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What would be your first assumption if we ask to think about childbirth? Like most of us, your thoughts will likely be about the process of labour and delivery and the excruciating pain attached to it. However, what if we tell you that there are ways to lessen the intensity of this searing pain? Water birth delivery is one such delivery alternative for women.
Waterbirth delivery is a traditional scientifically-backed method that eases the pain for the mother and offers a smooth transition for the baby.
In this article, a leading obstetrician and water birthing expert, will tell us everything we need to know about what is water birth delivery and what is it like giving birth in water.
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Water birth delivery is gaining wide popularity in metro cities. Despite the recent fame, the practice of giving birth in delivery dates back nearly 200 years ago. The first incident is believed to have happened in 1803 in France when a woman who was in labour for over 48 hours decided to enter a bath upon her physician’s advise. Later, water birthing method was used as she gave birth to her child without any complications.
Water birthing method is a birthing option in which you spend some part of your labour or delivery (or both) submerged in water. This technique can be applied in a tub or pool filled partially with warm water.
Water birth process is a safe way of welcoming your baby in this world, under strict supervision of a qualified expert and nursing team.
Water birth process is not a widely understood concept because of the misconceptions or fears associated with it. Nonetheless, the benefits of water birth overweigh these misconceptions.
There are various benefits of water birth that make it a preferred birthing option for women.
All these factors combined signify why is water birth good for you and your baby.
Similar to other birthing options, medicinal factors are the deciding points for whether or not you are eligible to give birth in water.
You can opt for water birthing if you have:
You may not be a candidate for water birthing if you have:
If you have any of the above complications, you will be advised not to choose water birthing.
After you gain an understanding of what is water birth, you may find yourself wondering is water birth safe for you and your baby? Waterbirth is a relatively safe birthing option if and when performed with the guidance of verified medical experts at a natural water birthing centre.
However, despite its numerous advantages, there are also substantial water birth risks associated with the process.
Some common risks of water birthing process include:
1. Risk of drowning: Warm water gives a familiar environment of amniotic fluid to the newborn. In theory, the child takes his first breath after he comes out of the water and in the air. However, if the baby breathes when he submerged, he may be exposed to various complications including the risk of drowning.
Nonetheless, it is highly unlikely to happen. It is because babies do not breathe when they in the womb. They receive oxygen from their mother through the placenta. During water birthing, their bodies behave similarly in the warm water and only breathe when they out in the air. In this process, the newborn comes from water (amniotic fluid in the womb) to water and so his lungs are not open yet.
2. Risk of pneumonia: There is a minimal risk of the child contracting Legionnaires’ Disease which is a type of bacterial pneumonia.
Medical experts take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any complication to the mother and the child. If you are still wondering is water birth safe, then the answer is yes (under the supervision of qualified medical professionals).
While both methods are effective, safe and reliable techniques for childbirth, water birth has more advantages than normal delivery. As discussed above, the amount and duration of labour pain that a mother has to experience can be significantly reduced through water birthing. While on the other hand, normal delivery makes you dependent on medicinal pain relievers. Hence, water birthing is a more natural form of delivery.
However, it should be noted that both of these birthing processes have their own pros and cons. Clinical requirements and the mother’s gestational health is the final indicator of the type of method used.
Yes, it is possible to have a healthy water birth after C section. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is safe, reduces the risk of complications and has a lesser recovery time. The requirements will almost be the same as regular water birthing. You should always consult an experienced water birthing expert and choose a natural water birthing centre.
If you have had a C-section in your previous pregnancy, you should discuss this with your obstetrician while planning future childbirth options.
Water birth delivery is no longer a birthing option just for celebrities. You can access the advantages of the most natural form of childbirth at the CK Birla Hospital, the only hospital that offers water birth in North India.
For more information on birthing options, book an appointment with Water Birth Delivery Doctors in India, at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: Is water birth safe?
Yes, water birth is a safe and reliable birthing option, if carried out under the guidance of a verified medical professional.
Ques: Which is the best centre for water birth in India?
The CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon is the best centre for water birth in India. It is, in fact, the only centre offering water birth services in the entire northern part of India.
Ques: Can I have a water birth after C section?
Yes, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) through water birthing is possible.
Ques: Do water births hurt less?
Yes, one of the advantages of water births is that it reduces the severity of labour pains.
Ques: Can you still have an epidural with water birth?
No, you cannot have an epidural (anaesthesia injection) in water.
We tend to ignore certain areas of our body’s anatomy unless they are causing us discomfort. One such area that we take for granted is the sole of our foot. However, like every other part of our body, our feet can also suffer from abnormalities or ailments such as flat feet. Flat feet symptoms are highly common in people across all age groups. More than 30% of the world’s population have a flat foot condition. Despite the commonness of this problem, few people know what is flat feet.
In this article, Dr Praveen Tittal, a leading foot & ankle specialist in Gurgaon, will discuss everything we need to know about flat feet symptoms.
Flat feet problems, however, are not easier to overlook for those suffering from it. Before we address what these problems are and how to treat them, let us understand what is flat feet.
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You must have noticed that usually, people have a gap beneath their feet. This gap helps in equal distribution of weight when a person stands up. Flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, is a condition in which this gap is not present.
Having flat feet means that the arches beneath your feet are flattened. It means that people either have a very low arch or no arch at all. Flat feet symptoms are most visible when a person stands up with the entire soles of the feet touching the ground.
Flat feet is, majorly, a painless condition and so most people don’t display any symptoms. However, in some cases, people living with this condition may experience discomfort and pain.
Some common flat feet symptoms include:
There are two answers to the question – what causes flat feet? Flat feet problems can be congenital (by birth) or acquired (the result of age or injury).
Congenital flat feet: Flat feet problems are highly common in infants and toddlers. It is because foot arches do not develop completely during early childhood. Over time, these arches take shape in most people, however, when absent, they result in congenital flat feet.
Flat feet in children can occur as a result of genetics or underlying health conditions such as cerebral palsy. Most children develop flexible flatfoot (the arch is visible when the person is sitting but it disappears on standing). Some children take longer than others to outgrow flat feet while some never do.
Acquired flat feet: As the name denotes, acquired flat feet is a condition in which a person acquires this condition with age. The arch of our feet is primarily supported by the posterior tibial tendon. As we grow old, this tendon can be exposed to inflammation and tear due to excessive and prolonged use. The extended overuse can result in damage to the arch leading to flat feet in adults.
Flat feet in adults may also be caused by:
The diagnosis of pas planus deformity is rather simple. Here are the common ways to diagnose this ailment.
If your healthcare provider may also order an MRI scan if he/she suspects the need for it.
Flat feet are not always a distressing condition. Most people, especially children, do not experience any kind of pain or discomfort. However, you should seek flat feet treatment if you do experience any of the following:
There are several different flat feet treatment methods offered by healthcare providers. The answer for how to cure flat feet may depend on factors such as the cause of your condition and the extremity of your symptoms. Some treatment methods include:
There are two types of surgeries for flat feet –
Flat feet disadvantages or complications arise when you are experiencing distressing symptoms due to fallen arches but not seeking clinical intervention to correct them. Besides affecting the alignment of your body, an untreated and painful flatfoot can aggravate leg and ankle conditions for them.
Some common complications include:
As discussed above, flatfoot problems don’t always need treatment. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you can practice the following lifestyle and home remedies:
Flat feet are mostly an asymptomatic condition however, flat feet symptoms can be easily detected by qualified orthopaedic doctors.
You cannot prevent flat feet problems. However, you can alleviate the severity of symptoms by exercising the above steps and consulting a verified doctor.
Dr. Praveen Tittal is the only surgeon in Gurgaon who is accredited to perform Extra-Osseus Talo Tarsal Stabilization (EOTTS). Performed as day surgery, it can be done using a small incision and involves the insertion of a titanium stent in the sinus tarsi, the space between ankle bone (talus) and the heel bone (calcaneum).
It is a quick surgical procedure with minimal side effects and a rapid and significant recovery. It is one of the few procedures to rebuild the arch without doing any surgery for bone.
Ques: Is it bad to have flat feet?
Ans: No, flat feet is a highly common condition in, both, children and adults.
Ques: Why do people have flat feet?
Ans: There are several causes why people develop flat feet. Some common causes include genetics, injury, obesity, diabetes and more.
Ques: Can I fix my flat feet naturally?
Ans: You can reduce your symptoms by practicing home remedies and doing flat feet exercises.
Ques: Do you need surgery for flat feet?
Ans: Surgery is indicated when flat feet is caused by an associated problem such as tendon rupture, bone deformity and more.
Ques: How long does it take to fix flat feet?
Ans: Your recovery from flat feet depends upon its causes, severity of symptoms and type of treatment taken.
The transition from childhood to early adulthood may seem swift on the surface. However, there is much that a child has to experience while growing up. From routine wellness habits to settling with hormonal changes and emotional upheavals, they also have to undergo some extent of pain in the process. Growing pains is one such phase that affects children, especially during the night. In this article, Dr Shreya Dubey, leading paediatrics and neonatologist at the CK Birla Hospital gives you an overview of growing pains in kids.
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A dull throbbing muscular ache felt by children in their legs is identified as growing pains. Your child may complain of sharp pain in front of the thighs, the calves and behind the knees if they are suffering from growing pains.
The intensity of this pain is felt in both the legs and is felt most during the night. It often starts in the afternoon or evening.
A child between the age group of 2-12 years is most likely to experience growing pains. In most cases, this condition is not persistent and the pain usually comes and goes.
This condition is characterised by pain in both legs. Nevertheless, some symptoms are uncommon and vary in children.
Symptoms of growing pains in kids include:
Only a verified healthcare provider can diagnose growing pains in kids. Most often, your medical doctor will assess your health to rule out the possibility of any other condition.
You must seek urgent medical help if:
It is not essential that your child’s pain in legs is due to growing pains. Several other conditions can cause similar pain such as:
There is no known cause for growing pains. A child’s development through the years does not necessarily cause pain and discomfort.
Research has suggested the possibility of an association between growing pains and restless leg syndrome. Some medical experts also believe that muscle cramps and pain in the night may result from exertion throughout the day. Since children put their legs to great use, as compared to adults, they may also feel higher pain. Activities such as running, climbing, jumping and more can tire a child and cause pain.
Despite its name, the idea that growing pain is related to a child’s development is not certain. It is because our bones keep growing most parts of our life. Bone growth should not cause pain in the legs and arms.
Watch Dr Shreya Dubey, Paediatric & neonatology specialist at the CK Birla Hospital talks about growing pains in kids and warning signs to look out for. She also gives a few tips to help you manage your child’s growing pain effectively at home.
A detailed investigation of the symptoms is usually enough to diagnose growing pains. Your healthcare provider will ask a range of questions such as:
Your doctor will evaluate your physical health and analyse your personal and family medical history.
Your doctor may not need to order additional tests and screenings to diagnose growing pains. However, to rule out the possibility of other musculoskeletal conditions, an X-ray may be indicated.
Growing pains are not aggravating and do not further develop into other conditions. In most incidences, the intensity of the pain gradually lessens and vanishes within a year or two. Therefore, there is no particular treatment protocol for growing pains.
However, there are several clinical measures and home remedies to alleviate the pain and help your child to deal with it.
Here are some expert-approved measures you can take to treat growing pains:
Due to the insufficient research on growing pains, it is also not known if they can be prevented. However, an active lifestyle and a sufficient supply of nutrients to your child’s body can help them cope.
You should make sure that your child is getting all the needed nutrients. Your child’s diet must include fibrous fruits and vegetables. You should also ensure that your child is taking plenty of rest. If they are fatigued throughout the day, you should divide nap times for them.
Growing pains are mostly harmless. The pain and discomfort associated with this condition can be dealt with clinical intervention and extra care by the parents. However, it is necessary for parents to ask for the opinion of doctors so that complications can be avoided.
If you wish to learn more about growing pains, book an appointment with Dr Shreya Dubery, best paediatric doctor at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: At what age do the kids get growing pains?
Ans: Growing pains usually start during early childhood. It affects a child between the age of 3 and 5 or 8 and 12 years.
Ques: How long do the growing pains last?
Ans: Growing pains affect every child differently. Mostly, it appears in intervals and lasts for nearly half an hour.
Ques: Do growing pains mean a growth spurt?
Ans: Despite the names, there is no clear evidence that growing pains are linked with a growth spurt.
Ques: Can you take anything for growing pains?
Ans: No, it is ideal to consult a medical expert for the treatment of growing pains.
Pregnancy will bring about a rollercoaster of emotions. You will feel happy, teary, excited and anxious, all at once. But emotions are not all that is pregnancy about. Your body will experience tremendous variations of physical changes and as an expectant mother, these changes can be puzzling at times. One such event that can raise suspicion is white discharge during pregnancy – a sign prevalent in nearly 43% of pregnant women.
Most women are familiar with the different types of vaginal discharge but what does discharge during pregnancy mean?
In this article, Dr Astha Dayal – a leading obstetrician in Gurgaon will explore everything there is to know about vaginal discharge during pregnancy and how to deal with it.
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As the name denotes, white discharge during pregnancy is a discharge that women experience during their pregnancy. It is thin, white coloured and milky textured.
With or without pregnancy, vaginal discharge is a common phenomena. Before we move on to discuss milky white discharge during pregnancy, let us understand the concept of normal discharge aka leukorrhea.
Leukorrhea is the medical term for vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is the fluid made by the vagina and cervix that helps to keep your vagina moist and clean. It also helps to protect you from infection.
There are different types of vaginal discharges based on their colour, texture or cause. Some common types include –
The vaginal discharge during pregnancy is known as leukorrhea pregnancy. It is usually odourless or, sometimes, can be smelled mildly.
You may have more vaginal discharge than usual when you become pregnant. But a change in your vaginal discharge could be a sign of something that needs treatment. It’s important to know what’s normal, and when to get medical help.
If you are a newly pregnant woman, leukorrhea pregnancy discharge will not feel any different from what you experienced between periods. Leukorrhea pregnancy is also considered early pregnancy discharge. You are likely to notice a change in your normal discharge one or two weeks before conception.
Most women feel an increase in their present discharge which continues to happen throughout the course of pregnancy. The thick white discharge during pregnancy will become more dense as your pregnancy develops. It is, usually, the thickest as your gestation approaches an end.
Leukorrhea or vaginal discharge is a normal body function indicating good health. Almost all women experience the passage of vaginal discharge during their reproductive years. There are multiple reasons why leukorrhea happens.
Primarily, it is your body’s natural way of cleaning the vagina. Through normal body discharge, your body is paving a way for protecting itself against several types of bacteria. Besides its body function, normal vaginal discharge can be caused by bacterial or yeast infection.
However,the reasons for leukorrhea pregnancy can be slightly varying. There are various reason for white discharge during pregnancy (abnormal) that include:
Vaginal discharge is a highly common occurrence. Likewise, in pregnancy white discharge is normal, however, you should keep a track of any abnormal changes.
As mentioned above, early pregnancy discharge is thin, white and less smelly, if you notice anything atypical or distinct from this description, make it a note to aware your obstetrician about it.
You can maintain a diary to record the colour, texture and odour changes in your vaginal discharge to avoid any pregnancy complications for yourself and your child.
As we discussed above, leukorrhea is a healthy bodily function. However, it is important to address any atypical signs, especially during pregnancy.
Now that you know what a healthy leukorrhea pregnancy is like, you would be able to identify abnormal signs. Some common atypical signs to watch out for are:
A pink or brown coloured discharge may highlight a sign of implantation bleeding. Even light vaginal spotting during pregnancy is not a cause for concern. However, it is ideal to visit your obstetrician for any concerns.
While trying to conceive, it is advised that you and your partner get tested for STIs to avoid undergoing speculating reason for white discharge during pregnancy.
Furthermore, an abnormal discharge can be indicative of possible pregnancy complications. You should not be alarmed if you experience any of the above given symptoms. Your healthcare provider is the right person to identify the exact problem and offer appropriate treatment for it.
Many pregnant women experience a ‘show’ in the last few days of their pregnancy. This is where you notice you have some vaginal discharge. It’s generally creamy white and splashed with a pink jelly-like material.
This happens when the mucus that has been present at the neck of your womb (cervix) comes away. This is a sign that your body is preparing for birth. Some women have several shows before they go into labour.
If you have a show, you should contact your obstetrician immediately if:
Despite the fact that it is almost an everyday occurrence, pregnant women may feel irritable due to the presence of constant discharge. The dampness and associated wetness can make a woman highly irritable. However, there are effective ways on how to get rid of white discharge during pregnancy.
Here are some top home remedies to help you offer relief:
Sometimes, the above given homes remedies are not effective. If your symptoms are severe and likely to interfere with your health, it is advised that you consult a verified practioner and take an appropriate treatment of white discharge during pregnancy.
The treatment for leukorrhea pregnancy is unique for each patient. Ideally, it depends upon the reason for white discharge during pregnancy.
If you have developed a bacterial infection induced by pregnancy, your obesterician will prescribe you relevant antibiotics. On the other hand, if your discharge is caused by sexually transmitted infections, your healthcare provider will aim to treat it in order to alleviate symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will, first, assess your condition and determine the cause before indicating any treatment.
Experiencing white discharge during pregnancy is not alarming. Nevertheless, since you will feel various new symptoms and changes during this time, it is in your best interest to be informed about what they mean.
To learn more about pregnancy or basic gynaecological health, book an appointment with Dr Astha Dayal – best obstetrician & gynaecologist at the CK Birla Hospital today.
Ques: When should I be worried about discharge during pregnancy?
Ans: White discharge during pregnancy is a normal occurrence. You should, however, seek clinical help if the discharge is yellow, brown, pink or green-coloured, foul smelling, accompanied by fever, abdominal pain and itching.
Ques: Can white discharge mean miscarriage?
Ans: Milky white discharge during pregnancy is healthy. However, if your vaginal discharge is tinged with blood, you should meet your obsterician immediately.
Ques: How much white discharge is normal in pregnancy?
Ans: You will experience that the white discharge during pregnancy will increase gradually throughout pregnancy. Increased discharge is normal if it not associated with atypical signs.
There are some things in life that we tend to ignore unless we find something bothersome about them. For instance, urine. When was the last time you thought of something like urination? Our guess: when you felt pain or discomfort like a burning sensation when urinating.
Most of us can relate to the burning sensation after urinating. However common, it is a serious health concern that we must not ignore. In this article, Dr Shalabh Agrawal, the best urologist in Gurgaon, talks about the reason for pain during and after urination.
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Here are some of the common symptoms of dysuria in women and men.
Dysuria occurs when the urinary tract suffers from inflammation, injury or infections. There is a wide range of conditions that cause pain during urination by harming the urinary system.
A burning sensation when urinating is an indicator of some other health condition. If this symptom is ignored, you cannot get proper treatment for the root cause.
Pain during urination can lead to various complications such as chronic pain, sepsis (a blood infection), infertility and spread of numerous other infections.
While mild burning or discomfort during urination may sometimes resolve on its own, certain warning signs should never be ignored. These symptoms may indicate that the problem is more serious and requires urgent medical care:
Your healthcare provider will do preliminary investigations to find the cause of painful urination. He/she will discuss your personal medical history and symptoms. It is helpful to track symptoms if the burning and pain when urinating has lasted for a long time.
Your urologist or gynaecologist will perform some basic diagnostic tests. You can expect to have blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound scans and X-rays. You may be indicated for additional tests depending upon your overall health.
The diagnosis is drawn to figure out the dysuria causes.
The treatment module is dependent upon the reason behind dysuria. The accuracy of the diagnosis can help your doctor decide which treatment method to offer.
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
2. Vaginitis
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina due to infections or an imbalance of natural bacteria/yeast. Treatment depends on the type:
3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs that cause burning urination are treated with targeted medicines:
4. Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome)
This is a chronic condition where no infection is found but bladder pain and frequent urination persist. Management includes:
5. Menopause-Related Symptoms
In postmenopausal women, reduced oestrogen levels can cause thinning and dryness of the vaginal and urethral tissues, leading to burning or pain while urinating.
Treatment may include oestrogen therapy:
Note: The above is a general overview of dysuria treatment. Do not self-medicate. Your doctor will prescribe you the right treatment plan as per your unique health condition.
It is highly normal to feel a burning sensation when urinating once in a while. If you continue to experience painful urination along with other symptoms, then you should seek clinical care.
You can book an appointment with Dr Shalabh Agrawal, a senior urologist at the CK Birla Hospital, to learn more about the health of the urinary tract.
Ques: How can I prevent the burning sensation when urinating?
Ans: You can prevent burning sensation when urinating (dysuria) by drinking plenty of water, increasing your intake of Vitamin C and passing urine whenever the need arises.
Ques: What complications can arise if I don’t address dysuria?
Ans: Untreated dysuria can further cause chronic pain, sepsis (a blood infection), infertility and spread of numerous other infections.
Ques: When should I seek medical help for burning sensation when urinating?
Ans: You should consult a medical expert if you see blood in the urine or have a high-grade fever along with persistent painful urination.
Ques: How can I avoid UTI?
Ans: You can avoid UTI by staying hydrated, restricting your consumption of caffeine, maintaining hygiene and completely emptying your bladder every time you pass urine.
Most Indians have an extraordinary liking for street foods. The spicy tangy flavourful snacks served by vendors have a special place in our hearts. When you have such appetizing options, you will not be a fan of bland food. However, there is one thing worse than eating bland and boring meals – food poisoning. This article explores what is food poisoning along with its symptoms, causes and treatment.
Food borne illnesses are highly common in India with a prevalence of nearly 13% at a household level. Food poisoning symptoms are seldom overlooked as they impact your levels of comfort and everyday tasks. Let us begin by understanding the meaning of food poisoning.
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Food poisoning is a common foodborne illness. It is caused when you consume contaminated or spoiled food items. Contamination happens when food items get exposed to infectious organisms such as viruses, bacteria and parasites.
Mostly, these organisms are killed when food is cleaned and cooked properly. These infectious organisms are able to access your digestive system when you consume uncooked or raw eatables.
Food poisoning is a common condition that can impact anyone, irrespective of their age and gender.
There is a wide range of ailments that target your stomach and digestion. It can be slightly difficult to distinguish them from one other. For instance, the symptoms of stomach flu and food poisoning often overlap. Stomach flu, however, is caused by viruses. Due to this overlapping, it is significant to learn about the signs and symptoms of food poisoning.
Common signs and symptoms of food poisoning include:
You should ensure to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of the above-given symptoms. There are several life-threatening food poisoning symptoms that require immediate medical intervention.
See a healthcare provider immediately if:
Primarily, food poisoning is caused by the consumption of toxic and contaminated food. Three types of organisms are accountable for this illness – bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Almost all food products can be targeted by these organisms. The contamination of food is possible at any stage starting from its production till cooking. These infectious agents are present at several surfaces and can transfer from one surface to another.
While everyone is vulnerable to being affected by food poisoning, some people are at a higher risk than others. The groups of people at an increased risk for this illness include older adults, infants, young children, pregnant women and chronically ill people.
Food poisoning cure is its effective and early treatment. Several treatment methods are available for the treatment of food poisoning. However, a precise diagnosis is the first step towards a food poisoning cure.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history. A detailed discussion on the symptoms and their length is mostly enough for healthcare providers to draw a diagnosis.
You can expect to have a physical health checkup. Your doctor will ask you about the food items you must have consumed recently to find out the possible source of contamination. Your healthcare provider may indicate a variety of tests including blood workup, stool sample culture test and more.
Your doctor will offer a relevant treatment method based on your diagnosis and the source of food poisoning.
Since food poisoning can trigger diarrhea and vomiting, you may lose excess body fluids. Your doctor will ask you to drink as many fluids as possible. He/she may prescribe consuming electrolytes to compensate for the loss of fluids. Nevertheless, some foods and beverages such as alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods should be restricted.
You will also be asked to monitor your meals. Avoid eating food products that may trigger your symptoms further. You will be asked to eat bland and easy to digest foods.
Additionally, your doctor will prescribe relevant medicines to alleviate your symptoms and offer instant relief. Mostly, sufficient rest and careful measures are enough to resolve food poisoning.
A proactive and healthy lifestyle can help you in the prevention of food poisoning. Here are some expert-approved home remedies you should implement to avoid this illness:
A severe and persistent case of food poisoning can further worsen your health. The most common complications of this illness are:
It is not very complex to grasp the idea of what is food poisoning. To put it briefly, food poisoning is a common digestive illness caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. You should focus on cleaning yourself and your surroundings clean to avoid the transfer of germs.
Book an appointment at the CK Birla Hospital to know more about food poisoning and other stomach-related issues.
Ques: How do I know if it’s food poisoning or stomach virus?
Ans: Stomach viruses are only caused by viruses and affect in 24 hours. Food poisoning can be the result of viruses, bacteria or parasites. It affects almost immediately within 2-6 hrs.
Ques: When should I go to the doctor for food poisoning?
Ans: Seek urgent medical help if you have these symptoms – blood in your vomit, blurry vision, diarrhea for more than 3 days, extreme pain or cramps and fever over 101.5°F.
Ques: How can I recover from food poisoning fast?
Ans: You should drink water or electrolyte solution and avoid solid foods to recover from food poisoning quickly.
Ques: Which doctor to consult for food poisoning?
Ans: You should seek medical help from a qualified gastroenterologist in case of food poisoning.
Childhood is the time when you lay the foundation stone of your mental, emotional and physical health. Children, however, are unaware of how to make a healthy start. This responsibility, thus, falls upon the parents. As a parent or guardian, you should ensure that your kids are receiving sufficient nutrients needed for their growth. In this article, Dr. Praveen Tittal – best paediatric orthopaedic doctor in Gurgaon will explore one development aspect – How to build strong bones in kids?
Our bones start building their strength in childhood and teen years. Approximately, 95% of bone mass is built by the age of 20 years. This time is crucial for the overall internal development of a child. Though we continue to build healthy bones throughout our lives, the ability of our lives to add to this strength declines over time.
One of the important facts about muscles and bones for kids is that a better bone building ability in childhood leads to better bone strength in adulthood. It is, therefore, essential to build strong bones in kids from an early age.
Here are some expert-approved tips for strong bones in children.
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Children are quick learners and pick up the habits of adults they live with. The imitation capability of young kids is extraordinary and invites effort from the parents. The best tip on how to build strong bones in kids is to offer them a healthy lifestyle by implementing one.
You can inculcate bone strengthening foods in your meals to achieve a healthy living status. While making a nutritious meal plan for your kid, make sure to add plenty of the following given nutrients.
Calcium is a super-nutrient to strengthen your kids bones. The mineral responsible for building and maintaining the mass of your bones is calcium. The more calcium you eat, the stronger your bones become.
Your body’s calcium requirement fluctuate as you grow old. A child between the age group 4-8 years need nearly 1000 mg of calcium per day. While a child of 9-18 years old requires 1300 mg of calcium each day.
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt are good sources of calcium. Green leafy vegetables, soya drinks, bread, beans, lentils, almonds and fish are also rich in calcium.
How to add calcium to your kid’s diet: Children are not fans of healthy foods, popularly known as picky-eaters. It may be difficult to get your child to each calcium-rich meals. You can make the intake of calcium more interesting for your child. For instance, you can give them cookies along with a glass of milk. Children have a special liking for cheese products such as pizza and pasta. You can also choose a flavourful variant of yogurt.
It is not enough to eat calcium-rich foods alone. The consumed calcium needs to be absorbed by our bodies. Vitamin D is an important nutrient required to build healthy bones. A deficiency of Vitamin D can lead to musculoskeletal problems in children such as rickets.
The approximate unit of Vitamin D required by a kid and teenager is 600 IU per day.
The best natural source of Vitamin D is sunlight. You should make sure that your kid is getting enough sun. This tip is crucial especially in today’s times when kids tend to spend more time indoors at their tablets and television.
Bone strengthening foods rich in Vitamin D are salmon, egg yolks, mushrooms, milk, orange juice, cereal and oatmeal.
How to add Vitamin D to your kid’s diet: You can plan outdoor activities with your kids to help them get sunlight. You can replace your child’s soda or milk with orange juice now and then.
Magnesium is a vital mineral responsible for maintaining the density of your bones. A high bone density helps reduce the chances of bone fractures. Several studies have proved that magnesium also helps in the prevention of a popular musculoskeletal disorder – osteoporosis.
A young kid aged between 4-8 years should intake nearly 130 mg of magnesium per day. The daily allowance increases to 240 mg when a child reaches 9-18 years old.
This mineral also helps in the regulation of calcium and Vitamin D. You can strengthen your kids bones by including these sources of magnesium in their diet – almonds, spinach, cashews, soy milk, peanut butter, potatoes, banana, cooked brown rice, breakfast cereals and more.
How to add Magnesium to your kid’s diet: Most of the foods rich in magnesium are good substitutes of unhealthy snacks.
A regular administration of Vitamin K can increase bone density. It is useful in the metabolism of calcium and vitamin D in the bones.
A deficiency in Vitamin K can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. This mineral is significant for the regulating metabolism in the bone by activating proteins.
For children aged 4-8 years, 55 mg of Vitamin K per day is sufficient while 60mg/day is enough for a child in the age group of 9-18 years.
How to add Vitamin K to your kid’s diet: Try to make dishes from green leafy vegetables. Spinach, kale, broccoli, green beans, kiwi, cheese and peas are good sources of vitamin K.
Here are some interesting facts about muscles and bones for kids:
Several other parenting tips for strong bones can be used by parents besides increasing the child’s intake of bone strengthening foods.
1. Exercise more frequently: Our bones gain their strength with increased activity. Similar to muscles, your kids health bones will improve as much as he/she puts them to use. The strength of your bones increases when you put pressure on your bones by using your muscles.
A child’s potential for physical activity is better than an adult. Your kid will build strong bones if he/she does more weight-bearing activities. Running, walking, jumping and climbing are some top choices of exercise in children. You should maintain a good balance between your child’s screentime and physical activity.
2. Avoid carbonated drinks: Most carbonated drinks have some quantity of phosphoric acid. This acid is harmful to a person’s bone health as it interrupts the process of calcium absorption. You should try to replace your kid’s soda with a healthful alternative such as orange juice.
3. Teach them healthy lifestyle choices: Growing up, your child may make their own decisions and change their lifestyle habits. While a sense of liberation is important for your child’s personality development, you should ensure that he/she is not adapting wrong habits. It is especially crucial for teenagers. Smoking, alcohol consumption or leading a sedentary life are some habits that affect your bone health negatively.
By practising the above-given tips, you can help on how to build strong bones in kids. While bone health requires continuous attention, the early years of your life can help shape your future.
For more tips on how to build strong bones in kids, you can book an appointment with Dr. Praveen Tittal, leading pediatric orthopaedic doctor at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: At what age do children’s bones harden?
Ans: Children’s bones do not fuse until 1 or 2 years of age.
Ques: Which foods are good for bone health in kids?
Ans: Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, soya beans, tofu, nuts, bread and fish are good foods for bone health.
Ques: Which fruits are best for bone health?
Ans: Oranges, papaya, strawberries and pineapples are some great fruits for bones.
Ques: Should I give my child calcium supplements?
Ans: It is not necessary to give your child supplements. You should aim to include calcium-rich foods in their diet. Give any supplements upon your doctor’s recommendation.
Human beings have a natural tendency to be health anxious, especially with regards to some areas of our body, for instance, breasts. If you were to wake up with an abnormality in your breast size, shape, touch or appearance, you would most likely assume it to be cancer. And rightly so, considering the high prevalence of breast cancer with nearly 2 million people affected worldwide every year. However, irrespective of the rising incidence, not all breast abnormalities are cancer. Benign breast conditions (also called non-cancerous breast conditions or benign breast disease) are also commonplace and affect millions of women across different age groups.
In this article, Dr Rohan Khandelwal, a leading breast specialist in Gurgaon at the CK Birla Hospital, explains everything there is to know about benign breast conditions.
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Benign, by definition, means non-malignant aka non-cancerous. Benign breast conditions (also referred to as benign breast disease) are non-cancerous tumours, growths, or structural changes that affect the breast area.
Noncancerous breast conditions indicate the presence of unusual growths that are not related to cancer cells. These growths appear in the form of breast lumps and are often misunderstood for cancerous tumours. However, about 80% of breast lumps are found to be benign upon diagnosis.
While a benign breast lump may not be directly associated with cancer, certain conditions may increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Medical experts therefore classify benign breast diseases based on their cancer risk.
Therefore, benign breast lumps classification includes three categories:
Also called non-proliferative breast lumps, these are typically associated with no future risk of breast cancer.
Examples include:
The risk of cancer with such conditions is minor, but they may require regular monitoring.
Examples include:
Other conditions include juvenile papillomatosis and peripheral intraductal papillomas.
Also called “atypical ductal hyperplasia” or “atypical lobular hyperplasia”, this condition involves unusual-looking cells dividing excessively. It increases the lifetime risk of breast cancer by 3 to 5 times.
The treatment may include removal of cells around that area as well as paying closer attention to breast health.
The symptoms of a benign breast lump and breast cancer often overlap. You may feel overwhelmed and scared after discovering the initial symptoms. However, mostly, these atypical growths are diagnosed as benign. Benign breast conditions are so common that up to 50% of all women experience one such disease once during their lifetime.
There are several different types of benign breast diseases that affect every person uniquely. Only a qualified medical professional can diagnose these diseases correctly. Some common signs and symptoms of benign breast disease include:
You must consult a breast specialist even when a single symptom is seen. All of the above signs and symptoms require further testing and investigation.
Benign breast conditions can affect a person in the form of various conditions. Some common diseases include:

Since there is a wide range of benign breast diseases, there are multiple reasons why they occur. Some common reasons for the development of non cancerous breast conditions are:
Anyone can be affected by non cancerous breast conditions. However, some people are at a greater risk than others. You are more likely to have a benign breast disease, if:
It is common to mistake a benign breast lump for breast cancer. It is important that you seek urgent clinical help upon discovering any of the above-mentioned symptoms. The diagnosis of a benign breast disease starts similar to the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Your healthcare provider will order a variety of tests to eliminate the possibility of cancer and identify the type of benign disease. Some common tests include:
Other diagnostic tests may also be ordered if your doctor suspects the need for them or a suspicious lump in breast ultrasound appears.
Your treatment plan for a benign breast disease depends upon its type and severity of symptoms. Most of the benign breast diseases do not require any treatment and do not cause any painful symptoms. These conditions tend to subside on their own.
If you are wondering about breast lump when to worry, you may consult our Breast Cancer Doctor upon experiencing extreme pain or discomfort. Your doctor may offer relevant treatment, accordingly.
As mentioned above, most breast lumps shrink on their own without causing any pain or discomfort. However, you can speed up the treatment of breast lumps naturally.
Here listed are some home remedies that can help to cure breast lumps.
Please note, you should consult with your healthcare provider before applying any of these measures.
Benign breast tumor, by description, are non-cancerous. A majority of benign breast diseases do not turn malignant, that is, cancerous. However, some of them may increase your risk of developing cancer cells.
Simple and fibrosis cysts can be treated if they are causing pain or discomfort. The fluid in these cysts can be drained by inserting a thin and hollow needle in the cyst.
Benign breast conditions are highly common in women across all ages. However, these diseases are not a cause for concern.
If you detect any symptoms that may signal a problem, seek immediate health care. Frequent breast exams and timely treatment will help doctors address complications in time and suggest corrective measures.
For more information on what is benign breast disease, book an appointment with Dr Rohan Khandelwal, the best breast cancer specialist in Gurgaon at the CK Birla Hospital.
Also, watch Dr Rohan Khandelwal, Breast cancer specialist at the CK Birla Hospital sheds some more light on this condition:
Ques: Do benign breast tumours need to be removed?
Ans: If your doctor suspects an abnormality in benign breast tumour along with severe symptoms and pain, they may suggest to surgically remove it.
Ques: Can a benign breast lump turn into cancer?
Ans: No, most benign breast lumps do not turn into cancer.
Ques: What happens if you have a benign breast lump?
Ans: Benign breast lumps are non-malignant and do not usually require clinical intervention.
Ques: What does a benign breast lump feel like?
Ans: Benign breast lumps are soft and usually have smooth edges. These lumps can be moved slightly when pushed.
Ques: Is it necessary to remove benign breast lumps?
Ans: Most often, a benign lump does not need treatment. Surgery may be done if you experience pain, discomfort or other symptoms.
Ques: Are benign breast conditions & cancer common in men?
Ans: Men are at a much lower risk of breast cancer or breast conditions than their female counterparts, although they can develop similar breast conditions, too.
Those who have periods can understand that it is an agonising experience. Every month, women have to deal with aggravating pain, cramps and discomfort. The usual menstrual cycle is already painful enough. Now blend it with additional post-operative recovery and what you have is unexplainable distress. This is especially the case for the first period after laparoscopy endometriosis, a condition that affects more than 2 million women in India.
In this article, Dr Anjali Kumar, a leading gynaecologist at the CK Birla Hospital, will explore how a woman’s first period after laparoscopy surgery endometriosis treatment is like.
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Laparoscopy is an advanced key-hole surgery to treat endometriosis. The surgery can temporarily affect a woman’s reproductive health.
Before we look at the changes that occur during the first period after laparoscopy endometriosis, let’s understand what these terms mean.
Endometriosis is a condition in which similar tissues that line the inside of the uterus begin to grow on the outside. These tissues generally develop in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is a painful disorder that impacts a woman’s overall health including fertility.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
Laparoscopy to remove endometriosis is a surgical treatment. It is a minimally invasive method in which surgeons make small incisions in your abdomen region.
Through these incisions, they insert a thin tube attached with a tiny camera called a laparoscope. Surgeons utilise the laparoscope in viewing the insides of the uterus. They continue to remove the tissues that have grown on the outer uterus lining.
The recovery of laparoscopy is different for each woman. Due to this, the first menses after surgery and their effect also vary.
Your first menstruation will happen after 4-6 weeks of surgery. Your body is in the healing phase at this moment. So your periods will be heavily bothersome.
You can expect the following during your first period after laparoscopy endometriosis treatment:
The reason why you will feel additional discomfort is that your body is still healing internally. Laparoscopy to remove endometriosis is a surgery that directly takes place at the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Due to the surgery, your ovaries will still be very tender. Additionally, the tissues in your ovaries and fallopian tubes would be swollen. The standard discomfort of periods overlaps with this tenderness causing excruciating pain during the first periods.
Though the first menses during recovery will be distressing, you can still cope with it. Here are some expert-approved ways to deal with the first period after laparoscopy endometriosis:
Your first period after laparoscopy to remove endometriosis will be, undoubtedly, exhausting. You can use the above-given tips to endure the pain and let this stage pass. The intensity of pain will subside gradually in the subsequent periods. You can seek instant medical support for your first period post laparoscopy surgery treatment.
You can book an appointment with Dr Anjali Kumar, the best gynecologist in Gurgaon at CK Birla Hospital, for more information or personalised guidance on endometriosis treatment.
Ques: How soon after a laparoscopy can I have my period?
Ans: You can expect your period after 4-6 week of laparoscopic surgery.
Ques: Can my first period be delayed after laparoscopy?
Ans: Yes, it is not unusual to miss or have a delayed period after laparoscopy. It can happen due to both, physical and psychological stress.
Ques: Is bleeding after laparoscopy normal?
Ans: Yes, some amount of vaginal bleeding after laparoscopy is normal. You may experience bleeding for up to a week post-surgery.
Ques: How long does it take to recover from laparoscopy?
Ans: Your recovery period depends upon your age, overall health and severity of the condition. On average, you can expect to fully recover from a laparoscopy for endometriosis in about 6 weeks.