Dr. Mansoor Khan

Soreness or swelling that occurs on the inner lining of the stomach is commonly referred to as Gastritis. The main characteristics of this condition include severe stomach pain, constipation, blood in the stool and diarrhoea. The development of gastritis can also cause stomach ulcers. There are many reasons why gastritis or functional abnormality of the stomach is caused, and the main causes include:

• Food poisoning
• Consumption of alcohol, fried foods and caffeine
• Intake of steroids and drugs
• Allergy to certain foods
• Physical stress due to flu or some surgery
• Unbalanced and stressful lifestyle

Symptoms of Gastritis
The main symptoms that occur due to gastritis include discomfort and burning sensation, pain in the stomach, vomiting, poor digestion, dyspepsia, acidity and headache. Some people even experience a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating food. If any of these conditions last longer than a week, it is advisable to visit a doctor to determine the cause.

Home remedies

• It is very necessary to adopt a healthy lifestyle and eating small and frequent meals is always better than eating large three meals in a day.
• It is always better to avoid foods that irritate your stomach and hence it is best to avoid fried, acidic and spicy foods.
• One of the major reasons behind the occurrence of gastritis is stress. It is necessary that we be trained to cope with this condition and perform relaxing activities that would calm our body and mind like yoga and meditation.

Treatment for Gastritis
It is always better to intake foods like cheese, cereal, baked potatoes, soup and chicken instead of carbonated beverages and painkillers to eliminate this condition. Aloe Vera juice can also be consumed as it is good for treating gastritis problem, and it is very important at first to start with a small amount of the juice.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a degenerative disease that progresses over time. It generally affects the fingers, feet, wrists, and ankles. It causes immobility due to inflammation and stiffness as well as severe pain. This is an autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly ends up attacking the joints instead of attacking bacteria and other substances as it normally should. Severe cartilage damage can be caused if this condition is not treated on time, which can make the spacing between the bones even smaller than usual.

Let us find out how one can tackle this condition.

1. Rest: While there is still no cure for this condition, one can take a number of measures in order to tackle it. One of the foremost ways of managing this condition is with the help of rest and relaxation. It is important to get plenty of sleep so that you can keep the condition from getting worse. There are a number of relaxation exercises that will help you in sleeping better, especially if you have been having trouble sleeping due to the aches and pains. 
2. Exercise: Depending on the doctor’s recommendations, you will need to exercise on a regular basis so as to keep the motion in your joints intact for as long as possible. Muscle and joint strengthening exercises include swimming, walking, and even gentle stretching that can help in reducing muscle fatigue. This can make your muscles stronger and increase the range of motions as well. 
3. Ointments and Lotions: One can turn to gels and lotions which can be topically applied. These can be prescribed by the doctor as well, so that the pain is soothed and temporary relief from pain and stiffness may be experienced. These are also available in the form of sprays. These ointments, gels or lotions usually contain camphor, menthol, capsaicin and salicylates. 
4. Fish Oil Supplements: Pain and stiffness can be significantly reduced with the help of fish oil, as per many medical studies. Before adding fish oil supplements to your food, you will need to talk to your orthopaedic specialist to find out if it may interfere with any medication that you may be taking for the condition or any other related disorder.
5. Plant Oils: Plant oils are also known to contain fatty acids known as gamma linolenic acid, which can give much relief when it comes to pain and stiffness, especially in the morning. One must remember, though, that excessive use of this oil can lead to liver damage. So it is imperative to speak with your doctor or therapist before taking any plant oils. 
6. Medications: Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help in containing the pain and inflammation for severe cases.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Contaminated food is one of the most common sources of infections in the human body and so the stomach is one of the most commonly affected organs. Whether it is eating raw food or unhygienically prepared foods, the stomach has very high chance of getting infected than other body parts.

One of the most common causes of stomach infection is the norovirus also called as cruise ship virus. Spread through vomitus and faecal material, it is quite contagious and can affect large amounts of people in confined areas like a cruise ship. The common symptoms would include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloated feeling, abdominal pain (generalised or localised), fatigue, and tiredness.

On the brighter side, there are well-proven measures listed below which are simple and easy to follow that can help avoid stomach infection.

1. Restore bacterial balance: The good bacteria in the stomach are lost with the stomach flu and restoring it will help in managing the flu. A good amount of probiotics and fermented foods including yoghurt, sour curd, etc., will do wonders by restoring natural flora. Supplements can be taken if required, and these bacteria will restore the ability of the stomach to fight the virus.
2. Isolation and separation: If there is a close family member affected by the virus, ensure they are staying separately and all their clothing (bedding included) are maintained in an isolated manner. Children and elderly need extra protection, whether they are affected or are in the same household.
3. Cleaning methods: Since the virus spreads by contaminated faecal matter, vomitus and through surfaces, it is necessary to prevent the spread.
   • When in doubt, washing hands is very useful. Use soap and water instead of a hand wash. Staying away from picking nose and touching eyes are also useful.
   • The infected person’s clothes should be washed separately in extra hot water and bleached to get rid of the virus.
   • Using the dishwasher or soaking the washed utensils in extra-hot water is a good way to get rid of the virus.
   • Surfaces like laptops need to be cleaned more regularly and rigorously
   • Steam cleaning of carpets is a good idea to get rid of the virus that may be locked there.
   • Avoid going out or being in close contact for about a week, as the virus needs that much time to clear out completely.
4. Food habits
   • Do not eat raw or uncooked foods
   • Drink loads of water, clear soups, sports drink and lime juice to replace lost fluid.
   • Eat whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables that are well-cooked to ensure you get the essential vitamins and minerals.

Following the above measures can help avoid the stomach flu and stay healthy.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

The human digestive system is a very complicated and sizeable component of the body. It starts right at the beginning of the mouth, ending at the rectum. Some of the major responsibilities of the digestive system include absorption of essential nutrients and elimination of wastes.

Not only do digestive problems have embarrassing and unwanted symptoms, serious, chronic diseases can be caused if the minor problems are not treated.

Some digestive problems are listed below:

1. GERD: This is a burning sensation that results from acids in the stomach being squirted into the oesophagus. A burning sensation is felt, right from the chest to the end of the throat. Frequent heartburns can lead to GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), symptoms of which include dry cough, sore throat, chest discomfort and difficulty in swallowing.
2. Bloating: This is caused due to the presence of excess gas in the colon, small intestines or the stomach.
3. Dyspepsia: This is an uncomfortable feeling or pain which occurs in the upper abdominal regions, mostly a result of excess food intake. It is commonly referred to as indigestion. Dyspepsia can be discomforting and if prolonged, medical assistance should be opted for.
4. Chronic Constipation: Persistent constipation (chronic) is a sign that there is a problem with the elimination of wastes. This usually happens when the colon is unable to move or pass stools. Other major causes of chronic constipation can be changes in your usual diet, various eating disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and excessive consumption of dairy products among others.
5. Food Intolerance: This occurs when the digestive system is unable to tolerate certain food items. This condition is different from food allergies as it only affects the digestive system. Some of the common symptoms include diarrhoea, headache, gas and vomiting.

Possible Serious Conditions

A gastroenterologist is a type of doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases involving the digestive system. If you continue to experience digestion problems, it’s time to make an appointment.

More serious signs could mean an emergency medical problem. Those signs include:

• Bloody stools
• Continuous vomiting
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Sweating
• Sudden, unintentional weight loss

These symptoms could be an indication of an infection, gallstones, hepatitis, internal bleeding, or cancer.

Medications-

You may be able to overcome digestion problems with treatment and lifestyle changes. Certain diseases of the digestive system might be long-term, but medications can help alleviate symptoms.

Identifying specific digestion problems and talking with a gastroenterologist can go a long way in terms of helping your doctor give you a proper diagnosis. Remember, you don’t have to put up with constant digestive issues.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Sleep is a vital component of the human construct. This is the time when the body restores  itself. While too little sleep can be dangerous for the body, new research has shown that too much sleep has its pitfalls too. Oversleeping is an indication of certain health risk. It also indicates few medical conditions that a person might have. Here is more on the risks of oversleeping:

1. Difficult to get pregnant: A study conducted by a Korean research team in the year 2013 found that out of a sample size of 650 women who were undergoing in-vitro fertilization, the ones who got pregnant had 7-8 hours of daily sleep. The study also suggested that sleep can affect menstrual cycles, circadian rhythms, and hormone secretion. While research is yet to find out a direct co-relation between sleep and infertility, a number of researchers are trying to break the jinx.
2. Risk of diabetes: A Quebec study conducted in 2013 clearly showed that a person who sleeps for more than eight hours in a day is more risk prone to suffer from type 2 diabetes and reduced glucose tolerance. On a six-period time frame, people who sleep for more than 7-8 hours, are more likely to suffer from diabetes related complication, even if they keep body mass under control.
3. Mental health and depression: Depression is a major symptom of oversleeping. While people with depression tend to suffer from insomnia, an estimated 15 percent patients suffering from depression tend to oversleep. Compared to regular sleepers, the ones who oversleep tend to suffer from anxiety symptoms and persistent depression. A recent study has revealed that sleeping too much can increase the chances of genetic heritability. Another study revealed that people who sleep for more than 10 hours can result in mental illness. Another research conducted at the John Hopkins Medical School revealed that an irregularity of the body’s sleeping clock can lead to temporary mental depression.
4. Increased inflammation: Oversleeping can increase the risk of certain diseases such as the Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease etc. A study conducted by a group of researchers revealed that women who slept for more than eight hours are likely to suffer from 44 percent higher C-reactive protein. Another study reported that C-reactive increased by more than 8 percent for every hour of additional sleep an individual takes.
5. More pain: While sleep and rest are often associated with healing, oversleeping can, at times, exacerbate symptoms. Spending too much time in bed can aggravate back and shoulder pain. Oversleeping is also associated with a higher frequency of headaches. Oversleeping often triggers one-sided migraine and increases the level of stress in a person. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Physician.

People with diabetes often face a dilemma when deciding which vegetables need to be placed in the plate and which ones they need to stay away from. Glycemic Index (GI) is one factor that helps a diabetic make the right food choices. It helps rate foods on how quickly the carbohydrates present in that food affect the blood sugar levels. It is categorized as high, medium or low GI level. While low GI foods help maintain blood sugar levels, high GI vegetables can raise blood sugar levels exponentially.

Here is a list of vegetables that are excellent to maintain blood sugar levels:

1 . Broccoli

It is considered to be super effective in eliminating diabetes. It contains a compound called sulforaphane which triggers anti-inflammatory processes that control blood sugar level and prevent cardiovascular damage that is a consequence of diabetes.

2 . Carrots

Carrots are always a preferable choice for any meal plan. There have always been numerous reasons to consider them to be an integral part of one’s diet; from treating one’s vision to improving the immune system. 1 cup serving of carrots has nearly 5 grams of carbohydrates. According to a study of Stanford University School of Medicine, carrots help in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes among people who have a genetic possibility of the disease.

3 . Spinach

Spinach is one of the most in demand leafy vegetables. Regular consumption helps keep away a plethora of diseases and make one fit and healthy. It is also excellent for regulating blood sugar levels. Spinach is rich in vitamin K, magnesium, folate, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. It also contains various flavonoids and plant chemicals. All such essential nutrients make it one of the most sought after vegetable for diabetes.

4 . Collard Greens

Collard greens ( or saag) are excellent sources of vitamin C. They help to lower cortisol in the body and reduce inflammation. It also contains a micronutrient called alpha lipoic acid that helps the body in dealing with stress.It also reduces the excess blood sugar level and strengthens the damaged nerves because of diabetic neuropathy.

5 . Red Onions 

Red onions are rich in antioxidants apart from giving an attractive colour to the salads. They are a good source of fibre, potassium and folate that are good for regulating the blood sugar level in addition to curing various heart ailments

People with diabetes often face a dilemma when deciding which vegetables need to be placed in the plate and which ones they need to stay away from. Glycemic Index (GI) is one factor that helps a diabetic make the right food choices. It helps rate foods on how quickly the carbohydrates present in that food affect the blood sugar levels. It is categorized as high, medium or low GI level. While low GI foods help maintain blood sugar levels, high GI vegetables can raise blood sugar levels exponentially.

Here is a list of vegetables that are excellent to maintain blood sugar levels:

1 . Broccoli

It is considered to be super effective in eliminating diabetes. It contains a compound called sulforaphane which triggers anti-inflammatory processes that control blood sugar level and prevent cardiovascular damage that is a consequence of diabetes.

2 . Carrots

Carrots are always a preferable choice for any meal plan. There have always been numerous reasons to consider them to be an integral part of one’s diet; from treating one’s vision to improving the immune system. 1 cup serving of carrots has nearly 5 grams of carbohydrates. According to a study of Stanford University School of Medicine, carrots help in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes among people who have a genetic possibility of the disease.

3 . Spinach

Spinach is one of the most in demand leafy vegetables. Regular consumption helps keep away a plethora of diseases and make one fit and healthy. It is also excellent for regulating blood sugar levels. Spinach is rich in vitamin K, magnesium, folate, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. It also contains various flavonoids and plant chemicals. All such essential nutrients make it one of the most sought after vegetable for diabetes.

4 . Collard Greens

Collard greens ( or saag) are excellent sources of vitamin C. They help to lower cortisol in the body and reduce inflammation. It also contains a micronutrient called alpha lipoic acid that helps the body in dealing with stress.It also reduces the excess blood sugar level and strengthens the damaged nerves because of diabetic neuropathy.

5 . Red Onions 

Red onions are rich in antioxidants apart from giving an attractive colour to the salads. They are a good source of fibre, potassium and folate that are good for regulating the blood sugar level in addition to curing various heart ailments

Do you have the habit of plucking your nose hair? As unsightly or awkward they may be, your nose hair can actually play an important role in keeping you healthy. So the next time you grab your tweezers or scissors to pluck your nose hair, do rethink and stop doing it.

The time when you feel like your nose is swamped with thick or dense hair, people often use tweezers or your fingers to pluck them out. Some of them even go to the extent of waxing it off. However, before you get there, be watchful.

There are two kinds of nose hair:

• Vibrissae: The frontal nose hair that is visible and plucked out from the nose
• Microscopic cilia: Present at the back of the nose, these are responsible for filtering mucus and moving it to the back of the nose

Here are the reasons why you must stop plucking your nose hair:

1. It can make you catch infections: When you pluck your front nose hair, you are more prone to catch an infection. Germs and particles near the follicles can get inside, without the Vibrissae.
2. The danger triangle: The triangular area on the face between your mouth and nose is referred to as a danger triangle. This area is very important for brain function. The veins that carry blood out of the nose tend to converge with the veins that carry blood from the brain. If you pluck the nose hair, it can lead to the germs get carried all the way to the brain and potentially affect it causing conditions of meningitis or brain abscess.
3. Bacteria and germs outbreak: When the nose hair is plucked or waxed, the entire pore is left exposed to bacteria and other germs to get in. If the cilia and other hairs of the nose are unable to prevent the onset of the germs build-up, then these harmful particles can delve deeper into the path of the body all the way up to the brain.

So, what is the right way to do it then? Trimming is the way to go!

The next time you want to get rid of your nose hair, if its over-grown or getting too irritating for you, consider trimming it instead. As long as you don’t get too close to the skin inside your nose, it will not lead to the danger triangle problem.

Also wash your nose well before trimming your nose hair. Washing out the pathogens from the nose before trimming is important so that it will reduce your chances of catching any infection. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Physician.

With the onset of monsoon, the risk of mosquito borne infections is on a high.Every year, our country struggles with dengue, with a huge number of people getting infected and some of them requiring hospitalization. Dengue is an extremely common viral infection which is transmitted by mosquitoes and presents as high-grade fever, body aches and pain in the joints.Here are some essential facts that you should know about Dengue.

1 . WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
-Dengue should be suspected when you have a sudden onset of high-grade fever with a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, abdominal pain, body aches, rash and vomiting. The fever can lasts for 5-7 days.
-Around 3-7th day of illness, the fever will be very less or even normal.
-This marks the beginning of the critical phase where there could be a rapid decrease in decrease in platelet count.
-It is important to monitor the platelet count and watchful of danger signs (bleeding, rash, abdominal pain or vomiting). It usually lasts for 2-3 days.

2 . HOW IS DENGUE DIAGNOSED?
-Dengue is diagnosed by a blood test called Dengue Specific Antigen DS-1 (with or without Dengue Antibodies) and complete blood count (CBC) including platelet count.
-Typically, a patient will be positive for dengue specific antigen, decrease in platelet count and decrease in total white blood cells count.

3 . HOW SHOULD DENGUE BE MANAGED AT HOME?
-Most patients with dengue fever will not require hospitalization.
-They should take adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids (3-4 litres) and monitor the platelets closely.
-Use cold sponging and Paracetamol for fever.
-Aspirin, Ibuprofen other pain killers should be avoided.
-Antibiotics are not required.
-It is important to be watchful of any danger signs (bleeding, rash, abdominal pain or vomiting).
-The patient can follow up with their doctor every 24 hourly.

4 . WHEN DOES A PATIENT NEED TO BE HOSPITALIZED?
-The patient is usually admitted if he is dehydrated or bleeding or has any other danger signs.
-The patient is generally not admitted if the platelet count is above 50,000.
-The platelet transfusion is generally given if the platelet count is less than 10,000 in absence of bleeding manifestations.

5 . CAN A PERSON GET DENGUE AGAIN?
-It is possible to get dengue more than once.
-There are 4 different but related strains of dengue virus.
-Being affected by one strain offers no protection against the others.

6 . IS A DENGUE PATIENT INFECTIOUS?
-Dengue will not spread by touch, cough or secretions. But the spread of dengue from a patient to others is possible through a mosquito bite.
-The patient should be protected from contact with the mosquito by ensuring he sleeps under a bed net.