India’s Concern Called Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis or TB in India is one of the top most concerns which still affect the health sector of the country. India has the highest burden of TB cases in the whole world. Out of the total of 9 million cases of Tuberculosis in the world, 2.1 million cases exit in India. The figures, which were released by the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), also state that an alarming 40% of the Indians suffer from TB. Let us look at some of the reasons which put India in this seat of infamy.

The average living conditions in India is ideal for the TB bacteria to grow and spread. With 21.9%, of the total population, living below the poverty line, the stage gets set for unsanitary conditions, cases of poor nutrition and compromised immune system. In fact the lack of proper nutrition during the period of treatment is a very prominent reason for cases of relapses and failures in Tuberculosis Treatment. The large population of India also makes containment of the disease a difficult affair.

Another important factor, which makes a devil out of Tuberculosis in India, is the lack of awareness about the disease. Most of the TB patients wait till they are in the later stages of the disease. The similarity, of the symptoms with the common cold, often deters and delays visits to the Pulmonologist or Lung Specialist. It is a serious matter requiring immediate attention as Tuberculosis kills 50% of the infected, if left untreated.

Play your part in India’s fight against Tuberculosis. Visit your nearest center for Tuberculosis Treatment and get expert advice on the same. Also, any signs of cold should be taken seriously and followed with a visit to a Lung Specialist. If you wait too long, you may discover the wolf called TB in a sheep’s clothing.    

Which are the Best Foods for Your Lungs?

Taking proper care of your Lungs is an important requirement for leading a healthy life. Aside from the medications prescribed by your Pulmonologist, a few foods have shown to have helpful effects for the Lungs. We present a few of them, which aids the Lungs in performing the vital function of life called respiration, here in this blog. Keep these in your regular diet to reduce the risk of Lung Diseases.

Apples

A British study showed that the risk of Asthma reduced by 32% in people who consumed 2 to 5 apples every week. The flavonoids, present in the apples, help open the airways and provide a better supply of air to the Lungs.

Fruits & Vegetables with Vitamin C

Fruits and vegetables, which have high amounts of Vitamin C, should also be a part of your diet. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant which fights the free radicals to keep your Lungs safe. Some of the fruits which contain Vitamin C in abundance are orange, broccoli, sprouts, tomatoes, etc.

Carrots  

Beta-carotene, found in carrots, is another strong antioxidant. Carrots are also beneficial for the overall immune system of the body and have been known to be helpful in case of Lung Diseases, especially Asthma.

Flax Seeds

Magnesium, present in flax seeds, has a relaxing effect on the bronchi muscles and keeps them open. The bronchi are the airways which lead to the Lungs and keeping them open is vital for uninterrupted respiration.

Garlic

Garlic has special status in the traditional treatment of a lot of diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties can prove to be helpful in the smooth functioning of the respiration system. Garlic also contains Allicin, which is a powerful antioxidant.

Use the above foods in your diet so that your Lungs can continue to faithfully carry on the life function of respiration. Also, make that visit to a Lung Specialist or Pulmonologist a regular affair, just to be sure.   

Swine Flu Prevention Tips from the Best Pulmonologist in Delhi Gurgaon

The Swine Flu outbreak in India has already claimed 703 lives since January, 2015. As the masks slowly come out in the populous Delhi & NCR, Dr. Himanshu Garg, one of the Best Pulmonologists in Delhi & Gurgaon, mentions the following tips to keep Swine Flu at Bay.

Keep Your Mouth & Nose Covered

It is very important to protect yourself from the virus of Swine Flu spreading through coughs and sneezes. The virus stays alive in the sneeze or cough droplets even after several hours. It is actually very easy to get infected by inhaling these viruses. Thus, cover your mouth and nose if someone coughs or sneezes nearby.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Touching objects, like door handles, keyboards etc., which have been infected by the swine flu virus, is another way by which you can get infected with the Swine Flu virus. Washing your hands frequently with soap or applying alcohol based disinfectant is an effective way of staying safe from the swine flu virus.

Drink Plenty of Water

One of ways, to ensure that you are free from Swine Flu, is to monitor the quantity and quality of your urine. Drink lots of water and ensure that there is no decrease in urination.

Taking care of the above tips has become important during present times. Although cure for Swine Flu exists, prevention is better than cure. Pay a visit to your Pulmonologist if symptoms like sore throat, cough, fever, body ache etc. lasts more than a couple of days. 

Everything You Need to Know About Pulmonology

Pulmonology is that branch of medical science which deals with the diseases of the respiratory tract. A Pulmonologist, therefore, treats the ailments of the heart and lungs. These ailments include, but are not restricted to, Pneumonia, Asthma, Lung Cancer, Tuberculosis, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis (COPD), Allergic Diseases, Complicated Chest Infections, Sarcoidosis, and other Vasculitic Illnesses involving the Lungs. Since Pulmonology involves 2 of the most vital organs of the heart, a Pulmonologist also has to be an expert in critical care medicine or intensive care medicine, as the patient may also need life support in extreme cases.

The diagnosis of a heart or lung problem usually begins with a review of the most common causes of such problems. These include hereditary diseases, toxins like tobacco smoke, air pollutants, asbestos, and infections from birds, etc. A physical diagnosis then follows, where the Pulmonologist examines for unusual sound in breathing, respiratory rate, etc. Depending on the severity of the situation, a complete cardiac inspection is also performed most of the times.

The treatment, in most of the cases, start with medication, usually via inhalation or oral administration. However, surgical procedures may also be required and in extreme cases, the patient is also placed in external life support systems as mentioned above. A change in the lifestyle of the patient is also of equal importance. Regular exercises, a stress-free life, and proper sleep play a vital role in ensuring that a relapse does not occur.

As can be clearly seen, visiting a Pulmonologist, is trusting him with your life. Make sure that you visit a well-known, experienced, and qualified Pulmonologist if the requirement arises. You will find one of the Best Pulmonologistsin Delhi and Gurgaon in Dr Himanshu Garg,Respiratory and Sleep Cure Solutions.