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पीसीओडी का कारण, लक्षण और उपचार (PCOD in Hindi)
Jul 26, 2022|Dr. Seema Sehgal

पीसीओडी का कारण, लक्षण और उपचार (PCOD in Hindi)

पीसीओडी का क्या मतलब होता है?

पीसीओडी फुल फॉर्म ‘पॉलिसिस्टिक ओवरी डिजीज’ होता है जिसे आम बोलचाल की भाषा में पीसीओडी कहते हैं। यह महिलाओं को प्रभावित करने वाली एक कॉमन समस्या है जो मुख्य रूप से हार्मोन में असंतुलन के कारण होती है। पीसीओडी से पीड़ित महिला के शरीर में पुरुष हार्मोन यानी एण्ड्रोजन का स्तर बढ़ जाता है एवं अंडाशय पर सिस्ट बनने लगते हैं। पीसीओडी में प्रेगनेंसी हासिल करना एक महिला के लिए थोड़ा चुनौतीपूर्ण हो सकता है।

पीसीओडी के कारण

पीसीओडी के अनेक कारण हो सकते हैं, लेकिन निम्नलिखित को इसके मुख्य कारणों में गिना जाता है:

  • अस्वस्थ जीवनशैली
  • निष्क्रिय जीवनशैली
  • खान-पान में लापरवाही
  • शारीरिक गतिविधि नहीं करना
  • पीरियड्स में असंतुलन होना
  • पोषक तत्वों से भरपूर भोजन नहीं करना
  • आनुवंशिक कारण
  • शरीर में इंसुलिन की मात्रा अधिक होना
  • अचानक से वजन बढ़ना यानी मोटापा होना
  • सिगरेट और शराब का अत्यधिक सेवन करना

पीसीओडी के लक्षण

पीसीओडी के लक्षण पर ध्यान देकर इसे गंभीर रूप लेने से रोका जा सकता है। पीसीओडी के लक्षणों में निम्न शामिल हो सकते हैं:

  • पीरियड्स अनियमित होना
  • शरीर पर एक्स्ट्रा बाल आना
  • बाल झड़ना
  • श्रोणि में दर्द होना
  • वजन बढ़ना
  • मुहांसे आना
  • बांझपन की शिकायत होना
  • त्वचा तैलीय होना
  • ब्लड प्रेशर बढ़ना
  • दूसरे हार्मोन में असंतुलन होना
  • नींद नहीं आना
  • थकान महसूस करना
  • सिर में दर्द होना
  • मूड में अचानक बदलाव आना

अगर आप ऊपर दिए गए लक्षणों को खुद में अनुभव करती हैं तो जल्द से जल्द स्त्री रोग विशेषज्ञ से परामर्श करना चाहिए। उपचार शुरू होते ही आप खुद में पीसीओडी ठीक होने के लक्षण अनुभव करना शुरू कर सकती हैं।

इसे भी पढ़ें: जानिए प्रेगनेंसी में संबंध बनाना चाहिए या नहीं ?

पीसीओडी मेडिकल जांच

विशेष रूप से पीसीओडी का मेडिकल जांच यानी निदान करने के लिए कोई ख़ास एक परीक्षण नहीं है। डॉक्टर आपके लक्षणों, दवाओं और किसी भी अन्य चिकित्सा स्थितियों की चर्चा के साथ शुरू कर सकते हैं। डॉक्टर आपके मासिक धर्म और वजन में किसी भी बदलाव के बारे में भी पूछ सकते हैं। साथ ही, शारीरिक परीक्षा में अतिरिक्त बालों के विकास, इंसुलिन प्रतिरोध और मुँहासे के संकेतों की जाँच की जा सकती है।

पीसीओडी टेस्ट के लिए डॉक्टर निम्न जांचों का सुझाव दे सकते हैं:

  • पैल्विक जांच: पैल्विक परीक्षा के दौरान, डॉक्टर द्रव्यमान, वृद्धि या अन्य परिवर्तनों के लिए आपके प्रजनन अंगों की जाँच कर सकते हैं।
  • रक्त परीक्षण: रक्त परीक्षण हार्मोन के स्तर को माप सकते हैं। साथ ही, आपके अन्य रक्त परीक्षण हो सकते हैं, जैसे उपवास कोलेस्ट्रॉल और ट्राइग्लिसराइड के स्तर। एक ग्लूकोज सहिष्णुता परीक्षण आपके शरीर की चीनी (ग्लूकोज) की प्रतिक्रिया को माप सकता है।
  • अल्ट्रासाउंड: एक अल्ट्रासाउंड आपके अंडाशय की उपस्थिति और आपके गर्भाशय के अस्तर की मोटाई की जांच कर सकता है। आपकी योनि में एक घूमने वाला उपकरण (ट्रांसड्यूसर) रखा जाता है। ट्रांसड्यूसर ध्वनि तरंगों का उत्सर्जन करता है जिन्हें कंप्यूटर स्क्रीन पर छवियों में अनुवादित किया जाता है।

अगर आपको पीसीओडी टेस्ट के दौरान इस समस्या का निदान होता है तो डॉक्टर कुछ ख़ास उपचार, डाइट, और जीवनशैली में बदलाव आदि का सुझाव देते हैं।

ये भी पढ़े: गर्भाशय कैंसर के कारण, लक्षण और उपचार (Uterine Cancer in Hindi)

पीसीओडी की जटिलताएं

समय पर पीसीओडी को नियंत्रित नहीं करने यह दूसरी अनेक समस्याओं का कारण बन सकता है। पीसीओडी की जटिलताओं में शामिल हैं:

  • बांझपन की शिकायत होना
  • गर्भपात या समय से पहले जन्म होना
  • उपापचय की समस्या होना
  • गर्भाशय से असामन्य रक्तस्राव होना
  • चिंता या अवसाद से ग्रस्त होना
  • दुर्लभ मामलों में ब्रेस्ट कैंसर होना
  • टाइप 2 डायबिटीज या प्रीडायबिटीज होना
  • एंडोमेट्रियल कैंसर होना (गर्भाशय के अस्तर का कैंसर)
  • मेटाबोलिक सिंड्रोम का खतरा होना
  • गर्भकालीन मधुमेह और प्री-एक्लेमप्सिया होना

पीसीओडी का उपचार

पीसीओडी का इलाज संभव है। हालाँकि, पीसीओडी एक हार्मोनल समस्या है, इसलिए इसका उपचार लंबा चलता है। पीसीओडी का उपचार कई तरह से किया जा सकता है। डॉक्टर पीसीओडी के कारकों के आधार पर उपचार प्रक्रिया का चयन करते हैं।

पीसीओडी प्रॉब्लम ट्रीटमेंट के लिए सबसे पहले डॉक्टर मरीज को जीवनशैली में सकारात्मक सुधार लाने और अपने खान-पान पर ध्यान देने का सुझाव देते हैं। मासिक धर्म चक्र को ठीक और ओवुलेशन में सुधार करने के लिए डॉक्टर कुछ दवाएं निर्धारित करते हैं। साथ ही, कुछ खास व्यायाम की मदद से वजन कम करने का सुझाव देते हैं। आपके लिए बेस्ट पीसीओडी का उपचार क्या है इस बारे में डॉक्टर से बात करें।

पीसीओडी से बचाव

कुछ बातों को ध्यान में रखकर पीसीओडी की रोकथाम की जा सकती है। इसमें मुख्य रूप से शामिल हैं:

  • हाई कोलेस्टेरोल, हाई फैट और हाई कार्बोहाइड्रेट से परहेज करना
  • नियमित रूप से व्यायाम करना
  • समय पर दवाओं का सेवन करना
  • शराब और सिगरेट के सेवन से बचना
  • अपनी वजन का खास ध्यान रखना
  • अधिक तैलीय और मसालेदार चीजों से दूर रहना

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

पीसीओएस और पीसीओडी में क्या अंतर है?

पीसीओडी को बीमारी नहीं कहा जाता है, क्योंकि इसे जीवनशैली और डाइट में सकारात्मक बदलाव लाकर ठीक किया जा सकता है जबकि पीसीओएस एक मेटाबोलिक विकार है। पीसीओएस की तुलना में पीसीओडी ज्यादा कॉमन है।

पीसीओडी को जड़ से खत्म कैसे करें?

फिलहाल पीसीओडी का परमानेंट उपचार उपलब्ध नहीं है, लेकिन कुछ उपायों की मदद से इसके लक्षणों को दूर कर महिला एक नॉर्मल जीवन जी सकती है।

क्या पीसीओडी में प्रेग्नेंट हो सकते हैं?

पीसीओडी में प्रेगनेंट होना संभव है, लेकिन काफी परेशानियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है। क्योंकि पीसीओडी से पीड़ित महिला की ओवरी में अंडे ठीक तरह से नहीं बनते हैं और नाही अंडे की क्वालिटी एवं आकार उचित होती है।

पीसीओडी की समस्या क्यों आती है?

पीसीओडी एक हार्मोनल समस्या है जो हार्मोन में असंतुलन होने के कारण होती है। अस्वस्थ जीवनशैली और गलत खान-पान के कारण हार्मोनल समस्याएं पैदा होती हैं जो पीसीओडी को जन्म दे सकती हैं।

पीसीओडी कितने दिन में ठीक होता है?

विशेषज्ञ के मुताबिक, पीसीओडी का कोई स्थायी इलाज नहीं है, लेकिन ज्यादातर महिलाएं अपेक्षाकृत सामान्य और सक्रिय जीवन जी सकती हैं। इसके लिए एक सक्रिय जीवनशैली और स्वास्थ्य प्रबंधन की आवश्यकता है। प्रत्येक लक्षण, जैसे कि अनियमित मासिक धर्म, चेहरे के बाल, वजन बढ़ना, मुँहासे और बांझपन, को व्यक्तिगत रूप से संबोधित किया जाता है।

पीसीओडी में पीरियड्स क्यों नहीं आते?

पीसीओडी से पीड़ित महिला के शरीर में हार्मोनल असंतुलन होता है जिसके कारण उसके पीरियड्स में अनियमितता आती है। नतीजतन, पीरियड्स पहले आ जाते हैं, या देर से आते हैं या कई बार नहीं भी आते हैं। ऐसे में विशेषज्ञ से तुरंत परामर्श करना चाहिए।

पीसीओडी में कौन से फल खाने चाहिए?

अपने पीसीओडी डाइट प्लान में रोजाना फल को जरूर शामिल करें। आप अपने आहार में लाल अंगूर, चेरी, ब्लूबेरी, ब्लैकबेरी, स्ट्रॉबेरी और सेब जैसे फलों को शामिल कर सकते हैं। ये फल ग्लाइसेमिक इंडेक्स (जीआई) में कम होते हैं, जो इंसुलिन संवेदनशीलता के लिए सहायक होते हैं।

पीसीओडी में क्या न खाएं?

पीसीओडी से छुटकारा पाने के लिए इन खाद्य पदार्थों से करें परहेज:

  • परिष्कृत कार्बोहाइड्रेट स्रोतों में केक, पेस्ट्री और सफेद ब्रेड आदि
  • तला हुआ भोजन और फास्ट फूड जैसे पिज्जा और बर्गर, मोमोज आदि
  • कार्बोनेटेड पेय पदार्थ, जैसे सोडा और ऊर्जा पेय आदि
  • प्रसंस्कृत मांस, जैसे कि सलामी, सॉसेज और हॉट डॉग, लंच मांस आदि

Know Ovarian Cysts Symptoms, Treatment, Facts & Why should you Worry
Jul 21, 2022|Dr. Anjali Kumar

Know Ovarian Cysts Symptoms, Treatment, Facts & Why should you Worry

Robust menstrual and reproductive health is an important aspect of a woman’s well-being. Like any other system in the body, the reproductive system must be nurtured with care.

But at times, despite your attention to it, your reproductive system is susceptible to certain conditions. For instance, developing ovarian cysts is common among women. They often go away on their own but sometimes they can escalate into conditions that cause pain and several other symptoms. Let’s understand what exactly are ovarian cysts.

What are ovarian cysts?

Every woman has two ovaries located on either side of the uterus. The role of the ovaries is to produce and develop eggs or ova, which are released during the monthly menstruation cycle.
Sometimes women develop ovarian cysts, meaning fluid-based pockets that grow on top of or inside the ovaries. An ovarian cyst in the uterus is also a possibility. Expectant mothers may also develop ovarian cysts during pregnancy.
Typically, these cysts are harmless and disappear on their own. However, those that get ruptured can cause serious damage to your health. Here is everything you need to know about ovarian cyst causes, symptoms, and ovarian cyst treatment to enjoy good health.

Types of ovarian cysts

Here is a demarcation of the various types of ovarian cysts:

Follicle cysts

During the menstrual cycle, the ovary releases an egg, which grows within a sac known as the follicle. On maturing of the egg, the follicle opens and releases the egg.
However, sometimes the follicle does not break open, which makes it grow into a cyst. Also known as functional ovarian cyst, this type usually vanishes within three months and has no adverse effects on the human body.

Corpus luteum cysts

When follicles break open and release the egg, the now-empty sacs shrink into a mass of cells known as the corpus luteum. These cells play an important role – they produce the hormones required to prepare for the next menstrual cycle.
However, sometimes after the egg is released, the sac does not shrink and instead re-seals itself. This causes fluid to build up inside the sac, leading to the formation of corpus luteum ovarian cysts. They tend to go away after a few weeks.
However, sometimes they grow up to four inches wide. The pressure built up may cause them to erupt and result in bleeding or twisting of the ovary, which can cause pain.

Hemorrhagic cysts

When an ovarian cyst breaks open and bleeds into the belly and lower abdomen, it is known as a hemorrhagic cyst.

Endometrioma

This is a cystic lesion in the ovary caused by the onset of endometriosis. It is a painful disorder triggered when the inner lining of the uterus starts growing outside, resulting in a chocolate-coloured ovarian cyst. It may require medical treatment and, at times, surgery.

Ovarian cyst symptoms

Typically, ovarian cysts are tiny and do not manifest as symptoms. However, there are cases where the reality is different:

  • Ovarian cyst symptoms include swelling and bloating.
  • Pain may be experienced in the lower abdomen based on the location of the cyst. The severity and frequency of the pain may vary.
  • You might also experience a spectrum of ovarian cyst symptoms such as pain during the menstrual cycle, vaginal bleeding, tenderness in the breasts, and a slight ache in the lower thighs and back.
  • Having an ovarian cyst causes some women to gain weight and also experience pain during intercourse.
  • Some women feel the urge to urinate more often.

Causes of ovarian cysts

Some of the common causes for developing ovarian cysts include hormonal problems, which can lead to the development of cysts that go away on their own.
Some women develop ovarian cysts during the early stages of pregnancy. It may have to be removed if it continues to remain after the placenta forms.
Infections in the ovaries and fallopian tubes can also lead to the formation of ovarian cysts.

Risk factors of ovarian cysts

In rare cases, ovarian cysts can turn cancerous; the risk increases with age. Post-menopausal women are thus at a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Some early symptoms might include rapid breathing, feeling weak or dizzy, heavy bleeding, sudden bouts of abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. However, these ovarian cyst symptoms can also indicate ruptures or hemorrhagic cysts.
Sometimes, women may develop several small ovarian cysts, resulting in a disorder known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The growth of so many cysts may block the ovary from producing eggs, thus making it difficult for some women to get pregnant. It can also lead to irregular menstrual cycles and impact blood flow during the cycle.

Complications of ovarian cysts

If an ovarian cyst continues to grow and enlarges enough to shift the location of the ovaries, it can lead to twisting of the ovaries. This is also known as ovarian torsion.
Typically, you might experience ovarian cyst symptoms such as severe pain in the pelvic region. This may be accompanied by vomiting and a feeling of nausea.
Another complication is when a large ovarian cyst ruptures and leads to internal bleeding, which can cause immense pain and internal damage.

Diagnosis of and treatments for ovarian cysts

It is advisable to have ovarian cysts checked by a medical professional to avoid escalation into high-risk health conditions. This can include an obstetrician-gynecologist or OBGYN, gynecologist, or a specialist such as a fertility expert based on the issue faced.
Your consulting specialist may conduct a spectrum of tests to understand the severity of the problem. These can include a pregnancy test, a pelvic ultrasound, or a laparoscopy to get a closer look inside the ovary and a CA 125 blood test to check for signs of ovarian cancer.
Your doctor may observe your condition for some time and recommend medication based on the tests. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the ovarian cyst, ovary, uterus, or any cancerous mass.
For fertility issues, your consulting fertility expert is the best professional to guide you on the available options.

In conclusion

It is estimated that 10 in every 100 women have benign ovarian cysts that do not have any adverse effects.
However, when ovarian cyst symptoms start manifesting as pain, discomfort, fever, and other side effects, it is advisable to seek a medical diagnosis at the earliest and get access to suitable ovarian cyst treatment. Timely interventions can help you live a healthy, full life.
To seek the best diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cyst symptoms, visit CK Birla Hospital, or book an appointment with Gynecologist.

FAQs:

What does ovarian cyst pain feel like?

You might feel sharp spurts of pain, and the frequency might vary. However, if an ovarian cyst ruptures, it can lead to instant, intense pain.

What is the main cause of ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cyst causes can range from hormonal problems and infections in the pelvic region to extreme stress and experiencing certain conditions during pregnancy.

Is an ovarian cyst serious?

Typically, ovarian cysts do not present any risks and tend to go away on their own. However, in some cases, they can rupture, leading to bleeding. They can also turn cancerous. Ovarian cyst symptoms must be taken seriously, especially if there is pain and other indicators of infection. A cystic lesion in the ovary can also sometimes lead to intense pain and can trigger full-blown endometriosis.

What are the signs of a cyst on your ovary?

Ovarian cyst symptoms can include pain in the pelvic area, sudden weight gain, vaginal bleeding, a tendency to urinate more often, and difficulties in urinating.

Can stress cause ovarian cysts?

Long periods of stress can lead to hormonal imbalances that, in turn, can lead to the formation of ovarian cysts.

Vaginal Fistula
Jul 21, 2022|Dr. Astha Dayal

Vaginal Fistula

The organs in your body are made up of tissues, which are groups of multiple cells that come together to perform a function. The tissue walls of organs enclose them and prevent abnormal interchange with organs in different body systems like the digestive, reproductive, and urinary systems. 

A fistula is defined as an unusual opening that develops between two organs of the body. A vaginal fistula is a tunnel-like opening that develops in the vagina wall.

What is Vaginal fistula?

Your vagina is the muscular tube that runs from your vulva and connects to the mouth of your uterus. vaginal fistula opens between your vagina and another organ, such as the colon in your digestive system or the bladder in your urinary system. It is usually in the form of a hole caused by damage to tissue in the wall of the vagina.

The vaginal fistula can lead to an abnormal interchange of fluids, gases, and substances between organs of different systems and the vagina. It can cause urine, gas, or stools to enter the vagina.

Vaginal fistulas can also develop between the vagina and organs such as the ureters, small intestine, and rectum. For the different types of fistula, the definition of the type is based on the organs involved. For example, a vesicovaginal fistula is one of the common types of fistula that develops between the bladder and the vagina.

What are the symptoms of vaginal fistula?

The symptoms are different based on the type of vaginal fistula. It helps to understand the signs of a vaginal fistula so you can know if you need to get a check-up done.

Urogenital fistula

This type of fistula forms between the vagina and organs in your urinary system. Symptoms of urogenital fistula include:

  • Urinary incontinence (urine leaking involuntarily through the vagina) 
  • Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Pain in the vagina or bladder 
  • Skin irritation in the vaginal and vulval area
  • Vaginal fistula discharge with odour 

The most common type of urogenital fistula is a vesicovaginal fistula. It develops between the wall of the vagina and the bladder. This leads to urine leaking through the vagina and causes an odorous smell. Vesicovaginal fistulas usually occur due to a complication after surgery involving the bladder or vagina.

Intestinal-vaginal fistulas

These fistulas form between the vagina and organs in your digestive system. Symptoms of Intestinal-vaginal fistula include:

  • Passing gas involuntarily due to leakage of gas
  • Fecal incontinence (stool leakage)
  • Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
  • Vaginal fistula discharge with odour
  • Vaginal infections
  • Pain or irritation in the vulva and vagina

A common type of fistula between the vagina and the digestive system is a rectovaginal fistula. A rectovaginal fistula is an unusual opening between the rectum (the lowest part of the large intestine) and your vagina. It can cause bowel contents like gas and stool to leak into the vagina. 

A rectovaginal fistula forms as a result of:

  • Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease
  • Cancer or radiation treatment in the pelvic area
  • Surgery involving the vagina, rectum, or anus

Symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula include:

  • Leakage of gas, stool, or pus through the vagina
  • Odorous vaginal discharge
  • Recurrent vaginal infections or UTIs
  • Pain during sexual intercourse

What are the causes of vaginal fistula?

A fistula in women is usually caused by tissue damage or inflammation. Traumatic vaginal fistulas occur due to damage to the tissue walls of the intestine, the urinary tract, or the vagina. This can happen due to surgical procedures/operations or prolonged labor during childbirth.

An inflammatory fistula in women can form due to abscesses or cysts in the vagina or other traumas arising from disease or infection such as a tumor disease or inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease.

A genital fistula can form when there is the insufficient blood supply to the vaginal tissue, causing tissues to die. Over time, this causes a hole to form in the tissue. Albeit rarely, sometimes a person can be born with a congenital vaginal fistula.

Diagnosis of vaginal fistula

During of vaginal fistula, the doctor will consider your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. The doctor will also recommend certain tests such as:

  • An ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
  • A colonoscopy to examine the large intestine
  • A urogram (a CT scan of the vagina and urinary tract)

What are the treatments for vaginal fistula?

Treatment differs based on the types of fistula. Certain fistulas, such as those caused by infection, heal with medicines like antibiotics. A fistula caused by inflammation may heal with medication for the inflammation.

Courses of treatment may involve gastroenterology (treatment directed towards the digestive system), colorectal surgery (surgery involving the large intestine or the rectal tract), and urology surgery (involving the urinary tract). The hole caused by the vaginal fistula is covered with tissue or a special surgical material.

What are the complications of vaginal fistula?

Fistulas can cause various complications, such as urinary and faucal leakage, kidney and vaginal infections, pain during sexual activity, and abdominal discomfort.

Risk factors of vaginal fistula

Childbirth and certain surgery can result in a fistula in women. It can also result from a complication arising out of cancer or a pelvic injury.

Conclusion

Vaginal fistulas are caused by tissue damage to the vaginal walls. The kind of vaginal fistula depends on the organs involved. The treatment may involve surgery of the affected organs. You may also be prescribed medications or system-focused treatment based on what is causing the tissue damage. To get the best treatment for vaginal fistulas, visit the CK Birla Hospital or book an appointment with Dr. Astha Dayal.


FAQs

Ques 1. Can vaginal fistula heal on its own?

Yes, certain fistulas can heal on their own if the inflammation subsides or the infection resolves. However, this usually takes place with the help of medication to treat the infection or the cause of the inflammation or tissue damage. For a vaginal fistula, treatment will usually depend on the cause and nature of the fistula. 

Ques 2. How do you check for vaginal fistula?

You can visit a clinic, and the doctor will conduct a physical exam, which would usually include a pelvic exam for a genital fistula. The doctor will also use scans like an MRI scan, CT scan, or ultrasound to check the tissue involved.

Ques 3. How painful is vaginal fistula surgery?

Vaginal fistula surgery is performed under anesthesia. You may experience some pain and discomfort after surgery, and the wound takes some weeks to heal. 

Ques 4. How can we prevent a fistula?/How can I prevent getting a fistula?

You can prevent a fistula by maintaining a healthy diet to promote healthy tissue. You can also maintain good hygiene to avoid the development of infections. To avoid a genital fistula, maintaining healthy sexual habits and genital hygiene are important. 

Ques 5. What causes a fistula in females?

Fistula in women is usually caused by tissue damage that leads to the development of a rupture in the tissue that makes up an organ. This can be due to a surgical procedure, prolonged labour during childbirth, an accident or traumatic injury, or damage caused by inflammation or infection.

Tinnitus Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment.
Jul 20, 2022|Dr Anish Gupta

Tinnitus Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment.

If you are hearing an unusual ringing or whistling sound that others cannot hear, you might be suffering from an ear-related problem called tinnitus.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a medical condition that causes you to experience ringing or buzzing in your ears. Other sounds you might hear include roaring, whistling, and hissing.

The noise you hear isn’t caused by an outside noise of any kind; hence, other people will not be able to hear it either.

Tinnitus is estimated to affect up to 15 to 20% of people around the world and is often experienced by the elderly. According to research, 1 to 3% of patients with this disease can experience the severe quality of life repercussions.

Causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus can be caused by many reasons. Here are a few common tinnitus causes:

Loss of hearing

There are delicate hairs inside your ear. Sound vibrations make these hairs vibrate, which is important for hearing.

When the hair cells break or bend, they leak electrical impulses that cause tinnitus. This happens mostly due to old age or prolonged exposure to loud noises.

Medicines

Various drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, antidepressants, etc., may cause tinnitus. The annoying sounds usually go away once you stop taking these medications.

Ear canal blockage

Your ears can get clogged up with fluid, ear wax, dirt, or other materials and cause a buildup in pressure, which can result in tinnitus.

Head or neck injuries

If you’ve suffered from a head or neck injury, there is a chance that it might affect your inner ear and hearing nerves. Such injuries are one of the causes of tinnitus that is felt in one ear only.

Meniere’s disease

Tinnitus may be an early symptom of Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s is characterized by abnormal pressure levels in the inner ear and can cause dizziness and disorientation.

Eustachian tube dysfunction

In this condition, your eustachian tube (a passage connecting your ears to the back of your throat) remains open constantly, causing fluid or pressure buildup in your ear. This may cause a popping sensation when swallowing or yawning.

Muscle spasms in the inner ear

Inner ear muscle spasms can trigger tinnitus symptoms such as hearing loss and fullness in the ear. This can be caused by disorders like multiple sclerosis.

Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma is a benign or noncancerous growth that typically affects the auditory nerve. It can lead to tinnitus and other hearing-related complications.

Changes in the ear bone

Stiffening of your ear bones (otosclerosis) may affect your hearing and cause you to hear ringing or buzzing noises. Bone growth in the middle ear tends to be genetic.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

If you have TMJ problems, you might experience tinnitus. This happens when your lower jawbone is not aligned with your skull.

Blood vessel disorders

Various conditions can affect the blood flow in your veins and arteries; these changes might cause tinnitus or make it more perceptible.

Symptoms of tinnitus

Some of the common tinnitus symptoms are:

  1. Apart from hearing ringing sounds, tinnitus can also cause other types of phantom noises like buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing or humming.
  2. Tinnitus sounds may vary in pitch and volume. You might hear the sound in one or both ears.
  3. The noise you hear can either be continuous or periodic and relatively quiet or loud, depending on the background noise. It’s likely to be loudest in the middle of the night when you need complete silence to fall asleep.
  4. Sometimes the ringing noise can sync with your heartbeats. This is called pulsatile tinnitus. It is a rare tinnitus condition.

Diagnosis of tinnitus

Your Tinnitus doctor will examine the inside of your ears to diagnose tinnitus. Some common examination methods include:

Hearing exam

This test is done to assess whether you can hear specific sounds or not. The result will then be compared with the results of people your own age. This can help in detecting tinnitus.

Movement exam

This test involves moving parts such as the eyes, jaws, neck, etc., to detect the presence of tinnitus.

Imaging test

CT or MRI scans are conducted to see if you have any ear deformities or damage.

Lab tests

Blood tests may be conducted to detect anaemia, heart disease, etc.

In order to treat your tinnitus symptoms, doctors may look for contributing conditions such as earwax buildup or head trauma. In some cases, they may also examine whether any medications you are on could cause tinnitus.

Treatment of tinnitus

Depending on the underlying health condition, there are a few ways of treating tinnitus.

  1. Some common tinnitus treatments are:
    • Removing earwax: Your hearing difficulty may be due to the accumulation of earwax inside your ear. Removing the earwax blockages can help you get relief from tinnitus.
    • Treatment of blood vessel conditions: If you have an underlying blood vessel condition that is causing tinnitus, then this can be cured by medication or surgery.
    • Using hearing aids: Tinnitus symptoms may be improved by using hearing aids if your tinnitus is related to age or noise-induced hearing loss.
  2. Although in some cases, the causes of tinnitus are incurable, some treatments can help alleviate the symptoms. For example, you can use noise suppression devices such as white noise machines and masking devices to reduce the hindrance caused due to tinnitus.
  3. There are also counselling options available such as tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to help you with your tinnitus symptoms.
  4. Learning yoga, meditation, tinnitus exercises, or other relaxation techniques can help you to cope with the frustrations of tinnitus in different ways.
  5. You can also use auditory prostheses such as cochlear implants to help with tinnitus. A cochlear implant is a device that can help you hear better by using a microphone to bypass damaged parts of your ear and use electrodes to stimulate the hearing part of your brain. This can help restore lost hearing.
  6. You can take steps to manage your tinnitus by making healthy lifestyle changes. For example, limit your exposure to loud noises, avoid getting too stressed, and manage your fatigue.
  7. It might be worth joining one of the many support groups out there and sharing your experience with others who have tinnitus.

Conclusion:

Having tinnitus is a frustrating experience because the symptoms and treatments are primarily unclear unless it is a treatable form of tinnitus.

However, with proper care and lifestyle changes, you can lessen the severity of your symptoms, which may improve your quality of life. To learn more about tinnitus and avail of tinnitus treatment, visit the CK Birla Hospital or book an appointment with Dr Anish Gupta.

FAQs

Is tinnitus causing that ringing in your ear?

Yes, tinnitus causes you to experience ringing or buzzing in your ears.

How can I get rid of my tinnitus?

Common treatments for tinnitus such as ear wax removal, blood vessel condition treatment or hearing aids can help you get rid of tinnitus.

Can tinnitus make you deaf?

Although tinnitus and hearing loss are related, having tinnitus doesn’t make you deaf.

How long does tinnitus last?

It depends. Some tinnitus symptoms usually go away in 16 to 24 hours, while others may persist for months or years.

Basic Facts About Aphasia – What You Need to Know
Jul 20, 2022|Dr. Sonali Bali

Basic Facts About Aphasia – What You Need to Know

Aphasia: Definition

Aphasia is a nervous disorder of the part of the brain that deals with language. Normally, the left side of the brain is dedicated to this function. With Aphasia, this part of the brain gets affected. It could happen due to a head injury or a stroke.

This condition can occur suddenly, or it can also develop slowly, especially when it results from a brain tumour. It also develops as a condition related to progressive neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.

If you have this condition, your capacity to understand and communicate in languages gets impaired. It also affects your reading and writing skills. Aphasia accompanies speech disorders like speech apraxia and dysarthria (muscular speech disorders).

Aphasia: Meaning

Medically, we define aphasia as the total or partial power to understand words following brain damage due to various reasons. Aphasia’s meaning in English is, in fact, a derivation from French and Greek words. It traces its origin to the French word “aphasie”, which literally means aphasia, but aphasia’s meaning also has Greek connotations with the Greek word “phasis”, which means “utterance, statement.”

Aphasia: Causes

You can get aphasia from several events. Typically, you could get it following a stroke or head injury. But then, a brain tumour could also cause it. The damage is progressive and permanent.

If you develop this condition, your symptoms could be mild to severe, depending on several factors. Typically, the extent of aphasia you may suffer depends on the extent of brain damage.

Aphasia: Symptoms

An important thing to note is that there are several types of aphasia and aphasia-like symptoms. To understand the symptoms better, you need to first understand two parts of the human brain as follows:

Broca’s area

This part of the brain is named after a French physician by the same name who discovered it. Broca’s area is the part of the brain that controls the muscles which enable you to speak.

Wernicke’s area

It is named after a German neurologist who discovered this part of the brain. Wernicke’s area is the part of the brain that controls your cognitive abilities for understanding and using appropriate words as you speak.

The above two parts of a healthy brain work in tandem with each other and enable us to speak, read, write, and communicate in various languages. Once the Wernicke’s area does its job in helping you to select the right words, it sends signals to Broca’s area, which makes the muscle produce those words.

Types of aphasia

There are several types of aphasia. The commonest types are:

  • Broca’s aphasia
  • Wernicke’s aphasia
  • ​Anomic aphasia

Broca’s aphasia

We also call this type of aphasia non-fluent aphasia caused by damage to the frontal lobe of the brain. Here, you know what you want to say, but somehow the muscles of your mouth and throat don’t allow you to articulate them.

If you have Broca’s aphasia, you might restrict your speech to single words and short sentences. Your vocabulary tends to be limited, and you may find even those words difficult to articulate.

Although your comprehensive abilities might be relatively unaffected, your writing and speaking abilities may become impaired. However, people will most of the time be able to understand what you are saying.

Wernicke’s aphasia

Also known as fluent aphasia or receptive aphasia, Wernicke’s aphasia affects your ability to speak fluently and use long sentences. It is caused by damage to the temporal lobe of the brain. You may not realise that your words don’t make sense, but you may notice something wrong when people can’t understand you.

If you are afflicted with Wernicke’s aphasia, your reading and writing can be impaired. Your speech will be marked by the lack of sentences that hang together well, and you may also use irrelevant words as you speak.

Anomic aphasia

With anomic aphasia, you may find difficulty in finding suitable words for what you want to speak about. You will have particular difficulty with finding nouns and verbs. It can result in your speech seeming garbled to a listener. It can also affect your writing capabilities.

With the above three types of aphasia, many people can continue to work for a considerable time. If you have a job that requires a significant degree of communication with others, you might be unable to perform your daily tasks to the expected requirements.

Regarding the life expectancy of aphasiathe estimation is typically three to twelve years after the initial diagnosis of the disease.

Diagnosis of aphasia

A positive diagnosis of aphasia disease involves a set of tests. You will have to undergo some comprehensive language tests. A speech-language pathologist is a professional who will conduct these tests. Further testing may include a computed tomography (CT) scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, and a positron emission tomography (PET) test.

Treatment for aphasia

The first line of aphasia treatment is usually language and speech therapy. It is also not uncommon for the aphasia symptoms to reduce even without treatment.

The specialist you consult will be a speech and language therapist (SLT). Your doctor can recommend an SLT for you. After many hours of speech and language therapy, your speech and language abilities can be significantly restored.

In Conclusion

The answer to the question “What is aphasia” and other information regarding its symptoms should now be clear to you. Your next question would be “What is your life expectancy?” It depends a lot on the primary source of your illness. One of the most extreme forms of aphasia emanates from a glioblastoma (cancerous brain tumour). The life expectancy is likely to be short.

On the other hand, you may have suffered a mild stroke with fair chances of complete recovery. In such cases, the prognosis is excellent. Your overall health condition and age also have a bearing on your recovery chances. There are also cases where even post-stroke elderly patients recovered completely from aphasia.

If you suffer from aphasia-like symptoms, visit a doctor immediately. You can visit CK Birla Hospital and make an appointment with Dr. Sonali Bali who will provide you with personalised treatment at the earliest.


FAQs

Ques 1. What are the three types of aphasia?

There are three main types of aphasia are Wernicke’s aphasia, Broca’s aphasia, and anomic aphasia. Whereas Wernicke’s aphasia is caused by damage to the temporal lobe of the brain, Broca’s aphasia is a result of frontal lobe damage. Anomic aphasia, however, can arise from damage to various parts of the brain.

Ques 2. How long can you live with aphasia?

You may gradually lose your language skills if you have primary progressive aphasia. Your ability to communicate may gradually diminish. You may also need daily support for your daily routine activities. You can live for up to another 12 years after being first diagnosed with aphasia.

Ques 3. Is aphasia a form of Alzheimer’s?

Aphasia is a symptom of Alzheimer’s but not a form of it. If you have Alzheimer’s, you may suffer various stages of dementia, accompanied by mild aphasia symptoms. You may find difficulty finding the words and names of people.

It is commonly misunderstood that people who have Alzheimer’s don’t recognise or remember a person. You may know exactly who the person is, but you cannot form the name on your tongue due to aphasia.

Ques 4. Can stress cause aphasia?

You cannot get anomic aphasia through stress. But chronic stress as you may get from having a stroke can result in anomic aphasia. However, your symptoms of existing aphasia can be aggravated in the presence of stress.

Deviated Nasal Septum
Jul 16, 2022|Dr Vijay Verma

Deviated Nasal Septum

The nose is a vital organ of our body. It ensures that the air we breathe reaches the lungs directly and enables the supply of oxygen for other bodily functions. To ensure a clear flow, there is cartilage and a bone which divides the nose into the left and right nostrils. This is called the nasal septum, and close to 80% of people worldwide suffer from a deviated septum in their nose.
With this blog, renowned ENT Dr. Vijay Verma would help us understand what a deviated septum is, what are the treatments available for deviated nasal septum and give an overview of deviated septum surgery.

Deviated Nasal Septum: Definition

A deviated septum is the reason why some people have crooked, deformed or bigger noses. This means that the nasal septum, i.e., the cartilage and bone that separates the nasal cavity, is askew. Due to this, the nasal cavity is unevenly divided, and one nostril is burdened with more air passage than the other, making it appear bigger and disproportionate.
While some are born with it, others suffer this condition post an injury to their noses.
Severe deviation can lead to breathing problems, blocked nose, headaches and prolonged congestion. It is a common occurrence and needs medical attention if it disrupts the quality of life of an individual. Surgery is often the best solution for such situations.

Deviated Septum: Symptoms

Deviated septum treatment starts with identifying the problem. But the symptoms only surface when the deviated septum starts disrupting normal nasal functions. Sometimes these symptoms are mistaken for allergies or common cold and ignored.
Common symptoms of a deviated septum are:

  • A distinctly visible change in the shape of their nose.
  • Difficult/ laborious breathing leading to dizziness.
  • Recurring infections or internal inflammation of mucous membranes of the nose.
  • A biased nose block is usually on the side of the smaller nostril.
  • Frequent sinusitis resistant to normal medication.
  • Frequent nosebleeds, crusting or excess dryness, usually in the bigger nostril.
  • Snoring, noisy breathing, whistling noises during breathing.
  • Sleep apnea due to restricted flow of oxygen.

Significant deviation can be critical in infants, owing to smaller respiratory passages. The severity of complications can increase fatality levels. However, for minor deviations and mild or no symptoms, treatment is not necessary, and duly monitored medication can lessen the associated symptoms.

Deviated Septum: Causes

  • In infants, this condition is congenital, i.e., it exists by birth, often due to a connective tissue disease. The deformity develops at a fetal stage while the baby is in the womb or during childbirth. In some cases, the severity of symptoms surfaces as the child grows up. In 2012 research showed that neonatal deviated septum affected 20% of newborns with complicated deliveries.
  • In children & adults, the primary cause of a deviated septum is a nasal injury that can occur at any age. A direct impact displaces the septum bone and cartilage to one side, leading to a deviated nasal septum. Swelling and irritations arising out of nasal injury, can further restrict the nasal passage and aggravate the condition.

Deviated Septum: Treatment & Recovery

Here is a step-by-step approach to deviated septum treatment:
Step 1: Contact a specialist: Once the symptoms surface the next step is to seek proper medical guidance. When you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, reach out to an ENT specialist for assessing the severity of the condition and suggest a course of treatment or management.
Step 2: Assessment & diagnosis: Each case is different and unique. Sometimes for minor symptoms, over-the-counter medicines may be prescribed, to relieve congestion, facial pain or headache. For more severe cases the doctor will give initial medicinal relief and suggest surgery. To diagnose a deviated septum, firstly your doctor will examine your nostrils using a nasal speculum to check the septum’s placement and the size of the nostrils. Be open with your problems w.r.t. sleep, snoring, sinus and difficulty in breathing.
Step 3: Patient profiling: The best approach to deviated septum treatment is a corrective surgical procedure called septoplasty. The specialist will do proper patient profiling to assess your eligibility, based on your age, medical history, pre-existing conditions and alcohol/drug/tobacco usage.
Step 4: Septoplasty Surgery: This is a same-day surgical procedure that will take just 2 hours. The procedure depends on your specialist’s recommendation and can even include a rhinoplasty or nose job to realign your nose.
Step 5: Recovery and rehab: Recovery for this outpatient treatment will be slow as is the case for all bone-related surgeries. Due care for pain management and prevention of infections will be prioritized by your healthcare expert. In three weeks to six months, the septum will start re-aligning and healing. Towards the end of recovery, the nasal passage will be healed, and you will be able to breathe normally through your nose instead of your mouth. For a successful procedure, avoid bumping your nose and ensure you follow your surgeon’s advice to the letter.
To summarize the above:
For most people, a deviated septum will not cause problems in their day-to-day life. But if you have severe symptoms, a corrective septoplasty may be the right course of action. Depending upon individual cases, rhinoplasty might be prescribed. This problem will not resolve on its own. Proper diagnosis and on-time treatment will help prevent the fatality of the condition. To know more about Deviated Septum Treatment, book your appointment with Dr. Vijay Verma today.

FAQ’s

What happens if I have a Deviated Septum?

You will develop breathing difficulty, headaches and frequent nosebleeds , among other symptoms. Your nostrils will be unbalanced and deformed, leading to problems like subsisting sinusitis and internal infections that can be breeding grounds for more severe fatalities.

How common is a Deviated Septum?

It is very common, and its severity depends on person to person. Approximately 80% of the global population suffers from this anomaly. The deviation can be a mild misalignment without any noticeable symptoms.

What happens if you don’t treat a Deviated Septum?

Most people don’t know they have a problem until the symptoms become severe. Complications can arise if the condition is left untreated. A strong indicator is a difficulty in breathing. Once diagnosed, consult a specialist and explore treatment options to minimize long-term health risks. This condition will not disappear on its own, so don’t ignore it.

What effect does Deviated Septum have on the body?

It will increase frequent sinus infections, chronic inflammation and irritation in the nasal cavity and can lead to a serious condition called sleep apnea. Here the body stops breathing in sleep, restricting the oxygen flow. It makes you more susceptible to high blood pressure, stroke, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, ADHD and more.

Can Deviated Septum make you feel tired?

When you feel constant pressure and discomfort for a basic human activity like breathing, the body is bound to get tired. Also, since the oxygen flow is restricted, it will lead to increased build-up of fatigue, impacting our daily performance in school and work.

All you need to know about Psoriasis

All you need to know about Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes patches on the skin that become inflamed, itchy, scalp, sore, and very dry. As per several types of research, there are more than 125 million people worldwide with psoriasis. Dr. Seema Oberoi, explains what exactly is psoriasis, its symptoms, risks and complications associated with psoriasis, and the treatment plan for psoriasis.

Overview : What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disease with no cure. It is a condition in which the skin cells build up and start to form scales and itchy dry patches which leave the skin inflamed. There are visible signs of inflammation in the body such as raised plaques and scales on the skin. People suffering from psoriasis tend to go through cycles, experience flaring for a few weeks, and then it subsides for a while. The flaring up of skin is because of the overactive immune system that speeds up the growth of skin cells. On one hand, where the normal skin cells completely grow and shed off in a month, with psoriasis, on the other hand, the skin cells do this in a span of 3-4 days, and so instead of shedding, the skin cells start to pile up on the surface of the skin.

Types of Psoriasis and their Symptoms

There are several types of psoriasis, each of which varies in its signs and symptoms. Let us discuss the signs and symptoms based on the type of psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis

This is the most common type of psoriasis. Below are some of the signs to look for a better diagnosis.

  • Dry& itchy skin
  • Raised skin patches
  • Inflamed skin
  • Silvery scales
  • Redness on skin

Nail Psoriasis

As the name suggests, this type of psoriasis mostly affects fingernails and toenails. Below are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

  • Abnormal nail growth
  • Nail discoloration
  • Pitting on nails
  • Loosen and separate
  • Nail crumbling

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is usually found in young adults and children. The trigger point of Guttate psoriasis is strep throat due to bacterial infection. Below are some of the symptoms of guttate psoriasis.

  • Scaling spots on arms and legs
  • Teardrop-shaped bumps

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis affects skin of the groin, armpits, breasts and hips. Below are some of the symptoms of inverse psoriasis.

  • Shiny, smooth, discolored rash
  • Cracks in your skin creases
  • Moist patch of skin
  • Itchiness
  • Inflamed skin

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is one of the least common type of psoriasis. Below are some signs and symptoms of erythrodermic.

  • Red, itchy skin
  • scaly skin plaques
  • Skin rashes
  • Shedding of the skin

What Triggers Psoriasis : Causes

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown. Let is discuss some of the most common and known causes of psoriasis.

  • Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections
  • Excess alcohol consumption
  • Weather, especially extremely cold, dry conditions
  • Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape
  • Severe sunburn
  • Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoking
  • Certain medications

Diagnosis

Your healthcare expert will ask you questions with respect to your symptoms. After understanding your signs he will further examine your skin and suggest you to undergo a biopsy. He/She will take a small sample of your skin to examine under the microscope. This diagnosis will help determine the type of psoriasis and help plan the next course of action.

Treatment

The treatment of psoriasis helps to stop the abnormal growth of skill cells that are growing way too quickly than they should. Treatment options include –

  • Creams & ointments
  • Light therapy
  • Oral or injected medications

The treatment plan of psoriasis depends on the severity of the condition and how well the body is responding to the the type of treatment.

Diet Recommendations for people with Psoriasis

Diet plays an important role in triggering and combating the inflammation caused by psoriasis. Follow the below diet to keep the psoriasis in control:-

  • Mediterranean diet can help reduce chronic inflammation
  • If non vegetarian, fish can be consumed
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Olive oil
  • Legumes (beans and lentils)
  • Whole grains

Your Psoriasis doctor will be the best person to suggest you the right diet plan or ask you to consult a registered dietitian to understand which food items are good and which are bad for your health.

To Conclude

Psoriasis can be difficult to manage, particularly if the diseased skin is visible to others or covers a significant portion of your body. But this shouldn’t be the case, it should not make the individual uncomfortable or anything to be ashamed of. Visit CK Birla Hospital to know more about Psoriasis and consult with our expert Dr Seema Lall.

FAQ’s

Ques 1. What clears psoriasis fast?

Following are some of the topical items that can help calm psoriasis.

  • Vitamin D 
  • Retinoids
  • Salicylic acid
  • Coal tar

Ques 2. Is psoriasis caused by stress?

Psoriasis is not caused by stress but it can surely trigger psoriasis. Stress can make psoriasis flares worse. 

Ques 3. Can psoriasis be cured?

Psoriasis is a condition with no known cure. It can be painful and may interfere with your day-to-day activities but there is no cure found till now. There are certain medications that may help relieve the discomfort and inflammation.

Ques 4. Is psoriasis a fungus?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that lasts for a lifetime, but proper treatment can help control its symptoms. Fungal infections can trigger psoriasis.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

We know that stomach rumbling is the worst.  Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one such condition in which the patient experiences abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation. Many researchers have made a vigorous effort to find the cause of IBS, but it is still unclear; it may be related to an overly sensitive immune system or colon. Dr. Anukalp Prakash explains in detail what is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, its symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment.

 

Overview: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes severe pain in the stomach and leaves the patient with severe diarrhoea and constipation. The exact cause is unknown, and the IBS is only declared to the patient based on the symptoms. People with IBS experience notable changes in bowel movements, resulting in diarrhoea and constipation. When the intestines become irritated, it results in irritable bowel syndrome.

 

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may vary from person to person. Below are some known symptoms of IBS.

Abdominal pain

The patient might feel extreme pain in the abdominal area due to disturbances in bowel movement. 

Constipation

When the individual finds it difficult to pass or has a feeling of an incomplete bowel movement, it indicates constipation.

Cramping

You may suffer cramping in your gut or feel like your bowel movement isn’t finished. Many sufferers have gassiness and see their abdomen as swollen. Regular restroom visits and ongoing pain might make life more difficult.

Bloating & Excess Gas

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) frequently experience bloating. IBS sufferers frequently complain of gas, including bloating, significantly affecting their ability to go about their everyday lives. Bloating is frequently cited as one of the more troubling IBS symptoms.

Diarrhoea

IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D) is characterised by frequent bowel motions, loose, watery stools, cramps, bloating, and stomach pain.

Passing mucus from the rectum

Individuals with IBS experience mucus from the rectum. If there is a large amount of mucus in the stool, it indicates Irritable bowel syndrome.

The symptoms of IBS may go on for some time, but they return. Some individuals do, however, experience ongoing symptoms.

 

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Though the exact cause of IBS is still unknown, certain risk factors can trigger IBS. 

  • Frequently contracting food poisoning
  • Being too exposed to antibiotics
  • Weak intestinal contractions
  • Dietary factors
  • Microbial imbalance
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Abnormalities in the nerves in your digestive system

 

Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

As the first step, the doctor conducts a physical exam and understands a medical history. After that, the healthcare provider will further ask about the existing symptoms so that a proper diagnosis can be made. Below are some questions that the doctor may ask the patient.

  • What is the frequency of the symptoms?
  • Are you on any medication?
  • Have you noticed any change in the bowel movement?
  • Do you experience any pain during bowel movements?
  • Do you have any stressful events in your life?

You might require additional testing depending on your symptoms to confirm a diagnosis. Other conditions that resemble IBS can be ruled out using blood tests, stool samples, and X-rays can rule out other conditions that resemble IBS.

There are specific additional tests recommended for IBS:-

    • Colonoscopy
    • Upper endoscopy
    • Lactose intolerance tests
    • Stool tests
  • Breath test for bacterial overgrowth

 

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS treatment aims to reduce symptoms as much as possible to allow you to lead an everyday life.

  • Making necessary dietary and lifestyle adjustments
  • Allow yourself to control your stress levels to decrease the symptoms
  • Avoid eating things that make you sick
  • Take a good night’s sleep
  • Eat meals high in fibre
  • Drink a lot of water
  • Perform physical exercises daily
  • Take fibre supplements (as prescribed)
  • Over-the-counter laxatives 
  • Anti-diarrheal medications
  • Pain medication to ease bloating and discomfort in the abdomen

Things that are a BIG NO:-

  • Foods that can surely be high in gas like carbonated and alcoholic drinks and certain food items may lead to increase gassiness.
  • Certain carbohydrates, including lactose, fructose, fructans, and other FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), might cause sensitivity in certain people. Certain cereals, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products contain FODMAPs.
  • According to research, even those without celiac disease who stop consuming gluten (wheat, barley, and rye) find improvements in their diarrhoea symptoms.

 

In conclusion-

Though there is no cure for IBS, proper diagnosis and on-time treatment can help the individual manage the symptoms and regain a better quality of life. To know more about Irritable bowel syndrome, book your appointment today with Dr. Anukalp Prakash.

 

FAQ’s –

How does Irritable Bowel Syndrome affect my body?

Irritable bowel syndrome causes cramps, stomach aches, severe bloating and gas and does make you feel weak after severe diarrhoea.

Who is at risk for developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

People above the age of 40 are at risk of developing IBS. However, your eating habits and not-so-strong immune system can also trigger IBS. As per research, women are more prone to be affected by Irritable bowel syndrome than men.

What triggers Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Several things can trigger IBS, like carbonated drinks, fatty undigestible food items and people who are lactose intolerant.

Can I prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

There is no cure or prevention for Irritable Bowel syndrome; however, individuals can do certain things not to trigger it. You can take steps to prevent IBS symptoms by making lifestyle changes that include a nutritious diet, lowering stress, and taking medications as directed.

Tummy Tuck Procedure – Why it is needed, its Importance, Treatment and side effects
Jun 29, 2022|Dr. Anmol Chugh

Tummy Tuck Procedure – Why it is needed, its Importance, Treatment and side effects

Getting rid of the extra shredded fat that is left after losing an excessive amount of weight becomes necessary because it is difficult to lose that lose and saggy fat on its own. The cosmetic surgical procedure done to remove that excess fat is called tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.  It helps to improve the shape and appearance of the abdominal area.

 shares her/his views on what a tummy tuck is, why it is done, how one should prepare for a tummy tuck, how it is done, and what are the side effects and complications associated with a tummy tuck.

What is abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?

An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that helps to remove the excess skin/fat. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a major surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. This surgery not only helps to remove fat but also helps to strengthen the muscles in the abdominal wall. This surgical procedure is known as tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.

It is necessary for one to educate themselves before moving ahead with the procedure. One should thoroughly analyze the situation and take appropriate time before arriving at a final decision. It is important to understand this procedure should not be done as an alternative to weight loss.

Why it is done?

Following are some of the reasons why one would need an abdominoplasty.

  • People who have excess fat
  • Shredded fat post-pregnancy
  • Fluctuations in weight
  • Poor skin elasticity
  • Age
  • Change in your body
  • Abdominal surgery
  • Cesarian delivery
  • Weak connective tissue in the abdomen

 A tummy tuck helps to remove loose, excess fat, skin and strengthen and tighten the weak muscles. It also helps to remove stretch marks, and excess skin in the lower abdomen i.e. below the belly button as that is the most stubborn fat.

Combining a tummy tuck with other body-contouring operations like breast surgery is an option. If you have had liposuction, a tummy tuck may also be necessary because liposuction just removes fat and the tissue directly beneath the skin. It does not remove any extra skin.

Types and how abdominoplasty is done?

How abdominoplasty is done depends on the type of result a patient wishes to have. The surgery can take from 1 hour to 5 hours as per the location of the surgery.  Below are certain types of tummy done:-

Complete abdominoplasty

Complete abdominoplasty is mostly done when the correction is way too much. The surgeon starts with an incision around the bikini line i.e. roughly around where the public hair starts. The quantity of excess skin that is removed determines how long the scar will be. The skin and its muscles will eventually be adjusted by your surgeon. The whole procedure takes approximately 2 hours.

Partial or mini-abdominoplasty

This is done with shorter incisions and is often done on people who have less excess skin to be removed. In the whole process, your belly button will not be moved. The surgeon will separate the line of incision and the belly button. The whole procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

Circumferential abdominoplasty

This surgery is usually done there is excess fat in the back and also the abdominal area. The doctor may recommend you to either have liposuction of the back or this circumferential abdominoplasty. If you go forward with a circumferential tummy tuck procedure the doctor will be able to remove both skin and fat from the hip and back area.

If you are someone who is active and works out a lot then it is advised to limit your workout and the strenuous exercise for the next 4-6 weeks. It usually takes one week to recover but every body is different and everyone’s healing process is different.

When should you avoid an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?

If you’re a woman who is still planning to have children, you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you’re through bearing children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened. Future pregnancies can separate these muscles once again.

If you are planning on losing weight then it is advised to avoid having tummy tuck procedure right away. It is always a better idea to first lose weight and let your weight be stabilised before moving forward with tummy tuck. Your surgeon will discuss with you all possible scenarios when you visit for consultation.

Side effects and complications of  abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

Post the surgery, the doctor will prescribe certain medications to help ease the pain and swelling. Soreness and numbness may last a few days and the patient might feel tired for the same amount of time.

Be it any surgery, it comes with certain risks of side effects. Below are some complications that may occur:

  • Infection 
  • Accumulation of fluid
  • Blood clots
  • Poor of slow healing of wound
  • Hematoma (bleeding)
  • Scarring
  • Numbness

Results

A stomach tuck can improve the appearance of your belly by removing excess and extra fat and skin and also strengthens your abdominal wall. If right weight is maintained, the benefits of tummy tuck are permanent and long lasting.


FAQs

Q1. Is it safe to get a tummy tuck ?

The whole procedure is safe but every individual’s body is different and therefore befor removing forward it is advised to know if tummy tuck is the right treatment plan for you. 

Q2. What are the health benefits of getting a tummy tuck?

Following are the benefits of getting tummy tuck:-

  • Improves the appearance, abdominal tone
  • Forms a better posture
  • Reduces stress urinary incontinence
  • Easier management of weight 
  • Hernia correction

Q3. Is getting a tummy tuck painful?

No, the procedure is done after giving anesthesia. Post surgery, the area corrected will be swollen and sore for a few days but will eventually start to heal and relieve any slight pain or discomfort.

Q4. How long will a tummy tuck last ?

If the weight is maintained, the tummy tuck procedure is long-lasting and permanent. 

Q5. Can a tummy tuck cause stomach issues ?

Yes, there might be situations in which the patient might experience constipation post tummy tuck procedure.

Q6. Can you conceive (have a baby) after getting a tummy tuck ?

There is no theory on not being able to conceive post tummy tuck surgery. The surgery does not affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant and is also not dangerous to carry a baby post surgery.