Pancreatitis is an illness that affects the pancreas and causes inflammation. Alcohol and gallstones are the most frequent causes of pancreatitis, characterized by abdominal discomfort. The pancreas is a large gland located in the upper abdomen near the small intestine that produces digestive enzymes and hormones to aid with glucose metabolism.

Types of pancreatitis

There are mainly two types of pancreatitis. These include:

• Acute pancreatitis: An inflammation of the pancreas that strikes suddenly and usually lasts for a short time (days to weeks). In most situations, acute pancreatitis is treated effectively. Acute pancreatitis can cause severe problems such as bleeding, Pancreatic fluid accumulation, infection, jaundice, and more in severe cases.
• Chronic pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis is an acute condition characterized by pain in the abdomen and vomiting, often after eating. Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the inflammation of the pancreas lasts for a longer amount of time, generally after recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. In many cases, alcohol abuse is responsible for chronic pancreatitis. However, anomalies of the pancreatic duct, drugs and hereditary pancreatitis are also the reasons in a few cases.

Symptoms of pancreatitis

Signs and symptoms differ depending on the form of pancreatitis (acute or chronic):

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis:

• Upper abdominal pain radiating to back
• Vomiting
• Altered mental status
• Breathing difficulty

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:

• Constant or episodic pain in upper abdomen lasting for several days
• Diarrhea
• Unintentional weight loss
• Oily, foul smelling stools

Causes of pancreatitis

Activation of digestive enzymes while they are still in the pancreas, before reaching the small intestine, leads to irritation of the pancreas cells, causing inflammation. Some of the major causes of pancreatitis include:

• Excess alcohol consumption: Digestive enzymes and fluids are generated faster than usual when a substantial amount of alcohol is consumed, causing pancreatic duct blockage.
• Gallstones: Gallstones can obstruct fluid flow through the pancreas, causing damage to it.
• Abdominal surgery: Previous abdominal surgery may lead to pancreatic injury or damage, causing pancreatitis.
• Autoimmune diseases: A condition in which your body’s own immune system attacks healthy pancreatic cells, leading to pancreatitis.
• An excessive amount of fats (triglycerides) in the blood.
• Smoking causes damage to pancreatic cells, leading to pancreatitis.
• Medication: Certain medicines, such as certain antibiotics, corticosteroids, and estrogen, can induce pancreatitis.

Other indirect causes include:

• Bacterial and viral infections
• Cystic fibrosis
• Family history of pancreatitis
• Pancreatic cancer
• High calcium levels

Treatment of pancreatitis

The first step is initial management/first-line therapy, which includes a combination of medications. If necessary, the treatment will be modified or discontinued if there are adverse effects from the medicines used.

First line treatment

• Fasting: Fasting provides a chance for the pancreas to recover from inflammation.
• Medications: Pain medication may be prescribed to relieve intense pain caused by pancreatitis.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids: Pancreatitis and fasting may lead to dehydration. Intravenous fluids are administered to prevent dehydration and weakness.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is indicated in cases of bile duct obstruction, gall stones, fluid drainage from the pancreas and removal of damaged tissue.

Others

If alcohol addiction is the causative factor of pancreatitis, alcohol rehabilitation programs may be recommended.

What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?

• Pain in the Upper Abdomen That Radiates to Your Back
• Abdominal Pain Gets Worse After Eating, Especially If You Have a Lot of Fat in Your DietThe abdomen is tender to the touch.
• Fever
• Increased Heart Rate.
• Nausea/Vomiting

For any queries related to pancreatic disorders, consult our doctors at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, Department of Gastroenterology.

The appendix is a small, tube-shaped organ that is attached to the large intestine. Acute appendicitis is when someone's appendix gets very sore and has pain in the lower-right side of their stomach. It can happen quickly. The appendix might need to be taken out, so it does not hurt anymore. Antibiotics will be given, and surgery needs to happen within a day or two of the diagnosis.

The main causes for acute appendicitis are Infection or parasites, or foreign bodies like seeds getting attached to an appendix, increase in gas pressure inside the abdomen (usually secondary to constipation), pregnancy in women over 30 years old, abnormal anatomy (a congenital abnormality).

Symptoms of Acute Appendicitis:

The symptoms of acute Appendicitis in adults can include:

• Sudden pain around the belly button
• Sudden central abdominal pain migrating to the lower right abdominal region
• Intensified pain during first 24 hours
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal bloating, swelling and flatulence
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever

Children will usually show symptoms like these:

• Pain in the lower right abdominal region
• Low-grade fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

Causes of Acute Appendicitis:

The main causes of acute appendicitis are an infection, a parasite, or a foreign object like a seed that attaches to the appendix. Sometimes constipation can cause gas pressure in the abdomen and lead to appendicitis. Women who are over 30 years old and pregnant sometimes get this disease. If someone has had surgery on their appendix before they might be more at risk for it happening again because of abnormal anatomy. Doctors think that when bacteria block up the area where the food and waste go through and there is inflammation and infection it will happen.

• Viral/bacterial/parasitic infections
• Enlarged lymphoid follicles
• Hardened stool build-up
• Traumatic injuries
• Tumors
• Intestinal worms

Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

In some cases, people cannot get an ultrasound. They can do a blood test. If you have appendicitis then the doctor will ask you questions and then give you a series of tests. These tests might include an ultrasound or blood test.

Physical examination:

Your doctor will put pressure on your stomach. If you have swelling, tenderness or if the stomach is hard it means that something is wrong.

Blood test:

A blood sample is taken to assess the complete blood count. This helps doctors diagnose problems with your body.

Urine test:

When someone has pain, they do a urine analysis. This helps to figure out what is wrong with their body.

Imaging tests:

Doctors can do an imaging scan to check for other causes of your pain. This might be an abdominal X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound.

Complications of Acute Appendicitis

Complications can happen during surgery. The doctor will have to fix the problem before it becomes worse. If something goes wrong, it could lead to an infection or fluid leaking into the abdomen, which is not good for your body. It could also cause you to have shock, which is when your whole system slows down because of these problems that are happening in your body. If there are other problems that happen outside of the area near the appendix, they might be infections too and will need treatment with medicine.

Treatment for Acute Appendicitis

Usually, if you get appendicitis, doctors will use antibiotics and surgery to make it better. If you have pus in your stomach (peritonitis), then they might need to do surgery right away. These surgeries usually involve removing the appendix. There are two types of these surgeries:

Open surgery:

The surgery is done with a cut that is about 4-5 inches long in the lower right side of your belly.

Laparoscopy:

The surgery is done with small incisions and a video camera. It removes your appendix.

Although laparoscopy can make it easier to heal and recover from surgery, it is not the best option for everyone. If you have had appendicitis and the infection has spread beyond your appendix, then open surgery may be a better option. Recovery from this will take about 1-2 days.

Acute gastroenteritis is a disease in which you get sick from food or water that has been contaminated with microorganisms. It makes it hard for you to keep anything down, including liquids. It is common in children but can affect people of all ages. Worldwide, viral gastroenteritis causes 2-5 billion cases and millions of deaths each year in children under 5 years old. Viral gastroenteritis can be dangerous for people with weak immune systems like infants, children, and older adults. You should take precautions to avoid contaminated food and water to keep healthy.

Symptoms of Acute Gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis can cause a person to feel sick with these symptoms:

• Severe abdominal pain and cramps
• Passage of frequent watery stools (diarrhoea)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache and low-grade fever due to infection
• Occasional muscle aches
• Dehydration as a result of constant diarrhoea and vomiting
• Dry skin, dry mouth, and lightheadedness, low urine output

It's critical to be aware of indications of dehydration and visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are the causes of gastroenteritis. The two primary viral infections that cause gastroenteritis are:

Rotavirus:

It's the most notorious viral gastroenteritis in youngsters across the world. Infants and small children are particularly vulnerable to this form of illness. When infants or young kids touch contaminated objects and put their fingers into their mouths, they may get infected. Adults can also be affected by this virus; however, they might not have any symptoms but can still spread it.

Norovirus:

It's also known as Winter Flu, and it's the most prevalent food-borne illness in the world, affecting both adults and children. The contamination of food and water is most likely how this virus spreads.

Bacteria and their toxins, such as those produced by Staphylococcus or E. coli, or Bacillus cereus, cause the majority of food poisoning incidents.

Food poisoning is the most prevalent cause of acute gastritis, which is triggered by a number of other factors, including:

• Consumption of food contaminated with any of these pathogenic microorganisms.
• Sharing of food, utensils, or towels with an infected person.
• Not washing hands after using the toilet.
• Consumption of raw, undercooked food.

Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis

Management of acute gastroenteritis focuses on preventing dehydration, controlling diarrhea and vomiting, with enough nutrition, and prevention of other complications.

Oral rehydration solutions are used to treat mild to moderate dehydration at home.

Severe dehydration may require hospitalization and administration of intravenous fluids.

Prebiotic and probiotic foods may be advised to improve gut health and prevent diarrhoea and vomiting.

Oral zinc, bismuth compounds, or loperamide may be prescribed during the onset of symptoms to reduce the severity of diarrhoea.

Antibiotics are only indicated in cases of bacterial gastroenteritis associated with septicaemia.

Risk Factors for Acute Gastroenteritis

Anyone can become infected with acute gastroenteritis. However, the risk of infection is higher in infants and young children, pregnant women, older adults with weaker immune systems, people dealing with chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, those who are on specific medications like chemotherapy drugs. There's also an increased chance of viral gastroenteritis at day-care centers and nursing homes due to constant person-to-person contact.

Preventions of Acute Gastroenteritis

The best way to prevent contracting acute gastroenteritis is to avoid contaminated food and water supplies by using licensed food handlers to prepare food at home. It is advisable to keep utensils used in preparation separate from those used for serving. Hands should be washed before and after handling food, especially when using the toilet.

Avoid coming into contact with people suffering from severe diarrhoea or vomiting as they are at risk of spreading microorganisms that cause gastroenteritis. Wash hands thoroughly if in such close proximity.

Have you ever experienced Abdominal muscle pain? Have you wondered what causes abdominal pain and how to get relief from abdominal pain? Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent ailments that a doctor sees in his or her daily practice. Abdominal discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors. In some cases, abdominal suffering is simply a sign of another sickness and will go away once the underlying cause is addressed. Appendicitis and gall bladder stones, on the other hand, can also produce abdominal pain. The type of food that you consume may irritate your stomach, which might cause abdominal discomfort.

Abdominal pain, along with belly bloating, nausea, and belching beyond normal. This happens when your abdominal muscles are stretched beyond their usual limit. Lifting heavy weights can also lead to abdominal discomfort if you strain your abdomen while doing so. It is not suggested that you pick up hefty items, as it might result in abdominal muscle strain and pain.

The most common causes of abdominal muscle strain include:

• Exertion, strenuous activity or exercise
• Stomachs upset, such as nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal muscle strain, cramp, or spasm
• Abdominal muscle tear

Symptoms of abdominal muscle pain include:

Tenderness, bloating, and stiffness in the abdomen. Vomiting, nausea, fever, shivers, diarrhea, and constipation are also possible symptoms.

Abdominal discomfort can last a few hours or days, but it might linger for weeks or months in some instances. If you are experiencing abdominal pain for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor right away since this might be a sign of an underlying problem such as appendicitis or inflammation of the liver, gallbladder stones, and other conditions.

Treatment of abdominal muscle pain at home:

Abdominal muscles are made up of three distinct layers. The abdominal muscles contain nerves and blood vessels. A strain of the abdominal muscle is painful and tender. Simple home treatments can help you get rid of abdominal muscle strain.

To relieve pain caused by strained muscles, you can use hot fomentation on the abdomen. You should not apply direct heat to the abdomen but may instead wrap a hot water bag around it. Follow these steps to take care of your stomach:

• Set it afire, then cool it down.
• Apply the heat for a few minutes before removing it.
• Repeat this procedure several times until you experience pain relief from your abdominal cramp and strain.

If you experience Stomach Muscle Pain, you should lie down flat with your back on the bed to prevent gravity from putting pressure on your abdominal muscles and causing another spasm. You should avoid any activities that might increase abdominal muscle spasms since they will only make things worse. You suffer an abdominal muscle tear, apply an ice pack over your abdomen immediately afterward to decrease inflammation. If you don't have access to an ice pack, a bag of ice cubes will do.

For any queries related to abdominal pain ask our consultant at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai Department of Gastroenterology.

Too Important stress can make you feel bad and not be healthy. So when you're resting your body, make sure to keep your internal health in good shape too.

Doctors say that people who are addicted to cigarettes or medicines are more likely to get big problems. This is because these dependencies can hurt your lungs and lower your vulnerable system. People in this group might get lung and heart problems, or other long- term conditions. These could be serious too! If you are in this group, go see it.

Below are some tips for maintaining a healthy internal mind state:

Tone- care is salutary to both the mind and body. Connect with others and take excellent care of your mind and body in order to get the support you need to manage your emotional difficulties.

Be careful with your physical health

• Eat healthy- Elect a healthy eating plan that's right for you. Refined sugar and adipose dishes should be avoided. Caffeine might make you anxious and tense, so avoid it if possible.
• Get ample sleep-You should get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day.
• Physical Exertion- Exercising regularly may reduce anxiety and ameliorate your mood. Do any kind of exercise in the morning or evening to come mentally and physically healthy. You can engage in a variety of internal health- boosting conditioning.
• Avoid unhealthy habits-You are more likely to get a critical illness if you bomb or vape, which is why utmost smokers and vapers develop one. To handle the problem, don't drink alcohol or use any other drugs.

Take care of your internal health

• Limit your exposure to the news and social media-Constant news content of graphical material from TV stations and social media will make you more angry and frantic. Rather, start a new pastime, similar as oil or jotting, that will profit your internal health.
• Maintain a day-to-day routine- Maintaining a regular schedule is critical to one's internal health. Maintaining an established pattern will prop in maintaining lesser control of your studies.
• You may concentrate on affable effects-When you concentrate on salutary effects, your mind comes to feel cleaner, and your internal health improves. You could make a list of multitudinous particulars to be thankful for or maintain a stopgap for a brighter future as an illustration.
• Yoga is an important tool for internal health. Yoga has been proven to help people with a variety of internal health enterprises, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD, and posttraumatic stress complaint.
• Connect with people you watch about-If you are going down from your family for work or academy, keep in touch with them as constantly as possible and express yourself. In this manner, you will be better equipped to manage your feelings. Musketeers are awful stress relievers; spend time with them as much as doable.
• When you bear backing, do not be hysterical to ask for it. Numerous people are strange with their internal health conditions and go through a lot. However, see your croaker, If any of the following issues persist. Passions of inadequacy, worthlessness, or guilt Passing changes in your eating habits Sleeping problems Being detracted by studies about tone- detriment.

Final thoughts

Still, you may be in for a surprise, If you believe that internal health issues like anxiety or sadness will go down on their own. However, get help and be outspoken about how effects are progressing, If you are having internal health problems or another medical problem that affects your mood. You may reach out to the Gleneagles Hospital in Mumbai for further information or backing.

You may reach out to the Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai Department of Psychiatry for further information or backing.

In the lower right corner of the abdomen, there lies a vestigial organ called the appendix. When the appendix becomes infected this condition is known as acute appendicitis. In this situation, it is necessary to remove the infected appendix. An appendectomy operation is performed in such conditions where the infected appendix is removed and is typically a necessary emergency procedure.

Types of Appendix Operation

Appendectomy is of two types:

1. Open Appendectomy

   • In case of burst or spread of infection open appendectomy is preferred

• Higher negative appendectomy rate
• A longer recovery period leads to a prolonged hospital stay
• Greater chances of wound infection & post-operative complications
• Open appendectomy leads to scar formation & cosmetic disfigurement

1. Laparoscopic Appendectomy

   • Quick Recovery & Shorter duration of hospital stay
   • Fewer chances of wound infection
   • Fewer post-operative complications
   • The minimally invasive procedure leads to less/no post-operative
   • scar formation

• Comparatively costlier than open appendix operation
• Requires greater expertise and advanced equipment
• Cannot be performed in case of a burst appendix or when the infection has spread

When is an appendectomy required?

Symptoms for appendectomy

• Appendicitis Pain around the umbilicus & shifting to the right lower abdomen which aggravates on walking, jumping or coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea & vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fever with chills
• Malaise

Signs for appendectomy

• High-grade fever
• Right lower abdomen becomes tender
• Muscle guarding & rebound tenderness

Appendix Treatment

Most people require surgical intervention called as appendectomy for acute appendicitis treatment for both ruptured or non-ruptured cases appendix removal needs to be done, mild cases of appendicitis may recover by intravenous antibiotics but still the patient needs to take regular follow up with the doctor as in such cases anytime appendix operation may be required.

Appendicitis in children

Appendicitis in kids is usually common amongst children between 5-20 years of age & rarely occurs in children less than 1 year of age, symptoms and treatment is same as in adults for acute appendicitis in children

Appendix Operation: What you should know about it?

Before the procedure

Evaluation of patient by the doctor

• History taking & Clinical examination of the patient in reference to signs & symptoms and past medical condition
• Blood and radiological investigations like abdominal USG or CECT Abdomen are done to reduce the rate of negative appendectomy
• Consent for surgery needs to be signed by the patient
• Pre anaesthetic check-up is done by the anaesthesiologist
• No food or water intake for a minimum of 8 hours before the appendix operation
• Injectable Antibiotics are given to reduce the risk of infection

During Appendix Operation

Appendectomy is usually an emergency procedure, based on the condition of the patient, the doctor will decide whether to perform an open or laparoscopic appendix operation.

• Part preparation is done which includes cleaning of operation site with an antiseptic agent and draping is done
• IV Cannula is inserted
• Anaesthetic drug is given (General Anaesthesia)
• An endotracheal tube is inserted
• Vitals are monitored by the anaesthesiologist

Open Appendectomy

• 2-4 inches incision is made over the skin of right lower abdominal wall and appendix is visualised
• The appendix is tied with stitches and removed
• The operated site is closed in layers with the help of stitches and after placing a drainage tube, antiseptic dressing is done

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

• 0.5-1 inch incisions are made for the insertion of the laparoscope
• Carbon dioxide is filled in the abdominal cavity for better visualization of the appendix as well as other organs
• The appendix is tied off with stitches and removed through the incision
• All the laparoscopic tools are removed, and a drainage tube is put followed by an antiseptic dressing

After the operation, the appendix is sent to the lab for pathological examination

Risks associated with an appendix operation

• Wound infection
• Pus formation inside the abdomen
• Pneumonia
• Venous thromboembolism
• Anal fistula formation
• Adhesive intestinal obstruction

Appendix Operation Cost

Open appendectomy operation with length of stay 2 days would cost approximately Rs.1, 20,000 – 2, 30,000 depending upon the room category and other extra amenities

Laparoscopic appendectomy operation with length of stay 2 would cost approximately Rs.1, 60,000-Rs.3, 00,000 depending upon room category and other extra amenities

Whiplash is an injury occurring due to forcibly bending of the neck forward or backward / due to sudden neck strain

Causes of Whiplash Injury

Major causes of whiplash injury are:

• Road traffic accidents – most common in rear collisions
• Sports Injury
• Fall
• Amusement park rides
• Physical abuse
• Adventure Sports

What are the symptoms of Whiplash Injury?

Symptoms for a whiplash injury may take 24hrs to a few days to appear

The most common symptoms of whiplash injury are:

• Whiplash neck pain
• Neck Stiffness
• Dizziness
• Shoulder pain
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbance
• Arm pain

Diagnosis of Whiplash – How is it done?

• Complete history and examination of the affected area in detail by the doctor
• X-ray to rule out any fractures
• In whiplash injury most frequently involved are the muscles/tendons, for best visualization of these imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) / Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans are considered as the choice of investigation of choice

Complications of Whiplash (Neck Strain)?

Whiplash Injury is curable, most of the people diagnosed with whiplash recover within a few weeks to months, in a few cases the pain may stay for longer

Whiplash Treatment

After being diagnosed with whiplash injury, Multiple factors are kept into consideration before starting the treatment by the doctors such as the age of the patient, severity of the injury, range of motion of the affected part, tenderness, reflexes

The main aim of the treatment is to ensure that patient’s pain is reduced and with time normal range of movements of the affected part is achieved and the person is able to lead a normal life

• Rest - is the most important part of treatment as the lesser the patient will put a strain on the affected area better will it heal
• Hot/Cold Pack application - Hot/Cold pack depending upon the severity & time passed since the injury, 15-20 minutes of cold/hot pack application every day at an interval of 3-4 hours will help in reducing the inflammation of the affected area and speed up the recovery process
• Neck Collar - To support & restrict the movement of the affected area foam collar will be required and will also help in reducing the pain
• Medications - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen will help in reducing whiplash pain
• Muscle Relaxants & Injectables - In severe cases of pain & injury muscle relaxants & steroid injections may be prescribed by the doctor
• Physiotherapy - With the decrease in pain to improve the mobility and strength of the affected part physiotherapy will be required such as rotational exercises, laser therapy such as TENS (Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) may be required.

Bone and Joint Pain

The agility of the human body is based on its bone strength and flexibility in its joints. The complex human musculoskeletal system is more than a framework – a click here and clack there can mount extreme pressure on joints and cause intense pain in these ‘fragile structures.’ If you are experiencing joint pains, even sporadically – it’s time you take charge of your bone health.

Joint and bone pain can either be experienced at one particular joint or felt simultaneously in various parts of the body. The major contributing factors behind intense pain in bone joints could be many - including slowing down metabolism with age, chronic bone-related conditions, stress, and depleting calcium levels in women, especially post-menopause.

What Causes Bone and Joint Pains?

Joint and bone pain causes can be due to various factors, including injury, inflammation, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Injuries like fractures and sprains, conditions like arthritis, and infections can all contribute to discomfort in the bones and joints. Understanding the specific bone pain causes are essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, often affecting wrists, hips, hands, and knees

Bursitis: Inflammation of the soft pad-like structures around the joints

Gout: Build-up of uric acid in joints

Tendinitis: Swelling of tendons

Fibromyalgia: Extreme tenderness in joints

Osteoporosis: Porous bones due to lack of strength

Chondromalacia: Damage to the cartilage in the kneecap Infections affecting bones and joints

Obesity

Injuries due to sudden fall or accident

Calcium and deficiency of various nutrients and minerals

What Are The Symptoms of Joint Pains?

When you suddenly experience acute pain in multiple joints, it's often due to inflammation, gout, or the beginning of a chronic joint issue. If the bone pain symptoms continues over time, it's usually linked to conditions like osteoarthritis, inflammatory disorders (like rheumatoid arthritis), or, in children, juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Joint pains often present with the following symptoms:

• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Difficulty and pain while moving, bending, and stretching the arms legs
• Loss of motion
• Redness on the skin around joints that is warm touch and swelling would require immediate medical attention

How Is Bone and Joint Pain Diagnosed?

There are many reasons behind bone and joint pains. The diagnosis aims to identify the underlying cause before starting the treatment plan for alleviating pain.

Physical examination is the first step, where your doctor would understand the precise location of the pain, intensity, and other associated symptoms.

Blood work is often recommended to check for vitamin deficiencies, infections, and other disorders that might disrupt bone health. A urine study is prescribed if the doctor suspects abnormalities in the bone marrow or a case of bone cancer.

Advanced imaging tests, including X-rays, MRI, CT scan, Bone Scans, Arthrography, Discography, Doppler Ultrasound, and Peripheral Bone Density Testing would help further evaluate and identify injuries, lesions, or even tumours within the bones.

How Is Bone and Joint Pain Treated?

If not addressed on time, joint pains can turn excruciatingly painful and chronic and interfere with the quality of your life. The Department of Orthopedics care at Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, ensures accurate diagnosis and the best orthopedic care in India. The department offers highly advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedures, including arthroscopy, arthroplasty, and total knee and hip replacement.

However, let us assure you that not all joint pains would require surgical intervention. The team of extensively trained doctors and paramedical staff will assist you at every juncture till the treatment is complete, and you are free from pain.

The following protocol goes into treating joint pains:

• Pain medications
• Nutritional supplements
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Changes in lifestyle and eating habits
• Minimally invasive procedures

When To Visit Doctor?

Do not delay your doctor visits. Seek medical help if the pain is disrupting your daily activities. If you are experiencing joint pains along with fever, sudden loss of weight, or changes in gait – ask for urgent medical intervention.

Book an appointment with our doctors at the Department of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacements.

Overview

A brain aneurysm, also known as an intracranial aneurysm, refers to a bulge in the blood vessels navigating across the cognition centre of the body. This condition develops due to weak blood vessel structures, which puff up like a balloon and get packed with blood. In most cases, a brain aneurysm does not show symptoms or adverse reactions and thus can be treated with appropriate medications and surgery. But a brain aneurysm leaks or ruptures and can cause severe bleeding within cerebral tissues, leading to haemorrhagic stroke. This life-threatening problem results in continuous throbbing headaches and needs immediate medical attention.

Symptoms Of Brain Aneurysm

The symptoms and signs of a brain aneurysm differ based on whether it has ruptured or not.

Unruptured Aneurysms

A small aneurysm doesn't usually cause any visible signs, but an aneurysm that grows large may start to press surrounding nerves and tissues, resulting in symptoms. About 10-15% of unruptured aneurysms cause symptoms that include:

• Headache or pain in the eye
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the face
• Blurred vision
• Dilated pupil

Get immediate medical help if you experience any of these symptoms

Leaking Aneurysms

An aneurysm can, at times, leak and release a minimal amount of blood into the brain. If brain aneurysm leaks, then you may experience a sudden, severe headache, and it is called a sentinel headache.
Sentinel headaches may occur weeks before the brain aneurysm ruptures completely. Thus, if you experience a sudden, intense headache, mainly if it develops with other aneurysm symptoms, seek immediate medical help.

Ruptured Aneurysms

Symptoms of ruptured brain aneurysm include:

• Sudden, splitting and intense headache
• Neck stiffness
• Blurred vision
• A drooping eyelid
• Trouble speaking
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

A ruptured aneurysm is a deadly condition. Rush for emergency medical care right away if you experience one or more of these symptoms.

Causes Of Brain Aneurysm

Brain aneurysms develop due to structural changes in the walls of an artery in the brain. These changes result in the walls of the artery becoming weaker and thinner. But occasionally, inflammation or any trauma can cause deformity without thinning.

It's still not clear what exactly causes an aneurysm, but experts believe that one or combination of the below factors may promote:

• Breakdown of elastic tissue within artery
• Stress due to blood flow via an artery
• Tissues changes in the artery due to inflammation

Diagnosis of Brain Aneurysm

Your doctor would ask for a complete history of symptoms, and family medical history, besides the severity of the headaches and if they began suddenly. Several diagnostics tests are suggested to determine the exact location and extent of damage to the brain aneurysm. These includes:

Cerebrospinal Fluid Test

In this test, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected from the patient and evaluated for any indications of ruptured aneurysms. Imaging analyses can visualize brain tissues and arteries for the presence of an aneurysm.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

During this diagnostic procedure, radio waves and magnetic fields are used to produce images of the brain. It's mainly beneficial for detecting and evaluating unruptured aneurysms

Computed Tomography (CT)

A CT scan takes several X-rays to produce horizontal pictures of the brain. The CT scan helps detect bleeding in the brain due to leaking or ruptured aneurysms.

Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)

A minimally invasive procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin that is then slowly guided into the brain. A special dye is released as it reaches the brain via the catheter. A computer produces X-ray images before and after the application of the dye.

Treatment for Brain Aneurysm

The treatment mode for a brain aneurysm can differ based on several factors, including:

• Location and size of the aneurysm
• Age and overall health
• Personal and medical history
• If the aneurysm is at the risk of a rupture or has already ruptured

Surgery for Brain Aneurysm

If the brain aneurysm is easily reachable, then surgery can repair or cut off blood flow to the aneurysm; this can avert growth, rupture, or recurrence.

Surgical clipping is a procedure where the blood flow to an aneurysm is cut off using a small metal clip. This procedure seals off the aneurysm, averting further growth or rupture. This is open brain surgery and is done under general anesthesia.

Endovascular coiling is another surgical procedure that is less invasive than surgical clipping. A coiling catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin and threaded to the brain. Then catheter releases tiny coils of wire into an aneurysm that helps to block blood flow.

Flow Diverters

A flow diverter is a device similar to the stents that are used for artery blockages in the heart. It is used when an aneurysm is large or cannot be treated using surgical techniques. It is a less invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin, threading to the region of the aneurysm. When the catheter is in place, the flow diverter is placed into the artery in which the aneurysm develops. The flow diverter works to redirect the blood away from the aneurysm, which helps to avert it from further growing or rupturing. This procedure is generally safe and effective for treating brain aneurysms.

Where To Get Help:

Consult our team of renowned experts at the Neurology department at Gleneagles Hospital to get dedicated care and treatment to manage brain aneurysms

Book an appointment with the Best Neurologist in Mumbai at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel.

Overview

Gastroenteritis is referred as an inflammation and infection of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and intestines. Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are the most common symptoms of gastroenteritis. It is accompanied by fever, fatigue, and dehydration, and symptoms usually last for less than two weeks. It is often called stomach flu, which develops through contact with an infected person or contaminated food or water. A majority recover without complications, but it can become fatal in infants, older adults, and those with a compromised immune system. There is no effective treatment plan for gastroenteritis. Thus prevention is the key strategy which includes regular hand washing and avoiding contaminated food and drinks.

What is Acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis is an infectious disease that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This condition develops when a person eats food or drinks contaminated by pathogens. It usually lasts for lesser than 14 days when compared to persistent gastroenteritis, which lasts between 14 and 30 days.

Symptoms Of Gastroenteritis

The significant symptoms of gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting. Some of the other symptoms that are generally visible after 2-3 days of infection and last for 1 to 10 days include:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Fever with chills
• Poor appetite
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Headache
• Body aches, muscle pain, or joint pain

Seek immediate medical care if the symptoms get worsen, such as:

• Diarrhea that lasts for more than three days
• Bloody stools
• Severe dehydration
• Causes Of Gastroenteritis

There are several ways gastroenteritis can spread, which include:

• Contact with an infected person
• Having contaminated food or water
• Eating undercooked food
• Soiled hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper

Well, the most common cause of gastroenteritis is viruses. In many cases, Rotavirus is the leading cause of diarrhea in infants and children, while norovirus is the typical cause of a severe form of gastro infection in adults.

Though not very common, bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can trigger infection. Salmonella and campylobacter are the most common bacterium that can cause gastroenteritis, and this typically spreads via undercooked poultry or eggs. Salmonella can also spread through pet reptiles or live poultry farms.

Shigella is another bacterium that causes gastroenteritis, spreading from person to person, and common mediums of infection are soiled food and contaminated water.

Though parasites can also cause gastroenteritis, it's less common. And you can get infected from giardia and cryptosporidium in a contaminated swimming pool or by drinking contaminated water.

Other less common ways to get gastroenteritis include:

• Drinking water containing heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, etc
• Consuming excess amounts of acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes
• Toxins present in certain seafood
• Certain medications such as antibiotics, antacids, laxatives, and chemotherapy drugs

Treatment For Gastroenteritis

The main aim of the treatment of gastroenteritis in both children and adults is rehydration. This can be achieved by:

• Giving a child ORS (oral rehydration solution)
• Adults should be encouraged to drink plenty of clear fluids in small amounts and for the frequent duration
• As symptoms get better
• Slowly start to introduce food back into the diet
• Begin with soft, bland easy to digest foods like bread, toast, rice, crackers, and bananas
• Limit dairy, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages until completely recovered

When To Seek Immediate Medical Help:

• If vomiting in adults or children aged two or above lasts for more than one day
• Fever
• Frequent severe diarrhea that lasts for more than two days
• Children below two years had vomiting or diarrhea for more than 12 hours
• When vomiting or diarrhea turns bloody
• Patients with kidney, liver, or heart disease must restrict fluid intake
• When a person develops sudden intense abdominal pain
• With symptoms of severe dehydration
• If symptoms don't settle after a week

Dehydration with the following symptoms should be treated in emergency medical care:

• Anuria (little to no urination)
• Intense thirst
• Dry mouth
• Sunken eyes
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Trouble swallowing
• Breathing difficulty
• Muscle weakness

Prevention of Gastroenteritis

Following some of the preventive measures can prevent the spread of gastroenteritis:

• Getting your child vaccinated
• Washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before cooking or eating food
• Avoid sharing utensils, glasses, and plates, and use separate bath towels
• Keep sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer handy
• Disinfect hard surfaces in the home if someone at home has gastroenteritis
• Avoid touching soiled laundry and wash clothing and bedding in hot water and dry them well

Where To Get Help:

Consult our team of eminent Gastroenterologists at the Department of Gastroenterology, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai to get specialized care and treatment to manage gastroenteritis effectively.

Book an appointment with the Best Gastroenterologists in Mumbai at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel.