3 Tips to prevent neck pain

Without knowing it, you may be encouraging neck pain by the way you perform everyday activities. How you carry yourself can invite neck pain or help keep it at bay. In general, try to keep your head balanced directly over your spine, so it is not leaning forward or cocked to one side. That's because your neck's principal job is to support your head, and your head weighs a lot—about 10 to 12 pounds.

Here are some hints from AMRI Hospitals consultants for achieving a healthy neck posture in common activities.

At the computer or desk

When working at your computer or at a desk, keep your head balanced directly over your spine as much as possible. That means setting your chair height so both your feet can rest on the ground, and sitting with your buttocks far back in your chair, using a small pillow to support your lower back if needed. Properly adjusting the keyboard and monitor may be difficult or impossible with a laptop, notebook, or tablet computer. You can plug in a separate, full-size keyboard to help you achieve better positioning. If that's not an option, placing your laptop or notebook computer on a desk of standard height and propping it to about a 12% incline (a one-inch book or ring binder should do the trick) keeps your head and neck in a healthier position. The downside is that it does place slightly more stress on your wrists.

No matter how perfect your office chair posture, it's important to get up and move around every half-hour, as prolonged sitting has been linked to worsening of neck pain and other health problems. If you tend to get lost in your work, program your computer to flash a reminder, or set an alarm on your smartphone. Stretching can help, too. Shrug your shoulders up and down or lean your head to each side while pulling the opposite shoulder down.

Telephone use

If you spend a lot of time on the phone, try to avoid leaning your head to one side. This is also important when you use a cellphone and aren't sitting at your desk while you speak. A headset, earbuds, or speakerphone are good options to help keep your head in a neutral position for hands-free talking. Headsets are available for both your desk phone and cellphone.

Reading at home

If you are sitting in a chair, try to maintain an upright posture. Hold the book so that you don't have to lean down or forward to see it. A pillow on your lap may help. If you must read in bed, sit up straight or use a specially designed wedge pillow. Or lie on your side with your neck straight and hold the book in front of you.

5 Tips To Improve Gut Health And Absorption Of Nutrients From Food

Our body needs nutrients to function ably. It needs anamalgamation of macronutrients that includes carbohydrates,proteins, fats, along with micronutrients like minerals and vitamins. Our body gets the necessary nourishment and energy when the food we eat is fragmented down during the digestive process. It is during this process that macronutrients like carbohydrates are further broken down to glucose for energy, and proteins are broken down into amino acids. We need nutrients from foods to function well. And to better absorb nutrients, we need a healthy gut. Read below to know tips on how to improve gut health and improve intestinal absorption of food.

Here are tips to improve gut flora and absorption of nutrients from food by AMRI Hospital‘s specialist :

1. Pack in variety
One must eat an assortment of foods to ensure wide-ranging variants of nutrients. Indulge in a rainbow diet once in a while or include a lot of colorful foods in your meals. You can pair up synergistic foods – foods combos that improve nutrient absorption. Pair up plant-based iron sources with foods rich in Vitamin C to increase iron absorption. Table wine paired with an animal protein leads to better zinc absorption. One needs Vitamin D for better calcium absorption. Include healthy fats in your diet for better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like – A, D, E and K. Be careful though. Too much of good things have proven adverse effects. Identify the meals that help you better.

2. Nourish with probiotics

Your gut is home to many bacteria that work for you to upkeep many functions of your body, comprising but not limited to digestion. Nurture your gut with probiotic foods containing good bacteria that produce enzymes for better digestion. The good bacteria helps breakdown food to maximize intestinal absorption. Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, pickles can help colonize your gut with the good bacteria to augment absorption of the nutrients.

3. Feed the good bacteria

Healthy gut bacteria helps in improving absorption and bioavailability of nutrients from food while keeping the toxic waste and bad bacteria out of your system. You can support the gut bacteria and the inner ecosystem by consuming glutamine-rich and prebiotic foods. Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that stimulate the growth of microbes in the digestive tract. Prebiotics are known to absorb iron, calcium and magnesium in a better way. They also give a boost to your immune system. Foods like garlic, onions, bananas, apples, and whole oats are some example of prebiotics. Apple cider vinegar is another example of prebiotic function food that is currently in vogue. All prebiotics are rich in fibre and feed probiotics to maintain a healthy gut and inner ecosystem.

4. Balanced lifestyle and medication
We live in times where stress is synonymous with life. Stress is known to hamper the digestive process and can have a detrimental effect on nutrient absorption. Stress releases cortisol which slows down digestion. Being calm helps with the release of important digestive enzymes, muscle relaxation, and healthy gut bacteria; all of which promote more nutrient absorption. Make sure to avoid tea or coffee close to meal timings as they can interfere with the absorption of nutrients like iron and hormones like levothyroxine.

5. Stay hydrated

It is no doubt that water is important for life and to all living beings. Our body is made up of 60% of water. Water is also important to carry out important digestive functions. Stay hydrated so the digestive system can transport and absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Follow these diet tips post kidney transplant

Kidney transplant can affect your immunity system, as powerful medications prescribed to avoid rejection of the organ reduces your immunity. The medications used post kidney transplant are known to make you more at risk of catching infections, as a result doctors recommend that you follow a strict diet to keep any possible complications at bay.

Additionally, as per AMRI hospital‘s specialist, people who are suffering from kidney failure are usually diabetic, hypertensive or suffer from cardiovascular disease which makes the diet even more important. Also, if you are not suffering from any of these dangerous health issues, the use of drugs (immunosuppressive) can surge the risk of diabetes, heart disease or hypertension. Here are some common diet restrictions that you should follow to keep any complications away post kidney transplant.

1. Fresh veggies and fruits can be helpful for people on dialysis

2. Include curd: Curd is rich in protein that helps you to recover post kidney transplant. You can also opt for sour food items such as lime and tamarind but avoid eating grapes, as they can interact with immune suppressive drugs and affect the healing of the kidney.

3. Avoid raw fruits:Fruits are considered good for your health but post kidney transplant, you need to lower the number of active bacteria on any fruit before eating it. Experts suggest that you should opt for fruits in stewed form instead of consuming raw fruits, as cooking will reduce the risk of infection.

Easy tips to avoid complications and have a healthy pregnancy

The journey towards motherhood is like a roller coaster ride that is filled with excitement, happiness as well as anxiety and stress. Adopting a holistic approach for maternity care is gaining popularity globally as it caters to balancing the mind, body and soul of an individual. It not only helps cope with symptoms of pregnancy but also helps manage daily stress for a healthy mother and a healthy baby.

Here is a simple guide for all the mothers-to-be for a happier healthier pregnancy.

Regular antenatal consultation - It is important to choose a doctor you can connect with and a hospital that is not only close by but also has all the necessary facilities. It is vital to visit your care giver regularly for advice.
Take prenatal vitamin - As vitamin and mineral deficiencies are quite common these days, it is advisable to ensure that you get yourself checked before conception. Vitamin D3 deficiency is endemic nowadays and it is a very important micro nutrient for fertility (egg health). Consuming folic acid should be started before pregnancy as it helps in the brain and spinal cord development of the baby. It is strictly recommended to get a prescription from your doctor for iron and calcium. If taking them makes you feel queasy, try taking them at night or with a light snack.
Wholesome nutrition - Importance of optimal nutrition during pregnancy can never be over-emphasised. A pregnant woman needs 300 extra calories daily to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Her diet should be a mixture of protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains with sweet and fat kept to minimum. Packaged food, all purpose flour, starchy food and raw fish, to name a few should be avoided during pregnancy.
Hydrate yourself well - Drinking water can also help prevent constipation, haemorrhoids, UTIs, fatigue, headaches, swelling, and other uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Aim for 8-10 glasses per day, and if you don’t enjoy the taste, try adding a squeeze of lime or a splash of fruit juice. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks.
Watch the weighing scale -
The common saying that you should ‘eat for two’ is a myth. Packing on too many extra pounds may make them hard to lose later. At the same time, not gaining enough weight can put the baby at risk for a low-weight birth, a major cause of developmental problems. The optimal calorie intake would be 300 additional calories daily to maintain healthy pregnancy.

 Based on a woman’s BMI (body mass index), IOM recommends that before becoming pregnant with a baby

*Underweight women should gain 12-18 kilos
*Normal weight women could gain gain 11-15 kilos
*Overweight women could gain 6-11 kilos
*Obese women could gain 5-9 kilos

Educate and empower - Attending a childbirth class will help you feel more prepared for delivery. Not only will you have the chance to learn more about childbirth and infant care, you can even ask specific questions and voice any concerns. You will also become more acquainted with the hospital facility and its staff. It is always a good idea to take your partner along for the classes. This not only makes him feel involved and included in the entire process but will be of great help during pregnancy, labour and postpartum period along with contributing towards baby care.
Exercise -
Staying active is important for your general health and can help you reduce stress, control your weight, improve circulation, boost your mood, and sleep better. Take a pregnancy exercise class or walk at least 15-20 minutes every day at a moderate pace, in cool, shaded areas or indoors in order to prevent overheating.

Pilates, yoga, swimming, and walking are also great activities for pregnant women, but be sure to check with your doctor first before starting any exercise program. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Listen to your body, though, and don’t overdo it.

Practice meditation - Recent studies show that practicing meditation not only helps the expectant mother during pregnancy but also during birth and postpartum period. There are numerous benefits of meditation which include better sleep, relief from anxiety or stress which brings peace of mind and positive labour preparation as well as lowers the risk of postpartum depression.

For further inquiry - https://www.amrihospitals.in/specialty/ivf-centre

8 best ways to avoid gas formation and bloating

The major reasons behind bloating and gas formation are eating and drinking. Here in this article, AMRI Hospitals have mentioned some diet tips that will prevent you from developing gas problems.

The problem of gas is also caused due to many problems. The gastric problem can make you restless. Also, due to the accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal, you can not focus on any other work. There are several reasons behind the gas formation. But the major reasons behind bloating and gas formation are eating and drinking. Here in this article, we have mentioned some diet tips that will prevent you from developing gas problems.

A good way to avoid gas formation in the stomach is to keep a little gap between drinking food and water. To avoid the problem of gas, drink water at least 20-25 minutes before eating or one hour after consuming the meal. Never drink any kind of liquids along with your food. However, there are ways as well, let’s have a look.

1. Do not go to sleep immediately after eating food. Take a walk after a meal and thus, you will get enough time to digest the food you eat.
2. Always chew your food slowly and properly. This will help you digest food along with the saliva formed in your mouth and control the gas formation after eating food.
3. Aloe vera juice can help you to get relief from digestion problems. Before eating, drink one or two spoons of aloe vera juice.
4. Do not eat too much salt because it affects digestion and absorption of nutrients. You can use herbs containing spices rather than salt.
5. Lighter and lesser amount of foods can be more beneficial as it is easier for the intestines to digest.
6. Drink tea with peppermint and fennel because it is an effective home remedy for problems like gas and flatulence. Boil water with fennel seeds in a vessel. After boiling the water for 5 minutes, filter it and drink it.
7. To increase the number of good bacteria in the system, take daily probiotic like yoghurt. This will give you relief from the problems associated with your digestion.
8. Ginger is also very helpful in relieving stomach problems. Put small pieces of ginger in the tea or warm water and gulp in at least 4 to 5 times a day.

What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology represents a subspecialty in internal medicine and pediatrics, which is devoted to adequate diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases (including clinical problems in joints, soft tissues, heritable connective tissue disorders, vasculitis and autoimmune diseases). This field is multidisciplinary in nature, which means it relies on close relationships with other medical specialties.

The specialty of rheumatology has undergone a myriad of noteworthy advances in recent years, especially if we consider the development of state-of-the-art biological drugs with novel targets, made possible by rapid advances in the basic science of musculoskeletal diseases and improved imaging techniques.

Rheumatology is a broad discipline that covers the non-surgical management of disorders involving the musculoskeletal system. A myriad of different pathophysiological processes (such as abnormalities in biochemical pathways, degeneration, trauma, autoimmunity and inflammation) underpin the diseases of this system.

There are more than 200 specific rheumatic diseases known today which span from various types of arthritis to osteoporosis, and on to systemic connective tissue diseases. As per AMRI hospital‘s specialist the first disorders to be defined were rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis represents a common autoimmune disorder associated with progressive disability, potential systemic complications, early death, and concomitant socioeconomic costs. It has been reported that this disease affects up to 1% of the adult population of developed regions around the world.

Akin to many autoimmune diseases, the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is multifactorial. The disease is characterized by inflammatory pathways and overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines that cause proliferation of synovial cells in joints. Ensuing pannus formation often leads to underlying cartilage destruction and bony erosions.

Patients with this disease typically present with stiffness and pain in multiple joints. Commonly involved structures are wrists, as well as proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. Patients often present with morning stiffness and systemic symptoms of fatigue, low-grade fever and weight loss. Increased mortality is due to accelerated cardiovascular disease, particularly in patients with high disease activity and chronic inflammation.

Gout
Gout is a specific type of inflammatory arthritis triggered by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid and other tissues. This rheumatologic condition is often associated with hyperuricemia, serious comorbidity and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The definitive diagnosis of gout demands microscopic identification of monosodium urate crystals.

Two clinical phases of gout are commonly observed. Intermittent acute gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis, characterized by the abrupt onset of severe joint pain (classically the first metatarsophalangeal joint), swelling and erythema, with asymptomatic periods between attacks. If hyperuricemia is not treated satisfactorily, transition to the second phase which manifests as chronic tophaceous gout can ensue.

Recognized triggers for recurrent flares are alcohol intake, diuretic use, hospitalization and surgery. The patient should understand that sugar-sweetened drinks and large amount of meat or seafood may contribute to elevated urate levels, therefore such episodes should be minimized. Management should be tailored to the stage of disease and eventual coexisting illnesses.

Other diseases
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents chronic and potentially debilitating autoimmune inflammatory disease that is commonly encountered in women of childbearing age. Although any organ system can be affected, clinical symptoms are usually musculoskeletal, dermatologic, renal and hematologic. The disease can be mild or life-threatening, depending on the organs involved.

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic condition of the joints, with an associated risk of mobility disability for patients with affected knees being greater than that due to any other medical condition in people aged 65 years of age or older. The societal burden of this rheumatologic disorder is expected to increase as obesity level soars and the community becomes increasingly older.

The inflammatory myopathies represent a heterogeneous group of subacute, chronic or acute acquired diseases of striated muscle. On the basis of unique clinical, immunological, histopathological and demographic features, they are differentiated into three major subsets: dermatomyositis, polymiositis and inclusion body myositis.

Arthritis is also the most frequent, but least specific manifestation of rheumatic fever. Other diseases in rheumatology include spondyloarthropathies, Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, various forms of vasculitis, and a plethora of congenital and familial disorders that affect different joints.

What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

What does minimally invasive surgery mean?
Minimally invasive surgery allows your surgeon to use techniques that limit the size and number of cuts, or incisions, that they need to make. It’s typically considered safer than open surgery. You’ll usually recover more quickly, spend less time in the hospital, and feel more comfortable while you heal.

In traditional open surgery, your surgeon makes one large cut to see the part of your body that they’re operating on. In minimally invasive surgery, your surgeon uses small tools, cameras, and lights that fit through several tiny cuts in your skin. This allows your surgeon to perform surgery without opening a lot of skin and muscle.

Some minimally invasive surgeries are done with robotic technology that allows more precise control over the surgery. Other minimally invasive surgeries are done without robotic assistance.

Keep reading to find out about different types of minimally invasive surgeries, the conditions that can be treated, and the benefits and risks of each type by AMRI hospital‘s specialist.

For this purpose, AMRI widely regarded as the leading laparoscopic Surgery hospital in India. The Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery at AMRI provide a wide array of services, few of which include:

1. Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool, used to view the inside of organs, inspect for abnormalities and take biopsies. A small camera and light source are mounted onto a flexible tube which can be inserted into the mouth (to inspect the esophagus, stomach and duodenum) or the anus (to inspect the large bowel).

2. Upper Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. It is also the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Upper endoscopy is more accurate than x-ray films for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Upper endoscopy can detect early cancer and can distinguish between benign and malignant conditions when biopsies of suspicious areas are obtained. Biopsies are taken for many reasons and do not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected.

Upper endoscopy is also used to treat conditions present in the upper gastrointestinal tract. A variety of instruments can be passed through the endoscope that allow many abnormalities to be treated directly with little or no discomfort, for example, stretching narrowed areas, removing polyps (usually benign growths) or swallowed objects, or treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Safe and effective endoscopic control of bleeding has reduced the need for transfusions and surgery in many patients.


3. Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions. A telescope with a video camera inserted through one incision provides visualization of the operation on a TV monitor. Surgical instruments are then passed through additional small incisions, and the entire operation takes place completely within the patient’s body. When the telescope is used to operate on the abdomen, the procedure is called laparoscopy. When used in the chest, the procedure is called thoracoscopy.

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What is the difference between cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery?

Cardiothoracic surgery is the field involved in surgical treatment of organs inside the thorax and heart (heart disease) and lungs. Cardiovascular surgery is same as cardiothoracic surgery but sometimes it may be performed without a cut in the chest divider, for example, angioplasty, stent situation and others. That is reliant upon expertise and experience of the specialist, offices and gear accessibility, quiet condition and different variables

Providing top notch cardiac care backed by the latest technologies at AMRI Hospital Kolkata –

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

They perform Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery under one roof with most advanced Cardiac ITU and Cardiac OTs.

• All kinds of Adult and Paediatric Heart surgeries
• Major Lung Surgeries
• Emergency and elective Vascular Surgery of major vessels

Urology Diseases & Conditions

What is Urology

Urology is the field of medicine that focuses on the urinary tract and the male genital organs.

The urinary tract consists of the:

• kidneys
• bladdert
• ureters
• urethra

The organs covered by urology include the:

• kidneys
• ureters
• urinary bladder
• urethra
• male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and penis)

Urology is a surgical speciality and can trace its origin to medieval lithologists, who specialized in surgical removal of bladder stones. Today, urology combines management of medical (i.e. non-surgical) problems such as urinary infections and surgical problems such as the correction of congenital abnormalities and the surgical management of cancers.

At AMRI Hospitals understand that urological disorders can be inconvenient and embarrassing at the same time for most patients. Main objective is to make patients aware about various disorders and help them manage the same. Managing these disorders early will ensure that the patients can be treated without surgery or in a minimally invasive way.

The advantage of digital dentistry and its benefits

What is digital dentistry?
Digital dentistry refers to the introduction of new technology into the dental practice. Most medical fields have begun to digitise: digital medical records and online appointment setting are some of the most common examples, as they are often used directly by the patients themselves. Digital dentistry can refer to the practice of using technology in terms of dental practice websites and social media, but it also refers to the development of new tools and the replacement of outdated techniques to improve overall patient experience and outcomes.

Advantages –

1. More reliable results
This is a definite advantage guaranteed by the advanced mechanical effects regarding accuracy and reliability. With Digital, both laboratories and dentists can make more informed decisions about treatment and options, resulting in more and more success. Also, the likelihood of expensive and time-consuming remakes is lower with digital impressions.
2. More Quickly
It’s a decisive advantage if the turnaround between the lab and the dentists is significantly higher than before. This leads to a faster implementation of the procedure, less pain for the patient and a higher patient resumption for the dentist. Both for the patient and for the dentist results in enormous time savings. Efficient treatment can be administered.

3. Overall better patient experience
Having a tooth problem is not only painful, but it can also affect your everyday life. Also, taking medications to correct a particular problem results in a prolonged condition that may not be best for the patient. Even frequent trips with little things to the dentist can be time-consuming and costly. If you go the digital path, all these challenges will be eliminated, resulting in the patient having an excellent overall experience and being successful. The quality of the implant increases overall and leads to a permanent adaptation.

AMRI hospitals has acquired great reputation over the years of being experts at handling all kinds of dental complexities. They are equipped with a highly experienced team of dentists and dental surgeons who are well-supported by a trained team of staff and associates.

They offer extensive dental services across our different units which covers all aspects like Oral & Maxillofacial surgery, Orthodontics, Conservative dentistry & Endodontics, implant dentistry, Paediatric Dentistry, General Dentistry, etc.

The AMRI medical centre at Southern Avenue is a centre of excellence in advanced cosmetic and digital dentistry. This unit is renowned for being equipped with latest generation equipment and state-of-the-art infrastructure. This unit has provision for numerous specialty clinics like oral medicine, implant clinic, lock-jaw clinic, gum diseases, screening clinic, pregnancy & diabetic dental clinic. A few major facility highlights of the unit include:

• 3D CT SCAN

This is a special CT scan for dentistry which allows a more informed diagnosis of dental problems by producing a three dimensional image that is more detailed & informative than a normal CT scan.

• HARD TISSUE LASER

This is a highly developed minimally invasive painless & bloodless procedure used for cancer surgery. AMRI was the first to offer this facility in the private sector in Eastern India.

• DIGITAL SMILE DESIGN

This particular dental treatment procedure addresses and corrects jaws that are poorly aligned and teeth that are worn out, missing, broken or misaligned. Full mouth rehabilitation ensures smiles that are beautiful, but at the same time healthy and functional.

• ORTHODONTICS (Visible & Invisible)

Braces offer a permanent and natural tooth alignment while preserving the jaw tooth-gum relationship. Patients need not worry about ugly metal wires any longer because of the clear or tooth coloured options that are available today.

• IMPLANT DENTISTRY

We have a specialized implant centre – where we put titanium lifelong implants which replaces the missing tooth, not hampering the adjacent tooth and mimics original tooth, with biting strength of 98% of the original tooth. It is a safe procedure done in a safe area which is completely fumigated and where complete sterilization is maintained.

Tips For Faster Recovery From A Orthopedic Surgery

State of the art technologies, modern-day premium techniques, and some world-class orthopaedic specialists and surgeons make us one of the most advanced and preferred orthopaedic care centres today.  Recovery from orthopedic surgery can take a lot of time, but there are some tips you can follow up to make the process go as quickly as possible. Here are some of the basic but effective tips for recovering quickly from an AMRI Hospitals orthopedic specialist :

1) Strictly Follow Post-Operation Instructions
Immediately after the surgery, you will most likely receive a set of specific instructions from your orthopedic surgeon and then you have to meet with a physical therapist to establish a rehabilitation program. It’s important to follow the instructions and recommendations of the doctor/physician and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you don’t understand what you are asked to do.

2) Regularly Go To Your Follow Up Appointments
It’s important to get your progress monitored by the doctor/physician and get your plan tweaked and customized, if there is a need.

3) Perform Rehabilitation Exercises
Your physician will determine your rehab program based upon your situation and set your exercise progression based upon your improvement. Again, for the best outcomes, it’s important to follow strictly as recommended by your physician.

4) Get Proper Nutrition
Eating well after surgery is surely going to help your body heal faster. Some of the foods that doctors/physician recommend includes lean protein (red meat, chicken or fish), dairy, and fresh citrus depending upon the type of surgery you have gone through. Vegetables are nutrient-rich, so keep in mind to eat plenty of green leafy plants including spinach.

5) Sleep Tight
While we sleep our body repairs tissues which promotes healing, so be sure to get at least eight hours of quality sleep each night.

6) Take Proper Medication
After surgery you are most likely be on some sort of pain medication. Talk to your doctor about how and when to take these medicines, and if you should add some multivitamins or other supplements to your daily rehabilitation plan.

7) Ask for Help
After surgery, you will be less mobile and will probably need help with your daily activities. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your friends and family.

Uteshiya Medicare utilizes the most technologically advanced machining and finishing capabilities for the manufacturing of Orthopedic implants and devices. We are India’s most trusted manufacturers and supplier of customized Orthopedic Implants used in Spine, Trauma, Sports Medicine, and Maxiofacial applications.

AMRI Hospitals-Bhubaneswar is impacting several lives with robust health care programmes and campaigns

One of the leading private healthcare service providers in Eastern India, AMRI Hospitals-Bhubaneswar is well-known for launching various campaigns through different mediums to raise awareness and educate people about diseases and benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. It also comes up with various health programmes, and organizes camps on various health issues to extend top-notch healthcare services to the people of Bhubaneswar and rest of Odisha in a cost-effective manner. This month, AMRI Hospitals Bhubaneswar came up with various campaigns and programmes to continue their efforts towards serving the community.

The most recent campaign launched by the hospital aims at spreading awareness on World No Tobacco Day, by offering consultation with specialists and free PFT (pulmonary function test) at a great discount.A social media campaign has also been launched to raise awareness about the harmful and deadly effects of using tobacco. By discouraging the use of tobacco, the campaign aims at extending support to people who are willing to giveup the addiction for a tobacco-free world.Apart from this, AMRI Hospitals-Bhubaneswar recently organized a medical camp in collaboration with leading educational institute, IIT–Bhubaneswar, to support collective community welfare. The camp was organized at the institute campus, in collaboration with the medical unit of IIT-Bhubaneswar, headed by Dr M.A. Khan.
The medical camp was led by AMRI Hospitals’ panel of medical experts, including senior ophthalmologists, cardiologists, medical specialists and gynaecologists. It was fully equipped to provide a series of generic health treatments and tests, such as blood sugar, ECG (on doctor’s advice), pulmonary function test (PFD), eye checkup, etc.

On the other hand, AMRI Hospitals-Bhubaneswar continued with its effort to stand by the people and community by serving people at the time of disaster. The staff of AMRI Hospitals distributed glucose water and offered first-aid services to all government personnel from the disaster and relief management departments, along with to civilians who jined hands to help in rescue and restoration work, after Cyclone Fani ravaged Bhubaneswar and its surroundings.The hospital also launched social media campaigns before and after Cyclone Fani hit Bhubaneswar to spread awareness about dangers associated with such a calamity. The hospital also extended support to affected people throughout the course of the disaster and afterwards.In its attempt to promote community well-being, AMRI Hospitals-Bhubaneswar also organized a health screening camp at Dhenkanal. The camp gathered a large number of people, who availed the opportunity to access their overall health,for free.Extending the reach of its healthcare services, AMRI Hospitals-Bhubaneswar has been committed to servingthe community. The hospital has helped thousands of people seek medical treatment and lead a healthy life. Having impacted a number of lives, the hospital aims at continuing the good work in coming years.

What is a Neonatologist? |PAEDIATRICS & NEONATOLOGY|

A neonatologist specializes in caring for premature babies and full-term newborn babies with injuries, illness, or birth defects. Neonatologists typically work in hospital neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and collaborate with other healthcare providers, including obstetrician-gynecologists, pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, and social workers.

A neonatologist typically:

• Examines the newborn baby and evaluates his or her medical history including the mom’s medical history before and during pregnancy
• Provides primary healthcare services and immunizations in the hospital
• Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests
• Diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions affecting a newborn baby’s health
• Assesses growth and development
• Prescribes medications
• Educates the baby’s parents or caretakers about wellness and disease prevention
• Consults with other members of the patient’s medical and team
• Provides ongoing neonatal care in the hospital NICU
• Neonatologists may also be known by the following names: baby doctor, newborn pediatrician, newborn doctor, newborn intensive care doctor, and NICU doctor.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at AMRI Hospital

AMRI Neonatal facility with 26 beds is the largest in Eastern India’s private sector hospitals, with full range of acute care facility that offers unique therapies & services. A few salient features about our NICU include:

• Advanced Neonatal therapies like HFOV,Whole body cooling for HIE
• Dedicated Neonatal Emergency Transport Services
• Latest open care systems & incubators (GE Giraffe Omnibed)
• Neonatal specific Ventilators
• ABPM (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring)
• Comprehensive Care of Extremely Preterm (less than 28 weeks & less than 1000 gm) & critically ill babies.
• 24 hrs Emergency Care
• Isolation unit for potentially septic neonates
• Laminar Flow to prepare TPN
• Cerebral Function Monitors (CFM)

For more info visit here :  https://www.amrihospitals.in/specialty/paediatrics-neonatology?q=node/40&show=1

Blood Cancers: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Your blood, which accounts for about 8 percent of your normal body weight, plays an important role in how your body functions. As your blood circulates throughout your vascular system, it supplies all of your organs with oxygen, nutrients, hormones and antibodies. Blood is made of an almost equal mix of plasma (the liquid that transports cells, waste and nutrients, among other things) and blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets).

When cancer occurs in the blood, it’s usually the result of an abnormal and excessive reproduction of white blood cells. Blood cancers account for about 10 percent of all diagnosed cancers in the U.S. each year. Blood cancers (including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma) are more common in men than women. Childhood leukemia accounts for about 30 percent of all cancers in children.

“Some blood cancers may cause symptoms such as severe fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, or lymph node swelling,” says Scott Frederick Huntington, MD, MPH, a Yale Medicine hematologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. “Other blood cancers may show no symptoms and slowly progress over years.”

Treatments for blood cancers also vary, ranging from active surveillance without cancer-directed therapy to standard cancer treatments including immunotherapies, chemotherapies and targeted agents. “With over 100 different types of blood cancers now recognized, it is important to have an accurate diagnosis prior to deciding on treatment,” says Dr. Huntington. Yale Medicine has both clinicians and pathologists who specialize in blood cancers and review challenging cases during tumor boards to reach a consensus prior to starting therapy.

What is blood cancer?
Cancer is caused by a dysfunction in cellular growth and behavior. In a healthy body, new white blood cells are regularly generated to replace old, dying ones. The excessive production of white blood cells in the bone marrow leads to blood cancers.

How many kinds of blood cancer exist?
There are three primary types of blood cancer:

Leukemia is cancer of white blood cells or cells that become white blood cells. Leukemia prevents white blood cells from fighting infections in your body. Leukemia can be either acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slower-growing), and affect the lymphocytes (lymphocytic leukemia) or other immune cells (myeloid leukemia). It’s the most common blood cancer for children under the age of 15.
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system (an important part of the immune system), particularly lymph nodes (small bean-shaped structures of the lymphatic system that filter out harmful substances). It affects a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. The type doctors know the most about is called Hodgkin’s lymphoma (or Hodgkin’s disease). (All others are called non-Hodgkin lymphoma.) It’s the most common form of blood cancer in adults, accounting for over half of all diagnosed blood cancer cases.
Myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells, which are lymphocytes that make antibodies to protect against infections. Myeloma affects your body’s immune system, leaving it susceptible to infection.

What are the symptoms of blood cancer?
Symptoms of blood cancer vary by disease but typically include the following:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Bone and joint pain
• Weight loss
• The swelling of lymph nodes, liver and spleen are also common, and anemia can occur in some blood cancers.

How is blood cancer diagnosed?
Leukemia: Your doctor will obtain a complete blood count (CBC) test, which can identify abnormal levels of white blood cells relative to red blood cells and platelets.
Lymphoma: Your doctor will need to perform a biopsy, which removes a small portion of tissue to be examined under a microscope. In some cases, your doctor may also order an X-ray, CT or PET scan to detect swollen lymph nodes.
Myeloma: Your doctor will order a CBC, or other blood or urine tests to detect chemicals or proteins produced as a function of myeloma development. In some cases, bone marrow biopsy, X-ray, MRI, PET, and CT scans can be used to confirm the presence and extent of the spread of myeloma.

What are the treatments for blood cancer?

Treatment will depend on the type of blood cancer you have, your age, how fast the cancer is progressing, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

Because treatments for blood cancer have vastly improved over the last several decades, many types of blood cancers are now highly treatable. Common treatments include the following:

1) Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs are introduced to the body (via injection into the vein or sometimes by taking a pill) to kill and halt the production of cancer cells.

2) Radiation therapy: This form of cancer treatment uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

3) Targeted therapies: This form of cancer treatment uses drugs that specifically kill malignant blood cells, without harming normal cells. Targeted therapies are most commonly used to treat leukemia.
Stem cell transplantation: Healthy stem cells can be infused into your body to help resume healthy blood production following therapy to destroy malignant blood cells.

4) Cancer Surgery: This treatment involves removing the affected lymph nodes to treat some lymphomas.

5) Immunotherapy: This treatment activates the immune system to specifically kill cancer cells.

At AMRI Hospitals, they provide care for all haematological conditions like Lymphoma, Myeloma, Leukaemia, etc. and also specialize in dealing with complex situations such as high risk bone marrow transplant, haploidentical, and cord transplants among others. Usually, we perform two procedures of bone marrow transplants – Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant (no donor required) and Allogenic Bone marrow transplant (donor required).

Causes and Prevention of Colon Cancer

In general, colon cancer begins when healthy cells in the colon develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. A cell’s DNA contains a set of instructions that tell a cell what to do.

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell’s DNA is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide — even when new cells aren’t needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.

With time, the cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. And cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body to form deposits there (metastasis).

Risk factors

As per AMRI Hospital‘s specialist these are the factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:

Older age. Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, but a majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50. The rates of colon cancer in people younger than 50 have been increasing, but doctors aren’t sure why.
African-American race. African-Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you’ve already had colon cancer or noncancerous colon polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.
Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.
Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. Some gene mutations passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer significantly. Only a small percentage of colon cancers are linked to inherited genes. The most common inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, which is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
Family history of colon cancer. You’re more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a blood relative who has had the disease. If more than one family member has colon cancer or rectal cancer, your risk is even greater.
Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a typical Western diet, which is low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Research in this area has had mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat diets high in red meat and processed meat.
A sedentary lifestyle. People who are inactive are more likely to develop colon cancer. Getting regular physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Diabetes. People with diabetes or insulin resistance have an increased risk of colon cancer.
Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer and an increased risk of dying of colon cancer when compared with people considered normal weight.
Smoking. People who smoke may have an increased risk of colon cancer.
Alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol increases your risk of colon cancer.
Radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers increases the risk of colon cancer.

Prevention

1. Screening colon cancer
Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of colon cancer consider colon cancer screening around age 50. But people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner.

2. Several screening options exist — each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Talk about your options with your doctor, and together you can decide which tests are appropriate for you.

3. Lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of colon cancer
You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making changes in your everyday life. Take steps to:

4. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get an array of vitamins and nutrients.

5. Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
Stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit that may work for you.

6. Exercise most days of the week. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you’ve been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes. Also, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Maintain a healthy weight. If you are at a healthy weight, work to maintain your weight by combining a healthy diet with daily exercise.

Colon cancer prevention for people with a high risk

Some medications have been found to reduce the risk of precancerous polyps or colon cancer. For instance, some evidence links a reduced risk of polyps and colon cancer to regular use of aspirin or aspirin-like drugs. But it’s not clear what dose and what length of time would be needed to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Taking aspirin daily has some risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

These options are generally reserved for people with a high risk of colon cancer. There isn’t enough evidence to recommend these medications to people who have an average risk of colon cancer.

If you have an increased risk of colon cancer, discuss your risk factors with your doctor to determine whether preventive medications are safe for you.

Symptoms, Types & Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer, the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in women, is severe a type of medical condition which begins in the ovaries. It is mainly caused due to an abnormal and uncontrollable growth of cells in the ovary, explain gynaecologists at AMRI Hospital, one of the best maternity hospitals in Kolkata.

Who is at the risk of ovarian cancer?

Although ovarian cancer can affect women of any age, it is mostly common in those over the age of 50. Every woman, on an average suffers from 1.38% risk of suffering from ovarian cancer in her lifetime.

Studies show that ovarian cancer usually goes undetected until it spreads within the pelvis and abdomen. It becomes difficult to treat this disease in the latter stage, as it progresses rapidly with time, warn gynaecologists at AMRI Hospitals. Timely detection and treatment of ovarian cancer in the initial stage makes it more likely to be treated successfully.

What are the types of ovarian cancers?

• Ovarian low malignant potential tumor (OLMPT)
• Germ cell tumors
• Sex cord-stromal tumors
• Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)
• What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
• Constant pain or cramps in the belly or back
• Unusual bleeding from the vagina, queasiness and bloating
• Eating disorders or abnormal fullness after eating
• Changes in appetite (often a loss of appetite)
• Exhaustion, constipation and issues related to digestion
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Heartburn and back pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• An increased urge to urinate
• Increase in the abdominal girth

The severity of ovarian cancer makes it important to keep a check on the symptoms of the disease, and undergo a timely treatment in order to combat it.

What increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer?

• Genes/family history of ovarian cancer
• Excessive weight
• The use of certain fertility drugs or hormone therapies
• Inability to conceive
• Endometriosis
• Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes

What kind of procedures do Gastroenterologists do?

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focusing on diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterologists are trained in diagnosing and treating a number of diseases, including cancers of the pancreas, liver, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and anus.

A host of diagnostic tests may be performed to detect and stage stomach cancers, such as a barium enema, colonoscopy, endoscopy or ultrasound. The type of diagnostic test and treatment patients receive depend on the specifics of each individual’s case. Our Gastroenterology Program uses minimally invasive procedures to treat cancers of the digestive system and to relieve symptoms associated with your specific digestive cancer.

Once a gastric cancer has been diagnosed, some of the procedures that may be performed by our gastroenterologists include:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure is used to view the bile ducts in the pancreas. Your doctor may use ERCP to remove samples for biopsy, relieve an obstruction of the bile duct or place a stent into a narrowed duct to keep it open.

Fiducial markers: Fiducial markers are placed inside a tumor before radiation therapy. Using these markers allows for more precise targeting of tumors and helps reduce harm to healthy tissue.

Jejunostomy tube (J-tube): This feeding tube is inserted through the abdomen and into the second part of the small intestine, known as the jejunum. Patients who receive a feeding tube may be having difficulty digesting food or may inhale food into their lungs.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Commonly called an upper endoscopy, this procedure is used both to diagnose and treat conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The doctor views the lining of the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine using real-time images from a camera attached to a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. An EGD may be used to treat cancer of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine.

Nd: YAG laser: The Nd: YAG (neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser shrinks or destroys tumors and/or helps relieve symptoms in difficult-to-reach areas of the body, such as the lungs, esophagus or colon.

A high-power laser beam burns, or “vaporizes,” the tumor. The cancer is evaporated, and the vapor is suctioned out through an endoscope or bronchoscope.

The Nd: YAG laser is often used to treat large, obstructive masses that causing symptoms such as bleeding or obstruction but cannot be removed surgically. For example, the laser may be used to remove an obstruction in the esophageal tract to relieve swallowing difficulties, or in the airways to improve breathing.

Needle-based ablation: Needle-based ablation is a localized cancer treatment that uses high-energy radio waves or microwaves to heat and destroy cancerous cells.

Using a CT scan for guidance, a thin probe is temporarily inserted into a tumor through a tiny incision in the skin. The probe releases heat and destroys cancer cells. This procedure may be used to treat tumors when surgery is not an option or to relieve other symptoms related to cancer treatment.

That is why our team of the best gastroenterologists of Kolkata, hepatologists, gastro-intestinal &minimal access surgeons, endoscopists, and interventional radiologists combine to provide comprehensive clinical care – all under one roof.

Colonoscopy and endoscopic procedures for colorectal cancer

A gastroenterologist uses a colonoscopy to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum, which make up the large intestine. In this endoscopic procedure, a colonoscope—a long, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny camera attached to the end—is inserted into the rectum. The gastroenterologist guides the colonoscope through the colon, looking for polyps, signs of bleeding, inflammation or other abnormalities.

If the gastroenterologist finds polyps, or small growths inside the colon or rectum, a polypectomy may be performed during the colonoscopy. The polyps are then analyzed in a laboratory for signs of cancer.

A patient may have a colonoscopy as an outpatient. The procedure typically takes 15 to 60 minutes, but patients usually remain onsite for two to three hours, including preparation and recovery time. Patients are often sedated during the procedure to help them relax and tolerate discomfort. They may experience pressure, bloating or cramping during or after the procedure, but rarely do patients experience pain.

In addition to a colonoscopy, endoscopic procedures used to diagnose colorectal cancer include by AMRI hospitals specialist:

Flexible sigmoidoscopy: For this procedure, a gastroenterologist uses a lighted tube with a tiny camera attached to its end to examine the rectum and lower part of the colon (the sigmoid colon) for polyps or other abnormalities. The gastroenterologist may also perform a biopsy to collect samples of tissues or cells for further investigation. This colorectal cancer detection test is an outpatient procedure that does not typically require pain medication or sedative anesthesia.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A gastroenterologist uses this procedure to carefully examine the digestive tract and nearby organs, including the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile duct. This high-resolution imaging technology helps detect potential tumors and identify lymph nodes in the chest and abdomen, where the cancer may have spread. A very thin needle is used to obtain tissue samples, which are analyzed to determine whether cancer cells are present. Sometimes, doctors use an EUS to stage rectal cancer and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

AMRI Hospitals organizes a series of events for public health literacy and medical care

AMRI Hospitals has actively participated in community health-care and well-being. Organizing multiple events to create awareness about healthcare and treatments, AMRI Hospitals brings together both individuals and organizations to provide a national platform to help deliver medical aid. As people suffer healthcare challenges every day, AMRI Hospitals mainly stresses on timely care and preventive measures. The hospital works actively in favour of the community, emphasizing upon combatting threats and illnesses through various initiatives.

AMRI’s key event highlights this month took into account wide-ranging health issues that aimed at community-focused medical-care:

World No Tobacco Day– In the light of World No Tobacco Day, AMRI Hospitals provided expert medical consultation, along with a free pulmonary function test, to help people have access to effective medical screening, and better lung care.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions:AMRI’s chain of hospitals hosted multiple CME sessions, where doctors and research professionals spoke about various healthcare issues, such as Neural Tube Defect, etc. The educational sessions saw participation of several students, as well as doctors.

Multiple free health check-up camps- In order to support its objective of collective community welfare, AMRI Hospitals organized free health checkup camps across Kolkata and other parts of Bengal. Senior doctors volunteered and conducted free consultations and checkups, benefitting numerous people through their services. The hospital regularly collaborates with several institutes to provide basic healthcare services.

AMRICON 2019- In an attempt to enhance treatment offerings for better cardiac care, AMRI Hospitals hosted their annual event, AMRICON 2019 that encouraged discussions on new drugs, treatments and screening possibilities in the field of cardiology.

Programme on bone health – Stressing upon the need to have healthy and sturdy bones, AMRI Hospitals–Saltlake organized a programme on bone care. The programmewas led by leading Orthopaedic surgeons.

Health talks- Communicating well with your doctor is imperative to good medical care. Therefore, AMRI organized a series of talks on various aspects of healthcare to support people and help them make smart choices in matters concerning their health and well–being.

AMRI Hospitals, best hospital in Kolkata has laid equal focus on providing premium healthcare services, along with increasing health literacy amongst the community. These events were organized to help local community members live healthier lives, and to reinstate AMRI’s objective to deliver aid to the community at all times.  

Liver Disease Symptoms, Signs, Treatment, and Life Expectancy

What should I know about liver disease?

The liver plays an important role in many bodily functions from protein production and blood clotting to cholesterol, glucose (sugar), and iron metabolism.

What causes liver disease?

Many diseases and conditions can affect the liver, for example, certain drugs like excessive amounts of acetaminophen, and acetaminophen combination medications like Vicodin, Norco, and statins, cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, infectious mononucleosis (Epstein Barr virus), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), and iron overload (hemochromatosis).

What are the signs and symptoms of liver disease?

Symptoms of liver diseases include weakness and fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice).

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Classic symptoms of liver disease include nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin due to elevated bilirubin concentrations in the bloodstream). Fatigue, weakness and weight loss may also occur. However, since there are a variety of liver diseases, the symptoms tend to be specific for that illness until late-stage liver disease and liver failure occurs.

Liver disease caused by Alcohol & Cirrhosis

As per AMRI hospitals specialist he liver can be damaged in a variety of ways. Cells can become inflamed, for example, hepatitis. Bile flow can be obstructed, for example, cholestasis).

Cholesterol or triglycerides can accumulate, for example, steatosis). Blood flow to the liver may be compromised. Liver tissue can be damaged by chemicals and minerals, or infiltrated by abnormal cells, like cancer cells.

Alcohol abuse and liver disease: Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of liver disease in North America. Alcohol is directly toxic to liver cells and can cause liver inflammation, referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. In chronic alcohol abuse, fat accumulation occurs in liver cells affecting their ability to function.

Cirrhosis of the liver (end-stagge liver disease): Cirrhosis is a late-stage of liver disease. Scarring of the liver and loss of functioning liver cells cause the liver to fail. Significant amounts of liver cells need to be damaged before the hole organ fails to function.

Essential Tips for a Healthy Liver

The liver is a wonderfully resilient and complex organ that nurtures and protects your body day in and day out. It helps neutralise and dispose of toxins, feeds your body the energy it needs to function, fights off viruses and infections, regulates sex hormones, cholesterol levels and vitamin and mineral supplies in your body. And that’s only some of its more than 500 functions.

The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself, thus making it possible for one person to donate part of their liver to another person.

By learning more about your liver and how you can keep it healthy, you may actually help reduce your risk of developing not only liver disease but also other health conditions including diabetes and heart disease.

Top tips for a healthy liver
1) Reduce alcohol

We are often told that too much alcohol is bad for us, and you may have wondered when sipping a glass of wine or beer how alcohol affects your liver. Your liver can cope with drinking a small amount of alcohol. However, the liver can only handle a certain amount of alcohol at any given time, so if you drink more than the liver can deal with by drinking too quickly, or drinking too much over a short period of time, the liver cells (hepatocytes) struggle to process it.

2) Maintain a healthy weight

Research has demonstrated that more than 70 per cent of Irish over-50s are either overweight or obese. Of those classed as obese, approximately 30 per cent will have fatty liver disease or non-alcohol fatty liver disease, putting them at high risk of liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure and liver cancer.

3) Avoid fad diets

Fad diets that make your weight yoyo can put excessive stress on your liver. Avoid any products that promise large amounts of weight loss in an unrealistically short period of time. Aim to lose weight at a healthy rate of ½kg-1kg per week. Liver cleansing and detox diets should also be avoided. Contrary to popular belief, no particular diet is liver cleansing, but a healthy diet improves well-being, suggested by AMRI Hospitals consultants.

4) Be aware of drug safety

With easy access to health information via the internet, you may be tempted to self-diagnose and treat your own health problems. But by not consulting a doctor, you may be putting yourself at risk for potentially hazardous side effects that can result when certain medications and/or supplements are combined. As the main organ that detoxifies most drugs, herbal remedies and vitamins, the liver is vulnerable to the toxic consequences of self-medicating.

10 Foods That Are Good for Your Liver

The liver is a powerhouse of an organ.

It performs a variety of essential tasks, ranging from producing proteins, cholesterol and bile to storing vitamins, minerals and even carbohydrates.

It also breaks down toxins like alcohol, medications and natural by products of metabolism. Keeping your liver in good shape is important for maintaining health.

This article lists the 5 best foods to eat to keep your liver healthy.

1. Coffee
Coffee is one of the best beverages you can drink to promote liver health.

2. Tea
Tea is widely considered to be beneficial for health, but evidence has shown that it may have particular benefits for the liver.

3. Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains antioxidants that naturally protect the liver. The two main antioxidants found in grapefruit are naringenin and naringin.

4. Blueberries and Cranberries
Blueberries and cranberries both contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that give berries their distinctive colors. They’ve also been connected to many health benefits, suggested by AMRI Hospitals.

5. Grapes
Grapes, especially red and purple grapes, contain a variety of beneficial plant compounds. The most famous one is resveratrol, which has a number of health benefits.

6. Prickly Pear
Prickly pear, known scientifically as Opuntia ficus-indica, is a popular type of edible cactus. Its fruit and juice are most commonly consumed.

7. Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice is a source of nitrates and antioxidants called betalains, which may benefit heart health and reduce oxidative damage and inflammation.

8. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli and mustard greens are known for their high fiber content and distinctive taste. They are also high in beneficial plant compounds.

9. Nuts
Nuts are high in fats, nutrients including the antioxidant vitamin E — and beneficial plant compounds.

10. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that reduce inflammation and have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Your liver is an important organ with many essential functions.

Therefore, it makes sense to do what you can to protect it, and the foods listed above have demonstrated beneficial effects on the liver.

These include lowering the risk of liver disease and cancer, raising antioxidant and detoxification enzyme levels and offering protection from harmful toxins.

Incorporating these foods into your diet is a natural and healthy way to keep your liver functioning at its best.

Gastroscopy – Symptoms & Treatments

A gastroscopy can be used to check symptoms or confirm a diagnosis, or it can be used to treat a condition.

Checking symptoms
A gastroscopy may be recommended if you have symptoms that suggest a problem with your stomach, oesophagus (gullet), or the first section of your small intestine (duodenum).

Problems that are sometimes investigated using a gastroscopy include:

abdominal (tummy) pain
heartburn or indigestion
persistently feeling and being sick
difficulties swallowing or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
a reduced number of red blood cells (anaemia), which may be caused by persistent internal bleeding
severe bleeding, which may have caused a sudden, sharp pain in your abdomen, vomiting blood or very dark or “tar-like” poo
Diagnosing conditions

A gastroscopy is also used to help confirm (or rule out) suspected conditions, such as:

stomach ulcers – open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach and small intestine
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – where stomach acid leaks back up into the oesophagus
coeliac disease – a common digestive condition, where a person has an adverse reaction to gluten in food
Barrett’s oesophagus – abnormal cells on the lining of the oesophagus
portal hypertension – where the blood pressure inside the liver is abnormally high, causing swollen veins (varices) to develop on the lining of the stomach and oesophagus
Stomach cancer and oesophageal cancer
As well as examining the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, the endoscope (a thin, flexible tube that’s passed down your throat) can be used to remove small samples of tissue for testing. This is known as a biopsy.

Treating conditions
A gastroscopy can also be carried out to treat some problems affecting the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, suggested by AMRI Hospitals.

For example, a gastroscopy can be used to:

stop bleeding inside the stomach or oesophagus, such as bleeding caused by a stomach ulcer or enlarged veins (varices)
widen a narrowed oesophagus that’s causing pain or swallowing difficulties – this can be caused by GORD, oesophageal cancer, or radiotherapy to the oesophagus
remove cancerous tumours, non-cancerous growths (polyps) or foreign objects
provide nutrients – a gastroscopy can help doctors guide a feeding tube into the stomach, when a person is unable to eat in the normal way

Is It Gas Pain or Something More Serious?

Everyone has intestinal gas, which can lead to uncomfortable bloating and even pain. But how can you tell when excessive gas might be something more serious?

Gas is a normal, yet often uncomfortable, part of the digestive process. It’s a by-product of many of the foods we eat.

Is It Just Intestinal Gas?
Keep in mind that some people pass gas more than 20 times a day, and that can be considered normal depending on the individual. Unless there are underlying problems or alarming symptoms, such as blood in the stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, family history of malignancy, or difficulty swallowing, it’s probably nothing to be concerned about, according to doctors of AMRI Hospitals. So what you may think is excessive gas may be a rather ordinary amount. Keeping and reviewing a diet journal could easily help you identify the source of the problem as one of the many gas-producing foods.

Here are some simple ways to tell if intestinal gas is behind your bloating and discomfort:

• You feel the urge to pass gas or to belch.
• You get relief from the bloating and pain when you pass gas.
• Your pain and bloating don’t persist or worsen.
• Excessive gas and bloating get better when you make certain changes to your diet, like eliminating dairy, cutting back on fiber, or limiting high-fat foods.
• Pain and bloating improve when you swallow less air, which is what happens when, for example, you chew gum or eat too quickly.

What Else Could It Be?
Although not usually a sign of serious illness, excessive gas can be a warning sign of an underlying medical issue. Excessive gas could be a sign of an abnormality with your digestive system, like gastroparesis, for example. Also, what you think are gas pains could actually be any one of a number of health problems.

Here are just a few possible causes of abdominal pain and bloating:

• Constipation
• Lactose intolerance or another food intolerance or allergy
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or indigestion
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Kidney stones, gallstones, or an inflamed gallbladder
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease)
• An ulcer in the digestive tract
• Appendicitis’
• An obstruction in the bowel
• A tumor in the abdomen

In most of these cases, you will notice symptoms other than just gas and bloating. For instance, in the case of appendicitis, there will most likely be changes to your abdomen, including stiffness and extreme tenderness. Gas pain doesn’t make your belly sensitive to the touch, so if you notice extreme pain, always seek medical advice.

If your pain, bloating, and excessive gas problems are persistent, take steps to find out the cause.

Diagnosing the Problem

A physical exam and diagnostic tests may be performed to help rule out other more serious medical conditions that could be mimicking excessive gas pain. If lactose intolerance is suspected, your doctor may schedule you for a breath test. Depending on the potential causes, other tests may include blood work, imaging — such as X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) — and endoscopy.

10 ways to get rid of gas pain fast

Luckily, many home remedies can help to release trapped gas or prevent it from building up. Twenty effective methods are listed below.

1. Let it out

Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid these symptoms is to simply let out the gas.

2. Pass stool

A bowel movement can relieve gas. Passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.

3. Eat slowly

Eating too quickly or while moving can cause a person to take in air as well as food, leading to gas-related pain.

4. Avoid chewing gum

As a person chews gum they tend to swallow air, which increases the likelihood of trapped wind and gas pains.

5. Say no to straws

Often, drinking through a straw causes a person to swallow air. Drinking directly from a bottle can have the same effect, depending on the bottle's size and shape.

6. Quit smoking

Whether using traditional or electronic cigarettes, smoking causes air to enter the digestive tract. Because of the range of health issues linked to smoking, quitting is wise for many reasons.

7. Choose non-carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, send a lot of gas to the stomach. This can cause bloating and pain.

8. Eliminate problematic foods

Eating certain foods can cause trapped gas. Individuals find different foods problematic.

However, the foods below frequently cause gas to build up:

• artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sorbitol, and maltitol
• cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
• dairy products
• fiber drinks and supplements
• fried foods
• garlic and onions
• high-fat foods
• legumes, a group that includes beans and lentils
• prunes and prune juice
• spicy foods

Keeping a food diary can help a person to identify trigger foods. Some, like artificial sweeteners, may be easy to cut out of the diet.

9. Drink Tea

Some herbal teas may aid digestion and reduce gas pain fast. The most effective include teas made from:

• anise
• chamomile
• ginger
• peppermint
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Anise acts as a mild laxative and should be avoided if diarrhea accompanies gas. However, it can be helpful if constipation is responsible for trapped gas.

10. Snack on fennel seeds

Fennel is an age-old solution for trapped wind. Chewing on a teaspoon of the seeds is a popular natural remedy.

However, anyone pregnant or breast-feeding should probably avoid doing so, due to conflicting reports concerning safety.

While everyone experiences trapped gas once in a while, as suggested by AMRI Hospitals, experiencing regular pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can indicate the presence of a medical condition or food sensitivity.

WAYS TO PREVENT INTESTINAL DISORDERS IN THE SUMMER

In the warm season in our lives more actively include barbecues, dinners on the nature and fresh harvest from the beds. All this increases the risk of intestinal disorders, and here are some tips that help to reduce.

1. Drink more water. When the temperature increases, our body starts to produce much more fluid through sweat. That’s why the day must drink at least 8 glasses of water to avoid dehydration and related intestinal disorders.

2. Most use probiotics. These products contain beneficial bacteria that participate in digestive processes. The best source of probiotics are yogurt, which can also help with the development of diarrhea.

3. Limit your use of caffeine, alcohol and soda. Drink less coffee, try to reduce the level of alcohol and carbonated drinks because they irritate the stomach, which can cause problems with digestion.

4. Avoid spices. Contains a large number of spices like food to many people, but in hot weather it can have a negative effect on the stomach and intestines. Often eat foods with fiber like vegetables and fruits.

5. More sports. Any kind of physical activity has a positive effect on digestive processes. Practise yoga, Hiking, running and swimming.

These are the following ways to keep in mind as suggested by AMRI Hospitals consultants.