Sonu Clinic

What is computed tomography?

Computed Tomography is more commonly known as CT scan. It is a specialized form of X-ray. Computed Tomography is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure. CT scan provides concise images of different body parts and can also divulge any internal bleeding or injury during emergency situations. It is absolutely painless and is known to provide accurate information.

How does it work?
The patient is required to lie down on a table which is then passed through an opening, circular in structure. The radiations are rotated inside the CT scan machine for processing the images of the required body parts.

Benefits of Computed Tomography

1. Computed Tomography helps in the identification of any benign (tumor) or malignant (cancer) growth in any part of your body.
2. The procedure can be conducted for different body parts such as the head, abdomen, spine and chest among many others.
3. The images provide much detailed information. It contains information regarding the condition of blood vessel, soft tissue and bones.
4. Various bones and muscular disorders are also identified via Computed Tomography.
5. Radiation therapy or biopsy can be carried out with the aid of Computed Tomography.

Risk factors associated with Computed Tomography

1. If a person is allergic to Iodine (a dye used in the process), then it must be informed to the doctor beforehand to avoid further complications such as itching, nausea or vomiting.
2. At times, kidney functions may get disrupted.
3. The radiation emitted during CT scan is known to be harmful, especially for children.
4. The dye used for conducting CT scan can cause allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

At times the doctor may advise anti-allergic drugs to patients who are allergic to the dyes used in the process. CT scan is otherwise a very safe procedure for diagnosing various diseases.

It's that time of the years again when you have to add the candles over your cake. only this time you've reached an age when you are wondering how many should you actually put there. Aging tends to catch up with us all, or does it? How do some people continue looking like a million bucks while others end up looking twice their age? There are several beauty and anti-aging products in the market that promise to renew you youth and wipe of the years from your face. Before you try those, take time out to try out these tips to slow aging. 

To slow down aging is not only about looking young but also feeling young and having a longer, more enjoyable quality of life. A healthier and better you is definitely a younger you. Here's how you can get there:

1. Water is the secret sauce: We've heard it a hundred times that having 8 glasses of water a day can do us good but this is one reason that is going to get you running to that jug in your kitchen much faster. Human body s made of 60% water and it is a key ingredient to keep our organs functioning smooth. It'll improve your digestive system, keep your bowels running up and smooth, help flush out toxins from the body and improve the moisture content in your skin which in turn will keep it soft and supple. The trick is to also know when to have water. Starting your day with a couple of glasses of luke warm water and never have it with your meals.
2. Live happier: Life is a constant struggle. From unexpected changes to life-altering moments, we constantly face stress, tension and sometimes depression. Those who we know living a happy life also face the same situations. The difference is how they choose to find happiness despite facing adversities. Stress speeds up the aging process. When you are stressed, it creates an imbalance of hormones causing collateral damage. To cut down stress, spend more time doing things that make you happy. Choose a hobby like painting or stress busters like yoga and exercise. 
3. Eat fruits & vegetables: It is important to eat the right serving of fruits and vegetables daily, as they are rich source of vitamins and minerals and protect your skin from free radicals and cellular damage. From cucumber and tomato to fruits like papaya, each provides it own set of exfoliating benefits, which firm up your skin, improve your complexion, get rid of fine lines and slow down aging naturally. 
    

The fundamental principle of homeopathy is the Law of Similars or 'like cures like'. Homeopathy looks at the general health condition of the person and then prescribes remedies that can stimulate the body to function to its optimum capacity and this can naturally eliminate diseased cells and tissues from the body. The remedies stimulate the body's natural healing procedures without introducing chemicals to kill the disease.

Let us discuss some of the benefits of homeopathy in detail:

• No side-effects: Homeopathic medicines are very safe to consume as they are formulated using natural ingredients. Homeopathic pills are known to boost our immune systems and do not hamper digestion process. They do not cause allergies and suits almost everyone including children, adults and even pregnant and senior patients. National medicine agencies assure the safety and quality of homeopathy medicines as per the requirements of european union legislation and european pharmacopoeia standards. Furthermore, homeopathy medication is completely free from chemicals and synthetic materials.
• Inexpensive and cost effective: When compared to conventional drugs, these medicines are much less expensive. Homeopathy medicines are also sustainable as they can be stored for prolonged periods and reused, if required.
• Long term gain: Studies have shown that homeopathic treatment ensures long term relief, eventually leading to complete cure. It is best known to boost our immune systems and strengthen the body's defense mechanisms alongside curing our diseases.
• Effective and permanent cure: acute or chronic: Homeopathy works like a miracle in both the cases. It treats a disease from its root and thus follows a more holistic or permanent approach to healing a person with least chances of reoccurrence of the disease. Most effective for allergic disorders and seasonal illnesses, homeopathy works wonders for bacterial or viral infections.

The urinary tract starts from the kidneys to the urethra where urine is passed out. Given the rich concentration of minerals and toxic wastes, it is highly prone to multiple infections. UTI, as urinary tract infections are often referred to, is one of the most common infections. In women, especially, every 1 in 2 women is affected by an UTI. Whichever part of the tract is affected, the symptoms and treatment are mostly the same. Read on to know some of the most common symptoms and treatment options for these.

Symptoms

1. A burning sensation with urination
2. Pain with urination
3. Burning sensation or pain in the urethra or vagina
4. Frequent urge to urinate, though not much urine is passed out
5. Sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder
6. Pain in the lower back on the sides of the spine
7. Change in the urine characteristics color, smell, or appearance
8. Fever or chills, maybe associated with shivering, nausea and vomiting

Causes

Most urinary tract infections are bacterial in nature, and these could find their way into the body through multiple ways.

1. The most common is through the urethra, which could happen due to unclean toilet habits.
2. Women especially are advised to wipe the urethra after each toilet visit. The bacteria from the feces can also enter the urethra due to close proximity
3. Use of unclean public toilets is another reason for UTIs

Tests

Though most often UTI does not require specific testing, the following are useful in confirming the diagnosis.

1. Culture and sensitivity: The urine is sent for a culture to identify the exact organism that has caused the infection. It also helps identify the right antibiotic which will help bring the infection under control.

Treatment:

UTIs are very common infections and though there is nothing to worry, it should be cleared completely.

1. Antibiotic course to get rid of the infection. Though you begin to feel better, the complete course should be completed to clear the infection.
2. Following culture testing to ensure the infection is cleared
3. Improve water intake to get rid of the toxins
4. Fever and pain to be controlled with medications
5. Healthy hygiene habits to ensure clearing of infection

Prevention:

Recurrent UTIs is a common problem, and the following can help prevent.

1. Ensure complete emptying of the bladder
2. Drink adequate water
3. Safe toilet habits, including before and after sex
4. Comfortable and clean underwear to prevent infection

Gout is a form of arthritis and occurs because of excessive uric acid in the body. There are proteins in the diet known as purines, and when they are metabolised, uric acid is released. When there is an excessive amount of purines in the diet, the body is unable to metabolise all of the produced uric acid. This excessive production or repaired metabolism can lead to gout. These get deposited in the joints as crystals in various joints, especially of the big toe.

Symptoms:

1. The joints, most frequently the big toe, are painful, swollen, red, and very warm to the touch
2. The big toe is known as podagra
3. The pain is a strong, shooting pain, very severe in nature
4. The patient’s description is very diagnostic of gout
5. Other joints could be affected including ankles, knees, and hands

Treatment:
Gout, as seen from above, is not just excessive uric acid in the body. There could be various reasons leading to this problem. Therefore, homoeopathy believes that the underlying problem needs to be evaluated and treated for the symptoms to disappear. The following are some commonly used remedies:

Colchium:

• Useful in both acute and chronic cases of gout
• Intense pain in the big toe, where the patient would not allow touching it
• The toe is stiff, swollen, red, and hot
• The pain is worse at night and during warm weathers
• The patient also may feel feverish and cold internally

Benzoic acid:

• These patients usually have offensive urine, which is evident from a distance
• The urine may be brown in colour.
• The pain in the great toe is tearing, and the knees may also be affected, which also are painful and swollen.
• Any movement causes a cracking sound which increases with movement.
• The patient likes to keep the affected area covered, and opening it to air may worsen the symptoms.

Sabina:

• Useful in females, who may also have other feminine disorders (for instance, uterine issues) in addition to gout
• The toes and heels will have shooting pain which is worse in warm surroundings
• The affected joints also appear red and shining.

Berberis vulgaris:
These people present with warm, bright yellow or blood red urine with sediments that could be red/reddish yellow.

Ledum pal:

• The pain travels from down below, for instance, starts with the feet and moves up to the knees and the limbs
• Small joints like the ball of the great toe and ankles are more affected by lack of warmth and inability to tolerate warmth
• Applying a cold towel or cloth may help relieve the pain.

Most of us have probably heard of probiotics and prebiotics in recent days, but do you happen to know what they are exactly and how they can be beneficial to your health? If you have some knowledge about nutrition, you will understand the prominence of prebiotics and probiotics, which aids in health improvement.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components which are natural and acts as an excellent support for the natural growth of useful bacteria in the human body. They are termed as good bacteria promoters. Consumption of the prebiotic food will enhance calcium level in the body, and they are also responsible for gastrointestinal health improvement. There is no necessity to consume separate pills for prebiotic development; they are available in certain food items like onions, garlic, bananas, soybeans, whole-wheat foods, asparagus, artichokes and much more.

Probiotics are nothing but good bacteria which are naturally available in the body and are responsible for repopulation of intestinal bacteria. Probiotics are also responsible for management of bowel syndrome symptoms. Other than these, probiotics will help in the prevention of allergic symptoms, reduction of lactose intolerance etc. Probiotics are available in non-dairy food products like miso, cultured non-dairy yogurts, kimchi etc.

Advantages of Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics:

• Reduces the symptoms of asthma.
• Prevents eczema in children.
• Controls the development of colorectal cancer.
• Improves immune system
• Normalizes the bowel function.

Probiotics:

• Improves immune system.
• Helps in the digestion process.
• Helps in nutrient absorption.
• Helps in detoxification.
• Improves health.

Other than the above-listed benefits, prebiotics and probiotics offer multiple benefits. Probiotics present in the body will work round the clock balancing both good and bad bacteria within the GI tract and prevents numerous problems like the poor elimination of waste, poor digestion, stress, oral contraceptives, etc. Overall, both prebiotics and probiotics are highly essential for humans to improve their health.

There are many probiotic and prebiotic supplements available in the market, but it is advisable for consumption of probiotics and prebiotics in a natural way by adding probiotic and prebiotic enriched food items to your daily diet.

Excruciating pain while teething can be an extreme time both for the child and the entire family. The first tooth generally comes in when infants are in the vicinity of 4 and 7 months of age.

Symptoms of getting the first few teeth may include:

1. Drooling, swollen or delicate gums
2. Declining sustenance
3. Biting on strong items
4. Fractiousness and rest issues
5. Most pediatricians say that diarrhea, low fever or irritation are not identified with getting teeth. However, for some mothers, these indications are normal for their babies getting teeth.
6. You need to dependably call your specialist if your child has side effects that stress you or a temperature of 101 degrees F or higher.

Teething can normally be taken care of at home with homeopathic drugs.
Homeopathy is a protected and regular approach to alleviate the red, swollen gums and the pain. Homeopathic solutions additionally help your child quiet down and give them the opportunity to rest. Some of the medicines are as follows:

1. Chamomilla 30C: It is the most widely recognized homeopathic medicine for problems associated with growing teeth. The baby is usually in pain, irate and shouting. Child quits crying just when carried and shook, or when riding in a car. Getting teeth is regularly joined by greenish diarrhea and an ear infection.
2. Belladonna 30C: This medicine is administered when the child has red, swollen gums and is unable to sleep. Getting teeth is now and then joined by tonsillitis or ear infection with high fever.
3. Calcarea phosphorica 30C: This medicine is given when the teeth are painful at the back and getting teeth is extremely agonizing. The main tooth typically shows up at 10 to 11 months of age. It is difficult to sooth the baby. Teeth are rotting, not long after they are come in.
4. Mercurius solubilis 30C: This homeopathic medicine is effective when the baby drools a lot, has a terrible breath and a covered tongue. Pain is frequent and more terrible during the evening.
5. Pulsatilla 30C: A clingy and mournful child needs to be held and consoled constantly. Pain is soothed by sucking an icy therapeutic stick or when breathing cool, crisp air. You need to give the drug that most nearly matches your baby’s side effects. You can crush the pellets or mix them in some water. In extreme pain, give the child five pellets three to four times everyday.

Other homeopathic medicines given to babies while teething are Podophyllum (mayapple), Belladonna, Calcarea Carbonica (calcium carbonate), Coffea (espresso), and Caffeinum (caffeine). A few parents might be worried in giving some of these substances to their babies. However, these homeopathic medicines are known to be protective as well as successful in treating numerous basic illnesses.

The incidence of pain and lumps in the breast is on the rise. Breast cancer has grown in incidence over the years. More women are getting diagnosed with it, and the age at which they are being diagnosed has reduced too. Therefore, preventative checks and screenings have gone up significantly. The number of women diagnosed with small lumps has gone up drastically. The good thing is that since these are diagnosed in the early stages, the treatment is simpler and the prognosis far better than women who get diagnosed much later in life.

In a majority of cases, once a lump is identified the most preferred treatment is removal. This is known as lumpectomy. However, before a final decision is made to remove the lump, there are certain tests that are run by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis and extent of spread.

1. A thorough breast exam to identify if this is an isolated lump or if there are more lumps in either breast. The exact shape and size of the lump also need to be identified so that treatment can be planned accordingly.
2. Imaging to see if the lymph nodes have been involved. In most cases, there could be spread to the lymph nodes in the armpits which also need to be removed if required. If the lump is too big or too many in number, then a mastectomy may be required instead of a lumpectomy. This requires removal of the entire breast tissue on one or both sides (rarely) along with involved lymph nodes.

Pre-surgery: Once the diagnosis is confirmed, then the doctor will plan treatment. Prior to the surgery,

• Talk to your doctor about your other medical conditions and medications and allergies, if any
• Gynecologic history is very important to be discussed in detail
• Blood thinners have to be stopped prior to the surgery
• Post-surgery care needs to be planned, including a caretaker for a few days and postop care

During surgery:

• Lumpectomy or mastectomy is often done under general anaesthesia
• This requires hospitalization and carries the risks associated with anaesthesia
• The outlined breast tissue or complete breast and surrounding lymph nodes will be removed. The area will be closed using sutures and bandaged

Post-surgery:

• The wound needs to heal, and so postop care is very important
• For the first few days, painkillers and antibiotics are used to control pain and infection
• As a follow-up, some women may require radiation therapy to contain the suspicious tissue that may be left behind after lumpectomy
• If extensive breast tissue was removed, some women may prefer to have reconstructive surgery done
• Remember that lumpectomy is not a definitive procedure, and there could be cases that require a repeat operation

Advantages:

1. Less invasive compared to a mastectomy
2. The appearance of the breast is minimally affected, and symmetry is maintained

Disadvantages:

1. May not ensure complete removal
2. May require additional radiation therapy
3. May require repeat surgery

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

Asthma is a painful pulmonary disease that is usually caused due to inflammation of the air passages. The tubes that help us breathe in and out can get contaminated with pollutants and allergens like dust, smoke, pet hair, pollen and nettle, amongst various other substances. This can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain due to breathing difficulties and wheezing as the lungs try to get more oxygen which cannot pass through the swollen airways. This is usually characterised as asthma. In recent times, there has been a worrying increase in child asthma. Read on to find ways in which this can be treated.

Symptoms: Treating breathing difficulties is the first and foremost way of treating asthma in children. This is especially important because of the oxygen requirement for normal and proper development of the brain and rest of the body.

Long Term Medication: Inhaled Corticosteroids which act to combat inflammation and reduce the same, can be used by children. Also, leukotriene modifiers can be used along with these inhalers. But one must be careful of psychological reactions like aggression during the use of this medicine. Combination inhalers can also help in tackling agonists that can trigger severe and potentially fatal asthmatic attacks. Theophylline is another drug that can be taken on a daily basis to keep the bronchial tubes or air passages open.

Quick Relief Medication: Albuterol, pirbuterol, and levalbuterol are some of the medicines that can be used in the short term for quick and instant relief. Yet, there is no guarantee that the symptoms will not return and there is still a need for a child to undergo focussed and long term medication to alleviate the risk of severe attacks.

Immunotherapy: Asthmatic attacks that are caused due to the allergens like pollen, dust, smoke, nettle, pet hair, and other similar substances, will need a series of injections that contain a small measure of the allergens so that the immune system is strengthened. This will ensure that the child's allergic reactions and subsequent asthma attacks will gradually decrease.

Devices: Medication delivery devices like inhalers that will give you a measured dose, dry powder inhalers as well as nebulizers, will take the medication straight to the lungs for asthma relief and control.

Long terms diseases like asthma can greatly affect the growth and immunity of a child, which is why it is important to prevent and treat such attacks. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Physician.

The heart is a wonderfully designed pump that takes care of proper functioning of the body. There are two separate channels, through which pure and impure blood flows through. Blood flow in these two designated networks is one-sided completely and controlled by valves. There are 2 sets of valves as below:

1. Aortic and pulmonary valves which controls blood flow from the ventricles to the aorta and to the lungs respectively
2. The mitral and tricuspid valves control blood flow from the atria (upper chambers) to the ventricles (lower chambers).

These valves are meant to be elastic and fibrous and open and close freely to allow for blood flow. Due to various reasons, they can become stenosed (hard and narrow) and depending on which valve is affected, complications arise accordingly.

The aortic valve is extremely important in that its proper functioning ensures that pure, oxygenated blood reaches various parts of the body. Due to various reasons, this valve may not open and/or close properly. Some causes include calcium deposits, advanced age, rheumatic fever, endocarditis, etc. With age or deposits, the valve opening can become narrow and reduce the amount of blood flowing into the aorta. The following symptoms and complications arise out of this.

1. The heart needs to put extra pressure to pump out blood into the aorta
2. The left ventricle therefore grows thicker
3. The symptoms will take a long time to manifest, as the heart will work on alternate measures, but after a certain point, symptoms will show up including chest pain, fatigue with minimal exertion, shortness of breath, and racing heartbeats.
4. As the heart has its own compensating mechanisms, symptoms show up when the condition is much serious. Therefore, onset of these symptoms requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis: This could be diagnosed with routine medical exam when the heart is being checked or it could only be diagnosed when the symptoms are seen as above. Treatment is easier in the earlier case, and requires more rigorous attention.

Management: If the stenosis is mild and was detected on routine exam, then it needs to be monitored periodically. Surgery is usually not done, unless it is very severe. However, preventive measures can be taken including

1. Avoiding over-exertion
2. Heart-healthy diet can be taken to prevent further damage
3. Reduce sodium intake
4. Quit smoking

If the stenosis is severe, then surgery is the only definitive treatment measure. Valve surgery can be either a

1. Balloon valvuloplasty – the valve opening is enlarged
2. Replacement – valve replacement is usually done as an open heart surgery.

Though aortic stenosis is a serious condition, it is also rare and can be managed by adopting an overall healthy lifestyle.