Agarwal Hospital

Living healthy despite pollution

Polluted air and water have harmful effects on the human body; however, awareness and medical treatment can help in living healthy.

With our negligence and irresponsible behavior we have severely polluted our environment; now it kills about 90 lac people per year. One in every eight deaths is due to air pollution in India, as per a 2017 record. According to a WHO study conducted in 2017, over one lac children died in India due to air pollution. An assessment in 2015 revealed that 80% of the surface water was contaminated. We create these problems, and we face the consequences. However, awareness, proper healthcare and hygiene can resolve the issues.

Air Pollution

Air surrounding us consists of dust, smoke and chemicals and is a pathway towards different diseases. Respiratory tract infections and irritation, bronchial asthma, ischaemic heart disease, stroke etc., are caused due to air pollution. Covering our nose and mouth with a handkerchief isn’t enough anymore! At times we develop breathlessness, cough and feel feverish; homeopathy has a wide range of medicines to help you with such conditions.

A six-year-old boy complained about a cough and fever when he came to my clinic. A cough was triggered by exposure to vehicular smoke. For both, his cough and fever, I prescribed Aconite 200 CH and suggested a protein-rich diet to support the medicines. After the symptoms reduced, I prescribed Calc-p 30CH to ensure that its symptoms do not reoccur.

Along with smoke and dust, sprays, perfumes or chemicals like gulal too, can result in breathlessness, wheezing and aggravated asthma, if the person is sensitive. Six pills of Ipecac 30CH, given every hour for five doses as soon as patient experiences breathing difficulty provides great relief in such cases. There are other remedies too based on more detailed case history.

A sixteen-year-old girl had a history of suffering from frequent breathlessness, especially during the Ganesh Chaturthi processions. I prescribed her Ipecac 30CH, every half hour for two hours and monitored at our clinic for a day. It resulted in reduced breathlessness immediately after the second dose. Even now, she carries a bottle of Ipecac 30CH and follows the prescribed dosage to get relief in case of emergencies.

Air pollution also affects other organs besides the respiratory system and lungs; we cannot ignore eye irritation and allergies that may later worsen. People allergic to dust particles, kilns smoke, perfumes and sprays may develop an allergic cough and cold. Homeopathy works wonders with such allergic cough and cold. A lady, who came for her treatment regarding her continuous sneezing and acrid, watery nasal discharge, was suffering from allergies. She was allergic to perfumes, detergents and house dust. She was prescribed Natrum–Mur 200CH, and after one year of regular treatment, she was symptom-free.

Another issue is eye irritation or redness of the eye. Homeopathic medicine like Euphrasia 30CH along with Euphrasia eye drops can be used to cure eye irritation and redness. A three-year-old girl faced itchy eyes and eye redness. For this, she was prescribed Sulphur 30CH, and a follow up after two weeks relieved her of health issue.

Water pollution

We all know it is advisable to drink purified or boiled water. Water contains microbes, pathogens and chemicals which lead to water pollution. Diarrhoea, hepatitis A and E, typhoid, cholera, roundworm and threadworm infestation in the stomach, are caused due to drinking polluted water. Along with these, arsenic poisoning, which leads to diarrhea, dehydration and exhaustion, is another hazard of consuming contaminated water. Prolonged exposure to arsenic poisoning can also lead to bladder and skin cancer. A host of skin diseases are also caused by coming in contact with polluted water.

People, who suffer from hepatitis A, should follow a low-fat diet. A person suffering from hepatitis may feel tired and nauseatic. Homeopathic medicines like Card-Mar, Chelidonium, Chionanthus, Lycopodium help with such symptoms. Remember, a bit of hygiene like regularly washing hands before consuming food or water and drinking boiled, or purified water can prevent Hepatitis A. In case of typhoid, homeopathic medicines such as Baptisia, Arnica, and Muriatic acid are useful. Even after treatment, if the typhoid symptoms like constipation, vomiting and headache continue, Bryonia or Phos-acid could be prescribed to help the patients.

A 34-year-old lady complained of nausea and uneasiness while consuming food. She was diagnosed with jaundice after examination. After prescribing her Lycopodium for a week, she got rid of nausea and uneasy feeling. She was put on a maintenance dose to improve her liver function as well.

A 30-year-old man suffering from fever and extreme weakness visited my clinic. The tests revealed typhoid. I prescribed him Muriatic acid 200CH; however, body pain persisted. I advised him to follow a light, more liquid-diet. In the next ten days, he was symptom-free.

Pollution is now inevitable; homeopathy can help you deal with pollution-related ailments and help you lead a healthy life.

AYURVEDIC BEST PANCHAKARMA
Shirodhara Type:-

Takra Dhara:- 

Takra Dhara is highly useful in diabetic neuropathy, migraine headache, anxiety neurosis, psoriasis, etc., 
* Diseases of ear, nose and throat 

Medicine for Takra Dhara
1. Make a decoction with 1.5 liters of milk and Nut grass-Cyperus rotundus. Then ferment it in the night. 
2. On the next morning, churn the curd, remove the butter and separate the buttermilk 
3. Add 1.5 liters of DHTRI kasayam  (Indian gooseberry decoction)to it.
4. This liquid is used for Shirodhara. 
5.  Likewise, Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra),hribera candana( Santalum album), ginger,    (Zingiber oficinale), Usira (Veliveria zizaniodes) are used 
6. Aragvadha kasayum is also used in the same method for skin diseases like psoriasis, Ksheer dhaara. It is useful in pitta conditions.
 

What Is Cystitis?

• Cystitis usually occurs when the urethra and bladder, which are normally sterile, or microbe-free, become infected with bacteria.
• Bacteria fasten to the lining of the bladder and cause the area to become irritated and inflamed.
• Cystitis affects people of both sexes and all ages. It is more common among females than males because women have shorter urethras.

Cystitis signs and symptoms :

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Passing cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic discomfort
• A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
• Low-grade fever
• In young children, new episodes of accidental daytime wetting also may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Nighttime bed-wetting on its own isn't likely to be associated with a UTI.

Causes :

There are many possible causes of cystitis. Most are infectious, and the majority of these cases stem from an ascending infection. The bacteria enter from the external genitourinary structures​

Diagnosis :

• A doctor will ask the patient some questions, carry out an examination, and do a urine test. The urine test will either be sent to a laboratory, or the doctor may use a dipstick. Urine dipstick results come back quickly while the patient is still in the office.
• Urine culture or catheterized urine specimen may be performed to determine the type of bacteria in the urine. After finding out which specific bacterium is causing the infection, the doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic.
• Most doctors will also offer to test for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs often have similar symptoms to cystitis.
• Patients who get cystitis regularly may need further tests.
• This could include an ultrasound scan, an X-ray, or a cystoscopy of the bladder, using a fiber-optic camera.

Prevention:

• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking lots of fluids are especially important if you're getting chemotherapy or radiation therapy, particularly on treatment days.
• Urinate frequently. If you feel the urge to urinate, don't delay using the toilet.
• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. This prevents bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
• Take showers rather than tub baths. If you're susceptible to infections, showering rather than bathing may help prevent them.
• Gently wash the skin around the vagina and anus. Do this daily, but don't use harsh soaps or wash too vigorously. The delicate skin around these areas can become irritated.
• Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse. Drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
• Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products in the genital area. These products can irritate the urethra and bladder

What Is Cystitis?

• Cystitis usually occurs when the urethra and bladder, which are normally sterile, or microbe-free, become infected with bacteria.
• Bacteria fasten to the lining of the bladder and cause the area to become irritated and inflamed.
• Cystitis affects people of both sexes and all ages. It is more common among females than males because women have shorter urethras.

Cystitis signs and symptoms :

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Passing cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic discomfort
• A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
• Low-grade fever

In young children, new episodes of accidental daytime wetting also may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Nighttime bed-wetting on its own isn't likely to be associated with a UTI.

Causes :

There are many possible causes of cystitis. Most are infectious, and the majority of these cases stem from an ascending infection. The bacteria enter from the external genitourinary structures

Diagnosis :

• A doctor will ask the patient some questions, carry out an examination, and do a urine test. The urine test will either be sent to a laboratory, or the doctor may use a dipstick. Urine dipstick results come back quickly while the patient is still in the office.
• Urine culture or catheterized urine specimen may be performed to determine the type of bacteria in the urine. After finding out which specific bacterium is causing the infection, the doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic.
• Most doctors will also offer to test for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs often have similar symptoms to cystitis.
• Patients who get cystitis regularly may need further tests.
• This could include an ultrasound scan, an X-ray, or a cystoscopy of the bladder, using a fiber-optic camera.

Prevention:

• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking lots of fluids are especially important if you're getting chemotherapy or radiation therapy, particularly on treatment days.
• Urinate frequently. If you feel the urge to urinate, don't delay using the toilet.
• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. This prevents bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
• Take showers rather than tub baths. If you're susceptible to infections, showering rather than bathing may help prevent them.
• Gently wash the skin around the vagina and anus. Do this daily, but don't use harsh soaps or wash too vigorously. The delicate skin around these areas can become irritated.
• Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse. Drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
• Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products in the genital area. These products can irritate the urethra and bladder

The prevalence of obesity and overweight are increasing and have become an epidemic worldwide. Obesity has detrimental influences on all systems, including reproductive health. The prevalence of obesity in infertile women is high, and it is well known that there is an association between obesity and infertility. The relationship between obesity and reproductive functions is still being explored. Overweight women have a higher incidence of menstrual dysfunction and anovulation. Overweight and obese women are at high risk for reproductive health. The risk of subfecundity and infertility, conception rates, miscarriage rates, and pregnancy complications are increased in these women. They have poor reproductive outcomes in natural as well as assisted conception. These poor reproductive outcomes include assisted reproduction such as ovulation induction, in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI), and ovum donation cycles. Weight loss has beneficial effects on the reproductive outcomes in these patients.

Most women attain menopause between the ages of late 40s and early 60s, the average age being about 51. This is an important milestone in a women's gynecological history. One major change is altered female hormone levels, and this leads to a lot of physiological changes. From hot flashes to mood swings, there is also increased predisposition to osteoporosis and uterine cancer.

If you have not had your menstrual cycles for close to 12 months, chances are you are into menopause. So, that means absolutely no vaginal bleeding anymore whatsoever. However, if you experience bleeding, even spotting, be on the alert. It is not normal and needs to be examined, and if required, diagnosed and treated.

Postmenopausal bleeding or PMB, as it is popularly called, can be due to a variety of reasons. While it could be something as trivial as inflammation of the uterine or vaginal lining, it could also be an indication of more severe issues like cancer.

• Atrophic vaginitis: Decreasing hormonal levels lead to increased dryness and therefore inflammation of the vaginal and uterine tissue. This is one of the common causes of bleeding after menopause.
• Endometrial atrophy: Also caused by lower hormone levels, the lining of the body of the uterus gradually thins down and can get inflamed.
• Polyps: Noncancerous growths in the uterus, cervix, vulva, or vagina can also lead to bleeding.
• Infections: General infection of any area along the uterine tract could lead to occasional bleeding.
• Cancers: Though only 1 in 10 PMB cases turn out to be cancers, the prognosis improves with early diagnosis and intervention.

Diagnosis: As repeated above, reach out to your doctor if you notice postmenopausal bleeding. Diagnostic methods could include the following:

1. Physical examination
2. Transvaginal ultrasound
3. Endometrial biopsy
4. Hysteroscopy
5. Dilatation and Curettage

Treatment: Needless to say, this would depend on the diagnosis. For very minor cases with diagnosis like altered hormone levels, no treatment may be required other than modification of the hormone replacement therapy. For endometrial atrophy and atrophic vaginitis, use of estrogen creams and pessaries would be sufficient. Polyps would require removal followed by cauterization (application of slight heat) to stop the bleeding.

Cancer: This would depend on the type and location and require a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.  Removal of the uterus also may be required in some cases. So, if you have had bleeding of any sort after a year of menopause, do not ignore it.

Some women look atleast a decade younger than the age mentioned on their passports. For most of these women this is the result of anti-aging creams and serums. There are dozens of anti-aging products available today. The tough part is finding the right product for you.