Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection – An overview H. pylori can be described as a common bacteria found in the human digestive tract. These have the tendency of attacking the lining of the stomach. These bacteria are the main reason for stomach infections. Typically speaking, H. pylori infections do not tend to be harmful, but they are responsible for ulcers in the small intestine and the stomach. “H” in the name of the infection refers to Helicobacter. Here, the meaning of “Helico” is spiral, indicating the fact that the shape of the bacteria is spiral. These bacteria generally infect the stomach during childhood. There are no typical H Pylori infection – symptoms, but the infection itself can result in diseases such as inflammatory conditions, peptic ulcers, and gastritis. How do the H. pylori bacteria cause stomach problems? H. pylori bacteria have the tendency of living in the acidic and harsh environments of the human stomach. They can easily change the stomach environment and reduce the acidity for survival. It is their spiral shape that gives them the scope of penetrating the stomach lining. Once in the stomach lining, they remain mucus protected, and the immune cells of the body cannot reach them. They can disturb the immune response of an individual, resulting in stomach problems. What are the main symptoms of H. pylori infection? The H pylori infection symptoms include the following: Nausea Appetite loss A burning sensation or pain in the abdomen Bloating Frequent burping Abdominal pain when the stomach is empty Unexplained loss of weight Many individuals will not have H pylori infection – symptoms. However, people might be born with resistance to the harmful effects of these bacteria. People with ulcers due to the infection might experience the following symptoms, in which case a doctor needs to be consulted immediately: A burning pain in the belly Feeling dull Fever Heartburn Anemia Trouble swallowing Blood in the stool What are the causes of H. pylori infection? How the H. pylori bacteria actually infect people is a question that has not yet been answered. These bacteria might get passed on from one individual to another through direct contact by way of vomit, fecal matter, or saliva. These bacteria might also spread through infected water and food. What are the risk factors for the infection? The H. pylori infection is generally contracted during childhood. The risk factors for this condition are mostly related to living conditions during one’s childhood. They are: Living in areas that are very crowded Living without the supply of reliably clean water Living with individuals who are already suffering from the infection When should you consult a doctor? A doctor should be consulted immediately if the following H pylori infection – symptoms do not seem to go away: Bloody vomit or vomit that appears very similar to coffee grounds Severe pain in the abdomen Bloody or black stool or stool that looks similar to tar Lasting pain or gnawing in the area under the ribs. The pain must improve after drinking milk, after eating, or after taking different antacids. How can the H. pylori infection be prevented? Screening for H. pylori bacteria would be the first and final step of preventing the infection. Staying away from infected individuals and living in clean environments can help in preventing the infection. Washing hands thoroughly before eating and drinking water from a safe source can help. Eating hygienically prepared food can also aid the prevention procedure. How is the H. pylori infection treated? Antibiotics are the main treatment for the infection. Doctors also prescribe acid-suppressing medicines and antacids for blocking or neutralizing the production of stomach acids. Following a regular food intake schedule can also help in soothing the abdominal pain experienced due to the infection. How is the infection diagnosed? The H. pylori infection is diagnosed by: Breath tests Blood tests Biopsy of the stomach lining called endoscopy Stool tests It is important for people to have an idea of the H Pylori infection – symptoms in order to get it treated in the right manner.

Everything you need to know about the flu Flu is a common viral infection that can affect anyone. In some cases, the flu can be deadly. It is often mistaken as other health conditions because of the symptoms it exhibits. Flu is contagious. Every person is affected by the flu at least once in their life. It is important to understand the symptoms of the flu so that you can take care of yourself or anyone who is affected. Flu can be referred to as influenza. It is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. The incubation period for flu can last for 1 or 4 days. The symptoms may last even up to 14 days and longer if not treated. It can be spread both directly and indirectly. Airborne droplets can spread it from one person to another because of coughing or sneezing. It can also spread indirectly when a person comes in contact with a contaminated surface. What are the types of flu? Although a common ailment, there is a lot of misconception about what flu is and isn’t. There are several different types of flu. Some types of flu include: Seasonal flu – Typically causing illnesses for a few months out of a year, seasonal flu months are called the flu season. October to April is the flu season in the country. However, flu season varies according to where you are in the world. Seasonal flu is caused by three types of flu viruses, namely, type A, B, and C. Usually, type A influenza is responsible for the majority of seasonal flu cases. Found in both human beings and animals, type A influenza spreads from one person to another by a person who is already infected. Influenza A has different varieties that are classified into subtypes, H and N. Type B influenza is found only in human beings and has the potential of being extremely dangerous. However, it does cause epidemics. Type C influenza affects only human beings, but it is much milder than type A and B. Typically, it causes mild respiratory ailments. Flu pandemic – Any type of flu virus has the potential to become a flu pandemic. During a flu pandemic, in a short span of time, there is a mass outbreak of ailments in human beings around the world. Some flu pandemics, such as the 918 flu pandemic, have caused a very serious ailment and killed millions. H1N1 (swine flu) – During spring of 2009, a new influenza A virus, H1N1 (swine flu) was found in Mexico. Quickly it spread throughout North Amera, the United States of America, and all over the world. Swine flu is a combination of bird, human, and swine flu. H5N1 (bird flu) – The strain of influenza known as avian or bird flu, as the name suggests, H5N1 is typically transmitted between birds; however, it can also be passed from birds to human beings. This virus does not spread from person to person. When it infects a human being, H5N1 is associated with a serious ailment, multi-organ failure, as well as high death rate. What are the early symptoms and signs of the flu? Noticing the early signs and symptoms of the flu can prevent the spread of the virus and it may also help treat the illness before it takes a turn for worse. Some early signs and symptoms of the flu to look out for are: Excessive or sudden fatigue Chills and body aches A persistent cough A sore throat Fever Gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, or nausea) What are the treatment options for the flu? Often, flu can be treated by getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated. However, in certain cases of flu, the doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). These medicines have the potential to shorten the length of the illness if taken as soon as one notices the symptoms and signs of flu. For treating symptoms associated with the flu like headaches and body aches, one may take painkillers. However, it is best to take advice from the doctor instead of self-medicating. What are some home remedies for the flu? There are several ways in which the flu can be treated at home. If continued over a few days, they can help you get back on your feet. Here is a list of home remedies that can help with the flu symptoms: Chicken soup – This is the number one suggestion given by doctors as it has all the nutrition and warmth that can help one get healthy soon. It can also reduce the symptoms of flu and keep one hydrated. Ginger – This root has been recognized for its medicinal benefits for centuries. A few slices of ginger in boiling water can cure a sore throat and cold in no time, which are the symptoms of the flu. Honey – Honey has both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Having lemon and honey in water can reduce the throat pain caused by influenza. This flu treatment is very effective for children. Probiotics – Probiotics are friendly bacteria that can be found in certain foods and in the body itself. They help keep the immune system strong and keep the flu at bay. Other remedies – Other home treatments for flu include having garlic, salt water gargling, massaging with a vapor rub, and taking a warm bath.

Head and neck cancer treatment options in the country Most cancers of the head and neck are curable if they are caught at an early stage. Apart from eliminating cancer, which is the primary goal, preserving the functionalities of the nearby organs, nerves, tissues, and glands are also very important. Doctors, when planning the head and neck cancer – treatment, consider all the facets that might affect a patient’s quality of life, such as how the person feels, talks, eats, breathes, etc. In this article, we will discuss the different options that are available for head and neck cancer – treatment. What all does a doctor take into consideration when planning for treatment? While making plans for treatment, patients are also encouraged to consider a clinical trial to check whether it works, which includes testing with different types of medication, a combination of standard treatment methods and medicines, or other treatments. Moreover, doctors want to learn whether the new treatment methods are safe and more effective than the standard ones. For this purpose, doctors usually form a multidisciplinary team to make an effective evaluation process before starting any treatment. What is the cancer care team? Head and neck cancer – treatment by cancer care specialists provides care for the patients and studies the treatment methods that are suitable for the patients. The team includes several specialists, as follows: Medical oncologist : Medical specialists who use chemotherapy and targeted therapy for treating cancer. Radiation oncologist : Medical specialists who use radiation therapy for treating cancer. Surgical oncologist : Doctors specialized in treating cancer using surgical methods. Reconstructive/plastic surgeon : Medical specialists who are experts in repairing damage caused by cancer treatment through reconstructive surgical methods. Maxillofacial prosthodontist : A doctor who is specialized in restorative surgery in the head and neck areas. Otolaryngologist : A doctor who is specialized in ear, nose, and throat. The oncologic dentist or oral oncologist : Dentists expertized in caring for patients with head and neck cancer. Physical therapist : A medical professional who helps patients recover their physical strength and mobility. Audiologist : A medical professional who treats and manages problems related to audio and speech. Psychologist : Mental healthcare professionals who take care of the emotional, psychological, and behavioral needs of the patient and their families. The cancer care team also includes a variety of other medical professionals, such as physician assistants, oncology nurses, pharmacists, counselors who create a comprehensive treatment plan before the actual treatment begins. What are the factors that may affect the treatment plan? Treatment options, plans, and recommendations depend on several factors, which include the following: The type of head and neck cancer The stage of head and neck cancer The possible side effects The patient’s overall health and medical condition What are the best treatment methods for head and neck cancer – treatment? Overall, the main treatment options for head and neck cancer – treatment are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. A patient’s treatment plan may include surgery or radiation therapy or a combination of different methods along with different medications. Surgery : The main motive of head and neck cancer – treatment with surgery is to remove the cancerous cells and some part of the surrounding healthy tissue. There are 4 main types of head and neck cancer – treatment surgeries: laser technology, excision, lymph node or neck dissection, and reconstructive or plastic surgery. Some people may require more than one operation to remove cancerous cells, which depends on the location, stage, and type of cancer. Moreover, it is often difficult to remove cancer completely, and there comes the requirement of additional treatments, which may include radiation therapy or chemotherapy to destroy the cancerous cells that cannot be removed by surgery. Radiation therapy : Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells with the use of high energy x-rays or other particles. A radiation therapy plan usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time. The two most common types of radiation therapy are external-beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy is the use of different medicines and drugs to destroy cancer cells and prevent the ability of cancer cells to grow and multiply. A chemotherapy schedule is a specific number of cycles over a set period of time. Targeted therapy : The main goal of targeted therapy used for head and neck cancer – treatment is to block the growth and spread of cancer cells while causing less damage to the healthy cells. In this type of treatment, cancer-specific genes, proteins or the tissue environment is targeted that is responsible for cancer growth and survival. While some of the world’s best treatment options are available in the country, what a doctor finds suitable for a particular type of cancer is completely dependent on their expert analysis, and it is best to trust them.

An overview of frequent urination- Causes, symptoms, and treatment Frequent urination, as the name suggests, is the recurrent urge to pass urine more often than usual. An individual’s everyday normal routine and sleep cycle can be disrupted by this condition. Frequent urination may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Medically known as frequency, many people live with frequent urination. Polyuria is a condition in which a person urinates more than three liters of urine a day. It is important to understand that frequent urination is not the same as urinary incontinence. In urinary incontinence, there is a leakage of urine. Below is some information about the causes of frequent urination, symptoms, and treatment options. What are some frequent urination facts? Urinary frequency is the need one feels to urinate many times during the day and night. It is different from urinary incontinence. Most people urinate six to seven times in 24 hours and urinating more than this may be referred to as frequency. Frequency can be easily treated with exercises but only if there isn’t any underlying health condition, such as diabetes. What are the possible causes of frequent urination? Urination involves various systems in the body. A variety of changes can cause the urinary system to become more active. Some of the common causes of frequent urination are: Lifestyle-based causes like drinking a lot of fluids, mainly, alcohol and caffeine Frequent urination can also become a habit Ureter or kidney problems Urinary bladder problems Medical conditions like pregnancy, prostate gland cancer, diabetes mellitus, or diabetes insipidus Anxiety Certain types of medicines, such as diuretics Brain or nervous system conditions Stroke Urinary tract infection (UTI) Mass or tumor in the pelvic region An overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome Bladder cancer Kidney or bladder stones Urinary incontinence Urethral stricture Colon diverticulitis A sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia Colon diverticulitis What are the signs and symptoms of frequent urination? One of the primary symptoms of polyuria is urinating frequently. In case of other symptoms, they might indicate a more serious health condition. Nocturia is the need to urinate at night, it can be a symptom of diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. Other signs and symptoms, which may indicate a need to see a doctor, are: Lower back and side pain Pain or discomfort while urinating Nausea or vomiting Urine that is cloudy, bloody, or having an unusual color Loss of bladder control gradually or urinary incontinence Fever or chills Difficult in urinating even while feeling the urge Discharge from the penis or the vagina An increase in thirst and appetite What are the treatment options for frequent urination? Kegel exercises – These exercises help to tone the pelvic floor muscles, improve bladder control, and reduce urinary urgency and frequency. They are only effective if done regularly. Bladder retraining – Bladder retraining involves increasing the time intervals between urinating over a course three months. As the name suggests, it helps in retraining the bladder to hold urine for longers and reduce the frequency of needing to urinate. Monitoring fluid intake – Staying hydrated and drinking enough fluids is important to prevent constipation and over-concentration of urine; however, one should avoid drinking too much of liquids before bedtime, as this can lead to the frequent need to urinate at bedtime. Diet modification – An individual suffering from frequent urination must avoid any food items that irritate the bladder or function as a diuretic. These food items include spicy foods, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, carbonated drinks, chocolate, and tomato-based products. Additionally, it is important to eat fiber-rich foods as constipation can worsen the symptoms of OAB syndrome.

Things to consider before going for head and neck cancer treatment The head and neck are the most vital and fragile parts of the body. If diagnosed with head and neck cancer, there are a lot of things that should be kept in mind before starting the treatment. One should know how long the treatment would take and what are the chances of them defeating it. Cancer is a disease that can uproot a family, so one should tread carefully in its treatment, keeping in mind what is best for a patient and for their family. What are the oral complications involved? Oral complications refer to the side effects that slow the recovery of the patient. These can trouble the patient, and combating them is necessary. The head and neck cancer – treatment has more chances of oral complications. Oral complication leads to a stop in or slow growth of cells, and, as a result, the body may not be able to grow new cells to repair the old ones. Radiation therapy can cause the bones and salivary glands to break down. Some of the oral complications that spring up during the course of treatment are oral microsites, pain, infection in the gums, salivary gland degradation, and a deterioration of taste buds. How can these oral complications be prevented? In the head and neck cancer – treatment, if the oral complications are coming in the way of the patient’s recovery, such a situation needs immediate attention. There are some things one can do in order to resolve these oral complications: The doctor should reduce the dosage of treatments. Chemo sessions should be rescheduled in extreme cases. Employing preventive care as soon as possible is helpful. Treatment of cancer always comes with its complications; in order to combat those, preventive care should be started so that the problems can be detected earlier and can be taken care of at the beginning itself. Is it curable? The success of head and neck cancer – treatment and depends on what stage the cancer is detected at. Earlier detection increases the chances of getting cured. The factors on which the success of the head and neck cancer – treatment depends are as follows: The overall health of the patient plays a vital role. A strong body is capable of receiving chemotherapy and supporting a faster recovery, while a weak body may succumb to a lot of side effects, which will increase the period of treatment. The type of cancer diagnosed and the stage at which it is detected are also crucial for the successful treatment of a patient. There are a lot of options for head and neck cancer – treatment, from chemotherapy to surgery. However, it depends from patient to patient as to how well their body responds to the treatment and starts healing. What are the side effects? There are a lot of side effects of head and neck cancer – treatment, and they are not limited to only bodily harm: A weaker body is a major side effect of the treatment of cancer. Cancer treatment is extreme and takes a toll on the body. The immune system is demolished. With the development of extra cells in the body and the white red blood cells combating those, the body is left vulnerable with its immune defenses down, and it has great difficulty in dealing with small ailments like flu. Loss of hair is common in the treatment of all types of cancer. If going through radiation therapy or chemotherapy, the loss of hair is something that one will experience first. A weak appetite is another major factor due to which recovery takes a long time. One might love to eat, but the neck and head cancer treatments come with many oral complications that hinder the intake of food. Not only this, but one’s favorite food might also end up making them nauseous. Brittle nails are something that one has to deal with during the treatment. The patient might suffer from emotional imbalance. If the body is unable to function properly and is unable to do things that could be done easily before, it takes a heavy toll on the psyche. Consulting a therapist during recovery is a must. What are the chances of remission and recurrence? There is no surety of how and when cancer might return. Cancer may recur in the same location after treatment, or it may change its location. Coping with the fear of recurrence is very important among cancer patients, and they should consult their doctors and therapists about the possibilities in depth.

Everything you need to know about frequent urination Frequent urination is called polyuria in medical terminology. Also called frequency, it is a condition many people live with and do not seek medical assistance as they consider it to be a normal thing. Frequent urination means a desire to pass urine more often than what is normal for them. It can disturb the sleep cycle and also impact one’s normal routine life. Generally, it points to an underlying medical condition. The normal amount of urine for men and women is about 800 to 2000 milliliters in 24 hours. Anything more than that is a sign of frequent urination. But in certain cases, it may point to some serious condition. Early and timely diagnosis of the problem can help in relief and effective treatment. The frequency of urination is different from urinary incontinence which means leakage of urine. Although everyone urinates at a different frequency, on an average people urinate 6 to 7 times a day. More than that can be called frequency. If frequent urination is affecting the quality and normal course of life, then it is a problem that needs to be addressed. The underlying causes of frequent urination have to be diagnosed before treatment is prescribed. What is the cause of frequent urination? The human body has complex processes, one of which is urination. Certain changes can make the urination process more active. Some of the common causes of frequent urination are: Lifestyle factors, such as drinking a lot of liquids containing caffeine and alcohol Kidney problems or ureter problem Medical conditions, such as diabetes Anxiety and nervousness Certain medications, such as diuretics Infection of the urinary tract Inflammation of the wall of the bladder Health conditions affecting the proper functioning of the nervous system Tumour or build-up of mass in the pelvic region Involuntary contractions of the bladder leading to a desire to urinate, which is called an overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome Infection transmitted during sexual intercourse. What are the symptoms of frequent urination? Some of the symptoms of frequent urination that may require medical attention are: Pain and discomfort while passing urine Cloudy or unusual colored urine Blood in the urine Loss of control over the bladder Difficulty in passing urine despite the urge Discharge from penis Nausea and vomiting What to expect at a doctor’s visit? When consulting a doctor for the problem of frequent urination, one can expect the following from him/her: The specialist doctor or a urologist will carry out a thorough physical examination. He/she will investigate the medical history of the individual by asking questions. The frequency of urination, the possible time it started, and what time of day the tendency increases are some questions to expect from the doctor. Apart from that, the doctor may ask about the medications being taken currently; the amount of liquid being consumed; and the amount of intake of caffeine and alcohol, and changes in the quantity, if any Based on the medical history, the doctor may prescribe some tests including a urine test, an ultrasound of the kidneys, X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan of the and abdomen region, tests to determine if there is any neurological disorder, and tests for sexually transmitted infections What could be the possible treatments? Treatments depend on the cause of the frequent urination. If the cause of frequent urination is because of diabetes, the blood sugar levels will have to be kept in check. If the diagnosis points to bacterial infection of the kidney then antibiotics and painkillers may be prescribed. In the case of OAB syndrome, medications and treatments may be prescribed.