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Dengue – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Precautions

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 13:56:23 +0000

Dengue fever is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. With rapid urbanisation and global travel leading to drastic demographic changes, dengue has become a threat to almost 40% of the world’s population i.e. over 2.5 billion people. Dengue in India has dramatically expanded over the last few decades. It is estimated that India has the largest number of dengue cases, with about 33 million direct and another 100 million indirect infections occurring annually.

What are the causes of dengue and its transmission?

Dengue fever is caused by a virus Dengue (DEN) virus, a member of the genus Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae). It is classified into four serotypes namely, DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4. The virus is carried by a species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti. The mosquito typically bites during the day, particularly in the early morning or in the evening. Dengue can also be transmitted via infected blood products and through organ donation. Other person-to-person modes of transmission have also been reported but are very unusual.

What are the symptoms of dengue?

Dengue causes flu-like symptoms and is characterised by high fever (above 40°C) and at least two of the following symptoms:

Severe headache
Pain behind the eyes
Muscle and joint pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Rash

Symptoms begin about 4 to 6 days after the infection and usually last for 10 days. Dengue is also characterised by leukopenia (decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood). Once dengue is contracted by a person, it undergoes three main phases namely: Febrile phase, Critical phase and Recovery phase. During the febrile phase, the patient experiences an onset of high-grade fever, facial flushing, skin redness, generalised body ache, muscle and joint pain, headache, sore throat, anorexia, nausea and vomiting. In the critical phase, a significant plasma leakage is lost for 24-48 hours. Before the plasma leakage, the patient experiences progressive leukopenia (loss of WBCs). This prolonged shock to organs leads to hypoperfusion (decreased blood flow) which in turn causes organ impairment which can turn fatal to the patient. In recovery phase, general well-being improves, appetite returns, gastrointestinal symptoms abate, haemodynamic status stabilizes and diuresis (increased urine production) ensues. WBCs start to rise followed by a recovery of platelet count.

What are the treatment options of dengue?

During the febrile phase, treatment is provided to reduce fever. Other NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are avoided. In case of excessive vomiting or diarrhoea resulting in dehydration, or early bleeding, one should be hospitalised for close observation. During the critical phase, a key management strategy is judicious fluid administration. Platelet transfusions are usually given to patients who have very low platelet counts. Transfused platelets survive only for a very short period in patients with shock syndrome. Intravenous immunoglobulins have been used in the treatment of dengue with little success. There is currently insufficient evidence to make any recommendation regarding the use of intravenous immunoglobulins in dengue shock.

What are the precautions to avoid dengue?

Aedes aegypti prefers to lay its eggs in artificial water containers, to live in close proximity to humans, and to feeds on people rather than other vertebrates. Common breeding sites for them are: 1. Outdoor:

Flower Pots
Flower pot plates
Hardened soil of potted plants
Roadside drains
Roof gutters
Tree holes
Plant axis

2. Indoor:

A collar of the toilet bowl
Air Conditioner trays

It is vital to prevent breeding of mosquitoes by taking care that there is no stagnant water inside or outside your house. Keep the above areas clean. The best prevention for dengue is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Other preventive measures include:

Wearing long-sleeved clothing and full-length trousers
Installation of mosquito nets
Using mosquito repellent creams
Avoid visiting places that have the presence of mosquitoes
Covering water containers tightly so that mosquitoes cannot lay eggs
Disposal of domestic wastes properly to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water.
Changing water in vases and aquatic plants at least once a week, leaving no water under the pots or in the bottom saucers.

About Dr L. Venkatesh:

Dr L. Venkatesh is the Director and Chief Consultant Physician at Omni Hospitals, Visakhapatnam. With 10 years of rich experience, he is adept at handling critical cases of cerebral malaria, dengue, scrub typhus and leptospirosis. He is an expert in handling cases of diabetes, hypertension, thyroid Disorder.

About Omni Hospitals,Visakhapatnam:

Omni Hospitals, Visakhapatnam is a reputed hospital in Vizag. With skilled doctors and sophisticated equipment, Omni Hospitals strives hard to conquer new heights every day. Compassion beyond cure is our motto and we aim to deliver the best treatment to each of our patients.

7 Common Myths and Facts of Asthma

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 06:34:48 +0000

Myth: Asthma is present only when you face trouble in breathing. Fact: Asthma is a disease that is difficult to identify. Even without visible symptoms, there is a chance of underlying inflammation in the airways of people with asthma. Asthma exists even when symptoms are not visible. Asthma needs to be controlled by regularly consuming controller medicines and avoiding asthma triggers. Myth: Every asthma patient should avoid “cold” food like milk, curd etc. Fact: If in case there is an identifiable food item that has been known to trigger an asthma attack in a particular patient, then that food item must be avoided. Myth: Asthma symptoms are the same for everyone. Fact: Asthma affects each person differently. Each person may experience symptoms varying from wheezing, chest tightness, and fatigue, to just coughing. You should know what your or your child’s symptoms are in order to get help quickly. Myth: Children often outgrow their asthma. Fact: Asthma is a lifelong disease. Asthma in children can diminish or vanish completely as it is less serious. When children's lungs grow, the airways expand. However, the symptoms of asthma can get triggered again without prior warning. Myth: Steroids used in asthma are dangerous and these steroids will stunt growth. Fact: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the preferred treatment for persistent asthma. When used at recommended doses for most patients, the benefits of ICS outweigh the risks. These steroids are not similar to the anabolic steroids used by athletes build muscle. Inhaled corticosteroids do not hinder a child’s growth. Studies have shown that children using inhaled corticosteroids reach normal adult height, although it may cause some delays in their growth early on. A child suffering from asthma symptoms regularly may experience stunted growth. This is due to the fact that a sick child will not grow at the same rate as a good child. Consult a doctor to chalk out an effective action plan to treat your child’s asthma. Myth: Inhalers are addictive, unsafe and cause many side-effects. Fact: Inhaled corticosteroid therapy is highly effective in reducing inflammation of airways, improving pulmonary functions, easing asthma symptoms and reducing asthma exacerbations. Its regular use has been associated with substantial reduction in the rates of hospital admissions and rate of deaths from asthma. Unfortunately, in India, almost 80% of asthma patients consume oral medications due to the stigma associated with inhalers. Oral medications lead to more side effects and are required in large dosage in comparison to inhalers, which are more effective. Myth: Asthmatic children should not play sports or be active. Fact: Sports and other forms of activity are just as important for someone with asthma as they are for someone without asthma. It is important to control a child's asthma and make sure they follow the guidelines set by their doctor to take controller medications, as well as ensure that they take medications before the sports activity. They should be aware of an action plan to help prevent asthma attacks.

About Dr Ravindra Nallagonda:

Dr Ravindra Nallagonda, HOD - Department of Pulmonology, is the best pulmonologist and critical care specialist from Hyderabad, Telangana with an experience of 13 years. He is interested in research and publishing studies in pulmonary and critical care medicine. He is the best lung specialist in Hyderabad. He deals with patients suffering from sleep disorders, asthma, tuberculosis and pneumonia also.

About OMNI Hospitals:

At OMNI Hospitals, we have a range of doctors who are not only experts in their field but are dealing with various medical cases on a day to day basis. The combination of experience and expertise is very important to us because our priority is to ensure seamless treatment to our patients while striving to reduce the burden on patient’s family and friends. Dr Ravindra Nallagonda HOD - Dept. of Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine and Critical Care

Chronic kidney disease in Uddanam (Nephropathy)

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 10:50:10 +0000

Uddanam is a green, cosy and beautiful village situated in the northern coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh. However, the village is in news due to a peculiar disease that inhabits the lives of the people of Uddanam. The mystery disease is CKDu - Chronic Kidney Disease of the Unknown Etiology which surfaces despite having no risk factors of diabetes and hypertension. The kidney disease has ridden the village of Uddanam for two decades. The disease is dreaded because of its mysterious appearance and rapid progression. As of 2015, it was estimated that more than 4500 people had died from chronic kidney disease in the last ten years and around 34,000 people had kidney diseases in Uddanam. This disease has reduced the life expectancy in Uddanam. The villagers’ ill health limits them from earning even their livelihood thus forcing them to live in poor conditions. Owing to this backward economic condition, it is difficult for the residents of Uddanam to pursue treatments of dialysis or kidney transplant. Globally, this disease exists in specific geographical regions of Sri Lanka, Central America, Egypt and India. What are the symptoms? The primary characteristic of the CKDu is the sudden occurrence in the individuals, without any major prior symptoms. However, few of the early symptoms of this kidney disease are:

Facial puffiness
Oedema of feet
Increased urination at night
Vomitings

These symptoms are followed by an unforeseen kidney failure. The diagnosis in the later stages show:

Accumulation of potassium in the blood
Accelerated hypertension
Weight loss
Bone pains

What are the causes? The name of the disease is ‘Chronic Kidney Disease of the Unknown Etiology’ as the cause of the disease is still elusive. Many studies are being conducted to determine the causes of CKDu by many research groups like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), King George Hospital in Vizag, Dr NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, Harvard University and World Health Organisation(WHO). A study by Harvard University had estimated the following causes for Uddanam nephropathy:

High levels of silica and heavy metals in water
Prolonged dehydration
Heat stress nephropathy
Use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSID)
Gene mutations
High use of pesticides

It has been estimated that the disease rampant amongst poor agricultural workers. It is more prevalent in males as compared to females and it occurs in the third to fifth decade of age. Dr J. N. Srinivasulu, Consultant at Department of Nephrology in Omni Hospitals regularly educates his Uddanam nephropathy patients on the following points:

Regular check-ups with a minimum of at least thrice a year
Dietary modifications
Control of Blood pressure & Diabetics
Avoid Painkillers
Exercise for minimum 30 mins per day

Uddanam nephropathy is a serious issue which needs immediate attention from the research institutes. Out of all the CKDu centres in the world, Uddanam CKDu is least understood and researched. Establishing statistics and knowledge will help in identifying the common traits of the disease and ultimately assist in treating the individuals better. About Dr J. N. Srinivasulu: Dr J. N. Srinivasulu, is a consultant nephrologist at Omni RK. He has 5 years of experience in clinical nephrology. He has a keen interest in kidney transplant and he has performed multiple kidney transplants on living as well as cadaveric donors. Dr Srinivasulu has had a first-hand experience with Uddanam CKDu patients in the hospital and performs dialysis and kidney transplant on them. About Omni RK, Vizag: Omni RK at Vizag has state-of-the-art equipment to undertake patients suffering from Uddanam nephropathy. Hassle-free treatments of dialysis and kidney transplant are provided. Omni Hospital supports the Aarogyasri benefits and our patients can avail dialysis through the scheme. Also, if a family member is available for kidney donation, kidney transplantation is performed under Aarogyasri scheme. Dr J.N. Srinivasulu MD, DM (Consultant - Nephrologist) OMNI Hospital, Vizag

Your Child’s Hyper Activeness could be a sign of ADHD

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 11:27:10 +0000

Everyone can be restless, disruptive, impulsive and talkative, but when your child finds these traits difficult to control and it starts to interfere with their daily life, the cause may be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. This is a neuro-developmental psychiatric disorder with symptoms that often continue into adulthood. The symptoms usually appear before the age of 12 and diagnosis is done six months after the initial exhibition of symptoms. What causes ADHD? Despite being the most studied mental disorder in children and adolescents, the exact cause is not known in the majority of cases. Traditionally, ADHD was blamed on poor dietary habits, watching too much television or poor parenting, but the latest research seems to suggest genetic origins. It also tends to run in families, with diagnosed children having at least one parent who also has it. What should I expect? Symptoms can be broadly divided into three main groups - Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsiveness. Inattention involves your child being disorganized, having an inability to focus or pay attention, trouble staying on the topic while talking, forgetfulness of daily activities and easily being distracted. Hyperactivity includes restlessness while seated, regularly getting up to walk or run around, trouble doing tasks quietly and excessive talking. Impulsivity includes impatience, trouble waiting to talk or react and frequently interrupting others. Will my child outgrow ADHD? Children will be able to live long and successful lives. While symptoms cannot be eradicated, they may decrease over time. Though ADHD is not curable, it is possible to control and manage it. Treatment includes either counseling or medications or a combination of both. Without diagnosis in the adolescence, adults with ADHD may not know how to manage it. They may face problems with family, relationships, work, that may eventually land up in depression, substance abuse or accidental injuries. They may even experience feelings of frustration and guilt. But with proper treatment, they will be able to live their lives just like everybody else. Behavioral management techniques and medicines are effective at helping them deal with ADHD. How to take care of a child with ADHD: It can be hard to manage a child with the condition or accept that they have it. Here are some tips to help you:

Take your child for assessment - A doctor is the first person you should approach if you suspect ADHD. Many times children may just display characteristics of disorders with similar symptoms.
Accept it - While it can be easy to blame yourself or think that some evil has befallen you, do not do either. ADHD is not something that a child catches later on in life, it is due to a disorder in certain areas of the brain. So no one is at fault for it.
Educate yourself - The best way to tackle something you don’t understand is to learn more about it! There are groups (like on social media) where people share their stories on how they live with children who have ADHD. Instead of seeing it as a problem, try to find alternative methods to care for your child.
Be your child’s strength - School and friends can be difficult for children with ADHD. Communicate with your child regularly and try to understand them more. Spend time with them by playing games or taking them for an outing.
Appreciate them - Your child will face life just like every other child out there, aside from dealing with their own challenges. It won’t be easy for them to believe in themselves, so it is important that you do. No matter how small of an achievement, make sure your child knows that you appreciate them and love them. This will go a long way to help them with their confidence and self-esteem.
Avoid punishment - Children with ADHD do not understand their behavior or the consequences. Try not to raise your voice against them or use physical punishment. Try to calmly explain to them what you would rather have them do or what they did wrong and lead their attention towards something else. No two children are the same, even those with ADHD. So none of them will exhibit exactly the same symptoms or behavior. The same child may not even exhibit the same behavior more than a few times, and they may exhibit new ones. It can be frustrating at times, but try to keep a cool head.

About OMNI Hospitals: At OMNI Hospitals, we have a range of doctors who are not only experts in their field but are dealing with various medical cases on a day-to-day basis. The combination of experience and expertise is very important to us because our priority is to ensure seamless treatment to our patients while striving to reduce the burden on patient’s family and friends. About Dr.Radha Krishna Kandula: A Paediatrician with 32 years of experience. More than 200 Paediatricians trained under him. Worked as Asst. Prof. and Prof. at AMC, GEMS & NIMS Medical Colleges. Dr. Radha Krishna Kandula, the best pediatrician in Vizag has made a rather exceptional name in the city. According to many, the doctor classifies as one of the ‘go-to’ general physicians in the area. The stronghold this doctor has in the medical field has not only drawn in patients from in and around the vicinity but from across the city as well. Dr Kandula Radha Krishna Managing Director, Chief Consultant Paediatrician Giggles by OMNI RK

Bone Tumours – Symptoms & Treatment

Thu, 24 May 2018 11:12:01 +0000

What is a Bone Tumour?

When the cells start to grow indefinitely in an abnormal pattern they form a lump of tissues. When these lumps form in your bone, it is known as bone tumors.

Bone tumors are of two types: Benign and Malignant.

Generally, there are 6 types of Benign Tumours:

Osteochondromas
Nonossifying fibroma unicameral
Giant Cell Tumors
Enchondroma
Fibrous Dysplasia
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst

And 5 types of Malignant Tumours:

Osteosarcoma
Ewing Sarcoma
Chondrosarcoma
Secondary Bone Cancer
Multiple Myeloma

Unfortunately, the causes of these bone tumors remain unknown. However, few of the possibilities are exposed to radiation, bone injury or genetics.

Symptoms of Bone Tumours:

The most common symptom of bone cancer is a slight ache felt on the bone where the tumor occurred. In due course of time, these pains can get severe.
Night sweats along with fever can be another sign of a bone tumor developing.
If you have a benign tumor, chances are that you might not experience any of the above symptoms. However, if they keep growing, they may start to interfere with the blood vessels and can become dangerous.

Diagnosing a Bone Tumour:

No matter what type of lump you may develop, doctors gain further clarity using various diagnostic techniques to determine the nature of the tumor. The main concern is to understand whether the tumor is benign or malignant and since the mere look and feel of the tumor is not sufficient, laboratory tests are essential.

1.Blood and Urine Test

The Alkaline Phosphatase Test is a common test done to diagnose various cases like Kidney Cancer, liver problems, gallbladder etc.. As there are multiple cell formations taking place rapidly, this test notifies the large quantities of enzymes that may be produced in the blood.

Detecting different proteins in these fluids also indicates the presence of a tumor.

2.Imaging Tests

X-Ray, MRI Scan, PET Scan, Arteriogram, etc.help the doctor to understand the exact location of the tumor on the bone. Various angles and radio waves provide a detailed image of the tumor.

3.Bone Biopsy

Open biopsy or Incisional biopsy is done by making an incision to remove the tissue. A bone biopsy is essential for making a diagnosis of the condition.

Bone Tumour Treatment:

If you are having a benign tumor, there is less to worry about. Benign tumors are generally harmless and there have been registered cases where a tumor disappeared in due course of time, especially among kids.

Often, the soft tissue tumors are ignored as they are considered an unwanted protrusion and are self-diagnosed by the individual or their family members. A minor fall or slip and getting hurt near the tumor region can be the cause of severe pain and can cause immense internal damage. Also, these benign bone tumors can be serious if they hold up against vital structures like the nerves or blood vessels. In such cases, doctors advice to undergo a surgery and get that extra portion removed to avoid any further complexities.

Malignant Tumour is a serious case and it is important to remove the cancerous cells so that it doesn’t spread further. As a result, methods like, Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, Cryosurgery (killing cancer cells by freezing them with liquid nitrogen) are often performed under expert supervision.

About OMNI Hospitals:

At OMNI Hospitals, we have a range of doctors who are not only experts in their field but are dealing with various medical cases on a day to day basis. The combination of experience and expertise is very important to us because our priority is to ensure seamless treatment to our patients while striving to reduce the burden on patient’s family and friends.

About Dr. Kishore Bhavanam Reddy:

With 11 Years of experience as an Ortho Oncology Surgeon, Dr. Kishore Bhavanam Reddy holds a Fellowship in Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors from the reputed TATA Hospital, Mumbai as well as a Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Oncology and Diploma in Tissue Banking from NUH, Singapore. It is an honor to have Dr. Kishore Bhavanam Reddy as one of the physicians to be ranked in the league of eminent Orthopedic Oncology surgeons in India. He specializes in Bone & Soft Tissue Tumor Limb Salvage Surgeries in the upper limb, lower limb, and spine, both in primary and secondary bone tumors.

Dr. Kishore B Reddy, the best ortho-oncologist in Hyderabad, has performed first rotationplasty in the state of AP / Telangana and is renowned for the first wide excision with ECRT Reconstruction of Femur and the First Total Femur Replacement for Bone cancer in the state of AP and Telangana. Apart from introducing a new set of surgeries, he has successfully performed more than 1000 Limb Salvage Surgeries for bone tumor treatment.

Dr Kishore B Reddy

Medical Director, HOD - Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Oncology

OMNI Hospital, Kukatpally