Protect Yourself From Kidney Stones

A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. “Nephrolithiasis” is the medical term for kidney stones. One in every 20 people develop kidney stones at some point in their life. With the right foods, plenty of water, and proper medication, you can lower your chances of kidney stones.

What causes them?

• Kidney stones form when there is a decrease in urine volume and/or an excess of stone-forming substances in the urine.
• Dehydration is a major risk factor for kidney stone formation.

Some major symptoms include:

• Pain in the back, belly or side which is extremely sever. Some people who’ve experienced kidney stones compare the pain to childbirth or getting stabbed with a knife.
• Symptoms of a kidney stone include flank pain (the pain can be quite severe) and blood in the urine.
• It’s common for people with a kidney stone to have nausea and vomiting.
• Pain or burning sensation during urination.
• Fever and chills are signs that you have an infection in your kidney or another part of your urinary tract.

Make these small diet changes, avoid kidney stones:

• Drinking enough liquid, mainly water, is the most important thing you can do to prevent kidney stones.
• Keep your weight in control. Studies have shown that being overweight increases your risk of kidney stones.
• Limit your intake of sodium. It is a part of many canned, packaged, and fast foods.
• Stay away from Colas. These beverages are high in fructose and phosphates, which may lead to kidney stones.
• Limit your intake of oxalates, the organic compounds found in a number of foods, including spinach and sweet potatoes. As oxalates bind easily to certain minerals, including calcium, which then help form kidney stones.
• Eating animal protein may increase your chances of developing kidney stones.
• Get enough calcium from foods. The right amount of calcium can block other substances in the digestive tract that may cause stones. However too much of it may increase your chances of getting calcium oxalate stones.

Know the risk factors, avoid them:

• Genetic factor increases your risk of getting kidney stones, forty percent of the people who get kidney stones have relatives who have them, too.
• Excess amount of certain minerals in your system may increase your risk.
• When you’re overweight, you tend to get kidney stones more often. The same is true if you have diabetes.
• Gout, the painful condition when uric acid builds up in your blood increases your risk of kidney stones.
• If you’ve had certain types of gastric bypass surgery or other intestinal surgery, your risk may go up.
• Certain kidney diseases may make you more prone to getting kidney stones. One example is polycystic kidney disease, in which clusters of cysts grow in your kidneys. Another is medullary sponge kidney, a birth defect that causes cysts to form in the organ’s tubes.

How to deal with kidney stones:

• Take charge of your diet and take any medications as prescribed to you.
• Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated, especially when you exercise.
• Check food labels. Read the ingredients. Avoid or eat less of foods with high amounts of ingredients like sodium chloride, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and sodium nitrate.
• Choose foods wisely. Usually it’s good to get more spinach and nuts in your diet. But if you have calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common type, your doctor may tell you to avoid limit foods high in oxalates.
• Avoid excess dairy foods and animal protein as they can up your chances of less common types of kidney stones.
• Eat citrus fruits like lemons and limes that are high in citrate, which helps prevent kidney stones.

Treatments options:

• Diagnosis of kidney stones is best accomplished using an ultrasound, intravenous pyleography (IVP), or a CT scan. Most kidney stones will pass through the ureter to the bladder on their own with time.
• Treatment includes pain-control medications and, in some cases, medications to facilitate the passage of urine.
• If needed, lithotripsy or surgical techniques may be used for stones which do not pass through the ureter to the bladder on their own.
• Do follow the above tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid kidney stones. However if you are suffering from kidney stones do consult our Urology team for further guidance. Please find below link for further details:

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

Is depression a feeling like being sad….one may wonder. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years) and sometimes without any apparent reason. Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious condition that affects your physical and mental health.

Depression interferes with daily life and normal functioning. It can cause pain for both the person with depression and those who care about him or her. It is not a sign of a person’s weakness but a sign of an illness. Most people who experience depression need treatment to get better. It is time we take depression seriously and seek treatment instead of ignoring it.

Signs and Symptoms

Sadness is just one small part of depression. Some people with depression may not feel sadness at all. Depression has many other symptoms, including physical ones. If you experience any of the below signs and symptoms for at least 2 weeks, its time to see a doctor.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy, fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Restlessness, irritability

Factors that may cause Depression

Many factors may play a role in depression, including genetics, brain biology and chemistry, and life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, an early childhood experience, or any stressful situation.

Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in the teens or early 20s or 30s. Most chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults begin as high levels of anxiety in children. In fact, high levels of anxiety as a child could mean a higher risk of depression as an adult. Sometimes medications taken for these illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression.

Types of Depression

1. Major depression: Severe symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. An episode can occur only once in a person’s lifetime, but more often, a person has several episodes.

2. Persistent depressive disorder: A depressed mood that lasts for at least 2 years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for 2 years.

3. Psychotic depression, which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions), or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations).

4. Postpartum depression, which is much more serious than the “baby blues” that many women experience after giving birth, when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.

5. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer.

6. Depression is treatable. Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier the treatment begins, the more effective it is. Most adults see an improvement in their symptoms when treated with antidepressant drugs, talk therapy (psychotherapy), or a combination of both.

Treatments for depression

There’s no one proven way that people recover from depression, and it’s different for everyone. However, there are a range of effective treatments and health professionals who can help you on the road to recovery.

Psychological treatments

Psychological treatments also known as talking therapies can help you change your thinking patterns and improve your coping skills so you’re better equipped to deal with life’s stresses and conflicts. There are several types of effective psychological treatments for depression like cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy, behaviour therapy.

Medical treatments for depression

The main medical treatment for depression is antidepressant medication. There’s a lot of misinformation about antidepressant medication and while there is no simple explanation as to how it works, it can be very useful in the treatment of moderate to severe depression and some anxiety disorders.

Do not suffer in silence. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, seek medical help. The Department of Psychiatry at Kokilaben Dhurubhai Ambani Hospital provide offer individualised treatment plans that ensure consistent patient care. Please refer below link for more details:

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

As we await the wintery mornings to set in and enjoy the cold weather let us not forget the repercussions of winter. To enjoy this weather at the fullest and in good health some health precautions are needed. During winters, the body heat usually experiences a drop as the environment cools. At the body is adjusting to the new climate, this change is demonstrated through a number of diseases.

Let’s take a look at some common winter woes:

1. Common cold – The direct result of the loss of body heat due to an obvious drop in the temperatures leads to cold. However, one is more likely to catch cold even one keeps switching over warm and cool environment owing to air conditioners. It’s important to keep ACs at an even temperature during winter. Prevent this infection by washing your hands regularly.

2. Flu – Shield yourself from chilly winds, wear warm clothes. This illness is airborne and hence beyond a point there is no control over it.

3. Itchy skin – A lot of derm-sensitive people develop itchy skin during winter. Keep your skin moisturized with petroleum jelly, coconut oil or almond oil regularly.

4. Headache – Cold winds can sometimes play havoc on your head. Hence, shield yourself with a warm muffler or scarf.

5. Sore throat – They are common in winter and are usually caused by viral infections. Gargle with warm salty water, it really helps in soothing the throat due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Asthma – Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma should be especially careful in winter, be regular with your medicines and keep reliever inhalers close by.

7. Painful joints – Many people with arthritis experience painful and stiff joints in winter. Daily exercise can boost a person’s mental and physical state and thus overall health.

8. Heart attacks – Heart attacks are more common in winter. This may be because cold weather increases blood pressure and puts more strain on the heart. Your heart also has to work harder to maintain body heat when it’s cold. Stay warm.

The winters are not only taxing for elders, kids also suffer. Children have low immunity and hence are easily affected by winter. Here are common winter illnesses amongst children:

1. Bronchiolitis – Bronchiolitis is a common viral respiratory infection in young children. It is most frequently seen in children less than 12 months old. Symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, low-grade fevers, and wheezing.

2. Influenza – Influenza is more commonly known as “the Flu”. It usually comes on quickly with high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches and pains. The fever often lasts up to 5 days.

3. Pneumonia – Unlike the other common winter illness, pneumonia is often caused by a bacterial infection. It can present in many different ways. Sometimes it starts as a cold that just continues to worsen. If your child has had a cold for several days and suddenly develops a high fever and worsening cough, this could be a sign of pneumonia and you should seek medical help.

4. Tonsil Infection – It causes irritation of the throat, pain in the throat, enlarged tonsils and the child is unable to gulp food or liquids. Eating anything cold may trigger this or even a virus or bacteria in the air can cause it. Avoid feeding your child anything cold when the weather is cold.

5.Acute Ear Infection – This leads to ear pain, blocked ears, itchy Ears. Excessive cold may result into an acute ear infection. Another cause of bacterial ear infection is due to moisture in the ear. A ear infection can occur even overnight, so it is best to identify it at the earliest.

6. Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis) – Infected water and food and unclean hands may cause this. Some symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhoea, excessive flatulence, vomiting, and fever. Make sure the child is well hydrated with a lot of liquids.

Stay healthy this festive season with our winter tips. Eat freshly cooked food preferably warm and choose immunity boosting vegetables to fight off small colds and coughs.

Do you often ask yourself, “Why am I so tired?” Do you feel like no matter how much sleep you get, you’re still tired all the time? It does not mean you are lazy.

Getting a good night’s sleep is important, but how many of us make it a priority. Stimulants like coffee and energy drinks, alarm clocks, and external lights — including those from electronic devices — interfere with our circadian rhythm, or natural sleep/wake cycle. A good night’s sleep is needed to replenish your energy levels. But if you are getting enough rest and still feel exhausted, then your low energy level may be an indicator of an underlying problem.

Here are some possible reasons for your fatigue:

1. Sedentary Lifestyle –With the technology boom it is common for many people to develop a sedentary lifestyle, be it office goers or home makers. Everything is available at your doorstep and easily accessible with apps. However this has a downside. Your body was made to move, in absence of regular activities, you can experience mood issues, sluggishness, fatigue, and weight gain. Regular exercise does wonders for the body by releasing endorphins, boosting your stamina and lifting your mood.
2. Junk food diet – Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats , processed foods and added sugars can deplete your energy levels.  Choose a healthy diet filled with many fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Stress – Stress can be a major reason for feeling tired and fatigued. Work life, personal life, prolonged illness, career pressure all may be reasons of stress. Make the right choices to avoid being in stressful situations. Try to manage your stress by yoga, meditation and taking up any hobby you enjoy.
4. Vitamin D deficiency – Research suggests a link between low levels of this vitamin, low energy and depression. Consult your doctor and take vitamin D supplements if needed. Regular morning walks in sunlight also help get natural sunlight.
5. Thyroid Disease – Fatigue, moodiness and muscle and joint pain are some of its symptoms. Get yourself tested today. It may be the hidden cause of your fatigue as the thyroid gland helps control your metabolic rate and energy levels.
6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – It affects up to 80 percent of adults worldwide and is caused by a hormonal imbalance. Your adrenal glands release more than 50 different hormones, including the energy-regulating hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These key hormones increase and decrease according to the amount of stress being put on your body.
7. Anaemia – Anaemia is a condition where a person has a lower than normal level of red blood cells. Anaemia is related to a low supply of oxygen reaching cells and tissues throughout the body. Felling tired and fatigued is one of its main symptoms.
8. Not enough omega-3 – Try to incorporate foods in your diet that provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. It helps to reduce depression, which can make you feel fatigued. Foods rich in omega-3 include seafood, leafy greens, chia seeds and ground flax seed. Try to include more of these foods into your diet.
9. Dehydration – Dehydration occurs when there is an excessive loss of body fluids, especially of water and electrolytes. When you’re dehydrated, your heart sends oxygen and nutrients to your brain, muscles and organs at a slower pace; as a consequence, you begin to feel fatigued, lethargic, moody.

Take a note of the above factors while finding the underlying reason of your fatigue. If it does not help, get a complete body health check up done with us to rule out any underlying diseases. After all preventative care is always recommended. Please see below link for further details:

https://online.kokilabenhospital.com/health-checkup

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.

The seizure symptoms can vary widely. Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twitch their arms or legs. Having a single seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis.

Anyone can develop epilepsy, at any time of life. It happens in people of all ages, races and social classes. However it is most commonly diagnosed in children and in people over 65. Epilepsy affects both males and females of all races, ethnic backgrounds and ages.

Treatment with medications or sometimes surgery can control seizures for the majority of people with epilepsy. Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.

Some symptoms may include:

• Temporary confusion
• A staring spell
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Psychic symptoms such as fear, anxiety or deja vu

Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure.

See a doctor immediately if:

• The seizure lasts more than five minutes.
• Breathing or consciousness doesn’t return after the seizure stops.
• A second seizure follows immediately.
• You have a high fever.
• You’re experiencing heat exhaustion.
• You’re pregnant.
• You have diabetes.
• You’ve injured yourself during the seizure.

Causes

Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half the people with the condition. In the other half, the condition may be traced to some of the below factors:

• Genetic influence. Some types of epilepsy, which are categorized by the type of seizure you experience or the part of the brain that is affected, run in families.
• Head trauma. Head trauma as a result of a car accident or other traumatic injury can cause epilepsy.
• Brain conditions. Brain conditions that cause damage to the brain, such as brain tumors or strokes, can cause epilepsy. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35.
• Infectious diseases. Infectious diseases, such as meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis, can cause epilepsy.
• Prenatal injury. Before birth, babies are sensitive to brain damage. It may be due to an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or oxygen deficiencies.
• Developmental disorders. Epilepsy can sometimes be associated with developmental disorders, such as autism and neurofibromatosis.

Complications

Having a seizure at certain times can lead to circumstances that are dangerous to yourself or others.

• Falling. If you fall during a seizure, you can injure your head or break a bone.
• Drowning. If you have epilepsy, you’re 15 to 19 times more likely to drown while swimming or bathing than the rest of the population because of the possibility of having a seizure while in the water.
• Car accidents. A seizure that causes either loss of awareness or control can be dangerous if you’re driving a car or operating other equipment.
• Pregnancy complications. Seizures during pregnancy pose dangers to both mother and baby, and certain anti-epileptic medications increase the risk of birth defects. Consult your doctor before planning your pregnancy.
• Emotional health issues. People with epilepsy are more likely to have psychological problems, especially depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

• Status epilepticus. This condition occurs if you’re in a state of continuous seizure activity lasting more than five minutes or if you have frequent recurrent seizures without regaining full consciousness in between them. People with status epilepticus have an increased risk of permanent brain damage and death.
• Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). People with epilepsy also have a small risk of sudden unexpected death. The cause is unknown, however people with frequent tonic-clonic seizures or people whose seizures aren’t controlled by medications may be at higher risk of SUDEP. Overall, about 1 percent of people with epilepsy die of SUDEP.

Fortunately, epilepsy is a treatable condition. Many people with epilepsy (two out of three) will achieve good seizure control with medication. When medication is not effective in preventing seizures there are other treatment options available.

Are you Epileptic? Here is a guide on healthy living with Epilepsy:

• Follow a healthy diet and take care of your overall health.
• Know and understand your epilepsy diagnosis.
• Be in compliance of the best treatment for you.
• Know your seizure triggers and make lifestyle changes to prevent or avoid them.
• Speak to others suffering from Epilepsy. It help gain insights to manage the disease and improve your quality of life.

If you or a loved one is suffering from Epilepsy, meet our experts at our Centre for Neurosciences. Please find below link for further details on Epilepsy treatment:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_neurosciences/epilepsy.html