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Tonsillitis, sometimes casually just called ‘tonsils’, is a condition in which the pads of tissue which are present at the back of the throat are inflamed. This occurs due to an infection in the tonsils. The infection can be caused by bacteria and viruses. It is a painful condition which causes discomfort and requires some form of intervention. Tonsils are soft tissues which are present at the back of the throat. Symptoms of Tonsillitis The common symptoms of tonsillitis are: ⦁ Throat pain ⦁ Inflammation of tonsils ⦁ High Fever ⦁ Difficulty in Swallowing ⦁ Pain in ear ⦁ Changes in voice ⦁ Sore throat ⦁ White spots on tonsils How to Get Rid of Tonsils Pain? The following activities can be done for immediate relief from tonsillitis: ⦁ Gargling Gargling is a very effective method of dealing with pain caused by tonsillitis. Use warm saltwater and gargle for a few seconds. The warm salt water provides immediate relief from tonsils. Gargling is a good solution because it can be repeated multiple times. It provides short term relief whenever needed. ⦁ Monitoring Diet Maintaining a diet in tonsillitis is a very important question as there are food substances which can be helpful as well as harmful. What to eat in tonsils? A cooling sensation in the throat provides a soothing action. Eating cold foods can be very helpful. The following foods can be helpful: ⦁ Icecreams ⦁ Popsicles ⦁ Menthol chewing gums ⦁ Yoghurt What not to eat tonsillitis? Food items which are hard may harm the throat. The items which should be avoided are: Credits: Pexels Caption: Hard food items such as chips should be avoided in tonsillitis. ⦁ Cereal ⦁ Chips ⦁ Toasted bread ⦁ Carrots ⦁ Apples ⦁ Crackers ⦁ Inhaling Steam Inhaling Steam can provide immediate pain relief from tonsillitis pain. Dry air can be harmful to the throat. Air which has moisture content helps with sore throat and pain. A humidifier is also helpful. Humidifiers are devices which increase indoor humidity. An increase in the humidity eliminates discomfort causing dry air. Credits: Pexels Caption: Taking steam increases the moisture in the throat providing pain relief. ⦁ Warm Liquids Ingesting warm liquids has a soothing action on the throat. Warm liquids provide relief from throat trouble. Do not use both warm liquids and cold foods at the same time. It is better to stick to one. The warm liquids can include soup, tea and broth among others. Many different types of herbal teas such as tulsi and ginger can also be used. Credits: Pexels Caption: Warm liquids have a soothing effect on the throat ⦁ Painkillers Some medications can be taken without consulting a doctor. These are called over-the-counter medications. These medications act directly on the pain and reduce it. It is advised to take these only after consulting a doctor or a pharmacist so that you have a correct dosage. Common painkillers used in tonsillitis are: ⦁ Ibuprofen ⦁ Acetaminophen ⦁ Aspirin ⦁ Throat Lozenges and Sprays A throat lozenge a small which dissolves in the mouth. It does not require water. Throat lozenges are specially designed to provide relief to the throat. The lozenges and sprays can have anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory or analgesic action all of which are helpful in pain relief. Sprays and lozenges are preferred because they act directly on the site of action in the throat. They are available in pharmacies. The pharmacist will guide you on how to use them. Throat sprays commonly include phenol and dibucaine. ⦁ Rest Resting your voice as well as your body is important. Tonsillitis often leads to a muffled voice which people try to overcome by speaking loudly. Do not strain your voice by increasing the volume. Rest your voice as much as possible for pain relief. The strain on your voice causes damage to the throat. Overall rest is also important. Your body is fighting an infection and resting can be helpful in that. Takeaway Tonsillitis or Tonsils are a common condition. You can use the above-mentioned remedies for pain relief. If your pain is increasing then you should see a doctor. It usually lasts for 4 to 10 days. The treatment for bacterial tonsillitis involves antibiotics which a doctor has to prescribe whereas in viral tonsillitis symptomatic treatment is #Howtogetridoftonsils #Whattoeatintonsils #Whitespotsontonsils

Although the use of mobile phones is popular, there is a lot of anxiety and paranoia that a considerable amount of people face when it comes to excessive cell phone use. Some people assume the constant use of could slowly damage the brain. The terms “disintegrate”, ” fry” and “cook” have been used to describe how people think cell phones damage the brain cells. What Is a Brain Tumor? A brain tumor is developed when some specific brain cells begin to multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Usually, cell division is followed by cell specialization, a process where cells become functional for a specific purpose. In case of brain tumors, these cells do not undergo specialization and form a mass of required cells known as a tumor. They are dangerous as they press on important nerves and brain cells, and could possibly block neurotransmitters for neurological communication as well. Credit : pexel Caption: Can cell phones cause brain damage and tumor? There are 2 contradictory thoughts here. Let’s look at both. For: Are We Being Overparanoid? The main reasons why the use of cell phones has become a large concern among the population is due to its emissions of microwaves and radiowaves. Microwaves are known to have heating properties. It is the same wave used in the microwave supply in your kitchen that you use to heat food. Based on this school of thought, it’s a misconception that the emission of these waves from cell phones could damage the brain and lead to tumor formation. But the levels of emissions are extremely low and not sufficient enough to cause any damage. Another reason that creates anxiety in some people is the location of cell phone towers. A lot of people assume that the closer one is to the tower, the stronger will be the connection and emission and hence it could damage brain cells. This is simply not true as the closer one is to a tower, the lesser waves are needed to be transmitted in order for the radiations to reach the tower. Hence, if one is in the vicinity of phone towers, their chances of brain tumor would be considerably reduced. But despite all these reasons supporting the fact that cell phones are not dangerous, WHO concluded that cell phones could be a possible cause of brain tumor. Which brings us to the contradictory study. Swedish Study : Analysis and Experimental Research        Credit: pexel The Swedish Study: A Contradictory Thought According to this study, people who use cell phones are 30% more likely to develop a common type of malignant form of brain cancer known as gliomas. In addition, people who use cell phones over 25 years have also shown an increased risk. However, another successful Swedish study contradicts this previous one. Researchers concluded that if the use of cell phones have increased over the years, then statistically, the number of brain tumor cases should also increase. Surprisingly, after thorough analysis the rates seemed to be steady, decreasing and 40% lesser than predicted. Credit: pexel Caption: Cell phones are highly available Problems With the Studies The introduction of cell phones is relatively new, it was introduced around the 1980s and it’s usage became widely popular only in the 2000s. Due to this, there has been no sufficient amount of research to confirm that cell phones could cause brain tumors. Another problem that arises during experimental studies is the rareness of brain tumors. It is almost impossible to predict if a person could develop a tumor or not. Due to this experiments have to be carried out on a large number of people to increase the probability and likelihood. This method is highly impractical and time consuming with no grantees. Moreover, it is impossible to study the effects of radiation by comparing a group of individuals who use cell phones and a group that does not as almost every person has access to a cell phone. In fact, there are more phones than people in the world. This makes research and experiments difficult and almost impossible to conclude. Conclusion As of now, the theory that cell phone radiation causes brain tumors is unlikely as the majority of studies lean more towards the success of proving that these radiations are not linked to brain tumors. However, it is also established that these experimental studies are neither definitive nor conclusive due to the common possession of mobile phones and rareness in the occurrence of brain tumors. This is why WHO classified cell phones as only a “possible” threat and the research is still ongoing.

Living with bone diseases means facing daily life challenges. Bones are composed of living tissues that not only provide support and form the shape for our bodies but also protect the body’s inner organs. Although the bones are very light, they are strong enough to support one’s entire body weight. A human body is made up of 206 bones, and just like all the other body parts, bones also are constantly going through a cycle of renewal through a process called remodeling. Bone diseases can make your bone easy to break. So, it becomes important to get enough Calcium, Vitamin D, and exercise to prevent bone loss when you are older. Most Common Bone Diseases That People Suffer in India ⦁ Osteoporosis Osteoporosis means “porous bone”, and is a condition where the bones become very weak and brittle. It is by far the most common bone disease in India that occurs when the body loses too much bone or makes too little bone or both. Caption: Bones affected with osteoporosis disease Credits: Wikimedia.org It is commonly found to affect women more than men, and even the children may be at risk of developing juvenile osteoporosis. Symptoms of osteoporosis don’t surface until a bone fracture makes them visit a nearby doctor who makes the diagnosis. In serious cases, the bones tend to fracture with just a sneeze or minor bumps. ⦁ Paget’s Disease This is a chronic bone disorder where the bone renewal process (remodeling) is disrupted. In Paget’s disease, the bone remodeling process occurs too quickly, leading to abnormally shaped, brittle, or weak bones. The bone deformities are usually found in areas of the spine, skull, pelvis, and the long bones of the thighs. Risk factors of Paget’s disease include increasing age and a hereditary component. Caption: Deformed bone due to paget’s disease Credits: Wikimedia.org ⦁ Rickets Also, called osteomalacia is commonly found in children with inadequate Vitamin D, Calcium, and Phosphate. The disease is characterized by softening and weakening of the bones, leading to stunted growth, and, in severe cases, skeletal deformities in the body. Caption: Deformed bone of the child due to rickets Credits: Wikimedia.org ⦁ Osteonecrosis A disease called Avascular necrosis results due to the death of bone cells. Osteonecrosis results due to the disruption of blood flow to the bone causing the death of bone tissue. Symptoms include pain that worsens gradually. Osteonecrosis is associated with Prolonged high-dose steroid use. Caption: Death of bone cells due to osteonecrosis Credits: Wikimedia.org ⦁ Bone Tumors Bone tumors result due to the growth of abnormal mass of tissue inside the bone. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Bone tumors results due to abnormal healing of an injury inherited conditions and radiation therapy. People with a bone tumor may experience dull, aching pain and minor injury near the tumor. Caption: Abnormal growth of cells inside bone Credits: Wikimedia.org ⦁ Osteoarthritis A chronic degenerative joint disease, that occurs due to the wear down of protective cartilage over time. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that acts as a cushion between bones breaks down. The symptoms include pain, inflammation, and stiffness gradually worsens over time. Caption: inflammation in the joint showing osteoarthritis Credits: Pixabay ⦁ Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disease that results due to immunodeficiency disorder. In RA, Inflammatory changes occur throughout the connective tissues of the body causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in irreversible bone erosion and damage to the joint. Caption: Rheumatoid arthritis bone disorder Credits: pixabay ⦁ Scoliosis It Is a deviation in the normal spinal curvature which may include lateral, or sideways, deviation of the spine, or vertebral column. It usually strikes just before puberty. Most cases are reported with mild symptoms but in some cases, it worsens over time. Caption: Deviated spinal curvature due to scoliosis Credits: pixabay ⦁ Low Bone Density Also called osteopenia, is a condition with lower bone density. Low bone density can lead to osteoporosis in the future if you lose more bone density. It is important to improve bone density to avoid osteoporosis. ⦁ Gout Caption: Inflammatory gout disease Credits: Wikimedia.org Gout is a metabolic disorder that results due to the deposition of uric acid crystals in and around the joints. It is characterized by recurrent acute attacks of severe inflammation in one or more joints. Conclusion In addition to the above mentioned bone disorders, there are many other bone disorders that are found to be rare and affecting the Indian population. It is important for us to take care of our bone health as we age, because the remodelling process becomes slow and bones tend to become weak as we age. Consume foods rich in calcium, exercise and absorb vitamin D from sunlight daily for at least 15 minutes. #Bonedisease #Osteoarthritis #RheumatoidArthritis

Bleeding gums is a common phenomenon that affects many people. It can have various reasons ranging from diseases to injuries. In most cases, it occurs due to gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition in which a sticky film called plaque forms on the teeth. Plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria and causes bleeding. In case you are suffering from bleeding gums and cannot figure out why here are 7 causes of bleeding gums that are rare but can affect you. 1. A New Toothbrush There are many different kinds of toothbrushes available today. They differ in shape, size, texture and the type of bristles. A new toothbrush can often damage the gums because of excessive hardness. It is recommended to use soft-bristled toothbrushes so that they do not cause any damage. If you have recently switched your toothbrush and have started noticing bleeding gums then you should get a new one. 2. Flossing Technique Dentists recommend flossing as it helps in maintaining proper dental hygiene. Improper flossing can cause bleeding. It requires you to navigate through the small openings between your teeth which can be a difficult task. Ensure that you do not press the floss against the gums as that can damage them. You can also try decreasing the number of times you floss. Dentists recommend flossing once a week. 3. Stress Stress can cause bleeding gums. There are studies which suggest that stress can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels which can result in bleeding gums. An increase in stress can also diminish the ability of the immune system which can slow the healing process of bleeding gums. Reduce your overall stress level and it can be helpful in reducing gum bleeding. Credits: Pexels Caption: Stress can be a cause for bleeding gums. 4. Medicines There are various medications which can cause gum bleeding. The most common of these medications are blood thinners. This type of medication can increase the amount of bleeding that occurs from your gums. If you have started any new medications, then inform your dentist as well as the doctor who has prescribed the new medication. They will most likely give you an alternative medication. 5. Gingivitis During Pregnancy If you are pregnant and your gums are bleeding then it could be due to pregnancy. During pregnancy hormones levels are elevated. These hormones can increase the flow of blood to your gums making them extra sensitive. Sensitive gums lead to excessive plaque build-up and cause bleeding. This form of gingivitis resolves on its own after the pregnancy. Credits: Pexels Caption: Gingivitis due to pregnancy resolves on its own after the pregnancy. 6. Overbite Overbite or malocclusion of teeth is a condition in which the alignment of the teeth is incorrect. This condition can cause severe oral problems. If you observe misalignment of your teeth or have suffered an external injury to the face or jaw then you should consult a dentist immediately. It can cause gum bleeding along with other dental disorders. This condition requires treatment. Early intervention increases the success rate. Using braces is a common form of treatment for an overbite. 7. Smoking Smoking along with its various other harmful effects can also cause gum bleeding. Smoking makes the gums extra sensitive. This sensitivity makes it easier for bacteria to enter the gums through plaque. Smoking can also lead to various other dental health problems. Credits: Pexels Caption: Gum bleeding can be caused by smoking. Takeaway Try making the above-mentioned changes and observe whether your bleeding gums stop. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is an essential part of overall health. If bleeding lasts for more than 10 days then you should see a dentist. It is recommended to softly brush twice a day, floss once a week and use a mouthwash after brushing to maintain proper dental health.

Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day. It means breaking the fast of the previous night. People say eat like a king during breakfast, this is because overnight fasting increases the acidity in the stomach, lowers our energy levels, and makes us lethargic. But a king would never eat parathas if he knew what they were doing to them. Numerous research studies indicate that having breakfast rich in simple carbohydrates increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. So, it’s always good to have breakfast that is rich in proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. It’s time to forget your daily parathas and gobble on to healthy Indian breakfast options. 10 Healthy Indian Breakfast Options Which You Can Prepare To Boost Your Energy Levels ⦁ Upma Upma, a dish originating from deep southern India is cooked from dry-roasted semolina or coarse rice flour also known as Rava. Dry-roasted semolina cooked with veggies not only makes the dish tastier but also healthier. Upma is rich in protein, Vitamin B, and iron and proves to be the best Indian easy to make breakfast option. ⦁ Idli Idli or idly is a popular healthy breakfast food in Southern India. It is a rice cake made by steaming a batter of fermented black lentils and rice. Fermentation of these grains and pulses increases the bioavailability of proteins, minerals, and vitamin-B content in the food, helping the body to assimilate more nutrition. Caption: Idli- a famous Indian breakfast Credits: unsplash ⦁ Dosa Dosa is made from fermented batter of rice and black grams, which are grounded together into a fine, smooth batter with a dash of salt. The batter is then spread onto a hot plate to make it a rice pancake. Dosa is good for the heart as it contains very less saturated fat and is a rich source of iron, proteins, and carbohydrates. Caption: Dosa, a light and healthy Indian breakfast for good heart Credits: pixabay ⦁ Poha Poha also referred to as pohe is a Maharashtrian breakfast. It is made with soaked flattened rice in water, cooked with veggies like potatoes, tomato, peas, peanuts, and onions. Poha serves as an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, iron, and is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and free of gluten. Caption: rice flakes poha a light and easy o make Indian breakfast Credits: pexels ⦁ Indian Sandwich Yes, technically sandwiches aren’t Indian but they can be if you make them with Indian ingredients like paneer and leftover veggies. A healthy sandwich provides you around 400-500 calories which is enough to boost your energy levels for the day. Loaded with veggies, and cheese placed in between the slices of bread makes it one of the healthy and delicious breakfast. You can eat it either grilled or just raw. Caption: Sandwich loaded with greens and cheese Credits: pixabay ⦁ Dhokla Dhokla comes from Gujarat. This humble dish made from fermented batter of rice and split chickpeas is famous all over India. It is a fluffy, light, and easy to digest delicacy seasoned with coriander leaves, mustard seeds, green chutney, and fried green chilies. The dish is high in nutritive values and serves to be the best breakfast option. Caption: Dhokla a light and fluffy Indian Breakfast Credits: Pixabay ⦁ Besan Cheela This dish is also referred to as eggless vegetable omelette made with gram flour, salt, oregano, and turmeric. It is made like a pancake and serves one of the healthy Indian breakfast recipes with energy-boosting capacity. The taste can be enhanced by adding chopped onions and turmeric. Besan cheela is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Caption: Besan cheela- The Indian eggless veg omelette Credits: Pixabay ⦁ Daliya/Porridge Porridge or daliya is a healthy food commonly eaten as a breakfast cereal dish. It can be made from oats, broken wheat, or grains that are crushed or chopped in water or milk with some sugar and fruits and brought to a boil. One small bowl of Porridge gives you healthy fibers and micronutrients, it benefits your overall health and provides energy to fuel your active lifestyle. Caption: A bowl of healthy oats porridge Credits: Pixabay #Deliciousbreakfast #Easytomakebreakfast #Breakfast #Healthybreakfast #HealthyIndianbreakfast #Indianbreakfast

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that occurs in about 10% of women in the reproductive age. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown but it leads to an increase in luteinizing hormone and elevated male hormones in the female’s body. As a result, it leads to an increase in ovarian growth and the formation of cysts. Due to unconfirmed causes and ongoing research on this disorder, doctors do not have complete knowledge about this condition yet. As a result of unavailable information, it has paved the way for people to form myths and restrictions on women suffering from PCOS. They are forced to live their lives less efficiently with numerous restrictive barriers. This is why it is important to understand PCOS and the normal changes that your body will undergo when you suffer from this condition. Here’s a list of 6 things that are completely normal if you have PCOS: Credit: pexel Caption : excessive acne ⦁ Excessive Acne The development of excessive facial acne is common in 45% of women who suffer from PCOS. The female body has both male and female hormones with the latter being in higher levels in the body. Normally, the pituitary gland is responsible for the check of oestrogen, progesterone and androgen in the body. However, in case of PCOS, the normal maintenance of these levels get interrupted and as a result, the levels of male androgen abnormally increases. These levels cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce excess oily sebum which is followed by inflammation. This causes the formation of excessive acne around the jawline, cheeks and chin. ⦁ Irregular Periods For a woman with PCOS, irregular menstrual bleeding is normal. This is because the mechanism menstrual cycle solely depends on the specific levels of hormones in the body in every step. This includes the maturation of the ovules, oogenesis, ovulation and finally shedding of the uterine walls in the form of menstrual discharge which is commonly known as periods. However, due to imbalance of hormonal levels the cycle gets affected. ⦁ Fertility and Pregnancy Pregnancy is possible  Credits: pexel A lot of people assume that the ovaries do not ovulate in women with PCOS. This is a wrong assumption. Although it is true that due to excessive amounts of androgens, ovulation gets suppressed but with the help of a fertility specialist, it is possible for ovulation to occur and the woman may get pregnant. The release of an egg can be assisted with fertility injections. These injections contain hormones that the brain would usually release to promote the production of eggs. In some cases, women can conceive through IVF, wherein the eggs are extracted from the ovary and artificially fertilized in the lab and then injected back into the female’s uterus for implantation. Moreover, if pregnancy is still not possible due to multiple cysts formation in the uterus, surrogacy is another option. Bottom line: It is highly possible to start a family and have children even if you are suffering from PCOS. ⦁ Mood swings and depression caption: mental health problems  Credit: pexel Due to the combination of diagnosis and symptoms, PCOS is linked to mental health problems like mood swings and depression. Depression and anxiety can be caused due to multiple factors. A lot of times, changes in the hormonal levels are responsible. Moreover, unwelcome changes like formation of excessive acne, excessive hair growth and fertility problems creates a sense of lack control over their own health and can cause frustration. PCOS patients also have lower levels of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin that is associated with positive feelings. In conclusion, these feelings and mood swings are normal and with proper care, highly manageable. ⦁ Excess Androgen Causes Unusual Hair Growth and Weight Gain Credit: pexel Caption: weight gain Another side effect due to the excessive levels of the male androgen hormone in the body is unwanted hair growth known as hirsutism. In this condition, hair begins to grow on the face and other body parts like the chest, abdomen, neck, back, upper arms and legs. Hair follicles are hormone sensitively. Usually the hairs found in these areas are short, fine, soft and colourless. This is known as vellus hair but due to the increased levels of androgen, the growth becomes thick, coarse and dark and is known as terminal hair. Once vellus hair converts into terminal hair, the process is usually irreversible. In addition, high levels of male hormones can cause excessive weight gain and fat deposits in the belly, and stimulates a constant sensation of hunger.

It’s been months since the Covid-19 outbreak and while scientists are working meticulously, they haven’t been able to find a vaccine yet. This itself shows the importance of a vaccine against an infection. A vaccine activates our immune system without harming us. Several infectious diseases can be avoided using this simple and effective way. Vaccination Vaccination activates the immune system’s memory. While getting vaccination, a weakened microbe is added to the body. The immune system then gets activated without the microbe affecting us. For a few infections, vaccination provides lifelong protection, while for others, the effect decreases over a few years and then booster doses are needed. Let’s look at the six infections that it’s important to get vaccinated for every child and adult. Caption: Scar due to a BCG vaccine. Credits: Commons wikimedia Tuberculosis Tuberculosis is an extremely harmful disease for infants and adults alike. The Bacillus Calmette Guerin or BCG vaccine is given to counter tuberculosis. The BCG vaccine is a must and has been a medical mandate for more than seven decades. Also, it is one of the most widely used in current vaccines. This vaccine is injected to the outer skin in the arm of infants. After this injection, preventive measures for tuberculosis should be taken as it is a temporary vaccine. Its effects don’t last over 15 to 20 years. Diphtheria, Pertussis or Whooping cough and Tetanus Caption: Heat map of Tetanus related deaths in 2012 Credits: Wikipedia The DPT vaccine provides immunity and protection against the three deadly diseases, Diphtheria, Pertussis or a Whooping cough and Tetanus. This vaccine is also known as the Triple antigen. It is injected as an intramuscular vaccine to the infants at ages 1.5 months, 2.5 months and at 3.5 months. When the child grows up to be 1.5 years of age, they should be given a second dose of DPT vaccine. At the age of five, they should be given a double dose of DT vaccine which is a protection against germs to keep tetanus as well as diphtheria at bay. It is recommended every ten years. Again, at the age of 10, the tetanus vaccine is given. The DPT vaccine is not licensed for adolescent children who are seven years or older. As older children and adults need protection against these three diseases, a vaccine by the name of Tdap is given. It can be given from 11 to 64 years of age. Polio Caption: A girl receiving oral polio vaccine in India  Credits: Flickr Polio is perhaps one of the most critical diseases in India. The Oral Polio Vaccine or OPV is given to counter polio. Doctors and caregivers organize camps under government initiatives and even go to each house to administer the Pulse Polio Immunization Program where the OPV is given. The OPV is a must for newborn babies to receive. Hepatitis B Caption: WHO-UNICEF estimates of hepatitis B vaccine coverage. Credits: Commons wikimedia Hepatitis B critically affects the liver. The Hepatitis B vaccine and the Hepatitis B Immune Globulin vaccines are administered to infants at birth. T This happens if the mother is a carrier of the Hepatitis B viral protein (HBeAg) or the surface antigen of the Hepatitis B virus (HBsAg). However, if the mother tests negative for these viruses, then the vaccines are given to the baby after 6, 10, 14 and 24-weeks post-birth. This vaccine is very useful and is one of the safest vaccines among the top six vaccines declared important in India. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Caption: A MMR vaccination kit                                                                Credits: Commons wikimedia As the name suggests, the MMR vaccine protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella or German Measles. In India, the monovalent measles vaccine is given nine months post-birth. The second dose of the MMR vaccine is given at 12 to 15 months of age. Influenza Globally, 3 to 5 million cases of influenza are reported and up to 6,50,000 deaths occur each year. Caption: Prototype for a Universal Flu vaccine       Credits: Flickr In tropical countries like India, influenza circulates throughout the year. The true impact of influenza is usually under-recognized due to reasons like under-reporting and under-testing. Considering its impact, the most significant strategy is prevention through annual vaccination which can be taken at any time of the year. Not only children, but experts recommend that even adults should get the influenza vaccine every year at the onset of fall. In India, government hospitals offer many vaccination services made compulsory by the Indian Government at subsidized rates. The WHO recommends that currently, pregnant women should get the highest priority when it comes to vaccination. Other groups to be considered for vaccination are, children aged 6 months to 5 years, individuals with chronic medical conditions like heart conditions or diabetes, the elderly, and healthcare workers. #InfectionsVaccination

A healthy body is genetically programmed to fight off infections. The system involved in this function is known as the immune system. The detection of foreign pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites etc is most incredible in the human body. This complex system works more often than one would think. In our day-to-day activities, there are various opportunities for pathogens to enter the body. Infection is most commonly spread when your hands touch an infected surface and then your face. Although the immune system can easily fight off small infections, if it fails to do so, this same infection could multiply and advance to be very harmful. When the immune system fails, the condition is known as autoimmune disease. When this happens, the immune cells fail to recognize and differentiate between the cells that belong to the pathogen and the ones that belong to the human body. As a result, the system “turns on you” as it starts to attack all the cells present at the site, including healthy body cells, and the body weakens. Causes Numerous factors contribute to this failure. Scientists believe that the autoimmune disease is highly linked to genetics. It could also be caused by the combination of environmental factors and genetics. For example, the body possesses a gene which can cause mutations and abnormalities in the immune system but the gene is still inactive. Environmental factors like smoking, drugs, toxic agents, dietary supplements, etc. could trigger and activate this genetic mutation. Smoking- one of the biggest environmental trigger of autoimmunity  Credits: unsplash How The Immune System Destroys Body Cells The end result of autoimmunity is the failure of the immune cells to differentiate. However, there is no one fixed mechanism for this occurrence. ⦁ Antigen is a substance which induces or stimulates the immune cells to produce antibodies, proteins that bind to the pathogens like bacteria and viruses and defend the body against this invasion. Antigens are present on the surface of pathogens and human body cells (self antigens). They are known as markers because immune cells use it to identify and differentiate between the host cells and the foreign cells. However, if one has autoimmune disease, the immune cells lose their mechanism to identify self antigens present on the surface of body cells and start attacking it instead. This leads to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (bone disease), multiple sclerosis (neurological disease) and psoriasis (skin disease). ⦁ Another cause for destruction of self antigens by the immune cell is the failure of the activation induced cells death (AICD). In this process, when immune cells like T cells become old and are unable to efficiently perform its function, it undergoes apoptosis (cell death). This failure of AICD leads to the destruction of self antigens by worn-out dysfunctional immune cells and leads to autoimmunity. In most cases, once the immune cells start attacking the body cells, it releases cytokines. This substance causes inflammation and pain in the body, especially in joints. pain as a symptom of autoimmune disease  Credits: unsplash Symptoms The following symptoms are observed in most autoimmune diseases patients at the early stages: ⦁ Muscle ache ⦁ Fatigue ⦁ Swelling ⦁ Redness ⦁ Rashes ⦁ Numbness and tingling sensation Most Common Autoimmune Diseases They are the following: ⦁ Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) It is the most common type of lupus. In this condition, the immune cells randomly attack any part of the body cells and is very unpredictable. Outer myelin sheath covering of nerve cells  Credits : pixabay ⦁ Multiple sclerosis The outer protective layer of nerve cells is known as myelin sheath. This condition occurs when the immune system attacks this protective lining and causes problems in the transmission of signals in the nervous system. ⦁ Type 1 diabetes The immune cells attack the endocrine function of the pancreas. They are responsible for producing insulin, hormones that keep the sugar levels in the blood in check. Thus, the condition leads to high blood sugar known as diabetes. weight loss due to Addision’s disease  Credits: unsplash ⦁ Addison’s disease In this condition, the cells of the adrenal glands are attacked. As a result, the hormones responsible for storing glucose and carbohydrates are not produced. Moreover, it leads to the deficiency of sodium and excess of potassium, causing weight loss, tiredness, low blood sugar and fatigue. ⦁ Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) The immune cells attack the joint: the tissue lining and synovial fluid, causing proliferation and inflammation in the joints. This leads to redness, stiffness and pain. ⦁ Celiac disease Gluten is a type of protein found in rice, wheat and rye. In this condition, when gluten enters the small intestine, it serves as an environmental factor that triggers autoimmunity. As a result, the immune cells attack the digestive tract and cause inflammation. caption: ointment for psoriasis on hands  Credits: pexel ⦁ Psoriasis In normal conditions, skin cells grow consistently over time and replace old skin cells that fall off. However, in psoriasis, the immune cells attack skin cells and as a result, they grow rapidly and inconsistently to make up for the loss. The extra build in the skin is followed by inflammation and redness. ⦁ Inflammatory bowel disease A disease where immune cells attack the cells of the tissue lining of the intestinal wall and cause inflammation. Bottom Line Most autoimmune diseases are specific, meaning they will most likely target an organ or function and there are numerous different mechanisms that lead to autoimmunity.

Personality disorders are mental health conditions which are characterised by unhealthy and inflexible thinking. The behavioural pattern and way of thinking displayed by the individual suffering from personality disorders are considered harmful. Personality disorders can vary from mild to severe. Every individual has a unique personality which can differ from another in many ways. This makes distinguishing between normal personalities and ones with personality disorders very difficult. Causes of Personality Disorders The exact cause of personality disorders is not known. It is widely accepted that a combination of the following factors can cause personality disorders: ●Genetic Factors: Personality traits are often hereditary. People in the same families tend to have similar traits. Personality disorders may also run through heredity. ●Environmental Factors: External events and your surrounding conditions can have a serious effect on you. Extreme and unhealthy events can trigger personality disorders: Personality disorders are classified into 3 clusters: These are: Cluster A Personality Disorders Cluster A disorders are associated with suspicious and eccentric behaviour. The following disorders come under cluster A: Schizoid Personality Disorder A schizoid personality disorder is a condition in which people avoid social gatherings and have difficulty in expressing their emotions. This disorder is rare. Common traits which are exhibited in this disorder are: ●Wanting to be alone ●Humourless ●Having no desire for sexual relationships ●Inability to form friendships ●Lack of enjoyment while performing activities. Schizotypal Personality Disorder In this disorder, the sufferer is said to have abnormal and unusual behaviours. It is characterised with a deep distrust of others. In most cases, it is accompanied by social anxiety. The following can be symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder: ●Unusual dressing sense ●Using an abnormal speaking pattern ●Hearing imaginary voices ●Abnormal beliefs ●Believing that they have extraordinary abilities ●Unusual mannerisms ●Extremely suspicious Paranoid Personality Disorders These are the disorders in which a person exhibits extreme paranoia about every activity around them. There is a constant belief among the sufferers that other individuals want to harm them. Some common traits of paranoid personality disorder are: ●Perception problem ●Constant fear ●Suspicion ●Holding grudges ●Anger towards perceived threats ●Trust issues Credits: Pexels Caption: Constant fear and suspicion are characteristics of paranoid personality disorder. Cluster B Personality Disorders These are the personality disorders which are associated with erratic and emotional behaviours. These disorders onset during adolescence or early adulthood. Cluster B personality disorders affect individuals in their day to day working ability and cause distress. The following are cluster b personality disorders: Borderline Personality Disorder In this disorder, the way a person views themselves is affected along with their close relationships. The sufferers have a constant feeling of emptiness. Traits of borderline personality disorder are: ●Abandonment issues. ●Impulsive behaviour Credits: Pexels Caption: Impulsive behavior is common in borderline personality disorder. ●Rapid emotional swings ●Chronic emptiness ●Changes in self-image ●Self-destructive behaviour ●Anger Issues ●Recklessness Narcissistic Personality Disorder It is a condition in which people believe that they are superior to others. It is characterized by a requirement for excessive admiration and attention along with an increased sense of self-importance.This disorder creates issues in personal as well as professional lives of people. Commonly observed traits are: ●Inability to tolerate criticism ●Excessive self-importance ●Admiration needed ●Entitlement Histrionic Personality Disorder In this disorder, the patient constantly wants attention. The need for attention is so high that the individual does tasks with the motive of seeking attention The common traits associated with histrionic personality disorder are: ●Attention seeking behaviour ●False intimacy ●Excessive theatricality ●Provocative behaviour Antisocial Personality Disorder This disorder is characterised with antisocial behaviour. People display a blatant disregard for social norms. The following traits are common: ●Manipulation ●Deceitfulness ●Harsh behaviour ●Lack of remorse Cluster C Cluster personality disorders revolve around intense anxiety and fear. In these disorders, people avoid social situations as well as interpersonal contact. The following are the disorder under cluster C: Dependent Personality Disorder A dependent personality disorder is a condition in which the individual is dependent on someone else for their emotional and physical needs. The basis is often lack of self-confidence and not trusting themselves to make the right decision. They require all decisions to be taken for them by someone else. The traits which are common in dependent personality disorder are: ●Lack of confidence ●Constant care needed. ●Submissive nature ●Tolerating abusive treatment ●Inability to disagree with others Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Caption: People with ocd could be obsessed with neatness People suffering from this disorder need to maintain order and control. An obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder. The difference is that in obsessive-compulsive disorder, a common symptom is unwanted thoughts. These thoughts are absent in this personality disorder. The common traits observed are: ●Hoarding things ●Requiring schedules for everything ●Living by extreme standards ●Difficulty in delegating tasks ●Living in a tightly controlled environment Avoidant Personality Disorder It is a disorder in which people suffer from a high degree of shyness along with the constant fear of rejection. Loneliness is also a common symptom. Some of the traits observed in avoidant personality disorder are: ●A high degree of sensitivity towards criticism ●Constantly feeling inferior ●Boycotting social activities ●Lack of personal relationship Diagnosis and Treatment The diagnosis of personality disorders is difficult. It focusses on a series of questionnaires which focus on one’s perception, behavioural patterns, emotional responses and impulsive behaviour. The psychiatrist or psychologist does a detailed analysis before giving a diagnosis. The primary form of treatment is given in the form of various therapies that help individuals in dealing with personality disorders. There are no medications which are specifically used for personality disorders. However, various medications such as antidepressants and antianxiety agents are used by doctors. The following are the therapies which are used: ●Therapy ●Cognitive behavioural therapy ●Psychoanalytic therapy ●Psychoeducation ●Dialectical behavioural therapy Talking to a therapist is an effective form of treatment for personality disorders    Credits: Pexels Takeaway Personality disorders are serious mental health conditions and require expert intervention. If you are suffering from any symptoms, you should seek medical help. Therapies and medications can help in managing the conditions. There is constant research going on to understand personality disorders better. Various disorders such as sadistic personality disorder have been removed from personality disorders as part of the progress being made in this field. We are moving towards better understanding and treatment of personality disorders. #Clusterbpersonalitydisorder #Sadisticpersonalitydisorder #schizoidpersonalitydisorder

Does pain, and swelling in your joints make your life more complicated? Do you observe inflammation in your joints that recur often and impact your quality of life adversely? Well! All these symptoms tend to show that you may surely be affected by arthritis. What is Arthritis? Arthritis is an inflammatory progressive disease characterized by swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. This progressive disorder worsens with age and may lead to erosive joint damage and functional impairment in the patients. There are around 100 different types of Arthritis, among which osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common. Caption: Person holding his knees due to pain Credits:                         Pixabay What are the possible causes of Arthritis? The chronic inflammatory disorder is a precursor to various factors which may involve allergy due to certain foods that trigger the inflammatory responses, stress, altered or increased permeability of gut, Impairment of immune system, increased oxidative stress and damage to tissues. Arthritis in Young People One may think Arthritis to be an old age disorder which probably affects an elderly person with joint pain. But that’s not true; Arthritis pain and its symptoms can affect people even at a young age, as in their 30’s. In fact, it can even develop in children, teens, and younger adults. The symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, but they may also appear suddenly. Arthritis is more commonly found to affect women and people who are overweight. How do you know if you have symptoms of Arthritis? Symptoms of Arthritis can only be diagnosed by your health care professional. However, there are certain symptoms that you can assess on your own. So, watch out for these four important signs: 1. Pain Pain from arthritis may occur while resting or moving. It may remain for longer periods of time and may come and go. It has been reported that inflammatory mediators released from the synovium, bone or other tissues induce sensitization of articular pain receptors resulting in the feeling of pain. Enhanced pain perception at the site of injury, leads to the development of pain while walking or standing, and of tenderness in normal tissues. Caption: Knee joint showing inflammation Credits: Shutterstock 2. Swelling Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of joints for prolonged durations. The chemicals released at the site of injury or joint promote the increase of inflammatory substances within the joint. This results in swelling of the cushions at the end of the bones and synovium swelling. The skin over the affected area of the joint becomes red, stiff and swollen. It may feel warm to the touch. Prolonged inflammation at the site may sometimes lead to a loss of joint function. Swelling that lasts for three days or longer may require immediate medical attention. Caption: Multiple joint areas, showing inflammation Credits: pixabay 3. Stiffness Suffering from morning stiffness which lasts longer than an hour is a good reason to suspect arthritis. Stiffness of the joints is a classic symptom of arthritis which happens when your cartilage that protects your bones from friction begins to dry out and stiffen. Also, due to the decreased production of synovial fluid the joints may become stiff as there is not enough synovial fluid to keep your joints moving smoothly. So when you experience stiffness in your joints in the morning, or after sitting at a desk or riding in a car for a long time then consider a very high likelihood of arthritis. Caption: Arthritis can cause morning stiffness 4. Difficulty Moving a Joint Caption: Picture of a girl having a hard time moving her elbow joint If you are experiencing difficulty in moving your joint, pain while standing up, or while sitting. Some other symptoms of arthritis include Fatigue, weakness, rash, fever. What To Do A person who is experiencing pain, stiffness and swelling more often and for prolonged periods of time should visit their doctor immediately. Your doctor will help pin down the type and extent of arthritis you are suffering from. Getting an accurate diagnosis is an important step in getting timely medical care for your condition. #Symptomsofarthritis #RheumatoidArthritis #Osteoarthritis #Arthritis #Arthritispain

Globally, almost four billion are living with oral herpes infection and almost half a billion people with genital herpes. A new study by the World Health Organization estimates the global incidence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and infection prevalence. Herpes is a skin infection that affects billions of people worldwide and can have far-reaching health consequences. We need more commitment and investment to develop better prevention and treatment methods for this infection. A new study by the World Health Organization estimates the global incidence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and infection prevalence. Herpes is a skin infection that affects billions of people worldwide and can have far-reaching health consequences. We need more commitment and investment to develop better prevention and treatment methods for this infection. Incidence and Prevalence HSV-2 or genital herpes is almost exclusively sexually transmitted, causing infection in the anal or genital area. In 2016, nearly 491.5 million people had HSV-2 infection, which is about 13.2 percent of the world’s population between 15 to 49 years. HSV-1 or oral herpes is generally transmitted by oral contact to cause infection in or around the mouth. But, HSV-1 can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact during oral sex, to cause HSV-2. In 2016, nearly 3.7 billion people had HSV-1 infection, about 66.6 percent of the world’s population between 15 to 49 years. Most HSV-1 infections were oral. But, around 122 to 192 million people were estimated to have genital HSV-1 infection. As herpes is a lifelong infection, estimated prevalence increased with age. HSV-2 prevalence was also higher among women and in the African region. Social and Health Impacts Most people living with herpes are unaware that they have the infection. However, when the symptoms occur, oral herpes infection can cause cold sores or painful sores around the mouth. Genital herpes infection can cause painful, recurring genital sores, known as genital ulcers. Caption: Perianal Herpes infection in a HIV patient. Credits: Flickr Genital herpes causes small breaks and inflammation in the anal and genital skin, making it easier for HIV to cause infection. Further, people with both HSV-2 and HIV infection are more likely to spread HIV to others. For people living with both HSV-2 and HIV, the symptoms of herpes can be more frequent and severe. Women have higher biologic susceptibility to both HIV and HSV-2. Women living in Africa have the highest exposure to HIV and HSV-2 prevalence. This negatively impacts their health and well-being. Neonatal herpes Neonatal herpes can occur when an infant is exposed to genital HSV during delivery. This is a rare condition, globally occurring in nearly 10 out of every 1,00,000 births. Neonatal herpes can cause long lasting neurologic disability or even death. Credits: Commons wikimedia The risk is greatest when a mother is exposed to HSV infection for the first time in late pregnancy. Women who have genital herpes before they become pregnant have very little risk of transmitting HSV to their infants. Cure Currently, there is no cure for herpes. However, antiviral medications, such as famciclovir, acyclovir, and valacyclovir, can help to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. Using condoms can reduce the risk of spreading herpes to a partner. During oral sex, dental dams can reduce the risk, as herpes can spread between a person’s mouth and their partner’s genitals. An increase in awareness about HSV infection and its symptoms, heightened HIV prevention efforts and improved access to antiviral medications for those with genital herpes symptoms are needed globally. Also, the development of better prevention and treatment interventions is required. A vaccine is required against herpes infection to protect the health and well-being of billions of people worldwide. It would also have a significant impact on slowing the spread of HIV. #Herpes

Malaria and dengue are two of the most serious public health conditions in India. These two diseases are common in tropical and subtropical regions. They cause high mortality and morbidity for several patients around the world. The monsoon season witnesses the most patients for the two diseases. Everyone knows that both are mosquito-borne diseases. But are the two the same? They have multiple symptoms in common, but they aren’t the same. You have to be careful as the wrong diagnosis can lead to the wrong treatment and cause more harm than the disease itself. So, let’s look at the differences between malaria and dengue: Cause The Aedes aegypti mosquito or tiger mosquito (due to presence of characteristic stripes) is the primary cause for dengue. It is generally transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. This species of mosquito are day biters and breed in freshwater like household pots, open overhead tanks, broken coconut shells and discarded containers. Caption:                      A female anopheles mosquito. Credits:                                          Pixabay On the other hand, the female anopheles mosquito causes malaria. Unlike dengue which is spread by other mosquitoes, malaria is transmitted exclusively through the bite of a female anopheles’ mosquito. They usually attack during the night. Environmental factors like humidity, rainy season, and temperature cause mosquito breeding. Types The types of dengue virus (DENV) are DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3, and DENV 4. All of them are transmitted to humans through the bite of Aedes mosquitos. All four dengue virus serotypes surface from sylvatic strains in the forests of South-East Asia. Types of malaria include Plasmodium Malaria, Plasmodium Vivax, Plasmodium Falciparum, Plasmodium Ovale, and Plasmodium Knowlesi. Mode of Transmission Dengue is transmitted only through the Aedes mosquito. Malaria is transmitted through the mosquito vector, needle stick, or transfusion. Symptoms Dengue The most common symptoms of dengue are: ⦁ Sudden high fever (up to 41 degrees Celsius) ⦁ Pain behind the eyes ⦁ Severe headaches ⦁ Severe muscle, abdominal and joint pain ⦁ Extreme tiredness and fatigue ⦁ Vomiting and nausea ⦁ Easy bruising and skin rashes ⦁ A sudden drop in platelet count ⦁ Mild to active bleeding ⦁ Swollen lymph nodes due to fever Malaria The most common symptoms of malaria are: ⦁ High fever lasting for 2 to 4 days ⦁ Severe headaches ⦁ Muscle pain ⦁ Inability to do physical tasks ⦁ Severe chills ⦁ Heavy sweating ⦁ Tiredness and fatigue ⦁ Constant nausea ⦁ Persistent dry cough ⦁ Loose motions and runny stools Peculiar symptoms Rashes are generally observed in dengue only. Malaria patients do not exhibit rashes. If a person experiences heavy sweating or severe chills, he or she may be diagnosed with malaria. Incubation period Dengue symptoms start showing as soon as 4 to 5 days after a mosquito bite. Malaria takes around 10 to 15 days to incubate and infect the person. Duration of the fever Dengue fever appears for 2 to 3 days. It then becomes dormant and appears again, worse than before. On the other hand, fever due to malaria lasts for a shorter duration and comes in stages of extreme cold, sweating and extreme cold again. RBCs and Platelets Credits:                          Flickr Caption:        Malaria in peripheral blood A dengue infected person will show a large drop in the blood platelet count. Whereas, malaria patients show infected red blood cells because that’s where the fever hits the most. Diagnosis Dengue requires immune chemical investigations. It can also be diagnosed through antigen and antibody tests. Caption:           The 2019-2020 dengue fever epidemic. Credits:                        Commons wikimedia Malaria is diagnosed through microscopic visuals. It can also be diagnosed by the presence of the parasite in the peripheral blood smear. Treatment Antimalarial drugs are used for the treatment of malaria. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for the treatment of dengue. It is treated using supportive measures like fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion. The most common antimalarial drugs include: ⦁ Chloroquine ⦁ Hydroxy-chloroquine ⦁ Quinine-sulfate ⦁ Mefloquine ⦁ Amalgam of proguanil and atovaquone Dengue Shock Syndrome A few dengue cases (1 or 2%) can lead to Dengue shock syndrome. It is a syndrome marked by decreased blood platelet count, resulting in unusual bleeding, further leading to shock. If it is not treated, it may eventually cause death. So, everything differs right from the source and detection to the treatment. Thus, any patient with common symptoms of both must be taken to a hospital for the best treatment. Most people recover from dengue and malaria with the administration of complete rest and prescribed drugs. Factors like living in unhygienic neighbourhoods, tropical weather, and previous exposure to the virus must be kept in check at all times, especially during the monsoon season. #MalariaDifferentfromDengue