ARTICLES ON General Health

You’ve hit the bed and are waiting for a sound, restful sleep to consume you. But as soon as you find yourself drifting off to sleep, have you ever felt like you are falling or experienced a sudden startling shock? If yes, chances are that you have experienced ‘sleep starts’, also known as ‘hypnic jerks’ or ‘myoclonic jerks’. But, what does it mean? Simply put, these jerks are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can occur when a person is falling asleep. “Sleep starts, also known as hypnic or hypnagogic jerks, are an abrupt, quick, and forceful contraction of the entire body, or of single or several body segments. These generally happen when a person is starting to nod off,” Dr. Vipul Gupta said. “A large portion of the body is typically affected by one abrupt jerk as the person starts falling asleep. It is most likely to impact the arms and legs. A sensory flash, feeling of falling, and a visual dream can also mark a sleep start.” Agreeing, Dr. Krishnan P R,  said that sleep starts are thought to be caused by sudden relaxation of the muscles as you transition from wakefulness to sleep. As a person falls asleep, their body temperature drops, and their muscles relax, which can trigger a reflex response in the nervous system that causes sudden muscle contractions. Usually, a sleep start does not make you wake up from your sleep. “This implies that you would probably not remember a jerk that your bed companion noticed,” Dr. Pavan Pai, Consultant Interventional Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said. While the exact cause of sleep starts is not known, experts believe that many people can experience these jerks as a result of stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors. “While there is no main specific cause behind hypnagogic jerks, some factors like excessive caffeine intake, and physical, and emotional stress can gradually increase the frequency. Extreme tiredness and sleep deprivation can also be a major factor behind these hypnic jerks,” Dr. Gupta said. Sharing their incidence, Dr. Pai highlighted that about 60 percent to 70 percent of people have them. “Most individuals only experience them sometimes. Men and women of various ages are affected by sleep disorders. Adults are more prone to complain about jerks, which are persistent or violent.” Agreeing, Dr. Gupta said that it is important to note that it is not necessary that people experiencing these will experience them every time they fall asleep. Are they risky? Doctors share that sleep starts are generally not considered to be harmful or risky. “However, in rare cases, they can be a symptom of a sleep disorder such as restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder. If sleep starts are accompanied by other symptoms such as insomnia or daytime fatigue, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions,” Dr. Krishnan said. Additionally, they aren’t dangerous until and unless people aren’t hurting themselves or start experiencing symptoms like incontinence, injury, pain, or confusion, Dr. Gupta added. If you are bothered by these sleep starts or have been experiencing them frequently, here are some tips to follow: Dr. Pavan PaiConsultant Interventional NeurologistWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/sleep-starts-hypnic-myoclonic-jerks-causes-prevention-sleep-101-8454666/ FAQs on Feeling of Falling While Sleeping Q. Is a hypnic jerk serious? Despite being startling, hypnic jerks are usually not taken seriously. They typically do not pose health hazards and are regular events during the shift from awake to sleep. However, it might be wise to speak with a medical expert for a more thorough assessment if they severely interfere with sleep or are accompanied by other severe symptoms. Q. What causes the falling feeling when sleeping? A common explanation for the feeling of falling asleep is hypnic jerks or sleep starts. These uncontrollably jerky muscle movements happen when you’re about to go asleep or wake up, and it’s thought that the brain interprets muscular relaxation as a fall. They are often not a reason for concern and are thought to be a typical aspect of the sleep process. Q. Why do you feel like you’re falling in your sleep? The sensation of falling asleep is often due to hypnic jerks, also known as sleep starts. It is believed that the brain misinterprets muscular relaxation as falling, resulting in uncontrollable muscle spasms that occur when you go from awake to sleep. Usually benign, they are a component of the regular sleep cycle.

If you’ve ever had tingling or numbness in your body and you also tend to be anxious in general, you must know that they are linked. Typically, when we discuss the signs and symptoms of anxiety, we mean the mental state in which a person may experience a feeling of fear, worry, concern, uneasiness, or panic. You should be aware that anxiety is a condition that is not bound to only mental health. It may also pose a risk to your physical well-being because it sets off a fight-or-flight response in your nervous system. One such reaction is anxiety numbness or tingling sensation in the body. HealthShots got in touch with Dr. Pavan Pai, Consultant Interventional Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, to understand anxiety numbness in detail. Can Anxiety Cause Numbness or Tingling Sensation? Anxiety can cause you to experience numbness and tingling at any time, and it can stay with you for a prolonged period of time. It generally feels like your body is buzzing, shaking, or vibrating. It can affect any part of your body, especially your feet, hands, fingers, arms, legs, or toes. When someone experiences numbness and a tingling feeling, they may experience a panic attack as a result, which may cause them to feel even more numb and anxious. Can you Control or Stop Numbness and Tingling? While some people only experience these sensations when they move their hands, feet, arms, or legs, others experience them consistently and independently. Dr. Pai says, “There isn’t much we can do to prevent these symptoms from occurring because they often arise unintentionally and involuntarily. The sensations may be infrequent, regular, or chronic. However, some people might be able to control this sensation by relaxing or by tightening and relaxing their muscles.” Keep in mind that you rarely have control over this. How Does Anxiety Cause Numbness and Tingling Sensations? There could be many reasons behind anxiety-related numbness and tingling sensations. Here, we’re discussing the 3 top causes of anxiety numbness: 1. Side effects of anxiety medication Buzzing in the extremities can be a side effect of several medications, including popular psychiatric drugs (anti-anxiety, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, etc.). Any of these symptoms should be discussed with your doctor, who can then adjust your medication to assist you to stop having those symptoms. 2. Chronic stress A few signs of chronic stress include trembling, shaking, and body vibration. You may even experience your heart racing. To manage your physical symptoms in such a situation, try to take deep breaths and relax. 3. Side effects of stress hormones Your neurological system suffers as a result of your anxious behavior, which triggers the stress reaction that can cause numbness and stiff muscles. According to Dr. Pai, hormones and nerves have a direct impact on muscles, and if either one or both of these systems are dysfunctional, it might result in mild to moderate sensations in your body. Takeaway The buzzing feeling brought on by anxiety is still being studied by specialists. It is thought to have something to do with how hormones react to long-term and consistent stress in your body. The most effective strategy to halt the feelings is to deal with your anxiety. If you have concerns about anxiety symptoms, always consult a doctor. Make sure you are not causing yourself more worry by researching all of your symptoms and convincing yourself you have the worst possible condition. Dr. Pavan PaiConsultant Interventional NeurologistWockhardt Hospital, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-anxiety-numbness/

Prince Harry mentioned in his memoir Spare that he resorted to psychedelic drugs to deal with the trauma of his mother Princess Diana’s death. A look at how psychedelic drugs can be dangerous. Prince Harry admitted in his book Spare mentioned that he used psychedelic drugs to deal with his mother Lady Diana’s death. Ever since that psychedelic drugs have become a hot topic of discussion. During Harry’s interview with Anderson Cooper for 60 Minutes, he touches upon a topic from his book about how he used psychedelic drugs to deal with the death of his mother several years later. He mentioned that he had a lot of trouble coping with the loss, even having a hard time believing she was truly dead. Psychedelic drugs come with their own share of effects and adverse effects. Further studies are definitely required to know the long-term side effects due to regular and prolonged use of these drugs. Though many studies have shown that addiction and abuse of psychedelic drugs is not a problem, it is the tolerance part that is a worrying attribute. Dr. Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai says “Although most psychedelics have not been directly responsible for causing death, the judgment of users is certainly impaired and can pose a greater risk in an unsupervised setting. The safety concerns with psychedelics are predominantly psychological but studies have shown that pre-existing physical conditions might show exacerbations because of tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and heart rate. One major concern of hallucinogen use is that hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. It is characterized by re-experiencing the perceptual distortions induced by a hallucinogen at some later time. HPPD is composed of afterimages and perceived distortions of movements. These can cause more anxiety, can lead to re-experiencing the same trauma, and worsen depression and PTSD or acute stress. Due to tolerance increased doses of the psychedelics might have to be taken to relieve trauma and these increased doses might not have the same pleasurable effect.” Dr. Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/spare-harrys-drug-connection-why-it-is-unsafe-to-use-psychedelic-drug-to-deal-with-trauma-12004132.html

You drink several rounds of booze, get high, enjoy, and what? End up with a hangover? The majority of you must be familiar with this after-effect. Particularly if you drink too much alcohol, this occurs. And those who’ve been through it, know that it can take longer to wear off. However, among all the side effects of alcohol, one is “hangxiety”. Simply put, it occurs when you experience a headache, nausea, and anxiety all at once. Health Shots contacted Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, to learn more about this condition and how to get rid of hangxiety. To understand more about this condition and ways to get rid of hangxiety, Health Shots got in touch with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai. What is Hangxiety? Dr. Anand says, “Hangxiety is not a specific term used in Psychiatry. It is more of a scenario that is experienced after a heavy bout of alcohol consumption. It is the combination of having a hangover and anxiety related to the hangover.” Not only does the person feel physically ill, but they also may have high anxiety caused by erratic behavior and the blackout period of the night before. Hangovers can last anywhere from a few hours after waking up to the entire day. Excessive consumption of alcohol, combining drinking with using recreational substances, or having a low tolerance can all lead to experiencing hangxiety the next day. Symptoms of Hangxiety Feeling irritable, panicked, having a sense of impending doom, feeling your own heartbeat, having increased heartbeats and an increased rate of breathing, sweating, trembling, tummy issues, and difficulty focusing are all common symptoms of hangxiety. What is the Link Between Alcohol and Anxiety? “There is a clear connection between alcohol and anxiety, and some people would undoubtedly have hangxiety, especially in light of the fact that binge drinking raises the heart rate, impairs concentration, and impairs the capacity to make rational decisions, says Dr. Anand. Additionally, drinking alcohol initially reduces your stress and helps you feel more at ease, but after some time you could start to feel restless, and a hangover can make that worse. One of the main causes of hangover anxiety is drinking less water or being dehydrated as well. How to Get Rid of Hangxiety? Curing hangxiety requires resting and rehydrating the body. Plus, follow these 7 tips to deal with hangxiety: 3 Home Remedies to Cure Hangxiety: Though these tips are effective for avoiding hangover anxiety and the after-effects of alcohol, prevention seems to be the best cure for it. So be mindful of the amount of alcohol being consumed and make sure that you are not on an empty stomach before drinking. Dr Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospital, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-hangxiety-or-hangover-anxiety/

You’ve most likely heard that you should drink eight 8 glasses of water per day. But is this advice true, or is it just a myth? This article examines the evidence for the ‘eight glasses a day rule. Your body is mostly made up of water. Water is the primary chemical component that accounts for approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of your body weight – the fluid you cannot live without. Water is required for the proper functioning of every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. Water flushes wastes from your body via urination, perspiration, and bowel movements. Dehydration can occur when your body does not have enough water to carry out normal functions. You’ve most likely heard that you should drink eight 8 glasses of water per day. That equates to half a gallon of water (about 2 liters). This claim is widely accepted as fact, and it is simple to remember. But is this advice true, or is it just a myth? This article examines the evidence for the “eight glasses a day” rule. Drinking 8 Glasses of Water in a Day: Fact or Myth? There has been an ongoing debate regarding how much water one should drink. As per experts, it will be a good idea to at least drink 8 glasses of water on a daily basis. But, according to a finding of the new study, it is okay and not necessary to drink 8 glasses of water. So, it is fine, if you don’t drink water unless you feel thirsty. Do not drink water when it is not required. One needs to seriously monitor his/her water intake. You need to see how much water you are having. Dr Bipin Jibhkate, Consultant critical care medicine, and ICU director of  Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road says ‘It will be essential for one to calculate the amount of water received from food and other beverages like coffee and tea. You need to know that there is no standard quantity or one-size-fits-all measure for people. The water requirement will differ from person-to-person. The factors taken into consideration are one’s age, sex, size, physical activity levels, and the climate of the area that one lives in. Drinking a lot of water means you will make continuous trips to the loo. As that can be a huge disturbance during the nighttime. It is better to speak to the doctor about how much water you should drink and then accordingly decide what you need to do.’ Remember that not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, and dry skin and you will not be able to flush out toxins from the body. Did you know? Men have larger bodies and less body fat than women, and they end up drinking more water. It is better to drink water when thirsty and also have fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups that contain enough amount of water. The main motto should be to stay hydrated and healthy. Avoid going overboard on water. Stick to the instructions given by the expert only. Suggestion: If you want to keep things simple, just listen to your body and follow your thirst. When you’re thirsty, drink some water. Stop when you’re no longer thirsty. Drink more fluids during hot weather and exercise to compensate for fluid loss. Dr. Bipin JibhkateConsultant Critical Care Medicine & ICU DirectorWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.india.com/health/drinking-8-glasses-of-water-in-a-day-fact-or-myth-expert-answers-2-5801451/

When you are on a weight loss journey, the shedding of every inch and kilo must be celebrated as it comes with a lot of effort. But if you are losing weight unintentionally and without any effort, along with experiencing a series of worrisome symptoms, you must investigate the reasons behind it, as it could indicate a disease that may be ruining your physical or mental health. Sudden weight loss of this kind is very different from planned weight loss, and it deserves a closer look. Put simply, sudden weight loss is a symptom to investigate, not a result of weight loss supplements. According to the Mayo Clinic, losing more than 5% of weight in the span of 6-12 months without doing any exercise or following a diet, especially, should be a cause of concern and may indicate a problem. Experts say unintentional weight loss is something that happens when you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise routine and could indicate stress or a serious disease. In such cases, reaching for weight loss supplements is never the right response; the goal is to find the cause, not mask it. What is Unexplained Weight Loss?“While typical weight loss is due to a change in lifestyle habits, decreased caloric intake, or an increase in physical activity, unexplained weight loss, or losing weight without trying, can be a cause for concern. It might indicate an underlying medical or disease. That is why one should take unexplained weight loss seriously,” says Deepti Khatuja, Head – Clinical Nutritionist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. “Many a time, a patient is brought into the hospital with a symptom of weight loss, which appears to be of great concern to the patient or his or her accompanying relatives. Unintentional weight loss is when you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise routine. It can be a sign of stress or a serious illness. Weight loss can occur in patients with normal appetites or decreased appetites. This is why sudden weight loss should never be brushed aside as a good thing.” When Should You See a Doctor?“A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you have lost a significant amount, more than 5 percent of your weight, within 6 to 12 months. Numerous medical conditions cause sudden, unexplained weight loss,” says Dr. Hyacinth Peninnah Paljor. It can be tempting to explain the change away or to try weight loss pills, but sudden weight loss needs a proper diagnosis, not a quick fix. Self-medicating can delay the treatment that actually matters. What are the Common Reasons for Unexpected Weight LossSome of the common reasons for unintentional weight loss are: Diabetes One of the major causes of unwanted weight loss is Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), although it may also happen in Type 2. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Without insulin, your body can’t use glucose for energy. This results in high blood glucose. Our kidneys remove unused glucose through urine.  As sugar leaves your body, so do calories, says Deepti Khatuja. “Symptoms associated are frequent urination, dehydration, fatigue, blurry vision, excessive thirst, excessive hunger. Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus includes insulin, blood sugar monitoring, diet, and exercise,” says Dr. Paljor. Here, sudden weight loss is a warning sign of uncontrolled blood sugar, not something to treat with weight loss pills. Cancer Cancer is a disease that causes abnormal cells to quickly divide and spread. According to the American Cancer Society, one of the first signs may be unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more. “This is common with cancers of the pancreas, lung, stomach, and esophagus.  Cancer increases inflammation. This promotes muscle wasting and disrupts appetite-regulating hormones. A growing tumor may also increase your resting energy expenditure (REE), or how much energy your body burns at rest. Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome that is linked to many cancers.  It’s most common in gastric and pancreatic cancers, as well as some lung, head and neck, and colorectal cancers in their later stages,” says Khatuja. “Early symptoms may be fever, fatigue, bleeding from any site, changes in moles, a lump in the breast, hoarseness of voice, or there may be no symptoms other than weight loss.  Treatment depends on the type of cancer. It may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy,” says Dr Paljor. In these cases, sudden weight loss can be the earliest clue, which is why it should never be dismissed or hidden behind weight loss supplements. Tuberculosis Another cause of unexplained weight loss is tuberculosis (TB), a contagious condition that usually affects the lungs, says Khatuja. “It’s caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Weight loss and decreased appetite are some of the common symptoms of TB.  Although TB can affect different organs of the body, like abdominal TB, etc and unexpected weight loss is quite common,” adds the Fortis expert. TB is life-threatening and requires timely intervention. One is detected with TB while having symptoms such as constant cough, chest pain, and even unintentional weight loss. So, don’t forget to take charge of your health, says Dr. Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. Hyperthyroidism “As the thyroid oversees your metabolism, it’s understandable that thyroid problems could lead to weight gain. While having a fast metabolism can help you lose weight, having one that is too fast can be harmful.  Rapid weight loss and sometimes additional complications, such as a raised heart rate, more anxiety, jitters, tremors, or insomnia, are all symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism),” says Khatuja.  “When the thyroid gland starts releasing an excess of its hormones, which can be due to either its hyperfunctioning state or thyroid gland damage due to infections or antibodies. Diagnosed by a simple thyroid function test,” says Dr. Johann Varghese. People sometimes mistake this sudden weight loss for a welcome change and even reach for weight loss pills, when the real fix is treating the thyroid.

Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. It generally affects younger & unvaccinated kids. Once quite common, but now measles can be prevented with a vaccine. Also called rubeola, measles spreads fast and can be serious and even deadly for small children. While casualty rates have been falling internationally as more children receive the measles vaccine. Still, from time to time, there are small pockets of epidemic occurrence throughout India mostly because of poor vaccination schedule adherence by parents. The current ones are in Mumbai & Maharashtra.  Measles signs and symptoms occur around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. It circulates via respiratory droplets & close contact. Signs and symptoms of measles generally include: Small white areas with bluish-white centers on a red background are based inside the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik’s spots A skin rash is large, flat patches that frequently run into one another The infection occurs in stages over 2 to 3 weeks. Infection and incubation. For the first 10 to 14 days after infection, the measles virus spreads in the body. There are no signs or symptoms of measles during this time. Nonspecific signs and symptoms. Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, often with a persistent cough, a runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), and a sore throat. This relatively mild illness may last 2 to 3 days. Acute illness and rash. The rash is made up of small red spots, some of which are slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a blotchy red appearance. The rash starts from behind the ears & spreads to the whole body. Over the next few days, the rash spreads down the arms, chest, and back, then over the thighs, lower legs, and feet. At the same time, the fever rises sharply, often as high as 104 to 105.8 F (40 to 41 C). Treatment is mainly symptomatic while actively looking for complications like pneumonia, ear infections, or other possible secondary bacterial infection. The focus should be on maintaining hydration & energy levels by offering lots of liquid & healthy food. The rash may last about seven days. The rash gradually fades from the face and from the thighs and feet. As other symptoms of the illness go away, the cough and darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash was may stay for about 10 days. A child can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the inflammation has been present for four days. Review your child’s vaccination records with your Pediatrician, especially before your children start daycare, school, or college. According to the IAP recommendation, a child should complete 3 doses of the MMR vaccine at the age of 9 months, 15 months & 5 years. If your child gets contact with measles or develops symptoms contact to Pediatrician urgently & keep the child quarantined for at least 7 days. Dr Vishal ParmarConsultant PaediatricianWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104

Age-related mild forgetfulness might be a regular phenomenon. If you have trouble remembering someone’s name but remember it afterward, it’s not a serious memory impairment. However, memory issues might be early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease if they significantly impact your everyday life. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder, many individuals mistakenly think that it is a natural part of aging. Because of this mindset, many of us end up ignoring the early warning signs that our brains might be sending out. Here are seven signs early signs that a prospective Alzheimer’s patient may have that you shouldn’t miss. Consult your doctor if you have any of these symptoms and get your physical, as well as mental health, examined. They will review your medical history and conduct a mental status examination to assess your memory, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for simple logic. They might perform blood or brain imaging tests as well. It’s time to consult a doctor if you notice these changes in a loved one or yourself. Have a discussion with them about going to the doctor together. Ask your primary care physician or internal medicine specialist about dementia. Dr. Pavan PaiConsultant Interventional Neurologist and Stroke SpecialistWockhardt Hospitals Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.india.com/health/alzheimer-disease-7-warning-signs-and-symptoms-in-elders-that-shouldnt-be-ignore-5667853/

Physical maturity typically occurs with advancing years. But the same doesn’t happen with everyone mentally. Mental maturity is the ability to take responsibility for your actions, to be sensitive and respectful of others, and to adjust and adapt to surroundings as necessary. A person with emotional maturity always adds value to himself and those around them. However, being immature can have a detrimental effect on both your personal and professional life. So, how to become mature? Let’s find out! Health Shots got in touch with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, who listed down a few ways a person can follow to become mature which can help make better decisions in life. Here are 5 tips to become mature, according to Dr. Anand: 1. Gain self-perspective Self-perspective refers to picturing what your thoughts and feelings would be if you were in another person’s shoes. Developing your own perspective helps you become mature. Dr. Anand says, “Observe your thoughts and behaviors so that you can become more objective and make better decisions. By gaining self-awareness you can understand yourself and even others better.” Along with this, start seeking feedback from other individuals to gain a fresh viewpoint. 2. Try to take control of your emotions It can be challenging to keep your emotions to yourself, and even constantly expressing them can cause issues. If you don’t express your feelings, over time, you could come to believe that no one is concerned about your needs and wants. You might feel nervous, depressed, and stressed as a result. However, if you express all of your sentiments, it could put you in a vulnerable place where people might judge you and think you can’t control your emotions. This can take a toll on your mental health. According to Dr. Anand, “One has to learn how to streamline emotions in a way so that balance can be achieved so as to make more rational decisions.” 3. Take charge of your overall health Taking charge of your health by choosing a healthy lifestyle will reduce dissatisfaction. Dr. Anand also says, “Physical and mental health both go hand in hand for a successful and meaningful life. Better health gives motivation and the strength required to see through difficult situations and come up with solutions.” Remember, better health can empower you to make better decisions. 4. Learn how to deal with negativity Being in a negative state of mind or situation can hamper decision-making. If you are feeling overwhelmed with negative feelings, it is important to look after yourself and take some time out to relax or do something you enjoy. “Analyse the situation and look for positive means to deal with negativity,” says Dr. Anand. Practicing meditation, and yoga can help in such situations. Cognitive restructuring is also a better way of changing thoughts to reduce negative thoughts. 5. Practice empathy Emotionally mature individuals approach life by doing as much good as they can and supporting those around them. Developing empathy for others helps in making wiser decisions and gaining mutual respect. Take criticism in a way that can be used for self-development and motivation. “Learn how to forgive yourself as well so that the mind is clear and more capable of better decision-making,” suggests Dr. Anand. Dr. Sonal AnandConsultant PsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/how-to/follow-these-5-tips-to-become-mature/

A 21-year-old boy was rushed to a hospital in Mumbai with a history of pain in the abdomen and fever for over 10 days. Blood test reports revealed that he had abnormal liver along with HIV-positive status. Further testing and CT scan showed a large liver abscess or collection of pus in the liver. Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central said that the pus collection was due to a fungal infection. They conducted endoscopic drainage was conducted to remove the pus. As they have claimed, this was the first case of a fungal liver abscess drained in HIV-positive patients using endoscopic ultrasound in Maharashtra and Central India. Liver abscess can be fatal The boy, named Harshal Patil, was admitted to the hospital in the first week of July 2022. According to Dr. Shankar Zanwar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, the position and size of the abscess (7cm) were so huge that if it had not been treated early, it could have led to a rupture in the abdomen and resulted in a life-threatening situation. After analyzing the various possible ways to treat the patient and related complications, Dr. Zanwar and his team decided to conduct endoscopic drainage. He said, “Our initial plan was to drain the abscess in the liver by putting a needle and a drainage tube through the skin known as percutaneous drainage as this was a convenient way to operate on the patient. After reassessing the tract to drain this it was found that an unusually long puncture would have to be done, which was technically challenging, and the patient would have had a lot of discomfort post-procedure as it would lead to the inability to sleep or lie down on the right side since the tube would be hanging out for longer time. Thus, endoscopic drainage was explained to the patient and on his agreement, the team of doctors planned the procedure.” How liver abscess endoscopic drainage is performed Using an endoscopic ultra-sound method, the doctors accessed the pus collection through the stomach. Within three days of treatment, the fever and pain subsided and the patient became completely symptom-free. He was discharged five days after the procedure and was on antibiotics for 21 days. Repeat sonography scan at 1 month showed near complete resolution of the pus collection, Dr. Zanwar stated. According to the doctors, draining of liver abscess through endoscopic ultrasound is an unusual procedure and is performed by very few centers in India. They say simple aspiration of pus leaves a scope of incomplete clearance and prolonged time of recovery, while drainage of pus collection with drains helps early recovery. Treatment of various abdominal diseases such as large pus collection around the pancreas blocked bile ducts or pancreatic duct narrowing have now become easier and require no major surgery. Sonography vs endoscopic drainage A liver abscess (pus-filled cavity) need removal, usually it is done using direct sonography and can be painful for some patient as a tube is hanging out from the abdominal wall for a few days. Endoscopic drainage can be done for difficult to access pus collection through the abdominal wall which cannot be done using routine sonography. This avoids major surgery and offers very early patient recovery. Dr. Shankar ZanwarConsultant – GastroenterologistWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/hiv-positive-patient-develops-liver-abscess-due-to-fungal-infection-endoscopic-drainage-saves-his-life-903872/