World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day is observed on 25 April every year to recognize global efforts to fight malaria globally. The day is organized by the WHO and was established in the 60th session of the World Health Assembly in May 2007. The day was formed to present information and improves understanding of malaria and spread information on “year-long intensified implementation of national malaria-control strategies, including community-based activities for malaria prevention and treatment in endemic areas.”

 The day was established to provide “education and understanding of malaria” and spread information on World Malaria Day 2020 WHO and RBM form a partnership to end malaria with the campaign “Zero malaria starts with me” a campaign aimed to keep malaria high on the political agenda, organize additional resources, and authorize local authorities to take ownership of prevention and care of the disease. 

The report for 2019 shows that no substantial gains have been made in reducing the number of malaria cases between 2014 and 2018. The zero malaria campaign wants to engage more members in civil society from political leaders controlling governmental policy, the private sector that will benefit from a malaria-free workforce, and the local communities affected by malaria.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is transmitted by infected mosquitoes bites. the parasite causing malaria Plasmodium parasites and is spread through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes, called “malaria vectors”. The symptoms of the disease occur 10 to 15 days after being bitten by the infected mosquitoes. Children with severe malaria can have symptoms such as severe anemia and respiratory distress. Adults can go in multi-organ failure

Symptoms of malaria are:-

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle pain and fatigue.

There two major types of malaria in India Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum Malaria is common in Asia, Africa, and South America.  

To diagnose malaria the doctor will review your medical history, conduct a thorough physical exam. The doctor near me will order blood tests at home. The blood tests detect the type of malaria parasite and confirm the presence of the parasite.  

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease. If diagnosed early malaria can be treated with no complications. Treatment option depends on the severity of the disease, the type of parasite, and if ant malarial tablets were taken. The doctor near me may treat your condition with a combination of the drugs. 

India has been showing declining trends of malaria from 2 million cases in 2001 to 1 million cases in 2017. India still has 90% of the cases in South East Asia. Global targets cannot be achieved without involving India.

The Government of India developed the National Framework of Malaria Elimination and National Strategic Plan (NSP, 2017-18) with the aim to eliminate malaria in Category 1 and category 2 districts in 2022. Category 3 or high transmission districts aims to bring it under pre-elimination status.

The NSP is initially targeting low and moderate transmission districts (Category 1 and category 2). Surveillance is an important part of the malaria elimination program aimed at assessing transmission and thereby ranking it for interventions and monitoring the impact of the intervention. Rapid Diagnostic Testing for people who live in malaria districts has improved diagnosis.

To prevent the spread of malaria  you need to prevent mosquito bites.  There are effective measures suggested by the government:-

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common gum disease (periodontal disease) causing irritation, redness, and swelling in the gingival (the part of your gums at the base of your teeth). You must treat gingivitis seriously before it progresses further. Gingivitis if left untreated can lead to severe gum diseases called periodontitis and tooth loss.

Gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and dental visits at least twice a year are important steps that can be taken to prevent and reverse gingivitis.

The types of gingivitis are:-

  • Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) is associated with specific bacterial species and stress. ANUG is also known as Trench Mouth or Vincent’s infection. Symptoms of ANUG are fever and weakness, enlarged lymph nodes, mouth pain, and excessive salvia. Acute
  • Actinomycotic Gingivitis is rare. Symptoms include redness, burning pain, and may not respond to conventional gingivitis treatment. Actinomyciotic gingivitis may be treated by anti-fungal treatment. Pregnancy gingivitis affects pregnant women. Elevated levels of hormones can cause the condition. Estrogen and progesterone levels can cause blood vessels to enlarge, which makes gums more sensitive to plaque. Your gums can become red, swollen, and tender. Pregnancy gingivitis is temporary and responds to regular brushing and flossing.
  • Diabetic gingivitis is a common condition. Some complications because of diabetes include dry mouth, burning tongue, and gingivitis.

Symptoms

Healthy gums are pink and fitted tightly around the teeth. Symptoms of gingivitis are:-

  • Swollen red gums
  • Bleeding gums, especially while brushing or flossing.
  • Tooth pain or sensitivity when exposed to cold or hot food. Tooth sensitivity is caused when your gums pull away from your gums.
  • Loose teeth or changes in the way your teeth fit when you bite down. 

If you notice the sign of gingivitis, it is important to visit the best dentist in Pune. Gingivitis is reversible but must be treated before the disease progresses to periodontitis.

Causes

Gingivitis is caused because of poor dental hygiene. Poor oral hygiene causes plaque to form on the teeth causing inflammation of the gums. Other causes of gingivitis include

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and menstruation.
  • Illnesses that affect the immune system or chronic conditions such as diabetes.
  • Medications can impact oral health.
  • Family history of dental problems
  • Smoking
  • Diagnosis
  • The best dentist in Pune will give you a thorough oral examination during which they will examine your:-
  • Gums to look for signs of swelling, bleeding, and firmness.
  • Teeth for movement and teeth sensitivity.
  • Bite to check for teeth alignment
  • X-ray to detect breakdown of bone surroundings.

Treatment

The best dentist in Pune will treat gingivitis depending on its severity. Your dentist will aim to reduce swelling and redness, depth of pockets, reduce the infection, and prevent gingivitis from progressing to more serious gum diseases.

Prevention

Gingivitis is a preventable and reversible condition. Steps you can take to take care of your teeth

  • Maintaining proper oral hygiene such as brushing twice a day.
  • Using a soft bristle brush to be replaced after three months.
  • Floss daily and use mouthwash.
  • Schedule periodic visits to a dentist near me.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common gum disease (periodontal disease) causing irritation, redness, and swelling in the gingival (the part of your gums at the base of your teeth). You must treat gingivitis seriously before it progresses further. Gingivitis if left untreated can lead to severe gum diseases called periodontitis and tooth loss.

Gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and dental visits at least twice a year are important steps that can be taken to prevent and reverse gingivitis.

The types of gingivitis are:-

  • Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) is associated with specific bacterial species and stress. ANUG is also known as Trench Mouth or Vincent’s infection. Symptoms of ANUG are fever and weakness, enlarged lymph nodes, mouth pain, and excessive salvia. Acute
  • Actinomycotic Gingivitis is rare. Symptoms include redness, burning pain, and may not respond to conventional gingivitis treatment. Actinomyciotic gingivitis may be treated by anti-fungal treatment. Pregnancy gingivitis affects pregnant women. Elevated levels of hormones can cause the condition. Estrogen and progesterone levels can cause blood vessels to enlarge, which makes gums more sensitive to plaque. Your gums can become red, swollen, and tender. Pregnancy gingivitis is temporary and responds to regular brushing and flossing.
  • Diabetic gingivitis is a common condition. Some complications because of diabetes include dry mouth, burning tongue, and gingivitis.

Symptoms

Healthy gums are pink and fitted tightly around the teeth. Symptoms of gingivitis are:-

  • Swollen red gums
  • Bleeding gums, especially while brushing or flossing.
  • Tooth pain or sensitivity when exposed to cold or hot food. Tooth sensitivity is caused when your gums pull away from your gums.
  • Loose teeth or changes in the way your teeth fit when you bite down. 

If you notice the sign of gingivitis, it is important to visit the best dentist in Pune. Gingivitis is reversible but must be treated before the disease progresses to periodontitis.

Causes

Gingivitis is caused because of poor dental hygiene. Poor oral hygiene causes plaque to form on the teeth causing inflammation of the gums. Other causes of gingivitis include

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and menstruation.
  • Illnesses that affect the immune system or chronic conditions such as diabetes.
  • Medications can impact oral health.
  • Family history of dental problems
  • Smoking
  • Diagnosis
  • The best dentist in Pune will give you a thorough oral examination during which they will examine your:-
  • Gums to look for signs of swelling, bleeding, and firmness.
  • Teeth for movement and teeth sensitivity.
  • Bite to check for teeth alignment
  • X-ray to detect breakdown of bone surroundings.

Treatment

The best dentist in Pune will treat gingivitis depending on its severity. Your dentist will aim to reduce swelling and redness, depth of pockets, reduce the infection, and prevent gingivitis from progressing to more serious gum diseases.

Prevention

Gingivitis is a preventable and reversible condition. Steps you can take to take care of your teeth

  • Maintaining proper oral hygiene such as brushing twice a day.
  • Using a soft bristle brush to be replaced after three months.
  • Floss daily and use mouthwash.
  • Schedule periodic visits to a dentist near me.

Double Vision (Diplopia)

Double vision or Diplopia is the perception of seeing two images of a single object. The images are seen adjoining one another (horizontal, vertical, or obliquely) or the images overlap. Double vision can be classified into:- Monocular double vision occurs when double images are perceived in one eye Binocular double vision when each eye sees a single image when tested alone but sees a double image when both eyes are open. Symptoms Symptoms of double vision can be identified easily. The symptoms of diplopia are:- Two images are adjacent or the images overlap. Double visions sometimes occur in specific circumstances – you may be looking at an object near you or a distance or in a particular direction. Double vision can vary through the day and be more pronounced when you are tired or exhausted. Double vision can vary when you blink. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, dizziness, and nausea. Book an ophthalmologist in Mumbai if you are experiencing double vision. It may be a symptom of a more serious problem. Cause The cause of double vision depends on the type of double vision:- Monocular double vision occurs when you see double images in one eye. The double vision continues even when the other eye is covered. Double vision persists if you look are looking in a different direction. Monocular double vision is caused by:- Astigmatism is when there an abnormal curvature of the surface of the cornea. Keratoconus occurs when the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped. Pterygium is the thickening of the cornea. Cataracts are a condition when your lens becomes less transparent. A dislocated lens occurs when your lens breaks or moves out of place. Swelling of the eyelid. Dry eye or when your eye does not produce enough tears. Retinal problems occur when your retina is not completely smooth. Binocular double vision is due to the misalignment of the eyes. The double vision stops when one eye is covered. The problem with the extraocular muscles (muscles around the eyeball controlling direction) can cause binocular double vision. Possible causes for binocular double vision are:- Strabismus or eye misalignment is seen in children below 6 years. Damage to nerves controlling the extraocular muscles due to a stroke, multiple sclerosis, head trauma, or tumors. Diabetes can damage the nerves that control your eye muscles. Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular illness that can cause body muscles from becoming weak. Graves Disease is caused by an overactive thyroid. Trauma to the eye muscles occurs when your eye socket gets damaged due to facial trauma. Diagnosis The best ophthalmologist in Mumbai will start by reviewing your medical history. During your medical history, the doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms such as whether the condition was gradual or sudden, the duration, frequency of the problem (constant or intermittent), if fatigue aggravates the condition and direction of the gaze when the problem becomes more pronounced. They will note down any associated symptoms with double vision and any other eye problems that you may have. The ophthalmologist near me will conduct a thorough eye examination. They will assess your eye health including measuring the vision in each eye to evaluate if you have monocular or binocular double vision. The eye alignment in various head positions will be determined. Some eye tests may include dilating the eye. They may order the following tests:- MRI Scan Blood tests at home Neurological Examination Treatment The best ophthalmologist in Mumbai will treat double vision depending on the cause of the problem. Diplomia for refractive eye problems astigmatism can be treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses Medication may be prescribed for dry eyes. Corneal irregularities can be treated with eye surgery or laser surgery. In some cases treating diplomia may be treated by treating the underlying cause. Diplomia may need urgent emergency treatment in cases such as stroke

Symptoms and Causes of Ringworms.

Ringworms are rashes caused by a fungal infection. Ringworm is a common skin infection with a circular rash and is usually red and itchy. We also call ringworms, tinea, or dermatophytosis. 

Ringworms is a contagious fungal condition. It spread from skin to skin contact with an infected animal or person. Mild ringworm usually responds to antifungal medication that you can apply to the affected area. For severe cases of ringworms, they may prescribe you antifungal medication. 

Symptoms

Ringworm can affect any part of your skin as well as toenails and fingernails. The symptoms of the ringworm depend on the location of the infection. Typical symptoms of ringworms are:-

  • A scaly ring-shaped area with cracked skin.
  • Itchy skin.
  • A clear area inside the ring that may contain a few bumps.
  • Raised patch defined with expanding rings.
  • Overlapping rings.

Different types of Ringworms are:-

  • Tinea corporate is the most common type of Ringworms and affects the skin on the body.
  • Tinea capitis is the fungal infection on the scalp. The infection resembles a bald spot. The size of the infection may grow, or you may have several bald spots as the infection spreads. Tinea capitis is more common in children than in adults. 
  • Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot is an infection on the foot. Symptoms of Athlete’s foot are red, swollen, peeling, and itchy skin between the toes. The sole and heel can also get infected. We see blistering is severe cases. 
  • Tinea Curtis or jock itch is a fungal infection in the groin. The rash looks like scaly, itchy, and red spots on the inner side of the folds of the thigh. 
  • Tinea barbae is a fungal infection in the beard and includes scaly, itchy, and red spots on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck. The spots may ooze pus and affected hair may fall out. 

Book a dermatologist in Pune does not improve after two weeks of using over the counter antifungal medication. 

Causes

Ringworms is an infectious fungal condition caused by a mold-like parasite that lives on cells in the outer layer of your skin. The infection can spread in the following wars:-

  • Human to human contact: Ringworms can spread when you have direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.  
  • Human to animal contact: You can get ringworm when you touch an animal with ringworm infection. 
  • Object to human contact: Ringworms can spread you use an object that an infected person or animal has touched. E.g. comb, towel, bedding, etc. 
  • Environmental contact: Ringworms can spread when you use public showers or locker rooms.

Diagnosis 

The best dermatologist in Pune will diagnose the condition by looking at your infected skin. They may take some scrapping from your skin to observe it under the microscope for fungal culture. 

Treatment

The best dermatologist in Pune may prescribe stronger antifungal creams, lotions, or ointments. If the infection is very severe, they may prescribe anti-fungal medication.

Prevention

We can prevent ringworms if we:-

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  • Keep our skin clean and dry.
  • Wear shoes that allow air to circulate freely around our feet.
  • Don’t walk barefoot into public showers.
  • Keep our fingernails and toenails short and clean.
  • Avoid sharing towels, clothing or other personal items.
  • Wash our hands and feet thoroughly after playing with pets. Take the pet to the vet if we suspect the animal is infected with ringworms. 

Scoliosis Treatment, Causes, Symptoms & Surgery

 

Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine that can occur during a growth spurt just before puberty. Your spine is made up of rectangular shaped blocks called vertebrae. Usually, your spine appears long and straight. With Scoliosis the spine occurs curved in the shape of a C or S with a rotation of the vertebrae. The curvature gives the appearance that the person with scoliosis is leaning to one side.

Scoliosis is generally mild but sometimes the spine deformities become more serious as the child grows. A severe spinal curvature can reduce the amount of space within the chest for your lungs causing breathing difficulty.

Scoliosis affects around 3% of children in India. Children with scoliosis are monitored closely. The disorder often requires no treatment. 

Scoliosis can be classified into:-

  • Congenital Scoliosis is diagnosed in early childhood or infancy. As the child grows the condition may deteriorate as the child grows and the body may develop asymmetrically. 
  • Idiopathic scoliosis develops before adolescence starts usually when the child is 10. It is the most common type of scoliosis.
  • Neuromuscular scoliosis can develop due to an underlying neuromuscular condition. Children with cerebral palsy, spinal Bifida, and muscular dystrophy are at higher risk of developing the condition. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of scoliosis are:-

  • Uneven shoulder height.
  • Shoulder blades are not symmetric one blade appears to be more prominent.
  • The Head is not centered properly. 
  • Uneven waist or hips.
  • A visible asymmetry in the ribs when seen from the front or back.

Book an orthopedic doctor in Patna if you notice symptoms of scoliosis in your child. 

Causes

Doctors and researchers are unsure what causes scoliosis but it may be genetic. Other causes of scoliosis are other neuromuscular disorders. Scoliosis can be caused by a congenital defect that affects the development of your child’s spinal bones. Spinal injury or infection can also cause the disorder. 

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of scoliosis will help in successfully treating the disorder. The best orthopedic doctor in Patna will start by evaluating your child’s medical history and conducting a thorough physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will evaluate muscle weakness, numbness, and reflexes. 

They may order the following tests:-

  • Imaging tests such as X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
  • MRI or CT Scans may be ordered if they suspect any other underlying condition. 

Treatment

The best orthopedic doctor in Patna treats scoliosis based on the severity of the curvature. Children with mild scoliosis may need regular checkups. Factors that the orthopedic doctor considers while making a treatment plan are:-

  • The type of scoliosis helps the doctor formulate a treatment plan.
  • The severity and curve pattern of the curvature.
  • The location of the curvature.
  •  The sex and age of the child.

Treatment plans include observation, bracing, and surgery. 

Bracing prevents further deterioration of the curvature. The braces are typically made of plastic and are almost invisible under the clothes. Your child can stop wearing the brace once they stop growing.

The orthopedic doctor near me may suggest a spinal surgery to reduce the severity of the curvature and prevent it from worsening. 

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今週のお題「遠くへ行きたい」

COVID-19 testing

The COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11th March 2020. As of 31st March 2020 7, 77,798 cases of COVID-19 and 37,272 deaths. As of 31st March India reported 1,637 cases and 38 deaths. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, dry cough, breathing difficulty, and body ache. 80% of patients recover without any serious complications. COVID-19 spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs and spreads the infected droplets. COVID-19 can spread through direct or indirect contact. The COVID-19 virus can last on surfaces and clothes for many days. Touching your nose, mouth or eyes after touching the infected surface can transmit disease. The virus can be in incubation for up to 14 days before you show any symptoms. The virus can be transmitted even if you are asymptomatic. 

Right now testing is done if you have symptoms of the infection, have recently traveled overseas, or been in close contact with someone who has traveled overseas or been in contact with someone infected. The government of India is trying hard to prevent the transmission of COVID -19 into stage 3.

Before you get tested you need a prescription COVID-19 from a qualified physician, you will need a government ID, and filled form.  Your test results can be shared with government agencies.

Testing of COVID-19 involves taking swabs from your nose or the back of your throat. Aspirate fluid from the respiratory tract, blood test, or salvia or stool sample can also be collected. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test or RT-PCR is the recommended test to diagnose COVID-19. Your samples are collected by trained lab technicians wearing a bio-hazard suit.  Results are generally available within a few hours or 2 days. Two genes can be found within the SARS-Co-V2-genome. Your test results can be:-

  • Positive if both genes are found
  • Inconclusive if only one gene is found
  • Negative if no gene is found.

The ICMR or Indian Council of Medical Research has approved 176 labs and 47 private labs for the COVID-19 test. The Cobs SARS CoV-2 by Roche was the first test approved by the ICMR. The TaqPath COVID019 Combo Kit from Thermo Fisher is in the process of getting validated. Three Indian manufacturers are in the process of getting validated. 

Private testing labs have been asked to use probes and reagents approved by the FDA. These tests are expensive. India needs to develop mass-produced kits within the country to keep the cost down. While developing these systems the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity have to tested and certified before being approved for further use. 

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