Dr. Prashanth H.k

Liver cirrhosis and Homeopathy

The largest gland of the human body is liver. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease which features abnormality in structure and functioning of the liver.

Cirrhosis normally means damage to liver cells. These damaged cells are then replaced by scar tissues which restricts the organ to work normally as it ought to. The replacement of normal liver cells with scar tissues is a long and slow process.

The continuous inflammation of the liver cells due to certain conditions wears out them and the regeneration process works with fibrosis and scar tissue formation. If not treated and checked it may lead to liver failure.

Cirrhosis affects liver very badly and disrupts the normal functioning of the liver some of which are of great importance to the human body and all conditions which can damage the cells of the liver can easily cause cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis of liver means the circulation of blood within the liver is not in a normal condition and hence affecting liver metabolism and elimination of various end products of liver. Liver treats and breaks down many substances which include alcohol, drugs and red blood cells. With the formation of cirrhosis liver does not work properly which means accumulation of various harmful substances in liver and hence damaging liver more and more.

Liver cirrhosis is caused due to many factors like viral infections including hepatitis, Alcohol, Cystic fibrosis, Wilson’s disease, Primary biliary cirrhosis, Drugs and toxins, Schistosomiasis (snails) and many more.

These conditions gradually lead to the wear and tear of liver thus affecting its normal routine and mostly causing cirrhosis.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of this disease are not easily recognizable at early stages but gradually symptoms can be seen like appetite loss, nausea, weight loss, jaundice, skin itching, swelling in abdomen and ankles, easy bruising, palms turn warm and reddish, asterexis, spider naevi and some more. When cited the patient should be rushed to the doctor and treatment should be started thereafter.

Homeopathy:

Homeopathy has proven its point in treating liver conditions of all types. Homeopathy not just treats the symptoms of cirrhosis but also treats its underlying causes like genetic tendency, viral infection, metabolic changes, alcoholic bad effects etc. and helps to treats cirrhosis on the whole. Homeopathy helps in controlling further damage to the liver cells. Homeopathy cannot help in curing scarred tissues as it is impossible to regenerate those affected tissues.

Homeopathy helps in increasing a person’s immune response and hence reduces the virus load and gradually improving the overall health of liver.if homeopathic medication is given to the patient at early stages it helps in preventing the disease in going any further and preventing further complications like liver failure or cancer from occurring. These are the associated disease of cirrhosis if not treated properly.

Homeopathy is hence very helpful in treating the disease efficiently and prevents the disease from progressing and if administered in early stages homeopathic medication helps in restoring most of the normal liver functions. Thus, homeopathic treatment for this disease is strongly advised and especially in the early stages.

A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak opening in the muscle that holds it in place. Hernias are common in the abdomen, but can also develop in the upper thigh, belly button and the genitals. The common types of hernia are the ones that occur in the groin viz (inguinal, femoral, obturator) around the belly button (umbilical), incisional (after a previous surgery) and hiatal (causes acid reflux) and are caused by muscle weakness. This weakness or increase in pressure in the abdomen can be triggered by lifting heavy objects without stabilizing abdominal muscles, diarrhea or constipation and chronic coughing (smokers and asthmatics) or straining to pass urine.

How can you treat hernia?

As hernia is a mechanical defect in the abdominal wall, the only definitive treatment is surgical repair of the defect. The type of surgery required depends on the size of the hernia and the severity of its symptoms. The defect may be repaired with stitches but the best option with least recurrence is to use  a mesh. The Hernias that are small and don't cause discomfort can be observed and managed conservatively with regular follow up with the surgeon. All hernias have the risk of intestines getting trapped and strangulation.

Lifestyle changes

Avoiding heavy meals, not bending over immediately after a meal and managing your body weight can reduce  the incidence of hernias. Also, you should avoid foods causing heartburn and quit smoking. If these dietary changes do not relieve your discomfort, you may need surgery to treat hernia.
 
Medication

Prescription medication given by your doctor that reduces stomach acid can relieve your soreness and improve the symptoms.

So when do you need surgery?

If your hernia is gradually growing in size, looks unsightly and is causing pain,  you should seek help and the doctor may advice you to effectively treat it through surgery. But with a hernia, there is always a risk of bowel obstruction and strangulation which may need an emergency operation.

A hernia can be repaired using two different surgical methods - open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.

In case of an open surgery, an incision is made in the skin near the bulging area. It requires a longer recovery process.
Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and miniaturized surgical equipment to repair the hernia by making two to four small incisions in the abdomen. This method is less damaging to the surrounding tissue and has a much shorter recovery time.

Almost all of the hernias can be treated Laparoscopically, but as many surgeons are not well trained in Lapsroscopic hernia repair they do not recommend the procedure. So it's imperative you seek out a good minimally invasive surgical specialist.

Is there an alternative to surgery?

There is no other treatment apart from surgery for a hernia (imagine you have a hole in a cloth, the only way to repair it is with a thread (darning) or a patch).

Exercising regularly, losing weight or taking medications will not eliminate a hernia. Some patients feel that wearing a hernia belt will help ease the discomfort, but it will not help your hernia go away. It will only provide temporary relief. Only surgery provides a permanent and effective solution. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Bariatrician.

4 plastic surgery alternatives for burns and wounds

The branch of plastic surgery that is generally used for the treatment of burns and other wounds is known as reconstructive plastic surgery. There are numerous surgical methods that fall under this category, which is effectively used to treat these injuries and the related issues that they cause.

What are medical issues caused by burns and wounds?

Some of the most frequently occurring issues that stem from burns and similar wounds are as follows:

- restriction of mobility

- aesthetic disfigurement and scarring

- loss of sensation in the affected area

The different issues are caused by varying kinds of burns and injuries and, hence, each case must be approached in a different manner for remedy.

Different kinds of plastic surgeries that are used for treatment

Depending on the nature of the injury, your plastic surgeon may opt for any of the following surgical methods for treating the problem.

1. Skin grafting

In this procedure, skin is removed from one part of the body and transplanted to the affected area. This method is used for the treatment of burns. There are two types of this surgical procedure - one removes a few layers from the dermis of the donor area (split-thickness graft) while the other removes the entire dermis (full-thickness graft). Recovery time depends on the kind of procedure used. Skin grafting is occasionally used for breast and nose reconstruction as well.

2. Microsurgery

This type of surgery makes the use of a microscope in reconstructive procedures for working on minuscule veins, arteries, and nerves for repairing damaged areas. Microsurgery is often used alongside other surgical procedures for re-attaching body parts, relieving paralysis of the face and in the reconstruction of breasts.

3. Tissue expansion

This method is used to induce the growth of extra skin on the body that can be used for reconstructive purposes. This is done by inserting a balloon expander underneath the skin that slowly gets filled with saline solution and makes the skin swell. This excess skin is then used for correction or reconstruction of the affected area.

4. Free flap procedure

This procedure involves the transfer of skin, bone, muscle and blood supply from the donor area to the damaged area for repairing purposes. Microsurgery is often performed alongside this treatment method, which is used most frequently for breast reconstruction or after the removal of cancer from the neck or head.

'consult'.

Related Tip: 6 Quick and Handy Remedies To Treat Burns