Do you fall sick often? Here’s why!

A robust immune system binds an individual to good health and longevity.

To understand good health, we must discuss what strengthens the body and fights diseases and infections. This can only be possible if a person has a strong immune system. The immune system is the body’s natural defense system that fights against disease-causing pathogens. It is a complex network of cells, proteins, and organs working together to protect the body from various diseases, infections, or ailments. 

Let’s understand what the four major constituents of the immune system are:

• Skin that prevents germs on the surface from entering the body. 
• The mucous membrane, inner linings of some organs, and body cavity. 
• White Blood Cells or WBCs, and
• Organs and tissues of the lymph system include the spleen, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, tonsils, thymus, and bone marrow.

What is the major function of the immune system?

The primary function of the immune system is that it defends the body against Antigens which are harmful or foreign substances that might enter the human body. They may survive in the human body by germs such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals or toxins, and damaged cells.

When the immune system recognizes any antigen of foreign origin, it creates antibodies. These antibodies are proteins that work and attack antigens. If the immune system notices the antigen in the future, it recognizes it and immediately sends out the antibodies, preventing the body from falling sick. This protection against a certain disease is immunity. 

Immunity is divided into two broad categories namely innate and adaptive immunity. 

Innate immunity is the protection that a person is born with and is the body’s first line of defense. This includes skin, mucous membranes, enzymes, chemicals, stomach acid, etc, that attack any foreign substance entering the body whereas the latter is developed when a person is either vaccinated against or infected with a disease. After its first exposure to the foreign substance, the immune system will recognize the foreign substance and defend against it. This is typically enduring. 

Here are the 7 things disrupting your immune system:

1. Allergies: Allergies cause the human body to overreact to a relatively harmless substance like food, mold, pollen, etc. 
2. Autoimmune Diseases: Such diseases are caused by the immune system accidentally attacking the healthy cells in the body. Some examples of these diseases are Hashimoto disease, Type 1 Diabetes, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. 
3. Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: These are mostly genetic disorders. They may last longer, are severe, and are harder to treat. 
4. Infections: HIV is an example of a disease affecting the immune system which might lead to AIDS. 
5. Sepsis: Sepsis is a widespread inflammation caused by the immune system’s reaction triggered by the infection. 
6. Cancer: Leukemia and myeloma are cancers affecting the working of the immune system. 
7. Medications: Few medicines like Corticosteroids can weaken the immune system. 

How To Enhance Your Immunity?

By using these accessible foods, you may easily incorporate immunity into your daily meals:

1. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against the damage caused by oxidative stress. Some foods rich in Vitamin C are oranges, grapefruits, bell peppers, strawberries, spinach, and broccoli. 
2. Vitamin D has a mild protective effect against respiratory tract infections. It is present in salmon, mushrooms, fortified milk, cereals, and bread. 
3. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant that helps the body fight infections. It is rich in foods like nuts, seeds, and spinach. 
4. Vitamin A helps to regulate the immune system and protects against infections by keeping skin and tissues healthy. It is found in sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, and spinach.
5. Zinc is an antioxidant that boosts metabolism and recovery of wounds. High-zinc food consists of beans, nuts, and seeds. 
6. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which boosts the immunity in the body. 
7. Garlic has strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that enhance body immunity.

How to Strengthen Your Immune System?

Little steps go a long way! Here are a few small lifestyle changes that may help:

• Quit smoking
• Consume a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. 
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. This improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, controls body weight, and protects against various diseases. 
• Avoid liquor or drink in moderation. 
• Get 8 hours of sleep.
• Maintain proper hygiene, such as washing hands regularly.
• Avoid stress. 
• Stay hydrated as it helps in flushing out the toxins from the body. 

By incorporating these tiny changes, you can take better care of your body and boost your immune system to function proactively. For any further queries, contact us so we may find the problems early and provide you with the best healthcare solutions.  

10% to 25% of normally healthy individuals report experiencing bloating in their abdomens occasionally. The primary symptom of a bloated stomach is a sensation of constriction, weight, or fullness in the abdomen. A distended (swollen) abdomen may or may not accompany it. From slightly uncomfortable to excruciatingly painful, the sensation can vary. After some time, it normally goes away, but for some people, it keeps coming back. Hormone changes and digestive problems might lead to periodic bloating. If the cause of your swollen stomach remains unidentified, you should consult a doctor. 

What Could be the Possible Causes of Your Bloating 

1. Gas                                                                                                                                                                                    Gas forms naturally in your body as a part of digestion, but if there is excessive gas formation, it might indicate digestive issues. There could be several reasons why your gut bacteria are unable to assist your digestion properly. It could range from something as simple as overeating to something like specific food intolerance and GI diseases.   

2. Digestive Contents                                                                                                                                              These consist of gasses, liquids, and solids. When there is a blockage or obstruction in your digestive tract, or when the muscles that move the digestive contents along are compromised, digestive contents can accumulate in your digestive system. Normal levels of gas will have less room to pass through the digestive tract if there is any accumulation of digestive contents. Additionally, it makes less space in your abdomen for fat and circulatory fluids, which makes everything seem more constricted. Causes of build-up can include constipation, bowel obstructions, motility disorders, and recent weight gain.

3. Hormones                                                                                                                                                        Perhaps you’ve found that your menstrual cycle, rather than your digestion cycle, is the one that your stomach bloating seems to follow. Then you are not by yourself. Up to 3 out of 4 women report feeling bloated in their abdomens both before and after their monthly periods. Another common problem during the perimenopausal hormone swings is bloating. Female hormones deserve a specific note when it comes to stomach bloating because they can affect bloating from many angles — fluids, gas, digestive backup — and also your susceptibility to those things.

4. Other Issues                                                                                                                                                Periodic bloating typically has a hormonal, intestinal, or both cause. You may also feel worn out and overall ill from these factors. Your symptoms are usually not worrisome if they ultimately go away. However, you should contact a doctor to rule out other medical causes if your bloated stomach doesn’t go away or grows worse, or if you have other symptoms like a fever or vomiting that indicate a serious illness. These include ascites, pancreatic issues, cancer, gastritis, enteritis, and more. 

How Long Does Bloating Typically Last?

Your bloating should go away in a few hours to days if it’s caused by something you ate, or drank, or by hormonal changes. It won’t go away till you start spitting if you are constipated. All of these can be aided by drinking water, exercising, and drinking herbal teas. Seek medical assistance if it doesn’t go away or gets worse. 

 Depending on why you are experiencing bloating, there are a few ways to get some relief. It is advisable to get a professional diagnosis to understand the root of your problems, but among some remedies that you can try at home for temporary relief, you can try herbal teas, peppermint oil, antacids, probiotics, regular exercise, and more. If your bloating is caused by diet or alcohol, you can take preventive measures by eating enough fiber, drinking enough water, and regular exercise. Avoiding processed foods, noticing foods you are sensitive to, trying an elimination diet with the professional help of a dietician, and trying targeted probiotics, can also be of help. 

 You should see your doctor if:

• The bloating gets worse
• Persists longer than a week
• Is painful,
• Is accompanied by fever, bleeding or vomiting. 

 It is not a nice sensation to have an enlarged stomach. Even though it’s a typical occurrence and normally only lasts a short while, you could get tired of the cycle. Finding the cause of the issue may require a small amount of concentrated attention, but it can be highly beneficial. Consider keeping track of your symptoms and their triggers in a journal. Keep in mind stress, hormones, and nutrition. If in doubt, see a specialist for advice on how to proceed with your notes. Medical tests can be useful even though the various causes of bloating can be complicated and challenging to understand. Always get medical help if your symptoms are severe or ongoing.

The world of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) health is frequently overlooked, much like the organs it includes and their tireless work. Nonetheless, you would be surprised at how crucial these organs are to our day-to-day existence. Taking care of your ENT health is vital. You can take several actions to guarantee the best possible ENT health. In this blog, we’ll discuss ways to maintain ENT health and offer advice on taking care of your ears, nose, and throat. 

What measures can you take for optimal ear, nose, and throat care?

A study that was published in the National Journal of Integrated Medicine claims that chronic rhinosinusitis affects 50% of adult Indians. Therefore, taking preventative action is crucial. You can take a few precautions to ensure the best possible ENT health:

Ear:

• Avoid Loud Noises: When in noisy places like concerts or construction zones, wear earplugs to protect your ears from prolonged exposure to loud noises.
• Clean Regularly: Use a washcloth and warm water to clean your outer ear on a regular basis, but keep out of the ear canal to prevent harm to the fragile eardrum.
• Be Careful with Water: After taking a shower or a swim, tilt your head slightly to let any water that may have become trapped escape. If a doctor advises it, remove extra earwax with a bulb syringe.

Nose:

• Stay Hydrated: In order to keep the nasal passages moist and avoid dryness and irritation, drink lots of water throughout the day.
• Regular check-ups: See an ENT expert if you have allergies for a diagnosis and treatment options to control symptoms including congestion and sneezing.
• Try Using a Humidifier: Use a humidifier to bring moisture to the air and relieve congested nasal passages, particularly in colder or arid locations.

Throat:

• Drink Water: Getting enough water keeps the neck lubricated and guards against dryness, which can cause pain and irritation.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking irritates the lining of the throat and raises the chance of throat cancer and other ENT issues. Giving up smoking is essential to preserving the health of your throat.
• Try Gargling: Gargling with warm salt water on a regular basis helps flush out irritations and ease sore throats.

Additional tips for Optimal ENT health

Here are some more pointers for the best possible ENT health:

• Ensure Healthy Diet: To provide your body the vital vitamins and minerals it needs to promote proper ENT function, eat a well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Get Enough Rest: Your body, including the ENT organs, can rest and heal itself when you get enough sleep. Get seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
• Manage Stress: Prolonged stress can impair immunity, increasing the risk of ENT infections. Engage in stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Regular Check-Ups: Make an appointment for routine ENT examinations with your ENT expert, particularly if you have any persistent or worrisome symptoms such as chronic ear pain, ongoing nasal congestion, or swallowing difficulties.

Check your lifestyle for your ear, nose, and throat health

The health of our throat, nose, and ears is largely determined by the lifestyle decisions we make. Knowing how many facets of our everyday lives can affect our ENT health allows us to make well-informed decisions that support optimal function and lower our chance of acquiring illnesses that impair these essential sensory organs.

• Diet & Nutrition: 

It is essential to maintain general health, which includes the health of our ENT system, by eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Nutrients that support immune function and preserve the integrity of the mucous membranes lining the nose, throat, and ears include zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E. Including whole grains, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in your diet guarantees that you acquire the vital nutrients that support ENT health. On the other hand, consuming too many processed meals, sugary snacks, and unhealthy fats can weaken your immune system and cause inflammation, which increases your risk of allergies and ENT infections.

• Environmental Factors:

Numerous irritants, allergies, and pollutants that we may be exposed to in our environment might have a detrimental effect on our ENT health. Indoor air pollutants can aggravate respiratory disorders like asthma, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. Examples of these pollutants include cigarette smoke, household chemicals, mold, and dust mites. For those who are susceptible, outdoor pollutants including smog, particulate matter, and pollen can cause allergic reactions and respiratory difficulties. Healthy ears, noses, and throats can be maintained by minimizing exposure to indoor and outdoor pollutants by appropriate ventilation, and air filtration systems, and avoiding identified triggers.

• Stress Management:

Our ENT health is just one aspect of our physical and mental health that might suffer from ongoing stress. The fight-or-flight reaction that the body naturally experiences in response to stress can cause tense muscles, shallow respiration, and weakened immune systems. Prolonged stress can eventually aggravate diseases including tension headaches, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can all cause symptoms that affect the throat, nose, and ears. Including stress-reduction methods in your daily routine, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness exercises, can help reduce stress, boost immunity, and support overall ENT wellness.

Maintaining optimum ENT health is critical to general health and life satisfaction. You can maintain the health of your ENT system and your senses by being aware of the significance of maintaining healthy ears, noses, and throats, taking preventative steps, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Always remember to make routine ENT examinations with an ENT expert a priority, and don’t hesitate to seek quick medical assistance for any worrisome symptoms. Your throat, nose, and ears will appreciate the attention and care you provide them. Remain alert, maintain your health, and welcome the wellness cues that come with the best possible ENT health.

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that affects children under the age of two. It is a seasonal infection that narrows your child’s airways (bronchioles), making breathing difficult. If your child develops this illness, you may notice symptoms comparable to a typical cold (runny nose, cough), as well as noisy breathing (wheezing), often occurring during the winter and early spring seasons. 

Bronchiolitis is not often serious, although it can be. If your child becomes infected, monitor their breathing and contact a doctor if they have difficulty breathing.

The bronchiolitis viruses are infectious. These viruses spread via respiratory droplets (saliva or mucus) from a person’s mouth or nose. 

What are some symptoms of Bronchiolitis to keep an eye out for?

Early symptoms of bronchiolitis resemble those of a regular cold, including:

• A runny nose.
• A mild fever.
• A cough.
• Fatigue.
• Fussiness or irritability in babies.

A bronchiolitis infection severely attacks your child’s airways and can produce the following symptoms that impair their breathing:

• Rapid or shallow breathing.
• Wheezing.
• They make grunting noises when breathing.
• The nostrils have flared. 

What are the causes of bronchiolitis?

A virus is responsible for bronchiolitis infection. Bronchiolitis can be caused by the following viruses:

• RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
• The Influenza virus, the one that causes the flu
• Adenovirus.
• Parainfluenza.
• Metapneumovirus.
• SARS-Cov-2 (the COVID virus). 

What are the risk factors for developing bronchiolitis?

Your child may be more likely to get severe bronchiolitis if they:

• Were born before 37 weeks gestation.
• Have a congenital (born with) lung or heart problem.
• Have a compromised immune system.
• Live or play in groups, such as at a daycare.  

What are the possible complications of bronchiolitis?

Complications of bronchiolitis include:

• Pneumonia.
• Asthma.
• Respiratory failure. 

Is it possible to prevent bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is difficult to prevent since the viruses that cause it are so frequent. You can decrease your child’s risk of developing bronchiolitis by:

• Avoiding those who are unwell.
• Proper handwashing.
• Washing and sanitizing commonly handled surfaces or objects, such as toys.
• Avoid sharing cups, forks, or spoons. 

When do you see a doctor if your child has Bronchiolitis?

If your kid experiences any of the following symptoms, get medical assistance straight away:

• Low oxygen levels cause blue or gray skin, lips, and fingernails.
• Your baby struggles to breathe and is unable to speak or weep.
• Your baby refuses to drink enough, or breathes too quickly to eat or drink.
• Your baby breathes rapidly—in infants, this can be more than 60 breaths per minute—with short, shallow breaths.
• Your baby can’t breathe easily, and when they breathe in, their ribs seem to suck inward.
• When they breathe, your baby makes wheezing sounds.
• Each breath produces a grunting sound.
• It appears that your baby is moving slowly, weakly, or exhausted. 

Parents may be concerned about bronchiolitis, a common respiratory ailment in children under the age of two. While it seems like a cold with a runny nose, cough, and fever, it really inflames the tiny airways (bronchioles), making breathing difficult. This might be seen as wheezing, fast breathing, and even grunting sounds. Although most occurrences are minor, diligent monitoring is essential. If your child shows signs of extreme struggle, bluish skin, or difficulty eating or drinking, get medical attention immediately. Remember that bronchiolitis is frequently transmitted through respiratory droplets, so frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with ill people, and practicing proper sanitation can all help lower the risk of infection. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s breathing or suspected bronchiolitis symptoms, speak with a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and proper care can ensure a speedy recovery for your little one. 

What exactly is HIV?

The term “HIV” stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV, a retrovirus, infects and kills immune cells, making it difficult to combat other infections. When HIV significantly weakens your immune system, you can develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

And, what exactly is AIDS?

AIDS is the most severe stage of an HIV infection. People with AIDS have extremely low levels of specific white blood cells and severely weakened immune systems. They may have additional ailments that suggest they have advanced to AIDS. Without therapy, HIV infections lead to AIDS within 10 years. Not everyone with HIV develops AIDS as a result of medication that delays the virus’s progression. However, without therapy, nearly all HIV-positive people will develop AIDS. HIV infection can induce AIDS symptoms, but many of them are caused by infections that take advantage of your compromised immune system.

What’s the difference between HIV and AIDS?

The distinction between HIV and AIDS is that HIV is a virus that impairs the immune system. AIDS is a disorder that can occur as a result of HIV infection when your immune system is significantly compromised. You cannot get AIDS unless you are infected with HIV. 

What are some of the symptoms of HIV?

You can have HIV without exhibiting any symptoms. This is why it is critical to get tested even if you do not feel ill.

When you first become HIV positive, you may have flu-like symptoms. These might include:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Fatigue.
• Sore throat.
• Muscle aches.
• Night sweats.
• Rash.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Mouth sores.

What are the different stages of HIV?

HIV has three stages:

• Stage 1: Acute HIV.

Some patients develop flu-like symptoms a month or two after being infected with HIV. These symptoms usually subside within a week to a month.

• Stage 2: Chronic stage and/or clinical latency.

After the acute stage, HIV can be present for many years without causing symptoms. Even if you feel fine, you can still transmit HIV to others.

• Stage 3: AIDS.

AIDS is the most severe stage of HIV infection. At this point, HIV has severely damaged your immune system, making opportunistic infections considerably more likely to cause illness. If you have AIDS, you are more prone to get certain cancers.

How is the HIV virus transmitted?

HIV can be transmitted by a person’s blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, or rectal fluids. HIV can infect and spread among people of all sexes and sexual orientations.

The virus can enter the body through the mouth, anus, penis, vagina, or broken skin. It won’t pass through your skin unless you have a cut or wound. HIV-positive pregnant women can pass it on to their unborn children. The only way to determine whether you have HIV is by taking an HIV test. There are three types of HIV tests. They are:

• Antigen tests
• Antibody tests
• Nucleic acid tests

There are also at-home tests to test for the HIV virus. Some are fast tests in which you rub your gums with a stick with a soft, flexible tip. To receive your results, you place the stick in a tube filled with a particular solution. The results appear within 15 to 20 minutes.

Other at-home tests involve pricking your finger with a tiny needle. You place a drop of blood on a card and ship the test kit to a lab to get your results. If your at-home test results are positive, you should contact your healthcare practitioner for further testing to confirm your findings.

HIV is a virus that damages the immune system, making it difficult for the body to combat illnesses. If left untreated, HIV can develop into AIDS, the most severe stage of the virus. There is presently no cure for HIV, but with good medical care, persons with the virus can live long and healthy lives. Preventive measures, such as safe sex practices and frequent testing, are critical in reducing HIV spread. It is critical to remember that HIV is not spread through casual contact, and that HIV patients deserve compassion and understanding.

A bacterial, viral, or fungal infection causes inflammation and fluid in your lungs, which is known as pneumonia. It makes breathing difficult and can lead to a fever and a cough with yellow, green, or red mucus. Pneumonia is commonly caused by influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal illness. 

Bacterial pneumonia is typically more serious than viral pneumonia, which commonly resolves on its own. Pneumonia can infect one or both lungs. Bilateral or double pneumonia occurs when you have pneumonia in both lungs.

Bacterial pneumonia is more common and more severe than viral pneumonia. It is more likely that you will need to stay in the hospital. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. Viral pneumonia causes flu-like symptoms and tends to resolve on its own. Viral pneumonia typically does not require particular treatment.

Types of Pneumonia:

• Community Acquired Pneumonia: Community-acquired pneumonia is defined as pneumonia contracted outside of a healthcare setting. Some causes of Community Acquired Pneumonia include, Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi and Protozoa.
• Hospital Acquired Pneumonia: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) can occur when you are in a hospital or healthcare facility for another sickness or operation. HAP is generally more serious than community-acquired pneumonia because it is frequently caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This means that HAP can worsen your condition and make it more difficult to treat.
• Healthcare Associated Pneumonia: Healthcare Associated Pneumonia can be acquired while in a long-term care institution or an outpatient, extended-stay clinic. It is typically caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, similar to hospital-acquired pneumonia.
• Ventilator Associated Pneumonia: If you need a respirator or a breathing machine to breathe while in the hospital, you are at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia is caused by the same bacteria that cause community-acquired pneumonia, as well as the drug-resistant bacteria that cause hospital-acquired pneumonia. 
• Aspiration Pneumonia: Aspiration occurs when solid food, liquids, spit, or vomit enter the lungs via the trachea (windpipe). If you can’t cough them up, your lungs could become infected.

Symptoms of Pneumonia:

It might be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a cold, the flu, and pneumonia. Because pneumonia can be life-threatening, it is critical to get medical assistance for serious symptoms that may be indicative of pneumonia, such as:

– Congestion or chest discomfort.
– Having difficulty breathing.
– Fever of at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.88 degrees Celsius).
– Coughing up yellow, green, or red mucus or spit. 

Pneumonia itself is not infectious, but the bacteria and viruses that cause it are. For example, while the flu is contagious and can lead to pneumonia, the majority of people who contract the flu do not develop pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of pneumonia, can spread from person to person by touching infected surfaces or coughing and sneezing. Fungal pneumonia is not communicable. In contrast to viruses and bacteria, fungal diseases do not transmit from person to person. 

While pneumonia can have symptoms similar to a cold or the flu, severe symptoms such as a high fever, trouble breathing, and colored mucus suggest that medical assistance is required. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical because bacterial pneumonia is more deadly and may necessitate hospitalization and antibiotics, whereas viral pneumonia typically cures on its own. Remember that pneumonia is not contagious, but the germs that cause it can be. If you see any alarming signs, get medical attention.