Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital

• The medicine cultivated in your area is always best for you. 
• There are several medicine and food behaved is any disease but one should always try to use those medicines and foods which are according to their local place for suitable results. 
• Like now a days people are attracted to frozen food and supplements with pesticides like in olive oil, broccoli and spirulina, ginseng etc. In places where it is not according to their climate and in this process local cultivation which is fresh and pesticides free is not used. It provides loss of time, finance and health as well.
• Search whatever you see around you explore about it and use it, for this one doesn't need to be an expert but yes suggestions online or in person can be used.

Drinking in teenage years linked to memory problems and other health issues in later life.

• Binge drinking during teenage years could lead to thinning of certain areas of the brain causing problems with memory and other serious health implications later in life suggests a study.
• As per a recent study conducted by the oregon state university in the us, binge drinking is linked to shrinking of certain areas of the brain that are associated with memory, attention and language in teenagers. This, in turn, could lead to increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder later on in life.
• The researchers studied six parameters to determine the hazardous impact of heavy drinking on the brain in early years. These include response inhibition, working memory, verbal learning and memory, decision making and reward processing, alcohol cue reactivity, and socio-cognitive/socio-emotional processing,
• Teenage is a period where the brain is still undergoing biological and psychological behaviour development.
• Considering the fact that more and more teenagers are involved in binge drinking and heavy drinking, understanding the effects of consuming large quantities of alcohol on neural development and the impact on cognitive skills is very important.
• Binge or heavy episodic drinking is defined as four or more standard drinks within a two-hour drinking session for females and five or more drinks for males.
• As per the study, binge drinking among young people is associated with a thinning or reduction of areas of the brain that are known to play a key role in memory, attention, language, awareness and consciousness.
• This type of brain alteration in young life could lead to increased risk of alcohol use disorder in later years of life.

It can be disheartening to find out that you're infertile, especially when you thought that everything was normal. There are many reasons why a man is not able to contribute to the conception process and, consequently, there are options that can assist with male infertility.

Here are the treatment options available for male infertility.

1. Vasectomy Reversal
In recent years many men are opting to have children after a vasectomy. Luckily, a vasectomy is not necessarily a permanent issue anymore. It can be reversed. It takes a simple surgical procedure that restores the flow of sperm. There are certain factors that affect the success rates of vasectomy reversals such as your age, the presence of antisperm antibodies, time elapsed since the vasectomy and the age of the woman. Although this procedure is an option it is generally not encourage.

2. Sperm Aspiration
This is a group of procedures which is used to get viable sperm from the man. The sperm is used with Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This option is suitable for men who have severe types of male infertility. For example, if there is no sperm in their ejaculate, where sperm is dead or there is no motility. With this group of procedures there are four techniques that can be used to obtain the sperm. It is important to keep in mind that each technique is not suitable for everyone. These techniques are mentioned in the next four points.

3. Testicular Sperm Extraction
In this technique the fertility doctor removes a small piece of testicular tissue through a half inch skin incision. Sperm is liberated from the seminiferous tubules (where they are produced). This procedure can be performed in the doctor's surgery or the operating room and a mild sedation is recommended for comfort. The sperm harvested with this technique can be stored for later use.

4. Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
If you have a reproductive tract blockage then this technique is an option. During this technique an operating microscope is used to examine the tubules that contain sperm. The fluid containing the sperm is collected and the quality is examined. Thereafter it is taken to the IVF laboratory for use.

5.Testicular Sperm Aspiration
This technique uses a needle biopsy of the testicle. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia in a doctor's surgery. The sperm is extracted through the testicle but the amount obtained can be low because the needle cuts a thin layer of the tissue. This procedure is usually quite successful and less invasive than other methods.

Sporting a red penis can be a cause of pride or concern. When a man's penis health is good, his erect penis often has a red hue due to the blood that rushes in and fills the organ. But sometimes a red penis is due to a rash, an allergy, or any number of other causes. One of the more mysterious and unusual (and thankfully rare) causes? An allergy to his own semen. And what's worse, that allergy may produce more than just a red penis.

Semen allergy

It has been known for some time that some women may be allergic to a man's semen (or, more accurately, to the semen of a specific man or men). For such women, when a man ejaculates into their vagina or onto or into other parts of the body, they can develop a rash or itchiness. Burning and swelling is not uncommon; in some cases, a woman may break out in hives or even develop problems with breathing. It can become quite serious.

POIS

However, information on semen allergy in men is more limited. It was first described in 2002 and given the name post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). As with women, the expulsion of semen from the penis in men with POIS may result in an irritated, red penis or in a penis rash. Itching is not uncommon, and swelling is also a factor for some men.

However, men with POIS are also likely to develop symptoms and issues that go beyond the penile area. A flu-like condition is frequently found post-ejaculation in men with POIS. Their eyes may get red and itchy, their nose is likely to run, and sneezing may ensue. In addition, they tend to get feverish and experience a significant level of fatigue - bed rest is often called for.

For most men with POIS, the reactions can occur whether ejaculation is achieved through masturbation or through partner sex.

Protein

In most cases, it appears the allergic reaction is due to a protein found in semen to which the body develops an autoimmune response. But it's interesting to note that men with this reaction do not necessarily have it their whole lives.

For example, a guy may masturbate quite happily as a teenager and enjoy many forms of partner sex before developing POIS. It can occur early on in the teen years or not show up until much later in life.

What is perhaps even more interesting is that the allergic reaction only occurs after semen has been ejaculated. While the semen is stored in the body, or if a man experiences sex without ejaculating, there is no reaction to the presence of the semen.

Treatment

Since the exact cause of the response is unknown, treating a semen allergy can be difficult. One course of treatment that has proven effective for many men is building immunity to it. This typically occurs by having a doctor inject a diluted form of semen into the body over a lengthy period of time. As the process goes along, the semen becomes less diluted.

Other doctors recommend using anti-inflammatories (as prescribed by an allergy specialist) before and/or after sex to possibly reduce the development of post-ejaculatory symptoms.

A semen allergy is not the only cause of a red penis, of course. When that redness is accompanied by irritation or dryness, use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) may be appropriate. A man should inspect the ingredients list on any crème he considers and make sure it contains potent moisturizing ingredients to soothe the skin. Shea butter (a high-end emollient) and vitamin E (a natural hydrator) are ideal and work together to form a moisture lock. Thinning penile skin can also make the red penis more painful, so find a crème that includes alpha lipoic acid. This antioxidant fights the free radicals that can cause penis skin to grow thin.

During fast and furious sports, a man's very delicate equipment can be quite vulnerable. That's especially true if he chooses not to wear a cup or jock strap. This innovative protective device helps ensure a man's penis and scrotum stay comfortable, held against his body in such a way that the chances of injury are lessened. But for many men, penis pain might result from choosing the wrong jock strap. Here's what a man needs to know about choosing and using a jock strap, as well as proper penis care when using one.

Using a jock strap properly

A man will usually do anything to avoid penis pain, so why are so many men reluctant to use a jock strap or cup? Some men say that the jock strap is too uncomfortable, especially when a cup is inserted. Others say that it simply makes them far too hot when they are in the midst of a good game on the field. And still others say that proper fit means it's all too tight, and feels as though it limits their range of movement when they most need flexibility and speed.

To combat these ideas, try these tips:

1. Use a cup only when necessary. Not all sports require use of a cup. Basketball is a good example. A cup might not provide much protection during the game, but a jock strap is essential to keep the junk from bouncing as a man runs all over the court. However, those playing football, soccer or hockey - where rigorous contact might occur - are advised to use a cup. Those who play baseball are as well, as even the best reflexes probably won't be able to deflect a 90-mph ball coming off the bat right toward the family jewels.

2. Look for a thick waistband. Though the thin waistbands can look appealing, especially on men who have great abs, keep in mind that this visual isn't going to do him any favors in the protection department. In fact, it's unlikely a man is going to be getting it on with a partner while wearing the jock strap, so why not go for functional? A thick waistband will hold the jock strap firmly in place, which is exactly what a guy needs when he's moving around on the field.

3. Choose proper leg straps. Though men might be uncomfortable at first with the way fits around their body, those straps are there for a reason. A man will get used to the feeling over time. So instead of choosing very loose legs straps, which could rotate during play and expose the most delicate regions, a man should go with leg straps that fit firmly but comfortably.

4. Try it on. Avoiding penis pain can't be achieved if a man refuses to test out before hitting the field. The best route is to try it on in the sportswear store. Wear tight compression shorts underneath the jock strap, then slip a cup into place. Walk around a bit to see how it feels. Running in place might also help. Keep in mind that just come in a variety of sizes, so do cups. A guy must take the time to figure out which ones are the perfect fit for his body and athletic use.

Penis care when using jock straps

Even with a properly-fitted cup, a man will sometimes face chafing - and that can lead to penis pain. A man should always take care to wash the area thoroughly after his sports adventures, then reach for a great penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) to soothe and heal. Look for a crème that contains vitamin D, C and B5 for their healing properties, as well as alpha-lipoic acid to fight free radicals and L-carnitine to protect against peripheral nerve damage. All this in a Shea butter base is great for penis care when using jock straps.

Spinal surgery becomes inevitable when back pain cannot be managed with medications and/or exercise. This is a major decision and requires planning for many things before, during, and after the surgery.

Before a spinal surgery- This preparation will help in smooth recovery, especially if you do not have a full-time caretaker.

1. Discontinue pain killers: Discontinue pain killers at least 10 to 14 days before surgery. These are blood thinners and can prolong bleeding during the surgery.

2. Prepare for blood loss: Most people experience some blood loss, but not excessive.

3. Use a toilet seat raiser: Sitting and getting up from the toilet seat may be difficult. The seat raiser is used to increase the height, making this movement easy.

4. Enable easy access to common items: Before heading for the surgery, keep things which are commonly used within easy reach. This will help reduce movement and avoid searching (especially if someone else is going to be doing it).

5. Stock it up: Cooking may not be feasible during the initial postop period, and so it is advisable to stock up food items (ready to eats, fruits, soups, etc.) which will come in handy.

6. Slip-ons: Bending down and tying shoes may not be easy, so slip-ons can be used.

7. Caregiving: It is always advisable to have someone stay over with you during the initial postop days. They could help with regular household chores, cooking, etc.

8. Lifestyle changes: Ensure you eat well in the days before surgery, quit smoking, quit/use moderate amounts of alcohol, and exercise as advised by your surgeon.

After Surgery- Post surgery, there will be some pain and limitation of movement. It is important to understand that adherence to post-op instructions will improve the success rate of the surgery. Also, recovery time for spine surgery is slightly longer and affects overall quality of life, so psychological preparation is required.

1. Postoperative medications: These will be given to control infection and pain in the immediate postop period, and should be taken without fail

2. Rehab: The surgeon will recommend physical therapy and rehab exercises which need to be followed. Complete recovery may take anywhere between 3 to 12 months. During this time, care should be taken to avoid repeat injury.

3. Support: Adequate back support should be provided using lumbar support and ergonomic chairs, and the right posture should be maintained. Ensure there is no undue strain on the back muscles.

4. Weight management: With excess weight, there is too much strain on the lower disks. Therefore, weight should be managed to reduce this strain.

5. Smoking and alcohol should be completely stopped, as healing can be hampered.

With some preparation, spinal surgery can be sailed through smoothly.

A heart transplant is an operation in which a failing, diseased heart is replaced with a healthier, donor heart. Heart transplant is a treatment that's usually reserved for people who have tried medications or other surgeries, but their conditions haven't sufficiently improved.

While a heart transplant is a major operation, your chance of survival is good, with appropriate follow-up care.

When faced with a decision about having a heart transplant, know what to expect of the heart transplant process, the surgery itself, potential risks and follow-up care.

Why it's done

Heart transplants are performed when other treatments for heart problems haven't worked, leading to heart failure. In adults, heart failure can be caused by several conditions, including:

1. A weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
2. Coronary artery disease
3. Heart valve disease
4. A heart problem you're born with (congenital heart defect)
5. Dangerous recurring abnormal heart rhythms (ventricular arrhythmias) not controlled by other treatments
6. Amyloidosis
7. Failure of a previous heart transplant
8. In children, heart failure is most often caused by either a congenital heart defect or a cardiomyopathy.

Another organ transplant may be performed at the same time as a heart transplant (multiorgan transplant) in people with certain conditions at select medical centers. Multiorgan transplants include:

1. Heart-kidney transplant. This procedure may be an option for some people with kidney failure in addition to heart failure.
2. Heart-liver transplant. This procedure may be an option for people with certain liver and heart conditions.
3. Heart-lung transplant. Rarely, doctors may suggest this procedure for some people with severe lung and heart diseases, if the conditions aren't able to be treated by only a heart transplant or lung transplant.

Factors that may affect your eligibility for a heart transplant

A heart transplant isn't the right treatment for everyone. Certain factors may mean you're not a good candidate for a heart transplant. While each case is considered individually by a transplant center, a heart transplant may not be appropriate if you:

1. Are an advanced age that would interfere with the ability to recover from transplant surgery
2. Have another medical condition that could shorten your life, regardless of receiving a donor heart, such as a serious kidney, liver or lung disease
3. Have an active infection
4. Have a recent personal medical history of cancer
5. Are unwilling or unable to make lifestyle changes necessary to keep your donor heart healthy, such as not drinking alcohol or not smoking

What happens after the transplant?

Most people leave hospital within about four weeks of the operation, but depending on your condition, you may need to stay in hospital for longer.

In the first few months after your surgery you will need to spend a lot of time visiting the hospital – you might even need to stay near the transplant centre. Your transplant team will talk to you about practical arrangements for after your surgery.

Although you will be weak after the operation, recovery can be very quick. It is important to build up your level of activity gradually. You should avoid activities involving lifting and pushing until your breastbone is fully healed, which can take up to three or four months.

Once you feel fit and able, you can start doing things like light vacuuming or light gardening.

A stroke or paralysis can occur when the blood supply to that part of your brain is curtailed or drastically reduced. Due to this, the brain is deprived of the essential oxygen and the nutrients, and within a few minutes the brain cells can undergo severe damage and die. It is often treated as a medical emergency and can cause complications for life if left unattended.

Symptoms:
With regards to a stroke, a quick and an immediate treatment can be the difference between life and death. It is very much mandatory to note the symptoms of stroke and to impart the treatment accordingly. Some of them can include:

1. Trouble with speaking: Your speech pattern gets affected, and you may have trouble talking.
2. Paralysis: When the oxygen is cut off, a part of the body can become numb thus rendering it lifeless.
3. Headache: A severe headache may occur that can make the body go into spasm. Dizziness and unconsciousness can follow it.
4. Walking and mobility: You would be unable to walk on your own, or there can be a huge difference in your walk pattern. Most of the times, you might not be having any control over your legs.

Risk Factors
There are many risk factors associated with stroke and paralysis. The most common one is undoubtedly overweight. Physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse can contribute equally to the occurrence of stroke. Cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and old age may also be risk factors. Paralysis can be the biggest drawback of stroke where one part of your body can be lost to movements. You might also lose control of your face or arm, and this can affect your walking steps. This can be a life changing factor and more than medication sometimes physical therapy heals the person to an extent.

Physiotherapy for Paralysis:
You can feel helpless and frustrated, and this can lead to depression. There are many ways by which physiotherapy can help you. The therapies are made in such a way that you can try to lead a normal life without any hindrance, and this depends on the nature of the paralysis you are undergoing. In most of the cases, a person can get back at least 60% to 70% of his/her mobility back though not completely. Also, current medicines have advanced that there is a possibility to get back the movement in the paralyzed areas.

One of the major challenges you will face is to relax as the physical feeling of helplessness can hamper your thoughts in the long run. Stay relaxed and always remember that you are not alone. Take the help of a family member or a friend. Be relaxed all the time and make a determined effort with physiotherapy exercises. Avoid the lifestyle which you had before and embark on a healthier lifestyle and make sure you watch your diet at all times. Try to indulge in your favorite pass time and over a period start your daily chores without the help of an aid. You can undergo the physiotherapy exercises for life as they can be positive even after the condition subsidies.

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder in which a person’s mood, knowledge, thought and several other characteristics gets disturbed. We can notice most of the adults and old people with few symptoms of schizophrenia, which are most commonly left unidentified. The exact cause of schizophrenia is not yet known. The person feels that they are being constantly watched, they feel the presence of someone or something, which is not actually there. They are always suspicious and think that other people are gossiping and thinking about them.

Possible causes of Schizophrenia
Though the exact cause of schizophrenia is not known there are few factors, which contribute to the cause of schizophrenia.

1. Genetic factors: People with a family history of schizophrenia are at higher risk of getting schizophrenia.
2. Environmental factors: Environmental factors include excessive stress during pregnancy or later stages of life. Several other factors during pregnancy and childhood are responsible for causing schizophrenia. These factors are:
   1. Decreased oxygen level during delivery due to premature birth or prolonged labour
   2. Parental loss or separation in early stages of life
   3. Parental exposure to virus or during infancy
   4. Childhood physical or sexual abuse
   5. Abnormal brain structures and brain chemistry

Sings and symptoms of schizophrenia

1. Hallucination: To see, feel or hear anything that really does not exist is known as hallucination.
2. Delusion: A thought or belief of a person, which is either false or impossible in reality is known as delusion.
3. Thought and speech disturbances: The thought process and speech of a schizophrenic will be disorganized, due to which he or she  will fumble or is distracted as they are unable to align their thoughts.
4. Difficulty in concentrating: It is difficult for people suffering from schizophrenia to concentrate on the task at hand.
5. Erratic behaviour: People suffering from schizophrenia tend to behave erratically, either they will be too jumpy or will be perfectly still for hours at a stretch. Most people belief that those who are suffering from schizophrenia are often violent in nature, which actually is not the case.

Treatment for schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can be treated, if identified at an early stage. It is best advised to consult a psychiatrist the moment you spot the symptoms. Anti psychotic drugs, self help behaviour change, counselling and rehabilitation are few treatment modalities available for schizophrenia.

A mental condition that takes shape during early childhood, Autism is identified by characteristics like difficulty in communication, the use of language, understanding abstract concepts and building bonds with other people. This brain development disorder is also characterized by the performance of repetitive behaviors in the affected individual.

Homeopathy approach in treating Autism

Diagnosis of the condition by a homeopath requires the adoption of an extensive and intensive approach. From collecting detailed information about symptoms like a reaction to vaccines, thermal sensitivities and medical history of the family to understanding sleep postures; treatment of this condition requires an understanding of every vital factor associated with the condition. The hardcore approach is vital for understanding the stimulus/response connection of symptoms. This is because whenever an autistic child undergoes stressful situations, the reaction is a sign that a homeopath cannot ignore. By completely understanding the cycle of stress and reaction, a homeopath can only be able to suggest the right treatment program.

What about the remedies prescribed for treating the condition?

Being a holistic branch of medicine, homeopathy takes into account the complete physical as well as the mental makeup of the individual. Additionally, in this alternative medicine, the homeopath also takes into consideration the details of the disease while recommending remedies. Remedies like Carcinocin, Secretin and Thuja are favored the most for treating the condition. At the same time, the appropriate remedies are recommended after having a thorough understanding as to whether the individual falls within the constitutional makeup of the remedies considered.

Another essential aspect of this branch of medicine in the treatment of this brain development disorder is the practice of using LM potencies (homeopathic medicines on the last scale of potencies). These remedies are not only acted faster but are also gentler compared to others. They have been found to be very effective in preventing the individual from falling prey to the old symptoms and can be frequently repeated as well as used for a long time. 
 

Skin is a very vital organ of your body as it protects your body from external injuries and also helps in regulating your body temperature. The gradual development of cancer cells on your skin region is known as skin cancer. Skin cancer is a very common disease that is affecting people worldwide. Many causes are responsible for skin cancer.

Some of them are stated as follows:

• Overexposure to sun rays. The Ultraviolet rays can cause serious damage to your skin that can lead to cancer.
• Sun burns may also result in the development of cancer cells
• Frequent exposure to toxic chemical substance can also trigger skin cancer.
• A frail immune system may also contribute to skin cancer.
• Certain scars on your skin, if left untreated, may become cancerous and eventually lead to skin cancer.
• Consuming unhealthy foods and being unhygienic may also lead to skin cancers.

Skin cancer may develop all over your body or on any particular region of your skin. It can spread to other parts of your body rapidly. The symptoms of skin cancer depend on the type of your cancer.

Some of the common symptoms of skin cancer are as follows:

• A sore on your skin that cannot be healed
• Swelling of your skin
• You may also get an itching sensation frequently
• Appearance of bumps
• Bleeding of the affected areas
• Appearance of reddish spots
• A bleeding mole

Skin cancer is absolutely curable if treated at an early stage. Ayurveda offers effective remedies for treating skin cancer.

They are mentioned below:

1. Panchakarma therapy is the most effective treatment for healing skin cancer. It involves purification and removal of harmful toxins from your body through its 5 constituent therapeutic treatments namely, Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Basti and Raktamokshana.
2. Drinking green tea can be very helpful. It is known to have anti cancerous properties which help prevent and combat this killer.
3. Including more of citrus food in your diet such as lemons, oranges; excluding oily, fried foods and cutting down on higher quantities of sugar can prove to be beneficial.
4. Applying turmeric paste on the affected areas may help you to guard against skin cancer.

You must not ignore skin cancer and seek advice from a doctor as early as possible since the process of metastasis (spreading of cancer cells to different spots of your body) is very rapid in this case.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility are considered synonymous by most. However, the truth is that they are not and there are a lot of treatment options that can lead to pregnancy, even in a lady who is suffering from PCOS.

Reasons PCOS leads to infertility
Women with PCOS have different hormonal pathways than a normal woman without PCOS. It changes the system of how your body produces the eggs and prepares your uterus for pregnancy. Three reasons why women with PCOS do not get pregnant, or why it is difficult for them to maintain pregnancy are:

1. Women who are suffering with PCOS do not ovulate normally.
2. They have irregular periods and thus their monthly cycles are not predictable.
3. As they have irregular periods, their endometrium may not be prepared when the egg is released. Thus, it does not help in sustaining the pregnancy.

Symptoms of PCOS
There are a lot of symptoms that show the hormonal imbalance due to PCOS.
1. Ovarian cysts
2. Excessive amounts of male hormones
3. High levels of insulin
4. Fertility problems
5. Weight gain
6. Ovulation and menstrual problems
7. Excess body and facial hair
8. Acne
9. Anxiety and depression

As there is hormonal imbalance in a woman with PCOS, the eggs may not develop properly, and at the same time, they may not be ready to get fertilized, thus leading to infertility.

PCOS infertility treatment
The good news is that even if you are one of them with PCOS, there are treatments that can help you to get pregnant.

Here are the drugs that help patients with PCOS.
Metformin (Glucophage)
It helps in reducing the insulin levels and stabilizes the hormones. Thus, doctors often prescribe metformin that will help in making the ovulation cycles regular.

Clomid (Clomiphene citrate)
Another fertility drug that helps in conceiving is Clomid. It may be prescribed with or without metformin. When women with PCOS take these two drugs together, their chances of getting treated for PCOS and getting fertile become more. Many women may need a high dose of Clomid so that they can retain fertility.

Gonadotropins
This medication is necessary for helping you with ovulation as gonadotropins are hormones that stimulate your ovaries to release eggs. When someone is not responding to clomid then this medication may be tried.

If you too are trying to conceive and yet have not succeeded, and can find the symptoms mentioned above, visit your doctor and start the treatment.

How to prepare for an appendectomy

Appendectomy is the medical term for the surgery that is performed to remove the inflamed appendix (a condition that is known as appendicitis). This surgical treatment is mostly performed on an emergency basis.

But before you move on to know how to prepare for the surgery, it's important why it is important to get a surgery for appendicitis done?

What exactly is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a medical condition in which the appendix (that is the worm-shaped projection which arises out of the beginning of the colon) gets inflamed.

The major cause of appendicitis is that the tissues of the appendix become infected with bacterial action that results in the formation of pus in the lumen (opening) of the appendix. Factors that can trigger bacterial infection are a hard stool, attack by a foreign body, and accumulation of thick mucus in the appendix tissues among others.

Appendicitis results in aching and acute pain in the abdominal region of the affected person. In many people, it is accompanied by complications like vomiting, nausea, fever, loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal swelling etc. In more severe cases, it is accompanied by diarrhoea.

Appendicitis usually requires an emergency surgery. However, there are some things you need to do before going for the surgery.

Preparations to undertake before surgery

In most cases, appendectomy is an emergency surgery so there are hardly any preparations that a patient can make. The most common preparatory measure that your surgeon may prescribe includes not eating anything up till a few hours before the surgery. Apart from that, certain medications may be prescribed to eliminate or at best reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. There are no other preparations as such that you can undertake before appendectomy.

Recovery period

The recovery time is subjective as it depends on the type of procedure used for the surgery, the type of anaesthesia and the various complications associated with your condition. In general cases, the patients can recover within 12 hours of the surgery. However, it takes approximately 4-6 weeks for a person to resume a normal lifestyle after an appendectomy.

Most people think that having a smoking habit adversely affects only the lungs and the heart. But apart from known links to lung cancer and heart disorders, smoking also causes skin damage. The intensity of damage is directly proportional to the number of cigarettes one smokes in a day and the number of years one has been smoking for.

Here are 7 of the horrible things that smoking does to your skin

1. Premature ageing: The process of skin ageing is accelerated by a smoking habit. The chemicals that are ingested through the smoke cause your skin to age much faster, making it look loose, dull and coarse, with uneven colouring. Most smokers have a muted orange or grey tinge to their complexions.

2. Wrinkles and lines: The nicotine from smoke constricts blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin, thereby cutting off the supply of oxygen and nutrients. This causes the skin to develop visible fine lines and wrinkles at a faster rate.

3. Scarring and pigmentation: Since blood is not flowing properly to the outer layers of the skin, it is more susceptible to broken capillaries and veins, which can cause dark scarring and pigmentation on the face and other areas.

4. Darkening of the lips: Constant exposure to heat from smoking causes stark darkening and pigmentation in the lips, which also become dry and coarse.

5. Delayed wound healing: The presence of nicotine, tar and other chemicals in the blood causes cuts and wounds on the skin to heal at a much slower pace with an increased risk of infection, blood clot formation and death of skin tissue.

6. Increased risk of skin disease: Smoking makes the skin prone to various diseases and conditions like psoriasis, which happen as nicotine adversely affects the body's immune system.

7. High chances of skin cancer: Skin cancer and oral cancer are the two lesser known variants of the diseases that can be caused by smoking. Skin cancer is far more common among smokers than among non-smokers.

The harmful effects of smoking on the skin are not entirely discernible until after 10 years of prolonged smoking. Fortunately, your skin starts to heal itself when you kick the habit.