating, and newer ones are coming up.  These may cause major organ damage like the lungs and heart.   Some people may have the infection but do not notice any symptoms.  Most people will have mild symptoms and get better with medication.  However, a growing number of people suffer after-effects months after recovering.   On hospitalization suppose you recover and are asymptomatic for 3 days.  Then you are usually safe after another 7 days.  As after about 10 days the virus loses its effect and the transmission power reduces.  The doctor may discharge you but advice another 7 days of home isolation for safety.  So usually it is total of 17 days of isolation from date of first symptom or date of testing.   COVID Patient Groups Patients can be broadly divided into two groups. One is of the mild or asymptomatic group.  In this group you are kept in home isolation under medical supervision.  The doctor will ask you to keep records and maintain a chart of signs and symptoms.  You need to record the vitals like temperature, pulse, O2 saturation, and blood pressure.   In the second group are those who require hospitalization.  You may have respiratory symptoms and require further intensive care. Read the full article

  Today we will discuss about some of the complications of dialysis.  Many of us have relatives or friends who require dialysis on a routine basis.  Dialysis as you know is a life-saving technique for people with non-functional kidneys.  It prolongs the life-span for those with kidney failure.  However, life expectancy for them is still lower than the general population.   Types of Dialysis Dialysis can be done in two ways.  It could be hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves removing blood by accessing through a vein.  An external kidney machine then cleans the blood of toxins and excess fluids.  The clean blood then again returns to the body.   Peritoneal dialysis on the other hand is a different method which uses the body’s own organ to perform the dialysis.  It uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) to filter the blood within the body.  A special type of fluid is inserted into the abdomen to do the cleaning.  A catheter is used to remove the toxins and excess fluids out of the body.   Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have their advantages and disadvantages.  Your doctor is the best person to decide which method is suitable for your condition.   Most of the people who require hemodialysis have other pre-existing health problems.  Also the imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body creates problems.  It may impact the blood pressure and heart functions. Read the full article

Today, we will discuss an important but less discussed topic that is electrolyte imbalance.  Often awareness about this in the home setting can prevent serious issues and hospitalization.   Electrolyte imbalance is very common especially during illnesses and in the elderly.  The two most common electrolytes that we all are aware of are sodium and potassium.  In fact sodium imbalance is one of the most complex electrolyte disorder that is common.   What are Electrolytes? Electrolytes are essential minerals in your body that carry an electric charge.  These are elements that occur naturally in the body.  They are necessary for some important physiologic body functions.  For example nerve and muscle function, the body-fluid balance, and other critical processes.   In fact electrolytes are present in your blood, plasma, urine, and other fluids.  Electrolytes exist in the form of sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate etc.  You usually obtain them naturally from fluids, supplements, and foods.   The body regulates the electrolytes as per its own requirement.  The kidneys help to maintain the balance of electrolyte concentration in your body.  Some of the electrolytes is returned to the blood while the excess is passed into the urine.   However, you will need additional fluids to replace the water lost in sweat during physical activity.  Also you should replenish water and electrolytes lost during exercise and sports activities. Read the full article

Today, we will discuss an important but less discussed topic that is electrolyte imbalance.  Often awareness about this in the home setting can prevent serious issues and hospitalization.   Electrolyte imbalance is very common especially during illnesses and in the elderly.  The two most common electrolytes that we all are aware of are sodium and potassium.  In fact sodium imbalance is one of the most complex electrolyte disorder that is common.   What are Electrolytes? Electrolytes are essential minerals in your body that carry an electric charge.  These are elements that occur naturally in the body.  They are necessary for some important physiologic body functions.  For example nerve and muscle function, the body-fluid balance, and other critical processes.   In fact electrolytes are present in your blood, plasma, urine, and other fluids.  Electrolytes exist in the form of sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate etc.  You usually obtain them naturally from fluids, supplements, and foods.   The body regulates the electrolytes as per its own requirement.  The kidneys help to maintain the balance of electrolyte concentration in your body.  Some of the electrolytes is returned to the blood while the excess is passed into the urine.   However, you will need additional fluids to replace the water lost in sweat during physical activity.  Also you should replenish water and electrolytes lost during exercise and sports activities. Read the full article

  Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The three most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.  We will discuss them one by one.   1.  OSTEOARTHRITIS It is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide.  It occurs when the cartilage wears down over time.  Cartilage is the protective cushions at the ends of your bones.  Osteoarthritis can damage any joint in the body.  And it most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. Four Stages of Osteoarthritis. Stage 1 – Minor.  Patients will develop very minor wear and tear at the end of the knee joints.  However, at this stage it is unlikely you will feel pain or discomfort.  The doctor at this stage may not recommend any special treatment.  However, he may recommend glucosamine supplements.  Moreover, you may be advised lifestyle changes like regular exercise. Stage 2 – Mild.  The diagnostic images or x-rays of knee joints will show more bone spur growth.  The patient will begin experiencing joint pain.  The area around the knee joints will feel stiff.  In fact it is more when sitting for long periods, after rising in the morning, or after exercise. The doctor will prescribe therapies to relieve the pain and discomfort caused in this mild stage.  Exercise and strength training is recommended to many patients. Read the full article

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is chronic inflammation of your lungs.  This causes obstruction of airflow from the lungs and difficulty in breathing.  You can also have associated cough, sputum production, and wheezing.   What is COPD?   COPD includes the following conditions: Chronic bronchitis.  You may have coughing, shortness of breath, and mucus for prolonged period.  If the condition lasts for more than 3 months in a year you probably have chronic bronchitis.   The second condition may be damaged alveoli in the lungs.  Alveoli are the millions of tiny air sacs in your lungs which do the breathing.  If they are damaged you will have difficulty breathing in and out.   Thirdly if you have chronic asthma which does not respond to normal treatment.   A combination of the above conditions is also termed as COPD.   Exacerbation of COPD   Flare-ups of COPD can be painful.  It can cause further deterioration of your condition.  This is known as exacerbation and can be mild, moderate or severe.   Viral or bacterial infections are the major reasons for COPD exacerbation.  Other factors like smoke or pollution are also responsible.   Mild exacerbation comes with increase in cough and expectoration.  The frequency of cough and amount of expectoration is more.  The color of sputum may be white, yellow or green.   In moderate exacerbation there will be much more cough and expectoration.  There may be breathlessness at rest.  Read the full article

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is chronic inflammation of your lungs.  This causes obstruction of airflow from the lungs and difficulty in breathing.  You can also have associated cough, sputum production, and wheezing.   What is COPD?   COPD includes the following conditions: Chronic bronchitis.  You may have coughing, shortness of breath, and mucus for prolonged period.  If the condition lasts for more than 3 months in a year you probably have chronic bronchitis.   The second condition may be damaged alveoli in the lungs.  Alveoli are the millions of tiny air sacs in your lungs which do the breathing.  If they are damaged you will have difficulty breathing in and out.   Thirdly if you have chronic asthma which does not respond to normal treatment.   A combination of the above conditions is also termed as COPD.   Exacerbation of COPD   Flare-ups of COPD can be painful.  It can cause further deterioration of your condition.  This is known as exacerbation and can be mild, moderate or severe.   Viral or bacterial infections are the major reasons for COPD exacerbation.  Other factors like smoke or pollution are also responsible.   Mild exacerbation comes with increase in cough and expectoration.  The frequency of cough and amount of expectoration is more.  The color of sputum may be white, yellow or green.   In moderate exacerbation there will be much more cough and expectoration.  There may be breathlessness at rest.  Read the full article

  Now first let us know what is upper respiratory tract infection?  It is an infection of the respiratory tract in the upper part of it.  URTI does not go below the vocal cord.  Besides it does not involve the trachea (windpipe), bronchus (airways), or the lungs.  The disease may involve common cold, influenza (flu), and respiratory distress syndrome in children.   Upper respiratory tract infections are usually self-limiting irritation and swelling of the upper airways.  This includes the nose, sinus, pharynx, and the mouth.  URTI may be associated with cough but with no involvement of the lung.   Upper airways infection is caused by a variety of virus and bacteria.  The most frequent seasonal viral infection is the common cold.  Furthermore the symptoms sometime overlap with lower respiratory tract infection.  In such cases defining the disease becomes difficult. Who are at a higher risk for URTI?   The first group consists of all people who are in close contact with children. This is because children frequently have upper respiratory tract infections.  This group includes: People who work in day care, kindergarten and primary schools. Health care persons involved in child care are at risk. Anyone in close contact with children are always at a higher risk of URTI.   The second group consists of people who have some structural abnormality in the face.  Consequently they are predisposed to URTI and include people with: Deviated nasal septum. Read the full article

  The Heart The human heart is an organ that pumps blood throughout the body.  The heart supplies oxygen and nutrients to all the organs in the body.  A functioning heart enables the continuous circulation of blood throughout the body.  It also removes the carbon dioxide and other wastes via the blood.   In humans, the heart is roughly the size of a fist.  The heart is essentially a muscle made of special kind of tissues.  There are four chambers of the heart each with its own function.  Electrical impulses are generated by special cells which makes the heartbeat.  This is known as the pacemaker of the heart.  It sets the rate and rhythm of the heart.   Blood Circulation  The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to all the tissues and organs in the body from head to toe.  The tissues need oxygen and nutrients to survive and function properly.  The blood on return brings back carbon dioxide and other wastes from the tissues.  The impure blood on its return enters the lungs.  Next the lungs re-purifies the blood and makes it oxygen-rich again.  Then the lung circulation sends this purified blood back to the heart.  Finally this purified blood is pumped by the heart back into the body.  This is the circulatory system of the body in simple words.   How Heart Attacks happens The heart is a muscle and to function it needs oxygen and nutrients continuously.  These are supplied via arteries to the heart.  Arteries are the vessels or channels through which blood flows.  Read the full article

  Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The three most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.  We will discuss them one by one.   OSTEOARTHRITIS It is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide.  It occurs when the cartilage wears down over time.  Cartilage is the protective cushions at the ends of your bones.  Osteoarthritis can damage any joint in the body.  And it most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. Four Stages of Osteoarthritis. Stage 1 – Minor.  Patients will develop very minor wear and tear at the end of the knee joints.  However, at this stage it is unlikely you will feel pain or discomfort.  The doctor at this stage may not recommend any special treatment.  However, he may recommend glucosamine supplements.  Moreover, you may be advised lifestyle changes like regular exercise. Stage 2 – Mild.  The diagnostic images or x-rays of knee joints will show more bone spur growth.  The patient will begin experiencing joint pain.  The area around the knee joints will feel stiff.  In fact it is more when sitting for long periods, after rising in the morning, or after exercise. The doctor will prescribe therapies to relieve the pain and discomfort caused in this mild stage.  Exercise and strength training is recommended to many patients. Read the full article