Brain Tumour: Symptoms, Risk Factors &Treatment

 Brain tumour is growth of abnormal cells located in the brain. They can start in the brain, or cancer elsewhere in the body can spread to the brain. An estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases have been diagnosed and almost 10.0 million cancer deaths have occurred in 2020. The instances of brain cancer have increased in the last few years, but with upgraded technology and treatment options, the death rate has continuously decreased. Don’t let the fear overcome you, but seek medical guidance immediately if you are diagnosed or you feel that you are showing similar symptoms.

Consult experts at the Saroj Group of Hospitals to know the correct diagnosis of your symptoms, and accordingly find a proper treatment plan.

 

TYPES OF TUMOURS:

The site where a tumour first starts developing is called a primary tumour. Cancerous tumours also spread to other parts of the body to form secondary tumours.

Some of the brain tumours are listed below:

1.Meningioma- they grow from cells in the tissues that surround the brain

2.Medulloblastoma- malignant tumours that grow in the cerebellum

3.Pituitary tumours- the cells of the tumour may produce large quantities of hormones which can cause various symptoms.

 

WHAT ARE GRADES OF BRAIN CANCERS?

Not all brain tumours are alike, even if they arise from the same type of brain tissue. Tumours are assigned a grade depending on how the cells in the tumour appear microscopically. The grade also provides information regarding cell's growth rate.

Grade I: The tissue is benign. The cells look almost like normal brain cells, and the growth is slow.

Grade II: The tissue is malignant. These cells look a little less like normal cells in a grade I tumour.

Grade III: The malignant tissue has a distinct appearance. These abnormal cells grow actively.

Grade IV: The malignant tissue has the most abnormal cells and tend to grow at a very fast pace.

 

SYMPTOMS:

1.Early symptoms may include headaches and feeling sick

2.The symptoms also vary depending on the area of brain that is affected

3.Weakness of muscles in an arm, leg, part of the face, or eyes

4.Problems with balance, co-ordination, vision, hearing, speech, communication or swallowing

5.Loss of smell

6.Dizziness or unsteadiness

7.Numbness or weakness in a part of the body

8.Seizures

9.Confusion

10.Personality changes

 

RISK FACTORS:

The following factors have been suggested as possible risk factors for primary brain tumours:

1.Radiation to the head

2.HIV infection

3.Environmental toxins

DIAGNOSIS:

Physical Exam: Once you have explained your symptoms to your primary care physician, he asks for your detailed history and examines you and orders for investigations to confirm the diagnosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and Computerised tomography (CT) scan: These are some of the gold standards for the diagnosis of cancer. These take images of the soft structures to reveal the exact problem and its location.

PET scan: Positron emission tomography is a test that detects the metabolic activity of the cells as cancerous cells tend to take up more energy and lighting up the scan.

Biopsy: This is a test where a sample of the suspected cancerous tissue will be sent to labs to confirm the diagnosis.

Cerebral Angiogram: This test helps to evaluate the blood flow to the brain.

Other tests if applicable: Depending on the stage, severity and the metastases, other tests may be ordered.

 

TREATMENT:

It depends on various factors like type, grade, location of tumour and general health of the patient.

Surgery is one of the options of treatment depending on the location of the tumour and its size. Even removing a portion of the tumour may significantly reduce your symptoms. Whereas, Radiotherapy uses radiation to damage the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs for killing the cancerous cells. Symptomatic treatment is used to manage the pain and to improve the general quality of life of the patient.

As brain tumours develop in integral parts of the brain that control speech, movement, memory and various other important functions, rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery. Depending on your needs, your doctor may refer you to a speech therapist who will help you if you have difficulty in speaking or physiotherapist to regain your motor skills or an occupational therapist to help you with normal daily life activities.

SINUS: INFECTIONS, PROBLEMS, SURGERY AND MORE

 Sinus infections are commonly occurring conditions in which there is inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. When there is excess mucus production during a cold, it can cause a build-up of bacteria or other pathogens, leading to such infection. Sinus infections usually improve in a week’s time when caused by a virus. But, if it is worsening, you may be suffering from a bacterial infection. If you are being troubled by a Sinus infection, visit the leading Ear Nose Throat E

nt Specialists in Rohini for a timely checkup and treatment.

 

Common symptoms of a Sinus Infection

You will be experiencing any of the following symptoms:

1.A headache

2.A congested nose

3.Loss of smell

4.Cough

5.A runny nose

6.Facial pain or pressure

 

Types of Sinus Infections

Sinus infections can be of these types:

1. Acute Sinusitis

In this condition, you may experience loss of smell, facial pain, fever, tooth pain, and fatigue. You will also have a thick yellow or green discharge from the nose. It lasts between one to two weeks if it is a viral infection and more if it is a bacterial infection.

2. Chronic Sinusitis

If your symptoms persist for 12 weeks or more, it is termed chronic sinusitis. You may get symptoms like fever, congestion in the face, a runny nose, headache, or tooth pain.

 

Different Treatment Options for Sinus Infections

If you have been suffering from these symptoms for more than a week, you should consult a reputed ENT specialist in Rohini immediately. Timely treatment will result in quick healing and prevent complications.

These are the treatment methods:

1. For Simple Infections

If your infection is not serious, the doctor may suggest using a decongestant to relieve the pressure or pain on your face. You can try using nasal saline rinses to clear your nose of the sticky, thick mucus. Hydrate yourself well to thin your mucus. Use warm compresses to get relief from the pain.

2. Antibiotics

If there is no relief from symptoms from these methods, you may be suffering from a bacterial infection. Your doctor will then prescribe antibiotics which you must take for specified periods. Stopping them earlier will prevent the infection from healing fully.

3. Pain-relief Medicines

A sinus infection causes pain in the face or gives you an ache or pressure in the head. Taking over the counter medicines may provide comfort from the pain.

4. Surgery for Sinus Infections

If the doctor does not see an improvement despite all these remedies, he may recommend surgery. The surgery’s goal is to remove blockages and clear the pathways of the sinuses. The surgery removes nasal polyps, any growth blocking the nasal passage, thin bone pieces, mucous membranes, or damaged tissue.

 

Endoscopic sinus surgery is popularly used by surgeons. In the procedure called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), the surgeon inserts a thin fiber-optic tube into the nose for reaching the sinus openings. A more advanced method is image-guided endoscopic surgery that surgeons use for severe sinus blockages.

 

How to reduce your Risk for Sinus Infections

With a healthy lifestyle and with some precautions, you can prevent sinus infections. Here is how:

1.Avoid smoke, pollen, chemicals, and other allergens

2.Get vaccinated for flu

3.Keeps your hands clean always

4.Consume a nutrient-rich diet with lots of fruits and vegetables

5.Keep a safe distance from people with cold or flu

 

If treated in time, a sinus infection heals quickly. But, if treatment is postponed, you will unnecessarily get a bacterial infection, which can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Visit Saroj Hospital, the Best Super Speciality  Hospital in Delhi, for a checkup if you have sinusitis symptoms. The experienced doctors will employ the most suitable treatment method to cure your infection and help you resume normal activities within the shortest time.

Heart during Covid-19

 Majority of patients infected with the coronavirus experience mild symptoms from which they fully recover. But, studies made during the wake of the pandemic reveal that people with heart diseases and other existing conditions are more vulnerable and get severe symptoms of the infection. Such people may have a lesser ability to withstand the pressure of Covid-19 symptoms like low oxygen levels. It is, therefore, vital that people with pre-existing heart issues take extra care to avoid infection. If you have heart issues, contact the best cardiology hospital in Delhi for a health assessment and know how you can protect yourself.

 

What happens to the heart during Covid-19?

When you get a fever due to the infection, your heart rate increases. This forces your heart to work harder, thus putting more pressure on it. Additionally, your blood pressure may shoot up or dip and add more stress to your heart. Your body craves more oxygen, and eventually, you may suffer heart damage if you have an already weakened heart. Covid-19 also causes inflammation and activates the clotting system. It can cause blood clots in the lungs and increase the demand for oxygen, thereby damaging the heart muscles. 

 

How can Heart Patients Protect Themselves During Covid-19?

Even if it is true that with a heart condition, you are at greater risk, with proper care, you can safeguard your heart during this pandemic. Visit the leading Centre for Cardiac treatment in Delhi to know how you can keep your heart healthy.

These are the ways health experts recommend to protect your heart:

1.Stay Safe at Home

Considering these circumstances, it is advisable to stay safe at home following safety guidelines. Sanitize your hands, keep a safe distance from people, and wear a protective face mask if you need to go out.

2.Continue your Medications

Do not be misled by messages on social media. Consult your doctor and inform him about the medicines you take daily. Never stop or reduce any of your heart medication without consulting your cardiologist.

3.Use Telemedicine to Keep in Touch with your Doctor

Most doctors today allow patients to consult them through video or voice calls. Make in-person visits only if absolutely necessary. You will get solutions for all your queries through your mobile or laptop.

4.Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Following healthy lifestyle practices will strengthen your immunity while lessening your risks for any heart issues.

These tips will help your heart healthy:

a.Eat a diet rich in essential nutrients, with a lot of fruits and vegetables

b.Exercise daily following the guidelines of your doctor

c.Check your blood pressure regularly

d.Do not exert yourself

e.Get adequate rest and sleep

5.Don’t Hesitate to Contact your Doctor if Necessary

If you are having any symptom of Covid-19 or heart trouble, immediately contact your health provider. An early evaluation could save you from severe problems and even save your life.

Watch out for these symptoms:

a.Pain in the chest during a physical activity

b.Difficulty in breathing

c.Changes in your speech

d.Headache

e.Weakness in the body, especially at one side

 

You need not be afraid of visiting your doctor if you have any heart-related health issues. All hospitals today follow strict Covid-19 guidelines and undertake essential safety measures. Make an appointment with Saroj Hospital, the best heart treatment hospital in Delhi, if you have any heart issues. Using their experience, the hospital’s talented cardiologists will assess your condition and prescribe the best possible treatment plan.

 

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES & TREATMENT

 COPD is a chronic disease of the lungs that obstructs airflow of the lungs. Breathing problems, choking, sputum production, and wheezing are common symptoms. Prolonged exposure to irritating gases or particulates, most frequently cigarette smoke, is by far the most common cause. Patients with COPD are much more likely to develop heart disease, lung cancer, and a wide range of other situations.

 

Experts at the Best Respiratory Medicine Hospital in Delhi, state that the 2 most frequent conditions that contribute to COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These two conditions commonly live side by side and can range in intensity among COPD patients.

Chronic bronchitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the airways in the lungs, which transfer air to and from the lungs' air sacs. It is differentiated by a chronic cough and the secretion of mucus.

Emphysema is an ailment in which the lobules at the finish of the lungs' littlest air passages (bronchioles) are destroyed as a result of tobacco smoking and other aggravating gases and particulates.

COPD is a curable illness, regardless of the fact that it is a chronic condition that gets worse over time. Best Pulmonologist in Delhi advises that patients with COPD can achieve good symptomatic relief and life quality with successful handling, as well as a reduced risk of other associated conditions.

 

Symptoms:

Symptoms of COPD mostly include:

1.Facing breathlessness, particularly during physical activities

2.Wheezing

3.Chest tightness

4.A chronic cough that also brings up sputum

5.Frequent respiratory infections

6.Lack of energy

7.Unsolicited weight loss

8.Swelling in ankles and also in the feet, at times

 

Causes:

Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for COPD in advanced nations. COPD is common in developing countries world among people exposed to fumes from the combustion of fuel for cooking and heating in unventilated homes.

Only a small percentage of persistent smokers develop medically visible COPD, though many smokers with a long history of smoking might very well develop reduced lung function. Fewer common lung conditions develop in some smokers. They could be mistaken with COPD until a more thorough evaluation is done.

 

Treatment:

Numerous patients with COPD have gentle illnesses that require little treatment other than quitting smoking. Even with the most advanced stages of the disease, effective therapy is indicated to reduce symptoms, slow advancement, lower your risk of comorbidities and impaired function, and improve your opportunity to live an active life.

Doctors at the Best Pulmonary Medicine Hospital in Delhi mention the following factors to curb the complexities of COPD.

 

1.Quitting Smoking - The most critical change in any COPD treatment regimen is to give up smoking wholly. Stopping smoking can help avoid COPD from aggravating and lowering your ability to breathe. Even so, quitting smoking is not simple.

2.Bronchodilators - Bronchodilators are inhalable medications that unwind the muscles surrounding your airways. This can help alleviate respiratory infections and breathlessness, as well as make breathing easier. Based on the intensity of your disease, you may necessitate a short-acting bronchodilator before actions, and an everyday long-acting bronchodilator, or both.

3.Inhaled steroids - Corticosteroid medications when breathed can reduce airway stress and swelling prevent chronic conditions. Bruising, oral infections, as well as difficulty breathing, are potential side effects. These medications help people who have frequent COPD flare-ups.

4.Oral Steroids - Short courses of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may inhibit much farther progressive deterioration of COPD in people who have experienced periods when their COPD is becoming more severe, recognized as a moderate and severe acute exacerbation. 

5.Lung Therapies – For individuals with mild to severe COPD, doctors usually use the following important therapies:

 

Therapy with oxygen:

Supplemental oxygen may be necessary if there is low pressure in your blood.There are many devices that deliver oxygen to your lungs, including ultra-light, portable units which you can take with you when you run an errand or take trips.

 

Program for pulmonary rehabilitation:

Overall, these programs incorporate education, exercise training, nutrition advice, and counselling services. You'll work with a bunch of specialists who might customize your rehabilitation program to the specific requirements.

Make sure to be vocal about your needs and what is causing discomfort. If you don’t adjust these medications and therapies according to your need, then no effect will be happening even after the medications are administered. The Best Pulmonologist in Delhi advises you to visit your doctor on a regular basis and keep a track of your COPD accordingly.

ACCIDENTAL DRUG POISONING IN CHILDREN

 An accidental drug poisoning happens when a person consumes a big dose of prescription drugs or medicines which were not recommended to them. Due to their inquisitiveness, children are most vulnerable to such situations of accidental ingestion.

Experts at the Best Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi report that the majorpercent of reported accidental drug poisoning in young kids occur because:

 

1.Adults quite often struggle to maintain medications out of their child's grasp.

2.Young kids try new prescription drugs in unfamiliar surroundings

3.The omission of tamper-proof drug wrapping

 

Identifying Signs

If you highly doubt that your youngster has ingested an unidentified drug, look for signs such as:

 

1.Nausea and stomach pain

2.Vomiting

3.Diarrhoeaor blood in the urine

4.Shivers or flu

5.Dizzy spells, tiredness, and uncertainty

6.Heart rates, hypertension, and minute ventilation are all oscillating.

7.Breathlessness and pain in the chest

 

In case you suspect that your little one is showcasing any of the above-mentioned signs, don’t think twice and seek medical attention immediately at the Best Emergency Care Hospital in Delhi.

These are some of the most prevalent prescription drugs and hygiene products discovered in kids' overdoses. Consuming these can lead to severe symptoms, if not a fatality, in youngsters.

 

1.Iron: Iron is frequently used by adults having to suffer from anemia. Overdose signs include severe abdominal pain, puking, and indigestion.

2.Blood pressure medications: Beta-blockers such as metoprolol and atenolol, along with calcium channel blockers like amlodipine and verapamil, can end up causing extremely low blood pressure or pulse rate in children.

3.Diabetes prescription drugs: Metformin and sulfonylureas like glibenclamide, can markedly change the amount of sugar as well as other substances in a child's body, causing health problems ranging from drowsiness and tummy pain to seizure activity and coma.

4.Sleeping pills: Zolpidem (Ambien), can cause fatigue and coma.

5.Blood thinners: Warfarin, a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeats and thrombosis, can cause dark or bloody puking or gastrointestinal bleeding at first.

6.GI medications: Laxatives can cause serious dehydration and dysentery. 

7.Loperamide: Contains anti-diarrhoea medications that can cause fatigue or coma. Loperamide is an opiate equivalent to morphine, and young kids are particularly prone to its cognitive effects than grownups.

8.Tylenol: Tylenol can cause acid reflux and consequence in sudden liver dysfunction.

9.Aspirin: Aspirin can cause nausea, fast heartbeat, irritation, and fainting spells.

 

Actions to do during waiting for medical aid

Whereas each instance of drug poisoning may necessitate a distinct method of treatment, you could indeed follow the directions below until paramedics arrive:

Assemble any prescription bottles, containers, or parcels in your child's immediate area so that you can notify your physician about the possible drug. If you notice that your baby is not breathing, perform CPR to provide artificial respiration and keep the circulation going.

 

Ways To Prevent Such Instances

 

1.Keep all prescription drugs out from the grasp of small kids, as well as those you take on a daily basis.

2.Educate kids about the health hazards of ingesting prescription drugs that have not been recommended to them.

3.Notify your guests about medication management so that they can keep their possessions out of range of your kids.

4.Don't even end up leaving the children's medicine within reach.

 

Accidental drug poisoning in children has been increasing steadily. Informing individuals, trying to remain vigilant in the case of children, and introducing child-proof packing materials are all essential steps to take in an attempt to stop such accidents. The Best Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi has a 24*7 emergency department , and it’s experts are always ready for cases like this. Trust them and know what is the best treatment linage in such instances.

CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS IN CHILDREN

 If kids are born with a congenital heart defect, it implies that they were born with an issue in the structural system of heart. A few heart conditions in children seem to be simple and clear, therefore do not necessarily require treatment. Other heart conditions in children are more intricate and may necessarily require major surgery over the course of many years.

Experts at the Best Chid Care Hospital in Delhi talks about understanding the congenital heart defect so that one can realize the circumstance and strategy for the months and years to come.

 

Symptoms

Significant congenital heart deformities are typically discovered right after birth or in under a few months of life. Look out for such symptoms and if noticed, immediately contact experts at the Paediatric Intensive Care centre in Delhi, to know what should be done correctly.

Clinical symptoms:

1.Skin colour turns pale grey or blue

2.Breathing rapidly

3.Bloating in the legs, abdomen, and around the eyes

4.Breathlessness during feeding times, resulting in inadequate weight gain

 

Less drastic congenital heart deformities may not have been identified until fairly late in childhood. In older children, clinical signs of cardiac problems could include:

 

1.Being quickly out of breath during workout

2.Stamina depletion during workout or exercise

3.Feeling unwell while trying to exercise or performing any action

4.Hands, ankles, or legs swelling up and becoming stiff

 

Types of Defects

Abnormal connections of the heart or blood vessels

Types:

1.Arterial Septal Defect: A hole between both the atria’s of the heart

2.A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall that differentiates the right and left chambers of the heart on the lower half.

3.Patent ductusarteriosus: is a correlation between both the lung artery and the main artery of the body. It is generally open while a baby is starting to grow in the womb of the mother and shuts down a few hours after birth. However, in some babies, the artery stays open, leading to abnormal blood flow between the two artery walls.

4.Total or partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection - When all and some of the vascular systems from the lungs attach towards the wrong portion of the heart, this is referred to as total or partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

 

Congenital Heart Valve Problems

Types:

1.Aortic stenosis: Rather than three-valve flaps, an infant may be born with one or two valve flaps. This leads to a smaller, relatively narrow opening through which blood can move. To pump the blood through the valve, the heart must work even harder. This eventually causes the heart to expand and the cardiovascular system to firm up.

2.Pulmonary stenosis: A pulmonary valve flaw restricts the pulmonary valve opening and complicates blood circulation.

3.The anomaly of Ebstein: The tricuspid valve, which helps connect the right upper chamber to the right lower compartment, is disfigured and regularly leaks.

 

Complications

Paediatric Intensive Care Center in Delhi, comprises extremely skilled pediatric experts who are well trained to handle major complications for congenital heart diseases in children. Be aware and in case such complications are seen in your child, make sure to contact experts and know what is the best possible treatment line.

1.Congestive heart failure

2.Heart infections

3.Heart rhythm problems 

4.Slower growth and development  

 

Prevention

1.Get pertinent maternity care. Maternity check-ups with your physician can help keep baby and mother nourished.

2.Take folic acid-containing vitamin supplement.

3,Don't ingest alcohol or smoke. These personal decisions can have a detrimental effect on the baby's health.

4.Avoid smoking as well as secondhand smoke too.

5.Keep a healthy blood glucose level. If you do have diabetes, improved blood sugar control can lower the risk of heart defects.

6.Start taking care of chronic health conditions. If you have other health problems, such as phenylketonuria, check with your doctor about the best treatment and maintain them.

7.Stay away from hazardous substances. Enable somebody else to do any painting or cleanup with strong-smelling products while you're pregnant.

8.Before trying to take any medications, consult a doctor. Some medications have the ability to cause birth defects. Notify your doctor about all medications you take, including those procured without a prescription.

 

Be very aware of these complications and causes, so that you can take care of yourself and your baby. Prevention is better than cure, start taking precautions so that such situations can be avoided. Also make sure to get the correct treatment, if at all this situation occurs.

CAUSES OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANT AND TREATMENT

 A kidney transplant is a procedure by which a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a person whose kidneys are damaged. The kidneys’ primary function is to keep the blood pure by filtering waste, fluid, and minerals. Harmful waste and fluid get collected in the body when kidneys do not function properly, leading to end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure. It is necessary to remove the waste material accumulated from the bloodstream to keep alive a person afflicted with end-stage kidney disease. A procedure called dialysis is used to filter the blood and inject the blood back into the body. This process is time-consuming and expensive and also has a high risk of infection and other side-effects. Hence, a kidney transplant is preferred over dialysis since it is less troublesome. If you have end-stage kidney disease, visit the best Kidney Transplant Centre in Delhi, where the expert kidney specialists will evaluate your condition and suggest the best possible treatment.        

Why a kidney transplant is needed

These are the common reasons why end-stage kidney disease is caused, and a kidney transplant is needed:

1.Uncontrolled sugar: If a person has high-sugar levels always, the filters in his kidney get damaged, causing kidney damage and failure. This condition

is called diabetic nephropathy

2.Hypertension: When there is high blood pressure in the kidneys’ blood vessels, the filtering process gets affected, leading to kidney failure

3.Inherited diseases: Conditions like Polycystic Kidney Disease in which many cysts or hollow spaces are formed inside the kidney affect its normal functioning

4.Artery blockages: Renal stenosis, a condition where there are blockages in the arteries carrying blood to the kidneys, causes kidney failure

5.Congenital issues: Due to congenital reasons, a baby’s kidney may not develop fully and will be dysfunctional

6.Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This is an immunity disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own kidney

 

The different stages in a Kidney transplant procedure

If you have decided to opt for a kidney transplant, you will need to undergo these steps:

Eligibility: The best Nephrology hospital in Delhi will evaluate your condition and assess whether you are eligible for a transplant. You need only one donated kidney to replace your two failed kidneys, and hence, your donor can be a living or a deceased person.

 

The transplant procedure: The operation is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made on the body near the abdomen to place the new kidney inside. The surgeon attaches your new kidney’s blood vessels to the abdomen’s lower part, and the ureter is connected to your bladder.

 

After kidney surgery: You will be required to spend several days in the hospital with your condition monitored around the clock for signs of complications. Mostly your new kidney starts making urine like your old one immediately, but in some cases, dialysis may be needed temporarily. You will be prescribed several medications, especially immunosuppressants, that prevent your immune system from rejecting your new kidney.

 

With some restrictions in activities, such as lifting weights, you will be able to resume your regular routines eight weeks after surgery. You will need to make frequent checkups and blood tests to evaluate how your new kidney is functioning, 

If you are diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, you must fix an appointment with Saroj Hospital, the best Kidney Transplant Centre in Delhi. The hospital is also the Best Gastroenterology Hospital in Delhi and is reputed for its world-class equipment and techniques, along with other amenities. The highly-qualified doctors will assess your condition and suggest the best treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and provide you with better life quality.