Navigating Epilepsy in Children: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Precautions

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, affecting individuals of all ages, including children. The journey of managing epilepsy in children involves accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and diligent precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of epilepsy in children, focusing on how to make the correct diagnosis, outline effective treatment strategies, and highlight important precautions for caregivers.

Understanding Epilepsy in Children

Epilepsy manifests differently in children compared to adults, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Seizures in children can vary widely in type, frequency, and severity, making it crucial for healthcare providers to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in observing and reporting seizure episodes, including their duration, triggers, and accompanying symptoms.

Making the Correct Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective epilepsy management. It typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating clinical history, neurological examination, and diagnostic tests. In children, obtaining a detailed medical history from parents or caregivers is essential, as it can provide valuable insights into potential triggers and seizure patterns.

Diagnostic tests commonly used in the evaluation of childhood epilepsy include:

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test records the brain’s electrical activity and can help identify abnormal patterns indicative of epilepsy.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI scans provide detailed images of the brain, aiding in the detection of structural abnormalities or lesions that may be causing seizures.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify metabolic or genetic conditions associated with epilepsy.
  • Video EEG Monitoring: Continuous video EEG monitoring allows healthcare providers to observe and record seizures as they occur, providing valuable information for accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Strategies

Once a diagnosis of epilepsy is established, the goal of treatment is to achieve seizure control while minimising side effects and optimising the child’s quality of life. Treatment strategies may include:

  • Medication: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the primary treatment for epilepsy in children. The choice of medication depends on factors such as seizure type, frequency, and the child’s age and overall health.
  • Dietary Therapy: For some children with epilepsy, dietary therapies such as the ketogenic diet or modified Atkins diet may be recommended, particularly if seizures are not adequately controlled with medication alone.
  • Surgery: In cases where seizures are resistant to medication and are localised to a specific area of the brain, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the seizure focus or disconnect abnormal neural pathways.
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): VNS therapy involves the implantation of a device that delivers electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, potentially reducing seizure frequency and severity.

Precautions for Caregivers

Caring for a child with epilepsy requires vigilance and proactive measures to ensure their safety and well-being:

  • Medication Adherence: It’s crucial to administer antiepileptic medications as prescribed and maintain regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.
  • Seizure Safety Measures: Implementing safety precautions at home, school, and other environments can help minimise the risk of injury during seizures. This may include padding sharp corners, avoiding activities with a high risk of injury, and educating caregivers and school personnel about seizure first aid.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, nutrition, and stress management can help support overall well-being and may contribute to better seizure control.
  • Education and Support: Providing education and support to the child with epilepsy and their family can help them navigate the challenges associated with the condition and improve their quality of life.

Beyond diagnosis: Role of a doctor

We at RRMCH through our years of experience believe that in epilepsy care, doctors play a vital role in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management and their expertise is crucial in accurately identifying seizure types, determining appropriate treatment plans, and monitoring the patient’s progress. However, a doctor provides more help than just this to a child:

  • Emotional Support: Doctors provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families, helping them cope with the emotional impact of epilepsy. They offer empathy, guidance, and a supportive presence throughout the patient’s journey.
  • Education and Advocacy: Doctors raise awareness about epilepsy in the community and advocate for policies that promote epilepsy education, research, and access to care. They participate in public outreach initiatives, dispel myths surrounding epilepsy, and promote inclusion and acceptance of individuals with the condition.
  • Empowerment: Doctors empower patients to take an active role in managing their epilepsy by providing information, resources, and tools for self-management. They encourage patients to advocate for their needs, make informed decisions about their care, and engage in lifestyle modifications that promote overall well-being.
  • Social and Legal Support: Doctors may provide guidance on navigating social and legal issues related to epilepsy, such as driving restrictions, employment accommodations, and disability benefits. They collaborate with social workers, legal advisors, and advocacy organisations to address these concerns and ensure patients’ rights are upheld.
  • Community Engagement: Doctors foster connections within the epilepsy community, facilitating support groups, educational workshops, and networking opportunities for patients and families. They promote a sense of belonging and solidarity among individuals affected by epilepsy, fostering a supportive network of peers and allies.

Conclusion

Epilepsy in children poses unique diagnostic and management challenges, requiring a tailored approach that takes into account the child’s age, developmental stage, and individual needs. You need a doctor and a hospital that can accurately diagnose the condition, implement appropriate treatment strategies, and take proactive precautions. caregivers can help children with epilepsy lead fulfilling lives while minimising the impact of seizures on their daily activities. Collaboration between healthcare providers, parents, caregivers, and educators is essential in supporting children with epilepsy and optimising their long-term outcomes.

Illuminating Hope: The Journey of Corneal Transplantation

In the realm of medical miracles, few procedures shine as brightly as corneal transplantation. Often dubbed as the window to the soul, the cornea plays a pivotal role in vision. However, when damaged or diseased, it can plunge individuals into a world of darkness. Enter corneal transplantation, a beacon of hope for those navigating the shadows of corneal blindness. This blog delves into the intricate journey of corneal transplantation, from its historical roots to modern-day advancements, shedding light on the science, challenges, and impact of this transformative procedure.

Journey of Donation

Central to the success of corneal transplantation is the selfless act of eye donation. The journey begins with individuals pledging to donate their eyes after death, often motivated by altruism or personal experiences. Upon demise, trained professionals carefully retrieve the corneas, ensuring timely preservation to maintain viability. Ethical considerations, stringent screening protocols, and sensitive communication with grieving families underscore the delicate nature of this process. Yet, it is through these acts of generosity that the gift of sight is bestowed upon those in need.

Understanding Cornea Transplantation

Before delving into the intricacies of transplantation, it’s essential to grasp the anatomy and physiology of the cornea. Situated at the front of the eye, this transparent tissue acts as a protective barrier while refracting light onto the lens. Composed of layers of collagen fibres and specialised cells, the cornea maintains its clarity through precise hydration and cellular processes. However, various factors such as injury, infection, or genetic disorders can compromise its integrity, leading to visual impairment or blindness.

The Process of Corneal Transplantation

Corneal transplantation, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at replacing a diseased or damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea. The process typically involves several steps:

Patient Evaluation

Before proceeding with corneal transplantation, the patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to assess the extent of corneal damage, overall eye health, and visual potential. This evaluation helps determine the suitability of the patient for transplantation and the type of procedure best suited to their needs.

Donor Selection and Tissue Retrieval

Donor corneas are obtained from individuals who have pledged to donate their eyes after death or from their next of kin. Eye banks carefully screen potential donors to ensure the safety and quality of donor tissue. Once a suitable donor is identified, the cornea is retrieved using sterile techniques within a specified time frame after the donor’s death to maintain tissue viability.

Tissue Preparation

The donor cornea is transported to the eye bank, where it undergoes meticulous processing and evaluation. This may include evaluation of tissue quality, preservation in a nutrient-rich solution, and preparation for transplantation, such as cutting to the appropriate size and shape.

Surgical Procedure

On the day of surgery, the patient is prepared for the procedure under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and surgeon’s recommendation. The surgical technique employed depends on the specific indications and requirements of the patient. Common techniques include:

  • Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): In PK, the entire thickness of the diseased cornea is removed and replaced with the donor cornea, which is secured in place with sutures.
  • Lamellar Keratoplasty: This technique involves selective replacement of only the diseased or damaged layers of the cornea, while preserving healthy tissue. Variations of lamellar keratoplasty include deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) or Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Postoperative Care

Post surgery, the patient is closely monitored for any signs of graft rejection, infection, or any such complications. For prevention purposes the patients are prescribed medications, including topical corticosteroids and antibiotics, which are prescribed to prevent inflammation and infection and promote graft survival. Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to assess visual acuity, corneal clarity, and overall ocular health.

Visual Rehabilitation

While vision may initially be blurry or distorted following corneal transplantation, it gradually improves over time as the graft heals and stabilises. Visual rehabilitation may involve the use of glasses or contact lenses to optimise visual acuity and address any residual refractive error.

Corneal transplantation has revolutionised the management of corneal diseases and visual impairment, offering renewed hope and improved quality of life for countless individuals worldwide. Continued advancements in surgical techniques, tissue preservation, and postoperative care promise to further enhance outcomes and expand access to this sight-restoring procedure.

Navigating Challenges

Despite its transformative potential, corneal transplantation is not without challenges. Limited availability of donor tissue, particularly in underserved regions, poses a significant barrier to access. Moreover, the risk of graft rejection, albeit minimised with modern immunosuppressive regimens, remains a concern. Additionally, disparities in healthcare infrastructure, coupled with socioeconomic factors, can hinder equitable distribution and uptake of transplantation services. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach, encompassing advocacy, education, and resource allocation.

Innovations and Future Horizons

The landscape of corneal transplantation is continually evolving, propelled by innovations in technology, regenerative medicine, and immunology. From bioengineered corneas to novel drug delivery systems, researchers are exploring avenues to enhance graft survival, improve visual outcomes, and expand the donor pool. Furthermore, initiatives such as eye banking networks and telemedicine platforms are fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on a global scale. As we gaze into the future, the promise of sight restoration burns brighter than ever before.

Conclusion

In the symphony of human existence, corneal transplantation stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of innovation and compassion. From ancient whispers to modern marvels, its journey is one of perseverance, collaboration, and unwavering belief in the power of sight. As we peer through the looking glass of progress, let us not only marvel at how far we have come but also strive to illuminate the path ahead, ensuring that the gift of vision reaches every corner of the world. For in the darkness of uncertainty, it is the flicker of hope that guides us towards a brighter tomorrow. If you are struggling with your eyes visit us at RRMCH and get your eyes tested by the best ophthalmologist using the state-of-the-art technology.

Sleep and Snoring: Unmasking The Silent Epidemic

When we think about sleep and snoring, we often picture a humorous scene in a sitcom where the loud snores of a character disrupt the peace of a shared bedroom, leading to a few laughs. However, behind the veil of this seemingly innocuous nighttime habit lies a much larger and more serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. In this blog, we will delve into the reasons why sleep and snoring are a problem far bigger than they appear.

A Health Crisis In Disguise

Snoring is bigger than just sleep disturbances can create irritability and tension in relationships. The other issues that arise due to sleep and snore are:

Sleep Crisis

Sleep Apnea: Snoring can be an indicator of a more severe problem – sleep apnea. This sleep disorder involves brief, repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to a cascade of health issues. The interrupted oxygen flow during sleep can result in high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It’s not just a nuisance; it’s a health crisis.

Sleep Quality: Even without sleep apnea, chronic snoring can severely affect the quality of sleep. The consequences of poor sleep quality are not limited to feeling groggy in the morning; it can lead to cognitive impairment, mood swings, and an overall decline in well-being.

The Economic Toll

Productivity Loss: Sleep disorders like sleep apnea result in lost productivity. Individuals suffering from these conditions often experience daytime fatigue, making it difficult to focus at work or engage in daily activities. This, in turn, affects not only personal performance but also the productivity of companies and the economy as a whole.

Healthcare Costs: The healthcare costs associated with untreated sleep disorders are substantial. Regular doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and potential surgical interventions can be financially burdensome. Moreover, the mental and physical health problems stemming from sleep disorders can lead to higher healthcare expenditures.

Cognitive Performance And Mental Health Issue

Depression and Anxiety: Chronic sleep issues are intrinsically linked to mental health problems. The lack of quality sleep can exacerbate conditions like depression and anxiety, making the battle against these issues even more challenging.

Impaired Memory and Learning: Sleep is not just a period of inactivity; it’s a critical time for memory consolidation and learning. Poor sleep quality can lead to impaired cognitive functions, hindering academic and professional success. It’s a problem that extends beyond the night and into our daily lives.

Safety Hazards: Excessive daytime fatigue resulting from sleep disturbances can pose a significant risk. Individuals with disrupted sleep patterns are more prone to accidents, especially when driving or operating heavy machinery. This puts not only their lives but also the lives of others at risk.

The Overlooked Problem

One of the most significant challenges in addressing sleep and snoring issues is the lack of awareness and stigma that surrounds them. Many individuals who snore or suffer from sleep apnea may not even realise the severity of their condition, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Sleep And Snoring Treatment

Sleep and snoring issues can be effectively managed through a variety of treatments and, in some cases, surgery. Here, we will explore some of the common approaches to address these problems.

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Weight management: Losing excess weight can reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.
  • Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.
  • Changing sleep position: Sleeping on your side instead of your back can alleviate snoring.
  • Use Dental devices as it helps reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open, reducing snoring and sleep apnea.

Therapies

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) involves a machine that delivers a steady stream of air pressure through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep.
  • Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) provides different airway pressures for inhalation and exhalation, often used for more severe sleep apnea.
  • Devices or clothing designed to encourage sleeping on your side.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) can help individuals with insomnia and sleep disorders improve their sleep patterns.

Medications And Nasal Devices

  • Nasal strips and dilators can improve airflow through the nasal passages, reducing snoring.
  • In some cases, specific medications may be prescribed to treat underlying conditions contributing to snoring or sleep apnea.

Surgery

  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) procedure removes excess tissue from the throat and palate to widen the airway.
  • Genioglossus Advancement (GA) repositions the tongue muscle attachment to prevent airway collapse.
  • Palatal Implants are small implants inserted into the soft palate to stiffen it and reduce vibrations that cause snoring.
  • Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) repositions the upper and lower jaw to enlarge the airway.
  • Inspire Therapy comes as a surgically implanted device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve to prevent airway obstruction during sleep.
  • Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy is used in children and some adults where the enlarged tonsils and adenoids are removed which can improve sleep and reduce snoring.

It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional or sleep specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment or surgical option based on the specific underlying causes of snoring and sleep-related issues.

Conclusion

The problem of sleep and snoring is indeed more significant than it initially seems. It’s a multifaceted issue with far-reaching implications for our physical and mental health, our relationships, and our productivity. The good news is that awareness is growing, and there are effective treatments available. If you or someone you know is struggling with snoring or sleep disturbances, it’s essential to seek professional help. It’s time to unmask this silent epidemic and ensure that everyone gets the peaceful, restorative sleep they deserve. So, visit us at RRMCH and get your appointment with the doctors.

Sports Hobbies For Middle Aged Women – Benefits

A study around post-menopausal women published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology reveals that physical activity that involves sports in leisure time helps in managing the blood lipid profile well, thus reducing cardiovascular conditions as blood lipid profile is a market of heart conditions.

As per Karvinen and his team, after menopause the risk of cardiovascular conditions increases significantly in women and lipid profile is a reliable marker to measure heart health. He and his colleagues investigated around 193 menopausal women participants of the age group 47-55 from Finland, registered for the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) study. The study is co-authored by Dr Mathew Jergenson of Minnesota Medical School and University in Minneapolis. The reason behind conducting the study as per him was to explore if physical activity did have a role in cardiovascular risk factors.

He says “It is well known that physical activity has health benefits, yet it is less clear to what extent physical activity prevents negative changes in lipid profile while women are in their menopausal transition. The participants were monitored for physical activity levels in leisure time, generally and specifically also, using accelerometers and had to answer questions as well.

Leisure is the time that is not related to routine daily work be it housework or commuting and includes sport or recreation activities in free time.

The researchers found out that there was indeed a connection between more activities during leisure time and lowering of cholesterol levels particularly (LDL) as well as with high levels of cholesterol (HDL). Karvin reports that indeed the leisure time physical activities were related to healthy lipid profiles. But, that does not mean that the negative changes in lipid profile during menopause can be fully done away with due to leisure time sports activities.

The author also said that leisure time physical activities will underscore the adverse atherogenic changes in the cardiovascular risk factors in middle aged women who are healthy. Hence, sport related activities in leisure are good.

*Sourced from Internet

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Diverticulitis – Know More About The Stomach Condition

A common condition of stomach that, many people are unaware of diverticulitis. It affects the large intestine or colon and occurs when the mucosa or muscous membrane forms small pouches bulging inside the gastrointestinal tract pushes out via a weak muscle area in the larger intestine. Though over 80% of the people suffering from divurticulitis do not show any symptoms of it, some of them do feel severe pain and need surgery.

Causes – Though the primary cause of this condition is unknown, some of the risk factors include obesity, smoking, red meat, high saturated fat and low fibre diet.

Symptoms – Though symptoms vary depending upon the severity of the condition, people experience symptoms like fever, bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, Vitamin D deficiency and genetics to name a few.

Diagnosis – The diagnosis depends on physical examination and a few tests including urine and stool test, colonoscopy, MRI, CT scan or X ray of the GI tract, to name a few.

Complications: Generally this condition does not have complication in over 75% of the cases but in 25% of the cases there are chances of developing complications. The complications of divertulitis include –

Abscess – It is the formation of pus inside the diverticula

Scarring – This condition causes intestinal blockage

Perforation inside Intestine – This causes holes in the intestine and is a severe condition that leads to leakage into the abdominal cavity

Fistula – In this condition, the infection spreads through other organs

Phlegmon – It’s the inflammation of the soft tissues under the skin

Prevention– Eating foods that are rich in fibre are advisable in order to prevent the condition. These include Vegetables like Spinach, Peas, high-fibre fruits, ground Psyllium Seed, low fibre animal protiens like eggs and fish etc. Avoid foods like popcorn, fried foods, saturated fats, popcorn and refined grains.

*Sourced from Internet

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Celiac Disease Detection Now Made Faster With Blood Test –AN Overview

As per All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Celiac disease is known to affect around 6 – 8 million people across India. Also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy or celiac sprue, Celiac disease is known to be an emerging health condition. Celiac disease is a disease where in there is sensitivity against gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, rye and barley. It does not mean allergy to gluten or intolerance to it at all. It is an auto immune disorder that occurs in 1 in 1000 genetically disposed people. This disorder is not very common in Southern India but is prevalent in North and North eastern parts of India.

Now coming to the detection of this condition. The present method used to diagnose it consumes weeks or months. As the time taken to detect the condition is prolonged, people with the condition have to bear with the side effects of it. With the blood test, this time could be reduced to just a few hours. Scientists who are working on the same have been able to pick some of the biomarkers forming the blood test basis. They have found that when people are exposed to gluten, there is an increase inflammatory molecules in the blood stream that can associate with the symptoms that are in common.

Known to affect 1 percent of the population across the western world, Celiac disease is a condition one has to live with. In India there is limited awareness about celiac disease and there is a dire need for awareness around the condition and its prevention as well.

As per Dr Robert P Anderson, who is the Chief Scientific Officer at ImmusanT, it was the first time that their team has been able to describe the inflammatory reaction that the patients experience when they are exposed to gluten. He also stated that the findings could also help differentiate people who have similar symptoms but do not suffer from the condition and ensure that proper treatment pertaining to their condition is given to them.

*Sourced from the Internet

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Is Midlife Stress Responsible For Alzheimer’s In Women

Though, the reason behind Alzheimer’s affecting women more than men is not clear, a research does bring to light the effects of stress on cognitive functions of the mind.

Alzheimer’s is a common condition particularly in the elderly people and like the cause is unknown, there is no cure to for it. But, a research has shed light on the stress aspect and its effect on the mind’s cognitive functioning.

Past researches around the effect of stress on women have stated that there is a high impact on stress response of females and stress can result into memory and cognitive problems, though of temporary nature.

The objective of the recent research conducted at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine was to find out the relation between stress and long-time decline in cognitive functioning. Cynthia Munro, PH.D and associate professor of Psychiatry and behavioral sciences said that the stress hormones like cortisol increased when there someone was under normal stress and then the levels returned to the baseline. But if there was stress on a regular basis or if the sensitivity to stress was high, there is a increased and sustained responses in the hormones and the recovery is also delayed. It’s a fact that an increase in stress hormones for a consistent basis then it is not good for brain’s hippocampus – the seat of memory.

The study included the data of over 900 residents of Baltimore found that there was link that could play a significant role in stating why women over 65 have more chance of getting Alzheimer’s.

The findings of this study are already published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. The study began in the 1980’s and the participants had to take part in interviews as well as checkups over three times in a span of 1982 -2004. The first was in 1982, the second 1993-1996 and the last in 2003-2004. The participants were of around 47 years old on an average and over 63% were women.

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*Sourced from the Internet

Changes In Diet That Help You Reduce The Risk Of Cancer

As per statistics cancer is the causes the second highest number of deaths in India every year. Out of the 9.6 mn, over 8% are from India. Well, that’s not a small number. One of the most common cancers in India today is breast cancer. We all know that with all the innovations and advances in Science, even today cancer does affect the life expectancy negatively and also quality of life. So, trying to prevent it seems a better idea.

A new study has revealed that the foods that are rich in flavonoids are helpful in decreasing the risk of cancer and extending longevity. The study was carried out over 50,000 participants across a span of 20 years. Finding out the impact of single compounds on health conditions as well as mortality is not an easy study, even though food does form the most important part of our lives.

Researchers have already brought to light that eating vegetables and fruits factually reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions and increase life span too. Though, the details on how they do it is under research phase yet. Many researchers believe that it is rich in flavonoids play a vital role in the same.

Flavonoids are found in different natural food likes vegetables, dark chocolates, fruits and tea are form a chemical class known as polyphenols. These compounds are further divided into six sub classes namely Flavonols, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins, flavones and isoflavones.

A group of scientists from Edith Cowan University of Australia did begin a research in order to find out how the compounds could help increasing life span and help protect against health conditions. They also wanted to look into the effects of alcohol and smoking around the benefits of flavonoids. For investigation of the same, the scientists used the Danish Diet data of over 56048 adults across 23 years. During the process over 14083 participants passed away too. The researchers concluded that it was true that flavonoid rich diets with individual flavonoid subclasses do actually reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases also increasing longevity.

*Sourced from the Internet

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Monsoon And Child Health Issues

Well, everyone loves the rains, more so the foodies as the season where you hog on hot pakoras or samosas, bhutta or chalebi while sipping on your hot piping tea. Coming to the flip side Monsoon does bring along health hazards in form of illness like Dengue, Jaundice, Cholera, Malaria, thypoid, Gastro-intestinal infections, hepatitis A. Here’s a run-down five of the most common illness viral/bacteria borne, that you need to protect your child from –

Dengue – Caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, Dengue mosquitos breed in stagnant water be it flower pots, buckets, tree holes or drums etc. The incubation period is four to seven days after being bitten. The symptoms include high grade fever with decreasing platelet count as well as rashes. To prevent dengue try to keep your body covered as much as possible and use mosquito repellents. Citronella is a good mosquito repellent plant.

Diarrhoea – This is one condition that can be prevented with proper precautions as it is caused because of unhygienic food and water consumption. The best way to prevent it is to drink boiled water and eat home cooked food. Both the types of diarrhea, chronic as well as acute can be managed through appropriate and timely treatment.

Typhoid This is another waterborne condition that is caused by S typhi bacteria. The main reason is poor sanitation. The symptoms include weakness, pain, fever as well as sore throat to name a few. This condition can also be prevented by avoiding street food, keeping your hands clean and keeping yourself hydrated with healthy fluids.

Malaria – This is also a water borne condition that is caused due to the female anopheles mosquito. This mosquito breeds in water logged areas and hence is a common condition in monsoon. The symptoms include fever with chills or shivering, body ache and weakness, etc. The best way to prevent the cause of malaria is to keep surroundings clean especially water tanks.

Jaundice – Jaundice is also a water borne disease that could go serious if not treated properly. This is again a result of consuming contaminated food and water. The symptoms of jaundice include yellow eyes and urine, weakness and liver dysfunction.

*Sourced from the Internet

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Second Hand Smoke Is Also Dangerous To Health

We are aware how dangerous smoking is for health, but second hand smoke viz. the smoke that we inhale when someone else is smoking could be life threatening too. As per statistics second hand smoke is known to cause over 3000 deaths due to heart disease to non-smokers.

Second hand smoke can be particularly harmful to children because their lungs are still under development. Many children inhale this dangerous smoke at home if their parents or family members smoke, primarily. Even parents who smoke outside risk their children to harmful chemicals because of second hand smoke.

Also, known as environmental tobacco smoke, the smoke that is breathed out as well as the smoke that is released from pipes, cigars, burning cigarettes, cigars or pipes contains around 4000 chemicals. Almost 50 of these chemicals are carcinogenic and are known to increase the risk of cancer.

The American Academy of pediatrics (AAP) did a research on third hand smoke also. Third hand smoke is the smoke that is left behind in areas where people smoke. Though people leave the place after smoking, the harmful toxins remain for a while for example in bars, upholstery, even child’s hair if the care taker smokes.

Well, second hand smoke and third hand smoke both are harmful to adults, children and even the unborn developing ones. Unborn and children are at a higher risk. Children whose parents smoke cough more than children generally do. They are at the risk of getting coughs and colds, tooth decay, ear infections and respiratory problems. Children suffering from asthma are particularly prone to second hand smoke as it can lead to asthma attacks that to frequent and severe leading to a rise in hospital visits.

Well, so if you think that only smoking is injuries to health, you are certainly not right, its also the people around the smokers that are at the risk inspite of being not guilty of smoking. Take care. Quit now.

*Sourced from the Internet

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