Archive for March, 2022

Understanding Endometriosis

Friday, March 25th, 2022

Many women experience excruciating pain and fatigue during their periods every month. In India, over 25 million women are affected by this debilitating condition. If left untreated or undetected, this endometriosis can lead to serious consequences such as a cyst that can grow or rupture, infertility, uterine enlargement, and extreme pain. Many women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years old are affected by this ailment and are unaware of it. Delayed diagnosis due to a lack of understanding, result in unnecessary pain and a lower quality of life. This is a progressive condition, which is rarely spoken about and seldom understood owing to the taboos around menstruation. March is observed as Endometriosis Awareness Month, let us discuss, ask questions and seek medical care for endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium (the tissue that lines the interior of the uterus or womb) grows outside of it. Endometriosis most typically affects the lower abdomen and pelvis, however it can manifest itself everywhere in the body. The normal tissue surrounding the endometriosis implants becomes inflamed, swells, and scars as a result of this. This condition affects nearly 10% of women in their reproductive years. Some of the common symptoms include:

  • Excessive menstrual cramps.
  • Abnormal or heavy menstrual flow.
  • Painful urination during menstrual periods.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Painful bowel movements during menstrual periods.

It’s crucial to remember that the amount of pain a woman feels isn’t always proportional to the severity of her sickness. Some women with severe endometriosis have no symptoms, however others with a milder type of the illness may have severe pain or other symptoms.

Endometriosis and Fertility

Endometriosis affects 20 to 40% of women who are unable to conceive. Endometriosis is thought to influence fertility in two ways: first, by distorting the fallopian tubes, making them unable to pick up the egg after ovulation, and second, by generating inflammation that can affect the ovary, egg, fallopian tubes, or uterus’s function. Consult a fertility specialist for further care and asisatnce.

Risk factors of Endometriosis

These factors highly increase your risk of getting this condition:

  • Family history.
  • Late pregnancy.
  • Women with an abnormal uterus.
  • No children.
  • Menstrual periods that last more than seven days.
  • Short menstrual cycles.

Diagnosing Endometriosis

Do not hesitate to seek medical assistance for painful periods. A gynaecologist will evaluate your medical history, complete a pelvic examination and conduct additional tests as required. Here are a few simple ways to ease the pain of endometriosis:

  • Rest, relax and meditate.
  • Take warm baths.
  • Prevent constipation.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen.

Endometriosis: Myths and Facts

Let us dispel some of the most common myths around Endometriosis:

Myth: Severe menstrual pain is normal.
Fact: It’s not normal to have painful periods that interfere with your regular activities. This could be a symptom of endometriosis, a disease in which tissue that normally lines your uterus develops elsewhere in your abdomen. Consult a doctor for further diagnosis.

Myth: No one with endometriosis can get pregnant.
Fact: That is not true. This condition affects over 40% of women who are unable to conceive. Some women with endometriosis are able to conceive on their own, without the assistance of a doctor. Others may be able to conceive with medical assistance.

Myth: Hysterectomy treats endometriosis.
Fact: Hysterectomy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for endometriosis treatment. Although uterine excision may provide comfort for some persons with this illness, it is not a cure. Endometriosis symptoms may remain or reappear following a hysterectomy.

Myth: Pregnancy can cure endometriosis.
Fact: Pregnancy does not cure endometriosis. During pregnancy, some women see improvements in their symptoms, while others do not, and still others may have a worsening of symptoms. This may happen due to hormonal changes. Seek medical attention.

Endometriosis care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Stop suffering in silence, seek medical care for painful periods. Experts at our Endometriosis Clinic believe that women with endometriosis have specific needs and deserve specialist care and support throughout diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management. Our gynaecologists will talk to you about your symptoms and conduct tests as required. The team provides a compassionate and personalized treatment plan to suit you, your lifestyle and whether or not you are trying to get pregnant. Depending on your symptoms our team will suggest medical or surgical treatment options. Please find below our website link for further details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/endometriosisclinic.html

Know Why Your Oral Health Matters

Saturday, March 19th, 2022

According to statistics, more than 70% of schoolchildren suffer from dental cavities, and more than 90% of adults have periodontal disease in India. In addition, approximately 30% of children have misaligned jaws and teeth. Over half of Indians with dental problems receive treatment or advice from non-dental professionals such as chemists. The growing modernism has made more and more Indians shift from a traditional fibre-rich diet towards a sugary, synthetic diet, which is one of the leading causes of dental cavities.

Importance of good oral hygiene

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, practicing a healthy oral hygiene routine is required. It entails practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Tooth decay and gum disease, when left untreated, can cause pain, discomfort, and tooth loss in extreme cases. These oral health conditions may lead to malnutrition, speech problems, confidence issues,  absenteeism and other challenges in a person’s work, school, or personal life.

Common oral health problems

Here are some of the most common dental health conditions that affect people:

  • Cavities
    Cavities, or tooth decay, are one of the most frequent oral disorders that individuals experience. Cavities are caused by a build-up of germs, food, and acid around your teeth, resulting in plaque. Plaque can eat away our teeth’s enamel, producing tooth decay and cavities.
  • Gum Disease
    Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection. This gum disease can cause symptoms such as tenderness in the gum line, bleeding, or swelling.
  • Periodontitis
    Peridontitis is the progression of gum disease when it becomes more damaging to your gums and teeth. Pain when chewing, foul breath, swollen and/or bleeding gums, a terrible taste in your mouth, and overall gum inflammation are all common periodontitis symptoms.
  • Oral Cancer
    Oral cancer is one of the most deadly types of oral disease you can get. It usually begins as little, white patches on your tongue and mouth, then progresses to red blotchy spots that cause irritation, bleeding, and even swallowing difficulties.
  • Sensitive Teeth
    Sensitive teeth can be caused by many factors but one of the most common is the loss of protective enamel on your teeth, which exposes the dentin. Sensitive teeth may be an early warning sign of your teeth decaying or developing cavities.

How poor oral hygiene impacts your health

As your mouth is the primary entry point into the body, germs from the mouth can spread to other parts of the body, putting you at risk for a variety of illnesses and disorders. Brushing and flossing are required every single day. Here is how poor dental hygiene affects your overall health:

  • Increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
  • May lead to Dementia.
  • Causes respiratory conditions.
  • Increases diabetes risk.

Ways to protect your oral health

It is critical to safeguard your teeth from harm and ensure that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This will reduce your risk of developing common dental health problems. You can maintain a healthy and beautiful smile at all times by learning how to properly safeguard and strengthen your teeth. The following are some of the most effective ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

  • Brush twice a day but not aggressively.
  • Use a fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Floss once a day.
  • Use a mouthwash regularly.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Limit sugary foods and starches.
  • Sip water instead of sugary drinks.
  • Visit a dentist regularly.

Dental Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Dental experts recommend that you must see a dentist every 6 months for a checkup. A dentist offers preventive oral care tips as well as helps diagnose and treat oral health issues before they become severe. Consult dentists at our Department of Dental Surgery for advanced dental services using the highest safety measures. Our team is also available for emergency care on sundays and holidays and conducts various procedures in general dentistry, orthodontic dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry. Please find below website details for further information:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/dentalsurgery.html

Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

Over 80 lakh Indians are suffering from chronic kidney diseases (CKD) . Are you one of them? CKD affects about one in every three persons with diabetes and one in every five adults with high blood pressure around the world. Apart from diabetes and high blood pressure, heart illness, obesity, and a family history of kidney disease are also factors that increase your risk of kidney disease.

Importance of Kidneys

The primary function of your kidneys is to eliminate waste materials and excess fluid from the body. The urine helps removes these waste materials as well as excess fluid. This process is required to maintain a steady chemical equilibrium in the body. Your kidneys perform these essential functions:

  • Remove waste products from the body.
  • Remove drugs from the body.
  • Balance the body’s fluids.
  • Release hormones that regulate blood pressure.
  • Produce an active form of vitamin D.
  • Control the production of red blood cells.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual decline in kidney function over a period of months or years. There are around a million small filters called nephrons in each of your kidneys. The kidneys perform the crucial job of filtering and returning to the bloodstream about 200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours.

If your nephrons are damaged, more and more of them shut down, and cannot filter your blood effectively enough to stay healthy. Kidney failure occurs when your kidney function falls below a particular threshold. Kidney failure has a wide-ranging effect on your body and can make you very unwell. Kidney failure that goes untreated can be fatal. If your kidneys fail, your blood must be filtered multiple times a week (dialysis treatments). You might require a kidney transplant as well in some cases.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Each person may show different symptoms of kidney disease. You must consult your doctor for further diagnosis and testing if you notice any of the below signs:

  • Fatigue.
  • Itchiness all over the body.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Puffiness around the eyes
  • Muscle cramps.

Protect Your Kidneys

Kidney disease are known to occur silently and impact your quality of life. Here are a few healthy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease:

  • Stay active
    Exercising regularly can help maintain an ideal body weight, reduce your blood pressure and the risk of kidney disease.
  • Eat a healthy diet
    Eating a well-balanced diet can help maintain an ideal body weight, reduce your blood pressure, prevent diabetes, heart ailments and other conditions associated with kidney disease. Reduce your salt intake and avoid consumption of processed foods.
  • Control your blood sugar
    More than half of the diabetics remain unaware of their condition. Kidney impairment affects around half of all diabetics, although it can be avoided with appropriate precautions.
  • Control your blood pressure
    About half of the people who have high blood pressure do not know about this. This condition is known as a silent killer that can damage your kidneys.
  • Take appropriate fluid intake
    The right level of fluid intake for any individual changes depending on many factors including exercise, climate, health conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most individuals require 8 cups, approximately 2 liters of water per day. Your fluid intake may have to be adjusted if you have kidney or heart or liver disease.
  • Don’t smoke
    Smoking clogs the blood vessels and slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When the kidneys receive less blood, their capacity to operate normally is harmed. In addition, smoking raises the risk of kidney cancer by around 50%.
  • Avoid overuse and misuse of painkillers
    Common drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS)/ pain-killers can harm the kidneys if taken regularly. Do not self-prescribe medications, always consult a doctor before taking a painkiller.

Treatment for Kidney disease at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

If Chronic Kidney Disease is detected early and managed appropriately, the deterioration in kidney function can be slowed or even stopped, and the risk of associated complications can be reduced. Consult our highly trained team of doctors for prompt diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease. We have one of Mumbai’s largest dialysis unit, with the latest technology, that provides compassionate care to all the patients. Our dedicated transplant ward offers the best post-transplant care and has performed over 185 life-saving kidney transplant surgeries. Please find below our website for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/nephrology.html

Women and Mental Health

Tuesday, March 8th, 2022

Teacher. Mother. Colleague. Caregiver. Chef…The last two years have created unique challenges and stressors for women as many were faced with fulfilling multiple roles. According to studies, women are twenty to forty percent more likely than men to suffer from mental illness. Women are more vulnerable to poor mental health due to social and economic circumstances than men. Women often face distinct obstacles when it comes to mental health. A woman’s body changes throughout her life and puberty, pregnancy and childbirth, and menopause all challenge women to adjust to new bodies and new ways of interacting with the world. This Women’s Day let us understand the mental health concerns in women and how we can overcome them.

Common mental health issues in women

Around one in every five women suffers from a common mental health issue like sadness or anxiety. Many women find it hard to express their feelings and tend to internalise them. Depression, eating disorders, and self-harm can all result from this. Here are some of the most prevalent health issues that women face:

  • Perinatal depression
    Having a baby is a life-changing event. For some women it can trigger post-partum  depression (after the birth) and/or antenatal depression (during pregnancy). Perinatal depression isn’t a sign of weakness. Take help from family and friends, seek therapy from a medical expert to help manage yours symptoms.
  • Menopause
    While every woman’s menopausal experience is unique, many women have symptoms in addition to their periods ceasing. Changes in your mental health, such as mood swings, anxiety, and feeling down, are examples.
  • Trauma
    Statistics suggest that around 20% of all women may experience some form of sexual harassment or attempt of the same at some point in their lifetime. This may increase the risk of developing a mental health issue such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Eating disorders
    Data suggests that at least 85 percent of anorexia and bulimia cases and 65 percent of binge-eating disorder cases are faced by women. Women’s weight has always been examined and pedestalized, making them feel pressurized about a perfect body image and thus hampering their mental health.

When to seek professional help?

If you’re disconnected from people, have a negative self-image, or aren’t physically caring for yourself, it’s time to get professional help. If you’re suffering from feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, or an addiction to legal or illicit substances, a medical professional can guide you down the right path to wellness.

Mental health statistics in India

According to statistics, at least 25% of women suffer from depression and anxiety, but they seldom seek help from psychiatrists due to social stigma and a lack of family support. Women tend to overlook and repress their health issues. Domestic violence affects almost two-thirds of married women in India. Postpartum depression commonly seen in new mothers, affects about 50-80% of them. Awareness, training and medical interventions are important to address women’s mental health.

Ways to improve mental health in women

Being joyful all of the time isn’t always a sign of good mental health. Women who have good mental health can experience joy and sorrow, rage and enthusiasm in appropriate ways. Here are a few simple ways to keep your mental health in good shape:

  • Take care of yourself.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Practice mindfulness & meditation.
  • Get eight hours of sleep each night.
  • Work and contribute productively.
  • Ask for help when needed.
  • Express gratitude .
  • Say positive things about yourself and others.
  • Make new friends and connections.
  • Participate in activities you enjoy.

Mental health care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

A variety of factors can affect a woman’s mental function and health. These causes might range from simple things like lack of sleep or hunger to more severe issues like eating disorders and major depression. Seek treatment and support if you’re worried about your mental health or believe someone you care about is suffering from mental illness. Our Department of Psychiatry employs highly qualified experts to help support you at every stage of life. Please find below our website details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/psychiatry.html

Caring for Your Heart

Thursday, March 3rd, 2022

What’s your excuse for ignoring your heart’s health? A hectic schedule, a fondness for junk food, or a lack of will to exercise? According to the World Health Organization, India accounts for one-fifth of all deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease. Every year, about 3 million people die from strokes and heart attacks around the world. In Indian men, 50% of all heart attacks occur before they reach the age of 50, and 25% of all heart attacks occur before they reach the age of 40. Indian women also suffer from high mortality rates due to cardiac disease. Indians have a higher genetic risk of heart disease and get the condition a decade earlier than their western counterparts. It is critical to raise public awareness about heart disease and to take preventative actions in order to lower the country’s cardiovascular disease burden.

What is Heart disease?

The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions affecting the cardiovascular system and each affect the heart and blood vessels in different ways. The most common ones include angina, heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrest, congenital heart disease to name a few. Watch out for these heart attack symptoms:

  • Tightness or a squeezing sensation in your chest.
  • Nausea, indigestion or heartburn.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Cold sweat.
  • Pain in the left arm or the jaws.
  • Fatigue.
  • Light-headedness or sudden dizziness.

This is a medical emergency and needs urgent medical care.

Heart Disease: Know your risk

Knowing your heart disease risk and consulting a cardiologist for precautionary measures is the first step towards a healthy heart. Do not wait for any symptoms to show up, regular cardiac health checkup is a must for all. Speak to your doctor at the earliest if you have any of the below risks:

  • Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
  • Are a smoker.
  • Are overweight.
  • Live a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Eat a poor diet.
  • Have a family history of heart disease.

Heart Disease: Preventive measures

Certain heart disease risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be modified. However correct lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of heart disease. The preventive measures include:

  • Get Moving
    Studies suggest that watching TV for two hours a day increase your risk of developing heart disease by 15 percent. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends being active for at least 30 minutes daily. Regular exercise also helps you lose weight faster, which is crucial because obesity raises your risk of heart disease.
  • Quit Smoking
    Cigarette smoking has been linked to cancer, lung disease, stroke, and heart disease, among other potentially fatal health issues. Smoking increases your chance of heart disease by two to four times, even if you have no other risk factors.
  • Manage Stress
    Stress causes strain on the heart, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Learn to cope better with stress. Exercising, listening to music, pursuing a hobby, reading and meditating are all good strategies to handle stress.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight
    Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for preventing damage or fatigue to your heart. When you maintain a healthy weight, your blood circulates more efficiently and necessary fluid levels are maintained, reducing cardiac strain.
  • Eat Better
    Cut out sugary, salty and fatty foods from your diet. Eat a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains daily to keep your heart healthy. Ensure that you eat home cooked meals and avoid ordering in or using processed or packaged ingredients.
  • Manage Blood Pressure
    Know your numbers. A blood pressure of 120/80 is considered normal, if your blood pressure levels exceed 130, you should see a doctor.
  • Reduce Blood Sugar
    High blood sugar damages the lining of your blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to plaque formation. Control your diabetes levels by making healthy lifestyle changes or take medications if prescribed.
  • Manage High Cholesterol
    The “bad” cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), whereas the “good” cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Plaque can build up on the walls of arteries if there is too much bad cholesterol and not enough good cholesterol. This can lead to heart disease. Control your cholesterol levels with the help of your doctor.

Heart care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Wondering if your heart is healthy and strong? Meet our highly efficient team for preventive cardiac care, prompt diagnosis and world-class treatment options. One of the pioneering medical institutes in western India Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is equipped with a top notch Centre for Cardiac Sciences. With highly trained cardiologists and cardiac surgeons our specialists have the know-how to identify heart ailments early and take action as required. Our experts have performed more than 3700+ Coronary Angioplasties and 8500+ Cardiac Surgeries in the past. Please find below the link for our website details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cardiacsciences.html