Category Archives: Health

Health, Politics, West Bengal

Junior Doctors March to Nabanna for Meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 12, 2024, Kolkata: Junior doctors have launched a campaign to Nabanna, the state secretariat, with a delegation of 30 representatives, making it clear that they intend to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The agitating doctors had communicated their decision to the Chief Secretary via email, stating their firm stance on the size of their delegation.


Before heading to Nabanna, the protesting doctors held a press briefing where they revealed that the Chief Secretary had informed them via email about a scheduled meeting with them at 5 p.m. at Nabanna. The Chief Secretary had written to the protestors on Thursday afternoon, indicating that the state would hold a discussion with the junior doctors, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would be present. The letter mentioned that 15 representatives from the junior doctors’ side were expected to attend the meeting and that the discussion could be recorded for transparency.

However, the junior doctors have insisted on bringing 30 representatives instead of the 15 suggested by the administration. They have made it clear that a meeting with fewer than 30 representatives would not be feasible for them. Their intention is to meet the Chief Minister directly and discuss their demands.

The doctors arrived at Nabanna by 4:45 p.m., having organized a bus to transport their 30 representatives to the state secretariat. Their firm approach signals their determination to engage in a direct dialogue with the state administration. The junior doctors also demanded that the entire meeting be live-streamed. They argued that if Supreme Court hearings can be broadcast live, then their discussion with the state government should also be made public. They plan to present this demand to the authorities at Nabanna.

The junior doctors aim to discuss their 5-point demand during the meeting. These demands have been communicated to the Chief Secretary in advance via email. They seek a transparent discussion and believe that live streaming the meeting would help maintain clarity on the proceedings and outcomes.

This campaign by junior doctors comes in the wake of ongoing grievances over working conditions, security, and other professional issues. The doctors have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in healthcare facilities and are seeking concrete assurances and actions from the government to address these issues.

As the junior doctors prepare to sit face-to-face with the state administration, all eyes are on the outcome of this crucial meeting. The presence of the Chief Minister at the discussion is a significant step, and the junior doctors hope that their demands will be addressed adequately. The demand for live streaming adds a layer of public accountability, underscoring their desire for transparency in the negotiation process.

The state government’s response and the potential resolutions arising from this meeting could play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare services and the working environment for doctors in West Bengal.
Health, National, West Bengal

Supreme Court Orders Junior Doctors to End Strike and Return to Work Amid RG Kar Hospital Case

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 9, 2024, New Delhi/ Kolkata:  

Amidst the ongoing turmoil following the tragic rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, the Supreme Court of India has issued a stern directive to junior doctors to end their month-long strike and return to work. The strike, which began as a protest demanding justice for the slain doctor and the resignation of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, has severely impacted healthcare services in the state, leading to a reported 23 deaths due to inadequate medical attention over the 28-day period.

The protests have included a “Lalbazar Abhiyan” (march to Lalbazar) campaign, where junior doctors demanded accountability from the police administration and expressed their dissatisfaction with the handling of the case. Despite repeated pleas from the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, to resume work to restore normalcy in the healthcare system, the protesting doctors have continued their strike, intensifying the crisis.

Supreme Court’s Directive to Junior Doctors
On Monday, in its second hearing on the matter, the Supreme Court of India delivered a clear message to the striking doctors, emphasizing their primary duty to provide medical care. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, directed the junior doctors to return to their duties by 5 PM on Tuesday, recognizing the critical nature of the situation and the urgent need to resume healthcare services.

“Providing treatment is the foremost responsibility of doctors. Given the circumstances, it is imperative that they return to work immediately,” the Chief Justice stated during the hearing. The Supreme Court also assured the doctors that the state government would not take any punitive action against those who return to work within the stipulated time frame.

Protection from State Action, But with Conditions
The apex court further clarified that while the state government is barred from taking any action against the doctors who resume their duties on time, this immunity does not extend beyond the specified period. “If the doctors do not return to work even after the deadline, the Supreme Court cannot prevent the state government from taking necessary action against them,” the bench stated, indicating that the patience of both the judiciary and the state administration is wearing thin.

The Supreme Court’s directive is seen as an attempt to balance the need for justice for the young doctor with the broader public interest of maintaining essential health services. The court also reminded the state government of its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all medical professionals, thereby addressing some of the concerns raised by the striking doctors.

Ongoing Crisis in West Bengal’s Healthcare System
The strike by junior doctors has thrown West Bengal’s healthcare system into chaos. Hospitals have been struggling to provide adequate services, with many patients being turned away or referred to other facilities due to a lack of medical staff. Reports from the state indicate that at least 23 people have died over the past month due to the disruption caused by the strike, underscoring the dire situation.

The Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has repeatedly appealed to the striking doctors to resume their duties, emphasizing that the state government is committed to addressing their concerns. “We understand the grief and anger, but the people of Bengal need their doctors back at work. Lives are at stake,” she said, urging the medical community to act in the public interest.

A Crucial Moment for Healthcare in Bengal
The Supreme Court’s directive marks a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle between the protesting doctors and the state administration. While the demand for justice and safety for healthcare professionals remains strong, the extended strike has also exposed the vulnerabilities of the healthcare system in West Bengal, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that ensures both justice and the continuation of essential services.

As the 5 PM Tuesday deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the junior doctors to see if they heed the Supreme Court’s call to return to work or risk potential state action. The decision taken by the medical community in the coming hours will significantly impact not only the ongoing investigation but also the future of healthcare services in West Bengal.

The Supreme Court’s ruling also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that needs to be maintained between protests for justice and the duty to serve the public. As the RG Kar Hospital case continues to unfold, it is hoped that all stakeholders can work towards a resolution that ensures both justice and the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services to the people of West Bengal.
Health, National

Rising obesity a concern, healthier lifestyle must: Economic Survey

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 Obesity presents a “concerning situation” and preventive measures must be taken to enable citizens to have a healthier lifestyle, it said
A Higher BMI Makes Individuals Prone To Conditions Such As Heart Disease, Diabetes, And Hypertension. Photo: Shutterstock

PTI, New Delhi : Raising concerns over growing obesity and increase of consumption of highly processed foods laden with sugars and fat, the Economic Survey said 54 per cent of the total disease burden in India is due to unhealthy diets.
Obesity presents a “concerning situation” and preventive measures must be taken to enable citizens to have a healthier lifestyle, it said.
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“Obesity is emerging as a serious concern among India’s adult population,” said the Survey, which was tabled on Monday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament.
If India needs to “reap the gains of its demographic dividend, it is critical that its population’s health parameters transition towards a balanced and diverse diet”, it said.
Citing a report from the Indian Council for Medical Research, the Economic Survey observed that the rise in consumption of highly processed foods laden with sugars and fat, coupled with reduced physical activity and limited access to diverse foods, exacerbate micronutrient deficiencies and overweight/obesity problems.
Estimates show that the adult obesity rate in India has more than tripled, and the rise in children is the steepest in the world for India, behind Vietnam and Namibia, the survey stated, referring to a World Obesity Federation report.
The survey further said as per National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the incidence of obesity is significantly higher in urban India than in rural India. In urban India, it is 29.8 per cent in men versus 19.3 per cent of rural India.
The percentage of men facing obesity in the 18-69 age bracket has increased to 22.9 per cent in NFHS-5 from 18.9 per cent in NFHS-4. For women, it has increased from 20.6 per cent (NFHS-4) to 24 per cent (NFHS-5).
“Combined with an ageing population in some states, obesity presents a concerning situation. Preventive measures must be taken to enable citizens to have a healthier lifestyle,” the survey said.
In some states, such as in the NCT (Delhi), the proportion of women with obesity is 41.3 per cent, as against 38 per cent for men.
In Tamil Nadu, for men, obesity is 37 per cent and it is 40.4 per cent for women.
In Andhra, it is 36.3 per cent for women while for men it is 31.1 per cent.
Health, Techno/ Science

How cell and gene therapies revolutionising cancer care in India

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 These treatments are becoming increasingly effective, affordable, and accessible
Dr Gaurav Kharya : Our body is made up of cells, and whatever happens to it—good or bad—happens at a cellular level. Cancer, for example, occurs due to a small change in the cell that prompts it to proliferate abnormally. Also, cancer spreads in the body because the immune cells lose their ability to identify the danger cancer cells pose and stop them from growing. We treat cancer by surgically removing the cancer cells from the body or by giving drugs that kill the malignant cells.

The advancement in our capability to manipulate the body’s immune cells to identify and eliminate cancer cells is remarkable, particularly at the cellular level. No wonder, cell and gene therapies, once considered futuristic medicine, are now a reality, offering hope to millions by redefining the battle against cancer.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and gene editing tools, like CRISPR-Cas9, are two revolutionary innovations that allow us to personalize treatments based on the genetic profiles of both the patient and the cancer. In CAR T-cell therapy, we extract the patient’s T-cells and add a marker to their surface to restore their ability to detect and eradicate malignant cells. And because these are the body’s own cells, the treatment has almost negligible side effects. Moreover, some of these immune cells remain in the memory and prevent cancer relapse. These are also called living drugs because once injected, these cells stay in the body and guard against the relapse of the cancer.

However, the current cost of these therapies is prohibitive. The high cost, along with the need for advanced medical infrastructure and specialised training for healthcare providers, has limited their availability. Yet, the government is making significant investments in biotech innovations through infrastructure development and by offering research grants. This support allows several Indian companies to focus on developing indigenous CAR T-cell therapies. These initiatives will greatly contribute to reducing the cost of these treatments, ensuring that Indian patients have access to them. Moreover, India’s generic pharmaceutical sector is using its expertise to develop biosimilars and gene therapies, which will further contribute to the affordability of these cutting-edge treatments.

Cell and gene therapies have proven to be effective in treating various malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Numerous clinical trials are currently underway worldwide to assess their efficacy. In India, several hospitals and research centers have also initiated clinical trials to test these therapies against a wider range of cancers, tailoring them to the genetic profiles prevalent in the Indian population.

Furthermore, cutting-edge research in this field will ensure that India will soon have more than one CAR T cell products available for its population. Researchers in India are working on developing third and fourth-generation CARs that will be effective against multiple tumor-associated antigens.

Unlike first-generation CARs, which are mono-specific and target only one type of antigen, these CARs will be able to target two antigens and, hence, be more effective in preventing cancer relapse.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as foreign alliances, has produced a favorable environment in the country for innovation. Besides, collaborations with global biotech and pharmaceutical giants are facilitating technology transfer and capacity building, enabling India to take a leap into the future of cancer care.

As cell and gene therapies continue to advance, they are poised to redefine cancer care in India and around the world. With ongoing advancements in technology and research, these treatments are becoming increasingly effective, affordable, and accessible, strengthening our fight against cancer.

The significance of these therapies extends beyond the clinical outcomes. They represent a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, moving away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized and precise form of medicine. For patients, this means medications that are tailored to suit their unique genetic composition, resulting in improved clinical outcomes and fewer side effects.

Undoubtedly, we still need to overcome several hurdles to make these therapies available to all, including addressing regulatory frameworks and ensuring equitable access. Nevertheless, the progress we have made so far serves as a beacon of hope not only for cancer patients in India but worldwide.
Health, Regional

NBMCH: State sanctions Rs 1 cr for renovation of super speciality block

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MP, 9 July 2024, Siliguri: The Super specialty block of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) is not yet fully operational. However, some wards of the block have been damaged even before they have become operational. False ceilings in many wards are damaged. 
Parts of the false ceiling have come loose and have become a potential risk for patients. According to the sources, the Central agency that did the work denied taking further responsibility. 
Hence, the state government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore to renovate the wards. Dr. Sanjay Mallick, the Superintendent of NBMCH said: “The Central agency constructed the building about a year ago. They have already clarified that after the handover, they will not take any responsibility for the building. 
The state government has, therefore sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the renovation work. We will start the indoor wards after the renovation.” In 2014, the Union Ministry of Health sanctioned Rs 150 crore for building the super speciality block in NBMCH premises. The work for which started in 2015. 
In 2018, the government cancelled the contract and blacklisted the company which had been doing the construction work for not completing the work on time. After that, a fresh tender was called. 
The outdoor section of the block was opened in November 2022. Later, the building was handed over to the NBMCH authorities last year. The block is not yet fully operational due to a shortage of equipment. 
Last month, Kaustav Nayek, Director of Medical Education (DME) visited the hospital and had given instructions to shift wards to the new block. It has been decided that the wards will be shifted only after renovation. 
The six-storied building is spread over 15,000 square meters. Different departments will be shifted to this block and the old building will be renovated. 
Courtesy& source- Millennium Post 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/nbmch-state-sanctions-rs-1-cr-for-renovation-of-super-speciality-block-571206
Education, Health, National

SC to hear on July 8 plea on free sanitary pads for class 6-12 girl students

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PTI, 6 July 2024 : The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on July 8 a plea seeking directions to the Centre and states to provide free sanitary pads to girl students of class 6-12 and ensure separate female toilet facilities in all government-aided and residential schools.
A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J P Pardiwala and Manoj Misra is scheduled to hear the plea of Congress leader and social worker Jaya Thakur in which she has highlighted the difficulties faced by adolescent females from poor backgrounds in the schools.
During the last hearing of the matter on February 5, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed that the Centre is in the process of collating all necessary material to form a national policy on the distribution of menstrual hygiene products to school-going girls in terms of the orders dated April 10, 2023, and November 6, 2023.
On June 13, the Union education ministry, in an advisory to schools, said girl students should be allowed to take necessary restroom breaks during board exams for classes 10 and 12 and free sanitary napkins must be made available at all examination centres.
The Supreme Court is set to reopen on July 8 after summer vacation.
On November 6, the top court directed the Centre to lay down a national model for building toilets commensurate with the number of girl students in all government-aided and residential schools across the country.
While emphasising uniform procedure, it also asked the Union government about the policy it has formulated for the distribution of sanitary napkins to female school students nationally.
During the hearing, the Centre informed the apex court that a draft national policy for the distribution of sanitary napkins free of cost to school-going girls has been formulated and sent to stakeholders to elicit their comments.
The top court earlier warned the states, which had not submitted their response to the Centre on formulating a uniform national policy on menstrual hygiene for girls studying in schools, that it would take recourse to the “coercive arm of the law” if they failed to do so.
On April 10, the apex court appointed the secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) as the nodal officer to coordinate with states and UTs and collect relevant data for formulating a national policy.
It noted that MoHFW, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Jal Shakti have schemes on menstrual hygiene management.
The court also ordered all states and UTs to submit their menstrual hygiene management strategies and plans that are being executed with the help of funds provided by the Centre or through their own resources to the Mission Steering Group of the National Health Mission within four weeks.
The apex court said the states and UTs shall also indicate to the Mission Steering Group of the National Health Mission the appropriate ratio of female toilets for residential and non-residential schools in their respective territories.
It asked all states and UTs to also indicate the steps which have been taken to provide low-cost sanitary pads and vending machines in schools and their appropriate disposal.
The plea filed by Congress leader Thakur has said adolescent females from poor backgrounds between the ages of 11 and 18 years face serious difficulties in receiving education, a constitutional right under Article 21A of the Constitution.
“These are adolescent females who are not equipped with and are also not educated by their parents about menstruation and menstrual hygiene.
“The deprived economic status and illiteracy lead to a prevalence of unhygienic and unhealthy practices which have serious health consequences, increase obstinacy and lead to eventual dropping out from schools,” the petition said.
Education, Health, Techno/ Science

The importance of digital detox for students

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Meghashree Poddar, EOI, 11 June 2024 : Social media has revolutionized communication, fostering connections across vast distances. Item powers individuals to express themselves, engage ing lobal conversations, and access information readily.

However, just like how avocado is often tasteless despite being so ridiculously healthy or how many good-looking people come with nasty characters, social media, too, does have a dark side. The constant barrage of notifications, messages, and online content can be incredibly distracting. Studies link excessive screen time to negative health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. Digital devices can also strain eyes, cause headaches, and disrupt sleep patterns, further impacting overall well-being.
Furthermore, the curated and often unrealistic portrayals on social media can distort students’ perceptions of reality and hinder their personal development. The constant stream of seemingly perfect lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and social comparison, impacting self-esteem and potentially contributing to body image issues.
Social media can create pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, leading to a disconnect from one’s authentic self. The infiltration of digital technology into classrooms also presents challenges. The allure of notifications and readily available online content can significantly diminish attention spans and hinder learning. Students accustomed to easily accessible information might struggle with critical thinking and thorough analysis, hindering their ability to develop deeper understanding and problem-solving skills. 
This can lead to a reliance on quick online answers rather than in-depth exploration of complex topics.
Digital Detox: A call for balanced technology use:
1. Improved Focus and Attention: By disconnecting from distractions, students can regain control over their time and attention. This fosters amore mindful approach to learning, enabling them to dedicate focused time to studying and engaging in enriching activities that promote personal growth and well-being. Students can develop stronger time management skills and avoid the temptation to multitask, leading to more efficient learning.
2. Enhanced Well-being: A digital detox can reduce stress, anxiety, and improve sleep quality. This leads to increased energy levels, improved focus, and overall well-being. Students can experience a sense of calm and clarity that can benefit both academic and personal pursuits.
3. Stronger Relationships: Disconnecting from screens allows for stronger connections with friends and family through face-to-face interactions. It fosters communication, empathy, and deeper understanding. Students can learn valuable social skills that are essential for success in all aspects of life.
4. Boosted Confidence: Stepping away from the carefully curated world of social media can help students develop a more positive self-image and embrace their authentic selves, free from the pressure to conform to unrealistic online portrayals. 
Students can focus on their own strengths and interests, fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence. Digital detox periods offer a valuable opportunity for students to cultivate stronger interpersonal relationships. Disconnecting from screens allows for quality time with friends and family, fostering face-to-face interactions and strengthening social skills. 
Additionally, it allows for self-reflection and exploration of interests outside the digital realm. Students can rediscover the joy of real-world activities, engage in creative pursuits, or connect with nature. While the overuse of social media can be detrimental, this article isn’t about giving up technology. It’s about taking back control of our time, focus, and happiness.

A balanced regimen must include:
*Social Media Audit:Regularly evaluate online platforms. Identify and unfollow accounts that create negativity or encourage social comparison. Focus on following accounts that provide positive, inspiring, or educational content.
*Time Tracking: Utilize time-tracking apps or features within social media platforms to monitor daily usage. Analyze the data to identify peak us age times and areas for improvement. Set realistic goals for reducing screen time and track your progress.
*Digital-Free Zones: Designate specific times or areas as “digital-free,” such as during meals, before bed, or in specific study areas. Implement “no-phone” policies during family or social gatherings to enhance real-life interactions.
*Mindful Consumption: Be intentional about the content you engage with. Limit passive scrolling and set a purpose for each social media session. Seek out informative and inspiring content that promotes learning and personal growth.
*Notification Management: Turn off non-essential notifications to minimize distractions and maintain focus. 
Consider scheduling specific times to check social media accounts, rather than constantly being bombarded with notifications.
*Digital Detox Periods: Plan regular breaks from social media, such as a weekend without access. Use this time to engage in offline activities, reconnect with nature, and reassess digital habits. Evaluate the impact on your mental and emotional state.

Consider incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, to further enhance well-being. Technology offers many benefits, but it’s essential to maintain a healthy balance. By implementing these strategies, students can reclaim control over their time, attention, and well-being. This fosters a more positive and productive learning experience, allowing them to thrive in both academic and personal spheres. 
Students who are well-rested, focused, and connected to the real world are better equipped to succeed in their studies and build meaningful relationships. 
(The views are the author’s personal)
Health, National

May heat wave in India 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than previous extremes

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PTI, New Delhi, Jun 7, 2024 :  Heatwaves like those experienced in India this May are nearly 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than the country’s previously recorded hottest heatwaves, according to a new rapid attribution study by an independent group of climate scientists and researchers.


The analysts at ClimaMeter said the intense and prolonged heat wave India endured in May was a result of the naturally occurring El Nino phenomenon — unusual warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean — and the rapidly increasing concentration of greenhouse gases — primarily carbon dioxide and methane — in the atmosphere.

The researchers analyzed how events similar to the high temperatures in India’s May heatwave changed in the present (2001-2023) compared to the past (1979-2001).

“The temperature changes show that similar events produce temperatures in the present climate at least 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than what they would have been in the past over a large area of the region analyzed. The precipitation changes do not show any significant variations,” the analysis read.

ClimaMeter’s findings underscore that heatwaves in India are reaching unbearable temperature thresholds because of fossil fuels burning, said Davide Faranda of French National Centre for Scientific Research.

“There are no technological solutions for temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius. We should all act now to reduce CO2 emissions and avoid exceeding vital temperature thresholds in large areas of the subtropics,” he said.

Gianmarco Mengaldo of National University of Singapore said the findings show the complex interplay between natural variability and climate change, with the latter playing an important role in critical synoptic-weather-pattern changes in tropical and subtropical regions that may significantly aggravate heatwaves in the near future.

The world is witnessing weather extremes under a combined effect of the 2023-24 El Nino and human-caused climate change.

This May was the warmest May ever and the last 12 consecutive months — June 2023 to May 2024 — have broken temperature records for each corresponding month, according to the European climate agency Copernicus.

Northwest India and parts of the central region reeled under a punishing heatwave in May which tested India’s disaster preparedness, with several states reporting heat-related deaths.

There are concerns that heat waves in April and May have played a role in the lower-than-usual voter turnout during the seven-phase general elections in India that began on April 19 and ended on June 1, the second longest after the 1951-52 parliamentary elections.

According to the Central Water Commission, water storage in 150 major reservoirs in India dropped to just 22 per cent of their live storage this week, exacerbating water shortages in many states and significantly affecting hydropower generation.

The intense heat has already driven India’s power demand to a record 246 gigawatts, with air conditioners and coolers in homes and offices running at full capacity.
    
India recorded nearly 25,000 suspected heat stroke cases and 56 deaths due to heat-related illnesses from March to May, PTI reported earlier, citing data from the health ministry.

According to data compiled by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), 46 of these deaths were recorded in May alone (till May 30). Between May 1 and 30, 19,189 suspected heat stroke cases were reported in the country, it said.
    
The data does not include deaths from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi, and the final numbers are expected to be higher, a source said.

Severe heat waves have impacted a large number of people in parts of India for three consecutive years, affecting health, water availability, agriculture, power generation, and other sectors of the economy.

The heatwave in May saw several places across the country, including Assam, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, recording their all-time high temperatures.    Parts of India saw record-breaking maximum temperatures in April as well.

Similar heatwaves could occur once every 30 years, and these have already become about 45 times more likely due to climate change, ‘World Weather Attribution’, a group of leading climate scientists, said last month.

Experts say those working outdoors, the elderly, and children are at higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

According to a World Bank report, India could account for 34 million of the projected 80 million global job losses from heat stress-associated productivity decline by 2030.

In the absence of adequate cold-chain infrastructure, extreme heat can cause major damage to fresh produce. Studies show India faces food losses worth USD 13 billion a year, with only four percent of fresh produce covered by cold chain facilities.
Health

Prolonged use of AC may raise risk of dry skin, asthma attacks: Doctors

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 While air conditioning (AC) provides much-needed respite in the scorching summers when mercury is soaring high, its prolonged use may also raise several health risks including skin and respiratory problems, warned doctors on Sunday.
IANS | New Delhi | June 5, 2024 : While air conditioning (AC) provides much-needed respite in the scorching summers when mercury is soaring high, its prolonged use may also raise several health risks including skin and respiratory problems, warned doctors on Sunday.

With the advent of rapidly growing urban regions and income growth, more people are using ACs to protect from high heat exposures. It usually works on the principle of cooling air by reducing the humidity following condensation of the water vapour.

“Prolonged exposure can cause a lot of health hazards ranging from dry, flaky and stretched skin to headaches, dry cough, dizziness and nausea, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odours,” Suhas H S, Consultant Pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru told IANS.

It may also worsen respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, and raise the risk of infections if AC is not maintained adequately, added the doctor.

The health experts advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.

“The medical problem associated with air conditioning is that they do not have proper filtration, the ideal HEPA filters which are recommended or they’re in very few branded good company air conditioners. Lack of this chokes the filters due to pollution, and increases the risks for infection,” M Wali, Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS.

“The risk is more in commercial Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) set up than home AC setups. Though not much data is available regarding home AC cooling systems and bacterial contamination, certain bacteria do form biofilm on the cooling coils and may lead to infections in humans exposed to AC for more than 90 per cent of time,” added Satish Koul, Senior Director & Unit Head, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

An example may be legionnaires disease — a severe form of pneumonia. Legionnaires disease was discovered based on the contamination of water in the HVAC system and consequent aerosol mist leading to the spread of the atypical bacteria, Satish told IANS.

Further, suddenly walking into a cold AC room from exposure to severe heat, may cause bronchoconstriction — narrowing of the airways, said Wali. This may be more prominent in people with asthma.

The experts suggested proper cleaning of AC filters and switching off ACs every two hours.
Health

Low memory, attention can indicate vitamin B12 deficiency, hyperthyroidism

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PTI, NEW DELHI, JUNE 3, 2024 : People feeling problems with memory, attention, focus, and concentration may be having vitamin B12 deficiency as well as hyperthyroidism, said health experts on Monday.


According to a recent study, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, nearly one in four patients with either hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency.

“Hypothyroidism and B12 deficiency both can cause acceleration of the degenerative or age-related processes,” Dr M. Wali, Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS.

“Hypothyroidism is commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can also contribute to cognitive impairment,” said Dr Sudhir Kumar, from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, in a post on X.com.

The experts called on both vegetarians and non-vegetarians to monitor their B12 as well as thyroid levels.

Dr Wali said that most of the patients these days have vitamin B12 deficiency.

“Hyperthyroidism can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency, sometimes because of increased utilisation, and therefore the process of nerve conduction and transmission of the nerve impulses gets delayed.

“These processes can be accelerated among patients more than 55 years of age,” the doctor said.

Dr Wali called for enhancing the vitamin B12 testing in patients older than 55 years, and if it is deficient take medications “under supervision”.

“Keep your thyroid normal, and test every three months,” he advised.

“People presenting with memory and other cognitive difficulties without any obvious cause should be screened for vitamin B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism,” added Dr Sudhir.
Health, International

Sober 50-year-old kept appearing drunk. Then doctors found her UTIs were to blame

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MiamiHerald, 3 June 2024 : For years, a Canadian mom would have an occasional glass of wine or drink around the holidays, but she maintained a mostly sober lifestyle. She eventually leaned into her religious beliefs and stopped drinking alcohol altogether. Then, she walked into an emergency room drunk. 
Beginning two years earlier, the 50-year-old woman had odd cases of sleepiness where she would get so drowsy she would fall asleep “suddenly while getting ready for work or preparing meals,” according to a June 3 case report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. 
She went to her primary care doctor and the emergency room multiple times while barely awake, her speech slurring and the smell of alcohol emanating from her breath, according to the case report. 
She was adamant that she was sober, and her family corroborated that no one had seen her consume any alcohol, doctors said. 
During her first visit to the emergency room, her alcohol level was a 39 when the normal level was below 2, according to the case report, but her liver enzymes remained completely normal. But by later visits, that value reached 62, more than 30 times normal levels. 
Nothing appeared abnormal on brain scans, and she was repeatedly referred to an addiction specialist and psychiatrists over seven doctors visits in two years, doctors said. 
Later, the patient told doctors about recurring urinary tract infections she had been experiencing for years. She was prescribed strong, wide-range antibiotics to stop the infection, and these seemingly drunk episodes would occur afterward, according to the case report. 
During her last emergency room visit, doctors confirmed she also had an urinary tract infection, and a diagnosis was proposed. 
Her body was brewing alcohol inside her gut. “Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare syndrome of endogenous alcohol fermentation. 
A 1948 report of a boy with a ruptured stomach whose contents smelled of alcohol was the first to describe gut fermentation,” according to the case report. 
“A 2020 systematic review identified 20 patients reported in the English medical literature since 1974.” 
The syndrome occurs when the microorganisms in the gut that are capable of fermenting carbohydrates into alcohol are able to outgrow the “good” bacteria in our gastrointestinal system, doctors said. 
When someone takes antibiotics for an infection, the drugs aren’t always able to target bad bacteria alone, and bacteria in the gut can also be affected, usually resulting in doctors recommending a probiotic or to eat yogurt while taking a round of antibiotics. 
In extreme cases, antibiotics kill so much of the good bacteria that keeps the gut balanced that the bad, fermenting-capable fungi and microorganisms flourish. 
“In our patient, we suspect her recurrent antibiotics for UTI and dexlansoprazole use (a prescription drug used to treat heartburn and reflux symptoms) led to gut dysbiosis with potential contribution of genetics, resulting in auto-brewery syndrome,” according to the case report. 
The condition can be hard to treat as the microorganisms, in this case a fungus, can live in the body naturally without any harmful effects, doctors said. 
“Auto-brewery syndrome carries substantial social, legal and medical consequences for patients and their loved ones,” doctors said. 
In previous cases, people have been accused of driving under the influence only later to find out they have auto-brewery syndrome. 
For this mother, a combination of antifungal medication, a lower carbohydrate diet and a change to her treatment for UTIs led to an end of the drunken spells, according to the case report.