Health care – Page 9 – Dr Faisal Dar

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Organ Donation – An Insight

The month of April is celebrated as organ donation awareness month. Have you ever wondered how can you leave an impact after your death? Is there a way to keep living after your departure? The answer is yes, you can. By donating your organs after death, your heart may keep on singing in someone else’s chest. Your lungs may keep on spreading life in someone else’s body.

Organ donation is one of the most sacred things you can do. This gives you the power to be the source of hope and second life for a dying person. The process of removing organs from the body is done very carefully while maintaining the dignity of the body. After death, this karma will keep on benefiting you.

First of all, what is organ transplantation?

Organ transplantation means the removal of an organ from one body and its placement in another body. When any organ is damaged beyond repair it is transplanted by getting the donor organ and the person who receives it is called the recipient.

The most commonly transplanted organs are the heart, liver, pancreas, and intestine. Apart from organ, tissue transplantation is also common. Corneal transplant in case of trauma or diseased cornea, skin transplantation in burn patients is a daily practice in many settings.

Why people are reluctant to donate organs?

Social Causes

Many myths attached to organ donation. People think that government owns the donated organs. Their organs are used for research purposes in labs without their consent. That’s not true at all. Government has no authority over donated organs. Organ donation for research is another process. The donor gives written consent, allowing the concerned person to perform experiments on donated organs.

Religious Reasons

Many people think that their religion prohibits the donation of organs. It confirmed that every religion gives the message of peace and hope. Organ donation is not against religious practices. It can help save many lives. One person can be a source of a second life for almost seven patients with end-state damage to their organs.

Cosmetic Reasons

People fear that undergoing surgery for organ donation will leave them all covered with grotesque scars. The truth is that these operations are done with extreme dignity and by highly skilled surgeons. The scars are barely visible and if the donor wants plastic surgery, it can make them disappear like if they weren’t there at first.

What is organ donation after death?

When a person dies, the organs stay alive for about 30 minutes. They can be preserved for further use. In case of brain death, as a result of serious injury, the brain dies but the heart keeps on beating. After putting the patient on a ventilator, the family could be asked about the organ donation.

Conclusion

Organ donation a long-lasting and priceless gift you can give to anyone. People from different ethnicities and races need to come forward and donate because it enhances the chances of successful transplantation. In case of differences in genetics, transplant failure occurs. Deceased organ donation can easily fulfill the need and can cut off the need for living donations.

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Effect of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) on Mental Health

– Advice for newly diagnosed patients –

Physical illness has a direct impact on mental health like mental disturbance can cause deterioration of physical wellbeing. After the first episode of cancer and recovery, remission is the next big thing to deal with. It can awaken all the fears and doubts sleeping within. This blog is focused on the after-effects of cancer and different ways to combat them.

There are few of the basic steps you can take to maintain mental peace and strength;

Acceptance

First thing is to accept the situation and not go against it. Embrace your fears and doubts and learn to live within the present moment. Look for different support groups and therapy sessions. At present time, many online self-help sessions are also easily available.

Daily meditation and talk to a therapist can help a lot. Moderate exercise is good for mood swings and depressive spells. Making yourself busy in knowing the ways to make your life better is crucial to keep yourself away from despair.

Mindset

Anything you feed yourself has a huge impact on your physical and mental health. This feeding includes the kind of thoughts you predominantly have on your mind. Our thoughts generate certain hormones production and can invoke a physical response. They control our moods and actions.

Look for New Opportunities

Having a positive mindset and thinking optimistically can make this fight easy. Embracing your new self can help you see new horizons. You will realize the value of life and how precious every single moment is. Develop the insight and this will help you recognize true friends.

You can become a real companion by using this power of insight by helping many people struggling with the same disease. This is the most appropriate way to keep yourself motivated by listing down all the things you want to experience. Must make a real effort to accomplish those milestones.

Healthy Eating

Feeding yourself more healthy fruits and vegetables instead of binge eating office donuts is a remarkable change. Clearing junk out of your life makes you more disciplined. You take care of people you are meeting with, the places you are visiting because it will have an impact on your health. This is a necessary hack everyone should learn.

Social Media – Be a Source of Motivation

Talking to other patients & fighters and encouraging them has a positive effect on your own resilience. It decreases the feeling of loneliness.

Medical Treatment of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

For the initial stages, surgery is the main therapy. For late stages, surgery is followed by the chemotherapy and if required, radiotherapy can be added too. Metastatic disease, therapies directed on the liver are employed. These include ablative therapies and embolization techniques.

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer is expected to increase among young patients by 2030. Maintaining healthy thoughts has a good impact on the recovery of all young and old patients. Being a friend of a cancer patient requires a lot of courage and patience. Family members must educate themselves about the disease and the struggles their loved one is going through. Working on mental health is equally important to maintaining physical health.

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Impact of Colorectal Cancer on people’s lives

Colorectal Cancer can change the life of person up to 360 degrees. Life of a cancer patient is like a pandemic that is full uncertainty. For a cancer patient, the life crumbles right in front of him, not knowing where it would eventually take him and what would be the end results. With hopelessness looming around, knowing about the risk factors and listening to the stories of other brave warriors fighting the cancer, gives you much-need motivation and a comfort level.

How colorectal cancer affects the lives of patients?

It can cause Embarrassment

Colorectal cancer is associated with poop, farts, and examination of parts people are not comfortable exposing. So, talking about the symptoms and different interventions can be uncomfortable for many. Breaking the news of cancer in itself is devastating sending patients into the realm of despair and depression.

Depression & Worthlessness

It requires a lot of courage to fight cancer. Chemotherapy can cause loss of hair and decreased immunity putting patients at risk of infections. Frequent hospital follow-ups as well as different therapies can be financially and emotionally straining.

The life of cancer patients is different from normal people living around them. Patients may be normal in one second and maybe rolling with abdominal pain in the very next moment, it’s better to avoid comparison.

FACTORS LEADING TO CANCER

Genetics

Many different factors are responsible for cancer development. A non-avoidable risk factor is a genetic predisposition. Lynch syndrome is one of them. It is characterized by younger-onset colorectal carcinoma.

It is hereditary and the affected gene can be passed to the next generation too. Lynch syndrome is also known as hereditary no polyposis colorectal carcinoma. The earliest feature is a non-cancerous mushroom-like outgrowth in the colon or rectum. These growths later develop into cancers and invade the wall of the colon. In later stages, cancer can spread to distant organs too.

Age

Usually, cancer used to be more common among elder people more than 50 years of age. Now its number is increasing among young individuals too. In genetically affected people, it develops much earlier. According to recent facts and figures, people less than 50 years of age are two times more prone to developing colorectal cancer.

Known case of IBS

Family History of Colorectal Cancer

Ethnicity

PRECAUTIONS

Early Screening

People with a known family history are at higher risks of developing cancer at an early age so it is recommended to undergo colonoscopies for early detection. Screening starts at 45 years of age. If polyps are present, they can be removed before their conversion into cancerous growths.

Diet

Adding lots of vegetables, fruits and grains in a balanced proportion can decrease the chances of developing colorectal carcinoma.

Physical Activity

Physically inactive people are at increased risk of developing cancer. Last but not the least, stop smoking today to save yourself from cancer.

Treatment

The chances of beating cancer depend on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Staging means to what extent cancer has invaded the different parts of the bowel wall and surrounding organs.

After complete cure, remissions can occur and that can be a lot of hassle for the patients. Treatment options can vary from patient to patient. The typical route is to go for surgery first and then several chemotherapy sessions.

Palliative treatment is given in case of advanced cancer. It maximizes the chances of survival and provides symptomatic treatment to the patient. This treatment makes life easy and close to normal.

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What is colorectal cancer?

No one is ever too young to get colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer was once common among people over 50 years of age. According to new facts and figures rate of incidence is increasing among people younger than 50. It is not easy to read about the life-threatening disease but knowing about the red flags beforehand may help in early diagnosis. The earlier it is diagnosed the better is the prognosis.

What does colorectal cancer mean?

The colon is the terminal part of the large intestine and rectum connects it to the anus. Cancer that develops in the colon and rectum is called colorectal cancer. It starts in form of polyps. Polyps small abnormal flat bumps or mushroom-like outgrowths. These later evolve into carcinoma. If it diagnosed at the polyposis stage it can be easily treated with the most favorable outcomes.

In advanced stages, cancer can breach the bowel wall and spreads to lymph nodes and other organs like the liver, lungs, and other organs. This blog is determined to educate you more about colorectal cancer to create awareness and cure cancer within a lifetime.

Correlation of colorectal cancer with age

According to some recently done research, colorectal cancer is twice as common in young people. Registered cases of cancer are decreasing in older people. 10% of cases were registered with patients less than 50 years. In young people it is diagnosed at late stages and predominantly affects the distal part of the colon or rectum.

People with a family history of colorectal cancer or genetic predisposition must be screened before 50 years of age.

Learn some statistics

It is the second leading cause of death in both men and women in the US. It is the third commonest diagnosed cancer.

Average risk in men= 1 in 23 men

Average risk in women= 1 in 28 women can be diagnosed with this cancer.

Ethnicity can also be a contributing factor; colorectal cancer is most commonly diagnosed among African Americans with the highest mortality rate.

When is the time to visit the doctor?

The top five risk factors are:

Old age
Ethnicity
Positive family history
History of inflammatory bowel disease
Genetic disorders (Lynch syndrome)

The commonest symptom of colorectal cancer is that there is NO symptom. Majority of young patients present with no history of any specific signs and symptoms.

If there is any change in bowel habits

If you are experiencing alternate diarrhea and constipation intermittently or constantly you must visit your doctor. You can have the sensation of incomplete emptying after defecation.

If your stool has blood in it

The blood could be fresh, bright red or the stool can be black or brick red.

Have you been experiencing abdominal discomfort?

In case of abdominal cramps, bloating and abdominal pain with other symptoms, it’s time to see your doctor.

Feeling fatigued with unexplained weight loss

The pet symptom of any cancer is feeling fatigued and tired along with weight loss in the past few months.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer don’t wait for the symptoms to appear, the earlier you undergo screening for colorectal cancer the better the outcome.

How to manage the disease and its after-effects?

In the newly diagnosed patient stage of colorectal cancer directs further interventions.

What is the staging process?

Staging tells us to what extent cancer has spread in the bowel and surrounding areas.

A	The only mucosa of the bowel wall is involved
B1	Cancer has spread to the muscular part but the serosa(outermost lining) is not involved
B2	Cancer has spread to serosa.
C1	Muscle wall plus local lymph nodes
C2	Serosa plus local lymph nodes
D	Spread to distant organ

For stage A, Surgery is the main treatment option.

For stages B, C, and D, surgery with chemotherapy is preferable.

In stage D interventional radiological techniques are also applied.

After diagnosis, you can ask your doctor different questions like

What is the stage of cancer and what is the best treatment option for this stage?
You can ask about the side effects of chemotherapy.
You can get information about the local cancer support groups.
How much your work life will get affected by this treatment?
Will it affect the fertility rate if you are of childbearing age?
How many follow-ups and hospital visits are required?

Colorectal cancer and its psychological effects

Getting to know that you are suffering from cancer is disturbing news. You may feel your life is coming to an end and you don’t understand a thing. After denial and anger, you may feel depressed.

It is better to talk to family members and seek help for depression. Know that it’s normal to feel this way but you have to take care of yourself by engaging in daily exercise, meditation, and mindful practices. Musical therapies are also present.

Conclusion:

Colorectal cancer diagnosis can change life 360 degrees. Through this blog, determined to make this overwhelming process a lot better. Different questions you can ask and the decision to choose the best treatment option can be made easier with different guidelines provided here.

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Gastroenteritis – Symptoms & Treatment

Introduction:

Gastroenteritis the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract mainly caused by viruses but also some bacteria, parasites, and fungi. More prevalent in third world countries due to unhygienic conditions. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, low-grade fever, and abdominal cramps. A self-resolving condition but can become complicated and life-threatening if severe dehydration and bloody stools occur. Antibiotics are often not needed, ORS and symptomatic management, preferred to avoid any complications.

Gastroenteritis:

Gastroenteritis the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract mainly caused by viruses (sometimes bacteria, parasites, and fungus) and characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, and asthenia. Contaminated food and water can spread the infection. The infection may resolve within two weeks.

Gastroenteritis commonly resolves by itself but severe complications may develop in some cases. In some third world countries, the leading cause of infants death. Complications of gastroenteritis included dehydration. Vomiting for more than two days in adults and for several hours in children. High-grade fever, bloody diarrhea, blood in vomit, severe abdominal cramps, and irritability in children.

Clinical presentation, Signs, and Symptoms

Gastroenteritis is predominantly caused by viruses ( Particularly rotavirus) and the bacteria E.coli and Campylobacter species. Other less common causative agents no parasites and fungi. Noninfectious agents may also cause these diseases but very uncommon. Children, immunocompromised, and people who ignore hygiene practices highly vulnerable.

Gastroenteritis is characterized by diarrhea with or without vomiting, low-grade fever, abdominal cramps, headache, and muscle pain. The symptoms start to appear between 12 and 72 hours of contacting infection and resolve by itself with 3 to 9 days. The symptoms may continue to present for weeks in children and immunocompromised individuals. If their blood in diarrhea the causative agent probably not a virus.

Gastroenteritis clinically diagnosed by the symptoms present. Blood tests are rarely needed, stool culture performed if food poisoning suspected. In very old age and young children, serum glucose level and kidney function might need to monitor.

Gastroenteritis may cause severe dehydration clinically presented by sunken eyes, irritability, poor skin turgor, and abnormal breathing. The inhabitants of the area with poor sanitation may experience repeated infections causing stunted growth and poor cognitive abilities in children.

Treatments:

Gastroenteritis is an acute, self-limiting disease. Hands washed with soap and contaminated food should avoid. Enough fluid intake advised. If there a risk of dehydration, ORS should be used. If the patient unconscious or severely dehydrated then intravenous infusion used instead of ORS.

Antibiotics not necessary except in extreme cases where the causative agent is known. Macrolide a better choice than fluoroquinolones. Antiemetic agents such as metoclopramide are used to control vomiting. Antispasmodic can prescribe sometimes but motility modulators are best avoided. A rotavirus vaccine also available and recommended by the WHO.

Conclusion:

Gastroenteritis the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by viruses, bacterias, parasites, fungi, and other nonpathogenic agents. Self-limiting disease and often don’t need any medications. As it causes diarrhea and vomiting so dehydration the main risk factor esp in children. Gastroenteritis prevented by using a rotavirus vaccine, by avoiding contaminated food, and by following simple hygienic practices such as washing hands with soap.

For any further guidelines feel free to contact us

Dr. Faisal Dar (Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, Lahore)

Call us at 0341–0543883, 042-111 117 554

Or Drop Us an Email at

info@faisaldar.com

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