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The burden of gastrointestinal disorders in India is increasing at an alarming rate. Several thousands of people across the country are affected by a variety of diseases afflicting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this article, we will explore the most common gastrointestinal disorders as well as some expert-approved measures to prevent them.
This article is authored by Dr Anukalp Prakash, a leading gastroenterologist in Gurgaon.
Let’s first understand what is a gastrointestinal disorder.
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Gastrointestinal disorder is a disease that affects the organs present in your GI tract. The GI tract is the pathway from your mouth to anus and involves your digestive organs.
There are two types of gastrointestinal disorders – functional and structural.
Functional gastrointestinal issues are the ones in which the organs in your digestive tract look normal but experience difficulty in functioning properly. Structural gastrointestinal problems occur when your GI tract has structural abnormalities in one or more organs.
There is a wide range of health concerns that can affect the functioning of your gastrointestinal tract. Some common gastrointestinal disorders experienced by Indians are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. In this condition, your colon muscles begin to contract in an atypical way. Common irritable bowel symptoms include pain or cramps in your stomach, bloating, changes in your bowel movement and constipation.
Constipation – Constipation is a digestive problem that causes difficulty in passing stool or irregular bowel movement. Constipation is identified by symptoms such as passing a hard stool, feeling of not being able to empty stool from your rectum and straining to have bowel movement.
Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids are also known as piles. It is a condition that causes enlarges, swollen and bulging blood vessels in and around your rectum. There are primarily two types of hemorrhoids – internal and external. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, irritation, pain and discomfort and swelling around your anus.
Anal fissures – Anal fissures. is a structural gastrointestinal disorder. This condition causes a small tear in the thin tissue that lines your anus causing pain and bleeding during bowel movements. Other symptoms include a visible crack in the skin around the anus and pain after bowel movements.
GERD – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive problem that occurs when stomach acid moves back into your esophagus. Your esophagus is connected to your stomach through a small muscle valve called lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Stomach acid can get into your esophagus when your LES does not close properly. Common symptoms include heartburn, dry cough and bitterness or soreness in the mouth and throat.
Gallstones – Gallstones is one of the most common gallbladder diseases. Gallstones are small, hardened deposits that form and collect inside your gallbladder. Gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located at the right side of your abdomen, under your liver. Gallstones symptoms include sharp and sudden pain in your abdomen, back pain, nausea and vomiting. It can effectively treated with gallstone removal surgery called Cholecystectomy.
Celiac disease – Celiac disease is a digestive and autoimmune disorder in which your small intestine gets damaged due to the intake of a protein called gluten. Gluten is mainly found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. Signs and symptoms of celiac disease include digestive issues, skin rashes, unexplained anaemia and musculoskeletal issues.
Pancreatitis – The pancreas is a small, six-inches long gland located in your upper abdomen. It is responsible for producing and releasing certain enzymes and hormones that help in digestion and regulate your blood sugar. Pancreatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas gland. There are two types of pancreatitis – acute and chronic. Common symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen, abdominal tenderness, fever, pain radiating to the back, rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting.
Crohn’s disease – Crohn’s disease is a part of a group of conditions called inflammatory bowel disease. This inflammation can affect any organ of your digestive system. Symptoms of crohn’s disease include pain and cramps in the abdomen, diarrhea, fever, excessive fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and mouth soreness.
Chronic diarrhea – Diarrhea is a common digestive condition that causes loose, watery and highly frequent bowel movements. Chronic diarrhea happens when the above-given symptoms persist for several weeks (more than 4 weeks). Other symptoms of chronic diarrhea include nausea, cramps and bloating.
Liver cancer – Liver cancer occurs when the cells in your liver begin to multiply abnormally at an unusual rate. There are several types of liver cancer. However, the most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (beginning in the main type of liver cell – hepatocyte). Symptoms of liver cancer are unexplained, sudden weight loss, pain in the upper abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, swelling in the abdomen and jaundice.
Ulcerative colitis – Ulcerative colitis is another type of inflammatory bowel disease which causes inflammation as well as ulcers in your digestive tract. This condition usually occurs in the innermost lining of the large intestine causing symptoms like diarrhea, pain and cramps in the abdomen, pain and bleeding in the rectum, increased urgency to pass stool and weight loss.
Most of the above-mentioned gastrointestinal disorders can be prevented effectively by adapting to certain lifestyle measures. Listed below are some expert-approved and recommended measures you can take to avoid developing gastrointestinal issues.
Eat smaller and frequent meals – You can improve your digestive health by eating small portions of food more frequently. This pattern of eating boosts your metabolism and prevents you from overeating.
Add more fibre to your diet – Fibre is the indigestible component of plant-derived foods. It helps in increasing the weight, size and softness of your stool. Additionally, eating fibre makes you feel fuller. Eating more fibre helps in enhancing your digestive health and prevents digestive disorders.
Drinking plenty of water – Increased water intake can help support your digestive health by cleaning your GI tract. It further allows your body to absorb nutrients in a better manner.
Know your triggers – Certain food items can trigger your digestive problems. For example, regular consumption of spicy, fatty foods can affect your gut causing gastrointestinal disorders such as GERD. You should make a note of your particular trigger foods and drinks and avoid consuming them to improve your health.
Exercise regularly – You should exercise most days of the week to prevent gastrointestinal disorders. Routine physical activity promotes the flow of blood to the organs in your digestive tract. It further stimulates your gut and lower inflammation.
Gastrointestinal disorders can affect anyone at any point of time. It is beneficial to understand your digestive health and identify your risk factors to avoid the above gastrointestinal problems.
To know more about these above given gastrointestinal disorders, book an appointment with Dr Anukalp Prakash, Department of Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital.
Indian cuisine is popular for its spicy, savoury essence. A wide variety of spices and herbs are combined together in a radical mix to bring such flavourful and diverse delicacies. While these foods are highly appetising, they also raise your risk of experiencing acid reflux.
According to the Indian Society of Gastroenterology, nearly 7.6% to 30% of the Indian population suffers from chronic acid reflux. Despite the high prevalence, it is a highly treatable and preventable condition.
In this article, with insights from Dr Anukalp Prakash, leading gastroenterologist in Gurgaon, we will explore various ways you can relieve acid reflux without any medication. But first, let’s learn what acid reflux is all about.
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Acid reflux is a common digestive disease in which the acid from your stomach moves backward into the esophagus.
Your stomach and esophagus are connected by a small spiral muscle valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. Acid reflux happens when this valve does not close properly allowing the acidic particles in your stomach to flow in the esophagus.
Acid reflux symptoms include:
There are a variety of factors that contribute to what causes acid reflux. The primary cause includes consumption of certain trigger foods or wrong patterns associated with the process of digestion. Common reasons include:
Acid reflux can impact your health and quality of life. It causes several discomforts that can disrupt your everyday activities.
Nonetheless, it is possible to relieve or avoid acid reflux at home without any clinical intervention. Here are some expert-approved ways you can relieve acid reflux at home:
Eat slowly and smaller meals – Eating large portions of foods more frequently can increase the pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that connects your stomach to your esophagus). High quantity of food can cause more pressure leading to a dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter, thus, causing acid reflux. You should eat smaller portions of meals at a slow pace.
Avoid trigger foods and drinks – Similar to your unique taste buds and preferences, certain foods can act as triggers for acid reflux. You should keep a track of such triggers and avoid their intake to prevent acid reflux symptoms. There are certain common foods which can cause digestive health issues. If you suffer from acid reflux, you should avoid mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate and alcohol.
Chew gum – Chewing gum can help in increasing your saliva production. Extra saliva can further help in clearing your esophagus and pushing the acid back into your stomach. You should preferably chew sugar-free gum after eating meals.
Make changes to your diet – Besides avoiding your trigger foods, you would need to make certain dietary changes. An acid reflux diet should include high-fibre, low-carb and low-fat foods. Consumption of more carbs can increase the growth of bacteria in your stomach, thus, increasing pressure and leading to acid reflux. While high-fibre foods can aid your digestion process and make you feel full.
Sleep on your left side – Your esophagus is connected from the right side of your abdomen. Thus, sleeping on the right side can cause stomach acid to entirely cover the lower esophageal sphincter leading to acid reflux. It is, therefore, suggested that you should sleep on your left side.
Elevate the head of your bed – A vast majority of people experience acid reflux symptoms particularly at night. Gastroenterologists suggest that you should incline your head slightly higher than the abdomen. It can help you reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and prevent nighttime awakenings.
Do not go to sleep directly after eating – Lying down immediately after you eat can disrupt the process of digestion leading to acid reflux symptoms. You should eat dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime.
Opt for herbal tea – Herbal teas are known for their diverse health benefits including their ability to aid digestion. Chamomile tea, licorice tea, green tea and fennel tea are some common herbal teas you can choose from. However, you should avoid drinking peppermint or spearmint tea as mint can trigger acid reflux.
Avoid vigorous exercise – Strenuous physical activities that involve a lot of movements or bending should be avoided as it can induce acid reflux. It is suggested that you only take a stroll after meals to support your digestive system.
Lose weight – If you are obese or overweight, your chances of suffering from acid reflux increase significantly. It is because extra fat in your abdominal area pushes your lower esophageal sphincter. It is advised that you should achieve and maintain a healthy, moderate body weight to avoid acid reflux.
Avoid smoking – Smoking causes your lower esophageal sphincter to loosen and become more relaxed. As your lower esophageal sphincter becomes loose, it can allow more stomach acid to enter your esophagus.
Wear loose clothing – Body hugging or tight clothes such as belts can increase the pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter causing acid reflux. You should wear slightly loose, comfortable clothing.
You can plan your acid reflux diet now that you know what type of foods you should eat and avoid. Some common items you can add to your acid reflux diet include:
The above-given dietary and lifestyle changes as well behaviours is your answer on how to get rid of acid reflux. However, if your symptoms do not subside with these home remedies, you should consult a gastroenterologist to seek treatment.
Acid reflux treatment involves the use of certain medication along with these measures. Your doctor will help design a personalised treatment protocol for you as per your unique health needs, symptoms and diet preferences.
Acid reflux, GERD and heartburn are often used interchangeably by patients. However, all three have different meanings.
Acid reflux, as discussed above, is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the chronic form of acid reflux. It is diagnosed when acid reflux happens very frequently (more than twice in a week).
Heartburn, on the other hand, is a symptom of acid reflux and GERD. Heartburn is described as pain in the chest due to digestive problems.
Acid reflux is a common complaint among most Indians. It is also among the most preventable conditions. With routine use of above mentioned lifestyle tips, you can prevent and ease the symptoms of acid reflux.
For more information or personalised guidance on acid reflux, consult Dr Anukalp Prakash, Department of Gastroenterology at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: How do I know if I am having acid reflux?
Ans: Acid reflux symptoms include heartburn, bitterness and soreness in your mouth and throat, nausea, dry cough and discomfort.
Ques: Does drinking water help acid reflux?
Ans: Yes, drinking water can help in diluting the acid and ease symptoms of acid reflux.
Ques: How long does acid reflux take to heal?
Ans: Healing from acid reflux depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. Most people get comfort within a few days.
Abdominal cancers are among the most common cancers across the world. These include ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, appendicular cancer and other tumours. Thanks to the advancements in medical science, with the rise of incidence, various treatment options are also becoming available.
For most abdominal cancers, one of the most conventional and effective treatments involved is chemotherapy. It is advised when the cancer cells have substantially spread within the abdominal cavity and may also be given if the tumour recurs after surgery or other initial treatment.
Chemotherapy has been deemed effective when used in conjunction with other treatment methods. This form of treatment is injected or infused in liquid form through a needle in your vein. However, sometimes these options are not feasible for certain cancers due to a variety of medical reasons.
So what happens when multiple lines of systematic chemotherapy are exhausted? As technology has evolved, one such new and novel technique for abdominal cancers is PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy).
In this article, with insights from Dr Neeraj Goyal, a leading surgical oncologist in Delhi we will explore the benefits of PIPAC treatment for abdominal cancers.
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PIPAC is a minimally invasive method of administering chemotherapy in the form of an aerosol. In this advanced procedure, tumours are not surgically removed and chemotherapy is instilled directly into the abdominal cavity in the form of a spray via a laparoscope.
This procedure is performed under the effect of general anaesthesia at modular operating theatres with specifically trained clinicians. Usually, the PIPAC procedure takes nearly an hour.
PIPAC is an efficient treatment method when traditional chemotherapy deems ineffective. As well, it has a wide range of benefits compared to the conventional drug delivery system. Several studies have shown that this treatment alternative largely improves the overall patient experience.
A large number of patients have responded positively to the treatment as it has better tolerability. Through PIPAC, chemotherapy is administered in smaller dosages which in turn offers lesser toxicity and side effects for the patients. Another great advantage of PIPAC includes its ability of homogeneous drug distribution.
The distribution of drugs across all tissues is affected by a variety of factors such as plasma protein binding, overall body weight and body fluid spaces. However, in PIPAC, drug distribution takes place through a faster-repeated application resulting in better treatment outcomes.
PIPAC is most often used as a treatment option for final-stage peritoneal carcinomatosis. This is a rare form of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissues that line the abdomen. It is usually offered to patients with cancers in the digestive system or female reproductive organs.
It should be noted that PIPAC is a palliative treatment option. It means that the approach of this technique is aimed at prolonging the patient’s life and preserving its quality as well as alleviating symptoms. It is not a curative treatment.
This state-of-the-art technique is offered in select centres such as The Oncology Centre at the CK Birla Hospital®. It is also offered to select patients who have not benefitted from other traditional chemo-delivery systems and is most often used for end-stage peritoneal carcinomatosis. Usually, a patient requires multiple sessions of chemo administration via this procedure.
PIPAC is a safe and efficient procedure. It has a lesser risk of complications and side effects as compared to systematic chemotherapy. However, there are a few side effects associated with this procedure. Common complications include slight pain and discomfort in your stomach and mild nausea.
There is substantial evidence on the effectiveness of this treatment and more data is emerging which reports superior survival rate and quality of life.
While PIPAC is still a new treatment, its results are looking highly promising with emerging data. Overall, it is an encouraging new treatment offering better outcomes for eligible patients with abdominal cancer and is worth considering when other options have been exhausted.
For more information on the treatment of abdominal cancers, book an appointment at the CK Birla Hospital.
Hepatitis is a highly prevalent health problem across the globe. In India alone, nearly 40 million people are affected by this condition. Despite its high incidence, there is insufficient awareness about the disease and its treatment.
In this article, with insights from Dr Anukalp Prakash, a leading gastroenterologist in Gurgaon, we will discuss everything you need to know about hepatitis.
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Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. It is caused by a variety of reasons including infectious viruses, autoimmune diseases and side effects of certain medications and drugs. Hepatitis largely deteriorates the ability and function of the liver affecting a person’s quality of life.
There are five main types of hepatitis virus – Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis A – It is the most common type of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A is an acute, contagious disease that spreads through the intake of contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is spread through the transmission of bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal fluids. The safest way to avoid being affected with Hepatitis B is to practice safe sexual activity.
Hepatitis C – This viral infection is found in the blood and bodily fluids like semen and vaginal fluids.
Hepatitis D – Hepatitis D is a more serious and rare type of infection. It is only present in patients who are already affected by Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E – Hepatitis E is caused as a result of poor sanitation and uncontaminated water supply.
Other types of hepatitis include alcoholic and autoimmune hepatitis.
Different strains of hepatitis have distinct symptoms. Most types have mild or no symptoms at all. It is, however, important to note and track the symptoms in the initial stages of the disease onset. Common signs and symptoms include:
Your diagnosis protocol and treatment journey for a hepatitis infection depend upon the type of infection, the severity of symptoms and your overall health. Your gastroenterologist will examine your physical health as well as perform certain tests and procedures to diagnose the condition. Hepatitis is treated through anti-viral medicines and adequate rest. Your healthcare provider will make a personalised care plan to meet your medical needs and alleviate your symptoms.
Also Read: 8 Signs Your Liver Is Healing
Most types of viral hepatitis can be effectively prevented. Listed below are some approved tips to help avoid contracting this condition:
Vaccination – Vaccines are key aspects of preventing hepatitis. Presently, vaccination is available to prevent hepatitis A and B.
Hygiene – Maintaining clean and good sanitation practices in your everyday routine can help prevent hepatitis. Avoid consuming uncooked and raw food items and drink purified boiled water.
Safe sexual practice – Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through unprotected intercourse. It is important to practice safe sex using barrier protection to avoid this disease as well as other STIs.
Hepatitis A, B, C, D or E, if left untreated, can cause severe and fatal complications such as liver failure, liver cancer and cirrhosis. It is, thus, important to stay informed and aware of the early signs and preventive measures of viral hepatitis.
For more information on hepatitis prevention and treatment, book an appointment with Dr Anukalp Prakash, Department of Gastroenterology at the CK Birla Hospital.
Back problems? You are not alone. Each one of us may have suffered from back pain or related issues at least once in our modern lives. These issues are especially common in young working-class adults as well as older adults. According to the QI Spine Clinic 2017 Insights Report, people between the age group of 16-34 years make up for 20% of back and spine patients.
Back pain is amongst the top indicators for spine issues. It is important to know the cause of your troubling symptoms so you can take timely preventive action and medical treatment.
In this article, with insights from our leading orthopaedic experts, we will be discussing some common spine issues experienced by a majority of the Indian population.
Slipped disc – A slipped disc happens when the cushions of tissues in your spinal column protrude out. Common symptoms include lower back pain, neck pain, difficulty in bending and muscle weakness.
Cervical Spondylosis – This condition is a result of ageing and chronic wear and tear of the spinal discs in your neck. It is very common and typically worsens as you grow old. It is identified by pain and stiffness in the neck, lack of coordination and difficulty walking.
Muscle strain – Most of us spend a lot of time in front of our electronic gadgets leading to bad posture. Incorrect postures and overuse can cause muscle strains on our neck and back.
Scoliosis – Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine. It is mostly diagnosed during adolescence. Common symptoms include back pain, pinched nerves, uneven shoulders or waist and body leaning towards one side.
Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is a condition caused by weakened bones in the spine. It is often characterised by symptoms including back pain, stooped posture and damaged bones.
Whiplash – Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from sudden jerking or back and forth movement. If you are suffering from whiplash, you may experience pain and stiffness in the neck, headache, back pain, fatigue and light-headedness.
Compression fracture – With regular overuse and wear & tear, your bones can become weak causing various thin lines of cracks and fractures. This condition can lead to chronic pain.
The spine problems mentioned above can be avoided. Here are some handy tips to help prevent these back issues:
– Use sleep to rejuvenate the spine: Use a firm or medium-firm mattress and keep your spine naturally aligned by using a pillow to match your sleeping position
– Devote 15 minutes every day to strengthen your core: Perform these basic stretching exercises
– Wear shoes that support your spine: Good fit shoes provide a supportive base to help the spine and body remain in alignment by preventing pronation or supination
– Lift right by leading with the hips: Unsupported lifting may cause your spinal joints to lock or your spinal discs to rupture. It is best to lead with the hips rather than shoulders and keep your chest forward while lifting heavy weights
– Take breaks: After every hour stand up from your desk or sitting position and walk around
– Correct your posture: Remind yourself and your friends to stop slumping over the desk, practise good ergonomics and keep correcting posture after every 20-30 minutes. This will prevent loading of the lower spine and release pressure form the lumbar discs
– Enjoy the benefits of massage: Moderate-level massage offers a number of therapeutic benefits such as increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, loosening tight muscles and connective tissues, restoring spinal range of motion, and boosting feelings of relaxation
– Water therapy: Exercise in a pool to reduce downward stress on the spine and reap the benefits of gentle resistance through friction which can strengthen the back
– Soothe your pain with heat therapy: Heat application increases blood flow and brings healing nutrients to the muscles and may provide relief from muscle spasms as well
– Pay attention to warning signs: Left untreated, problems with the spine can worsen and turn serious. Listen to your body and don’t overdo it at the gym or at work, or self-medicate to relieve symptoms. Seek medical care to learn about your spine and take the right course of treatment
Besides the above, you should also avoid smoking to improve your back strength. Smoking restricts the flow of nutrient-rich blood to your spine making it weak. Living a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, staying hydrated, maintaining body weight, getting rest and lowering stress levels can help your back in the long run.
These are simple ways to support your spine and even in chronic conditions, these small changes will aid the healing process over time.
For more information on spine health, book an appointment with Neck and Back Injury doctors at the CK Birla Hospital.
Pregnancy is an exciting time in a couple’s life. Expecting parents, wholeheartedly, wait for their newborn’s arrival before and during the course of 9 months. However, some babies arrive a little too soon.
In this article, with insights from Dr Shreya Dubey, a leading neonatologist and paediatrician in Gurgaon, we will learn about prematurity, its health impacts on the baby and their management.
Prematurity or premature birth is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is also known as preterm birth and is divided into three categories – extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks), very preterm (28 to 32 weeks) and moderate to late preterm (32 to 37 weeks).
Preterm birth can happen for a variety of reasons. Your risk of prematurity increases if you have:
Prematurity heightens the risk of health concerns in a newborn. It increases your newborn’s risk of developing complications such as learning and visual disabilities, risk of infections and breathing difficulties. Therefore, preterm birth is often considered taboo in our society.
However, there is an urgent need for awareness and understanding among expecting parents regarding this taboo. While it is true that prematurity increases your child’s risk of health difficulties, there are several treatment protocols available to offer an effective and timely remedy to these problems.
Thanks to the various advances in medical science, it is possible to not only treat but prevent the complications associated with prematurity.
Preterm babies are given comprehensive, compassionate care in advanced surroundings. Hospital infrastructure, today, are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and modular units such as Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). Through this, the neonatology team is able to meet the baby’s unique medical needs at the right time.
The advanced medical care units offer a wide range of services including mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutrition and artificial surfactant for babies with complex medical problems. The treatment alternatives vary depending upon the symptoms, age and general health of the newborn.
Today, medical experts are able to identify and understand the causes of prematurity and build specialised care protocols. The ideal preventive measure is to understand these causes before or during the course of pregnancy and labour.
Expecting mothers should seek a tailor-made antenatal care routine that offers end-to-end support. Your antenatal program should include advanced prenatal tests and screenings, comprehensive counselling and guidance regarding your birthing plan. Some expert-approved ways through which you can prevent prematurity include:
Prematurity is highly prevalent across the globe. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 3,519,100 preterm babies are born in India each year. The high incidence also corresponds to the evolving treatment measures.
Prematurity should no longer be considered taboo as there is a wide range of management and care protocols to heed to preterm babies. Preterm babies can have a nourishing life with the right guidance and timely intervention of a skilled neonatologist.
For more information on child health, book an appointment with Dr Shreya Dubey at the CK Birla Hospital.
For a vast majority of women, pregnancy is a noteworthy milestone in her life. This phase of life is, however, accompanied by immense levels of nervousness and concerns. From preconception to postpartum, a woman’s health undergoes remarkable changes. It is, thus, important that every mom-to-be receives personalised care throughout this journey.
So how is this focused care given? The answer is antenatal care.
In this article, Dr Anita Bansal, a leading obstetrician in Delhi NCR, discuss the importance and elements of antenatal care.
What? Antenatal care is the care that a woman receives during her pregnancy via a skilled healthcare professional. It includes diagnosis and treatment of health concerns and pregnancy complications, preventive measures such as immunization and specialised guidance regarding healthy behaviors.
You will be offered a variety of services during your antenatal appointments. Common services include:
Why? Antenatal care offers personalised information, awareness and access to medical tools to prepare you for pregnancy and parenthood.
When? While some pregnancies arrive as a surprise package, others are thought through and well planned. In both scenarios, the earliest access to antenatal care is the right approach. Women seek comprehensive care while trying to conceive or within the first trimester of pregnancy.
Where? Antenatal care is not the job of a single caregiver. At the CK Birla Hospital, we offer the support of a collaborated care team that includes your obstetrician, anesthetists, midwife, nutritionists, counsellors, lactation educator and support staff.
How? You will receive varying elements of antenatal care depending on the stage of your pregnancy, your medical history, your general health and the health of your fetus.
For more information on our antenatal services or personalised guidance, consult with our top Anenatal Care Specialist in Delhi NCR. Call +91 124 4882248 to book an appointment.
Indian delicacies have made way for a sedentary lifestyle which in turn has welcomed several health concerns for us. One such health concern is the growing incidence of chronic liver diseases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), liver diseases affect every 1 in 5 Indians and is considered the 10th most common cause of death in the country. It is, thus, important to keep a check on your liver health and preserve it with utmost care. The CK Birla Hospital is offering a fibroscan liver test to help you achieve the same.
Visit the CK Birla Hospital on 3rd December 2021 & 17th December 2021 between 11.00-13.00 hrs.
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Fibroscan test is also known as Liver Elastography. It is a painless, non-invasive diagnostic test that uses ultrasound technology to determine the health of your liver.
Primarily, the fibroscan test helps your gastroenterologist in identifying the degree of fibrosis or scarring in your liver. This scarring can be a result of a wide range of liver conditions. Common conditions for which your doctor may indicate fibroscan liver test include:
A fibroscan test helps in measuring the extent of scarring and fatty change in your liver. This test measures the stiffness of your liver and allows your healthcare provider to evaluate your condition and design a personalised treatment protocol. Through this test, your doctor can identify the causes and types of diseases that may be impacting your liver function.
It is sometimes done in conjunction with other tests such as ultrasound, imaging tests and blood tests.
Earlier, invasive techniques like liver biopsy were used to analyse a patient’s health. However, thanks to the advancements in medical science, tests like the fibroscan liver offer precision-driven results and an enhanced patient experience.
Benefits of a fibroscan liver test:
Gastroenterologists order fibroscan tests for patients who display symptoms of liver diseases. This test may also be indicated to people who have a higher risk of developing liver conditions, which include:
You may seek a fibroscan test if you are experiencing the following symptoms of liver damage:
Anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of their liver function can opt for this test.
You can fibroscan liver test at the CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon on 3rd & 17th December 2021.
Fibroscan test is done using a specialised, state-of-the-art machine. This technology makes use of the velocity of vibration waves (shear waves ) to determine the hardness or stiffness of the liver.
You will be asked to fast for at least 2 hours before the test. Ensure to wear comfortable clothing to allow easy access to your rib cage. You should make sure to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or have any implants or pacemakers.
Your healthcare provider will ask you to lie down on your back. He/she will apply a water-based gel on your skin and then place an ultrasound-like probe over the area where the liver is located. Using this probe, your doctor will produce certain vibration waves to evaluate the stiffness of your liver. You can expect to experience a gentle flicking sensation every time a vibration is passed.
Your healthcare provider will remove the water-based gel using a washcloth and proceed to prepare the results.
The fundamental objective of a fibroscan test is to understand the levels of scarring on your liver. Higher levels of stiffness reading yielded from the test indicate higher levels of scarring or damage.
Fibroscan of liver normal ranges from 2.5 kPa to 75 kPa (kilopascals). Your fibroscan test results are used by your gastroenterologist to understand the progression of the disease and plan a treatment protocol that meets your unique health needs.
The results of a fibroscan liver test require expert insight. Your results may be difficult to comprehend if:
Fibroscan test price in India varies from INR 1500- 5000. The CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon is offering a fibroscan liver test for adults on 3rd December 2021 & 17th December 2021. Based on your test results, our expert gastroenterologists will provide personalised guidance and management or preventive measures.
Call +91 11 41592200 to know more or book an appointment with our leading gastroenterologist.
Ans: A fibroscan is usually performed by a gastroenterologist.
Ans: A fibroscan is used to detect the extent of scarring or fibrosis caused by several conditions in your liver.
Ans: You can get a fibroscan in Gurgaon at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ans: You can reduce your fibroscan score by making significant lifestyle changes such as limiting salt intake, taking medicines to remove excess fluid in your body and exercising every day.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV affects your body’s ability to fight infections and disease.
HIV/AIDS is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can be transmitted through infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Without medication, HIV can take years to weaken your immune system and even turn it into AIDS.
There is no cure for HIV / AIDS, but medication can significantly slow the progression of the disease.
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HIV and AIDS symptoms vary, depending on the infection phase.
If you think you have HIV/AIDS virus or you are at risk of contracting the virus, seeking medical help is always a good option.
HIV is caused by a virus and can spread through sexual contact, blood transfusions, or from mother to child through childbirth, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Following are some of the simple steps you can do to avoid getting HIV/AIDS or its transmission-
Treatment should begin as soon as possible after an HIV diagnosis. The main treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy, a combination of daily medications that prevent the virus from multiplying. This helps protect CD4 cells and keeps the immune system strong enough to work against the disease.
Antiretroviral therapy helps prevent HIV from turning into AIDS. It also helps reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to other people.
If the treatment is successful, the viral load is “undetectable”. The person still has HIV virus, but not seen in the test results. And if that person stops taking antiretroviral therapy, the viral load will rise again and HIV can attack CD4 cells again.
The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS” on this occasion, WHO emphasizes on End inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics.
Ques: What are HIV symptoms in men?
Ans: HIV symptoms vary from person to person but are similar in both women and men. These HIV symptoms can come and go or become progressively worse.
If a person is exposed to HIV, they may also be exposed to other STIs like-
Ques: What are HIV symptoms in women?
Ans: Both men and women have similar symptoms of HIV, but women with HIV are at increased risk for:
Ques: What are the stages of HIV/AIDS?
Ans: There are 4 stages of HIV/AIDS-
Ques: What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
Ans: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the human immune system, but AIDS is a term used when HIV has caused the immune system.
Ques: What is the difference between HIV1 and HIV2?
The differences between HIV1 and HIV2 are-
