Archive for the ‘ Hepatitis ’ Category

Recommended Health Screenings, 40+

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

As people age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize their health and wellbeing. Regular health screenings can help detect potential health issues early on. Whether you’re busy with your professional commitments, managing your parenting duties or indulging your travel bug, chances are your lifestyle has settled into a routine that works for you. That may also mean skipping workouts in favour of more important obligations or compromising on your nutrition. This can negatively affect your health, increase your stress levels and may also lead to poor quality sleep.  

What makes annual screenings essential?

It’s all about prevention for both men and women in their 40s, and that begins with getting a health examination done. Your doctor can spot abnormalities during a yearly exam, properly assess them, and, if necessary, start treating you right away. As your metabolism slows down after 40, it is even more important to take care of yourself.

10 Health screenings you need in your 40s:

Here are some important health screenings that men and women should consider as they get older:

  • Blood pressure
    High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. It is recommended that adults over the age of 40 have their blood pressure checked at least every two years.
  • Cholesterol
    High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is recommended that adults over the age of 20 have their cholesterol checked at least every five years.
  • Diabetes
    Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. The fast food diet, sedentary lifestyle, and increased stress can cause more weight gain, especially around the abdomen, which puts you at an increased risk for diabetes and pre-diabetes. Get your blood sugar levels checked every year.
  • Evaluate mental health.
    Nearly 20% of persons over the age of 40 experience depression occasionally or suffer from other mental health concerns. Mental illnesses increase your risk of chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, etc.
  • Hormone function
    In middle age, hormonal changes tend to affect both men and women. Stress, lack of sleep, weight gain, and a sedentary lifestyle are just a few examples of the demands of daily living that can negatively impact testosterone and other hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.
  • Eye test
    Depending on your age, risk factors, and whether you presently wear contacts or glasses, the majority of eye care professionals advise a thorough eye exam at least every one to two years. A baseline eye examination is a thorough check for any early warning symptoms of eye disorders.
  • Cancer screenings
    Here are some essential cancer screenings to undertake:
    • Prostate cancer
      Prostate cancer is the most common cancer seen in men. It is recommended that men over the age of 40 have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer.
    • Breast cancer
      Breast cancer is the most common cancer seen in women. It is recommended that women over the age of 40 have regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer.
    • Cervical cancer
      Along the same lines, cervical cancer screening is recommended for women starting at age 21 with regular Pap tests.
  • Bone density test
    If you are over 40 and have risk factors for osteoporosis, your bone health must be checked. In order to assess your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, a bone mineral density (BMD) test counts the minerals that are present in your bones.
  • Sexual health
    Your doctor will order any STI tests as needed or at your request. A urologist will evaluate men’s reproductive health and also look for any signs of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and other concerns. The reproductive and sexual health for women can be evaluated with a thorough examination by a gynaecologist.
  • Examine your oral health
    An oral health examination includes teeth cleaning, an oral health evaluation, and X-rays of the mouth. This can help detect and treat oral health problems early.

Executive Health Checkups at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Regular health examinations can help in the early detection of any medical problems, enabling timely and effective treatment. Depending on your age, the medical history of your family, and other risk factors, your doctor may request a number of tests and screenings. Reach out to our Executive health checkup team on 022 42696969 for scheduling your appointment or book it online on the below link: https://online.kokilabenhospital.com/health-checkup

Healthy Nutrition tips

Saturday, September 3rd, 2022

What did you eat for lunch today? And what did you have for breakfast? Are your meals a balance of essential food groups, are your meals planned well or are they quick fixes that contain fewer nutrients and comprise mainly of packaged foods. Do your busy schedules leave you little time to eat healthy? Do you often rely on junk food and takeaways for your daily meals? It is time to change this. Eating right is even more important than exercise, and the combination of a balanced diet along with the right amount of exercise can do wonders to your body.  Self-realization is important to make conscious food choices. This National Nutrition Week let us come together and spread awareness about the importance of healthy eating habits and good nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk of lifestyle diseases.

Are you eating right?

A balanced diet provides your body the appropriate number of nutrients. 50–60% of the total calories should ideally come from carbohydrates, followed by 10%–15% from protein, and 20–30% from fat. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre should also be a part of your diet. Depending on the person’s gender, age, and specific needs, the body has different nutritional needs. Pregnant women and highly active individuals, and young children frequently have increased nutrient needs.

Healthy nutrition tips

A healthy diet is important to support and strengthen your immune system. Nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fibres, fats, minerals, and water must be an essential part of your diet to maintain a healthy immune system and strengthen your body. Consistent healthy eating habits can reduce the likelihood of developing health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Follow these healthy eating tips:

  • Eat local produce
    Increase your intake of locally available and seasonal fruits, vegetables, and whole grains near your region and reduce your intake of processed foods. Eat a rainbow, the more colourful the diet the more antioxidants it includes.
  • Explore traditional foods
    You don’t have to find fancy ingredients to eat healthy. Instead choose simple but nutritious Indian millets that include jowar, bajra, ragi, etc as a part of your daily diet.
  • Eat a variety of food
    You must include a mix of wholegrains like wheat, maize and rice, legumes like lentils and beans, and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet. Choose unprocessed foods as much as possible.
  • Limit your salt intake
    Limit your salt intake to 5 grams or a teaspoon a day. Further, when cooking and preparing foods, use salt sparingly and reduce the use of packaged salty sauces and condiments as they are usually high in sodium.
  • Eat moderate healthy fats in moderation
    Replace butter with healthier fats like olive, soy, sunflower or corn oil when cooking. Avoid processed, baked and fried foods that contain trans-fat. Choose steaming, roasting or baking instead of frying food when cooking.
  • Limit sugar intake
    Limit intake of sweets and sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks, fruit juices, energy and sports drinks, flavoured milk drinks. Use jaggery, honey, dates, and raisins to sweeten you desserts instead of refined sugar.
  • Stay hydrated
    Drinking enough water can help improve many of your bodily processes and is essential for optimal health. Drink water whenever thirsty and avoid sipping on juices, fizzy drinks or alcoholic drinks.

Nutrition services at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Get expert personalised advice from our team of doctors at the Department of Nutrition Therapy at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for further assistance and care. Please find below the link: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/nutritiontherapy.html

The A B C of Hepatitis

Wednesday, July 27th, 2022

Worldwide, around 300 million people are living with viral hepatitis without even knowing that they are infected with the Hepatitis virus. With a person dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis related illness – the time to spread awareness and take action is now. The theme for World Hepatitis Day this year is ‘Hepatitis can’t wait’. It will highlight the need to step up the fight against viral hepatitis and the significance of screening and care for those who truly require it. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

What is Hepatitis?

Your liver – the largest organ in your body – aids in the digestion, energy storage, and toxin removal of your food. However, hepatitis, a viral illness, can impair these vital processes and endanger your health. Some hepatitis infections are acute or only last a short time. Others may be chronic or long-lasting and result in liver failure, cancer, or even death. Therefore, it is important to understand how hepatitis is spread, detected, and treated as well as how to prevent infections. Here is everything you need to know about hepatitis:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is mainly transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water or through contact with an infectious person. Maintain high levels of personal hygiene to stay protected. Hepatitis A is usually spread through:

  • Household contact with an infected person
  • Sexual contact with an infected person
  • Consumption of contaminated food or water
  • Touching contaminated surfaces

Healthy people with a good immunity recover from hepatitis A without specific treatment after a few weeks.

Hepatitis B

Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B can be a chronic infection for some people. It may also lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. Hepatitis B is usually spread through:

  • Mother to child during childbirth
  • Sex with an infected partner
  • Sharing needles or syringes
  • Sharing personal items with a patient

When an individual’s immune system is capable of fighting the virus, acute hepatitis B typically doesn’t require treatment. While there is no cure for chronic hepatitis B drugs taken orally or intravenously can decrease the disease’s progression or stop further liver problems.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C spreads mostly through the use of shared needles and syringes through the blood of an infected individual. Nearly 75 to 85 percent of those who have hepatitis C go on to develop a chronic infection, which can lead to serious health issues or even death. Hepatitis C is usually spread through:

  • Sharing intravenous drugs
  • Sharing tattoo or piecing tools
  • Unsafe blood transfusions
  • Unprotected sex
  • Pregnancy and birth

If hepatitis C has caused liver damage, you must seek specialist care for further treatment like surgery, transplant, etc.

Hepatitis D

This condition is rarely seen and affects only those infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is spread through contact with infected blood or other fluids, the same ways as hepatitis B. Hepatitis D can be acute or chronic and if left untreated may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

Hepatitis E

This is spread through water supplies contaminated by an infected person’s stool. Most instances of hepatitis E are acute, and patients tend to get better without treatment after a few weeks. However in rare cases, hepatitis E can become chronic for people with a low immunity.

Preventive measures against Hepatitis

As with many diseases, stopping the spread of hepatitis begins with good hygiene habits. Other preventive measures include: 

  • Vaccinate against Hepatitis B
  • Avoid sharing of needles or syringes
  • Drink boiled water
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Practice safe sex
  • Don’t share personal items

Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Have you been experiencing common hepatitis symptoms that include fever, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine or light-colored stools? Get your liver checked by our hepatologists. Experts at our Department of Hepato Pancreato Biliary are trained to diagnose, manage and treat all forms of hepatitis with the best possible outcomes. For further information, please visit the below website link: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

All About Hepatitis

Wednesday, July 28th, 2021

Approximately 325 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis B and C and the disease also causes many untimely deaths. Out of this, approximately 40 million patients with hepatitis B are from India. Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected and can damage your liver. It’s commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

The most common symptoms of hepatitis include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-coloured stools, joint pain, and jaundice. Consult a doctor for further investigation if you experience any of these symptoms.

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are viral illnesses of the liver. Hepatitis A is always a short-term, acute infection, but hepatitis B, C, and D are more likely to become chronic and persistent. Hepatitis E is usually severe, but it can be very deadly for women who are pregnant.

  • Hepatitis A
    Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by faeces from an infected person.
  • Hepatitis B
    Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen, containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
    A person can get hepatitis B in many ways, including:
    • Unprotected sex.
    • Sharing dirty needles.
    • Being in direct contact with infected blood.
    • Being transferred from mother to unborn child.
  • Hepatitis C
    Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact. A person can get hepatitis C from:
    • Sharing dirty needles.
    • Being in direct contact with infected blood.
    • Unprotected sex.
  • Hepatitis D
    This is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is contracted through direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus can’t multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.
  • Hepatitis E
    Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting faecal matter that contaminates the water supply. You can get hepatitis E by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the virus.

Myths and Facts – Hepatitis

Myth: Women with hepatitis should abstain from breastfeeding their babies to avoid passing the infection.
Fact: Hepatitis C and B are not transmitted through breast milk. Although, there is a risk of transmission through cracked nipples. In such a scenario you must speak to your doctor for further assistance.

Myth: People who have hepatitis B or C should not have children because they will pass it on to them.
Fact: That is not true, people with hepatitis B or C can have healthy babies. Timely precautions during pregnancy, adequate testing, and prompt immunization of the baby after birth can stop the spread of hepatitis.

Myth: Your symptoms indicate the type hepatitis you have.
Fact: Patients with hepatitis may show jaundice-like symptoms of loss of appetite, yellow coloured urine, and vomiting. The type of virus can be differentiated only by blood tests.

Myth: Vaccine can protect against all types of Hepatitis.
Fact: Vaccines are available only against Hepatitis A and B.

Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Concerned about recurrent bouts of jaundice? It is time you get a complete liver check-up done and rule out any signs of hepatitis. Doctors at our Department of  Hepato Pancreato Biliary are trained to detect and treat all types of hepatitis. Be it consultations or hospitalizations we are here to help our patients with comprehensive hepatitis care. For further information, please visit: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

World Hepatitis Day

Monday, July 27th, 2020

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is a tissue’s reaction to irritation or injury which generally results in swelling and can cause pain. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, or liver cancer if left untreated. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.

There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. As per World Health Organisation (WHO), 300 million people across the world are infected with Hepatitis, yet unaware of it and do not undergo treatment. It is essential to be proactive about your liver health and get tested for hepatitis. Over time, untreated hepatitis B or C can cause hardening and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, which can cause complications like liver cancer or liver failure.

Types of Hepatitis

There are at least five different types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D and E.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is spread by either direct contact with an infected person’s faeces or by indirect faecal contamination of food or water.

Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Light stool
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice

Maintaining high levels of hygiene, before and after meals, while cooking and after using the washroom is a good way to prevent hepatitis A. Take the Hepatitis A vaccination.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be spread through:

  • Urine
  • Semen
  • Body fluids
  • Mother to child

Symptoms can include:

  • Jaundice
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Fever

A blood test helps diagnose Hepatitis B. There is a vaccine available to protect people at high risk for the infection. Practice safe sex, do not share needles or razors, and get tattoos done only at hygienic places.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) is most commonly spread by exposure due to contaminated blood or needles, and unsafe sex. Symptoms for HCV are similar to other types of hepatitis. There’s no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D
Unlike the other forms, hepatitis D can’t be contracted on its own. It can only infect people who are already infected with hepatitis B. People with HBV often develop hepatitis D (HDV).

Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is found in underdeveloped areas of the world and is spread by the faecal/oral route. The risk factors for hepatitis E are related to poor sanitation, contaminated drink water, and poor personal hygiene.

Hepatitis: Myths & Facts

Myth: All Hepatitis viruses are the same.
Fact: Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E are different viruses with different modes of transmission and clinical manifestations. While Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food, Hepatitis B and C are transmitted by blood transfusion, unprotected sex, and tattoos. Hepatitis D occurs only in patients with Hepatitis B.

Myth: All patients with Hepatitis have jaundice.
Fact: Absence of jaundice does not rule out acute hepatitis viral infection, which can present sometimes only with constitutional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy with high liver enzymes.

Myth: Hepatitis is hereditary
Fact: Hepatitis is not a genetic disease and is not inherited. However, Hepatitis B is often transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. This can be prevented if the Hepatitis status of the mother is known and the newborn is vaccinated on time.

Myth: If one gets hepatitis A, then one is immune to the other forms of hepatitis.
Fact: Patients with Hepatitis A get lifelong protection against hepatitis A only. One is still at risk of infection with other forms of hepatitis like B, C, and E.

Myth: Hepatitis virus cannot survive outside the human body
Fact: Hepatitis B virus can survive in dried blood for up to 7 days and remains capable of causing infection. Hepatitis C virus can survive on environmental surfaces for up to 16 hours.

Myth: Vaccine is available against all types of Hepatitis virus.
Fact: Vaccines are available only against Hepatitis A and B.

Prevent Hepatitis

Here are some health tips to follow to protect your liver health and to prevent the spread of the highly infectious viral Hepatitis infection:

  • Don’t have unsafe sex.
  • Don’t inject illegal drugs.
  • Don’t drink alcohol as it harms your liver and makes your hepatitis worst.
  • Don’t share any personal items such as razors or toothbrushes.
  • Speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
  • Follow strict food safety guidelines.

Hepatitis in India
With an estimated 40 million people suffering from chronic Hepatitis B and six to 12 million people infected with Hepatitis C, Hepatitis has become a public health concern in India. Viral Hepatitis caused by Hepatitis Viruses A, B, C, D and E is a huge economic and social burden on the affected individuals and their families. Low awareness levels and lack of timely treatment may damage your liver health.

Concerned about any jaundice like symptoms? Suspect Hepatitis? Specialists at our Department of  Hepato Pancreato Biliary help you with further diagnosis and testing. The team supports Hepatitis patients with a complete recovery plan. For more information about Hepatitis and its treatment please visit: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html