क्या आपके भी सोते वक्त हाथ पैर हो जाते हैं सुन्न? जानिए कारण और बचाव के उपाय

क्या आपके भी रात में सोते हुए हाथ-पैर सुन्न हो जाते हैं? अगर हां, तो यह अनुभव कई लोगों के लिए सामान्य हो सकता है। लेकिन, अगर ऐसा बार-बार हो रहा है, तो यह चिंता का विषय है। जब हम सोते हैं, तो कभी-कभी हाथ-पैरों में झनझनाहट या सुन्नता महसूस होती है, जोकि अस्थायी हो सकती है, लेकिन अगर यह लगातार हो, तो इसके पीछे कई कारण हो सकते हैं, जिनकी समय पर पहचान और उपचार आवश्यक है।

इस आर्टिकल में हम सोते वक्त हाथ पैर होने के कारणों, लक्षणों और उपायों पर चर्चा करेंगे।

सोते समय हाथ-पैर सुन्न होने के लक्षण क्या है?

  • झनझनाहट: हाथ या पैर में हल्की से तीव्र झनझनाहट महसूस होना।
  • अंगों का सुन्न हो जाना: प्रभावित क्षेत्र में संवेदना की कमी यानी अंगों को हिलाने में असमर्थ होना।
  • कमजोरी : हाथ या पैर में कमजोरी का अनुभव होना।
  • हल्का दर्द : रक्तसंचार धीमा होने पर सुन्नता के साथ हल्का दर्द या बेचैनी महसूस होना।
  •  सुई चुभने जैसी अनुभूति : हाथ या पैर की स्थिति बदलने पर सुई चुभने जैसा महसूस होना।
  • अंगों का भारी लगना : हाथ या पैर का भारी महसूस होना और उसे हिलाने में कठिनाई।
  • अचानक झटका लगना : अचानक स्थिति बदलने पर हाथ या पैर में झटका सा महसूस होना।

हाथ-पैर सुन्न होने के सामान्य कारण

1. विटामिन बी की कमी

विटामिन बी शरीर की कोशिकाओं को स्वस्थ और सक्रिय रखने के लिए आवश्यक होता है। इसकी कमी से शरीर में सुन्नता या झुनझुनी की समस्या हो सकती है। विटामिन बी की कमी से होने वाली सुन्नता को रोकने के लिए अपने आहार में केले, पालक, मछली, डेयरी उत्पाद और अंकुरित अनाज का सेवन करें।

2. पेरेस्टेसिया

कई लोग सोते समय अपने हाथ को सिर के नीचे रखते हैं, जिससे हाथ की नसों पर दबाव पड़ता है और रक्त संचार बाधित हो जाता है। इस वजह से भी हाथों में सुन्नता होती है, जिसे पेरेस्टेसिया कहा जाता है। अगर यह स्थिति बार-बार होती है, तो डॉक्टर से परामर्श लेना चाहिए।

3. कार्पल टनल सिंड्रोम

यह सिंड्रोम उन लोगों में सामान्य है जो लंबे समय तक कीबोर्ड पर टाइप करते हैं या किसी मशीन पर काम करते हैं। कार्पल टनल सिंड्रोम के कारण हाथों और पैरों में सुन्नता और झनझनाहट महसूस हो सकती है। इससे बचाव के लिए काम के बीच में ब्रेक लें और हाथों की स्ट्रेचिंग करें।

4. डायबिटीज

डायबिटीज से पीड़ित लोगों में अक्सर हाथ-पैरों में सुन्नता और झनझनाहट की समस्या होती है। अगर आपको डायबिटीज है और बार-बार सुन्नता का अनुभव हो रहा है, तो ब्लड शुगर की नियमित जांच और उचित खानपान का पालन आवश्यक है।

5. नस दबने की समस्या

सोते समय अगर नसें दबने से भी हाथ-पैर सुन्न हो सकते हैं। गर्दन या रीढ़ की नसों पर दबाव पड़ने से भी यह समस्या उत्पन्न हो सकती है। गठिया, चोट या लंबे समय तक गलत पोजीशन में बैठने के कारण भी नसों पर दबाव बढ़ता है। अगर समस्या लगातार बनी रहती है, तो डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।

सोते हुए हाथ-पैर सुन्न होने से बचने के उपाय

1. नियमित एक्सरसाइज करें

रोजाना व्यायाम करना शरीर में ब्लड सर्कुलेशन को बेहतर बनाता है। अगर आप नियमित रूप से व्यायाम करते हैं, तो इससे न सिर्फ आपकी मांसपेशियां मजबूत होंगी, बल्कि सुन्नता की समस्या भी दूर होगी है। हर दिन 20-30 मिनट का व्यायाम अवश्य करना चाहिए।

2. संतुलित आहार लें

हाथ-पैरों के सुन्न होने की समस्या को दूर करने के लिए पोषक तत्वों से भरपूर आहार लेना जरूरी है। अपने आहार में विटामिन बी6, बी12 और मैग्नीशियम युक्त खाद्य पदार्थ जैसे केला, पालक, मूंगफली, सोयाबीन आदि को शामिल करें। यह आपके नसों को मजबूत बनाएंगे और सुन्नता की समस्या से निजात दिलाने में मदद करेंगे।

3. तेल की मालिश करें

तेल से मालिश करने से ब्लड सर्कुलेशन को बढ़ावा मिलता है, और अंगों की सुन्नता कम होती है। सरसों का तेल गर्म करके नियमित रूप से मालिश करने ब्लड सर्कुलेशन बेहतर बनेगा और सुन्नता को दूर करने में मदद मिलेगी।

4. हल्दी का सेवन करें

हल्दी में एंटीऑक्सीडेंट्स होते हैं, जो सूजन और दर्द को कम करने में मदद करते हैं। साथ ही यह भी ब्लड सर्कुलेशन को बढ़ाता है। सोने से पहले एक हल्दी वाला दुध पीना फायदेमेंद है।

5. अन्य

सोते समय हाथों को तकिये के नीचे न रखें, इससे तंत्रिकाओं पर दबाव पड़ता है। गर्म पानी से हाथ-पैरों की सिकाई करना भी फायदेमंद है।

इस लेख का उद्देश्य समस्या के संबंध में जानकारी देना है। अगर आप इस समस्या के संबंध में किसी भी प्रकार के लक्षण अनुभव करते हैं, तो डॉक्टर से परामर्श अवश्य लें।

साइनस की समस्या क्या है? इसको ठीक करने के क्या उपाय है?

साइनस चेहरे के अंदर की हड्डियों के भीतर मौजूद खोखले स्थान होते हैं। इनमें नम हवा होती है और इन्हें वायुविवर भी कहा जाता है। यह हमारे श्वसन तंत्र का एक महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा होती है। साइनस के अंदर की सतह पर बलगम बनता है, जो नाक से होकर बाहर निकलता है। जब किसी कारणवश यह बलगम बाहर नहीं निकल पाता, और साइनस कैविटी में फँस जाता है, तो साइनस की समस्या होती है।

साइनस की समस्या क्या है?

साइनस एक ऐसी समस्या है, जिससे कई लोग प्रभावित होते हैं। यह एक ऐसी स्थिति है जिसमें नाक और उसके आस-पास की हड्डियों में सूजन आ जाती है, और जलन होती है। साइनस के कारण सिरदर्द, नाक बंद होना, और चेहरे में दर्द जैसी समस्याएं भी देखने को मिलती हैं। यह समस्या तब उत्पन्न होती है जब साइनस कैविटी में बलगम भर जाता है, और उसका उचित निकास नहीं हो पाता।

साइनस की समस्या को समय रहते पहचानना, और उसका इलाज आवश्यक है। इस आर्टिकल में हम साइनस की समस्या और इसे ठीक करने के उपायों को विस्तार से जानेंगे।

साइनस की समस्या के क्या कारण है?

साइनस की समस्या कई कारणों से हो सकती हैं, जिनमें से कुछ मुख्य कारण निम्नलिखित हैं:

  • वायरल संक्रमण : साइनस का सबसे प्रमुख कारण सर्दी-जुकाम है, जो वायरल संक्रमण के कारण होता है। सर्दी-जुकाम के कारण साइनस की परत में सूज जाती है, और बलगम एकत्र होने से साइनस की समस्या हो जाती है।
  • बैक्टीरियल संक्रमण: वायरल संक्रमण के बाद साइनस की समस्या का बने रहना इसे बैक्टीरियल संक्रमण में बदल देता है। बैक्टीरिया के कारण साइनस कैविटी में पस जमा हो सकता है, जिससे समस्या बढ़ जाती है।
  • एलर्जी: एलर्जी के कारण भी साइनस की समस्या देखने को मिलती है। धूल, परागकण, या किसी अन्य पदार्थ से एलर्जी होने से भी साइनस की परत में सूजन आ जाती है। इससे बलगम बढ़ जाता है, जिससे नाक बंद हो जाती है।
  • नाक में रुकावट: किसी कारणवश नाक में रुकावट आने जैसे नाक की हड्डी का टेढ़ा होना या नाक में कुछ फंस जाना भी साइनस की समस्या का कारण बनता है।
  • धूम्रपान और प्रदूषण: धूम्रपान और वायु प्रदूषण भी साइनस की समस्या को बढ़ावा देते हैं। धूम्रपान के कारण साइनस की परत में सूजन आ जाती है, और वायु प्रदूषण के कारण नाक और साइनस में जलन होती है।

साइनस के लक्षण क्या है?

साइनस की समस्या के लक्षण स्थिति की गंभीरता के अनुसार अलग अलग हो सकते हैं। कुछ प्रमुख लक्षण निम्नलिखित हैं:

  1. सिरदर्द: साइनस की समस्या में सिर, आंखों के आस-पास, और गालों में दर्द अनुभव होता है।
  2. सांस लेने में कठिनाई: साइनस की समस्या में नाक बंद हो जाती है, जिससे सांस लेने में कठिनाई होती है।
  3. नाक से पानी आना: साइनस की समस्या में नाक से पीला या गाढ़ा पानी आ सकता है।
  4. चेहरे पर दर्द: साइनस की समस्या में चेहरे में दबाव और दर्द महसूस हो सकता है।
  5. खांसी और खराश: साइनस के कारण बलगम से खांसी और गले में खराश हो सकती है।
  6. बदबूदार सांस: साइनस के कारण सांसों से कई बार बदबू भी आ सकती है।

साइनस को ठीक करने के उपाय क्या हैं?

साइनस की समस्या से राहत पाने के लिए इन उपायों को अपनाया जा सकता है।

  1. भाप लेना: भाप लेने से साइनस की परत में जमा बलगम पिघल जाता है, और नाक खुल जाती है। जिससे इस समस्या से राहत मिलती है।
  2. नमक का पानी: नमक के पानी से नाक को धोने से साइनस की सफाई होती है, और नाक में जमा बलगम बाहर निकल जाता है।
  3. पानी और तरल पदार्थों का सेवन: अधिक पानी और तरल पदार्थों के सेवन से शरीर में नमी बनी रहती है, और बलगम पतला होकर आसानी से बाहर निकल आता है।
  4. गरम तौलिए से सेकाई: गरम तौलिए से चेहरे की सेकाई करने से भी साइनस में जमा बलगम पिघलता है, और नाक खुल जाती है।
  5. एलर्जी कारकों से बचाव: साइनस की समस्या को बढ़ाने वाले एलर्जी कारकों से बचाव से भी समस्या से निजात पाई जा सकती है जैसे धूल, धुआं, और परागकण।
  6. एंटीबायोटिक्स और एंटीहिस्टामाइन: बैक्टीरियल संक्रमण के मामले में, डॉक्टर एंटीबायोटिक्स की सलाह दे सकते हैं। यदि एलर्जी के कारण यह समस्या हो, तो एंटीहिस्टामाइन दवाएं दी जाती हैं।
  7. सर्जरी: यदि साइनस की समस्या लगातार बनी रहती है, और अन्य उपचारों से राहत नहीं मिलती, तो सर्जरी की आवश्यकता हो सकती है, जिसमें नाक की रुकावट को दूर किया जाता है।
  8. अन्य: अगर आप साइनस की समस्या से जुड़े लक्षण अनुभव करते हैं, तो कोई भी उपाय अपनाने से पूर्व चिकित्सकीय परामर्श अवश्य लें।

साइनस की समस्या एक सामान्य लेकिन कष्टदायक स्थिति हो सकती है। इसे सही समय पर पहचान कर उपचार आवश्यक है। साइनस की समस्या से बचाव के लिए स्वस्थ जीवनशैली, स्वच्छता, और चिकित्सीय सलाह का पालन करना चाहिए

Monsoon and Your Immunity: Boosting Your Body’s Defenses for the Rainy Season

The monsoon season is on our head, the cooling showers and soft breezes are here to relieve us from the scorching heat of the summer. However, as cool as it seems, the monsoon season brings a lot of humidity, water diseases, and other health concerns. These altogether challenge our immune system, and all individuals face a risk of getting sick. As the rain transforms the weather from scorching heat to coll breezy showers, we also need to transform our health habits to stay robust and resilient. Here’s how you can fight with your strong immunity against all odds of the monsoon.

How Can You Boost Your Immunity in the Rainy Season?

Increase your Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C is the best immune booster. This vitamin protects a person against all odd diseases and infections during the rainy season. By improving the ability of immune cells to eliminate dangerous germs, it strengthens your immune system. Vitamin C is also helpful in managing and preventing a number of respiratory conditions, including the common cold and cough. Make sure you get adequate vitamin C from food or supplements. Natural sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, as well as vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, red bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts.

Enhance Your Lifestyle

  • Your lifestyle is a major contributing factor to your health. Incorporate these practices in your daily life to stay healthy and improve your immunity:
    • a.   Exercise Regularly – It is not always about the intensity of the workout but the consistency. Engage in little activities like Yoga, Gym, walking, or jogging. Exercise enhances circulation and helps the immune cells to perform efficiently.
    • b.   Healthy Sleep – By healthy night sleep we mean, quality sleep for up to 7-8 hours. Sleep is essential for the body to repair and regenerate the body’s tissues, and maintain a strong immune system.
    • c.   Hygiene Practices – Hygiene practices like – washing your hands every time you come home, using hand sanitizers, and keeping your surroundings clean to prevent infections.
    • d.   Avoiding Stagnant Water – Water stagnation gives rise to mosquito breeding. Use mosquito repellents and nets.
    • e.   Stress Management – Your mental wellness has everything to do with your immunity. Practice stress relief yourself, and monitor the healthy changes in your routine life.

Dietary Adjustment to Ensure Stronger Immunity

  • Along with certain lifestyle changes, it is necessary to ensure that you follow a healthy diet routine. Here are some dietary adjustments that you can consider:
    • a.   Drink Plenty of Water – Drink plenty of clean, and filtered water. Avoid drinking from plastic water bottles. Drink at least 8-9 glasses in a day.
    • b.   Balanced diet – Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are excellent for vitamin C, which enhances immune function.
    • c.   Probiotics – Intake more food supplements like – yogurt and fermented vegetables, to improve your gut health.
    • d.   Herbal Food – Avoid lots and lots of herbs and ayurvedic dietary choices. Drink herbal tea or green tea.
    • e.   Avoid Junk Food – Junk food that is fried, oily, or any street food should be avoided at any cost, especially in the monsoon season.

Use Natural Products

  • Incorporate lots and lots of natural herbal supplements like the following:
    • a.   Turmeric Milk – A warm cup of turmeric milk every day can go a long way. It can be very beneficial in boosting immunity and may have great anti-oxidant properties.
    • b.   Honey and Ginger – As weird as it sounds, honey and ginger is a great combination. A spoonful of honey with crushed ginger can soothe your throat and can work as a natural immunity booster.
    • c.   Amla – Amla is rich in Vitamin C, amla juice or raw amla can be consumed daily for a stronger immune system.
    • d.   Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Chew a few Tulsi leaves early in the morning. You can also prepare tulsi tea that will help your body fight infection and enhance your immunity.

What Precautions Should You Take During Monsoon?

  • You can take the following precautions to maintain your health:
    1. Boil Drinking water – Don’t drink cold water, drink either lukewarm water or boil it to kill all the germs and bacteria.
    2. Wear Appropriate Clothing – Ensure that you leave home with a raincoat or an umbrella to prevent wrenching in the rain. Dress in light, breathable, and waterproof clothing to prevent fungal infections and stay dry.
    3. Ventilation – Ensure there is proper ventilation in your home. Ventilation helps in avoiding dampness and mold growth.
    4. Footwear – Avoid wearing slippers or flip-flops. Wear waterproof and fully-covered shoes.

 

Conclusion

Monsoon is a beautiful season, however, it comes with its own issues and challenges. By incorporating a healthy lifestyle, dietary changes, and taking appropriate precautions, you can boost your immune system and stay healthy all monsoon. It won’t harm you to take the pleasure of rainy showers but maintaining your health is also important. This monsoon season, have fun, stay safe, stay healthy, and relish every moment of your life.

Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat: Understanding the Deadly Infection Affecting Children

On July 17, 2024 the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune confirmed that a four-year-old girl in Gujarat died from the Chandipura virus. Gujarat has reported a total of 133 cases of viral encephalitis over the past month, including 47 detected to be Chandipura virus, according to a statement from the State government. Of the 15 deaths, 13 are from Gujarat, with one each from neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Gujarat Health Commissioner Harshad Patel stated that nearly all the affected patients are children. Local health authorities are actively monitoring encephalitis cases and will continue to closely observe infections in the general population, increasing surveillance in areas with reported cases.

This is not the first outbreak of the Chandipura virus in India; previous outbreaks in 2003-04 in central India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of over 300 children. But what exactly is Chandipura Virus Infection? Let’s delve deeper to understand this deadly disease that seems to mostly affect children.

What is Chandipura Virus?

Chandipura Virus belongs to the Vesiculovirus genus within the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus. It was first isolated in 1965 from the blood of two adults with a febrile illness in a village near Nagpur, Maharashtra, and the virus was named after this village. Another notable instance of the virus being found in humans occurred in 1980 in Madhya Pradesh, from a patient suffering from acute encephalitis.

What are the Symptoms of Chandipura Virus?

The clinical presentation of Chandipura virus infection is both acute and severe, with a short incubation period of 24 to 48 hours. The disease is contracted suddenly, marked by high fever, altered sensorium, and seizures. These symptoms can quickly progress to an encephalitic syndrome, potentially leading to coma and death if not treated promptly.

These symptoms occur due to the inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Note the symptoms listed below:

  • Rapid onset of fever
  • Followed by vomiting
  • Altered sensorium (a change in consciousness)
  • Convulsions, diarrhea
  • Neurological deficit (like the inability to speak, loss of balance, vision changes)
  • Meningeal irritation (signs may include headaches, neck stiffness, photophobia and seizures)

How does the Chandipura Virus Infection Spread?

The virus is spread through the bites of sandflies, ticks, and mosquitoes. Sandflies are the primary carriers and can thrive in the cracks of walls or areas of homes made of sand or mud. Though the virus is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.

Does the Chandipura Virus mostly affect Children?

The Chandipura virus primarily affects children under the age of 15, with a significant impact in rural areas. During the 2003 outbreak in Andhra Pradesh, affected children ranged from 9 months to 14 years old, with most fatalities occurring within 48 hours of hospital admission. In the current Chandipura Virus outbreak in Gujarat, India, all reported deaths have been among children.

How is Chandipura Virus treated?

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial. Management primarily involves supportive care, including IV fluids, anticonvulsants, and fever control. In some cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary. Without medical intervention, the infection can be fatal within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. However, with advancements in medical care, the fatality rate has significantly decreased from 60-70% to less than 25%.

How Can We Reduce the Risk of Chandipura Virus Infection?

To minimize the risk of contracting the Chandipura Virus, consider spraying insecticides, encouraging children to wear long-sleeve clothing, using bed nets while sleeping, and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. These measures can significantly reduce the chances of infection from this dangerous virus.

Periodic Fever Syndrome in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Are you a parent with a lot of care and concern for your child? Do you often struggle to deal with the spontaneous sickness of your child? Raising a child is a complete journey filled with joy, laughter, and lots of health concerns. One of the most concerning issues that parents often struggle with is the periodic fever syndrome. This is the problem of recurring fevers in children and can be alarming.

Let’s explore more about the disease and understand what periodic fever syndrome is and how we can take care of it.

What is Periodic Fever Syndrome?

Periodic fever syndrome refers to the problem of fever recurring in a child without the detection of any serious illness or infection. These fever episodes normally occur at regular times and can even last for days. Normally, fevers are caused due to infection and can be a result of any subsequent disease. Unlike other fevers, periodic fever syndrome is not caused by any bacterial or viral pathogen. In fact, they are a result of any underlying genetic factor.

What are the Types of Periodic Fever Syndrome?

  • There are several types of periodic fever syndrome that affects children:

    • PFAPA Syndrome

    • PFPA Syndrome is the most common syndrome, and it stands for Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis. In this type of periodic fever, children face the issue of fever every few weeks. This often leads to other issues like mouth sores, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. This syndrome affects children between the ages of 2 and 5. There are no long-term complications, yet treatment for the disease is advisable. PFAPA is a long-term disease, and will tend to recover as the kid grows up.
    • FMF Syndrome

    • Familial Mediterranean Fever or FMF is common among people of the Mediterranean area or Middle Eastern descent. This syndrome causes recurring fever and also leads to inflammation in other body parts like the abdomen, chest, or joints. Sometimes, painful swelling in the joints can even make it hard to walk. Normally, the syndrome affects the kids below the age of 10. If left untreated, it may lead to an unwanted build-up of protein and can even lead to organ failure.
    • Hyper IgD Syndrome

    • The hyper lgD Syndrome or HIDS is a genetic disorder. It is a rare genetic fever condition and is also known as Mevalonate Kinase-Associated Periodic Fever Syndrome. The symptoms usually start in the child in the first year and the fever can go up to 104 degrees. The symptoms may include – rash, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, etc.
    • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor

    • Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS) – This is a condition that causes intermittent fevers. These fevers are often followed by other issues like rashes, chills, and muscle pain.

What are the Symptoms of Periodic Fever Syndrome?

  • Periodic fever syndrome causes regular episodes of fever accompanied by other symptoms listed below:
    • 1.   Mouth Ulcers (Common in PFAPA)
    • 2.   Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes
    • 3.   Abdominal pain
    • 4.   Joint pain and swelling
    • 5.   Skin rashes
    • 6.   Headaches

How Can Parents Diagnose Periodic Fever Syndrome?

  • The diagnosis of this disease is a little challenging but you can start by cancelling out the other causes of periodic fever such as infection or any other disease. Some other common ways of diagnosis are:
  • Physical Test

  • The doctors will completely examine the child’s body and will look for signs associated with the disease such as – swelling, abdominal pain, rashes, muscle pain, etc.
  • Blood and Urine Test

  • Blood and urine tests are critical to identify if there is any other underlying condition or disease that a child is suffering from. Tests are often conducted both times, when your child is sick and when he is well to compare the inflammation at all times.
  • Genetic Test

  • This periodic fever syndrome could be a genetic condition, and that is why it becomes crucial to identify the true cause of it. This is conducted via lab test or physical examinations to identify if your child has an inherited syndrome.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Periodic Fever Syndrome?

The type of treatment for your child will depend on the diagnosis. The important aspect is to get a doctor’s consultation and get proper prescribed treatment. Doctors will advise ways or provide medications to mitigate the symptoms and reduce inflammations. Some periodic fever syndrome episodes demand long-term treatment while others may resolve quickly.

Parents may also incorporate some lifestyle changes and adjustments along with the medications. Take a regular fever check, give your child a healthy diet, make them drink plenty of water, and take extra caution in changing weather conditions.

Conclusion

Periodic fever syndrome is not easily detectable and requires a lot of precaution and care. Parents need to take extra care of their child to understand the problem in depth, and get relief. Consult your healthcare professional for other precautions, and ensure your child’ well-being at all times.

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss & its Main Cause & Symptoms

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is one of the most common and persisting types of hearing loss. This condition has affected millions of people worldwide. It commonly occurs due to some abnormality in the inner ear or the neural pathway. This neural pathway connects the ear to the brain, and even a minor issue in this pathway can directly affect a person’s hearing capability. In this blog, we will understand more about Sensorineural hearing loss, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Sensorineural Hearing Loss is a type of hearing problem or impairment that is caused by damage in the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. Not like conductive hearing loss ( a hearing problem caused in the outer or middle ear), Sensorineural hearing loss affects the auditory nerve and inner ear which affects the sensory hair cells. This damage can cause the problem of partial or complete hearing loss, as it can impair the transmission of sound signals.

What are the Main Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

  • The inner part of the ear contains tiny hair cells or nerve endings, that transform sound into electric signals. Sensorineural hearing loss. When these electric signals are hampered by the tiny hair cells present in the ears, it causes hearing loss. However, there could be multiple reasons for this damage, such as:
    • 1.   Genetic Factors – In most cases, genetic factors are involved in causing sensorineural hearing loss. This damage is subjected to genetic mutations. These can be syndromic (associated with other symptoms) or non-syndromic (occurring alone).
    • 2.   Prenatal Factors – Sometimes, this problem is caused because of infections during pregnancy. Infections such as rubella or cytomegalovirus can affect the fetus at the developing stage and cause minor hearing loss. Moreover, additional diabetic problems or ototoxic drugs can also elevate the problem.

SNHL may develop in children or adults later in life as a result of:

  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Diseases related to blood vessels
  • Immune disease
  • Some infections such as meningitis, mumps, scarlet fever, and measles
  • Loud noise or sounds
  • Meniere disease
  • Tumors
  • A side effect of certain medicines
  • Working in a place with loud noises and sound.

What are the Symptoms Associated with Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

  • 1.   Difficulty in understanding conversations. Frequently asking to repeat the sentence
  • 2.   Muffled or distorted sound
  • 3.   People with SNHL experience tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound constantly in their ears without any external source
  • 4.   Damage to the inner ear can affect the vestibular system, leading to balance problems or dizziness.
  • 5.   People suffering from SNHL may experience hyperacusis. This is a condition of increased sensitivity wherein everyday sounds become painful and uncomfortable.
  • 6.   SNHL may occur suddenly sometimes and can cause partial hearing loss. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

How Can We Diagnose Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

SNHL diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach and may examine the following things:

  • 1.   A thorough review of the patient’s medical history, including any exposure to noise, ototoxic medications, infections, or family history of hearing loss.
  • 2.  A complete physical examination. This may include the examination of the ear, head, and neck. This comprehensive approach will help the examiner identify the intensity of the problem and other associated problems.
  • 3.   The examiner may also conduct some hearing tests like pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) to assess the type and degree of the problem.
  • 4.   In some major cases, the examiner might conduct an MRI or CT scan to check for further abnormalities in the sensory organs of the ear and brain.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Sensorineural Hearing Loss or SNHL?

Multiple treatment options are available for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This problem is other permanent but its side effects can be mitigated to manage and improve the quality of life.

  • 1.   Hearing Aids

  • The most common treatment for SNHL available medically is a hearing aid. These small electronic devices once attached to the affected person’s ear can amplify sound and can be modified as per the person’s hearing loss condition. Hearing aids are technologically advanced devices that also support communication patterns along with helping in hearing.
  • 2.   Cochlear Implants

  • For people with severe hearing problems who cannot benefit from hearing aids, another option for them is cochlear implants. A cochlear implant bypasses the damaged hair cells in the cochlea and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing the user to perceive sound.
  • 3.   Medications and Surgery

  • If SNHL is caused by a certain infection, or as a side effect of some disease, some medicines may help reduce the symptoms and mitigate the problem. In cases like acoustic neuroma, or a benign tumor, surgery might be necessary.
  • 4.   Therapy

  • Some speech therapy or auditory therapy can help the one suffering to improve their communication skills and adapt to hearing loss.

Takeaway

Sensorineural hearing loss or SNHL is a complex hearing condition. It is necessary to understand and completely diagnose the problem. People suffering from SNHL don’t merely need treatment for their disability but also seek moral help. Consult a healthcare professional immediately to cure the problem.

What is Telemedicine? Can Telemedicine Replace Traditional Doctor Visits?

The world is transforming and leading toward a comfortable and standard life. The healthcare industry is not behind any more as it has maintained its pace with the transforming world. One such innovative modification in the healthcare industry is telemedicine. Telemedicine is a general term that comprises all the ways a doctor can interact with a patient without being in the same room. It can include:

  • Phone calls or video chats
  • Using Emails
  • Remote monitoring, etc.

Let us understand more about telemedicine and how the healthcare industry has explored its potential to optimally utilise it.

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a new and innovative way of treatment in the healthcare industry. Telecommunication is a broader concept in the healthcare industry. It comprises all the medical services delivered via electronic communication. This includes live video consultations, remote patient monitoring, health applications on mobile, and electronic medical data. The science of telemedicine, utilizes the internet and telecommunication, to facilitate real-time, live interaction between the healthcare professional, and patients. This method in the healthcare industry helps to overcome all geographical barriers, and time constraints and helps in providing healthcare facilities at ease.

What are the Types of Telemedicine?

Telemedicine has several types:

  1. Real-time video communication
  2. Remote monitoring – This includes recording data, collecting, and evaluating. This health data may include:
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cardiac Stats
  • Oxygen Levels
  • Respiratory Rates

Storing and sharing medical information

    • CAT Scan
    • MRIs
    • X-rays
    • Photos, videos, and other patient data

What are the Benefits of Telemedicine?

Easy Convenience

The primary advantage of telemedicine is that healthcare facilities can be easily availed by everyone living even in remote or underserved areas. The days of traveling long distances to get to a health facility are gone. The convenience of telemedicine reduces the time and redundancy of traveling. Today, everybody can access healthcare from the comfort of their home. As per a study conducted in 2019, it was observed that telemedicine benefits an individual in three ways:

  • a.   Travel time
  • b.   Cost
  • c.   Time away from work

Time Efficiency

The use of telemedicine completely eliminates the need to waste time traveling or spending hours in the waiting room for doctor’s appointments. This provides time efficiency. Telemedicine allows an individual to book appointments at the convenience of their home, even if the consultation is quicker. This benefits the healthcare provider to attend to more patients in a day.

Cost-Effective Healthcare Options

Healthcare consultants booked through telemedicine may be more affordable than through conventional methods. Telemedicine can significantly reduce healthcare costs for both patients and providers. Patients save on travel expenses, and healthcare providers save their operational costs. The healthcare provider does not have to maintain a clinic or a support staff. It’s a win for both.

  • A reduction in cost is observed with the help of telemedicine is used in the following steps:
    • a.   intensive care unit (ICU) rooms
    • b.   pediatrics
    • c.   dermatology
    • d.   Radiology

Enhanced Patient Engagement

Telemedicine encourages individuals to take care of their own health. With various online advisors, direct contact with healthcare providers, and easy access to healthcare information patients diligently follow their healthcare routine and maintain their lifestyle.

Family Access

Telemedicine offers easy access for families and care providers to interact, engage, and ask questions. They get involved in the health and lifestyle of other family members and develop routines to help each other.

What are the Possible Drawbacks of Telemedicine?

There are multiple benefits of Telemedicine, however, it comes with some unavoidable drawbacks such as:

    • 1.   Technological glitches in the devices
    • 2.   Less effective because of the lack of a personal touch
    • 3.   Lack of infrastructure in the remote method like medical equipment, or high-speed internet
    • 4.   Lack of trust and rapport between the patient and the doctor
    • 5.   Fluctuations in the diagnosis due to poor quality cameras, lights, images, etc.
    • 6.   Lack of clarity
    • 7.   Easy to manipulate or wrong use of medical data
    • 8.   Telemedicine doesn’t cover all rural areas
    • 9.   Challenges in ensuring electronic health records

What is the Future of Telemedicine?

  • The future of telemedicine is promising with the advent of technology and increased acceptance among patients and healthcare providers. A few trends that are likely to shape the future of telemedicine are:
    • 1.   Integration of AI will enhance the prospect of telemedicine as it will provide tools to support decision-making.
    • 2.   The world is evolving and the innovation of more sophisticated remote monitoring devices is on the way. This new change will enable continuous tracking of vital signs and health parameters.
    • 3.   Telemedicine has a significant contribution to the field of mental health and will continue to grow. Virtual therapy sessions, counseling, and psychiatric consultations will increase and will benefit all.
    • 4.   As the telemedicine sector grows, the government will offer more easier ways to structure it, and offer security measures for its mass acceptance.

Conclusion

Telemedicine is booming but one thing is for sure it will not entirely replace traditional healthcare methods. Visiting doctors still remains relevant for many chronic health conditions, however, telemedicine has made the process easier and smoother. As the technology is evolving, we can create a better and efficient method to use telemedicine sector and make it profitable and beneficial for all.

Understanding Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Management

Who doesn’t like a healthy good night’s sleep? However, many times we find ourselves stuck in our dreams. A phenomenon in our sleep that feels like it is impossible to move even a limb, a phenomenon where you have to force yourself to wake up because you feel stuck.

While falling asleep or waking up, you might encounter a moment we’re you’re stunningly still, and can’t move your body. This phenomenon is known as sleep paralysis. During your sleep, your brain helps your arms and legs muscles to relax. Sleep paralysis is a medical phenomenon when you are aware in your sleep but cannot move. This paralysis is temporary and is not a major medical issue. Let’s learn more about sleep paralysis.

What is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a temporary medical phenomenon that occurs when a person is asleep or is about to wake up. During such episodes, a person is completely conscious and aware but cannot move their arms or limbs, and is unable to speak.

Sleep paralysis can be easily associated with other sleep states like dreaming or nightmares, but the major difference is that you are awake when you encounter episodes of sleep paralysis.

What are the Types of Sleep Paralysis?

Majorly, there are two types of sleep paralysis:

Isolated Sleep Paralysis

An isolated sleep paralysis is one when it occurs alone and is not accompanied by other sleeping episodes like narcolepsy or sleeping disorders.

Recurrent Sleep Paralysis

As the name suggests, this condition involves multiple sleeping paralysis episodes. This phenomenon can be associated with narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a disorder where a person is expected to fall into deep sleep at any time.

In many situations, both these sleep paralysis can occur together. And in some cases you will experience recurring isolated sleep paralysis (RISP). RISP is a condition of continuous sleep paralysis without narcolepsy.

When Can a Sleep Paralysis Occur?

Sleep paralysis occurs only when:

  • A person is falling asleep
  • Waking up from a deep sleep
  • At both times

Sleep paralysis is considered parasomnia, or an abnormal behavior that occurs during sleep. As sleep paralysis is associated with the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of the sleep cycle, it is classified as REM parasomnia.

At the time of REM, the eyes start moving quickly and vivid dreams occur. At this point, the muscles of the body are relaxed to help reduce movement. The brain controls this muscle relaxation to prevent you from moving in your dreams.

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Paralysis?

The symptoms of sleep paralysis may include:

  • An inability to move arms, legs, and head while falling asleep or waking up
  • A person cannot speak
  • Complete awareness of the surrounding
  • Hallucinations

These episodes may last for a few seconds or a few minutes and can occur once in a lifetime or at regular intervals.

What are the Causes of Sleep Paralysis?

While the exact cause of sleep paralysis is not known, the researcher comes up with certain aspects that can trigger such episodes:

  • Inadequate sleep
  • Irregular sleeping schedule, or often changing sleep schedules.
  • Improper sleeping posture.

Sleep paralysis is also often linked with certain conditions or activities like:

  • Narcolepsy – Sudden episodes of deep sleep
  • Alcohol
  • Substance use
  • Some medical conditions like – bipolar disorders, anxiety, panics, and PTSD
  • Use of certain medications like the one used for ADHD

How Long Does Sleep Paralysis Last?

These episodes of sleep paralysis are small and quick. These episodes can last for a few seconds, or a few minutes. These episodes usually tend to end on their own or when you’re interrupted in your sleep. Sometimes a person’s intense efforts to move in the sleep can also end such episodes.

What Does a Sleep Paralysis Episode Feel Like?

The sleep paralysis experience varies from person to person. For some people, it might just be a normal paralysis when they’re sleeping, while for others it can be a scary sleeping episode that can cause anxiety.

Hallucinations during sleep paralysis are normal and can be of three types:

  1. Intruder Hallucination – This might feel like a paranormal event, such as the presence of another person in the room.
  2. Chest Pressure Hallucination – This episode feels like your chest is pressured or you’re being choked or suffocated.
  3. Vestibular-motor (V-M) hallucinations – Such sensations are levitating, and give a feeling of the light-weigh body, or flying out-of-the-body sensation.

Can You Die In Your Sleep Paralysis?

As phony as this question is, no, you cannot die in your sleep paralysis episode. Sleep paralysis could be scary and cause certain anxiety issues in a person. However, it does not trigger any serious health issues, as it is not a serious medical condition or risk.

People who encounter regular sleep paralysis might develop unhealthy sleeping habits to avoid sleep. This can cause further health issues.

Conclusion

At present there is no treatment for sleep paralysis. However, through meditation, a healthy diet, balanced lifestyle, these recurrent episodes can be controlled. If you’re facing serious and complex sleep paralysis episodes, then consult your doctor immediately.

Why Blood Donation Matters? Save Life and Improve Health

Did you know that approximately 12,000 deaths in India are caused because of non-availability of blood? This is because of the lack of blood resources in India. Even the patients suffer some fatal injuries because they do not have access to blood.

At this age where healthcare is the most vital factor for human survival, blood donation is considered a noble act. People all over the world participate hyperactively to donate blood. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 117.4 million blood donations occur every year.
Blood is the biggest help you can provide to save a life. However, there are a lot of things related to blood donation that we need to understand. This article will explore the details of blood donation and will try to address your queries.

Why is Blood Donation Important?

As much as we emphasise this – Blood donation is important because it saves lives. Blood donation helps countless individuals in need and helps them to recover from dire health situations. In some emergencies like natural disasters or accidents, blood transfusion can be an important resource to save lives. Not just others but blood donation also helps the donor in many ways as it helps them maintain their blood flow, generate new blood cells, and makes them an aware individual.

What are the Benefits of Blood Donation?

Blood donation is a generous act of saving lives but it also offers the doner a range of benefits like the following:

1. Saving Lives

One of the major benefits of donating blood is that it saves the lives of the recipient. Every donation a person makes can save up to three lives by providing red blood cells, platelets, and plasma to patients who are in dire need of it.

2. Benefits the Health of the Donor

The donor can benefit from blood donation on multiple levels:

  • Healthy Iron levels in the blood– Blood donations at regular intervals can reduce the iron overload in the blood. Higher iron can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
  • Improved Blood Flow-Blood donations can improve blood flow by reducing clogging which helps in increasing cardiovascular health.
  • Increased blood cell production– Donating blood can stimulate the production of new and healthy blood in the body.

3. Free Health Check-up

Donors usually have to undergo a full body health check-up before donating the blood. This gives you an understanding of your body – blood pressure, haemoglobin, iron levels, etc.

4. Burning Calories

While this may not be the primary benefit of blood donation, it helps in burning calories. The process of donating blood can burn up to 600 calories in one go.

5. Creating Awareness

Donating blood is the act of spreading a good and positive message. This encourages others to donate blood, and help others.

Who Requires Blood Donation?

Blood is needed by various individuals in various situations:

1. Victims in an Accident

People who suffer major injuries in accidents direly need good blood resources to neutralise their health condition.

2. Patients Undergoing Surgery

Those who undergo major surgeries such as heart surgery need large amounts of blood to accommodate blood loss during the process.

3. Cancer Patients

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can damage the blood cells of an individual, which weakens their immune system. New blood flow in the body can easily mitigate the situation.

4. Childbirth

Women going through severe complications during childbirth need good blood resources.

5. Patients with blood-related disease

Conditions like haemophilia or sickle disease need a blood transfusion to maintain the person’s health.

Let’s Decode Some Myths Related to Blood Donation

Myth no.1 – It will hurt

Donating blood is completely safe and does not hurt you. Beyond the pinch of the syringe and the pressure that builds on your arm during the process, there is no other pain.

Myth no.2 – My Iron Level is low, I can’t donate

Not entirely true. Iron is a part of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood. Before donation, the checkers will take a haemoglobin test to determine whether you are eligible to donate blood.

Myth no. 3 – I can’t donate because I’m on medication

Again, this is partially wrong. It is not the medication but the diseases you’ve been diagnosed with and prescribed the medication for. You need to consult your doctor and check your eligibility for this.

Myth no. 4 – Blood can be stored forever

Different blood components have a different shelf life. Whole blood can be stored for up to 35 days. So, regular blood donation is important.

Myth no. 5 – I can’t donate because I’m too old

There is no upper age restriction if you meet the eligibility requirement. If you’re below 17, you need the consent of a guardian.

Who Cannot Donate Blood?

People suffering from the following diseases are not eligible to donate blood and need to ensure or be checked before donating their blood:

Why Does Diverse Blood Type Matter for Blood Donation?

Not all human beings are similar. Blood types differ with the presence or absence of different antigens on the red blood cells. These antigens affect our immune responses. Blood types matter for the following reasons:

    • Blood Type Matching – Each individual has a specific blood type within the ABO and Rh systems (e.g., A+, O-, AB-). When a patient receives a specific blood, it’s critical that the donor’s blood type matches them. For example – A person with type A blood cannot donate blood to type O
    • Universal Donors and Recipients – O Negative (O-) blood types are the universal donors for red blood cells. This is because their blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens. That is why O- is considered crucial in emergency situations.AB Positive (AB+) blood types are the universal recipients. Their red blood cells have no antibodies against A, B, or Rh antigens.
    • Rare Blood donors – There are some blood types that are not commonly found in the general population. AB negative (AB-) is the rarest blood type.
      Some blood types are majorly found in a specific demographic. B+ are more common in Asian and African populations.
    • Platelet and Plasma Donation – Platelets are often required for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from platelet disorders. Plasmas should also match the blood type to prevent adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Blood donation is a good deed, people should be encouraged and must encourage others to donate blood. Diverse blood type donations save lives, reduce complications, and ensure that we have access to blood supply for everyone in need.
Donate blood today, and save lives.

How Does Climate Change Influence the Incidence of Heat Stroke?

In recent years, the discussion surrounding climate change has extended far beyond its environmental changes. While the environmental changes and consequences remain pervasive, one significant consequence of climate change is the increased incidence of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke.

In this blog, we will explore how climate change impacts heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke.

What is a Heat Stroke?

The most dangerous heat-related condition is heat stroke. It happens when the body loses the ability to regulate its temperature, causing the body to heat up quickly, stop sweating, and become unable to cool down. The body temperature might increase to 106°F or more in 10 to 15 minutes when heat stroke strikes. If emergency care is not received, heat stroke can result in death or lifelong disability. With climate change driving up global temperatures and intensifying heatwaves, the risk of heatstroke has become more pronounced.

What are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke?

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

  • Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
  • Loss of consciousness (coma)
  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
  • Seizures
  • Very high body temperature
  • Fatal if treatment is delayed

Factors Influencing a Heat Stroke

Increased Frequency and Intensity of Heatwaves:

One of the most direct ways in which climate change influences heat stroke incidence is through the escalation of heat waves. As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, so too does the frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide. These prolonged periods of extreme heat overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature, increasing the likelihood of heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke.

Urban Heat Effect:

Urban areas are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change due to the phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. As concrete jungles absorb and retain heat, urban environments experience even higher temperatures during heatwaves, exacerbating the risk of heatstroke among city dwellers.

Humidity Levels in a Region

Climate change not only alters temperature patterns but also affects humidity levels. High humidity levels cause difficulty in the body’s ability to dissipate heat through sweating, heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, especially in regions experiencing both high temperatures and humidity.

Population Impacts:

Certain demographics, including the elderly, young children, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and those with limited access to cooling resources, are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Climate change increases this problem, as these populations may lack the resources or physiological resilience to cope with extreme heat, increasing their susceptibility to heatstroke.

Behavioral Factors:

Climate change can also influence human behavior in ways that impact heat stroke incidence. For instance, during heatwaves, people may do more outdoor activities without adequate precautions, such as staying hydrated or seeking shade, thereby increasing their risk of heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke.

Geographic Distribution:

As climate change alters temperature patterns and weather systems, it can lead to shifts in the geographic distribution of heatwaves. Regions that were once relatively cool may experience more frequent and intense heat waves, exposing populations unaccustomed to extreme heat to higher risks of heatstroke.

When to Seek Medical Help?

If you believe someone might be suffering from heatstroke, get them to the hospital right away. While you wait for emergency medical attention, take quick steps to cool the person who has become hot.

  • Bring the person inside or into the shade.
  • Take off any extra clothing.
  • Use whatever method is available to cool the individual down: apply ice packs or cold, wet cloths on the person’s head, neck, armpits, and groin;
  • Use a garden hose to spray; sponge with cool water; or use a fan to mist with cool water.

How to Prevent a Heat Stroke?

Preventing heat stroke involves taking proactive measures to avoid excessive heat exposure and to help the body regulate its temperature effectively, especially during periods of intense heat. Here are some essential tips to prevent heatstroke:

  • Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water
  • Dress Appropriately – Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to help your body breathe and reflect sunlight.
  • Stay Cool – Spend time in air-conditioned or well-ventilated spaces during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Limit Outdoor Activities – Try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
  • Take Precautions During Exercise – If you’re engaging in physical activity, especially outdoors, take extra precautions. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise, and take frequent breaks in the shade to rest and cool down.
  • Know the Signs – Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Symptoms of heatstroke include high body temperature (above 103°F/39.4°C), hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Conclusion

By staying informed about the risks associated with excessive heat and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can safeguard their health and well-being, particularly during periods of intense heat. By prioritizing heat safety and taking proper precautions, we can reduce the incidence of heatstroke and ensure a healthier lifestyle

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