Chennai: While monsoons might be a period of great relief for most people with the showers bringing about the much-needed respite from the intense heat of the summers, for those with asthma, it is an ordeal as it worsens their condition.
The seasonal exacerbation of asthma is a well-known phenomenon. Less sun light during the rainy season may lead to Vitamin D deficiency which is one of the contributing factors in aggravation of asthma attacks.
According to Dr S Balamurugan, head, chest medicine, Muthukumaran Medical College and Hospital, ‘people should avoid triggers, keep inhalers handy, consult doctors and take medication regularly as advised by physician.’
According to Apeksha Ekbote, chief dietician, NephroPlus, patients on dialysis can consume snacks which are protein rich and which are best for monsoons.
“Pakodas, Samosas, VadaPaavs, etc all have ingredients like potatoes and Bengal gram flour which makes it a high potassium snack thereby being restricted for kidney patients. However, one can leach out the potatoes or consume these fried snacks just prior to dialysis to eliminate the potassium.”
Meanwhile, various events were conducted in the city to mark World Hepatitis Day. Prof B Krishna Rao and Dr N Ezhilan, MLA, Thousand Lights, inaugurated a comprehensive specialized gastrointestinal centre for children – ‘Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology” at Gem Hospital, Chennai.
As a part of the event, ‘Powered Spiral Enteroscopy’, a new technique for endoscopic
evaluation of the small bowel was also introduced. It is an innovative solution
to diagnose and treat small intestine diseases. Only few centers in India have this facility, a release said.
Dr Umalakshmi Premnath, consultant, medical gastroenterologist, Dr Mehta’s Hospitals, said, chronic liver disease in the absence of immunosuppressive treatment is not known to be a risk to be associated with increased risk of Covid.
He added: “Cut down carbs, exercise, stay away from alcohol, screen for hepatitis viruses, get guidance from specialist and compliance with treatment, vaccinate yourself against hepatitis A and B, and top it with booster doses, avoid sharing sharp objects like razors, needles or syringes as the virus can spread.”
On account of World Hepatitis Day, Gleneagles Global Health City (GGHC) organised a workshop for patients and their families to spread awareness on Hepatitis B and how this condition can be managed at home.
The workshop was conducted by the team of specialists at GGHC which included Dr Joy Varghese, director – Hepatology & Transplant Hepatology, Dr Mettu Srinivas Reddy, director – Liver Transplant & HPB Surgeryand Dr Rajanikanth Patcha, clinical lead and senior consultant – Liver Transplant & HPB Surgery along with Dr Siddhika Ayyer, consultant psychiatrist.
The interactive session covered aspects such as medical management for hepatitis, treatment for liver cancers due to hepatitis, and tips on how to manage hepatitis at home.