Radiation therapy impacts each individual differently. This means that the side effects can vary from person to person. Radiotherapy is one of the most important treatment options for cancer. With improved technology targeting and eliminating cancer cells using radiation therapy has proven to be most effective in the treatment of cancer. Depending upon the part of the body affected and the extent of the spread of cancer, the intensity and frequency of radiotherapy is...

  Postpartum Thyroiditis is a temporary condition that affects 5% to 9% of new moms within the first year after childbirth." The Thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, wrapped around the trachea. It secretes hormones that play a significant role in controlling metabolism, which is the process by which food is converted to energy. When the thyroid releases the right amount of hormones, the metabolism works at the...

  There is no real cause for concern if you have been diagnosed with vertigo, however, you must tread with caution depending on the type of vertigo you have. The term Vertigo is quite often used by people when they have a sudden dizzy spell. However, vertigo is not the only condition that causes that sensation; and most people tend to confuse light-headedness with vertigo. Depending on when you have these dizzy spells and how...

  If not cleaned, the plaque causes the gums to get inflamed and bleed. This condition is called Gingivitis and is considered the first stage of Gum Disease.   #1 GUM DISEASE CAN GO UNDETECTED IN ITS EARLY STAGES   Gum disease otherwise known as Periodontal Disease affects the gums and is one of the most common oral problems millions of people face at least once in their lifetime. The initial stages of gum disease...

  The most common side-effects of Chemotherapy are fatigue, nausea and hair loss. Chemotherapy is also known to cause dry mouth and mouth ulcers. Q:What is Chemotherapy?   Dr:Chemotherapy refers to the usage of drugs to treat a disease, but over time it has come to be a term specific to cancer treatment. There are different types of drugs for different types of cancer cells. Each drug as a particular method of administration and schedule....

  Chronic Constipation means hardening of stools in the intestine. Over time, more and more hardened stools accumulate, causing a blockage in the intestines. Being unable to pass stools once in a while, is nothing to be worried about. A couple of bananas will do the trick! However, if you keep getting constipated often then it is definitely a cause for concern. It is likely that you have chronic constipation and delay in treatment may...

  Sometimes all it takes to resolve constipation is increasing fibre intake. Constipation is a relatively common condition, and everyone has at least one episode of constipation in their lifetime. For the lucky few, the condition resolves itself with the help of a few home remedies, warm water, and some physical activity. However, there are those who struggle to get a proper bowel movement and need medical intervention. The key is to identify the problem...

  Regular visits to the ophthalmologist can help catch retinopathy in its early stages when it can be treated and any damage to the eye can be reversed. India ranks amongst the top ten countries in the world in terms of the number of diabetes cases! With the disease being so common and rampant, the degree of awareness is significantly high as well. However, not many people know that uncontrolled diabetes can result in permanent...

  The goal of Movember as far as men's health goes is to spread awareness on conditions that are exclusive to or more prevalent among men. Health should be one's priority every day, and yet it often never is! Caught up in daily struggles at work and home, most of us tend to neglect our health until it is too late. This holds good for both men and women. However, in November we place full...

  The 5-year survival rate for local prostate cancer is nearly 100%. Prostate Cancer is one of the Top Ten most prevalent cancers in India. However, given that in most cases the tumour grows very slowly, the chances of successfully treating the disease are also quite high. Men should maintain a healthy prostate and make sure to meet the doctor if they feel any kind of pain or discomfort or difficulty in passing urine. Early...

  It is possible to feel a lump in the scrotal sacks by conducting a self-examination. Only 4% of testicular lumps turn out to be cancerous, but do not take the risk. Testicular Cancer is one of the rarest cancers among men in the Indian sub-continent, nevertheless, awareness can help in early detection which is key to the successful treatment of cancer.   Q:What is Testicular Cancer?   Dr:The testicles are two oval glands located...

  The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is particularly special and mutually beneficial. Regular meetings will facilitate the growth of this bond. It's not always easy to maintain a work-life balance these days given the breakneck pace at which most people take on professional commitments. With so many people vying for the same job, nobody is indispensable and the knowledge of this is only added pressure:   - the pressure to stay ahead. - the...

  Never allow them to feel like a burden on you by mocking their poor health or their dependency on you. Having elderly family members at home can be quite comforting for young couples and a nurturing experience for the children. Their worldly wisdom and unconditional support can help keep the family together through rough times. However, it is important to understand that besides relying on them for moral support, one must offer them the...

  The five-year survival rate for Leukemia is 67%. The chances for survival are higher among younger patients. P   Q:What is Leukemia?   Dr:Leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow which is the soft inner part of the bones where new blood cells are made. This is why it quickly spreads into the blood and travels to all parts of the body. A person develops leukemia when the bone marrow makes too many blood...

  Almost all cervical cancers and certain cancers of the vagina and vulva are caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV, for which there is a vaccination. Medical research states that abnormal function of certain genes such as the oncogenes and tumour suppressing genes, triggered by smoking or other environmental factors can lead to cancer. However, it is not always possible to single out the exact cause of a person developing cancer. Nevertheless, there are...

  Those recovering from a heart failure must gradually include low impact workouts under medical supervision in order to strengthen their heart Leading an active life will keep you healthy and your heart happy. It helps you balance your weight and prevents arterial damage caused by high cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. However, some studies show that exercising too much can burden your heart and impair its functioning in the long run....

  The term Golden Hour is used to underline the importance of urgent care that must be given to trauma patients soon after they have been critically injured. BBe it a minor scratch or a life-threatening event, every family will have a story about an accident or some other trauma they were involved in. The burden of trauma is unrealized, but it is one of the most leading causes of significant debility and even death,...

  The cost of IVF treatment in the US and the UK is extremely high - costing around USD 15000 (which is around Rs.12,00,000). In the Indian IVF scape, the cost per cycle in hospitals with high success rates can be anywhere between Rs. 70,000 to Rs.2,50,000 From a cultural standpoint, having a child is what completes a woman. This placed the burden of being childless solely upon the woman's shoulders; it had always considered...

  The success rate of IVF in India can be put down to 30% to 35%, while globally the success of IVF is about 40%. Over 40 years ago when the first test tube baby was born, it brought a ray of hope into the lives of hundreds of couples unable to conceive. A baby born via In Vitro Fertilization is what we commonly call a test tube baby (Vitro means outside the body). From...

  You cannot give the condition to someone nor can you catch it from an infected person even if you come in direct contact with a psoriasis plaque. Simply put, Psoriasis is not contagious." Psoriasis is an immune mediated skin condition that manifests as scaly, itchy patches in various parts of the body. There are many myths about the disease and an attached social stigma that causes people with the condition to shy away from...

  Build-up of poorly digested food in the stomach due to Gastroparesis leads to the formation of a tightly packed solid mass called a bezoar. If the bezoar grows large enough to block the passage of food to the small intestine, it can be life-threatening. As the name suggests Gastroparesis is a condition associated with the stomach. It is a condition in which the stomach muscles slow down and as a result, the stomach does...

  Vaccines confer activity immunity on the individual by teaching the immune system how to respond to certain infections. If you did not already know, and are still confused about vaccinations and their necessity, here are TEN reasons why you should make sure your child is up to date with his/her immunization schedule.   VACCINES ERADICATE DISEASES & SAVE LIVES.   Diligent worldwide administering of vaccines is what has successfully eradicated Smallpox, which claimed thousands...

  Too much screen time is also a major cause of dry eye in kids. Over time it can even lead to the child having trouble focusing. Studies have actually shown a rise in myopic vision in children who spend too much time looking at the computer/ tab screen. There is in an increased number of young children wearing glasses to help them see better. Vision problems and poor eyesight among kids have become common...

  Bodily fluids lost due to diarrhea need to be replaced with urgency. Administering ORS at the first signs of diarrhea saves lives." Oral Rehydration Salts or ORS is administered to patients with dehydration to rehydrate the body. It is quite a simple mode of treatment and can prove to be lifesaving.   WHAT CAUSES DEHYDRATION?   Dehydration occurs when a person loses more fluids than is consumed. As a result, the body does not...

  In Vitro Fertilization is a method of assisted reproductive technology for couples unable to conceive naturally or who have tried other fertility methods and failed. For couples trying to conceive, a delay in pregnancy causes much anxiety and stress. This is counter-productive and poses a greater obstacle. While most couples eventually do succeed in getting pregnant by calculating the fertility window and having intercourse accordingly, some couples will have a harder time. After at...

  The good news about Testicular Cancer is that it is highly curable. It can be successfully treated in 95% of the cases. Testicular Cancer is not one of the most common types of cancers. It affects 1 in every 250 males between the ages of 15 to 35. In its early stages testicular cancer is highly treatable, and since a simple home-examination of the testicles can help detect the tumour, being alert to changes...

  In the case of prostate cancer, nearly 100% of the men diagnosed in the early stages can be fully cured. Q:Where is the prostate gland?   Dr:It is a small, walnut-sized gland found between the penis and the urinary bladder. It is just in front of the rectum. The urethra runs through the center of the prostate.   Q:What is the function of the prostate gland?   Dr:The prostate gland secretes fluid that protects...

  While most of us manage to move on and away from the 'bad things' that happen to us, those with PTSD keep reliving the trauma, causing them intense mental strain and harm   WHAT IS PTSD?   Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, abbreviated to PTSD, is essentially a mental health disorder that is caused by an incident that has caused a person significant emotional trauma even in the absence of physical injury.   PTSD CAUSES...

  Heavy smoking, alcohol use, excess caffeine or other stimulants, stress, thyroid disease, and fever can result in the heart beating abnormally. Arrhythmia is a condition when the heart beats out of rhythm. Here's everything you need to know about the condition.   NORMAL RHYTHM vs ABNORMAL RHYTHM.   Everyone's heart beats at a set pace. This pace is in keeping with whatever activity the body is doing. Of course, when one goes through extreme...

  In order to find Melanoma earlier on, it is important to examine the child's body regularly for spots/rashes that are changing in shape, size or texture Melanoma is a rare type of Skin Cancer, yet one that is most lethal. Spotting it earlier helps with diagnosis and effective treatment. Melanoma is one of the most common types of skin cancer amongst children.   WHAT IS MELANOMA?   Melanoma is the more aggressive form of...

  The key to a healthy mind is living in a supportive, nurturing environment - one that puts the mother's well-being first. From trying to conceive to getting pregnant, going through the pregnancy and then delivery and even after delivery, a woman goes through so many changes. These changes are closely related to, if not a direct outcome of, all the physical and hormonal changes occurring to her body. Some gain weight, some lose weight,...

  Obesity, Smoking, High salt diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, irregular sleep patterns and a family history of High BP increases risks for high blood pressure. Q:WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE?   Dr:The heart is constantly pumping blood to the whole of the body. The force with which the heart pumps blood is what we call Blood Pressure. When we measure blood pressure, we are factoring in two types of BP - Systolic Pressure and...

  Tobacco products can lead to constriction of the blood vessels in the brain or their rupture leading to a stroke Smoking causes cancer. It is right here on the cigarette box with a graphic image of someone who has suffered due to the habit. Despite this attempt to dissuade people from tobacco smoking, cigarette sales continue to soar as consumers continue to ignore the warning. Another interesting fact is cigarettes are not the only...

  Treatment for ASD is customized to benefit the individual because no two autistic individuals are the same. It is important to ensure that the treatment is structured, intensive and consistent for more favorable outcomes. It is never easy to accept that one's child has a condition that is untreatable - a condition that requires unconditional support and tireless effort to help the child cope with otherwise simple day-to-day activities. However, with the right kind...

  Reducing pollution and encouraging hygienic living habits is the best way to keep our environment clean. It is not enough to get annual health check-ups and take prescription medication diligently. We must also ensure that the environment we live in is conducive towards leading a healthy lifestyle. Every year thousands of people succumb to medical conditions caused or aggravated by exposure to pollutants or toxins in their home or work environment. This makes it...

  Any amount of alcohol on a daily basis for several years together does affect the liver. Having just one drink a day is relatively safer but does not rule out the possibility of liver damage in the long run. Q:Is Liver Damage caused only due to excessive alcohol consumption?   Dr:This is a misconception. Excessive alcohol consumption is definitely one of the main causes for scarring of the liver that can ultimately lead to...

  There are four stages of Fatty Liver Disease. Until stage 3 of the condition, the liver is able to function normally in spite of the disease. However, if it continues to take a beating it progresses into Stage 4, which is most severe causing liver failure. The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body and plays a significant role in various life supporting functions. Maintaining a healthy liver is necessary...

  Those with diabetes are at high risk for kidney disease. High blood sugar causes damage to the kidneys and impairs its functioning. Q:Can I have kidney disease and not know it?   Dr:Yes. The kidneys are built in such a way that they continue to keep the body functioning normally even when they are damaged. You may not notice any symptoms until the disease has advanced. This makes it necessary for those at risk,...

  A grave misconception about Chronic Kidney Disease is that everyone will eventually need dialysis treatment. Making a few life-style changes and sticking to the medication prescribed by the doctor will slow down and can even stop further damage to the kidneys. The kidneys play an important role in eliminating the wastes in our body and purifying the bloodstream. When they get damaged, this process takes a hit. Over time, if left undetected and not...

  Diagnosing illnesses in their early stages helps treat them more effectively. While an annual health check is essential for men and women, to ensure they are healthy, there are certain tests that are specific only to women. These tests and screenings help identify early onset of diseases that have a higher incidence in women. Diagnosing illnesses in their early stages helps treat them more effectively. Let us look at some recommended annual medical tests...

  A women's health check must take a closer look at signs and symptoms of diseases that are known to be more prevalent amongst women. WHAT ARE THE 5 IMPORTANT HEALTH ISSUES THAT WOMEN NEED TO BE SCREENED FOR?   Getting an annual health check up is required to make sure one's overall health is one the right track. It also helps doctors screen for certain age-specific or gender-specific diseases. A women's health check, besides...

  Given that Obstructive Sleep Apnea causes intermittent hypoxia it poses a greater threat to the elderly because it impacts brain structure and function. Q:What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?   Dr:It is a disorder characterised by brief pauses in breathing while sleeping caused by a blockage in the upper air way.   Q:Is snoring a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?   Dr:Yes. Loud snoring, gasping, and snorting while sleeping are amongst the main symptoms of...

  Being diagnosed with heart disease or undergoing heart surgery and then subsequently adopting a number of lifestyle changes is often stressful on the patient. Cardiac rehab will also help the individual to cope better. Just as we keep track of physical development in children through certain milestones, parents must also watch out for red flags in their child's emotional development. Every child at some point feels sad or has an angry outburst. However, if...

  In most cases parents do not see snoring as indicative of any underlying disorder and this may be true to a certain extent. However, if the child snores very loudly and has a very disruptive sleep pattern it is best to see a doctor to find out what could be wrong. Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs due to a blockage in the upper airway that causes the child to stop breathing briefly while sleeping. The...

  Being diagnosed with heart disease or undergoing heart surgery and then subsequently adopting a number of lifestyle changes is often stressful on the patient. Cardiac rehab will also help the individual to cope better. For individuals who have suffered a heart attack or any cardiovascular disease, Cardiac Rehabilitation will prove immensely beneficial to improve heart health and function. Like any rehabilitation program Cardiac Rehab is also a lengthy process that needs dedication and commitment...

  50% of all sexually active individuals have HPV but the body's immune system clears the virus. However, in some cases the virus stays on and can cause cancer C ervical Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, after Breast Cancer. Fortunately, it is a treatable cancer but unfortunately there is not enough awareness on early screening and treatment, which means the cancer advances and lives are lost. In order to...

  The most unfortunate part of Glaucoma is that it creeps up on you silently. People do not realize that their vision is affected until it's too late. Glaucoma is one of the main causes for blindness in older people and is hence considered a disease of the elderly. There are quite a few myths and misconceptions about glaucoma that must be busted   Myth #1: GLAUCOMA OCCURS ONLY IN OLD PEOPLE.   While most...

  50% of all sexually active individuals have HPV but the body's immune system clears the virus. However, in some cases the virus stays on and can cause cancer A vaccine is given to prevent a disease. This means it needs to be taken ahead of the onset of the disease for it to be fully effective. Frequently people believe that natural immunity is the best way to combat disease, which may be true. But...

  Human Papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted virus. There are more than 100 strains of HPV of which at least 30 to 40 causes infections in the genital tract. As common as it is, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause a number of infections including cancer and genital warts. It is important to understand how one acquires HPV and how to prevent severe infection to stay safe and healthy.   Q:WHAT IS HPV?...

  Women within the age of 21 to 65 can have a Pap Smear done once every 3 years or as recommended by the doctor. If you are found to be at risk for Cervical Cancer, you may need to have the test done more frequently. Q:What is a Pap Smear Test?   Dr:A Pap Smear or a Pap Test involves taking cells from the cervix (lower end of uterus, top of your vagina), to...