Brain tumor: symptoms, treatment & cure
Brain tumor: symptoms, treatment & cure in India
The brain controls the entire the functioning of the body. It is a soft, spongy mass made up of a large number of tissues. The bones & the different layers of the tissues play a vital role in protecting the brain. The cerebrospinal fluid that flows between the spaces of the meninges & the ventricles, also contributes in protecting the brain. The brain controls the voluntary & the involuntary muscles which help us to perform various tasks such as walking, talking, etc (voluntary) and breathing, response to stimuli etc (involuntary) actions. The brain also controls the sense organs, memory systems, physical & mental emotions and an individual’s personality.
The 3 main parts of the brain that control various activities are:
- Cerebrum: this part of the brain processes the information from all the sense organs which help us in understanding the surrounding and also enables us to respond accordingly. It controls activities like reading, thinking, talking, emotions, & learning. The cerebrum is divided into 2 cerebral hemispheres: the left & the right hemisphere. The left cerebral hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body & the right cerebral hemisphere controls the muscles on the left side of the body.
- Cerebellum: this part of the body controls various complex actions such as the balance of the body while walking or standing.
- Brain stem: the brain stem is responsible for connecting the brain to the spinal cord. It controls various body functions such as breathing, body temperature, blood pressure, etc.
Any small damage to the brain can alter the entire system of the human body. Have you ever noticed a very common headache has the ability to make you feel very weak & tired? You feel inactive and it often dozes you to sleep. In that case, you can very well imagine how horrible it would be to suffer from a brain tumor. So, this article mainly emphasizes on the types of brain tumor, diagnosis, & treatment procedures.
A primary brain tumor is the one that originates in the brain and is usually not cancerous & do not spread that easily to surrounding tissues. The exact cause of brain tumor is not known till date. There are only a few risk factors that can lead to or increase the chances of causing a brain tumor. Some of which are listed below:
- Exposure to high levels of radiations
- Genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis
- Age is also a risk factor when it comes to this health condition. People between 65 to 80 years of age are at greater risk of brain tumor.
Types & grades of brain tumor:
The normal metabolic process of the body is that the normal cells grow old or get damaged with time and gradually die. New cells take up their place and the process continues. What happens at times is that there are chances that this process might go wrong. New cells grow when the body does not require it or the damaged cells may not die as and when they should. This leads to the extra cells being buildup which eventually forms a mass of tissue called the tumor.
Primary brain tumors may be benign or malignant and are never cancerous. These tumors can be easily removed and they usually don’t appear again. The benign tumor cells neither affect the tissues surrounding it nor do they spread to other parts of the body. However, these tumors may turn out to be serious & cause life-threatening situations when they develop on sensitive areas of the brain.
Unlike benign tumors in other parts of the body, benign brain tumors may be malignant which means they might turn out to be cancerous. Malignant brain tumors are otherwise called as brain cancer. These tumors are more serious and are often a threat to life. They grow rapidly and also affect the nearby healthy cells & tissues.
Doctors have categorized the tumors by grades. The grades are based on how the tumor cells look under a microscope. The tumors are broadly divided into 4 grades.
- Grade 1: In this, the cells look like normal brain cells under a microscope. They grow very slowly and do not affect the surrounding tissues and hence are benign tissues.
- Grade 2: the cells when viewed under a microscope do not look the same like normal brain cells. They grow & multiply rapidly as compared to grade 1 tumor cells. The tissues are malignant in this case.
- Grade 3: in this grade, the malignant cells look very much different from the normal brain cells under a microscope. The abnormal cells grow actively and spread at a faster rate.
- Grade 4: the malignant cells look very abnormal under a microscope and spread more rapidly to the surrounding tissues.
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
The symptoms of a brain tumor depend on the size, location & type of brain tumor. The symptoms are not readily noticeable at the initial stages of a brain tumor. The symptoms become noticeable when a tumor presses on a nerve or harms a part of the brain. The symptoms may also develop when the tumor blocks the pathway of the fluid that flows around the brain or when the brain is likely to swell when the fluid starts building up.
Those listed below are some of the common symptoms of brain tumor:
- Frequent headaches which get worse in the mornings
- Sudden noticeable changes in speech, vision & hearing
- Vomiting & Nausea
- Problems in balancing the body or walking
- Frequent mood swings
- Abnormal changes in personality
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Problems in memory
- Numbness in the legs & arms
- Frequent muscle seizures or muscle pulls
- Weakness in one part of the body
The above symptoms are quite common to a number of other health conditions. Don’t assume that you are suffering from a brain tumor just because you experience one of the above symptoms. It is always better to check with your doctor.
How is brain tumor diagnosed?
The doctor begins the examination by inspecting you with your medical history, family history and also asks questions about the symptoms and how long have you been suffering from it. The doctor then goes for a physical & neurological exam. In case, he/she suspects a brain tumor then he may suggest you take up one of the following tests.
Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scan will help in retrieving detailed images of the brain. Angiogram and X-ray of blood vessels in the brain may also be taken to observe signs of a brain tumor or abnormal blood vessels.
Sometimes, the doctor may also suggest for a biopsy to see if the tumor is cancerous. A tissue sample is taken from the brain either during the surgery or by inserting a small needle through a small hole drilled into the skull before the treatment commences. The sample is then sent to the lab for further testing.
A spinal tap is a procedure in which the doctor removes a cerebrospinal fluid from the lower part of the spinal cord. This is performed using anesthesia. The doctor uses a long thin needle to remove the fluid. This procedure will take about 30 minutes. You will have to lie flat to keep from getting a headache.
What if the tumor is in the brain stem or in any other sensitive part of the brain? It is not that easy to remove a sample tissue from these parts without actually disturbing the surrounding normal brain cells. Then, in such a case, the doctor will recommend you go for an MRI or CT scan to study as much as possible about the brain tumor.
How is the brain tumor treated?
There are various treatment options available for people with brain tumors. Brain surgery, radiation therapy & chemotherapy are some of the treatment options. Many people go in for a combination of treatments. The type of treatment depends on various factors such as the location of the tumor in the brain, the size of the tumor, the type & grade of brain tumor, the age and health of the patient.
The doctor might also need to know if the brain cancer has affected the cerebrospinal fluid. You doctor will make you aware of the treatment options, the associated side effects & the expected outcomes. You and your healthcare team can work together to develop the treatment plans, how the treatment will affect your normal activities and so on. The treatment plan developed should be in such a way so as to meet your personal & medical needs.
Surgery is usually the first treatment for brain tumor. A craniotomy is a surgery performed to open the skull. The surgeon will make a small incision through your scalp and uses a special type of saw to take a piece of bone from the skull. You will be awake when the surgeon removes part or whole of the tumor. You will be asked to move your hands & legs, count, tell a story or say the alphabets. Your ability to respond correctly to these commands will help them to protect the important parts of your brain.
Once the tumor is removed, the surgeon closes the opening in the skull with help of a piece of bone, metal or fabric. The surgeon then closes the incision on the scalp.
Other treatment options such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy are preferred when the brain tumor cannot be removed by surgical means. This happens when the brain tumor is located in the cerebrospinal fluid or another sensitive part of the brain.
After the brain surgery, you might feel very weak & tired. The healing time after the surgery varies from person to person. Sometimes a second surgery may be needed to drain the fluid. Another complication after the surgery is that there is a high risk of infections. If this happens then you will be treated with an antibiotic.
Sometimes brain surgery may unknowingly damage other normal brain tissues & cells. Brain damage is a serious problem as it will adversely affect the thinking, reading, balancing, and other physical activities of a person. These damages may lessen or disappear over time, but sometimes they might turn out to be permanent damage. One may require speech therapy, physical therapy & occupational therapy to recover slowly from this effect.
Monsoon diseases; Prevention and cure
Have you ever wondered why you have been suffering from a lot of diseases especially during the monsoon? Monsoon is the time when you tend to suffer from most upsetting diseases. If you fail to take care at the right time, then it is normal that you will suffer for a longer duration. This is the time when the germs & infections will attack you the most and you feel more sick and endangered.
The monsoons can prove to be a health menace as there are various diseases that come along with the rains. Monsoon is also the time when you suffer from most general health disorders. And for this reason, it is better to know some of the quick remedies and treatments for you to recover sooner.
We all love rain. Kids and Teenage individuals are more happy to enjoy the rain and they are also at increased risk of being affected by a variety of diseases and other serious health disorders. This is also the season when airborne & water borne diseases easily attack the individuals.
Cold, flu, dengue, water infection, food infection, cholera, and leptospirosis are some of the most common monsoon diseases. Leptospirosis is a condition that is caused by bacteria which carried by either a man or an animal. These conditions can severely affect the kidneys, causes liver failure, respiratory problems, meningitis, etc. these are some of the incurable diseases that can make you feel really sick and takes quite a long time for complete recovery.
How to treat fungal diseases?
You are at a greater risk of suffering from fungal infections during the rainy seasons. It is advisable to keep your body dry especially during these times. Keep those parts of your body that tend to get sweatier in time. The areas between two toes, areas behind your knees and elbows are the ones that tend to get sweatier easier. You can make use of anti-fungal powder as this will help in soaking the sweat at specific areas. If you feel your condition gets worse over time and the infection spreads throughout your skin then it is advisable to consult a physician.
Dengue-the most common monsoon disease:
The most notorious monsoon disease carried by the Aedes mosquito which is a daytime biter, is the dengue. Dengue is the most common monsoon disease and its germs are often carried by mosquitoes. Most of us have a chance of suffering from dengue during the monsoon seasons. Some of the usual symptoms of this disease are body ache, joint pains, body rashes & fever.
Symptoms:
- You might develop high fever within 4 to 7 days of the mosquito bite.
- Skin rashes
- Muscle & joint pains
- Pain behind the eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Bleeding gums
The mosquito that is responsible for causing dengue is the tiger mosquito. So some of the preventive measures to protect yourself from being affected by dengue include, applying mosquito repellents creams all over your body, wear clothes that fully cover in order to prevent the mosquito from biting.
Typhoid- the usual monsoon disease
One of the common monsoon diseases is typhoid. This is mainly caused due to the consumption of unclean water. It is mainly due to consumption of food & water contaminated by bacteria Salmonella typhi. This bacteria can survive in water or sewage for several weeks and usually enters the body through faeco-oral route. This is why you should ensure that the water and food that you intake should be free from contamination. Improper sanitation can also cause this disease. When you suffer from typhoid, you will suffer from fever, headache, sore throat, pain and general illness.
The best way to stay protected is to wash your hands well before eating. Do not eat food and water that are not of best quality. Avoid street side foods during this season as these foods will not be hygiene and can increase the risk of food or water borne diseases.
Cholera:
Cholera being the most common monsoon disease is not just a diseases, it is a deadly ailment that will make you suffer at your worst. You are at high risk of suffering from cholera if you don’t practice right hygiene habits as they are mostly caused by contaminated food & water. It is spread through food & water contamination by human feces & is swiftly carried away by flies and thus is common in areas of poor sanitation. Though it can be easily cured, it might turn deadly if left untreated. It is best to drink clean food & water and it is essential for you to stay healthy and clean always.
Symptoms
- ¨ Severe diarrhea or constipation
- ¨ Vomiting or nausea
- ¨ Dehydration
- ¨ Muscle cramps due to dehydration
- ¨ Rapid weight loss
- ¨ Low blood pressure
- ¨ Loss of skin elasticity.
- ¨ Dryness in the inside of the mouth, eyelids, & nose
Jaundice:
Jaundice is yet another common monsoon disease that you are about to suffer from during rainy seasons. It is a viral disease and is caused by contaminated food & water. The common symptoms of suffering from jaundice are that you will feel extremely weak and the color of your urine changes to dark yellow. You may also develop a tendency of vomiting and improper functioning of the liver. It is best to drink boiled water and avoid eating foods from roadside streets & shops. This is the time you need to consume plenty of water and this will help your body fluid to stay absolutely normal.
Malaria:
Malaria is one of the severe diseases which were an issue of the epidemic a few years ago. Malaria is carried by female anopheles mosquito, which is an evening and early morning biter. These days the treatments for malaria have improved so much and people are finding ways to recover sooner.
Symptoms:
- Severe fever within 72 hours of the bite
- Body ache, sweating and cold symptoms
- Symptoms of diarrhea & jaundice
Water logging and breeding of mosquitoes are quite common during the monsoon season. One may be affected by malaria prone mosquitoes during the rainy seasons.
Diarrhea:
Once the summer season is gone, the weather condition improves & become soothing. This triggers us to have spicy foods. But, we fail to think of the water-borne diseases that spread during the monsoons. Water-borne diseases are common during the monsoons. Hence, you must be really careful with the food that you consume during the rainy seasons. It is better to avoid street foods as the chances of spreading diarrhea are more common with this.
Viral fever:
Viral fevers have become more common these days. Viral fever is the most common medical sign that is characterized by an elevation in temperature above the normal range of 36.5-37.5 degree Celsius. In fact, viral infections are more common than bacterial infections. It is common to see your kids suffering from viral fevers during the rainy seasons. Sometimes, these fevers may last for a few weeks. This is an indication that your child is suffering from viral infection. You must be very careful about your child’s eating habits and other day to day activities. This will make you feel feeble and weak.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Joint pains
- Running nose or nasal congestion
- Diarrhea
- Cough or a sore throat
- Burning sensation in eyes
- skin rashes
Viral infections are caused by invasions of various diseases causing viruses into the host’s body. These infections have the ability to affect various parts of the body at the same time. The humidity that occurs during the rainy season makes it easier for the infections to be carried from one person to another. These infections majorly affect those people with weak immune system.
Eye infections:
Eye infections caused by viruses are mild and usually resolve on their own. It includes conjunctivitis often called as pink eye. This affects the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids & the eyelid margins.
Symptoms
- Gritty feeling in the eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Irritation in the eyes
- Itching of the eyes
- Discharge from both eyes
- Chances of blood clots around the corner
Precautions:
- ¨ Avoid junk foods & maintain a hygienic diet.
- ¨ Take plenty of fluids
- ¨ Detect early signs of weakness to begin treatment
- ¨ Keep yourself clean & hygiene
- ¨ Make sure you wash your hands with effective disinfectant before bringing in contact with the eyes as it might cause infection
- ¨ Carry a sanitizer and apply it before the meals
Fungal infections:
Fungal infections are caused by a fungus, a type of microorganisms. Specific areas of the skin such as areas under the armpits and spaces between the two toes often remain moisture, especially during the monsoons. These become ideal grounds for such infections.
Symptoms
- Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the skin
- Redness of the skin
- Formation of blisters
- Softening or breaking down of the skin
- Itching, burning, or both
Precautions
- ¨ Keep your body dry.
- ¨ Change wet undergarments and switch to cotton ones, as they allow the skin to breathe well
- ¨ Wear sandals to air your feet
- ¨ Allow damp hair to dry before you tie them again
- ¨ Bathe twice a day and add a few drops of lemongrass, Neem or mint extracts to your bath water to fight against fungal infections
i-want-to-eat-but-im-not-able-to-eat
I want to eat but I\’m not able to eat. What should I do to eat enough food? Most of the time i feel too much hungry but when i start eating i am not able to eat enought i feel vomiting – ( sometimes i vomiting )
Why do legs and feet get swollen?
Here is something unusual! I’m pretty sure you must not be familiar with this! Have you heard of hypervolemia? Here in this article, you will get to know a lot about it. Come on a read through it and you will be amazed to know what it is!
Hypervolemia is a condition in which there is an excessive buildup of fluid in the body. It is otherwise known as fluid overload. The body fluids are primarily composed of sodium & water. When this level of fluid starts building up, it leads to an excessive circulating volume which can result in heart failure.
Some interesting facts about Hypervolemia:
- ¨ The entire is made up of 70% of water which are distributed into various compartments.
- ¨ The charged particles called electrolytes are responsible for the balance of total fluid in the body.
- ¨ The sodium electrolyte has an electric charge that enables it to attract water.
- ¨ Urination, perspiration, and defecation are various factors responsible for water loss in the body.
What causes hypervolemia?
- EXCESSIVE SODIUM OR FLUID INTAKE:
Intravenous therapy:
- This occurs when IV is used in rapid rate or in larger volume than what is actually needed.
- When the administration of wrong IV is done it can cause an imbalance in the sodium levels in the blood.
Transfusion reaction by blood transfusion:
- Transfusion reaction by rapid infusion or larger volume of blood may cause fluid overload.
- LIVER CIRRHOSIS: Cirrhosis is when the liver stops functioning properly (which also can be caused by a number of factors). When the liver stops functioning properly, it can trigger hypervolemia.
- HEART PROBLEMS: Heart problems can cause excess fluid in the blood. Heart congestion, in particular, can slow the pumping of blood through the body which can lead to fluid buildup.
- KIDNEY PROBLEMS:Certain kidney issues like nephrotic syndrome can interfere with the transfer of fluids in the body, which can cause the kidney to trigger hypervolemia. Glomerulonephritis can cause the kidney to excrete excess fluids that can also cause hypervolemia.
- Coughing and Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath is another sign of fluid overload. The heart is strained as it contends with the increased volume and fluid enters the lung which leads to difficulty with breathing. This difficulty breathing is worse when lying flat. Depending on the severity of the pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), a person may report a feeling of suffocation. There may also be persistent coughing which also may worsen when lying flat.
- Lower Urine Output: Although the amount of urine passed out may be within normal limits, it does not correlate with the amount of fluid being consumed or administered. In other words, more water is entering the body than being expelled as urine without there being major fluid loss through sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. In some conditions, the urine output may be abnormally low or even cease altogether for periods of time.
Less important factors that contribute to fluid buildup in the body are as follows:
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Certain medications
- Reaction to stress
- Malnutrition
What are the symptoms of hypervolemia?
- EDEMA: it is also called as swelling. It is a condition where there is a buildup of fluid in the legs and arms.
- ASCITES: it is a condition where there is excess fluid buildup in the abdomen.
CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS:
- Strong and rapid pulse rate
- Hypertension
- Elevated central venous pressure
- Increased pulmonary artery pressure
- Low levels of hemoglobin
- Jugular vein distention
RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS:
- Respiratory pattern changes
- Difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in breathing while lying down
- X-ray results show pulmonary edema.
- Urinary Problems: Fluid retention is a major cause behind hypervolemia. The amount of fluid that you are taking in isn’t exiting the body in the form of urine. You may feel the need to go, but not much will come out.
- Sudden weight gain: one may experience a sudden gain in weight due to hypervolemia. This is because the extra fluid you are retaining in will add on to your weight.
Diagnosis of hypervolemia:
You have all of the symptoms, and you’ve made your way to the doctor’s office. How is the doctor going to determine whether you have hypervolemia?
Hypervolemia is mainly diagnosed by its symptoms. The doctor will also go over your medical history to look for things that could have triggered hypervolemia especially if you have a history of liver or kidney problems.
Blood work and chest radiographs may also be used to take a look inside you and confirm the doctor’s suspicions. If you have been diagnosed, treatment can then begin.
Treatment or hypervolemia:
Suppose, the doctor has finished his diagnosis and your fears have been confirmed. You are currently suffering from hypervolemia. The good news is that once it’s been diagnosed, it becomes fairly easy to treat. Hypervolemia treatments may include:
- Dialysis:
Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. There are 2 types of dialysis:
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
Haemodialysis: it is the most common type of dialysis and the most type of dialysis that people are aware of. During the procedure, a tube is attached to a needle in the arm. Blood passes through the tube and through an external machine and filters it before it passes through the arm through another tube. This is usually carried out 3 times a week and each session lasts for about 4 hours.
Peritoneal dialysis: this uses the inside lining of your abdomen to filter rather than an external machine. Like the kidneys, the peritoneum contains a number of blood vessels making it a useful filtering device. Before the treatment starts, an incision is made near your belly button and a thin tube called catheter is inserted through it. This is left in place permanently.
The fluid is pumped into the peritoneal cavity through the catheter. As the blood passes through the cavity, wastes and other fluids are drawn out of the blood and into the dialysis fluid.
- Change in diet:
Your doctor will suggest you follow a low-sodium diet that will help reduce the amount of fluid buildup in the body.
- Arteriovenous & venovenous hemofiltration:
This is another way of filtering excess fluid from the body or bloodstreams targeting the kidneys.
Preventing Hypervolemia
If you’ve dealt with hypervolemia or after reading this article, never want to have to deal with hypervolemia, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent it. Here are a couple helpful tips.
- Low-sodium diet:The buildup of excess sodium can help trigger hypervolemia, keep your sodium levels at a reasonable level.
- Watch your fluids: If you are going to have a blood transfusion or if you have any of the medical issues we described in the above sections, keep an eye on your fluids. Make sure you’re not retaining too much fluid, keep an eye on your urine to see if you are let out as much fluid as you are putting in.
Hypervolemia Needs Treatment!
When dealing with hypervolemia, vigilance is best—especially if you have any of the underlying health conditions that may lead to it. If you are struggling with liver or kidney issues, for example, the last thing you want is to deal with the additional issues that come with hypervolemia. If you notice that you are starting to show many of the symptoms of hypervolemia, seek a doctor immediately. The faster you get treatment, the better your body will be for it.
Answer for Help
Frequent vomiting causes severe electrolyte imbalance within the body. This is the reason for headache and body ache. You should take Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORS) or electoral powder regularly. As soon as the electrolyte balance will get restores, the pain would go away.
Help
Hello yesterday and Friday I had been vomiting & etc. went to the hospital they said it was a stomach bug. But I have had severe neck pains on my left side and a migraine since 10 o’clock yesterday morning, it hurts very very bad to the point where I haven’t slept at all. Ive tried 3 different types of ibuprofen since then and nothing has even touched it. Do you think this is caused by vomiting and dry heaving so hard? If so what can I do to help?! Im 19. No relevant medical history and no daily meds.
Heart transplant in India
Heart transplant in India
A heart transplant is a surgical procedure that is employed for patients who have end-stage heart failure or severe coronary artery disease. In this procedure, the diseased heart is usually replaced with a healthy heart from decreases donor that is a person who has recently died. This is the last option that the doctor has when all the other treatment procedures have failed.
The heart transplant procedure
heart transplant procedure
It’s quite natural for anyone to feel nervous, emotional and anxious about the surgery. The heart transplant surgery acts like a new pump which pumps the blood and does not cause any behavioral changes in the body. It takes about 4 to 6 hours for the surgery to be completed.
- The heart transplant surgery is usually done in a hospital. The patient is not awake during the surgery and is given an anesthetic.
- The surgeon will cut your breastbone to get access to your heart.
- The medicine is injected into the patient’s body through the intravenous (IV) line in the arm.
- The breathing is supported with help of a ventilator.
- The surgeon will open your chest and connect the heart’s arteries and veins to the heart-lung bypass machine.
- He then removes the diseased heart and connects the arteries and veins from the heart-lung machine to the donor
- The heart transplant is complete when the surgeon closes your breastbone with a wire which stays there forever.
How long is the wait for the heart transplant?
Once the patient is considered suitable for a heart transplant then he or she is put on the waiting list. Once you are on the list, a suitable heart may come along the way within few days, or months or years. Usually, it’s not that easy to find a suitable heart. Only 8 out 10 people receive the heart transplant they require.
What happens after the heart transplant?
The duration of stay in the hospital will depend upon your health condition after the surgery. You will have to have regular health check-ups for a year after the surgery. You will be physically weak after the surgery and so you have to avoid heavy activities such as lifting and pushing until your breastbone is completely healed. It will take about 4 to 6 months to for the breastbone to heal completely.
How will life be after the heart transplant?
After complete recovery from the surgery, you can proceed with your routine life activities. The only care is you should take medicines on regular basis. Your medications include immune-suppressants that help prevent the donor heart from infection. Without this, your body will recognize the donor heart as a foreign body and will try to reject it. Over ¾ of the heart transplant patients live for over 5 years.
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is a common and serious complication of a heart transplant. It is an aggressive form of atherosclerosis that over months or years can block the heart’s arteries and cause the failure of the donor heart. Over time, your donor heart will fail due to the same reason that caused your old heart to fail. Very few people will be eligible for a second heart transplant surgery.
Despite these risks, heart transplant has a considerably good success rate that has improved over many decades of research. The survival rates are about 85 percent at one year after surgery, with survival rates decreasing by about 3 to 4 % each additional year after surgery because of serious complications.
Who performed the first successful heart transplant surgery?
Panangipalli Venugopal has pioneered heart transplant surgery in India. He was the first surgeon to successfully perform a heart transplant surgery. The count is now standing at 26 successful transplantations. He was the first surgeon in Asia to have performed the implantation of left ventricular assist device lasting for more than 90 days. He was the first one to introduce stem cell therapy in India, by implanting the stem cell for repairing the myocardium. This was then used as an alternative to transplantation.
Best hospitals for heart transplantation in India:
Although India has some of the best medical facilities for heart surgeries, it is not very easy for a patient to decide which is the best hospital for heart transplant surgery. So we provide you with a list of hospitals and the facilities they provide so that you can choose your option.
The following is the list of the best and approved hospitals for heart transplantation in India:
- Heart transplant hospital in Delhi:
Delhi has over 30 healthcare facilities with proven records of good heart patient care and world-class facilities. Some of the trusted health care centers in Delhi are:
- Fortis escort heart institute and research center
- Medanta – the medicity
- Indraprastha Apollo hospital
- Apollo cardiac center
- Max super specialty hospital
- Metro hospital and heart institute.
- Heart transplant hospital in Mumbai:
Mumbai has over 40 cardiology healthcare centers. Some of the trusted healthcare centers in Mumbai are:
- Apollo hospital
- Ambani hospital
- Breach candy hospital
- Tata memorial hospital
- Kakilaben dhurubhai hospital
- Heart transplant hospitals in Chennai:
Chennai has over 25 heart surgery hospitals which perform different kinds of surgeries. Till now, Chennai has done about 142 surgeries. Some of the trusted centers are:
- Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital
- Apollo hospital
- Frontier lifeline hospital
- Global hospital
- Fortis hospital
- Sri Ramachandra medical college and research institute
- Heart transplant hospitals in Bangalore:
There are over 20 cardiology centers in Bangalore. Some of the trusted healthcare centers are:
- Fortis Malar
- Apollo hospital
- Sakra world hospital
- Jayadeva hospital
- Manipal heart foundation
Some of the top surgeons specialized in Heart surgeries are listed below:
- Dr.Naresh Trehan
- Dr.S.K. Sinha
- Dr.Sandeep Attawar
- Dr.Praveen Agarwal
- Dr.Subhash Chandra
- Dr.Balram Airan
- Dr.Satish Javali
- Dr.Sunil Vanzara
- Dr.Suresh Joshi
- Dr.S. Bhattacharya
- Dr.Sunder
- Dr . Arun Visvarajan
- Dr.Rahul Chandola
- Dr.Bashi
- Dr.Paul Ramesh
- Dr.K.R. Balakrishnan
- Dr.Gilbert Joseph
- Dr.Tameem Ahmed
- Dr.Devi Shetty
The cost of heart transplantation in India:
Of all the surgeries performed in India, heart transplantation is the most expensive. The total cost of organ transplant ranges from between INR 20,00,000 to 25,00,000. Even after the surgery, you will have to take special care and regular medications. The medications will cost around INR 30,000 per month. You will have to continue this for a few months after the surgery. In some cases, the air ambulance may be used to bring the donor heart from one location to another. This will cost around 7-10 lakhs.
Benefits and risks of heart transplants:
According to a survey conducted, 87% of the patients who receive heart transplants survive about one year. 73% of the patients may live for about 5 years. Today’s heart transplant recipients live longer after the surgery than those who received the surgery 10 years ago. Many transplants recipients are advised to do swimming, walking and a lot more physical exercises to remain healthy.
The improved life expectancy of heart transplant recipients is due to the immunosuppressive drugs which reduce the body’s ability to reject new organs. Rejection is the major risk of the transplant surgery. Sometimes the immune system might send out antibodies to reject the new organ. In many cases, the rejection may cause extensive damage to the organ.
One should also be aware of the possible side effects of using immunosuppressants. It may elevate cholesterol levels and blood pressure. People taking immunosuppressive drugs are advised to avoid grape juice. This is because the combination of both increases the blood levels and causes nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness.
The second risk is that of infection. There is every possible way that the new organ may be infected. In that case, people has to immediately rush to the doctor to get it treated. Infection of the new organ may cause:
- Fever
- Redness
- Dizziness
- Swelling
Researches are being carried out to find ways to reduce the risk of infection and rejection. To know more about the heart transplant surgery and the best hospitals and surgeons log on to Free Doctor Helpline or call us at +918010555444.
Surviving the heat stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency as it is the most serious form of heat injury. The heat stroke mainly affects people above 50 years of age and also the healthy young athletes. It can kill or even cause damage to the brain and internal organs. If you suspect if anyone is suffering a heat stroke or also called as sun stroke, then immediately contact best doctors at free doctor helpline and get guidance regarding first aid of heat stroke and give the necessary first aid.
Heat stroke results due to long-term exposure to high temperatures and dehydration which will adversely affect the body’s temperature control system. If the core body temperature is greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit then it will even affect the central nervous system.
Symptoms of a heat stroke:
The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is the core body temperature is greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The common symptoms include:
ϖ Throbbing headache
ϖ Lack of sweat despite heat
ϖ Red, hot, and dry skin
ϖ Rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing
ϖ Nausea and vomiting
ϖ Muscle weakness and cramps
ϖ Unconsciousness
First aid for heat stroke:
If you suspect if anyone is suffering a heat stroke or also called as Sunstroke, then call freedoctorhelpline on +918010555444 and consult dietitian, nutritionist, general physician free to get the necessary first aid. Try out these cooling strategies:
♣ Fan air over the patient and also wet the person’s skin with sponge or hose.
♣ Apply ice packs to the person’s neck, back, and armpits.
♣ Immerse the person in a tub of cool water.
Risk factors for heat stroke:
Heat stroke is more common among older people who live in areas where there is not sufficient amount of air flow. People with chronic diseases, who consumes a lot of alcohol and who drink inadequate water are also at risk.
Other factors include:
¬ Age: infants, children below 4 years of age and older people are more vulnerable as they find it hard to adapt themselves to the high temperatures.
¬ Health: people with heart, lung, kidney diseases, obesity, underweight, diabetes, high blood pressure, alcoholism are all at greater risk.
How to prevent heat stroke?
When the heat index is extremely high it is better to stay indoors. If you have to move out then you will have to follow certain steps to protect yourself from heat stroke.
How much water should you drink daily to get rid of sun stroke ? Ask A doctor Online
♦ Wear light weight, cotton, and loose fitting clothes
♦ Use sunscreen of SPF 30 and more
♦ Drink extra fluids to hydrate your body.
♦ During exercise, you should consume about 8 ounces of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
♦ Reschedule or cancel outdoor activities during mid-day. Plan for it during early mornings or late evenings.
♦ Drink lot of fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
♦ Salt depletion can also result in heat-related illness. So substitute your fluids with electrolyte-rich drinks during sports activities.
♦ Monitor the color of your urine. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration.
♦ Avoid fluids that contain caffeine and alcohol as both these substances will worsen heat-related illness.
♦ At home, draw your curtains and open up windows on both sides to create cross ventilation.
Once you have recovered from heat stroke you will be more sensitive to high temperatures for few days. So it is better to stay indoors and avoid going out in heat or high temperatures. It is even better if you go for a pleasant morning walk as it refreshes your mind and body and makes you feel fresh from within.
Viagra- uses and side effects
Sildenafil belongs to a group of medications called as phosphodiesterase inhibitors which increase the blood flow to the penis during sexual activity which results in an erection. Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil which is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, it will not work without sexual stimulation.
Viagra is not an Over-the-counter medicine. It can be purchased only if it is prescribed by your physician to treat erectile dysfunction problems. Do not take this medication along with other products that contain sildenafil or other medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction.Viagra is also used to treat Raynaud’s diseases and so is called as “off-label”.
Risks of using Viagra:
- Do not consume Viagra if you are taking nitrate medicines. If these two combines, then it can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure causing a heart attack or stroke.
- Alpha blockers such as Hytrin and Flomax also cause a drop in blood pressure.
- Make sure if you are healthy to have sex before you take Viagra. Talk to your doctor about your heart problems and heart rhythms as sex puts extra strain on your heart.
Viagra for women:
The Food and Drug Association has not approved Viagra as a treatment for erectile dysfunction in women, but studies show that it can boost sexual arouse in women as well.
However, women taking Viagra should tell their doctor if she is pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Viagra is in FDA Pregnancy category B, which means it will have no effect on the fetus. However, no studies have proved this on women.
How to use Viagra:
- Read the patient leaflet thoroughly and if you have any doubts ask your doctor or the pharmacist.
- Do not have more than one Viagra a day.
- Take a pill before 30 minutes of sexual intercourse but not more than 4 hours.
- Taking a pill just one hour before the sexual activity is even more effective.
The dosage is based on your medications, response to treatment and other general health.
Viagra and its side effects:
Any medication will have its own side effects on the human body. the Viagra which is meant to treat erectile dysfunction also has severe side effects on human health. The common side effects include:
- Headache
- Stomach upset
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion
- Back pain
- Abnormal vision
- Flushing in the face, neck, and chest
- Muscular pain or tenderness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Skin rashes
- Diarrhea
Serious side effects of Viagra include:
- Change or loss of vision
- Ringing in ears or hearing loss
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in hands, ankles, and feet
Once you experience any of these side effects, stop taking Viagra and immediately consult your doctor.
Viagra and drug interactions:
Do not take Viagra f you are taking the following medicines. The list consists of:
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal infections
- Heart or blood pressure medications
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS medicines
- Tuberculosis medications
However, taking Viagra will not prevent or protect one from any of the sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
For further queries regarding viagra, you may consult sexologist online at Free doctor helpline.
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver also called as Steatosis refers to the buildup of fat in the liver. It’s normal to have some fat in the liver but if it makes up to 5% to 10% of the organ’s weight then you may probably have fatty liver disease. Fatty liver is a reversible condition provided which can be achieved with behavioral controls.
The liver is the 2nd largest organ in the body. Its main function is to process everything we eat and drink and filter the harmful substances. This process gets interrupted if a lot of fat get deposited in the liver. The liver repairs itself by regenerating new liver cells when the old ones get damaged.
Fatty liver is a very common condition for people of age between 40 to 60 years. If the exact cause of this condition is not identified and treated, it might become harmful and even lead to life-threatening situations.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver?
It has no associated symptom. One may feel fatigue or an abdominal discomfort. Your liver becomes slightly enlarged and deposition of fat leads to liver inflammation. One may also have loss of appetite, weight loss, and confusion.
What are the causes of fatty liver?
Alcohol consumption is the most common cause for this condition. Fat deposition takes place when the body creates too much of fat and is not able to metabolize it at a fast rate. Now, the excess fat gets deposited causing fatty liver disease.
Other common causes for this condition include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High levels of fat in the blood
- Genetic inheritance
- Side effects of certain medicines such as aspirin, steroids, etc
- Rapid weight loss
Types of the Fatty liver:
There are 4 different types of fatty liver.
- Alcoholic liver disease (ALD):
Heavy consumption of alcohol will lead to alcoholic liver disease. The liver will not be able to break down the excess of alcohol taken in by the body. The genes can also play a role in ALD. However, if the person refrains from drinking alcohol for 6 weeks the fat will disappear.
Other factors that increase the chances of getting ALD are:
- Obesity
- Excess iron in the body
- Hepatitis that may cause inflammation of the liver.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL):
This is not due to alcohol. This condition develops when the liver finds it difficult to break down the fat. This is diagnosed when more than 10% of the liver is fat. People with high cholesterol and diabetes have greater chances of being affected. Other factors include:
- Malnutrition
- Rapid weight loss
- Viral hepatitis
- Medications
- Inherited liver disease
Too much of bacteria in your small intestine and other changes in the intestine may be related to the non-alcoholic liver disease.
- Acute fatty liver of pregnancy:
It’s a very rare case where fat gets deposited in the liver when you are pregnant. It may lead to serious issues such as liver or kidney failure either in you or your baby. It may also cause infection or bleeding. There’s no exact cause for this but your hormones may play a role. The symptoms begin in the 3rd trimester. It includes:
- Pain in the upper-right abdomen
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Jaundice
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis:
When fat builds up, it leads to swelling of the liver. This can impair liver function. The noticeable symptoms are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
How is it diagnosed?
Physical exam: your doctor can detect it just by examining your abdomen. Also tell your doctor about your medical history, medications, alcohol and supplement use.
Blood tests: your doctor may observe that the liver enzymes are higher than that in a routine blood test. This doesn’t confirm fatty liver. Further analysis will be made.
Ultrasound: one may take up ultrasound or CT or MRI scan to detect the amount of fat deposition in the liver.
Liver biopsy: in a liver biopsy, the doctor will insert a needle into your liver to remove a tissue for examination. This will also help to detect the exact cause.
How is fatty liver treated?
There is no treatment, surgery or medication for fatty liver. Instead, your doctor will suggest ways and means reduce the risk factors. It includes:
- Limiting or avoiding alcoholic beverages
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Losing weight
- Controlling blood sugar
- Regular physical activities
- Diet control
- Include more of protein in your diet
As we all know, prevention is better than cure. So it’s always better to make efforts to remain healthy than to undergo treatments for recovery. For further query regarding fatty liver, you can call doctors on phone call at free doctor helpline or chat online with hepatologist and gastroenterologist.
