Monday, December 12, 2016

How to cope with Hair-fall?

Unknown 4:25 AM
Hair fall is a common problem that is faced by almost everyone these days. This problem is not restricted to any particular sex. Both men and women are victims of this problem. We all want healthy beautiful hair and always try to find ways to achieve that. Many clinics now provide Hair-fall treatment in India.

Normally we have around 100,000 strands of hair on our scalp. It is normal to lose 50 to 100 strands of hair every day. But if you are losing more than that, then it is time to take necessary actions to prevent this excess hair-fall.

Common Causes of hair-fall
Many factors can be reasons for your hair-fall. Some of the major causes are:
  • Change in weather or environment
  • Stress
  • Aging
  • Imbalance of hormones
  • Nutritional deficiency
  • Infection on scalp
  • Some hair products or chemicals in hair products can also cause hair-loss
  • genetic factors.
Some medicines and diseases may also lead to hair-fall. Listed are some of the common diseases which causes hair-loss.
  • Thyroid disorder
  • Diseases of Autoimmune system
  • Deficiency of iron (Anemia)
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Chronic disease like Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Heart diseases
Treatments for Hair-Fall:
Lots of options are present for treating the problem of hair-loss. Many people first try to use natural home remedies before visiting a dermatologist. But in most cases, these home remedies take lot more time to show any effect and also they may not even work in most scenarios. If you are facing lot of hair-fall and want quick relief from this problem, then consult your dermatologist fast.

Dermatological Hair-fall treatment options in India
Many people in India now prefer to consult a doctor for treating hair-loss. Many people also opt for hair transplant.

Following are the different hair-fall treatment options available:

Medicines:
Studies show that the hair follicle is strengthened by Biotin. This also promotes hair growth. Biotin is also a very costly vitamin which is found in vitamin B-complex tablets in very less amount.Higher amount of biotin, i.e. around 8-10mg, is available in vitamins that are specifically targeted to hair-fall. Biotin is also present in large amount in non-vegetarian food like organ meat and eggs. Dairy products are also rich source of biotin. Dark Green vegetables like cabbage, lettuce and other leafy vegetables are also providers of biotin.Eating nuts like walnuts and almonds can also prove beneficial.

Any lotion which has Minoxidil, is often prescribed for hair-loss problem. This lotion is used in initial stages. This lotion increases the blood circulation to the scalp, hence reducing hair-fall.

Finasteride is also another medicine which will help to reduce the male hormone on hair follicle. It prevents conversion of hair follicle into the active hormone. But this medicine can cause side effects so should only be used by consulting a skin specialist.

Mesotherapy:
In this treatment, small injections of stem cells are given in the skin. These injections are given such that they will provide maximum benefit with less wastage. As this process is little painful, some local numbing cream is applied to minimize this pain.


Microneedling:
In this procedure, a roller blade like device called as dermaroller is rubbed gently on the areas where you have hair-loss. This will cause irritation of skin which will stimulate the stem cells that are present in deeper part of hair follicle. These stem cells later grow and have the ability to develop into new hair follicles. This treatment is very beneficial in the initial stages of a condition known as alopecia. We can further improve the effects by infusing growth factor or stem cells. The channels which are created in scalp by microneedling will enable active medicine to go deep in the deeper layer where it is more effective.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP):
In this process, the patient's blood samples will be taken in the morning. This blood sample is then processed and the platelets will be separated. Theses platelets will then be activated. The active platelets are then inserted in the area where the hair-loss is happening on the scalp with microneedling or by using direct injections. These activated platelets can help to reverse hair fall.


All these treatments are now available at affordable prices in many clinics across India. They can really be very helpful to treat the problem of baldness and hair-fall which can really make a person lose confidence. Many good doctors provide advanced Hair-fall treatment in India, which gives quick results. So if you face this problem and are finding it impossible to live with it, consult a dermatologist near you and enjoy a new and confident look.
, , , ,

Friday, December 2, 2016

Dental X-rays: Types, Purpose, Procedure, Cost

Unknown 3:54 AM
Dental X-rays are the pictures of the teeth taken needed by dentists to evaluate the oral health. The X-rays take picture of the teeth, mouth, jaw, hidden dental structures like wisdom teeth, and bone loss. These are done depending upon the age of patient, current oral health,any symptoms of oral disease, and by history of gum disease or tooth decay. The dental X-rays are of low radiation and capture the interior of the teeth and gums. They are helpful in identifying the problems like cavity, tooth decay, impacted teeth. In general, the X-rays is performed by two ways. One is intraoral, in which the X-ray film is inside the mouth. They give a detailed history of the cavities, health of tooth root, jaw bone, and dental health. Second is Extra oral X-rays, in which the dental film is outside the mouth. These X-rays show teeth but the main focus is jaw and skull. They look after the impacted teeth, monitor growth and identify the development and the diseases of the jaws in relation to the teeth.

Types of Dental X-rays
The types of Dental X-rays that are performed these days are as following:

1. Bitewing X-rays: These X-rays show the upper and lower back teeth and interpret how the teeth touch each other in a single view. They are used to check the tooth decay, alignment of the upper and lower teeth line, bone loss, gum disease, and any kind of infection. They are performed especially for tooth decays.
2. Periapical X-rays: These X-rays show the entire tooth starting from crown portion to end of roots. They also show the bone that supports the teeth. They are used to find problems below the gum line, in jaw, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and bone alterations. When a patient arrives at the clinic, in their first visit a periapical X-ray taking around 18 to 21 X-ray film is performed. 
3. Occlusal X-rays: These X-rays shows the roof of the mouth, finds extra teeth that have not been broken, jaw fractures, cleft palate, cysts, abscesses, and other kinds of abnormal growths. They are used to find a foreign object that may be present inside the tooth. They are the X-rays that   are performed in rare cases.
4.Panoramic X-rays: These are the X-rays showing the broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinus, nasal cavity, and jaw joints. These X-rays are not capable of finding cavities, impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, abnormal growth, infections, and jaw fractures.

Purpose of Dental X-rays
  • Finding problems like tooth decay, tooth damage, damage to bones supporting the teeth, dental injury.
  • Finding the alignment of lower and upper teeth.
  • Finding teeth that are not in the right place or do not break through the gum properly. 
  • Finding cysts, solid growths like tumors, and abscesses.
  • Checking the location of permanent teeth in children who still have baby teeth.
  • Diagnosis of large cavities.
  • Planning the root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, and difficult tooth removals.
Preparing for a Dental X-ray
Any special preparation is not required for a dental X-ray. Although, the patient is asked to brush their teeth before visiting the dentist. It prevents hygienic environment and keep the risks of infections at a bay. In case, the patient is pregnant tan she should inform the doctor beforehand so as to protect the baby for radiations.

Procedure of Dental X-ray
Dental X-rays are performed in the clinic itself. Any kind of hospitalization is not required. Firstly, the patient is covered with a heavy lead apron and made to sit in a upright position on a chair. Lead apron protects the body from X-rays. Even the neck is covered to shield the thyroid gland from radiations. The patient would be asked to bite down a piece of cardboard or plastic. The cardboard or plastic holds X-ray film. The patient may be asked to bite the cardboard several times to get the images of all the teeth. The dentists record all the images of teeth to diagnose the tooth problems. A dental hygienist will clean your teeth if they are present over there. After the X-rays is performed, the patient may be asked to rinse their mouth. Different radiography techniques are used. The method described above uses an electronic sensor instead of a X-ray film. The images stored can be viewed whenever required.

 Risks of Dental X-rays
The amount of radiation used in dental X-rays is low. However, there is a nominal risk of damage of cells or tissues being exposed to radiation. The risk is far low as compared to the benefits of the test. Apart, from the radiation no other risk is there.

Cost of Dental X-ray in India
There are numerous dental clinics all over India. In almost, all the clinics a dental X-ray is performed. The cost of the Dental X-ray is nominal. It starts from around Rs.200 and may extend up to rs.700. The costs depend on the type of X-ray performed and the kind of technology used. The film technology is cheaper than the sensor technology used during a Dental X-ray. Secondly, the cost is also related to the dentists one is going to. Specialists may charge a little higher but the amount won’t to exceed Rs.1000 in any of the cases. To more information and cost about Dental X-ray in India.

Dental X-rays are an important part to keep up the oral health. They are equally important like brushing and flossing. Regular dental X-rays are required by everyone. Adults should have bitewing X-rays every 2 to 3 years. Teens should have bitewing X-rays every 1½ to 3 years. Children should have bitewing X-rays every 1 to 2 years. X-rays are to be performed even in cases when you don’t have any serious dental problem as a precautionary dental checkup. The Dental X-rays are not at all painful, costly or invasive procedures. So, they can be performed routinely to keep a good oral health. Studies say, one should go for a Dental X-ray at least once in a year to avoid future dental problems.
, , ,

Thursday, November 10, 2016

All you want to know about Breast reduction surgery

Unknown 3:05 AM
Breast reduction surgery is an interesting phenomenon. Majority of women like their breasts to be bigger. The bigger the better. But there are still a chunk of females who have to go in for reduction surgeries of their breasts. Even though breasts are considered to be an asset for ladies. Cosmetic surgeries like breast reduction or augmentation are becoming a fad among women around the globe. According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2013 alone there was a whopping 41, 164 breast surgeries performed in America. 
Read on to find out the basics of the surgery, the reasons women have to undergo it, surgery procedures and risks attached to it.

 Breast reduction surgery is all about...
Breast reduction surgery as its name suggests is a medical procedure for reducing the size of breasts in women. These days even men are seen to undergo this surgery. The medical term to denote this surgery in females is known as mammoplasty. It is done to alleviate apparent discomfort amongst them when the size of the breasts and their body weight is disproportionate to each other.

 Women are needed to undergo breast reduction surgery when..
If any of the following symptoms are visible in you, then breast reduction surgery is for you:
  • Heavy breasts: Heavy and pendulous breasts which do not provide proper support are reason enough for undergoing breast reduction surgery.
  • Physical activity stands reduced: Physical sports like a game of volleyball or activities like bending down to move heavy objects are deterrents when a female has big breasts.
  • Disproportionate breasts: There are instances when women have breasts which aren't in proper proportion to their overall height and weight
  • Body pain: Breast reduction surgery becomes a necessity when the heavy size of breasts leads to chronic neck-ache, backache, aching shoulders, increased headaches due to excess sizes of breasts
  • Bra strap syndrome: This syndrome is rampant when you experience pain in shoulders because of the nerves in your torso getting pressurized. Deep troughs are caused by the weight of breasts pulling the straps of bras into your shoulders. 
  • Restrictions on wearing fitted clothes: Women having excessively big breasts have difficulty getting into fitted clothes or tops. With their breasts protruding out, it is real embarrassing to fit into different types of clothes. So if you are a women facing this very sartorial problem, then breast reduction surgery is the remedy for you.
  • Affected posture: Just as heavy fruits growing on the tree makes the tree bend down, likewise heavy breasts also cause the female to walk in a forward bent. Walking in such a fashion inadvertently causes backaches. This leads to breast reduction surgery becoming a necessity at some point of time in future. 
The stage preceding  breast reduction surgery entails...
This is the most important phase before surgery. As results could get affected by the precautions you take before going in for surgery. These are few measures to get the best out of your breast reduction surgery:
  • Talk with the surgeon: It is important to have a word with the surgeon you are consulting for undergoing surgery for breast reduction
  • Medical history of your family: Discuss the medical history of your family with them. It will be better if you tell them whether there was any case of breast cancer running in your genes.
  • Mammogram: The surgeon may advise you to undergo a pre-operation mammogram for detection of changes if any in breast tissues.
  • Kick out smoking: Quitting the habit of smoking a few days prior to surgery is an important thumb-rule
  • Supplements and drugs: Avoid intake of herbal supplements, anti-inflammatory medicines to prevent loss of blood during surgery
  • Lose weight: Being in the best shape prior to surgery is a must. You need to shed the kilos if you are overweight to derive best results out of the surgery.

The breast reduction surgery goes on for...
You have considered every measure of precaution prescribed by your surgeon. And now you must be wondering whether how much time would be required for completion of your surgery, isn't it?
Any breast reduction surgery takes anywhere between 2-5 hours.

 The procedure:
  • General anesthesia: The surgeon administers general anesthesia to you. The anesthesia makes you unconscious. 
  • Incisions are created: The surgeon then drills multiple incisions around both your breasts.
  • Excess fat is removed: Excess fat accumulated near the breast and breast tissue is removed for purpose of reduction of breast size.
  • Repositioning and stitching:  Repositioning of the nipples happens due to this. The breasts are then stitched up. Special gauzes are used to keep them in place. 
  • Placing gauze dressing or bandages: Gauze dressings are done to cover either of the breasts.  
  • Reattaching nipple and areola: This step is common only if the patient has very big or drooping breasts. Nipples and areola are removed. They are attached in a different position on the breasts, using them as skin graft.
Steps to take for a speedy recovery:
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure wherein the patient need not stay back in hospital after she's operated on. However the patient needs to take few steps for a faster recovery. They are as follows: 
  • Avoid driving- Driving a vehicle should be avoided for a week at least post surgery
  • Wear a sports bra- Wearing a sports bra for 3 months is advised by surgeons too
  • Put off exercising- Exercises which put a strain on your body should be avoided for a month post surgery
  • Visit to the surgeon- A follow-up visit after a couple of weeks should be scheduled with the surgeon
  • Stitches are removed The stitches done in the final stage of breast reduction surgery are taken out after 2 weeks, if they weren't solvent.
Contact the doctor immediately if: 
Corrective surgeries such as these always have a small chance of going wrong. It is best to contact the doctor immediately if you notice one or few of these indications.
  • Bleeding 
  • Loss of sensation in the nipples
  • Differing shape of both breasts
  • Losing the ability to breastfeed
  • Swelling and discoloration of skin
  • Persistent pain
Benefits of breast reduction surgery:
Breast reduction surgery in India is more out of necessity and less a matter of vanity as compared to situation in western part of the world. Indian women have to face objectification and lewd comments, cat-calls, subject to ridicule. If the woman has a larger cup size , then things get worse for her. However, breast reduction surgery is a way to get back to a normal life. You can get best prices for breast reduction surgery in India. These are the following benefits attached to the cosmetic surgery:
  • A straightened posture: Breast reduction takes off the weight off one's chest-literally and figuratively! It enables the woman to walk like a lady-with a straight back. She doesn't have to slouch or get bogged down by weight.
  • Resume exercising: You also can continue your physical fitness regimen like any normal woman. You could easily do everything which you couldn't do in the past like running, swimming, going on brisk walks, going to the gymnasium
  • No selective buying of clothes: After the surgery, you can wear whatever you pleease. Fitting into the classy little black dress for going out with someone won't any longer be a pain in your chest! Sporting swimsuits won't be any difficulty post surgery.
  • Firmer breasts: Post surgery your breasts would feel firmer thus making you walk with confidence. 
  • No skin irritation: The skin around the breasts becomes firmer and the irritation or itching sensation subsides too.
These are the risks associated with breast reduction surgery:
Studies suggest that 10-50% women undergoing breast reduction surgery may run into complications and may also need a follow-up surgery as well. Many of the women attract developing wide scars all thanks to incisions made by the surgeon. 
Further there are the following risks coming attached with undergoing this surgery:
  • Asymmetric shaped breasts
  • Permanent scars which lighten but do not disappear
  • Blood oozing inside the breast tissue
  • Becoming allergic to blood products, injections etc
  • Reduced healing capacity when wounds occur
  • Blood clots in veins 
  • Irreversible damage to blood vessels, lungs etc
  • Cardiac and lung complications
However, the silver lining is that breast reduction surgery if performed on women in their 50s could reduce chances of breast cancer by about 60%. Breast reduction surgery comes with its own risks and benefits. Discussing every detail and potential risk to your health with your surgeon is of great importance.
, ,

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

All about Dental braces surgery

Unknown 10:53 PM
Not all of us are blessed with a perfect set of teeth. Many people face the problem of alignment with their teeth. This can lead to low self esteem in case of many individuals. But there is no need to worry now. We can easily solve this problem with dental braces. This treatment will make the alignment of teeth proper and hence, provide a perfect smile and perfect oral health. So what exactly is this Dental braces surgery and what is the procedure for it?

Dental braces surgery-procedure
The total procedure of putting the dental braces may be of different time span according to the need of patients. Also, the misconception that this procedure is only for children is very wrong. This surgery can be performed at any age.

The first and the very important thing is to visit a good dentist and discuss with him the problem. According to the condition of your teeth, the dentist will suggest if you need braces or not. He will take some X- rays and examine them. He will also discuss your dental history. Based on all this, he will suggest you the treatment options.
Dental braces 

If braces are to be given to the patient, the dentist will first take impression of the patients teeth and create a mold of it. This mold will be useful in creating the custom appliances for the teeth.
Before putting brackets on teeth, the teeth have to be polished.

Once this is done, the dentist will insert molar band to ensure proper anchoring of the dental braces. Some bonding agent is used to stick the brackets to each and every teeth. After all the teeth have been bracketed, the dentist will insert an archwire through all the brackets for connecting them and then clip the ends of this wire for the ease of the patient. The dentist will also apply elastic ligatures so that the archwire will not not move from its place. This entire process can take about 20 minutes.

Patient may feel some discomfort and tightness in his mouth after the first sitting and first adjustment sitting. This can be felt for about 6 to 7 hours after your appointment. The soreness is the result of the tightening of the teeth to the  desired position. Your dentist will prescribe you with pain killers which you may have to take for 2 to 4 days after your sitting. Gradually you will get used to the tightening and will not feel this pain.

Duration of treatment 
This whole procedure will take many months time and you will have to visit your dentist every month for the adjustment sittings. During this adjustment sitting, the dentist will examine the patient's progress. The adjustment appointment will involve removing the elastic ties that keep the braces in place and the archwire will also be removed. New archwire and elastic ties will then be placed to further move the teeth and continue with the treatment.

Care to be taken during treatment
During this treatment it is very important to keep proper oral hygiene. So it is advised to brush your teeth for at least three times a day. Certain sticky foods should also be avoided so that you may not break the bond between the brackets. Patient should consume soft food and should avoid hard food items. Fruits such as apples should be cut in pieces and then consumed.

Once the dentist feels that your treatment is over, he will remove your braces. You may also be given retainers which have to worn for some period of time. Once all these procedures are over, you should perform teeth whitening as there may be certain discoloration on the teeth. This completes the process of dental braces surgery and you are free to enjoy your beautiful smile.
, , , , ,

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

An Insight into Bypass Surgery in India

Unknown 12:02 AM
Bypass Surgery in India costs a fraction of what it does in developed countries. This does not mean that the quality is compromised. Cardiac surgeons in India are well renowned and hospitals offer the latest in technologies.

What is Bypass Surgery?
Bypass Surgery is a critical operation where the clogged arteries of the heart are bypassed. Blood vessels from another part of the body are taken and used to reroute the blood away from the damaged arteries.

                                              
When is it required?
The blockage is mainly due to fatty deposits called 'plaques.' Since there is not enough blood flow to the heart, the muscles fail to pump. This is particularly critical if the blood flow to the left ventricles has lessened due to the clogged blood vessels. The left ventricle is a heart chamber, which mainly supplies blood to the whole body. So the reduced blood supply can lead to a major heart attack, which can be fatal.

Types of Bypass Surgeries:
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting or CABG is the more commonly used term for bypass surgery. The different types of surgeries are
  • Conventional CABG,
  • Beating Heart Bypass Surgery,
  • Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery and
  • Trans Myocardial Laser Revascularization.
Of these various procedures, the last two use latest technology and are now being performed in renowned City hospitals in India.

Conventional CABG
In conventional CABG, the patient is put under anesthesia for 2-3 hours. Then a cut is made on the leg and a length of vein is removed. The length of this vein depends on the number of bypasses being performed. If it is a double bypass operation, then the length of the vein required is lesser than that of a triple bypass surgery. The number, of course, refers to the number of arteries being bypassed.

 The surgeon cuts open the main breast bone called as the sternum. A heart-lung machine is used to supply blood to the rest of the body, while the heart is stopped for operation. The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is grafted with the left anterior descending artery. After the operation, the patient is kept under observation for 4-5 days.

 Beating Heart Bypass Surgery
The Beating Heart Bypass Surgery does not use the heart-lung machine to provide oxygen-laden blood during the operation. The beating might be slowed down with the help of a stabilization system, but never completely stopped. This is done with the help of a heart positioner and a tissue stabilizer.

 Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery is done with the least amount of scarring as a very small incision is made. This is much preferable to an open heart surgery, as it is performed without the heart-lung machine and the length of the incision is very small compared to conventional CABG. The length is 3 to 5 inches compared to 10 to 12 inches. The post-operation pain is also significantly less, as well as less scarring. 

 Trans Myocardial Laser Revascularization
If the patient is not eligible for open-heart surgery, Trans Myocardial Laser Revascularization may be performed as a last resort. This procedure aims to increase blood flow to the areas of the heart where blood flow is less; even after receiving conventional treatment. A computerized CO2 laser is used to create channels in the heart, to improve blood circulation. The number of channels to be created is decided on by the surgeon.
Bypass surgery in India is high quality and low cost, compared to the rest of the world. This has led to “medical tourism” where people from the rest of the world, who cannot afford to pay for such an expensive treatment in their own countries, come to India for treatment.
, , ,

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

India's health care system: An overview

Unknown 11:24 PM


Going back to the Ayurvedic era of medicine and comparing it with today's modern medication and treatment facilities, the health care industry in India has definitely crossed numerous milestones. Historians claim that Indian health care system has played a pivotal role in enhancing overall health and lifestyle of the entire Asian population.
However, despite the rapid pace at which this system is growing, there are still a number of domains at which it is restricted and requires expansion. Considering the ever expanding population of India, the health industry needs to go a long way at ensuring health and welfare of individuals living in any part of the country.
Moving ahead, let us have a look at areas where the Indian health care system needs to bring about an immediate and substantial modification, so as to make health care easily accessible for all and not leave it as a far-fetched luxury.



Missing doctors and multiplying patients:

One of the recent health care surveys made some appalling revelations. The report said that although India is producing 30,000 doctors and 18,000 specialists annually, there is only one doctor for every 1700 individuals across the country.
In addition, the aging population of the country is rising. This further necessitates the need for more and more doctors who can ensure good health condition for every individual belonging to any age group.
Rising diseases that lack instant and effective cure, as in cases of Cancer or HIV, also play huge obstruction towards enhanced health care services. The difference between the ratio of specialists treating such diseases and number of cases across the country is simply incomparable. To meet this huge gap is one of the biggest challenges for this health system today.

The Urban Rural Divide: 

It is not only the shortage of doctors that is making health care very distant to access. It is also the unwillingness of doctors to move to rural setups and render services to people living in remote areas. It is unfortunate that even though more than half the population comprises the rural belt, this scenario persists; despite of mandatory rules where doctors need to serve in a rural area for a definite and considerable time.

Health care centers in interior villages have number of positions for general physicians, specialists or care givers. However, most of these remain vacant for number of years. Employees working in these facilities remain absent for indefinite period.
When talking about specialist doctors and vital services such as ambulance, the situation is all the more grim and difficult. Let alone rural zones, urban set ups don't have enough and accessible specialists too.
When it comes to ambulance facilities for emergency cases, the situation is extremely depressing. Private cars are the only means of taking serious patients to nearby hospitals. Despite abundant fatal cases accounting to unavailability of ambulance when required; the situation has not seen any noticeable change for betterment.

Shortage of adequate medical insurance plans: 

Another setback to growing Indian Health care system is the lack of structured payment mechanism and insurance support.
Only five to seven percent of Indian population comes under health insurance policies. And this only includes the urban and high income population. The rest are forced to make huge payments that drive them towards the poverty line.
Well, all is not bad and there are thousands of reasons to celebrate the growth and development of Indian Health care system. Private hospitals render unmatched services. Indian doctors are of the potential of being the most efficient and skilled professionals if supported by sufficient technical advents and quality infrastructure.
Today, India is the best medical destination for people abroad as it offers impeccable services at very affordable prices as far as tourists are concerned. Fighting the above mentioned drawbacks will definitely make India the largest and the best health care industry globally.
, ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)