Dr. N K Batra

The tube transporting urine from the bladder out of the body is known as the urethra. Under normal circumstances, this tube is wide enough for urine to flow freely but in some cases, one or more section can get narrowed and restrict the flow of urine. This may be diagnosed as a urethral stricture. This length of this stricture can range from 1 cm to affecting the entire length of the urethra.

This is caused by scar tissue or inflammation of tissue in the urethra. While this is a common condition that affects men, it is rarely seen to affect women. An enlarged prostate, exposure to STDs like gonorrhoea or chlamydia, suffering from an infection that causes urethral inflammation and irritation or having had a catheter recently inserted can increase the risk of suffering from a urethral stricture. An injury or tumour located near the urethra can also cause this condition. Hence, preventing this condition is not always a possibility.

Common symptoms to look out for include:

1. Inability to urinate
2. Reduction in the flow of urine
3. Increased urge to urinate frequently
4. Pain while urinating
5. Urinary incontinence
6. Abdominal pain
7. Swelling of the penis
8. Discharge from the urethra
9. Blood in the urine or semen
10. Dark urine
11. The bladder feeling gull even after urinating

A physical examination and tests that measure the rate of urine flow and chemical composition of the urine can help a doctor determine a diagnosis of urethral strictures. You may also need to undergo STD tests and a cystoscopy. An X-ray may also help locate the stricture. The treatment for this condition depends on the severity of the symptoms.

Non-surgical treatment for this condition involves using a dilator to widen the urethra. However, there is no guarantee the blockage will not recur at a later date. Alternatively, a permanent catheter may also be inserted.

There are two forms of surgical treatment for a urethral stricture.

• Open urethroplasty: This involves removing the infected or scar tissue and restructuring the urethra. The results of this procedure depend on the size of the blockage. It is usually advised only in cases of long, severe strictures.
• Urine flow diversion: In the case of a severe blockage and damage to the bladder, the doctor may advise rerouting the flow of urine to an abdominal opening. This process involves connecting the ureters to an incision in the abdomen with the help of part of the intestines. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Bad breath is a dental problem which could also emanate due to poor digestion. It can also be experienced as a side effect of other ailments as well as medications. Smoking and bad diet may lead to this and it usually becomes a matter of low self-esteem as time goes by. Homeopathy is one of the most natural forms of medication, treatment and wellness when it comes to such problems that affect the lifestyle of the patient. These medicines usually combine very small doses of naturally found elements so as to cure an ailment or condition. Yet, it is important to remember that one must get a prescription for these medicines from a professional medical practitioner and check with the Dentist too.

Read on to know more about the types of homeopathic remedies available for bad breath.

1. Merc Sol: If your bad breath problem also comes with symptoms like a moist mouth or constant dribbling, then this medicine may be prescribed. This usually happens when the salivary glands become too active and produce more moisture than what the mouth can handle on a normal basis.
2. Pulsatilla: This medicine is usually prescribed if the patient complains of a dry mouth along with a bad breath problem. This helps in treating related symptoms like the lack of proper hydration due to the lack of thirst. Not drinking enough water can also lead to the problem of dry mouth and thereafter, a bad odour from the mouth.
3. Kreosote: This medicine is considered as a very effective medication for bad breath, especially if the bad breath takes place due to caries in the teeth. This medicine can also help patients who are experiencing bleeding gums along with caries and bad breath.
4. Hepar Sulphur and Carbo Veg: The combination of these two medicines is known as one of the best when it comes to treating bad breath. The other symptoms that call for the prescription of these medicines include Gingivitis or gum infection related problems and symptoms. When there is bleeding and pus in the gums due to the infection, then this medicine is usually prescribed. Excessive salivation is also another symptom that is treated by this medicine combination. Hepar Sulphur can be used if there is a throat-related infection or ailment that can lead to the problem of bad breath.
5. Carbolic Acid: A homeopathic doctor will usually prescribe this medicine if the problem of bad breath is accompanied by intense and perpetual pain in the abdomen. The patient will also complain of gas in stomach due to the ailment that affects the stomach in such cases. This gives rise to many symptoms including bad breath. Loss of appetite is also treated by this medicine. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Discussions and consideration of ailments begin and end with those which pertain to the physical health of an individual. Matters of the body are inevitably prioritized over the matters of the mind. However it goes without saying that your overall well-being is as much dependent on your mental health as it is on physical health. However, there are few simple measures which can be undertaken to beat the depression blues.

1. Exercise: What works for the body may also work for the mind and exercise is a leading example of that. It is recommended that every day you set aside at least some time for exercising. It will not only benefit your physical constitution, but will also keep your thoughts away from the issues which are tormenting you in the first place.
2. Converse: It is a given that depression alienates people, drowns them in solitude. However, seclusion is merely a temporary refuge, one that can hardly benefit you in the long run. Hard as it may be, try talking to people and engage in conversations with people. In the course of the conversation, try putting into words what exactly you are suffering from. Reaching out for an extended arm goes a long way in recuperating from this condition.
3. Meditation: When you suffer from depression, you inevitably are, in the process, trying to grapple with plenty of tumultuous issues. It is imperative therefore that you find a way to calm your mind and there is no other way to do it than indulge in meditation.
4. Find a confidante: When suffering from depression, it is crucial that you find yourself a confidante. It is important to talk to others but it is perhaps more important to find the right person. Irrespective of your relationship with him or her, by all means find a confidante in whom you can unflinchingly confide.
5. Break monotony: Monotony not only triggers depression but in most cases, breeds it. It is important therefore than you break the monotony. If not a drastic change, go for small changes initially and try to change your daily routine as much as possible.

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

मछली खाने के लिए तो कई लोग इस्तेमाल करते हैं लेकिन कई लोग मांसाहार के नाम पर नहीं भी खाते हैं. लेकिन मछली के तेल का औषधीय इस्तेमाल लगभग सभी लोग करते हैं. दरअसल इसके तेल में कई जरुरी पोषक तत्व पाए जाते हैं. लोगों के सुविधा के लिए मछली का तेल कैप्स्यूल के रूप में भी उपलब्ध है. इसमें ओमेगा-3, विटामिन, खनिज, प्रोटीन और कई अन्य पोषक तत्व पाए जाते हैं. इसके अलावा इसमें गामा लिनोलेनिक एसिड भी होता है. मछली के तेल के फायदे और नुकसान के बारे में जानने के लिए निम्लिखित बिन्दुओं को देखें.

1. गर्भावस्था में
मछली का तेल गर्भवती महिलाओं के लिए बेहद उपयोगी साबित होता है. क्योंकि इसमें डोकोसाफेक्सेनायिक एसिड पाया जाता है जो कि गर्भ में पल रहे बच्चे के दिमाग और आँखों के विकास में मददगार होता है.
2. गठिया में
गठिया या जोड़ों के दर्द में भी मछली के तेल का उपयोग किया जाता है. जोड़ों के दर्द में में मछली के तेल का सेवन ऑस्टियोआर्थराइटिस के लिए जिम्मेदार एंजाइमों के प्रभाव को कम करके कार्टिलेज को नष्ट करते हैं.
3. शुगर के उपचार में
मछली का तेल शुगर के मरीजों के लिए भी काफी उपयोगी है. विशेषरूप से टाइप-2 के मधुमेह के मरीजों के लिए. दरअसल इसमें शुगर के मरीजों के ट्राईग्लिसराइड के स्तर को भी कम करने की क्षमता होती है.
4. दिल को स्वस्थ रखने में
इसमें ओमेगा-3 पाया जाता है जो कि कार्डियोवस्कुलर बिमारियों को ख़त्म करने का काम करता है. मछली का तेल ओमेगा-3 का प्रमुख स्त्रोत है. ये खराब कोलेस्ट्राल को कम और अच्छे कोलेस्ट्राल को बढ़ाने का काम करता है. मछली के तेल के सेवन से स्ट्रोक को रोका जा सकता है. ये उच्च रक्तचाप को भी नियंत्रित करता है.
5. आँखों के लिए
आंखों के लिए भी इसमें कई उपयोगी तत्व पाए जाते हैं. यदि आप नियमित रूप से मछली के तेल का सेवन करें तो आँखों से संबंधित कई समस्याओं का निदान होता है. इसलिए मछली का सेवन करना चाहिए.
6. हड्डियों के लिए
बोन डेंसिटी को बढ़ाने में भी इसकी भूमिका होती है. दरअसल हड्डियों में मौजूद ओमेगा-3 नाम के फैटी एसिड उतकों में खनिज की मात्रा को भी नियंत्रित करता है. जिससे हड्डियों को मजबूती मिलती है.
7. त्वचा के लिए
त्वचा के लिए भी मछली के तेल में कई तरह के उपयोगी तत्व पाए जाते हैं. इससे त्वचा के कई रोगों जैसे कि एक्जीमा, लालिमा, घावों, चकत्ते, खुजली आदि समस्याओं के निदान में राहत मिलती है. त्वचा में कोमलता और सुन्दरता लाने के लिए भी इसका इस्तेमाल किया जाता है.
8. तनाव से मुक्ति के लिए
मछली के तेल के सेवन से आप चिंता, मानसिक थकान, अवसाद, तनाव, यौन इच्छा आदि से छुटकारा दिलाता है. ऐसा देखा गया है कि ज्यादा मछली खाए जाने वाले जगहों पर लोग कम अवसाद ग्रसित होते हैं.
9. वजन कम करने में
इसमें पाया जाने वाला ओमेगा-3 एक फैटी एसिड है जो कि वजन घटाने का काम करता है. ऐसा एक शोध में भी पाया गया कि मछली के तेल का सेवन करने वाले लोगों ने इसका सेवन न करने वाले लोगों की अपेक्षा अपने वजन में कमी पाई थी.
10. प्रतिरोधक क्षमता के लिए
ओमेगा-3 से भरपूर मछली के तेल में साईटोकिंस और ईकोसाइनाइड की गतिविधियों को नियंत्रित करके प्रतिरोधक क्षमता में मजबूती लाने का काम करता है. इससे आपको सर्दी, खांसी या फ्लू जैसी बीमारियाँ नहीं होती हैं.

मछली के तेल के नुकसान

• मछली के तेल की अनियंत्रित मात्रा अवसाद को बढ़ा सकती है.
• अधिक मात्रा में इसका सेवन स्वास्थ्य के लिए नुकसानदेह साबित होता है.
• इसकी अधिक मात्रा रक्त शर्करा के स्तर को अनियंत्रित भी कर सकती है.
   

Any surgery that requires an incision will involve sutures or staples as the last step of the procedure. This helps close the incision and keep out infections. Taking care of your stitches can help limit scarring and discomfort and speed up the healing process. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Keep it clean and dry: For the first few days, use a washed wet cloth to clean the incision site. After a few days, you may start washing the area with soap and water unless advised else wise by your doctor. Ensure that you dry the skin thoroughly after washing it. Avoid baths that involve soaking the area in water. Also, avoid swimming. Do not use any powders, lotions, creams, deodorants etc on the wound site.
2. Look out for signs of infections: Avoid activities that may involve exposing your wound to dirty water, chemicals, dust etc. This increases your risk of infections. Also look out for signs f infections such as redness, swelling, pus or bleeding, fever or increased pain from the wound. In case you notice such signs, consult your doctor at the earliest.
3. Do not scratch: As it heals, your skin is likely to turn itchy. However, refrain from scratching so as to reduce chances of infections. Do not try and pull away from the scab but let it fall off on its own. This will also help limit scarring.
4. Limit contact: Avoid wearing tight clothes or anything that sticks to the skin while your wound is healing. Instead have plenty of loose, comfortable clothes easily accessible. Also, do not take part in close contact sports such as football etc until the stitches have healed completely.
5. Change your dressing regularly: A dressing should be changed as soon as it gets wet or soaked with blood or other body fluids. Wear clean medical gloves while changing a dressing. When putting on a new dressing do not touch the inside of the dressing or apply any creams on the stitches unless advised so by your doctor. In the case of removable stitches, the doctor will usually remove the stitches after a few days. DO not attempt to pull the stitches out on your own.
6. Avoid exposing the wound to sunlight: New skin that forms as the incision heals is very sensitive to sunlight and gets sunburnt very easily. Limiting your exposure to sunlight can help reduce the effects of scarring.