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Understanding Conjunctivitis Symptoms and Signs : A Comprehensive Guide

Conjunctivitis, also referred to as pink eye or eye flu, is an eye condition that can make people feel uncomfortable, irritated, and have red eyes. The thin membrane that covers the white area of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed, which is how it is identified. To assist you in recognising and comprehending this widespread eye condition, we will break down the conjunctivitis symptoms and indicators in this post. Redness of the Eye The redness of the eyes is one of the main and most obvious signs of conjunctivitis. Because of the pink or red colour of the eye caused by the inflamed blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the condition is frequently referred to as "pink eye." Depending on the underlying cause of conjunctivitis, the degree of redness can range from mild to severe. Itching and Irritation Conjunctivitis frequently causes itching and irritation in the affected eye or eyes. People may feel the urge to touch their eyes to ease the itching, which can range from mild to severe. However, in the event of infectious conjunctivitis, scratching the eyes can exacerbate the illness and possibly transmit the infection. Watery or Discharge from the Eye Conjunctivitis can cause the eyes to tear excessively or discharge. While bacterial conjunctivitis may provide a thicker, yellow or greenish discharge, viral conjunctivitis typically results in a clear and watery discharge. Due to the body's immunological reaction to allergens, allergic conjunctivitis can also result in watery discharge. Swollen Eyelids Conjunctivitis occasionally results in swollen eyelids, making it difficult to fully open or close the eyes. The inflammation that affects the tissues of the eyelids usually causes swelling. Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia) Conjunctivitis can cause photophobia, a condition in which the eyes become sensitive to light. People who have conjunctivitis may experience discomfort and suffering when exposed to bright lights or sunshine. Crust Formation on the Eyelids Particularly after waking up in the morning, bacterial conjunctivitis can cause the development of crusts or "eye boogers" on the eyelids. These crusts develop as a result of dry discharge gathering on the eyelids while you sleep. Foreign Body Sensation Some people with conjunctivitis could feel as though they have grit or a foreign body in their eyes. This sensation may be uncomfortable and increase the desire to massage one's eyes.   For early detection and suitable care, it is essential to recognise the symptoms and signs of conjunctivitis. A qualified eye care practitioner must be consulted if you suffer redness, irritation, excessive tearing, or discharge from your eyes in order to make an accurate diagnosis and receive the appropriate treatments. While the majority of conjunctivitis instances are not dangerous and can be treated with self-care or medical procedures, prompt treatment can help reduce discomfort and stop the conjunctivitis from spreading to other people. Keep in mind that having healthy eyes is crucial for sustaining vision and general wellbeing.

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From Infancy to Adulthood: Understanding Hypocalcemia as a Persistent Deficiency

Low calcium can have a devastating effect on your overall wellness. Hypocalcemia is a leading condition. It is increasingly plaguing the population beyond the post-reproductive age groups.  Besides, its side effects include poor blood clotting, meaning severe blood loss from minor bruises. Check this article to learn more about the hypocalcemia symptoms and how to have them treated at the earliest. Hypocalcemia: Overview Calcium is among the most vital macronutrients your body requires daily. It's synonymous with robust bones and healthy teeth. Besides, it's crucial in natural muscle coordination and circulatory functions. Individuals with poor calcium supply in their diet can experience hypocalcemia symptoms.  Hypocalcemia causes acute bone issues, unexplained weight loss, and poor immunity, among severe side effects. These can turn chronic when early signs don't receive prompt clinical attention. Besides, common among individuals have contributing factors like age and underlying complications.  Hypocalcemia symptoms: How to recognise the early signs? Whether a brief discomfort while climbing stairs or a sudden back ache when performing domestic chores, hypocalcemia symptoms appear with enhanced deficiency. Never ignore the mentioned symptoms below since low calcium does irreparable damage. Check out the potential signs of calcium deficiency in your body: Unexplained tetany or continuous muscle spasms. Brittle nails with marked stunted growth. Poor wound healing properties. Mental confusion with hallucinatory tendencies. Tendency to get injured from brief abrasion. Sudden numbness of hands and feet. Loss of memory with increasing seizures in epilepsy patients. While immediate consumption of calcium supplements immediately is a preventive step, please consult your physician to get treated for potential hypocalcemia symptoms.  Hypocalcemia causes: What are the underlying factors? Hypocalcemia doesn't appear overnight. As your body fails to replenish the macronutrient requirements, the signs turn acute over time. Potential factors include dietary deficiencies as the primary reason, besides age, and poor immunity also spikes the calcium crisis in your body. Check out the contributing factors that could worsen your hypocalcemia: Malnutrition and poverty. Excessive physical work without adequate replenishment. Vitamin D deficiency.  Improper parathyroid and thyroid functioning. Aged folks with poor calcium metabolism. Women at menopause. Surgical operations, including treatment of mechanical injuries or removal of thyroid and parathyroid glands. Chronic renal failure. Drug side effects. Acute pancreas ailments. Potential autosomal disorders like DiGeorge Syndrome and muscular dystrophy. Individuals having rheumatoid arthritis. Rapid blood transfusion to compensate for clinical ailments. Hypocalcemia diagnosis: How to catch it early? Hypocalcemia gets promptly detected through manual examination by a registered medical practitioner. Besides, pathological tests and imagery analysis help your specialist pinpoint the affected regions and the prognosis. Here's more about detecting hypocalcemia symptoms: Manual detection through tapping on potential bone joints and muscles to look for unexplained contraction and trauma. Blood test for checking calcium levels (hypocalcemia if the concentration is below 8.8 mg/dl). Tests for detecting anomalies in thyroid and parathyroid glands (these produce hormones responsible for calcium metabolism). Imagery techniques to detect osteomalacia, gouts, osteoporosis and rickets. Hypocalcemia treatment: How to control further advancement of symptoms? The primary hypocalcemia treatment includes prompt replenishment of underlying deficiencies. However, potential recovery is incomplete without addressing the root cause of low calcium in your body. Your physician shall proceed as per the diagnostic report and follow treatment or change existing medications to enhance your blood calcium levels. Here's more about hypocalcemia treatment techniques: Oral medication containing calcium supplements helps replenish the underlying shortage. Your doctor might prescribe vitamin D supplements to ensure better calcium absorption in your body. Treatment of thyroid and parathyroid ailments to naturalise secretion of calcitonin and thyrocalcitonin. Immediate supply of calcium over IV if you are experiencing potential tetany signs. Reorganise your existing medications to ensure natural blood calcium levels. How to prevent hypocalcemia during early signs? Hypocalcemia symptoms are preventable if careful about the infrequent body discomfort as the early signs. Remember, poor tolerance to pain, frequent weight loss, and abrasion from limited impact are alarming signs of calcium deficiency. Besides regular health checkups, here's more about taking a preventive approach to counter low blood calcium: Take care of your dietary intake (milk, beans, cheese, yoghurt, and sea fish). No alcohol since it pulls down your vital mineral concentration. Get treated for existing thyroid/parathyroid issues. Don't ignore frequent body discomfort persisting after laborious work (lower back pain, abnormal spasms, and muscle contractions). Get a complete health check to detect underlying autosomal or autoimmune conditions that degrade calcium levels. Reduce overweight and practice yoga or strength exercises to boost healthy muscle development (boosts calcium metabolism). Who's prone to develop hypocalcemia? Hypocalcemia symptoms are no longer limited to folks above 60. Whether neonatal, teenagers, young adults, or women in menopause, anyone with poor calcium replenishment can experience these symptoms. Check the potential features of individuals prone to develop calcium deficiencies: Newborn babies can experience low calcium levels if the mother has diabetes and contributing complications. Young kids to teenagers could develop hypocalcemia from poor dietary habits. Adults can show poor calcium levels from lifestyle issues (smoking, alcoholism, sedentary lifestyle). Men and women over 50 are prone to hypocalcemia since hormonal changes from menopause disrupt natural calcium metabolism. Individuals with genetic and autoimmune disorders are vulnerable to experiencing calcium deficiency without clinical support.  Conclusion Hypocalcemia is a curable condition. Most individuals experience it at least once during their lifetime. Clinical experts suggest a balanced lifestyle and preventive care to ensure your body doesn't experience low calcium levels. Besides, never ignore potential symptoms or rely on OTC drugs for temporary relief without a clinical consultation.  CTA: Hypocalcemia treatment requires blood diagnostic tests to ascertain the underlying ailments. Do you need a doorstep collection of your blood samples? Trust Metropolis Labs, thanks to their versatile technicians providing seamless collection and delivery to state-of-the-art testing facilities. For more information about the calcium total serum test, visit Metropolis Labs today. 

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Common Food Allergies in Babies: What You Need to Know

Food allergies are infrequent in the Indian subcontinent. A recent report says that though the sensitisation rate of certain food items is relatively high in India (almost 26.5%), the probability of developing food allergies is very low(1.2%). However, there is still no positive explanation for these strange results. Therefore, food allergies are considered dangerous in India. Contrary to that, a global report says that although the prevalence of food allergies among adults is very low(1-2%), nearly 6-8% of children are diagnosed with food allergies. Five everyday food items aid food allergies among children. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies up to 6 months. Introducing solids can be a great milestone for many parents but they must check their baby's body's reaction to new foods. As per Dr Ashish Sahdev, Head Marketing - Medico and PMT, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, many children develop food allergies, which are abnormal reactions to certain foods. What is Allergy? Allergy is a common medical condition when foreign particles or allergens attack your immune system and the body exhibits specific reactions to them.  When foreign particles enter your body, your immune system produces antibodies to fight those foreign particles. These antibodies may identify the allergens as harmful even if they don't have any potential to harm your body. In such cases, your body cannot hold it in and starts showing severe reactions.   Allergies can occur due to several factors like pollen grains, dust, certain food items, air pollutants, etc. Thankfully, allergy is not life-threatening but severe cases can prove fatal. What is Food Allergy? Food allergy is a type of allergy that develops in your body after you eat certain food items. When your baby eats a different food for the first time, they will not show any symptoms as they get sensitised by the food. But during the second time, the IgE antibodies in your baby's body will react to the allergens and produce histamines. As a result, your baby may suffer from hives, itching in the mouth, diarrhoea and vomiting.  Difference Between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance It is equally crucial for you to know that food allergy and food intolerance are not similar conditions. Your baby's immune system gets triggered by food allergies which can be life-threatening in severe cases. But food intolerance is a more superficial condition where your baby cannot digest certain foods. Food intolerance is not life-threatening and does not attack your baby's immune system.  Common Food Allergies in Babies Doctors have spotted some of the most common food items that cause allergies in babies and children. They are as follows: Milk Your baby can develop allergies to cow milk as soon as you introduce formula. 85% of babies are prone to a milk allergy at the initial stage. However, they may resolve in later years.  Eggs Eggs are one of the most common foods that cause allergies in babies. Please do not feed an entire egg to your baby. Separate the egg yolk and then try. If your baby cannot withstand it, you should stop giving them eggs. They could be allergic to the protein in eggs.  Fish and shellfish Babies often fall sick of fish, especially shellfish. Be careful while feeding fish to your baby. Peanuts Nuts, including cashew, almond and pistachio, can cause allergies. Moreover, allergies to peanuts can be futile. Allergies from nuts do not usually go away. Take your baby to the nearest hospital as soon as possible if they show any symptoms or unusual behaviour.  Wheat Babies may be allergic to glutens present in wheat. Don't add wheat to your baby's food once it is sure that wheat is the reason for the allergy. This gluten allergy may go away in the coming years.  Soy Babies below 5 years sometimes exhibit allergies to soy. Be careful of what you are feeding your infant.  Symptoms of Food Allergies Rush to the nearest healthcare centre if your baby shows any of the following symptoms after eating any allergic food: Vomiting Diarrhoea Cramps Hives Difficulty in breathing Eczema Swelling Itchiness around the mouth, lips, tongue Tightness in the throat Wheezing Treatment of Food Allergies If your baby is diagnosed with food allergies, their treatment should be initiated immediately. Visit a paediatrician and tell them about your baby's food chart. They may advise you to get an allergy test done. If it is not severe, your doctor will omit those food items the child is allergic to from the chart. They may suggest substitutes for those food items if necessary. In severe cases, infants are injected with epinephrine to reverse anaphylaxis by constricting blood vessels to increase blood pressure and opening airways to help to breathe. Preventive Measures If your baby is prone to food allergies, please follow the following instructions: Get a food allergy test done It is highly recommended to get an allergy test done to find out what foods your baby is allergic to. Eliminate Foods That Trigger Your Baby's Allergy Omit the foods that cause your baby to fall sick. These allergies may go away later but don't take any risk now. It is essential to check the ingredients present in packaged foods before feeding them to your baby. Carry Safe Foods Always carry simple, easy-to-digest food with you. You can seek the guidance of a nutritionist to make a balanced food chart.  Check on Your Baby 24/7 Though it is not easy, it is advised to observe your child when introducing them to new foods. Conclusion Food allergies are not usually considered dangerous but a severe allergy could be fatal. Get your child tested to diagnose any allergies. Take care to keep those food items that they are allergic to, beyond their reach. Watch out for any reactions after introducing any new food to them. Pay additional attention to the food mentioned above as such foods are known to cause allergies in young ones. Always consult your doctor if you notice any severe changes in your body after a new food introduction.

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Sample Collection for Reliable Pediatric Diagnostic Services

Pediatric diseases need to be handled with immense care to ensure that children receive timely and accurate medical care; hospitals and clinics need to increase the availability of specialized pediatric diagnostic services while conducting pediatric tests. Establishing peadiatric centres for excellence that focus mainly on children's care is also vital. Creating a team of qualified and experienced professionals can contribute to improving the quality of paediatric blood tests and diagnostic services provided. Having staff that is well trained in the use of cutting-edge technology and equipment can also help provide a more accurate diagnosis. Hear what our expert Dr Nilesh Shah, President and Chief of Science and Innovation at Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. has to say.  Understanding the need for better pediatric testing While India's healthcare system has made significant strides in recent years, the pediatric infrastructure has not kept pace with this rapid development. One of the most significant changes required is to provide urgent attention to how pediatric testing and diagnosis are carried out.  According to a report by ICMR 2022, less than half (48%) of the public tertiary hospitals have a paediatric oncologist. And even fewer had paedriticoncosurgen (14.2%), paediatric intensivist (38.9%), paediatric medical oncologist (46.7%), and palliative care physician (37.6%). These statistics clearly show the lack of proper infrastructure for pediatric care. Here are a few tips that can help enhance India's paediatric infrastructure and create the ideal healthcare system by focusing on better diagnosing pediatric diseases.  Boost specialised paediatric diagnostic services  For children to receive proper and timely medical care, hospitals and clinics must increase the availability of specialised diagnostic services for paediatric diseases. This can be done by establishing paediatric centres of excellence that are solely focused on children's care.  Hiring more qualified professionals specialised in paediatric care who have the experience to back it up can also help improve the quality of paediatric diagnostic services we provide.  Upgrade existing diagnostic equipment Most clinics and hospitals are usually out of date and have inadequate diagnostic equipment that does not meet the needs of children. This is why all paediatric care centres need to upgrade their existing equipment. Getting better equipment can also be a low-cost way to improve the quality and efficiency of the healthcare setting. The availability of cutting-edge equipment and technology is vital to diagnose and treat paediatric patients effectively.  Promote screening and early diagnosis Critical for the effective treatment of paediatric diseases, the early diagnosis of paediatric diseases can result in prompt treatment, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of complications. Educating parents, guardians, primary caregivers, and healthcare professionals about the importance of early diagnosis is another way of strengthening India's paediatric infrastructure.  Mobile diagnostic units  Diagnostic services are limited in rural areas, another important factor that negatively impacts children's health. By establishing mobile diagnostic units for paediatric diseases, doctors can travel to remote and underserved regions of India and provide them with medical services they are otherwise not privy to. The units should be equipped to perform on-site testing that allows patients to receive diagnosis and treatment plans faster. This solution also reduced overall healthcare costs as patients no longer need to travel to a medical facility to get the care they deserve.  Paediatric friendly infrastructure Children's healthcare needs are unique, requiring specialised facilities and equipment for adequate care. Creating a safe and comfortable paediatric-friendly environment can improve the child's experience in the hospital while alleviating the stress and anxiety of both parents and children. The environment can also play a significant role in improving children's healthcare outcomes. A paediatric-friendly environment helps healthcare professionals efficiently diagnose, treat, and manage a broader range of paediatric conditions. It also aids in preventing the spread of infections and reducing the risk of medical errors, which are particularly important in paediatric diseases.  Paediatric reports and sample collection The approach towards paediatric healthcare is very different from that of adult healthcare. Children need to undergo specific tests and procedures that differ from adults. Offering customised paediatric reports and sample collection can ensure that the child gets the appropriate test and procedure for their age and development. In the same way, providing results tailored to the child's developmental stages is easier to understand by parents and caregivers that do not have too much of medical background. This ensures better care and proper treatment for the ailing child.  Creating a national paediatric diagnostic database A national paediatric database can play a critical role in bolstering the paediatric infrastructure of India. This database can provide vital information about the prevalence of paediatric diseases, the available diagnostic facilities, and the quality of care offered at these facilities. With the help of this database, healthcare providers can also identify any area that may need a little more investment to better the paediatric infrastructure.  Conclusion While there are several hurdles in the way of this development, they can be valuable tools for improving paediatric healthcare and its outcome in India. Suppose the government, healthcare professionals, and private sector work together to address India's paediatric healthcare challenges. It will ensure that every child has access to the quality of healthcare they deserve and significantly impact the overall health outcome of children in India. 

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India’s Pipe Dream to Eliminate TB by 2025: Metropolis' Experts Explain

In March 2018, PM Narendra Modi announced the Government’s aim to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from India by 2025. Tuberculosis is probably the oldest known disease in the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared its mission ‘End TB Strategy’ in 2014, adopted by the World Health Assembly.  With its huge population of nearly 1.4 billion people, India has taken an almost impossible task to complete by 2025. Although it is an overtly welcomed and praiseworthy initiative, India might fall short of time to reach its goal.  According to the global report, the reduction rate of TB at present is 1.5%. Therefore, to eliminate TB worldwide, the reduction rate has to be increased from 1.5% to 18%. Moreover, it is not quite possible to remove TB from the earth’s surface before 2100.   India has the highest rate of TB cases in the world. Though the annual report of 2017 has revealed a steep reduction from 2000 to 2005, the severity of COVID-19 has increased the rate of known cases. Hence, India might reach near to its goal in 2025 if the reduction rate remains more than 18% for the remaining years.  According to Dr Rohini Kelkar, Senior [Su1] Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, and Microbiology and Molecular Microbiology at Metropolis, New Delhi the clinical presentation complexities and the availability of various diagnostic tests reveal that the role of Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (MI) tools will work as a helping hand for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme. She added that the right test and suitable interpretation of the test result are important to cure TB. Read the article below to become aware of Tuberculosis.  What is TB? TB is the abbreviation for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a chronic disease. It targets the human lungs and voice box. Moreover, tuberculosis can spread from the lungs to other internal organs.   Stages of TB Scientists and doctors have categorised Tuberculosis into three stages: Exposure: If you come in contact with an unguarded infected person, you will get infected with TB. Latent: Most of the population infected with TB do not show any symptoms at all. You will show positive skin tests and normal X-Ray if you are in the latent stage. Active: If you start showing signs and symptoms of TB, you are at the last stage of TB. Causes The bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes the disease tuberculosis. Moreover, tuberculosis is a highly contagious airborne disease. Therefore, tiny droplets are released from coughing, sneezing and talking. If you come in contact with an infected person, you will also likely get infected.  Symptoms You can spot the following symptoms in a patient with active TB: Cough Coughing up blood or mucus Chest pain Pain with breathing or coughing Fever Chills Night sweats Weight loss Loss of appetite Tiredness Not feeling well in general Children are at a higher risk of tuberculosis infection. Check if your infants are showing any of the following symptoms: Has become sluggish Bulging soft spot on the head Nagging Vomiting Poor feeding Not gaining weight Teenagers and young children below 12 years of age show similar symptoms to adults.  Risk factors TB can affect any age group. However, you should be careful, as active TB can spread outside the lungs into kidneys, lymph nodes, liver, larynx, skin, genitals, bones and joints. You should take extra protective measures if you are a Patient with HIV Patient with cancer Living in a congested area Living in an unhealthy environment India’s goal in eradicating TB India adds the most shares to the global TB percentage. In March 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India’s pipe dream of eliminating TB from India by 2025. Undoubtedly a commendable initiative, the mission stands against the different complex structures of India. Hence, according to different experts, India might not be able to reach its goal anytime soon.  Challenges India meets to eliminate TB The government and private sectors are facing serious challenges while curbing tuberculosis. Some of the major challenges that you should consider are as follows: Socio-economic condition: India might not be a poor country, but a few groups of people in India are still poor. Therefore, most Indians cannot afford a healthy lifestyle. People in the slum area, hilly regions and even in prisons live an unhealthy and congested life. Hence, the breeding of harmful bacteria is common in those parts. Moreover, unhealthy habits of smoking, drinking, sharing unhealthy foods and drinking water may act as positive catalysts to the mass spreading. Hence, TB is also called a social disease. Lack of awareness: Lack of proper awareness is another magnanimous challenge faced by the Government in cutting down TB cases. People in rural and somewhat even urban areas do not take proper actions and preventive measures against TB.  Insufficient reporting from private hospitals: People often seek help from private hospitals for treating TB. However, private hospitals do not take extra care of these patients and do not report the correct number. Hence, the initiative is facing hindrances from responsible authorities. What needs to be done? Spread proper awareness among the masses. Establish constructive cooperation of private sectors with the Government. Provide free medicines and vaccines (BCG for infants) for the masses. Train healthcare professionals about the necessary rules and treatment process. The social and economic uplifting of mass. Cleaner housing initiative by the Government. Put more funds into the mission. Final take Undoubtedly, the aim to eliminate one of the oldest diseases in the world by 2025 is an arduous task. Furthermore, reaching the goal is a big deal. India is a country with a population of nearly 1.4 billion. Most of this population belongs to the below poverty line and is not aware of the fatality of tuberculosis. Moreover, what started in 2018, came to a standstill in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, besides the governmental and private initiatives, it is our job to make people aware and to promise children to offer them a nation free of tuberculosis.

Metropolis Labs

Heart Health: Insights into Heart Disease and a Heart-Healthy Diet

Coronary heart disease is a major cause of death around the world. About half of cardiac arrests and most strokes happen to individuals whose cholesterol levels are normal. Cholesterol alone is not a good way to tell if someone will have a stroke. Today, a lot of healthy people die young. Most of them don't know their family history as a risk factor for early heart disease. This can put them at risk. In an exclusive interview with OnlyMyHealth, Dr. Ravi Kumar H.N., VP and Senior Pathologist at RV Metropolis Lab in Bengaluru, shares some tips on how to keep your heart healthy. He says that many new tests, such as coronary risk profiles, are available. However, people do only cholesterol or Lipid profile tests and take it for granted that they are normal. Numerous other factors contribute to early heart attacks. These include obesity, lack of regular exercise, quality sleep, sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, anxiety, stress, smoking, high blood pressure (BP), and diabetes mellitus (DM)." How to Maintain a Healthy Heart? When it comes to maintaining a healthy heart, there are three key factors that you need to keep in mind: high blood pressure, diabetes, and your family's health history. Here's a closer look at each of these factors: High blood pressure is one of the leading contributors to heart disease. To manage your blood pressure levels effectively, you should aim for a balanced diet that is low in sodium and saturated fats. Regular exercise can also help lower your blood pressure over time. Diabetes can damage the arteries and increase the risk of developing heart disease. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, make sure that you manage it carefully by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Knowing your family's health history is crucial as genetics play an important role in determining your risk for developing heart disease. If there are any instances of heart disease within your family then make sure that you inform your doctor about this so they can monitor you more closely. By taking steps to control high blood pressure levels, managing diabetes carefully and keeping track of your family's medical history, you can maintain your cardiovascular health over time! The Role of Cholesterol in Maintaining a Healthy Heart Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for the proper functioning of your body. However, having high levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of arteries, leading to cardiovascular problems. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess LDL from the bloodstream. To maintain your heart health, it's important to maintain a balance between these two types of cholesterol. You can do this by maintaining a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources like fish or chicken breast. If you have high levels of bad cholesterol despite making dietary changes, medications such as statins may be prescribed by your doctor to lower your risk for heart disease. It's important to speak with your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have regarding managing your blood lipid levels. The Role of Homocysteine in Maintaining a Healthy Heart Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for leading a happy and fulfilling life. By taking care of your blood pressure, managing diabetes, and being mindful of your family's health history, you can go a long way in preventing heart disease. But it's not just about these factors alone. You also need to pay attention to cholesterol levels and the role that homocysteine plays in maintaining a healthy heart. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in your blood that can damage your arteries when its levels become too high. This damage can lead to blockages and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Maintaining lower homocysteine levels through diet or supplements such as folic acid, vitamin B6, or B12 may help reduce this risk. Conclusion Maintaining your heart health requires commitment and effort. Following a balance between good and bad cholesterol is ideal for a good and healthy heart. It is also essential to maintain healthy homocysteine levels. It takes more than regular exercise and eating right; it demands consistent monitoring of all aspects of your lifestyle along with medical intervention when necessary. But by making small changes over time, like cutting out processed foods or reducing stress levels, you can improve the overall quality of life while mitigating risks associated with cardiovascular disease!

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Metropolis Experts Explain How to Stay Away from Typhoid with Handwash and Vaccines

Typhoid is one of the epidemical health issues that has affected humans through the centuries. The first outbreak was witnessed in 430 BC. Later in 1850, English physician William Budd described it as a water-borne disease caused by bacteria. During early recognition, people were unaware of its consequences and safety measures.  But now, many counter-solutions are present to fight back against the disease or prevent it. For instance, several medicines and antibiotics have been invented, and multiple items like water filters, soaps, and handwash are readily available to save people from life-taking illnesses. According to Dr R Lakshmi Priya, Senior Consultant Microbiologist & Molecular Biologist, at Metropolis Healthcare, Chennai, parents are reluctant to give street food to their children because typhoid spreads through contaminated food and water. She says that typhoid spreads through Salmonella enterica bacteria which can lead to two types of fever: typhoid caused because of Salmonella typhi and paratyphoid caused because of Salmonella paratyphi. What is Typhoid?  Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It spreads through infected food and water and multiplies after entering the blood. Under proper medical supervision and guidance, typhoid patients recover within 7 to 10 days, but in some cases, they may also take up to two weeks. However, if left unnoticed for a long time, it may prove to be fatal. Complications associated with typhoid include developmental issues in the bone, meningitis, and intestinal ulcers or perforation. Causes of typhoid Even though multiple health programs, promotions, and guidelines have been declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are countless typhoid attacks today. It mainly hovers on the Asian and African belts. Nearly millions of people die every year from typhoid fever.   An eye-opening fact is that the people here often lack the basic amenities of life. Hence, they cannot manage to protect themselves from the bacterial strike. The most probable causes of typhoid are: ● Poor hygiene and sanitation ● Insufficient water supply ● Unfiltered water and contaminated food intake ● Rising slums and crowds ● Inadequate medical supplies ● Lack of information and awareness Recently, people have been diagnosed with a resistant strain of typhoid bacteria. According to Dr Laxmi Priya, the bacteria has modified itself in such a way that it has become resistant to new medications but remains sensitive to old ones. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Nevertheless, she adds that most antibiotics are still effective against bacteria. Symptoms of typhoid It is beneficial to seek medical advice at an early stage of the disease to prevent complications. Generally, a person shows the following symptoms if typhoid bacteria enters the body. ● High fever throughout the day ● Chills ● Muscle aches and rashes ● Headache and stomach pain ● Weakness and tiredness ● Alternating constipation or diarrhoea ● Vomiting ● Cough It is advisable to consult a physician to know about the curative measures to eliminate the illness. Several advanced technologies are available to help analyze one's condition and get the necessary treatment.  When should one visit a doctor? The bacteria, Salmonella typhi, has an incubation period of two weeks. However, patients can start showing symptoms as early as 2 to 3 days after contracting the bacteria. The best way to confirm the bacterial attack is a blood test. If a person gets a positive result, he or she must instantly consult a medical practitioner. Wasting a single moment can bring out severe aftereffects. As per Dr Laxmi Priya, if a patient is not vaccinated or if the infection remains undiagnosed or untreated, then it may lead to complications like perforation and haemorrhage. The doctor will recommend medicines, antibiotics, and rest to ensure complete recovery. Treatment and diagnosis of typhoid For diagnosing typhoid, several kinds of blood tests may be performed. These include: Blood culture test: This is done to confirm the presence of bacteria. It is usually done twice, once for confirmation and the second time after taking medications. Typhidot rapid antibody test: This test detects antibodies against the bacteria and is done in the second week of diagnosis. Widal antibody test: This test also detects antibodies against the bacteria and is done within six to seven days of fever. Stool and urine culture test: This is done in the fourth week of infection. This test is also done to diagnose asymptomatic typhoid carriers who do not show symptoms but show the presence of bacteria in their stool or urine. There are several antibiotics which are effective in typhoid. These medications work by killing or disintegrating bacterial cell membranes. Patients need to take proper doses of antibiotics as typhoid can come back if treated inappropriately. If the duration of the antibiotic is not appropriate or in case the right antibiotics are not taken, then it will allow bacteria to survive in the body. Such bacteria may remain in the bone marrow, intestine or bloodstream and can recur in 2-3 weeks after initial recovery. What are the steps to tackle typhoid?  Medical specialists are concerned about the advent and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria. Research is ongoing, and doctors are struggling to find cures for the uncommon strains of typhoid bacteria. Moreover, the government and NGOs are working together to guide people about the new strain and educate them to take the required preventive measures. Preventive measures include: ● Washing hands before and after eating ● Washing hands after using the toilet ● Avoiding eating open and stale food, especially from street vendors ● Using filters and chlorinated water for regular drinking ● Washing fruits and vegetables before eating ● Using hand wash and hand sanitisers Apart from the above-mentioned points, people should also take proper vaccinations. There are two types of vaccines available, one is an inactive vaccine (injection) and the other is a live vaccine(oral). But it must be noted that these vaccines are not 100% effective and cannot work as a replacement for eating and drinking hygienic food.  According to Dr Lakshmi Priya, there is a new typhoid vaccine available called typhoid conjugate vaccine, which provides longer immunity against the disease. Conclusion Typhoid has been a concerning health problem for years. However, it is a treatable condition if diagnosed on time and treated appropriately. In addition, since it is a food and water-borne disease, people may protect themselves from falling prey to typhoid bacteria through preventive measures. Therefore, people must eat hygienic food and drinks, avoid food kept in the open, clean their surroundings, use handwash before eating food, and take vaccines on time to avoid being infected. If symptoms occur, one should immediately visit a doctor and take medications as prescribed.

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