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The US is perhaps the only country in the world, where just one meal can contain a massive 4,000 calories, and no one bats an eyelid. That is close to twice your caloric need for an entire day! Along with the soaring obesity rates, this makes it hard to believe that they could suffer from any sort of nutritional deficiencies. However, this is a typical case of quantity over quality. Despite consuming a lot, since most of it is junk or unhealthy food, there has been an increase in vitamin deficiencies – among the most common ones are vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and vitamin D3 deficiencies. In fact, D3 and B12 deficiencies are common all over the world, including India. In tropical countries, nutritional deficiencies are the most common cause of anaemia. Deficiencies of vitamin B12 and vitamin D3 can cause severe cytopenia and anaemia due to feeble hematopoiesis and can sometimes reflect hemolytic anaemia. Also, megaloblastic anaemia, presenting solely as fever, can be witnessed in only a small portion of cases and is poorly characterized. This aetiology can often be missed and delay the diagnosis, if not actively looked for, in cases of fever with unknown origin. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Large surveys indicate that close to 8 percent of the population under the age of 60 suffers from vitamin B12 deficiency and that the occurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency increases with age. It also shows that approximately 30 percent of those in old age have marginal statuses for this vitamin deficiency. How to Recognize a Vitamin B 12 Deficiency? Caption: The hand of a person suffering from anaemia(L) versus a normal hand Credits: Ayurvedabansko Vitamin B12 is required by the human body to make red blood cells. Thus, a deficiency of this vitamin results in a low red blood cell count – this deficiency is known as anaemia. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include low energy levels, fatigue, shortness of breath, problems concentrating, loss of appetite and bleeding gums. If prolonged, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage which can lead to numbness, tingling of the hands and feet and even loss of balance. However, vitamin B12 deficiency does not always have symptoms and usually, a blood test is required for a definite diagnosis. Vitamin D3 Deficiency Vitamin D is of two types – vitamin D2 and vitamin D3; vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol is the recommended form of vitamin D as it is the natural form that our bodies absorb from sunlight. Caption: Sunlight is an important source of Vitamin D3 Credits: Healthydeals Vitamin D3 deficiency is common in the US population, with a gross prevalence rate of 38 percent with few population groups also showing a gross prevalence rate as high as 79 percent! Vitamin D3 deficiency has been linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease and thus is a serious problem. How to Recognize Vitamin D3 Deficiency? Usually, in most cases, vitamin D deficiency does not cause any notable symptoms. Some people with vitamin D deficiency may experience muscle weakness, fatigue as well as muscle pain. In rare cases of severe prolonged vitamin D deficiency, people may notice brittle, thin or misshaped bones. Children with vitamin D deficiency may suffer from diseases such as osteomalacia (softening of the bones) and rickets. A blood test may be necessary for a definite diagnosis, in cases where doctors suspect vitamin D deficiency. How to Combat Vitamin B 12 and Vitamin D3 Deficiency In most cases of nutritional inadequacies, individuals are advised by their doctors to cut down on junk food and increase their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sheep meat and hamburger are superb sources, while turkey and chicken are acceptable sources of vitamin B12. However, keep in mind that handled meat has lower nutrient content, so opt for natural meats. Likewise, expand your fish consumption – seafood has the highest vitamin B12 content with salmon, sardines and tuna being the best sources of vitamin B12. Caption: Seafood contains a lot of vitamin D12 Credits: Pixabay Our body produces vitamin D3 in the presence of sunlight, so being indoors all the time can lead to vitamin D deficiency. While investing more energy outside will assist with treating and forestall nutrient D inadequacy, you ought to likewise expand your admission of nutrient D rich nourishments. Fatty fish like mackerel, tuna and salmon are superb sources of vitamin D3. Cheese, beef liver, and egg yolks also have modest amounts of vitamin D3 and can be included in the diet for deficient individuals. The current interventional and cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the occurrence of vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency in male office-goers in the tropical city of Mumbai, India. An aggregate of 65 senior executives was assessed and subjected to analysis of blood levels of vitamin B12 by CLIA method and vitamin D (25 Hydroxy Cholecalciferol) by RIA method. A similar survey was carried out in a reputed analytical laboratory with NABL accreditation. History of exposure to sunlight, smoking, dietary habits, exercise, medication, consumption of vitamin supplements, etc. was obtained. The results revealed 25% of executives with vitamin D deficiency (less than 7.5 ng/ml) and 75% officials with vitamin B12 deficiency (less than 195 pg./ml). The prevalence of lesser levels of vitamin B12 is lower (58%) in those who had a history of regular exercise than others. Similarly, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is lesser (25%) in those who had a history of regular exercise than in others (46.2%). Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is higher (47%) in those whose workday began earlier than in those whose workday started later (12%). All officials travelled to their offices in cars with sun film on the windowpanes and spent close to 9-10 hours at work, indoors in a building, which had sunscreens on window panels. Of the individuals who did no physical exercises, 58.4% were deficient in vitamin D3 whereas 41.6% had values ranging between 7 to 20 ng. Also, all of them were deficient in vitamin B12. Of the vitamin D deficient individuals, 47% did indoor exercises and 53% did not exercise at all, thus hardly exposing themselves to any sunlight. Viability of oral supplementation of vitamin B12 and D3 is exhibited by the results of the second phase of the survey. Dietary modification, sun exposure and reduction in alcohol consumption were also effective. To facilitate vitamin D3 absorption, office executives need to exercise outdoors and thus can increase their exposure to sunlight. The rate of vitamin B12 deficiency is observed to be high, in people who predominantly consume vegetarian diets resulting in insufficient consumption of poultry, dairy products and meat. We now know that vitamin B12 and D3 deficiency is a worldwide health problem. In India, as food fortification is inadequate, supplementation with pharmaceutical arrangements is the only way for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency. The typical treatment regime for vitamin D3 deficiency is 60000 IU capsules weekly for eight weeks. Studies have shown that daily oral supplements of up to 2,000 mcg (2 mg) are effective and safe in treating vitamin B12 deficiency. Takeaway Vitamin supplements may aid in treating vitamin deficiencies, but the sole way to prevent them from recurring is through a balanced diet that includes plenty of healthy foods such as nuts, fish, and vegetables, which often lack in our diet. Moving towards a holistic lifestyle and diet will help you prevent diseases, allowing you to enjoy better mental and physical health. So, from this day forward change your diet, lifestyle, and regular supplementation, as they are key to curb the vitamin B12 and vitamin D3 deficiency pandemic.

The human knee is a complex body part which, on occasions, can make popping or crunching noises. These noises are not necessarily a sign of trouble, but they can be and that is why it is important to learn about them. The noises that you hear are called Crepitus. Crepitus is defined as the sound which is caused by the rubbing together of bone and cartilage. This grinding sensation results in the creation of noises. Anatomy of the Knee The knee joint is the junction of three bones: The thigh bone, the shin bone, and the kneecap. These bones are also linked to two types of cartilages: The articular cartilage and the meniscus cartilage. This complex structure constantly moves and, in some cases, causes friction among the various parts. This friction results in crepitus. When Should You See a Doctor? Crepitus noises are common, and their frequency is higher in older individuals. The noises are not considered a cause of concern unless they present along with other symptoms.  If you have any of the following symptoms, then you should seek medical help. Pain Redness Swelling Difficulty in movement Numbness Stiffness If any of these symptoms persist, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. The underlying conditions can be: Meniscus Tear The thigh bone and shin bone are split by a thin C-shaped rubbery cartilage called the meniscus. A condition in which tissues in the meniscus tear is called a meniscus tear. It is caused by forceful twisting of the knee. Cartilage Injury Sometimes the application of force on the knee joint can result in damage to the cartilage. This damage can result in pieces of cartilage breaking off as well. Arthritis Arthritis is a group of over 200 disorders that are characterized by inflammation of the joints. It is a very common disease and one of its symptoms is various sounds in the knee. The most common types of arthritis which can cause crepitus are: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment The treatment of all these conditions is similar and involves the following: Selfcare: Selfcare is one of the most important aspects of treating these conditions. The self-care regimen should be rest, icing, compression, and rehabilitation exercises . Therapy: Different forms of workouts and physical therapies are helpful. These focus on increasing the strength of the affected part overtime. Medication: Two types of medications are used. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) and Analgesics. Examples include Aceclofenac and Diclofenac for NSAID’s and Paracetamol for analgesics. Surgery: In extreme cases, surgical procedures are required to fix the damage to the knee. Arthroscopy is the surgical procedure used to treat meniscus tear. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a very helpful tool in the treatment of knee problems. It involves the use of various techniques which help in the rehabilitation of the knee and are also used to reduce the pain. Credits: Pixabay Caption: Physiotherapy is a very successful form of treatment for knee disorders. How to keep your knees healthy? Paying attention to the health of your knees can significantly decrease the chances of developing knee problems. The following practices can help Building Strength through Exercise: Exercise plays a vital role in your overall health. Specialized exercises that increase the strength of the knee muscles are a must and should be a part of your workout. Examples of these exercises include squats, weight training and luges. Stretching: Stretching reduces the risk of developing muscle injuries. Stretching techniques that focus on the thigh muscles help the knees. Credits: Pixabay Caption: Stretching can reduce the risk of knee problems. Maintaining the Ideal Weight: People who are overweight have a much higher risk of developing knee disorders. The knees along with other body parts support the weight of the body. The higher the weight the more pressure on the knees while working. Maintaining weight also decreases the risk of other muscle injuries which can affect the knees. Avoid Overloading of the Joints: Athletes prefer to push their limits when working out, but this can cause an overload on the joints. Working out to the point of exhaustion can cause damage. Alternating Between Exercises: Performing the same activity again and again can result in a higher risk of damaged knees because the same activity follows the same motion. So instead of doing one activity such as cycling, it would be better to alternate between running and it. This reduces the risk of wear and tear. Credits: Pixabay Caption: A man cycling on the road Do Not Ignore Injuries: If you are injured then do not push yourself to fight through it. Knee injuries can cause significantly more damage if they are left untreated. Rest is a key part of treating knee injuries. Avoid Unnatural Bending: Most knee disorders are caused by twisting of the knee due to extensive force. There are activities in which there is a potential of unnatural bending of the knees. Such activities should be avoided so that damage does not occur. Takeaway Cracking or popping sounds in the knee are usually not serious conditions and you should not fear them. However, if the sounds are accompanied by any of the above mentioned symptoms then you should consult a doctor. In case you do have an underlying condition, which is affecting your knees, there are various types of treatment options available which can be used. Effort should be put by all individuals towards keeping their knees healthy as it requires very simple tasks.

What is a Tumour? Every part of the human body is made up of cells. While the body is made up of different types of cells with different functions and in specific locations, they all have similar chemical and structural properties. A typical cell consists of a membrane which holds the cytoplasm together and a nucleus inside the cytoplasm. The nucleus is known as the command centre of the cell. It consists of DNA, in which the genes responsible for cell growth and cell reproduction are present. Sometimes, when there are changes in the genes, the cells no longer receive information and start to grow, divide and multiply uncontrollably without specialization. Soon, there will be a mass of disorganised cells forming a lump and this mass is called a tumour. Genes and Mutation Oncogene We know that genes are responsible for controlling cell growth. In the event that they get mutated, it may lead to complications. When these are in this functional and moderating stage, they are known as proto-oncogenes. Once these get mutated, proto-oncogenes activate oncogenes. These new genes are responsible for the uncontrollable cell division. Tumour Suppressor Gene This gene is similar to the pro-oncogene. It is responsible for regulating cell growth, repairs any potential abnormalities in the functioning of the DNA and destroys unrequired excess cells. When TSG undergoes mutation, it leads to the formation of tumours that form rapidly. So in other words, inactivation of tumour suppressor genes and activation of oncogenes leads to cancer. Mutation Now the interesting thing about mutation is that it could occur due to hereditary reasons or environmental factors like smoking or it could happen by chance during cell division. This is also why when you continuously rub your tongue against a broken tooth, it could lead to oral cancer because the wounded tongue undergoes increased cell division and therefore, increasing the risk of mutation. Credits : Wikimedia commons Caption : Comparison Between normal cell and mutated cancer cell Classification of Tumour They can be classified into three types: Benign Premalignant MalignantThey are non-cancerous tumours.They are a transition from non-cancerous to cancerous tumours.They are cancerous tumours.They cannot grow and spread to other parts of the body to form secondary tumours.They have potential to spread and grow very slowly. They grow rapidly and travel to other parts of the body, forming secondary and tertiary tumours.Can be surgically removed and the tumour will not grow back.Tumour may or may not grow back.After surgical removal, tumours can most possibly grow back even if one cancerous cell was left behind. Benign Tumours There are four types of benign tumours: Adenomas The are tumours that originate from the epithelial cells lining of important glands and other organ tissues. They are most commonly found in the colon, thyroid, breast and adrenal glands. Fibroids It is known as fibromas and these tumour cells are found in connective tissues present in organs. The most common types of fibroids are found in the uterus and can cause heavy bleeding and a lot of discomfort. Fibroids are also found as bumps on the face and leg. Hemangiomas This type of tumour is caused from rapid and excessive buildup of blood vessels cells. They appear on the surface of the skin in a bluish-red colour and are often mistaken as birthmarks. Lipomas The mutated cells in lipomas are fat cells that divide rapidly in the body. The tumours are soft and slow-growing. It is usually found in fatty areas like the arms, neck, shoulder and back. Mutation is usually due to hereditary traits. Treatment Most benign tumours are not dangerous and can be left alone. Some may even disappear. However, in some cases, the tumour presses upon important nerve and blood vessels, causing serious damages like muscle loss, vision and auditory loss. They also become painful. This is when the condition must be treated either by shrinking the tumour with chemotherapy or through surgically removing the tumor. Lastly, benign tumours must be closely monitored to ensure that it does not transform into premalignant and become cancerous. Credits : unsplash Caption : Surgical removal of tumours Premalignant Tumours There are four types of premalignant tumours: Actinic keratosis They are pre-cancer cells caused due to excessive exposure of the skin in sunlight. The UV light damages the skin cells and triggers them to multiply. They have high potential to transform into squamous cell skin cancer. Cervical dysplasia This tumour is caused due to uncontrollable division of the abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix. These cells are not cancerous but if left untreated, it transforms into cervical cancer in 10-25 years. Metaplasia Cancerous cells originate from the glandular lining of the bronchi in the lungs. Most commonly caused due to the body’s response to toxicity induced by smoking tobacco. Leukoplakia The tumours are in the form of white, thick patches that are most commonly found in the internal areas of the mouth like cheeks, gums and tongue. The cause of leukoplakia is unknown but the use of tobacco seems to trigger the formation of this tumour and it can often lead to oral cancer. Treatment Most premalignant tumours get transformed into cancer and therefore, it is advisable to treat these tumours surgically, or with laser or chemotherapy. Malignant Tumours There are four types of malignant/cancerous tumours: Carcinoma They are the most common type of malignant tumours and are formed from excess epithelial cell division in the skin and the tissue lining of organs. They usually occur in the lungs, liver, stomach, breast and pancreas. Sarcoma These cancerous cells originate from the connective tissues of cartilage, fats, bones, nerves and cells of the bone marrow. They can be found in almost any part of the body and form a massive, painful lump. Germ cell cancer These cancerous cells originate from the germ cells in the ovaries and testes.. Germ cells are the cells that form the male and female gametes: the sperm and egg. They are very dangerous as they often spread to the liver, lungs, lymph nodes and brain. Blastoma These tumours usually occur in the developing embryo in the uterus and also affect young children that are still growing. In the embryo, they damage the precursor cell which is important for forming just about any part of the foetus. In infants, the tumour affects the liver and nerve cells. Treatment of Cancer There are various forms of treatment for cancer but ultimately the most suitable method has to be decided by the doctor. Surgery- Physical removal of the tumour and ensuring no cancerous cell is left behind as it would only divide, leading to reformation of the tumour. Radiation therapy – It is a process in which high dosage of radiation is used to kill cancer cells, shrink or stop its growth. However, there are a lot of side effects with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy – It is similar to radiation therapy as it shrinks or kills cancerous cells. The only difference is that it is done by the use of drugs and not radiation. Credits : Unsplash Caption: chemotherapy Immunotherapy – It is a procedure in which substances extracted from organisms are used to treat cancer by boosting immunity and increasing the  production of immune cells that targets cancerous cells by destroying them and preventing growth. Targeted therapy There are proteins that control the growth, division, spread and nature of tumour cells. Target therapy is a method in which drugs are used to target and curb the action of these proteins and stop abnormal cell division. They also guide the antibodies to the site of the tumour that is to be destroyed. Hormone therapy It stops and prevents the growth of tumours by the use of hormones. Moreover, this therapy also reduces cancer symptoms and eases pain that a patient would usually suffer. It is commonly practiced alongside radiation therapy. Stem cell transplant During radiation or chemotherapy, a lot of blood forming stem cells in the bone marrow gets destroyed. These cells are very important for the production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets which are important for oxygenation, immunity and blood clot formation in the body. Thus, new stem cells are restored in the body to make up for the loss. Diagnosis And Detection Of Tumours All types of tumours can be detected in the following ways : Tumour Markers Test The biology of the human anatomy was designed in such a way that whenever it detects something out of order, it tries to send signals. Tumour markers are essential based on this principle. They are substances like proteins that are produced in the blood, urine and tissues of the body in response to tumour formation in the body. They are usually made from a healthy cell or  cancerous cell. During this time, the production of these substances gets elevated and can be easily detected during diagnosis of blood or urine samples. Till date, there has been no ” universal” marker that detects any type of cancer in the body. Each type of tumour has different markers, meaning they are extremely specific in nature. Not only are they of great use in detecting cancer but also help the doctors decide the course of treatment and predict treatment, recovery and the probability of recurrence. The only downside to tumour markers is that they may not show high levels until the condition is at its chronic stage. Moreover, due to its specific nature, multiple tests will have to be performed to confirm that the patient is cancer-free. Credits: unsplash Caption: Tumor Marker test on blood Ultrasound It is an imaging test that shows the exact location of the tumour and is also known as sonography. This machine is based on a principle of sound echo. It uses high frequency sound waves and forms an image based on its reflection. Ultrasound tests are  usually performed by a doctor or sonographer in the hospital. Biopsy It is the method of extracting the patient’s tissues and sending it to the laboratory to test the presence of cancerous cells under the microscope. There are various ways to extract tissues including the use of needles, skin shavings, bone marrow extraction etc Pap test In this test, samples of cervical cells are taken and observed for detection of early mutations in the cell that could lead to cervical cancer. This early test is taken to avoid or detect cervical cancer when it is at its most treatable stage. MRI The magnetic resonance imaging is used to detect the nature, size, location and monitor the progress of the tumour. It is similar to the ultrasound test but uses magnets and radio waves instead. One advantage of MRI is that it does not use X ray waves and is very safe, especially for pregnant women. EKG This test detects problems with the muscles, rhythm and valves of the heart without being invasive. It is like the ultrasound of the heart and uses the echo of waves for the purpose of imaging. EKG is also known as echocardiogram. Credits: unsplash  Caption: CT scan CT scan The computed tomography scan is used in forming an image of the insides of a person’s head in a three dimensional graph, with the use of X rays. Endoscopy A method which allows the doctor to examine the insides of a patient’s body. An endoscope is a thin and flexible tube which is attached to a small camera at one end. The doctor typically inserts it into the person’s mouth, passing through the throat and esophagus. Bone scan This test is based on the principle of nuclear science. During this procedure, a substance that is radioactive in nature is injected  into the bloodstream of a person. After some few hours the entire body will be scanned for the radioactive substance, the areas in which the bone has absorbed the tracer in either very small or large amounts is most probably cancerous.

Have you ever wondered how your heart pumps blood without you doing any work? Or why you feel instant pain when someone pinches you? Or how your hands move just at a thought? These functions and sensations are due to the workings of the nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from one part of the body to the other. It controls voluntary as well as involuntary movements. For involuntary movements, it sends out impulses for a movement like peristalsis (when food moves down the food tube) or to make your heart pump. For voluntary movements, it controls every single movement or reflex action in a person’s body. A neurological disease is a condition in which the nervous system becomes dysfunctional or faulty due to structural, electrical or chemical abnormalities in any part of the nervous system. The Nervous System : Classification and Functions The nervous system can be classified into two categories: Central nervous system (CNS) – It is the main constituent of the nervous system and comprises the brain and the spinal cord. The spinal cord helps connect nerve cells from any part of the body to the brain, while the brain translates the electrical impulses sent to it, and relays back instructions for movement to the concerned body part. Moreover, the brain stores memories and controls our thoughts. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) – This system consists of 43 pairs of nerve cells that arise from the brain and spinal cord: 12 pairs of nerves arise from the brain and 31 pairs of nerves arise from the spinal cord. There are two types of sensory neurons: sensory and motor neurons. Now , what typically happens is that the sensory neurons will respond to pain, touch or any sensation and send signals to the brain and spinal cord. After the CNS processes this information, it sends out signals to the motor neurons which in turn will stimulate the muscles to react or move accordingly. What’s even more impressive is that one complete cycle from sensory to motor neurons takes only about 0.15 – 0.25 seconds. Thus, in order for the nervous system to function, the CNS and PNS will have to be working together. If either one of these systems were to get damaged or destroyed, the electrical pathway would be incomplete, meaning the person would not be able to think, move, respond to pain or even perform involuntary functions like breathing, digestion, pumping blood etc. Credit : unsplash Caption : CNS Common Neurological Diseases There are various types of neurological diseases that affect different parts of the the nervous system: Parkinson’s disease In some parts of the brain called the ” dark region”, there are specific neurons that secrete a chemical substance known as dopamine. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that sends signals from body nerves to the brain, making it important for controlling the movement and emotional response in human beings. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, movement disorder in which these dopamine-secreting neurons undergo degeneration and get destroyed. This leads to a decrease in dopamine levels in the brain and causes abnormal brain activity. The ” dark region” , also known as the substantia niagra, consists of important nerve cells for movement. In this disease, the region visibly starts to disappear. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is yet unknown. However, this condition is highly linked to genetics. Clinical diagnosis: There are four main movement signs that are used to detect Parkinson’s disease: Tremors: Continuous, uncontrollable and involuntary shaking of the body especially the hands. This usually happens due to the excessive relaxation of muscles when the body is at rest and is also known as ” resting tremors”. However, when the body moves involuntarily, these tremors stop. Rigidity: The muscles become really stiff and one smooth movement becomes multiple jerky movements. The person trying to move their hands or legs will actually feel a resistant force acting in the opposite. Sometimes, it can get very tiring and painful. Slowed down movements: Due to fatigue, stiffness, rigidity and inability to move, movements in the body are slowed down considerably. Declining posture: Our body usually has a reflex action that maintains our posture. It is known as ” postural reflexes”. In this disease, the functioning of these reflexes get compromised as you will notice that the person is always slouching. There are medications that can help reduce symptoms but unfortunately none of them can actually stop neurodegeneration. These medications either increase dopamine signalling or stimulate dopamine receptors by dopamine antagonists. Credits: unsplash Caption : Important dopamine secreting neurons Stroke/Brain attack The brain has a complex blood supply going in and out. If this blood supply is lost and no blood reaches your brain, then the brain function will be lost too. When this happens, it is known as a stroke. This cut-off of blood supply can happen in two ways. Either the blood vessel gets blocked or compressed or in some rare cases the blood vessels get ruptured. When this happens the brain cells that require oxygen from the blood begin to get injured and eventually get destroyed. However, rupturing of the blood vessels is more dangerous as the blood openly flows into the open spaces of the brain and damages the brain tissues by putting pressure on it. The rupture of the vessel is known as hemorrhagic stroke and the blockage of the blood vessel is known as ischemic stroke. These strokes occur very quickly within a few minutes due to a lack of oxygen and glucose. The damage or seriousness of the stroke can be determined by the location and damage of brain tissues. There are two common causes for a stroke: Some heart conditions affect the muscle contraction of the heart. Due to this irregularity, sometimes blood clots are developed in the blood supply of the brain and cause blockage. The most common cause of strokes is high cholesterol. Some strokes are temporary,, meaning the blood clots or blockage will only last for 24 hours but sometimes they are permanent and cause life long abnormalities. Treatment: The most common types of treatment for ischemic stroke is the use of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) that will dissolve the blood clot. For hemorrhagic stroke, antihypertensive drugs are administered in order to lower the blood pressure and reduce the amount of blood flowing out of ruptured vessels. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Dementia is a condition in which brain cells get damaged leading to loss of memory, comprehension and alertness. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. It is a neurodegenerative disease of the neurons in the cortex, the place in the brain that is responsible for critical thinking, speech, decision making and most importantly, memory. Every neuron has a special type of protein in its cell membrane. These proteins are responsible for helping the neuron grow and repair itself. However, just like many proteins, they get used, and eventually, broken down, dissolved and recycled. In case of Alzheimer’s, these proteins do not dissolve and get accumulated near the neurons, forming a clump known as plaques. These plaques block brain signals between two neurons, making the brain dysfunctional. To make things worse, the immune cells start an immune response against them and cause inflammation in the brain, further damaging the surrounding neurons. Sometimes, when these plaques are deposited near blood vessels they cause a rupture in the blood supply and damage the cranial tissues. Another similar structure similar to plaques is known as tangles. The only difference is that tangles are formed inside the neurons and obstruct the internal pathway of electrical impulse and destroy the neurons. As the brain cells start to get destroyed, the brain physically starts to shrink and the fluid filled cavities start to enlarge. The trigger of Alzheimer’s disease isn’t very clear but it is highly linked to genetics and environmental risk factors. As plaque and tangles buildup in the early stages, the symptoms are very mild. As it progresses, it leads to short term memory and loss of motor skills like cycling and eating. Eventually, it leads to long term memory loss and the person becomes disoriented and complete loss of identity. Credits: unsplash Caption: Alzheimer’s progression due to old age Epilepsy Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that is recurring and unpredictable in nature. A seizure is an event in which every single nerve cell of the brain is active at the same time and sends continuous and uncontrollable flowing impulse to one another. Neurotransmitters are usually responsible for controlling the entry and stoppage of electrical impulses which are in the form of ions. The neurotransmitters responsible for transmitting impulses are known as excitatory neurotransmitters and the ones that stop the flow of impulse are known as inhibitory neurotransmitters. What happens in case of epilepsy is that clusters of neurons in some part of the brain starts sending out excessive excitatory transmitters and suppressing the inhibitory neurotransmitters. Therefore, this causes either too much excitation or too little inhibition. This can be triggered by many factors including genetic cause, brain injury, tumours or infections. The person will experience symptoms like jerking movements, loss of consciousness, development of smells, delusional fears but eventually depends on the neurons that are affected. They all mainly experience episodes of seizures. In fact, seizures play an important role in diagnosing the type of epilepsy in a patient as every epilepsy has distinct types of seizure movements. Other methods of diagnosis indulge MRI, CT scan and ECG imaging. Treatment : Daily medication like anticonvulsants are given depending on the specific location of the abnormality and age of the person. Sometimes, surgeries are performed to remove the affected area but this is very dangerous and could lead to brain failure. Lastly, there are nerve stimulants that control the functioning of the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Credits: unsplash Caption: Meninges: the other protective layer of the brain Meningitis The brain and spinal cord is covered with a protective lining called meninges. The meninges consist of three layers: outer dura mater, middle arachnoid and inner pia mater. There is a space filled with the cerebral spinal fluid between the arachnoid and the pia mater. This fluid acts as extra protection to the brain and spinal cord and also serves as a form of nourishment. The space between the two layers also has blood vessels running through it. Meningitis is a condition wherein the arachnoid and pia mater get inflamed. There are many factors that can trigger this inflammation. The most common trigger is through Infections that causes damage to the cells. Others include autoimmune disorders when the white blood cells attack the meninges or reaction to medication that is introduced directly into the cerebral spinal fluid. There are two causes of infections in meningitis: Bacteria. They include E.coli, listeria monocytogenes, streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. Fungi. Eg. Enteroviruses, herpes simplex and HIV. Moreover, these infections can either enter through the skull, cerebral spinal fluid or the bloodstream. Once the pathogens reach the space cavity, the immune cells respond to this invasion by releasing cytokines. The interaction of cytokinesis and the pathogen causes further inflammation. Treatment: For Infections, steroids are given to reduce injuries and are followed by antibiotics. Drugs like antivirus, antibacterial and antifungal are given depending on the type of pathogen.

What is a Disease? When it comes to defining a disease, there is no one completely satisfying definition. That’s because there are thousands of different types of diseases, each with its own subtypes. A disease is a broad term for any medical condition that negatively affects the functioning or the structural features of the body that is associated with signs and symptoms. Some important terms: Epidemiology It is the study of diseases based on the extent, occurrence, distribution and control in the population. It is important to keep a statistical record and surveillance on a disease in order to successfully study its nature and prepare for the disaster in order to prevent negative health outcomes and improve global health in the long term. Endemic – Disease that is regularly found in the population. For example, Tuberculosis. Epidemic – This term is used for diseases that spread rapidly in a community. For example, Plague. Pandemic – A term for diseases that spreads globally, worldwide. For example, Coronavirus. Diseases and Immunity When a disease occurs and symptoms start to show, it usually means that the invading harmful body has overpowered the immune system’s ability or is a result of interaction between immune cells and the bacteria. The immune system in our body is a complex system that protects us from external factors. Although we may not realize it, we come in contact with germs and bacteria in our daily life. Simple daily activities like gardening, petting your dog or even touching other people or your environment could transfer bacteria and germs into your body. This is why we need a strong immune system as our body needs to continuously fight off infections. The immune cells consist of white blood cells like lymphocytes (T cells and B cells) , neutrophils and macrophages. Their sole purpose is to signal cytokinesis, antibodies and other complex proteins to fight off invading foreign bodies. Thus, the main job of the immune system is to detect and differentiate between your own body cells and the harmful foreign cells of substances like the bacteria or viruses. Classification of Diseases There are many ways to classify diseases based on their cause, mode of action, symptoms or their target organs or cell. In general, they are mainly classified into the following: Degenerative diseases – It is the gradual decline of a specific function in the body that worsens over time and may lead to a complete shutdown of the organ or system. Eg. Cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular or neuro disease. Infectious diseases – This disease is caused when pathogens like bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi enter the body and begin to multiply. They can usually be transmitted from person to person and are termed as communicable diseases. Eg. Chickenpox, malaria, HIV etc. Credits : foter Caption: infectious disease caused by pathogens. Non-infectious – Any type of disease that is not caused due to pathogens. They usually cannot be transmitted from person to person and are termed as non-communicable disease. Eg. Cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s. Deficiencies – Intake of nutrients is very important for the proper functioning of the body. Deficiency disease is caused by an unbalanced diet or lack of nutrition in the diet leading to various types of symptoms and health deterioration. Eg. Hypocalcemia, haemorrhage, Scruvy. Hereditary diseases – Genes present in chromosomes are responsible for passing a trait from one generation to the other. This disease is caused when a faulty allele of genes is passed on from parent to child. Eg. Haemophilia, Sickle cell anaemia and Down syndrome. Physiological diseases – Any disease that affects the physical state of a person and potentially alters their thoughts. It is usually due to the degeneration of brain tissues by environmental factors. Eg. Alzheimer’s, dementia, schizophrenia etc. It is worth pointing out that one form of a disease could lead to another and some diseases overlap in terms of the category they belong to. For example: Deficiency disease of vitamin D leading to hypocalcemia could cause a degenerative bone disease, where bones start to break down. HIV is an infectious as well as a degenerative disease. Alzheimer’s can be a hereditary, non-infectious and physiological disease. Most sexually transmitted diseases are infectious diseases that could lead to a degenerative disease. For example, Hepatitis B is caused by a virus and it damages the liver which could potentially lead to liver failure without treatment. About This Section On our website, you’ll find comprehensive information about common types of diseases including: Mental Health Disorders Diseases specific to women Pain related illnesses Migraine Dental diseases Deficiencies Heart diseases Infections Malaria Cancers Sexual diseases Tumors Kidney Disease Neurological Diseases Respiratory Diseases Bone Diseases Diabetes …. and so on This section, on the other hand will be dedicated to everything else including (but not limited to): Skin diseases Autoimmune diseases Liver diseases Inflammatory diseases Reproductive diseases Metabolic disorders Certain physiological diseases Rare diseases such as Morgellons and Fields’ disease

Malaria is an endemic disease which is spread through the bite of a mosquito. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 228 million cases of malaria were there in the year 2018 along with more than 4 lakh deaths. To fight the disease various countries along with organizations such as the WHO spent US$ 2.7 billion in 2018 to control and eliminate malaria. World malaria day is observed on April 25th every year to create awareness and recognize global efforts that are made to eradicate malaria. More than 90% of cases are reported in the continent of Africa. What is the Cause of Malaria? When an infected female anopheles mosquito bites a human, it releases plasmodium protozoa into the body. These plasmodium protozoa are the cause of malaria. The incubation period varies depending on the parasite which has caused malaria. The transmission of malaria occurs through the blood and it can also be transferred from an infected individual to a healthy one through the following: ● Organ transplant ● Blood transfusion ● Using shared needles and syringes. Types of Malaria Malaria is classified based on the parasite that causes it. ● Plasmodium Falciparum: It is a very serious form of malaria that requires immediate treatment. It is prevalent in all endemic affected regions. The incubation period is 9-14 days. ● Plasmodium Vivax: This form of malaria is found in South America and Asia. It has a delayed onset. It has an incubation period of 8-17 days. ● Plasmodium Malarie: It is a quartan form of malaria. Plasmodium malaria is a moderate form of malaria which mostly affects South America and Asia. The incubation period is 16-18 days. ● Plasmodium Ovale: This type of malaria is prevalent in Africa. It is a moderate form of malaria. The incubation period ranges between 18-40 days. ● Plasmodium Knowlesi: This is limited to south-east Asia. It is a very serious type of malaria and can be fatal if not treated effectively. It can have a very large incubation period ranging from 18-90 days. Malaria Symptoms Credits: Pixabay Caption: The most common symptom of malaria is a high fever. Malaria can have the following symptoms ● Chills ● High fever ● Nausea ● Pain in muscles ● Diarrhoea ● Bloody stool ● Increased sweating ● Convulsions ● Headache Malaria Symptoms in Toddlers The most affected age group by malaria is 0-5 years. This age group accounts for 67% of the total deaths caused by malaria and requires special attention. If malaria is suspected in toddlers then immediate medical intervention is necessary. Toddlers can have the following additional symptoms of malaria ● Increased irritability ● Loss of appetite ● Tiredness Credits: Pixabay Caption: Malaria is much more dangerous for children up to five years of age. Life Cycle of Malaria The life cycle of malaria is the mechanism that the sporozoites follow in causing malaria. It is a complex cycle as it acts in the human as well as the mosquito. The cycle is as follows: ● The infected female anopheles mosquito bites a human being and injects sporozoites which are also called Plasmodium parasites into the blood. ● These sporozoites enter the human liver and multiply over the next 7 to 10 days. ● After multiplication, the sporozoites travel to other parts of the body and disintegrate into merozoites. ● These merozoites enter the blood and attack erythrocytes and enter into them. ● Merozoites multiply until the erythrocytes burst to release them into the bloodstream where they attack more erythrocytes. ● Some of the merozoites undergo sexual reproduction and transform into gametocytes which are present in the blood. ● If an infected person is bitten by the mosquito then the mosquito ingests gametocytes. ● The gametocytes mature into cells called gametes. ● These cells burrow in the gut wall of the mosquito in the form of oocysts. ● The oocysts burst releasing sporozoites. ● The sporozoites reach the salivary glands of the mosquito. ● When this mosquito bites a human being, it transfers the sporozoites and the cycle is repeated. Pathogenesis of Malaria Pathogenesis is defined as the manner in which the disease develops. The exact process which happens is explained in the life cycle of malaria. The symptoms start to appear when the rupture of the erythrocytes takes place. Fever and chills appear at this stage. In severe cases of falciparum malaria, some infected cells obstruct the capillaries which lead to hypoxia and other complications. It can also result in obstruction of the microcirculation of the brain. Diagnosis of Malaria The diagnosis of malaria is challenging as specific signs are not initially present. Symptoms of malaria and dengue are similar. Various other bacterial infections also have similar symptoms. In severe cases of malaria, the presence of symptoms makes the diagnosis easier. The clinical findings that are found by the doctor using a physical exam and patient history should be confirmed with a laboratory test. The following are malaria test names: ● Blood smear test: These are simple tests in which the blood of the patient is treated with a reagent and viewed under a microscope. The quantity of malaria parasites changes rapidly and this test can give a false negative. Credits: Pixabay Caption: Commonly used diagnostic test for malaria is blood smear test. ● Polymerase Chain Reaction Test: The polymerase chain reaction test can identify the type of malaria. It is a very important test as it helps the doctor in selecting a treatment plan and understanding the severity of the condition. ● Rapid Diagnostic Test: This test is very quick and works by making a small prick on your finger and analyzing the blood. The blood is put on a test strip which shows a change in colour indicating whether malaria is present or not. This test does not determine the type of malaria. ● Antibody Test: Antibodies are created by the body to fight specific diseases. The presence of antibodies shows that the disease has affected the person in the past. ● Drug Resistance Test: There are some parasites which are resistant to particular drugs. This test helps in choosing the right drug. Treatment of Malaria The medications for malaria can be classified on the basis of which stage of the life cycle of malaria they act on. ● Causal Prophylaxis: These act on the pre-erythrocytic stage. Proguanil is the drug of choice. This form of treatment is not widely used in India. ● Suppressive Prophylaxis: This is used mostly for travellers who are travelling from non-endemic regions to endemic regions. Mefloquine and doxycycline are widely used. ● Clinical Cure: These drugs are used to end an episode of malaria. Amodiaquine and chloroquine are examples of drugs which are used. ● Radical Cure: These are the drugs which are used when malaria keeps relapsing. They are used in plasmodium vivax and plasmodium ovale. Primaquine is used for 15 days. ● Gametocidal: This form of treatment removes the gametes that are formed in the blood of the patient. A single 45mg dose of primaquine is recommended as a gametocidal. Complications of Malaria Malaria can cause various life-threatening complications if left untreated. These complications are serious medical conditions and require immediate medical help. ● Cerebral Malaria: Cerebral malaria is a condition in which the blood vessels of the brain swell up. The exact mechanism of how it occurs is not known but this condition is fatal. Cerebral malaria symptoms include dizziness, delirium, impaired consciousness and abnormal neurological function. ● Organ Failure: Malaria can cause multiple organ failure. The liver and kidney are examples of organs which can fail due to malaria. ● Anaemia: Malaria destroys red blood cells, which in turn, can cause anaemia. ● Pulmonary Edema: When fluid gets accumulated in the lungs, it is known as pulmonary oedema. Malaria in India Malaria is prevalent in India but the number of cases is decreasing. According to the World Health Organization, India had a 51% decrease in the total number of cases from 2017 to 2018. The National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination 2017-2022 is the biggest domestic plan by any country in the world in terms of direct investment. The government of India has set up various institutions such as the National Institute of Malaria Research to help eradicate this disease from India. India observes June of every year as anti-malaria month to raise awareness about the disease and do activities which work towards eliminating malaria from the country. Malaria prevention focuses primarily on reducing mosquito bites as that is considered the most effective technique. Other forms of prevention include creating awareness and increasing the availability of diagnostic and treatment options for malaria. Takeaway Malaria is a serious medical condition which requires treatment. If you have symptoms of malaria see a doctor. There are various drugs available which can be used to treat malaria. Malaria is a preventable condition. Argentina and Algeria have recently been declared as malaria-free countries by the World Health Organization. India, too, is aiming to be a malaria-free country in the coming years.

The interesting thing about kidneys is that when functioning properly, they can hold about 22% of your blood supply at any given point, and within five minutes all of your blood will pass through your kidneys. Kidneys are one of the most important organs in the human body. They are responsible for removing waste products like fluids and acids from the blood and maintain balance in the body’s fluid. In short, kidneys are the filter machines of the body. In addition, they are also responsible for maintaining blood pressure by releasing important hormones. In other words, without the kidneys, this filter would be lost and there would be a build up of fluid in the body. Excess fluid in the body is dangerous as it causes complications like edema/swelling, fluid build up around the lungs and could also lead to heart problems. Since normal absorption and reabsorption of vital ions is needed in regulated amounts in the body, it causes muscle spasm and arrhythmias. Lastly, without the kidneys, there would be a loss of oxygen in the body cells as blood carries oxygen and if the blood pressure is not regulated, it will cause complications. Kidney disease is a condition where the kidneys become dysfunctional and all their vital functions get compromised. Functions Of The Kidneys A nephron is the basic unit structure of the kidney. The human kidney has about 1,000,000 nephrons and collectively they are responsible for separating water, ions and other molecules. Most importantly they restore the essential molecules back into the body. Caption : Pathway for the functioning of the neuron for flirtation and urine production. A nephron consists of the following : Afferent arteriole: The blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood that has to be filtered out to the glomerulus. Glomerulus: The glomerulus filters out small molecules, fluid and minerals by letting it pass through its thin membrane and into the PCT, while the unfiltered blood leaves the glomerulus in the efferent arteriole. Proximal Convoluted tubule (PCT): It is responsible for water and ion reabsorption back into the body. Further, it removes toxins and maintains the PH. Ascending Loop of Henle: Reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions into the interstitial fluid. Descending Loop of Henle: Water passes into the interstitial fluid from the membrane of the loop. Distal Convoluted tubule (DTC): Secretes and absorbs different ions to maintain blood PH and electrolyte balance. The end product in the DTC after this is termed as urine. Collecting duct: The DTC joins a common collecting duct which continues to reabsorb water and ions that our body requires and the remaining urine leaves the collecting duct, enters the ureter and is eventually stored in the gallbladder and is released during urination. Efferent arteriole: This takes the unfiltered blood from the glomerulus and splits to form a network of capillaries that supplies blood to the entire nephron circulation. Then, it eventually joins back to form a venule, a vein with deoxygenated blood. The venule eventually forms a renal vein with venules of other nephrons and finally leaves the kidneys. Credits: Wikimedia Commons Caption: Nephrons Common Symptoms Of Kidney Disease They are the following: Trouble sleep Constant tiredness and distraction Dry and itchy skin Chapped lips Urine tinted with blood and is foamy Ankles and feet get swollen Puffy eyes and face Poor appetite Muscle cramping Constant need to urinate Shortness of breath Credits : unsplash Alt tag : pain Caption: Muscle cramping due to kidney disease Types Of Kidney Diseases The chronic form of kidney disease is known as kidney failure and it could be triggered by other acute diseases like kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease and urinary tract infections. Chronic kidney disease/ kidney failure It is a long term condition in which the kidney slowly continues to deteriorate and eventually becomes non-functional over time. There are many factors that lead to kidney failure but there are two main causes: High blood pressure: When the blood pressure is high the afferent arteriole, containing oxygenate blood, enters the glomerulus, it damages it’s thin and fragile tissue lining and eventually destroys it. Due to this, the vital filtration process gets compromised. High blood sugar/Diabetes: The high sugar in blood damages the blood vessels and affects the concentrate, filtration and absorption process. Once these damages take place the body will be loaded with toxins and the person will show signs of fluid retention, cardiovascular disease, weakness and anemia, aside from the common symptoms. The only treatment option is either dialysis or kidney transplant. Kidney stones When there is too much waste in the body compared to the amount of fluid present. Hard and solid deposits will be formed in the kidneys due to waste buildup. These structures are known as kidney stones. The most common cause of kidney stones is due to insufficient water consumption, leading to decreased fluid levels in the kidneys. Other reasons include genetics, high sodium, protein or sugar diet, obesity and certain medications. As a result, the person will experience pain while urinating or in the abdomen and the urine will also be tinted with blood. They are various types of stones depending on the waste accumulated. These include calcium, uric acid, cystine and struvite stones. Treatment Usually, stones can be prevented and treated by simply drinking lots of water and fluids. However, in extreme cases stones can be dissolved or broken down through medical processes that include shock wave therapy and ureteroscopy. Credits: Wikimedia commons Caption : Uric acid kidney stones Glomerulonephritis It is a condition in which inflammation takes place in the glomerulus. If left untreated, this condition eventually progresses into chronic kidney disease. In chronic stages, the person will experience symptoms like lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, increased muscle cramps and high protein content in the urine known as proteinuria. This condition is most commonly trigger by two factors: Infections: Streptococcus, the infection that causes strep throat, and the endocarditis bacteria, that causes infection in the blood vessels of the heart, are the most common causes of glomerulonephritis. Other viruses like HIV and Hepatitis can also trigger inflammation in the glomerulus. Immune disease: Diseases like lupus, good pasture’s syndrome and IgA nephropathy cause also trigger glomerulonephritis. Besides kidney failure, it could also lead to high blood pressure, scarring of the glomerulus, nephropathy and diabetes. Treatment Acute glomerulonephritis will go away on it’s own and also with the help of administered antibiotics when caused by infections. In addition, the doctor may also administer calcium supplements, diuretics pills and advise a low potassium, salt and protein diet. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) It is a genetic disease that causes cysts in the kidneys. This condition could eventually lead to chronic kidney disease as these cysts damage the tissues of the kidneys and affect it’s proper functioning. Cysts are basically fluid filled sacs that grow in the nephrons, the basic structural and functional unit of the kidneys. In chronic conditions they can weigh up to 35 pounds. Since PKD is a genetic condition there are two types: Autosomal Recessive and Autosomal Dominant. Dominant PKD occurs only in the kidneys whereas recessive PKD occurs in the liver and kidneys. The person suffering from PKD will experience back pain, side pain, headaches and blood in the urine. It could also lead to other kidney diseases like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, colon problems, heart problems, liver and pancreas cysts and pregnancy problems. PKD can be diagnosed by imaging tests and also genetic tests with the help of swab samples of the saliva or blood. Treatment includes growth hormones, kidney transplant, antibiotics, blood pressure medicine or dialysis. Credits: Wikimedia commons Caption: Cysts formed in the kidneys Urinary tract infection (UTI) It is an infection of the urinary system that includes kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Women are most prone to this infection. This is because the bacteria E.coli that is found in the intestine can sometimes enter the urethra from the anus. Once they travel up the urethra and enter the kidneys, they can be extremely harmful. Thus, women are more prone to UTIs as they have a shorter urethra compared to men. The infection is usually detected in MRIs, ultrasounds or CT scans. Symptoms included burning sensation during urination, cloudy and dark urine production, fatigue, frequent urge to urinate, fevers caused due to infection, pain and pressure in the abdomen. Urinary tract infections can be classified by their types and location: Cystitis: Infection in the bladder that causes pain in the belly and during urination. Pyelonephritis: Infection in the kidneys that causes fever, pain, nausea and vomiting. Urethritis: Infection in the urethra that causes abnormal and excessive discharge along with extreme burning sensation during urination. Treatment It is most commonly treated with administered antibiotics. Patients are advised to drink lots of water to flush out the bacteria. Sometimes, vaccines are also used to prevent UTIs by boosting immunity. Diagnosis Blood test: Levels of waste products like urea and creatinine are checked in the blood to analyze if the kidneys are efficiently filtering out toxins and waste products. Urine test: Helps check the consistency or components in the urine and identify kidney disease and its cause. Imaging test: Ultrasound helps look for stones or any abnormal structures in the kidneys or urinary tract. Biopsy: A small cell of the kidney is extracted and analysed to identify the cause and types of kidney disease and also calculated the amount of damage done. Credits: foter Caption : Haemodialysis procedure Haemodialysis It is an artificial machine used to perform the functions of a kidney by filtering out blood and maintaining the adequate amount of fluids and electrolytes in the body. However, instead of sending the waste to the bladder in the form of urine, the machine eliminates the waste products itself. This machine is used when the kidneys are unable to successfully perform its function or has failed. In this process, two needles will be inserted into the AV fistula and taped into place. Then, one needle will transfer the blood into the dialysis machine known as the dialysate. The dialysate acts like the nephron with various membranes that filter out the blood. The filtered waste products are then passed into the dialysate fluid. This fluid can be considered as the urine of the body. Once this dialysate fluid is removed from the machine the filtered blood is then transferred back into the body through the second needle. This procedure is not painful and is commonly performed 3 times a week. They will usually feel very weak and dizzy after the procedure. In general, Patients are allowed to consume only limited amounts of fluid intake. Credits: unsplash Caption: Kidney transplant Kidney Transplant It is the surgical procedure in which the non-functional kidney is discarded from the body and replaced by a healthy donor’s kidneys. It is the only alternative to dialysis for the survival of the human body after the liver has failed. This process has a very long recovery period and during that time the patient will be very prone to infections. Whenever our body receives any foreign substance, even if the kidney is a perfect match, the immune system starts to attack it. This is why immunosuppressants are administered to patients after a kidney transplant. As the name suggests, immunosuppressants suppress the function of the immune cells and this is why the patient is highly prone to infection. Thus, post surgery, they must be kept in isolation and avoid contact with anyone as much as possible.

Infection is a condition in which a disease-causing agent enters the body. Various organisms like viruses, bacteria, and protozoa can cause infections. Infections range from mild conditions that do not require treatment to deadly diseases with high fatality rates. Infections are also known as communicable diseases because they can spread from infected individuals to others. Infections are classified based on the type of organism that causes them. Viral infections A virus is a parasitic organism which enters the body. After entering, the virus multiplies rapidly. 5000 different viruses have been identified by researchers so far. Infections which are caused by viruses are known as viral infections. Common viral infections are: ●Chickenpox ●The flu ●Common Cold ●HIV ●HPV ●Polio ●Viral meningitis ●Rabies ●COVID-19 ●Viral Hepatitis ●Ebola Treatment of Viral Infections There are two types of treatment approaches for viral infections. Symptomatic Treatment: Some viruses do not have antiviral agents. In these viruses, symptomatic management therapy is given until the immune system of the body can neutralise the virus. The common cold is an example of where the symptoms are treated. Antiviral drugs: These are the drugs which are used to treat specific viruses. In patients suffering from HIV and herpes, antiviral drugs are used. Bacterial infections Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that are present in almost all environments including the human body. All bacteria are not harmful to the body. Bacterial infections are diseased which are caused by disease-causing bacteria. The following are examples of bacterial infections: ●Typhoid ●Tuberculosis ●Urinary tract infection ●Bacterial sinusitis ●Pneumonia ●Gastritis ●Syphilis ●Lyme disease ●Cholera Treatment of Bacterial Infections The treatment makes the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs which inhibit the growth of bacteria. Many different types of antibiotics are available. The choice of antibiotic depends on the disease. Some examples are: ●Pneumonia: Azithromycin, Clarithromycin ●Urinary Tract Infection: Levofloxacin, Cephalexin ●Bacterial Sinusitis: Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanate Most antibiotics can be used in more than one bacterial infection. Fungal Infections Fungal infection is a condition in which the fungi invade the human body and affects an area. Fungi are organisms which can be found easily in our surroundings. The fungus can affect various parts of the body. However, most fungal infections infect the skin. Examples of fungal infections are: ●Ringworm ●Athlete’s foot ●Valley fever ●Candidiasis ●Vaginal yeast infections ●Aspergillosis Treatment of Fungal Infections The treatment uses antifungal drugs which attack the fungus. The following are examples of antifungal drugs used in various fungal infections: ●Vaginal Yeast Infection: Suppositories of Clotrimazole and Miconazole are the most used agents. ●Ringworm: In the case of ringworms, topical agents are applied directly to the affected area. Ketoconazole is used topically. In some cases, systemic antifungal agents are prescribed. These include terbinafine and itraconazole. ●Valley Fever: Severe cases of valley fever are treated with voriconazole and posaconazole. Depending on the severity of the condition different antifungal agents can be used. Other Infections The three main and most prevalent types of infections are listed above. However, there are other infections. Some of these infections are: ●Prion Disease: Prions are defined as proteins which do not contain any genetic material. Under normal circumstances prions are harmless but they can become abnormal and cause infection. Prions have been linked with mad cow disease. ●Ectoparasite Infections: These are infections which are caused by ectoparasites. These include ticks, mites, mosquitoes, lice and fleas. Scabies is an example of an ectoparasite infection. ●Helminth Infections: Helminths are macroparasites. These can enter the human body and cause infections. Roundworms and flatworms are helminths that cause infections. Symptoms of Infection Infections can persist in many different ways. Some infections can show different symptoms in different people. The following are the common symptoms that are associate with infections: ●Fever ●Chills ●Rash ●Redness of skin ●Swelling ●Warts ●Muscle aches ●Pain especially at the site of infection ●Runny nose Credits: Pexels Caption: A runny nose can be a symptom of an infection. ●Cough ●Upset stomach ●Fatigue Symptoms are used in identifying the infection. How Are Infections Spread? Infections can spread through the following ways: Direct Transmission Some infections are transmitted through direct contact between an infected and an uninfected person. The following are examples through which direct transmission can occur ●Saliva ●Vaginal secretions ●Skin contact ●Semen ●Blood ●Pregnant mother to foetus Credits: Pexels Caption: Some infections can be transmitted from pregnant mother to the child. ●Nasal secretions Chlamydia and genital herpes are good examples of diseases which are transmitted through sexual activity. Indirect Transmission In this case, there is no direct contact between an infected individual and a healthy one. The transmission takes place through a medium. Certain infections can be released onto inanimate objects such as doors, tables or even in the air. When a healthy individual comes in contact with such surfaces, the transmission of the disease-causing agent takes place. Influenza is spread indirectly through the air. Ingestion of Contaminated Food and Water Food and water are major sources of infection-causing agents. Food and water can be laced with various unwanted products and transmit the virus. Typhoid is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. Infected animals and Insects Infected animals and insects can spread diseases. In most cases, these diseases are spread through the bites of the organisms. However, a bite is not necessary. Credits: Pexels Caption: The rabies virus is spread through a dog bite. ●Rabies is spread through the bite of an infected dog. ●Malaria is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a human. ●Toxoplasmosis can be contracted by handling the litter box of a cat. Takeaway Infections are conditions that have a host of types and causes. They should not be ignored. If you are suffering from any symptoms of infection then you should seek medical help. Infections are treatable conditions but untreated they can cause significant damage. The doctor will choose the treatment after identifying the type of infection.

We all know that our body requires food in order to survive. This is because its needs to absorb the essential micronutrients, macronutrients and minerals that are present in various food products. At the same time, it is also important for the body to discard out any excess, unrequired or undigested food out of the body. Thus, the digestive system is one that serves this exact purpose. It breakdowns food products into monomers that our body can absorb and then excretes out the necessary products in the form of bowels. If the digestive system is damaged or infected, these essential functions get compromised and this condition is known as a digestive disease. Some important terms: Ingestion – The intake of food from the mouth by swallowing. Digestion – The process by which the food is broken down into its small components in order for the body to successfully absorb it. Absorption – The process by which food is absorbed into the blood and lymph vessels and is transported to the other parts of the body. Defecation – The discharge of undigested food from the body. Digestive System: Classification, Function and Structure When food is ingested through the mouth, nutrients get absorbed and eventually the excess food or roughage has to be excreted out through the anus. The pathway of food from the time of ingestion to excretion is known as the gastrointestinal tract. The pathway consists of the following organs that perform specific functions: Caption : Pathway of the digestive system The gastrointestinal tract typically consists of four layers of specialised tissues:  Muscosa, submucosa, muscle and serosa. Credits : Wikipedia Caption : Four layers of the gastrointestinal tract The mucosal layer is the layer that comes in direct contact with the food. The tissue cells perform many functions like secreting mucus and forming folded structures called villi that increase the surface area for maximum absorption of nutrients, especially in the stomach and small intestine. The submucosal layer consists of a dense and non-uniform layer of connective tissues that contain important lymph and blood vessels. It also provides mechanical support and structure to the tracts. The main function of the muscular layer is to perform peristalsis, the involuntary movement of muscles that pushes through the gastrointestinal tract and prevents the food from moving backwards. It also helps in the formation and movement of bowels. The serosa is the outermost layer and consists of a smooth layer that reduces friction when the tract is in contact with each other or other organs. Organs of the Digestive System The difference between these organs and the gastrointestinal tract is that they are hollow or contain the four specialized layers. However, they play an important role in digestion. Pancreas It secretes enzymes into the stomach to digest fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It also secrete insulin to help in metabolic function. Liver The main function of the liver in the digestive system is to further digest the absorbed food from the small intestine by secreting a substance known as bile juice, especially to digest fats and vitamins. Once digested and absorbed the body converts these substances that the body needs to function. Further, it destroys any chemical that can be harmful to the body and is known as the ” purifier”. Gallbladder It simply stores excess bile from the liver which is released when required. Credits: unsplash Caption : Uneasiness due to a digestive disease. Common Symptoms For Digestive Disease They are the following: Pain in the stomach and abdomen Blood in the stool Swallowing problem Nausea Vomiting Bloating Constipation Food intolerance Diarrhea Types of Digestive Disease Gastroesophageal reflux Disease (Gerd) The stomach produces acids to digest fats, carbohydrates and proteins. The muscular layer of the gastrointestinal tract typically ensures that this acid does not flow backflows into the esophagus and into the mouth. However, GERD is a condition when this acid backflows into these tubes and disturbs the esophagus. This experience is known as “acid reflux”. There is a sphincter that guards the opening of the esophagus into the stomach that usually opens and relaxes in time of swallowing and closes after. GERD is caused when there is an abnormality in the regulation of this function when the sphincter continues to be opened. This causes damage and soreness to the esophageal wall and could even trigger cancer. As a result, the person will suffer from heartburns, chest pains, swallowing problems and taste sourness due to the acid. Treatment GERDs can be cured with administered medications. In some cases, surgery is performed where the doctors mechanically try to tighten the sphincter muscle. Credits: Wikimedia Commons Caption : Acid reflux in GERD Gallstones It is a condition in which the bile stored in the gallbladder gets converted into a hardened mass or crystal giving it the name “gallstones”. The main cause of gallstones is usually when there is an excess amount of cholesterol in the body, leading to increased cholesterol in the bile juice and as a result, yellow stones are formed. The liver also produces a substance known as bilirubin to destroy old red blood cells. Sometimes, if bilirubin is produced in excess, it could also lead to the formation of gallstones. Lastly, if the gallbladder is not regularly used, the old bile starts to get over-concentrated and form gallstones. Treatment These gallstones are usually passed during excretion. Sometimes, they are surgically removed when it is too painful to urinate or during the passage of stool. Credits : Wikimedia Commons Caption : Gallstones Gastritis This is a condition where the mucosal lining of the stomach gets inflamed and infected. The inner lining is extremely important for absorption, digestion and secretion of digestive substances. There are various causes of gastritis including infection by bacteria and viruses or during bile reflux, when bile flows backwards in the stomach. Sometimes, it can also be inflamed due to injuries. As a result, a person will experience excessive hiccups, pain, bloating, burning sensation in the stomach, vomiting of blood and nausea. Treatment Antacids and antibiotics are used to treat gastritis. In some cases, vitamin B12 shots are given in case of pernicious anaemia. Credits : pixabay Caption : Bloating due to Gastritis Celiac disease Gluten is a protein that is commonly found in grains like wheat, rye and barley. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder and is triggered when gluten is consumed. Here, the protein is absorbed into the villi of the mucosal layer, the immune cells start attacking the villi, which means the body is attacking itself. Since the villi is responsible for absorbing important nutrients in the stomach and intestine, it’s damage can cause malnourishment, malnutrition and other sorts of deficiencies. The person suffering will show symptoms of gas, heartburn, anaemia, mouth ulcer and loss of bone density besides the common digestive disease symptoms. It could also lead to inferiority and nervous disorders like seizures. Treatment Currently, there is no cure for this disease. Patients are required to remove any gluten products in their diet. Supplements can be given when the villi gets damaged as the body cannot naturally absorb nutrients. Credits : Wikipedia Caption: Harmless pathogen in the gut  that the immune cells attack during inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease This disease is caused due to inflammation in the digestive tract, most commonly, in intestines. The cause of bowel disease is still not clear. Some research claims that it is an autoimmune disease where the immune cells attack the digestive tract and causes inflammation and others claim that it is caused when the immune cells attack the harmless pathogens present in the gut. Inflammatory bowel disease consists of two major types: Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis. The difference between the two is that ulcerative colitis is only restricted to the intestines and colon whereas crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus. The person suffering will show distinct symptoms of excessive bowel movements, abdominal cramp and pain, fever and iron deficiency, besides the common digestive disease symptoms. As a result, the patient will have ulcers, obstruction of the bowel and suffer from malnutrition. Treatment Dietary changes are made to avoid malnutrition and medical treatments are aimed at suppressing the abnormal inflammation and promote healing in the gastrointestinal tract. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) It is a condition that affects the large intestine which leads to abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas etc. There are different causes of IBS including conditions when: The muscular layer of the gastrointestinal tract km the intestine abnormally contracts. When the nervous system caused abnormalities in the digestive system. When the gastrointestinal tract gets infected and causes inflammation. Other triggering substances like food intolerance, hormones, tension, stress etc. Treatment Treatments include medication like anti-diarrheal, laxative, nerve pain medication, dietary supplements and antibiotics. A good diet must also be maintained. Moreover, the person must practice mental health care and join psychology therapy to control stress which is one of the biggest triggers of IBS. Hemorrhoids The anal canal contains cushions and important blood vessels. Haemorrhoids is a condition in which the blood vessels and the anal canal abnormally swells, gets enlarged and inflammation occurs. It is also commonly known as piles and it is extremely painful. The main symptoms of piles are bleeding during excretion and when the internal tissues of the anal buldge out during excretion, making it very painful and sometimes unbearable. Pile can be caused by excessive pushing during excretion, eating spicy foods, obesity, low roughage diet and anal sex. The person will often experience constipation and vomiting. Treatment Medications are administered to relieve pain and swelling. In chronic cases, surgery is performed to fix the abnormality by usually removing the bulging tissue. Diverticulitis It is a condition in which structural pouches are formed in the intestines due to an infection or inflammation. These structures are known as diverticulosis and are usually harmless. However, if the infection spreads or gets prolonged, it could lead to severe conditions. Besides infection, other causes of diverticulitis include consumption of drugs, high fat diet, obesity and smoking. It leads to the formation of pus abscess, scarring of the intestine and formation of harmful fistulas. Treatment It includes liquid diet until the problem passes, antibiotics to fight the infection and sometimes the surgical removal of fistulas or abscess. Credits : Unsplash  Caption : Excruciating pain due to anal fissure Anal fissure It is a condition where the lining of the anus gets damaged due to cuts or tears which usually damages the muscle anal sphincter that controls bowel movements during excretion. The condition causes the muscles to spasm and cause severe pain. Anal fissure is caused due to the passage of large or hard stools, anal sex or constipation by causing strain. Sometimes, sexual diseases like HIV, syphilis and herpes can also cause anal fissure. As a result, the person will feel excruciating pain during excretion, bleeding, visible damage around the anus skin and burning sensation near the anal area. Treatment It is usually not a serious condition. Most of the time, the anal lining heals on its own. Medications are given to soften stools to ensure easy and painless passage, ointments are used to ease out inflammation. In exceptional cases, botox injections are given to eliminate muscle spasm for the proper function of the sphincter. Lastly, the anal area must be kept dry to ensure quick healing. Credits: unsplash Caption: Healthy eating habits to prevent digestive problems. Ensure slow and proper chewing and swallowing of food. Avoid foods like apples, broccoli, dairy, onions and peaches that cause gas. Avoid sweeteners and soda drinks. Reduce the intake of fatty foods. Maintain a fixed meal schedule and eat regularly. Avoid smoking. Avoid overeating and lying down after a meal. Maintain fitness to avoid obesity.

Ever wondered why drinking milk helps you sleep better? Or why you feel light headed or dizzy when you stand up? Or why you feel low and unmotivated for no particular reason? Chances are your body is deficient in one or more nutrients. It is very important to maintain a nutritious balanced diet. Nutritious food serves as a fuel for the body and is the key to maintaining a healthy life. Nutrients can be classified into micronutrients and macronutrients depending on the quantity that our body requires. Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are required in smaller quantities and macronutrients like carbohydrates, fats and proteins are required in larger quantities. Keep in mind that both these nutrients are equally important to the body and that lack of either or both can cause all sorts of symptoms and disorders in all levels of extent. The human body is so biologically well designed that when lacking any nutrients, it starts to send signs in the form physical changes warn you. Our body could show symptoms like continuous tiredness, dry and brittle hair, issues in mood and mental health, slow immune responses, change in bowel habits etc. It is possible for a person to be deficient in almost all nutrients these days. This is because the use of tin or processed food has been popularised and in general people do not maintain or plan out their meals according to a balanced diet. Moreover, vegans and vegetarians seem to be at higher risks. Here’s a list of 6 common deficiencies and symptoms to look out for: Protein Deficiency Proteins are long chain amino acids that serve as building blocks of muscles, blood, important pigments and bones. They are important not the immune system and take part in biochemical reactions of the body in the form of enzymes. Symptoms: Loss of muscle mass- Proteins are important for the formation and growth. The primary role of proteins is to repair muscles and produce energy for contraction. Hence, deficiency of proteins will lead to muscle problems. Credits: pixabay Caption: muscle problems due to protein deficiency Problems with hair, nails and skin – Proteins are used to make two main structures of hair, nail and skin- keratin and collagen. To boost your natural keratin and collagen, it is important to have sufficient amount of protein consumption. Therefore, protein deficiency will cause damage to the hair, nail and skin. Constant hunger- Consumption of protein-rich food keeps the body satisfied for a long period of time and controls cravings and binge eating. Lack of protein consumption leaves the body feeling hungrier than normal. Brittle bone and increased risk in bone fracture- This is because proteins are responsible for the maintenance of the strength and density of bones. Protein deficiency will weaken the bones and make them prone to fracture. Fatty liver– Lack of protein leads to the development of fatty liver disease. This causes inflammation, liver scarring and potential liver failure. Combination of vitamin D, vitamin E and calcium deficiency Skin discoloration is triggered by various factors. Vitamin D, Vitamin E and calcium deficiencies cause white patches to appear on the face and skin. Role of these nutrients on the skin: Vitamin D : It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and helps soothe the skin. Most importantly, it is the only vitamin that can be synthesized in the skin and is responsible for skin pigmentation. It also helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium plays a major role in skin pigmentation. It’s deficiency has been linked to re-pigmentation, eczema and psoriasis. Vitamins E: It’s antioxidant and photoprotective nature shields the skin from damages caused by the UV light and helps maintain even skin tone. Calcium deficiency- Abnormally low levels of calcium in the body is known as hypocalcemia. Calcium is concentrated in the bones and very small amounts are found in the bloodstream. Dietary calcium enters the blood through the small intestine and then exists through urine via kidneys. Credit: pexel          Caption: dizziness due to hypocalcemia Symptoms: Fatigue- Low levels of calcium can cause insomnia and other Symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, lack of focus, forgetfulness, and confusion. This is why dairy products like warm milk are consumed during bedtime as calcium ions present in dairy helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan, which is also present, to produce melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep. Osteoporosis and Dental problems- About 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and hence is an important component of the bone. If the body does not have enough calcium, it will start obtaining the calcium stored in bones. This leads to a decrease in bone density and strength, making the bones brittle and increasing risk of fractures. Muscle problem – Calcium ion helps muscles move. Reduced calcium levels increases neuronal excitability causing neuromuscular irritability and muscle spasms. First, the person will experience numbness and tingling sensation. As it progresses muscle spasms cause wheezing, voice change, bronchial spasm and swallowing muscle spasm. Issues with mental health – Calcium deficiency is strongly linked to depression. It is an important mineral for the functioning of nerves and is a natural sedative for calm and relaxing effects. Credits: pixabay  Caption: white blood cells engulfing bacteria/pathogens Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) Leukocytes are known as white blood cells. They are an important component of the blood. Their main function is to travel to the site of inflammation and engulf bacteria to protect the body from infection. LAD is an inherited immunodeficiency where these specific leukocytes, known as phagocytes, fail to bind to the walls of the blood vessels. When this happens the phagocytes are not able to migrate to the site of injury and engulf the bacteria. LAD is caused due to a mutation in the gene of molecules that binds phagocytes to the endothelial cells of the blood vessels. This poses a serious threat to a person’s health by directly affecting the immune system’s inability to fight off pathogens. Symptoms: Chronic infection – This is due to the poor immune system. Delayed wound healing as the phagocytes cannot stick to blood vessels and perform quick phagocytosis. This leads to poorly formed blueish scars. Delayed in umbilical cord separation in infants. This is because the umbilical cord gets separated from the infant when the cells near the tip begin to quickly die by getting engulfed by WBC. This helps the cord shrink the finally separate but this process is prolonged in infants with LAD. Other symptoms include: Absent of pus formation Bleeding complications Urinary tract infections Recurring tonsillitis Bone marrow failure Vaginitis The life expectancy of a LAD patient is extremely short without treatment. Iron deficiency The most common iron deficiency is called anemia. Iron is one of the most essential minerals required by the body as it is an important component of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin makes up the red blood cells (RBC), it’s sole purpose is to travel to cells and carry oxygen around the body. If our organs and tissues do not receive enough oxygen, it will not function as respiration cannot take place. This essentially means that no energy will be produced in the form of ATP. Credits: pixabay Caption : Lack of haemoglobin Symptoms: Constant tiredness- lack of oxygen causes the muscles and tissues to lack the energy (ATP) to do work. Paleness – Haemoglobin gives the RBCs it’s red colour. Absence of it causes the blood beneath the skin to lose colour leading to a pale appearance. Shortness of breath – Due to absence of haemoglobin, gaseous exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide cannot take place. Imbalance and dizziness- This is due to the shortage of oxygen supply to the brain cells. Tongue problems- Myoglobin is a protein in the RBCs that supports the tongue muscles. Lack of haemoglobin in RBCs causes the tongue to swell and become sore. Irregular heartbeat- Due to low supply of oxygen in the blood, the heart muscles have to do extra work to pump in more blood than normal. This causes irregular heartbeats. Credits: pexel Caption : difficulty breathing due to Anemia assium Deficiency Low amount of potassium level in your diet is known as hypokalemia. Potassium is important for the normal functioning of all cells, helps regulate the heartbeat, proper function of the muscles and nerves, protein synthesis and metabolism. Symptoms: Muscles cramps, spasm, aches and stiffness – The pain starts from the leg and works itself up and could even risk paralysis. Shortage of breath- Hypokalemia does not only cause problems for the skeletal muscles but respiratory muscles as well. This leads to difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Problems in digestion system- The gastrointestinal muscles in the stomach and intestines also become weak causing problems in digestion. Credits: pexel Caption : Digestive problems due to potassium deficiency Heart problems – When blood ,with normal levels of potassium, flows through heart cells, it regulates the heartbeat. Low levels of potassium can alter this flow and result in irregular heartbeat. In addition, the hypokalemia could lead to more serious heart diseases like arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia and coronary ischemia. Moodiness and stress- In coronary ischemia, the heart does not receive an adequate amount of blood. This causes stress and leads to the release of epinephrine to increase absorption of potassium. However, the side effects of epinephrine in the blood is stress, dizziness, moodiness, tiredness, nausea and fatigue. Renal problems- Low levels lead to an increase in bicarbonates, ammonia and and blood pressure and decrease in sodium levels and concentrating ability in the kidneys.

Cardiac or Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders that affect the structure and functions of the heart. According to the World Health Organization, cardiac disorders accounted for 31% of the global death toll in 2016 making them the number 1 cause of death in the world. ‘ The human heart pumps blood throughout the body using the circulatory system and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. It also removes carbon dioxide and other waste products from the tissues. Parameters for Judging the Health of a Human Heart The functioning of the human heart can be judged by various parameters. The two most important ones are: Blood Pressure: The pressure of the blood in the circulatory system is known as blood pressure. It has two components which are systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. The ideal blood pressure in humans in 120mm Hg for Systolic and 80mm Hg for Diastolic. Change in one of the two levels is also a cause for concern. Heart Rate: It is defined as the number of times the heart beats in one minute. Heart rate is used to determine the efficiency of the heart. The ideal heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Credits: Pixabay Caption: Blood pressure is a measure of cardiac health. What is Resting Heart Rate? Another term which is commonly associated with the human heart is resting heart rate. It is the number of times a human heart beats per minute while the individual is at rest. Physical activity can increase the heart rate significantly. The most prevalent cardiac disorders: Arrhythmia An Arrhythmia is defined as a condition in which the heart beats irregularly. In this, the heartbeat can go up or down. It is caused by interruptions in the electrical impulses that stimulate heart contractions. The factors which can cause arrhythmia and high pulse rate: Alcohol Hyperthyroidism Caffeine Diabetes Stress Heart attack Elevated blood pressure. Types of Arrhythmia: Bradycardia: A condition in which the heartbeat is slower than normal. Tachycardia or High Pulse Rate: The heartbeat is elevated. The causes of high pulse rate can be anaemia, smoking, exercise, fever and hyperthyroidism. Ventricular Fibrillation: In this condition, the ventricles decrease blood pumping and results in a fluttering rhythm. Atrial Fibrillation: This is the irregular beating of the atrial chambers. Long QT Syndrome: A heart rhythm disorder which has been linked to the genetic susceptibility of certain medications Credits: Pixabay Caption: Heart rhythm as measured by an ECG machine. Arrhythmia and High Pulse Rate Treatment The treatment depends upon the severity and frequency of the Arrhythmia. If the frequency or intensity is high then they can result in life-threatening consequences. Treatment options include: Pacemaker: A pacemaker is a device which uses electrical impulses to control irregular rhythms. It is surgically placed under the skin of the chest or abdomen. Credits: Pixabay Caption: A pacemaker is surgically placed inside a patient. Ablation Therapy: A catheter is inserted surgically into the inner heart. The goal of the catheter is to destroy small sections of damaged tissues. Surgery: Various surgeries can be used depending on the cause. Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Beta Blockers can be used to treat the disease. Congenital Heart Disease It is a defect in the structure of the heart that is present at birth. Statistically, 8 in 1000 babies have it. The cause of congenital heart disease is not known. However, it is speculated that the most probable cause would be genetic. Symptoms in Newborns Bluish lips, skin and fingers Low Birth Weight Delayed Growth Difficulty in Feeding Abnormal Heart Rhythms The treatment focuses on fixing the defect. The following types of procedures can be done: Heart Transplant Open Heart Surgery Implantation of Devices Cardiomyopathy It is a condition in which the heart muscle weakens and cannot pump blood. It is also referred to as an enlarged heart because the heart muscles are bigger. This enlargement results in reduced efficiency and causes problems. Types of Cardiomyopathy Dilated Cardiomyopathy: In this condition, the heart muscle is too weak to pump blood which results in the muscles becoming thinner. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: In this condition, the heart walls become thicker and reduce efficiency in pumping. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia: This is a rare disease in which the muscle of the right ventricle is replaced by fat and fibrous tissue. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: In some cases, during or after pregnancy, the heart weakens and becomes too weak to pump blood. It is a life-threatening condition. The treatment for cardiomyopathy is not known. Symptomatic treatment is prescribed to patients suffering from breathlessness and chest pain. Heart Attack In this condition, the blood flow to the heart is blocked and it results in the death of a part of the heart muscle. It is estimated that 80% of cardiac disorder related deaths are due to heart attacks. The symptoms of a heart attack are different in men and women, Symptoms of Heart Attack in Both Women and Men Shortness of Breath Indigestion Sudden dizziness Sweating Pain in Neck, Arm and Jaw Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women These symptoms are more likely to persist in women. Recurring Discomfort in Chest. Fatigue Sense of impending doom. Nausea Gas-related pain Treatment of Heart Attack Immediate medical help is required to treat a heart attack. The following types of medications are used: ACE Inhibitors: Benzapril, Captopril Diuretics: Furosemide, Metolazone Beta-blockers: Esmolol, Atenolol Statins: Atorvastatin, Lovastatin Antiplatelet Drugs: Ticlodipine, Terutoban Anticoagulants: Warfarin, Edoxaban Coronary Artery Disease or Coronary Heart Disease It is a condition in which the arteries become narrow or completely blocked by a process called Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the clogging of arteries due to the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits on the inside of the arteries. This results in restricted blood flow. The treatment primarily focuses on lifestyle changes which include weight loss and eating healthy foods. The medications which can be used are: Cholesterol Reducing Aspirin Ranolazine Nitroglycerin ACE Inhibitors Stroke When a blood vessel ruptures and blocks the blood supply to the bran the condition is known as a stroke. It is a very serious condition and requires emergency treatment. The rupture blocks the blood and oxygen to reach the brain and the brain cells start dying immediately. Symptoms of a Stroke Paralysis Confusion Slurred Speech Numbness in the Body Blurred Vision Dizziness Severe Headache Disorientation Sudden Behavioural Change Seizures Hallucinations Shortness of Breath Types, Causes and Treatment of a Stroke The cause of a stroke depends on its type. Transient Ischemic Stroke: This occurs when the blood flow to the brain is stopped. It is caused by a blockage which is usually in the clot in the artery that supplies blood to the brain. The treatment involves the removal of the blood clot. This can be done through: Anticoagulants Antiplatelet Drugs Surgery Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke results in haemorrhaging of the brain because of an increase in the pressure inside the brain. When an artery in the brain bursts or leaks blood, the pressure inside the brain increases. This leads to swelling which damages the brain cells and tissues. It can also be caused by an aneurysm in the brain, The treatment of hemorrhagic stroke requires surgery to relieve pressure on the brain Supplemental therapy of medication which to reduce the pressure can also be given. 7. Heart Valve Diseases These are the conditions in which one or more heart valves do not function properly. Mitral Valve Prolapse: The improper closure of the valve between the upper and lower left chamber of the heart. Pericarditis: Swelling in the lining surrounding the heart due to an infection. Rheumatic Heart Disease: In this condition, rheumatic fever damages the valves of the heart. Aortic Stenosis: The narrowing of the aortic valve. There are no treatments available for heart valve diseases. However, surgical options are being explored. It is believed that lifestyle changes can also be helpful. Diagnosis of Cardiac Diseases In addition to blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, the following diagnostic tests can be used to diagnose various cardiac diseases: ECG or Electrocardiogram: An ECG can detect irregularities in the heart’s rhythm and structure. Stress Test: This test involves raising your heart rate and measuring physical output. Cardiac CT Scan: A specialised CT Scan to diagnose heart problems. Credits: Pixabay Caption: A patient undergoing a cardiac CT Scan. Holter Monitor: It is a device that records continuous ECG for a designated period. The period usually lasts for 24-72 hours. Cardiac MRI: This is a specialized version of an MRI which focuses on the cardiovascular system. Prevention of Cardiac Diseases Although all cardiac diseases cannot be prevented, some of them can be. The following practices can reduce the risk of cardiac diseases: Physical Activity: Physical activity is very important to stay healthy. It is recommended to have at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity daily to reduce the risk of cardiac diseases. Credits: Pixabay Caption: Daily physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiac diseases Managing Weight: Being overweight significantly increases the chances of developing cardiac diseases. A Healthy Diet: Eating healthy food can improve cholesterol, blood pressure, maintain weight and reduce the risk of various other diseases. Low cholesterol and low sugar diets are advised. Stress Management: Stress can cause cardiac diseases. Stress management is an essential part of preventing cardiac diseases. Decreasing smoking and Alcohol Intake: Smoking and alcohol have been linked with increased rates of cardiac diseases. They can significantly damage the heart. Regular Checkups: Get regular checkups so that any cardiac diseases can be caught early. Takeaway Cardiac diseases are a major cause of concern. Some cardiac diseases have a wide variety of treatment options while others have none. If you observe any symptoms of cardiac diseases then seek medical help. Cardiac health is very important. Prevention techniques can reduce the risk of cardiac diseases and they should be followed.

A lot of us have a ‘poison’. Something that we like indulging in so much that we do more of the same than we should; way more. It could be junk food, soft drinks, binge-watching or the latest and most common problem of this era – the smartphone. But for some, our addictions get completely out of hand and spirals into something truly ugly. Some of these addictions can be severely dangerous and act as a one way street to the place where there’s no coming back from. Think cigarettes, alcohol, insatiable amounts of sugar. What’s worse are illicit substances: Narcotics, psychedelics, and other hard drugs. But! There’s Always A Way Out Addiction works in strange patterns. Patterns that change and become more complex over time. But no matter how far down the rabbit hole you’ve gone, there’s a way back. All you have to do is turn around. And if you’ve decided to get your life back, that’s already more than half the battle won. About This Section In this section, you’ll find readings, personal stories, scientifically valid theories and more to help you break all your bad habits. We aim to ultimately expand this session to a forum where you can post your story and meet people who are or used to be in a similar situation like yours. We will also post content featuring expert opinion by doctors and other authority figures that have first hand experience in dealing with the severely addicted.